Despite the fact the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference were upset in the opening round of the NHL play-offs including the astonishing downfall of the Washington Capitals, the regular-season champions, at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens no one could ask for better match-ups in Round 2.
In the East, the Pittsburgh Penguins were the favourite to survive, and Sidney Crosby's club faces giant-killing Montreal. So, it is the defending Stanley Cup champions up against the franchise with the most Cup championships.
The Penguins have a golden opportunity to get back to the final for a third consecutive time and, given Crosby's leadership, you have to like their chances.
The other Eastern semi-final is a throwback series between two traditionally bruising teams that, surprisingly, have not faced off in the play-offs since 1978. The Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers stunned division winners Buffalo and New Jersey respectively and hit the second round with confidence and momentum. Unfortunately for the Flyers, they were also hit with injuries as Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne, their top-line forwards, and Ian Laperriere are all likely lost for the duration of the post-season.
It is a big blow to Philadelphia's play-off hopes, and opens the door for Boston to advance to the conference final.
In the West, the perennially underachieving San Jose Sharks overcame a first-round scare against Colorado, while the Detroit Red Wings Pittsburgh's opponent in the past two Cup finals beat feel-good Phoenix to set up a slug-fest in Round 2. The Wings have knocked the Sharks out of the play-offs a couple of times in recent years, and there is the perception that Detroit hold a psychological edge over San Jose.
However, do not be surprised if the Sharks make it to the West final. For starters, San Jose has an advantage in goal with veteran Evgeni Nabokov versus Wings rookie Jimmy Howard.
Finally, the Vancouver-Chicago match-up is the sequel to last spring's thrilling six-game series. The Hawks ultimately eliminated the Canucks, scoring seven times in the clinching game. There is no love lost between the teams and it promises to be a physical and mental test. In other words, a microcosm of the post-season itself.
sports@thenational.ae
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Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
Managing the separation process
- Choose your nursery carefully in the first place
- Relax – and hopefully your child will follow suit
- Inform the staff in advance of your child’s likes and dislikes.
- If you need some extra time to talk to the teachers, make an appointment a few days in advance, rather than attempting to chat on your child’s first day
- The longer you stay, the more upset your child will become. As difficult as it is, walk away. Say a proper goodbye and reassure your child that you will be back
- Be patient. Your child might love it one day and hate it the next
- Stick at it. Don’t give up after the first day or week. It takes time for children to settle into a new routine.And, finally, don’t feel guilty.