I’m 11 for 12 so far in my series predictions for these playoffs and I’m planning to be 13 for 14 after these Conference Finals. Other than the Senators being eliminated I really like these Conference Finals because I feel that the best four teams are left to battle for the Stanley Cup. This is much different than last year when I didn’t feel that any of the most talented teams were remaining. Of course the Kings proved that they were a talent and on paper they look like a very similar team this year.
I find these two series the hardest to handicap yet because each team has so much talent and could easily pull out the series if a few things go there way. That said, I’m making my picks below and looking to keep my hot streak alive.
(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (4) Boston Bruins
The Penguins have really gotten their act together since putting Tomas Vokoun in the net for game 5 of round 1 against the Islanders. They are 6-1 since that point, with the only loss coming in double overtime against the Senators in a game they really should have won in regulation if the team hadn’t given up a shorthanded goal with 30 seconds remaining. After that the Pens really looked like they woke up and took it to the Senators for the next two games. The Sens were the second best defensive team in the NHL during the season, with only the Blackhawks allowing more goals against, and the Pens looked like they could score with ease most of the games (they scored 4+ goals in every game they won), and it’s not like Anderson was playing poorly. Now they will face the Bruins who gave up the 3rd fewest goals during the season. If they can score like they did against the Sens the Bruins will have no chance.
Boston’s lines match up fairly well with Pittsburgh’s, but for them to win the top 2 lines have to both be going strong and Jagr has to start finding the back of the net. Chara will have to shut down one of Crosby or Malkin and the other defensemen on the Bruins will have to step up and play against the other all stars on this Penguins team. It is possible that all of these things happen, but for them all to happen at once is very unlikely. The Pens just have too many weapons right now and they finally have a goaltender who isn’t losing them games. You have to like the Penguins in this series.
Play: Penguins -185 (5Dimes.eu)
(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs (5) Los Angeles Kings
This series is a lot harder to call in my opinion. The Blackhawks are a skilled team, but they do have some grinders on the third and fourth lines who will ensure that they aren’t severely outclassed in the hitting and toughness department. In goal Crawford has been excellent and he has shown the ability to come up bit this year when he is called upon. He’s already won 3 must win outings and his confidence is at an all-time high. The Blackhawks have more offensive ability than the Kings, but they have to also remain tight defensively and show that they can battle with a team that is one of the best battling teams in the NHL. They also have to make sure they don’t fall into the diving trap that was the Kings vs Sharks series.
One thing that makes me want to steer clear of the Kings is that they are 1-5 on the road this playoffs, and they are once again playing a team with a higher seeding than them. This means the will have to win at least one road game to win this series. With the Blackhawks having a very strong record at home, I’m not sure I see this happening. I think the Blackhawks have a better chance of breaking the Kings home winning streak than vice versa. Both teams battled through game 7’s in round 2 and will have to rest up entering the Conference Finals. There aren’t any significant injuries on either side and this will be a battle to the end. A series I could see going to 7 games once again. That said home ice advantage could play a huge factor for the Blackhawks.
Play: Blackhawks -148 (PinnacleSports.com)
So there you have it. The epic finals that everyone was hoping for (if their team didn’t make it). The Pittsburgh Penguins vs the Chicago Blackhawks. The two teams who were far and away the best teams in the regular season and look the best on paper battling it out for the Stanley Cup. But first I need a couple more predictions to be correct.
Tagged with: Boston Bruins • Chicago Blackhawks • Los Angeles Kings • pittsburgh penguins