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After a fantastic first round of the NHL Western Conference playoffs, the second round is set to kick off on Friday as the #3 seed Phoenix Coyotes take on the #4 seed Nashville Predators. The other Western Conference series will begin on Saturday as the #2 seed St Louis Blues play the #8 seed Los Angeles Kings.  Here is my take on each series along with a forward and defenseman on each team that could play a big role in each series.

#3 Phoenix Coyotes vs.  #4 Nashville Predators

This matchup will feature two of the league’s top goaltenders as Phoenix’s Mike Smith faces Nashville’s Pekka Rinne.  Both goalies are sure to play a big part in determining their team’s success in Round 2.  I will give the slight edge in net to Nashville’s Rinne as he has been more consistent and has a longer track record of success than Phoenix’s Mike Smith.

Possible Impact Players in this Series

Phoenix Coyotes – Martin Hanzal and Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Nashville Predators – Patrick Hornqvist and Ryan Suter

Prediction

Nashville in 6.  Nashville’s depth and experience in big games will prove to be too much for Phoenix to handle.

#2 St Louis Blues vs. #8 Los Angeles Kings

Both teams will be well rested coming in to this series as both teams won their first round series in 5 games.  The #2 seeded Blues ousted the #7 seed San Jose Sharks while the #8 Kings shocked the #1 seed and Presidents’ Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks.  This could be a long series as both teams have deep and balanced rosters with a good mix of youth and experience.

Possible Impact Players in this Series

St Louis Blues – T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk

Los Angeles Kings – Jeff Carter and Alec Martinez

Prediction

Kings in 7.  Kings goaltender, and potential Vezina Trophy winner, Jonathan Quick will prove to be the difference in this series as the Kings look to advance to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 1993.