Predators, Lightning enter Round 2 as Cup co-favorites

The Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning share the status of Stanley Cup favorites as Round 2 begins Thursday.

The field is tight, however, save for the San Jose Sharks decisively ranking last.

The Predators, of course, are the defending Western Conference champions, and the Lightning have been thought to be on the verge of winning for a few years now, save for last year's non-playoff campaign.

At any rate, the second round is shaping up to be a doozy.

(Odd courtesy: Bodog)