The 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs now move to the division finals. Some teams look to continue on their first round success, but others are looking to make a statement. Here's a look at the second round match-ups.

EASTERN CONFERENCE – ATLANTIC DIVISION

(1) Providence Bruins vs. (3) Portland Pirates

Providence’s Playoff Record: 4-0
Portland’s Playoff Record: 4-1

Keys to the series: The Providence Bruins continued their dominance from the regular season into the playoffs. The Bruins faced Manchester in round one and quickly disposed of them in four games. Jeff Hoggan was an unlikely hero for the Bruins in round one with a team leading six points. Tuukka Rask was amazing as always allowing only six goals in four games including a shutout.

The Portland Pirates are a surprise team in advancing to the second round after eliminating the heavily favored Hartford Wolf Pack in five games. Portland’s offense is being led by Jason King with five points in five games. Jean-Sebastien Aubin played a great first series in helping the Pirates past Hartford with a 2.20 GAA and a .914 SV%.

Special teams will be a key factor in this series. The edge goes to the Pirates as they have the fourth best power play, while the Bruins rank dead last in power play percentage having not scored a goal. Portland ranks sixth in penalty killing and if they can shutdown an opportunity Providence might get, then Portland will have an advantage. Ultimately though, this series is going to come down to goaltending and whichever goaltender out duels the other will win.

Series Schedule

Game 1: Pirates @ Bruins, April 26 7:05 pm
Game 2: Pirates @ Bruins, April 27 4:05 pm
Game 3: Bruins @ Pirates, May 2 7:05 pm
Game 4: Bruins @ Pirates, May 4 4:05 pm
*Game 5: Bruins @ Pirates, May 6 7:05 pm
*Game 6: Pirates @ Bruins, May 9 7:05 pm
*Game 7: Pirates @ Bruins, May 10 7:05 pm
* - if necessary

Prediction: Providence in 6

EAST DIVISION

(1) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins vs. (2) Philadelphia Phantoms

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Playoff Record: 4-1
Philadelphia’s Playoff Record: 4-3

Keys to the series: The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were the most dominant team in the first round of the playoffs on their way to a commanding 4-1 series win over the Hershey Bears. Tim Brent and Alex Goligoski led the way for the Penguins in scoring in the first round. Brent recorded 11 points and Goligoski tallied nine points. Rookie John Curry has held down the fort for Wilkes-Barre with a 1.97 GAA. Of all players that have suited up for the Penguins in the playoffs except for the goaltenders, only four players failed to record a point in round one.

The Philadelphia Phantoms were somewhat of a surprise to advance to the second round, even though they finished second in the division. The Phantoms used strong goaltending from Scott Munroe to get past the Albany River Rats. Munroe had a GAA of 1.29 and two shutouts in round one. The offense was just about nonexistent and they will need to improve their offensive opportunities to get past Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Goaltending is going to be the key of this series. It will come down to how rookie John Curry can handle the pressure for the Penguins. The Phantoms will once again need to rely on Scott Munroe. Ultimately, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s offense will control this series.

Series Schedule

Game 1: Phantoms @ Penguins, May 1 7:05 pm
Game 2: Phantoms @ Penguins, May 3 7:05 pm
Game 3: Penguins @ Phantoms, May 5 7:05 pm
Game 4: Penguins @ Phantoms, May 7 7:05 pm
*Game 5: Phantoms @ Penguins, May 9 7:05 pm
*Game 6: Penguins @ Phantoms, TBD
*Game 7: Phantoms @ Penguins, TBD
* - if necessary

Prediction: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 5

WESTERN CONFERENCE – NORTH DIVISION

(1) Toronto Marlies vs. (2) Syracuse Crunch

Toronto’s Playoff Record Record: 4-3
Syracuse’s Playoff Record: 4-2

Keys to the series: Toronto was dominant in the regular season, but has slipped a bit in the playoffs, even though they got by San Antonio in round one. Ben Ondrus led the Marlies in scoring with only five points in seven games. Toronto needs to get more offensive production on a consistent basis. Toronto is going with Scott Clemmensen in the playoffs, and he will need his playoff experience to get the Marlies past the Crunch in round two.

Syracuse roared into the playoffs getting points in 23 straight games and ran into a very talented Manitoba Moose team. The Crunch battled hard for six games and escaped the first round series that could have easily gone seven. The Crunch have been led by Derick Brassard, Derek MacKenzie, and Zenon Konopka in the playoffs with the three combining for 15 points. Karl Goehring will need to continue to play up to his expectations that he has set forth so far in the playoffs. Syracuse has been on such a hot streak that they must eventually hit a brick wall, right?

If this series comes down to special teams, Syracuse will have the advantage. Toronto’s penalty killing was dismal in the first round and Syracuse needs to attack every time they have a power play. How Toronto plays offensively will also dictate the outcome of this series. If Toronto gets consistent production, they will win. If not, Syracuse will be advancing to the Western Conference finals. Either way, Toronto and Syracuse are set for a great battle.

Series Schedule

Game 1: Crunch @ Marlies, May 2 7:30 pm
Game 2: Crunch @ Marlies, May 4 4 pm
Game 3: Marlies @ Crunch, May 6 7 pm
Game 4: Marlies @ Crunch, May 7 7 pm
*Game 5: Crunch @ Marlies, May 9 7:30 pm
*Game 6: Marlies @ Crunch, May 10 7:30 pm
*Game 7: Crunch @ Marlies, May 12 7:30 pm
* - if necessary

Prediction: Syracuse in 7

WEST DIVISION

(1) Chicago Wolves vs. (2) Rockford IceHogs

Chicago’s Playoff Record: 4-2
Rockford’s Playoff Record: 4-1

Keys to the series: The Chicago Wolves struggled a bit in their first round series with the Milwaukee Admirals before winning the final two games to close out the series. Chicago was dominant in their four wins with Jason Krog leading the way in scoring with six points. Ondrej Pavelec continued his success in the postseason posting the fifth best GAA of all playoff goaltenders. Jesse Schultz and Joe Motzko are going to play a pivotal part in this series for Chicago.

The Rockford IceHogs overwhelmed the Houston Aeros in their first round series en route to a 4-1 series win. The only loss Rockford suffered was a double overtime loss in game two. Kris Versteeg led the IceHogs in scoring with three goals and two assists. Martin St. Pierre, the AHL’s second leading scorer, produced just four points. Rockford will need to rely heavily on St. Pierre in round two. Corey Crawford was amazing in the first round allowing only six goals in five games for a 1.10 GAA.

Rockford will need to get some production from their power play after going pointless in round one. They can rely on their penalty killing which ranked third in the playoffs. If Crawford can duplicate his play from round one, then the IceHogs might be able to advance past the West Division Champion Chicago Wolves.

Series Schedule

Game 1: IceHogs @ Wolves, May 1 8 pm
Game 2: IceHogs @ Wolves, May 3 8 pm
Game 3: Wolves @ IceHogs, May 4 5 pm
Game 4: Wolves @ IceHogs, May 7 8 pm
*Game 5: IceHogs @ Wolves, May 9 5 pm
*Game 6: Wolves @ IceHogs, May 11 5 pm
*Game 7: IceHogs @ Wolves, May 13 8 pm
* - if necessary

Prediction: Rockford in 7