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After a great second round of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs, only four teams advance to the conference finals, but their opponents didn’t go down without a fight. In fact, three series went to seven games and the other to six, clearly showing the struggle that teams gave in their playoff hopes. When it boils down to picks, I got yet another 50% for my two out of four predictions. Anyways, I guess we should do the whole recap of the second round and such…

SECOND ROUND RECAPS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Well I was indeed right about one thing; Boston did take Carolina all the way to seven games after the Canes had lead the series 3-1. The final game was won in overtime, where I was very depressed after seeing Boston get knocked out of the playoffs by the likes of the Hurricanes. But now we do have our clear underdog in the Stanley Cup Playoffs; I don’t believe anyone expected Carolina to get this far, but good luck to them against Pittsburgh!

Like Boston, the Pens were pushed against the wall with Washington winning the first couple games. But they bounced back with two wins at home and another in Washington to bring them back to life. The Caps forced a game 7, only to be embarrassed after the Penguins completely buried them once and for all. Also, as expected, the rivalry between Sid the Kid and Alexander the Great did not disappoint. In fact, in one game BOTH players registered hat tricks showing that each could carry their team on their back. But Crosby pulled through to take his team to Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Anaheim Ducks faced the two top teams in the west throughout their playoff journey, and didn’t lose to Detroit easily in the second round. You really can’t say they didn’t give it their best shot; the Ducks clearly threw everything they had at the Red Wings, it just wasn’t enough. Some people may say that Detroit headed into this series a little cocky, and gained an ego boost after their first victory, only to lose the next two. But they pulled it together and took back over the series, ending it on the seventh game.

The Chicago Blackhawks finished off the Vancouver Canucks in 6 games, and at first I didn’t know how to feel. I was mad that my pick was wrong initially but afterwards, I was relieved that the team that I wanted to win actually won. I just didn’t think that Chicago could beat Luongo and the ‘Nucks. But they did, and their speed and young talent pulled them through. If you watched any of the games you could tell that Mats Sundin couldn’t even keep up with the kids. He gave up on plays, didn’t follow through on checks, it was a mess. Regardless, nobody has stopped Chicago yet, and now they face their division rival: the Detroit Red Wings.

ROUND THREE PREDICTIONS

Detroit, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Carolina. Four teams representing the Conference Finals. Four teams that all have a great chance at Lord Stanley’s Mug. Four teams ready to duke it out. And with that, here are my predictions…

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Pittsburgh – Carolina

When you look at the regular season between these two teams, the four games they played against each other were tight and split in games two and two. As always, the Penguins offense may prove to be a difficult task for Carolina goaltender, Cam Ward. But Cam Ward alone could end up being a series-changer for Carolina, as he has in the past. On another note, Pittsburgh’s last series featured the rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. This series against Carolina will feature the battle of the Staal’s, with both Jordan (Pens) and Eric (‘Canes) Staal facing off against each other. Expect this series to be a media favourite.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit – Chicago

That’s right, a true original six matchup. Though I feel like I should be picking the Detroit Red Wings for the obvious reasons, I’ve been cheering for Chicago since the get go. Even though they were playing the Calgary Flames, my homer-ness got in the way of my pick and I picked against them. They, of course, went on to win against the Flames. Once again, in the second round I picked them to lose against what I thought to be a possible finals contender in Vancouver, only to see them outplay the Canucks in 6. I don’t want to make the same mistake for a third time, so I’m going with Chicago. Even though it would be sweet to see the Red Wings advance to play the Pens for a rematch of last year’s finals, I just can’t see it happening. You know the rest; Chicago is full of young, fast, skilled, and determined players. Detroit’s got experience. They’re tough, they’re gritty, and have that offensive touch that may end up being more than Chicago’s Khabibulin can handle.

CONCLUSION

If my predictions are right, you’re going to see an awesome matchup in the finals: Two young teams that will put on quite the show. Other than that, let the excitement of the third round begin!

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