Three rounds done, only one to go. It seems like forever since the playoffs started. The beard is growing thick and the days are getting longer. Frankly, I'll be relieved when it is finally over.
The conference finals turned out much as I expected. I was a little surprised that Carolina couldn't muster a win but the better team prevailed in each series and showed why they met just last season for the right to host Lord Stanley's Cup.
Depth, powerplay and goaltending were the key in each conference final and experience was a major factor in the Wings victory over Chicago. I expect Chicago to learn from the experience and handle the situation a little better in coming seasons. No guarantee they'll get back next year but when they do, they'll be more prepared. Carolina's got a tougher task ahead as their roster is getting older and they'll need an influx of youth to compete against an younger and improving conference.
Detroit #1 - Penguins #4
Prediction : Detroit in 7
You might have noticed I wanted till less than 2 hours before puck drop to make my prediction. I had to hear the latest on the Wings injuries. Looks like Lidstrom (lower body injury) and Ericsson (appendicitis) will play but Datsyuk (foot) and Draper (groin) are out. Lidstrom is critical. Without him, it would be a different series. Every minute Chelios sees the ice, the chance of an opponents goal skyrockets. I'll rest much easier if he's in street clothes as he'll be in game 1. The Wings can overcome the loss of MVP candidate Datsyuk due to incredible depth up front. Hopefully he'll return before the series is over. Draper is great on faceoffs and penalty kill but there are other players to fill his role.
The Peguins will do everything they can to jump out quick. With the first 4 games in 6 nights, the schedule certainly favors the healthier Pens. They really need to win one of the first two in Detroit. Skill-wise I think the Pens are a notch below last year but mentally they should be more prepared. They must continue to play strong defense to stay in the series. Offensively they'll need to drive the net and be patient. The Wings are the best defense they've faced this postseason by leaps and bounds. The Wings just got done playing a very skilled team so they should be prepared to handle the likes of Malkin and Crosby.
Its cliche but goaltending and powerplay will be the key. Neither team has a goalie generally seen in the top of the league. However, both get the job done well. Osgood's experience puts him in a better position to recover from a poor outing. Not sure I can say the same for Fluery. Both teams have lethal powerplays so neither can afford to take dumb penalties.
I know a lot of talk surrounds the fact that the Penguins are "hungrier" this year and that could be the difference. I don't buy into that much. With the Cup so close for both teams, they'll both be giving it all they've got. I don't think the Hossa situation (leaving Penguins for Detroit in the offseason) is a big factor except for the fact that he's one more weapon the Wings have that the Pens don't. It might put a little personal pressure on Hossa but I have a feeling he'll come up big at some point.
I love what the Penguins did at the trade deadline adding Guerin and Kunitz. Their leadership and experience are part of the reason I picked them to get this far. However, I also like what the Wings did at the trade deadline (nothing). Their biggest additions have been guys who've been playing in the minors all year because there was no salary room for them to play in Detroit. Helm and Ericsson have made a huge impact. Leino and Abdelkater have filled vital roles. Honestly, I don't think the Wings could have made it this far without them.
A somewhat interesting thing to watch is who might rise to legendary status and earn the Conn Smythe Trophy if Detroit should win. If it's Pittsburgh, the trophy is almost certainly Crosby or Malkin's. Detroit has a lot of unusual names in the running including Cleary, Filpulla, Stuart and Osgood. Any one of those would have been a shocker at the start of the playoffs. Of course, Lidstrom, Zetterberg and Franzen are also contenders.
A final note. A came into the playoffs determined to pick against the Wings at some point. But the team turned a switch when the "real" season began and has really elevated its play. A couple fortunate events (San Jose and Vancouver losing) certainly didn't hurt. Now that they've made it this far, I might as well stick with them. Had Lidstrom been out for game 1 I would have gone with the Pens. I truly believe the series will be real close. Either way I expect it to be an entertaining affair. Two good rosters with a lot of skill and a lot of determination. Two good coaches. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked to see them meet up again next year.
Game On!
