Conference Semifinals

So.

As I always say, the better team always wins a 7-game series. I was not at all surprised by Detroit's crushing victory. The Canadiens' win, however, shocked me in a way that I've never experienced before. If I had been 24 in 1993 when David FUCKING Volek broke my heart, that'd be the only thing to beat last night's game. And yet it's still my first sports memory. Gay.

Now, onto the next round:


(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings

A matchup everyone but me saw coming. Not too much to say other than "who blows this series first - the Sharks because they're chokers, or the Wings because they're old?". And I know it was made fun of on Puck Daddy to bring this up, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus:



Anyway.

Prediction: Wings in 6. I'm being generous to the Sharks here.


(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (3) Vancouver Canucks

I wish I could get excited about this matchup. I really do. It's quickly developing into the Caps vs. Pens of the West. Maybe that's why I'm bored of it already.

No read on this one. Luongo won the gold, but he's still an NHL playoffs joke until proven otherwise. The Hawks could be lights out or implode faster than the Republican Party. I'm going to start with "goes to game 7" and pick from there. Flipping a coin, I get the Hawks. Why not.

Prediction: Blackhawks in 7


(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

Oh man. Who saw this coming? One of the reasons the Caps choked against the Habs is because they didn't choose their shots so much as fire everything they could on net. One of Penguins' fans biggest complaints about the team is that they don't shoot enough. In this series, that's going to be a good thing.

In hindsight, the Habs played much like the Sens did, only they had worse D and better goaltending. The Habs weren't hit much, either. One can only imagine how being annihilated by players like Adams and Kunitz (if healthy) will have on them over a 7 game series. At any rate, it'll be an interesting comparison of styles.

Prediction: Pens in 6. Habs have enough in them to steal a couple games.


(6) Boston Bruins vs. (7) Philadelphia Flyers

Meh. Both teams rock-solid at home. Based on that...

Prediction: Bruins in 7.

- Matt