We've got a good final four, so we should be in store for some good games. And, if last round was any indication, we should be in store for many, many incorrect picks. Here are my stabs at doing a little better than that.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
- Pittsburgh (2) over Philadelphia (6) in 7. Looking at this matchup on paper, you'd think the Penguins would dominate. Not so fast. The Flyers are as defensively sound a team as you'll find in these playoffs, as evidenced by their victories over Washington and Montreal. People love to point to Martin Biron's GAA as "proof" that he's not that great, but the reality is that he's probably been the best goalie in the playoffs so far. Besides, when not surrounded by goalies with 1.75 GAAs, a 2.75 GAA isn't that bad. Don't forget that the Flyers can score goals, too - R.J. Umberger might not keep up his current pace, but Daniel Briere is only starting to play to his potential in Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is the NHL's Great Hope. While the rumors of a conspiracy against the Rangers are patently ridiculous - why on Earth the NHL would want to screw over its' top media market is beyond me - the Penguins are the NHL's chance at pulling a great rating in the Finals. Clearly, they've earned their right to do the NHL proud; say what you want about the competition they've faced, but losing only one game in the first two rounds is quite impressive. We all know what the Pens can do offensively, but they can play both ways. And against the Flyers, they'll need to. I just think the Penguins are better defensively than the Flyers are offensively, and that's going to be the difference in this series.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
- Detroit (1) over Dallas (5) in 6. What can be said about Detroit that hasn't already been said? Simply put, they're the most complete team in the playoffs. The way they steamrolled over the Avalanche was no fluke. You don't have to worry about rust with a team this good. Hell, even if Chris Osgood falters - and he won't - the Wings have an extremely capable backup in Dominik Hasek. Sure, Johan Franzen isn't going to score nine goals this series, but the beautiful thing about this team is that you know someone's going to score goals. Oh, and they have tons of solid two-way players and grizzled veterans with Stanley Cups on their resume.
Dallas was written off by many before the puck even dropped in San Jose, which proved to be a big mistake. The playoff choker tab can safely be removed from Marty Turco's resume after yet another spectacular performance. He might be the biggest reason the Stars managed to defeat the high-powered Sharks. Brenden Morrow is turning into one of the league's premier clutch performers; it's no coincidence that he scored the goal in the fourth overtime of Game 6. Like Detroit, they have plenty of vets with plenty of experience. However, Nicklas Lidstrom is better than Sergei Zubov, and Pavel Datsyuk is better than Mike Modano. Dallas will certainly give Detroit a run for their money, but the Wings will prevail and give NBC the best possible Finals matchup.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
- Pittsburgh (2) over Philadelphia (6) in 7. Looking at this matchup on paper, you'd think the Penguins would dominate. Not so fast. The Flyers are as defensively sound a team as you'll find in these playoffs, as evidenced by their victories over Washington and Montreal. People love to point to Martin Biron's GAA as "proof" that he's not that great, but the reality is that he's probably been the best goalie in the playoffs so far. Besides, when not surrounded by goalies with 1.75 GAAs, a 2.75 GAA isn't that bad. Don't forget that the Flyers can score goals, too - R.J. Umberger might not keep up his current pace, but Daniel Briere is only starting to play to his potential in Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is the NHL's Great Hope. While the rumors of a conspiracy against the Rangers are patently ridiculous - why on Earth the NHL would want to screw over its' top media market is beyond me - the Penguins are the NHL's chance at pulling a great rating in the Finals. Clearly, they've earned their right to do the NHL proud; say what you want about the competition they've faced, but losing only one game in the first two rounds is quite impressive. We all know what the Pens can do offensively, but they can play both ways. And against the Flyers, they'll need to. I just think the Penguins are better defensively than the Flyers are offensively, and that's going to be the difference in this series.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
- Detroit (1) over Dallas (5) in 6. What can be said about Detroit that hasn't already been said? Simply put, they're the most complete team in the playoffs. The way they steamrolled over the Avalanche was no fluke. You don't have to worry about rust with a team this good. Hell, even if Chris Osgood falters - and he won't - the Wings have an extremely capable backup in Dominik Hasek. Sure, Johan Franzen isn't going to score nine goals this series, but the beautiful thing about this team is that you know someone's going to score goals. Oh, and they have tons of solid two-way players and grizzled veterans with Stanley Cups on their resume.
Dallas was written off by many before the puck even dropped in San Jose, which proved to be a big mistake. The playoff choker tab can safely be removed from Marty Turco's resume after yet another spectacular performance. He might be the biggest reason the Stars managed to defeat the high-powered Sharks. Brenden Morrow is turning into one of the league's premier clutch performers; it's no coincidence that he scored the goal in the fourth overtime of Game 6. Like Detroit, they have plenty of vets with plenty of experience. However, Nicklas Lidstrom is better than Sergei Zubov, and Pavel Datsyuk is better than Mike Modano. Dallas will certainly give Detroit a run for their money, but the Wings will prevail and give NBC the best possible Finals matchup.
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