EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
1) Bruins vs. 6) Hurricanes
If the ‘Canes can get past the Devils, it means Cam Ward would be playing lights out at this point. Boston would be coming off a rough series against the hated Habs. This series would be awesome! Carolina really can make it to the conference final… they’re that good. Meanwhile, the B’s have the Cup on their minds, with a defense that is in a class of its own. In the end, I think the Bruins would prevail in a very entertaining matchup.
Prediction: Bruins in 7
2) Capitals vs. 5) Flyers
As most everyone knows, this would be a rematch of last year’s 7-game series in the 1st round, which Philly won. I ultimately think this series would come to who these 2 teams played in the prior round. If my prediction stands tall, Washington would get past the Rangers in 5 games… and the Blueshirts won’t have a physical presence to wear down the Caps. The Flyers would play Pittsburgh in a classic 7-game series. It would be physical, too, which doesn’t bode well for them. Do you see where I’m going with this?? The Caps take down the Flyers in the East Semis!
Prediction: Capitals in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
1) Sharks vs. 4) Blackhawks
I have both of these teams pulling out 7-games series wins against rough ‘n tough teams; so it’d be interesting to see who has more gas left in the tank. Chicago played San Jose really well in the season series. The Sharks having home-ice advantage would be huge here, and have the upper hand on special teams. The ‘Hawks will put up a fight, but the bigger and stronger Sharks will pull through.
Prediction: Sharks in 6
2) Red Wings vs. 3) Canucks
Here’s where travel comes in for Detroit. They’ve gotta have a bit of lag after last spring’s Cup run. Remember, they basically all of the same guys on the team. And their main acquisition, Marian Hossa, also went the distance last year with the Penguins. Vancouver’s 1st round battle with St. Louis won’t be as brutal as it would be against Anaheim or Calgary. The most important player in this series would be Roberto Luongo. I’m on the Canucks bandwagon, and I’m riding it the whole way.
Prediction: Canucks in 6

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
1) Bruins vs. 2) Capitals
Oh, man… what a potential conference final!! In one corner, you’ve got the beasts of the east, anchored by the back-end duo of Chara & Thomas. In the other corner, you’ve got Washington, led by Russian hotshots Ovechkin & Semin. At this point, it’s all a gut selection. And my gut feeling is that the Caps are this year’s Pens. In his 2nd rodeo, Ovechkin will be able to experience the Stanley Cup Finals (like Crosby & Malkin a year ago). Boston is an elite team, but I just can’t see them getting that close.
Prediction: Capitals in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
1) Sharks vs. 3) Canucks
Another great conference final! San Jose is going to be worn down physically by the 3rd round. First the Ducks… then the Blackhawks in round 2. And you expect them to complete their quest to the finals by taking down Luongo & company?? No way, (San) Jose. Vancouver is going to ride the momentum of taking down the defending champs, and now their quest is to ‘win it for Sundin’. Two awesome atmospheres… seven amazing games.
Prediction: Canucks in 7

STANLEY CUP FINALS
CAPITALS vs. CANUCKS
Yes, it’s the Northwest vs. Southeast again! In 2004, the Flames & Bolts met up; in 2006, the ‘Canes & Oilers faced off. Now, it’s the Canucks & Capitals. You can talk all you want about offense and defense, etc. This matchup comes down to one thing: Luongo vs. Theodore. I guarantee you, if Vancouver can get this far, Luongo will be almost unbeatable. The Canucks would treat it like business, while the Caps would celebrate their conference championship like they’ve won something. Last year we had the first European Captain win the Cup (Lidstrom)… we very well could have our first goalie Captain win it this year. The Canucks are bringing the Cup home to Canada!!
Prediction: Canucks in 6
Conn Smythe: Roberto Luongo

[Source: RedLightD.Blogspot.com]

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