Stanley Cup ‘09 Predictions; Conference Semi Finals
In hindsight it seems I was not far off in my 1st Round predictions. A couple were spot on, whilst the ones I missed were tellingly the close series’, especially the 7 game ones were I picked the wrong game 7 winners on both occasions. Nonetheless, undeterred, perhaps even a bit encouraged, I shall here make my Conference Semi Final predictions too. So let’s start on the home front, in the East, where two Southeastern teams are holding the divisional flag high – despite its many critics (notably in the North)…
East
Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have done very well to even be in this position, but question is: Can they do it again? Beating New Jersey in those closely fought seven game battles was impressive; I for one would have tipped the Devils to make it to another Stanley Cup Final, but the Carolinians obviously had other plans. Boston meanwhile made short shrift of the drunken centennial celebrators north of the border and swiftly disposed of its sorry corpse (can’t help but think the Panthers would have put up a sterner test for the Bruins than the Habs did).
Anyhow, Boston remains the Conference favorites and seems like a solid team without any real flaws, certainly none that has been obvious so far anyway, and the Canes will find it difficult to upset the buzzing B’s. It could still be a tight series, but I’m guessing most of the juice is gone from the sons of Raleigh and that the Bruins will be the main beneficiaries of that tight series against the Devils. It could even be a sweep, but the Carolinians are too good on home ice for that surely?
My Bet: Boston wins the series 4-1.
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
This should be a real dogfight and a series as close to impossible, as is possible(?), to predict. If however, as I think it will, this series goes all the way done the wire; the Penguins could have an edge in the fact that they played two games less that the Capitals in the opening round. Indeed, I think this may eventually tip the balance and present Pittsburgh with another crack at the not so coveted Conference Cup.
And in the name of consistency, (I didn’t, afterall, think the Caps would see off the Rangers in that seventh game), so I guess my hands are tied: The experience gained from last year, the superstars at their disposal and the extra rest from the first round will perhaps be enough to see the wobbly Penguins grab a spot in the Conference final. Yet, I have a feeling I might just be dreadfully wrong about this one… I guess we’ll see soon enough…
My Bet: Pittsburgh wins the series 4-3.
West
Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim really impressed when they saw off the President Trophy winners in the previous round and will now set their sights on the reigning Stanley Cup Champions from Detroit. Could it be another upset on the apple cart? Probably not…
The Detroit Red Wings showed their credentials when sweeping the floor of the Columbus New Jackets, and the players showed they have another level to reach in the playoffs, compared to regular season sludge; not least the experienced goalie Chris Osgood. There is plenty of pedigree in the Anaheim locker room also, but you need depth they don’t have to beat the Wings in a potential seven game series. It’s not enough with two superstar blueliners and a few other odds and ends to bypass Zetterberg, Datsyuk and C/O. It won’t be another sweep, but I’d be surprised if the Ducks pick up more than a couple of games from this battle.
My Bet: Detroit wins the series 4-1.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks
As I predicted the Canucks made short shrift with the young Blues team, but the youngster from Chicago will pose a sterner test. Having seen off the brutes from Calgary, the Blackhawks have shown themselves to be legitimate contenders in their own right. Both teams have exceptional goaltending to fall back on and this will likely be a thriller series all the way. Perhaps the slight edge in experience that players such as Mats Sundin bring to the table will be that crucial extra ingredient in the end?
Remains to be seen what wins this series for the victorious team, but if I have to pick one… it would have to be the Canucks. Home ice advantage and some added veteran leadership makes them seem like a slightly healthier contender than the Hawks of Chicago. It will be a much anticipated series however and one worth watching more closely as it evolves and progresses.
My Bet: Vancouver wins the series 4-3.
If the Panthers had looked a bit pale towards the end of that first period, in the second they flushed forward in full force. For a long time it looked like the efforts might not be rewarded as the Flyers goaltender Antero Niittymäki was red-hot in front of the net; not letting anything pass him by or giving up any spoils to pounce on. The pressure did pay off however and Philadelphia was taking penalty after penalty in trying to fend off the circling Cats. Florida finally cracked the ‘Finnish wall’ and McCabe and Bouwmeester both got on the scoreboard to tie the game at 2.
The most talked about was of course ex Toronto captain Mats Sundin who, after a much protracted search for a new home, finally settled on Vancouver. With Sundin’s established leadership and skill, the Canucks can look forward to some interesting times come the spring. In addition to this big name signing they also added some depth to the goalie department by acquiring Jason LaBarbera from the Los Angeles Kings. He will add some competition to the spot while Roberto Luongo remains out and could fill in case of future emergencies or simply when Luongo needs a break between the pipes. These signings should help keep Vancouver fresh this spring, and with perhaps another signing or two, they could be true contenders this season.
Originally he had hoped to get a spot with his beloved Rangers, after his contract expired at the backend of last campaign, but finally had to give up as the New Yorkers couldn’t find any space or cap money for him. After taking his time it was finally the New Jersey Devils that came away with his signature. The 40-year old is expected to bring home a contract worth $ 1.5 million, earning just under half of that sum. General Manager Lou Lamoriello of the Devils said yesterday; that a contract would be worked out “in the next couple of days.” As the above mentioned veteran players, he’ll bring a wealth of experience to his new club. Certainly his arrival will be a real boost for the Jersey hopeful.
