Quick Glance:

Paris and Copenhagen both survived spirited series and in both cases, defense ruled. Paris kept Minsk under 5 goals in all 7 games of their series and the Tridents allowed an average of 2 goals per game in 6 against Edinburgh. These two teams only played each other three times during the regular season, with Copenhagen winning every time and limiting Paris to four goals in the three games. But Paris looked very good on special teams against Minsk in Round 1 and if they can keep games low-scoring, and maybe pop in a powerplay goal here and there, they could have better results in this group of games. And there could be lots of powerplay chances in this series because Copenhagen was second and Paris third in penalty minutes in the first round.

Goalies: (in playoffs):

• Paris – Igor Shesterkin, 2.40 GAA, .928 save pct.
• Copenhagen – Matt Murray, 2.00 GAA, .902 save pct.

Top Plus/Minus players (in playoffs):

• Paris – Colton Parayko, +4
• Copenhagen – K’Andre Miller, +10

Expert Panel Predictions:

• Commissioner Chuck: Copenhagen in 5 games. If it’s one thing I have learned from watching Copenhagen over the years it’s that right after the Auston Matthews line goes on one of their successful runs, other teams buck up to stop them … and then the other lines (centered by Anton Lundell and Erik Forssell) sting them repeatedly. The Matthews line dominated against Edinburgh, so look for Lundell to shine soon. Against an older Paris team, I see the Tridents’ constant movement all over the ice wearing down the Rouge Eiffels and because of that I expect Copenhagen to dominate the third periods.
• Rose: Paris in 6 games. My first-round analysis of Paris’ team, strategies and chances was right in every detail. Let me try again. Copenhagen coach Ken Hitchcock thinks he’s cool just because his team plays strong hockey in every area of the rink. But while they will be focused on limiting space in the neutral zone, winning faceoffs in the offensive zone and all those little things. Igor Shesterkin will be focused on one thing: that fast-moving black rubber disc. He was able to stop 92.8 percent of the shots that Minsk took in Round 1 and his coach, Michel Therrien, has kept reporters away from Igor this week to preserve his focus. Michel also asked me to not be so interesting when I talk to Igor. I get that. I’ll just say hi, give him a small plate of my pierogis to help him keep his strength, and leave. Plenty of time later for me to be as interesting as usual.