Stanley Cup Playoffs '09 [Round 3]

I have to make my predictions today, because I won't be able to do it on the weekend. But man, oh man, these playoffs have been incredible to watch. Luckily the Oilers aren't in it, so I can actually enjoy it as a hockey fan, and not as an Oilers' fan. But Carolina continues to shock, and I am very disappointed in Boston's inability to come out the champs. In the end, round two of this year's playoffs was a bunch of fun to watch; congrats to the Hawks, Pens, Wings and 'Canes.

Second round record: 2-2 (I got both Eastern Conference predictions wrong, dang)
Overall record: 7-5

Not so great anymore.

- . - . - Western Conference - . - . -

(2)Detroit Red Wings > (4)Chicago Blackhawks [7 games]
This series, perhaps, was the hardest for me to decide on. Chicago is an unbelieveable team, and much like Carolina, always finds a way to come back. Picking Detroit to win doesn't mean very much, because I could have easily picked the Blackhawks to win, too. This central division matchup will be stellar. Detroit is old, but they are experienced; Chicago is young and inexperienced, but insanely skilled - no disrespect to the Wings' talent. The reason, if Chicago wins, will be because of their skill and driven characteristics that propel them past the Wings; otherwise, Detroit should be able to beat them since they have been there before.

- . - . - Eastern Conference - . - . -

(4)Pittsburgh Penguins > (6)Carolina Hurricanes [6 games]
I really hoped that I was able to put Pittsburgh versus Boston, but that is too bad. Therefore, I am going to predict, for a third time, that Carolina gets beat. I think the only reason Carolina is in so far is because of Ward and Staal - and the unlikely heroes in overtime. The duo of Ward and Staal can only go so far; Staal conquered Chara, so he should be fine with the Penguins. The difference in this series, I believe, will be the depth in the Penguins' lineup with guys such as Crosby, Malkin, Gonchar, Letang, Staal, etc. I will admit, however, that if Carolina wins again, I won't be too shocked.

There you have it, I'm predicting a Stanley Cup Final rematch of last year with the hopes that Detroit will repeat; afterall, I did predict, in the beginning of the year, that Detroit will win two in a row.

Here's to one of the most exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs in recent history.