|
Written by Craig Avery
|
|
The 2009 NHL Playoffs have been nothing short of scintillating this year. We have had 'Sid the Kid' raise his level of play when facing the Washington Capitals. We have had the Red Wings ... well, they are being the Red Wings beating any and everybody who gets in their way! Unfortunately, the best games may be behind us but we have hockey remaining nonetheless.
Now, Craig Avery breaks down the Conference Finals and predicts who will win the next set of matches. Not only who will win, but the number of games it will take to win the series.
{mospagebreak title=Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes&heading=Conference Finals Previews and Predictions}
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have won 2 game 7 matchups on the road this year and they are not called the 'Cardiac Canes' for nothing! Sid the Kid has grown up in these playoffs and is leading the Penguins closer and closer to a Stanley Cup. If Pittsburgh lets this series get to a 7th game, give it to the Hurricanes. Unfortunately Canes' fans, I don't think the series will go that long. Even with Eric Staal skating great and Cam Ward playing goalie like a brick wall, the Penguins just have too much firepower and too much of 'it' for the Canes to go to the next level. I'm going to give the Canes 2 games, but I seriously expect this to be a blowout series.
Pittsburgh wins the series 4-2 but don't be surprised to see a 4-1 series.
{mospagebreak title=Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks}
Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks
Yawn ... we all know what is going to happen here. Detroit may take the Hawks lightly and give them a few games, but will ultimately prevail as the champions of the west. The Red Wings have looked bigger, faster, stronger than every team they have faced this post season and the Hawks will be no different. Detroit manages to refuel their tank every season and are always in position to win another Stanley Cup. I honestly don't see any of the 3 other teams being able to give Detroit a tough series.
Detroit wins the series 4-2. |
