Unscientific Conference Finals Predictions
Well, the Conference Semifinals were not nearly as intriguing or interesting as the Conference Quarterfinals were, but thanks to some late charges by teams trailing deep in the series, it ended up not being TOO bad. Still, it was not HALF as good as the first round.
I got Canucks in 6 right on the money, though after Game 4, I was pretty sure the series was not coming back to Nashville. No big deal. Overall, I went 3 of 4 in my predictions of series winners in the second round. Combined with going 5 for 8 in the first round, I am now 8 of 12 overall. Again, it’s not like I’m doing anything scientifically here, so these small victories will keep me going.
Would you like some Eastern and Western Conference Finals predictions? Well, even if you said “no”, you’re getting them anyway. As always, all predictions are right or your money back:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Matchup: #3 Boston Bruins vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lightning
Prediction: Bruins in 7
Synopsis: The Tampa Bay Lightning’s play as of late is making me waver in my pick of the Boston Bruins to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. But I remain undeterred. Both teams went right through their second round opponents like they were wet paper sacks, both sweeping their way to this point in the tournament. I really do like Tampa Bay’s triumvirate of awesome forwards in Vincent Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis, but they will be facing a VERY formidable defensive corps led by Zdeno Chara and backstopped by likely Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas. Tampa Bay will push the Bruins to the brink, but I believe home ice in Boston will give the B’s the edge in this series and send them to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1990.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Matchup: #1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #2 San Jose Sharks
Prediction: Canucks in 5
Synopsis: The way the Canucks are playing right now, they scare me into thinking I should’ve never picked them to win the Stanley Cup. But again, just like my pick of the Bruins, I remain undeterred. This Canucks club was tested greatly by the Nashville Predators in a bruising, physical series not unbecoming of a Central Division opponent. They are battle-tested and ready to square off against the Sharks, who may be out of gas after letting the Red Wings take them to the brink after winning the first three games of that series. Expect this to be a physical series, but expect the Canucks to take the fifth game at home and march to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994.
Do I expect my predictions to come perfectly true? Of course not. They’re predictions. So please, for the love of God, do not use these for betting purposes. That would just be INSANE. Unless, y’know, you actually ARE insane. Then you’ll do whatever you want as you please anyway, and I can’t stop you.
I’ll see you again to predict the Stanley Cup Finals!
