Flyers – Penguins
What a series this should be. Marquee names, French Canadian goaltenders, a history of hockey hatred, lots of speed and at least one team few expected to make it this far.
The Flyers have scoring depth that the Penguins can’t match. The Pens have superstar offensive weapons the Flyers can’t match. Both lack speed in certain areas of the blue line and both D-corps were accused of being their team’s Achilles heels. The accusations were false.
The majority of players on both sides are in the Conference Final for the first time so watch closely to see who likes the scalding lights of the bigger stage and who will find it simply too hot. There WILL be mistakes.
These teams are so evenly matched that I must dig for and intangible to pick a winner. The Pens have faced little, if any adversity in getting to round three. The Flyers have had to bounce back when all momentum seemed lost. The Penguins may possess this same resilient ability to overcome adversity, but in the interest of making a pick, I will go with what I know, not with what may be.
Pittsburgh can certainly win the series but I am going with the Flyers in a coin toss…in 7 games.
Dallas – DetroitAnother terrific match-up. Dallas steam-rolled the champs in round one and that counts for something. They then put the hammer down when San Jose got close. Detroit gathered momentum against Nashville then completely killed Colorado.
Goaltending will be a key here. Marty Turco has been terrific so far but has a negative history at the Joe. Chris Osgood came on in relief of Dominic Hasek in round one and really hasn’t been tested. Something’s gotta give here.
The only pick I got wrong in the second round was picking Colorado over Detroit. I can’t pick against Detroit again. Red Wings in 6.
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