Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 2 Winners and Matchups to Watch

Max Pacioretty vs. Steven Stamkos

Montreal and Tampa Bay have been as hot and cold as a Katy Perry song after one round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The two teams have combined to be held below a 5.0 shooting percentage seven times in 13 games, including 3 shutouts (Tampa Bay twice). The two teams have to see more scoring from their top guys, and that starts with Max Pacioretty of the Canadiens and Steven Stamkos of the Lightning.

No one is expecting Pacioretty to outscore a sniper such as Stamkos, but neither has lit the lamp the way that they are expected to.

Stamkos has had a hard time getting some puck luck in his postseason career -- he only has 8 goals in 28 contests while barely eclipsing a 10.0 shooting percentage. He has a career regular season 17.2 shot percentage, which should be alarming. The postseason means tighter defensive play, and Stamkos has had some difficulties figuring out opponents.

Don't be surprised if the team that wins sees their star player figure out their scoring woes. You win with your star players.

Keep an Eye on: Carey Price and Ben Bishop. One is an MVP finalist, and the other is trying to regain consistency in net. Bishop ended the series versus Detroit on a high note, earning a shutout in Tampa's 2-0 win. Both can be game-changers when they’re locked in.

numberFire Algorithm Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (53.07%)