Well, Round 2 has ended with my percentage at 50% for the round.  My loyalty to the blueshirts lead me astray, as Pittsburgh played a determined and mostly disciplined series.  The Rangers did Philadelphia a favor by showing them that Fleury was not superhuman, and that Crosby and Malkin can be thrown off their game and shut down.

Additionally, Montreal disappointed me tremendously by  not even making it a series with Philadelphia.  I thought that Price played excellent in goal though he had a few rough spots that obviously upset him.  But he will be their number one goalie next year, mark my words.

Both Dallas and Detroit lived up to my expectations, Detroit even exceeding them by completely routing a Colorado team that looked like they were already playing golf.

So, on to the Conference Finals, with what should be easy pickings…….

Feast In The East:

Pittsburgh VS Philadelphia:

I never thought I’d say it.  A Pennsylvania series means one thing, and one thing only;  Pittsburgh will be playing for Lord Stanley’s Cup this year, no doubt about it.  Philadelphia has had a stellar year by their standards, but I don’t honestly think that they will be able to stand up to a Pittsburgh team that can put three scoring lines on the ice and get production from all of them, not to mention Pittsburgh’s exceptional transition game.  While Philly may have fought hard to get here, they’re going home disappointed.  I pick Pittsburgh in 5.

Wild Wild West:

Detroit VS Dallas:

The Red Wings, one of my favorite underdog teams, is no underdog here.  They have gotten spirited play in all areas of the game, and have twice defeated opponents that should have been tough to beat.  Nashville did not go home quietly, but home they went.  Colorado – well, they didn’t even show up if you ask me.  I don’t know what happened but I expect you’ll see some major changes in the Avalanche organization next year.

Dallas has simply refused to give up, fighting all the way to the conference finals.  They have Zubov back in the lineup, and have an outstanding work ethic.  But I think Detroit has the requisite players and skill level to send the Stars home.  I pick Detroit in 7.

So, what exactly does that mean?  It means I am near certain that this year we’ll witness an outstanding Stanley Cup final between Pittsburgh and Detroit, and I’ll even go out on a limb here and predict that Detroit will be taking the cup home this year.

Now I’m going to go have a lie down – so close, yet so far.  Big changes in the Rangers roster next year, some well-known names will be gone but I expect Tom Renney will be back behind the bench.  He did an excellent job this year, but something has to give – we should never have dropped three in a row to Pittsburgh.

I can’t believe that hockey season is almost over again.