Here we are only a day a way from the conference finals. Two somewhat surprising teams await two very skilled teams in what should be some very interesting matchups. Much of the spotlight will be on the teams from Detroit and Pittsburgh and rightfully so. However, Philadelphia and Dallas shouldn't be overlooked as the both played very good hockey to get to this point.
Without further ado, I now present my predictions. Feel free to quote these fine points on your way to your bookie. Just don't expect me to back you up when you lose your home based on the information contained within.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
PITTSBURGH #2 vs PHILADELPHIA #6
PREDICTION : Pittsburgh in 7 - Confidence 80%
Let's face it, few expected Philadelphia to make it this far. Even though I might have predicted it, I never expected the relative ease with which Philly accomplished it. Philly has played better with each series and has a shot at pulling off a monumental upset if they can continue to improve. For as well as they've played, they'll have to play even better to get by the Penguins. First and foremost, the defense must tighten up. They cannot afford to continue to allow the opposition to get so many shots on goal. Goaltending will be tested and anything short of a superb performance by Biron will mean a quick end to the Flyers' season. The team must play even more disciplined against at team that has more skill, finesse and strength than the Habs or the Caps and does a much better job of uping the physical play when necessary. Stupid penalties would be the quickest way for the Flyers to dig a hole. Starting on the road could be a huge benefit as I don't think the Igloo is such a tough place to steal a win. All the pressure is on Pittsburgh and that pressure will only mount should they head to Philly with a loss. The power play must continue to prosper against a Penguins' defense that has been much sounder than anticipated. Secondary scoring must continue.
While the Flyers need to play better to win, Pittsburgh must only maintain their high level to reach the finals. I think there is reason to believe many Penguins, especially Crosby, can be even more effective in this series. The Flyers have some difficulty matching up with the multiple skill lines the Penguins can roll. They'll be forced to pick their poison as it is pretty hard to contain both the Malkin and Crosby lines. The Penguins power play can be a difference in the series as I have a feeling the Flyers will give them one too many opportunities. The wildcard with the Pens is on defense and especially in net. While both units have played more than adequate up to this point, they'll now be facing a more formidable offensive foe. Fluery must show he can face the extra challenge and prove he's the one to carry the team forward for years to come.
As with most series, it'll all come down to taking advantage of the other teams mistakes. I simply believe the Penguins have a few more tools to both cause those mistakes and finish the job. Expect the Flyers to come out strong and try to knock the Penguins off their finesse game. How the Penguins respond early could dictate the tempo of the series. The series has the potential to be very exciting with a nice little intra-divisional and intra-state hatred sprinkled in. It's a shame Gagne isn't healthy or the teams would be evenly matched. Regardless of the outcome, the Flyers season is certainly a success to have gotten this far. Of course, one step closer would be even sweeter. Perhaps next year Flyer fans.
WESTERN CONFRENCE
DETROIT #1 vs DALLAS #5
PREDICTION : Detroit in 6 - Confidence 80%
Both these teams are playing at a very high level and the series will probably be decided by the team that can continue to play that way. But both teams have been playing well all season and are anchored by veterans and strong coaches who won't allow a dropoff.
Detroit has found another offensive juggernaut and you can now bow down to "The Mule". Yet another Swede to add to arsenal, Franzen hasn't just been on a tear since the beginning of the playoffs. It all started back at the beginning of March and has resulted in 29 goals over his last 26 games. To get some perspective, Franzen has broken two long standing Wings records held by the great Gordie Howe. First Franzen had 9 game winning goals in March. Then, the Mule had 9 goals in the playoff series against the Avs and that was in only 4 games. His 9 goals were as many as the entire Avs team and included 2 hat tricks. Now the Mule reaps the benefit of playing with the likes of Datsyuk and Zettterberg from time to time but he is also becoming a natural a getting the puck in the net. His 9 goals came from a variety of locations on the ice and using a lot of nice stickwork.
Of course, the Wings production doesn't stop there. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are having a great playoffs and are showing the hockey nation why they are both Selke finalists. With finalists in the Lady Byng (Datsyuk), Norris (Lidstrom) and Adams (Babcock) plus the Jennings (Osgood/Hasek) and President's trophy already in the bad, the Wings could be looking at a lot of hardware in the coming weeks. However, every nominee will tell you it all means nothing unless they bring home the Stanley Cup. For that task they'll need to continue to get production out of players like Draper, Hudler, Cleary, Kronwall and Filpulla. This round will be an even tougher task for Osgood as he likely face more scoring chances. The Wings will do their best to dictate tempo and play to their strengths with puck possession and creative playmaking.
Dallas is no slouch. The fact that they dispatched Anaheim and San Jose speaks for itself. Doing it with such precision and determination makes them a formidable opponent. They don't have a glaring weakness on the roster and they play as unit better than any team in the league. They don't make many mistakes and they've been great at capitalizing when the opponent breaks down. Morrow has shown an uncanny knack for the timely goal and Turco has left his doubters behind. Their special teams are among the best and they work as hard as any team. But is it enough?
I lean towards Detroit not just because of my heart but because I see them as notch better in just about every area. Detroit has more depth and talent on the defensive end. The have more depth and talent on the offensive end. They've got the edge on the power play and the edge in the penalty kill. Babcock is the better coach. About the only area that might be a push is goaltending. However, I think Osgood is playing better than he has his entire career. Turco has yet to get over the hump that is the Detroit Red Wings having a miserable record against them and never had a win in Detroit!
Dallas does have a shot though but it depends on getting a win in Detroit in game 1 or 2. Turco has to stand on his head and Dallas has to take advantage when Detroit's 5th & 6th defenseman are on the ice. Dallas has to hope like hell that the Mule can be cooled off and Dallas certainly can't afford even a single injury. Be patient as hell and wait for their opportunity. Don't get forced into playing Detroit's game. Play for OT and hope for the timely goal.
This series will be a battle for both teams. More of a chess match than the Eastern Conference with undoubtedly better defense and likely a lot of tight games. I don't see Dallas backing down easy, just coming up short.
