Third Round Predictions

Four teams just got another step closer to the NHL Holy Grail, as the Conference finals are set to begin. I was 3 for 4 on my second round predictions with two series exactly chosen. Here are my choices and comments for the Stanley Cup semi-finals:

Eastern Conference

Buffalo Sabres (1) vs Ottawa Senators (4)
My prediction: Senators in 7

This is probably the most anticipated contest between the two series as the Sabres and Senators have a history with each other. Starting with the Chris Neil hit on Buffalo’s Chris Drury, and the goaltending fights involving Emery and Miller, these two teams simply don’t like each other. Which makes it all the better for fans. Both teams have a great shot at reaching the finals, and both deserve it, but only one will come out the victor. Buffalo possesses the most dangerous and threatening offense in the league, while Ottawa boasted the most balanced squad in the NHL. The regular season points leader Buffalo is hoping to take it one step further from last year’s playoffs where they were eliminated by the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals. The Senators, however, were ousted by these similar Sabres in last season’s second round.

Buffalo will have to find a way to shut down the Sen’s powerplay and top line, while trying to outscore them. Ottawa will have to focus on playing their style of team-game in order to beat their rivals from the States. Like many playoff matchups, the better goaltender will prevail. It’s just a matter of which Ray Emery or Ryan Miller will show up. This will definitely be an interesting and entertaining series to watch, as it has the potential to produce some good ol’ gritty playoff hockey.

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings (1) vs Anaheim Ducks (2)
My prediction: Red Wings in 6

The two top ranked teams in the Western Conference will faceoff against each other in this powerhouse battle. Both teams have what it takes to win the Stanley Cup but only one can advance. If Detroit lives up to their style of play, they have the ability to dominate and man-handle Anaheim. However, the Ducks are one of the best defensive teams in the league and can rely on two Norris trophy winning defensemen to shut down Detroit’s offense. The Wings and the Ducks are solid through their lineups with mixtures of youth and veterans. It’s clear that both teams can score, check and play physical, which backs up their positions in the standings.

Detroit can win games when needed and this playoff, they have wiped away the label of choking in the postseason with superb hockey. Anaheim looks as if they are ready to follow in their opponents footsteps of being a dynasty in the years to come, as they have reached the Conference finals for the second straight season. When it comes to goaltending, Hasek and Giguere have both been to the finals and are both playoff proven, so who will raise their game even higher? It’s the battle of the best, and the potential Stanley Cup winner could possibly hail from the Western Conference. Both of these teams are going to be tough to beat.

Last stop before the Stanley Cup finals. All four teams are for real and this year, there is no cinderella story. It’s the best against the best. Can it get any better then this?

 Hosea C