Well, that first round was a little hectic, wasn’t it? I’ll be honest: my bracket did not fare well. But now we’re in the semi-finals, and everyone gets a fresh chance, even Keith, a coin.

First: here’s how we fared so far:

So obviously, it’s a scandal already and I declare shenanigans. At least I didn’t get beat by a coin.

Oh, hi, Keith. Keith is a 2014 Philadelphia quarter, which means he is indeed from Pennsylvania. Don’t hold it against him.

St Louis Blues vs Nashville Predators

Peter: I didn’t think the Blues would make it here, but I’m glad I called the Preds. This is an interesting matchup, but I think it’s clear that the Blues are waning. Gimme the team with Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson, and PK Subban over a hot goalie any day of the week. Preds in 7.

Ian: Minnesota completely and utterly dominated St. Louis in possession during the first round, yet somehow the Blues are the team that advanced. Hockey gods, why you so mean? Unfortunately for all you Sanfordaniacs out there, this is where St. Louis’s unimpressive foray into the 2016-17 postseason ends. I predict a big series from Filip Forsberg and another RMNB post about a signature Carrie Underwood performance. Did you hear her anthem? This team and Carrie’s vocal cords are #blessed. Preds in 4.

Keith, a coin: Blues.

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Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers

Peter: The Ducks seem to be staving off roster decay somehow, but I don’t think they can keep it up. They’re deeper than the Oilers, but I don’t think they’ll match up against McDavid any better than San Jose did (man, who saw that coming?). Oilers in 5.

Ian: This series is just a figment of your imagination because the Oilers have already been eliminated from the playoffs because their fans did the wave. Ducks in 6.

Keith, a coin: Oilers.

Ottawa Senators vs New York Rangers

Peter: How the hell is this a semi-final series? Erik Karlsson has a bloody stump for a leg and Henrik Lundqvist is somehow still Henrik Lundqvist, sporting a .947. I’ll take the Rangers in 7.

Ian: I’d much rather spend my time cutting a promo on the commish for not reseeding teams in the playoffs, but I’m already late on submitting my picks, so Gary, you’re safe for now. The best way for me to describe this match is in wrestling terms. It’s Trash vs. Trash in a Dumpster Match. Even though he was horrendous in the regular season, Henrik Lundqvist will prove to be the difference in this series. Plus, what fun would a Capitals’ Stanley Cup run be without going through every team that has broken our hearts before. Rangers in 7.

Keith, a coin: Rangers.

Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Peter: I’m cautious not to underestimate the Penguins, but I do think this is an off-year for them. Crosby’s scoring aside, the blue line isn’t where they want it and injuries have cost them points. They got quality last series but not volume. I don’t think think they’ll get either against a Caps team that plays as well as they did against the Leafs. Caps in 5.

Ian: If I’m doing my math right (please someone check on my math), the Capitals have lost all but one playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This year that changes simply because the law of averages says so. Say it with me: Regression to the mean! Regression to the mean! The Penguins were outshot pretty badly in the Blue Jackets series and boy that defense does not look as mighty without Kris Letang. Flower is flower and I will take the Caps offense over him everyday. This series, I truly believe, is going to be a figurative blood bath. You will never see this Caps team be more hungry and motivated.
Caps in 4.

Keith, a coin: Caps! (Oh, hell yeah, Keith!)

Okay, your turn to share your picks. [Team] in [number of games]. Hit us up, and please don’t mock me for tying a freaking coin.