Stanley Cup Prediction - Conference Finals

Well, I batted .500 in each of the conference semis. So here goes for the final rounds with the winners facing off for the Stanley Cup.

In the West, I predicted Detroit over the Ducks, but I blew the other series. I thought Luongo had all the answers for the fast young guns out of the Windy City. Oh well, can't get em all!

In the final, I like the Red Wings, but it will take seven games. Chicago has great goaltending experience, some great young forwards, but only 3 top flight defensemen. This will spell trouble for the Hawks with the Wings rolling four lines and the defense having to contend not only with Holmstrom and Franzen, but also Cleary crashing the net. And, don't forget that Detroit has a lot of speed up front. (Did you see Helm's break away goal against the Ducks? WOW!!)

In the East, once again I batted .500. I thought the Caps would be hungrier than the Pens and the Ovechkin would outplay Crosby.

The other series featured TERRIBLE refereeing, and although the Canes prevailed it was in spite of the best efforts of the NHL to keep them out of the final. Games 5 and 6 were blatantly the NHL's best (or worst) effort to determine the outcome of the series. I was so disgusted I turned off game 5 in middle of the 2nd period.

Just shows you how good Cam Ward is as a clutch performer not only did he foil the Bruins, but also the troika of Bettman, Daley and Campbell.

Unless the NHL insists on Crosby making it to the Cup finals look for the Canes to beat the Pens in six. The reason: Cam Ward!

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2009 Stanley Cup Predictions

Western Conference

Vancouver - St. Louis

Most playoff games are decided by the goalies and this series is no exception. Roberto Luongo is in a zone all by himself. He could carry the Canucks to the finals.

The Blues have some great youngsters but they are a season or so away from making a serious playoff run.

Vancouver in 5.

Reason: Luongo

Ducks - Sharks

What is it with the Sharks? All that talent and not a leader amongst them! Both teams have huge forwards, but I think Getzlaf and Ryan are grittier than Thornton.

Ducks in 6

Reason: Ducks defense is big and experienced. Sharks have the 2nd best defenseman in the NHL with Dan Boyle but he can't do it alone. Look for a major shake up in San Jose if the Ducks put out the Sharks.

Chicago - Calgary

What is with the NHL? Letting Mike Cammalleri off with his cheap shot on Havlat. Now from time-to-time I would have liked to give Havlat a shot myself as he seems to show up only when he wants to. Perhaps the Flames did the Hawks a favor by waking up Havlat, he could be a difference maker. (After all, he responded to the hit with 2 goals including the game winner!)

Calgary is a team that is easy to dislike. Starting with their coach, they like to dish it out but few, if any of them, can take it when the shoe is on the other foot.

Watch for nastiness to continue, but it will not deter Chicago from victory.

Chicago in 5.

Reason: Goaltending, the Hawks have two number one netminders who are capable of going on winning streak. Secondly, the Flames have no one to compare with Toews, Kane and Sharp.

Detroit - Columbus

I like Columbus as a contender in a couple of years, but right the Wings are just too much for them.

Detroit in 4 (maybe 5)

Reason: Detroit has EXPERIENCE, TALENT and MORE EXPERIENCE!!!

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