Well I went 6-2 in the 1st round and 1-3 in the 2nd round. That’s how unpredictability in the NHL playoffs happens. Canada again won’t win the Stanley Cup for the flippin 16th straight year. Damn those Hawks. Just a bit of a re-cap, I chose the Penguins to win the Cup in the pre-season. Then I chose the Sharks to win the Cup before the First Round. Then I chose the Canucks to win the Cup before the Second Round. Now, I’m changing again with the elimination of the Canucks and going back with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here are my predictions.
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes
Many people wouldn’t have thought this would be the matchup for the Eastern Crown. However, it is now, and it’s gonna be heck of a good matchup. Two young teams with solid veteran leadership who have an underrated defense(in the case of Carolina, veru underrated) and young, amazing goalies. Both teams have depth up front but the Penguins have the advantage because of their 2 superstars, Crosby and Malkin. Eric Staal again will have to work his ass off to lead this ‘Canes team into victory. Carolina has the advantage on defense because they are more aware in their own zone. However, both teams have future superstars in net but Fleury has proven to be more consistent in net than Ward which gives the Penguins the lead
Penguins in 6 Games
Series MVP: Evgeni Malkin
(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit, the defending Cup Champions come in to face the “inexperienced” young Hawks team. However, Chicago isn’t inexperienced anymore. They’ve beaten two veteran teams in Calgary and Vancouver, and I have a feeling Detroit is next. Look, Detroit’s offense is amazing and their defensre is, well, not bad, but Chicago has proven they can find a way to win their young talent. Chris Osgood started to wear down in the series aginst the Ducks, and that’s not a good sing, as Nikolai Khabibulin has proved to be not only a leader on the ice, but in the locker room too. That’s the difference folks. It will be good series, but passing of torch has begun.
Blackhawks in 7 Games
Series MVP: Nikolai Khabibulin
So there are my picks. How do yours go? Fell free to drop a line.