Crosby, Malkin & Kessel are probably the best group of 3 forwards Nashville has faced. Without Johansen, and with Fisher banged up, it's going to be a tough out for the Preds.

That said, the Preds have a far superior defense. They essentially kept the best players from Chicago, St. Louis & Anaheim in check. Kane, Toews, Hossa, Tarasenko, Schwartz, Stastny, Getzlaf, Perry & Kesler - none of them were dominant in their series with Nashville. That doesn't mean that Crosby & Malkin won't be, but the Preds have shown the ability to at least contain the best offensive threats from each team they have faced.

The Coaching is pretty even in my opinion. Nashville's D is significantly better. The Pens have a much better offense (and it's even more lopsided with Johansen out). Pens have better special teams. Nashville may have a slight edge in goaltending. One intangible favors the Preds - they have not been blown out in any game. Even when they didn't play well. Besides one empty net goal, all of their losses in the playoffs have been by 1 goal. The Pens have laid a few eggs.

All this makes me think this series is going 6 or 7 games. I'm going to pick the Pens in 7. I really hope I'm wrong!

All of Canada is celebrating with Crosby today.
- bcallaway

The only time most of us cheer for Crosby is when he's playing for Canada. Sure, he's the best hockey player in the world (arguably and ATM); but he's a complete douche on the ice.

He's the prototypical player you hate, but would love to have on your team.

Booring......

Go Predators Go. I'm tired on the spoiled, whiny Penguin fans. Time for a new team and fan base to enjoy a Stanley Cup.

Booring......
- ryanzlakings

Nahh... will be great to see a team that has never made the Cup finals before face off against a resilient Pens team.

The only time most of us cheer for Crosby is when he's playing for Canada. Sure, he's the best hockey player in the world (arguably and ATM); but he's a complete douche on the ice.

He's the prototypical player you hate, but would love to have on your team.
- RFawkes

Read EK's last blog...

By the way EK, I know u were just going for the cute title and all, but Pittsburgh teams wear GOLD. Black and GOLD. Pens in 7.
- Emperor Filonius

As do the Preds. The entire marketing efforts over the past several seasons have been focused on various versions of 'grow the gold' themes.

Tough decision..... Hmmmmm.....

Preds in 9

Pens in 6.

#Bettman

Read EK's last blog...
- mdw7413

Ek doesn't know us... at all.

Pens in 6.

#Bettman
- LordHumungous

Yeah... Bettman...it's all his fault...

Ek doesn't know us... at all.
- RFawkes

Um, yes he does. He's practically a native of Canada. His mom used to drive him to Montreal every year. It was magical. He speaks Canada and everything.

Not to mention sources. So may sources.

Um, yes he does. He's practically a native of Canada. His mom used to drive him to Montreal every year. It was magical. He speaks Canada and everything.

Not to mention sources. So may sources.
- bcallaway

Was that to buy hockey jerseys because they didn't sell them in the US?

I think the most impressive thing about the Preds run is their ability to adapt. They've played three different styles and succeeded with all of them. It's tough to dislike that team. I think Rhinne will be the key for them, can he keep up his great play?

Um, yes he does. He's practically a native of Canada. His mom used to drive him to Montreal every year. It was magical. He speaks Canada and everything.

Not to mention sources. So may sources.
- bcallaway

Preds in 6, maybe 5.

no the ducks had the two best centres in the world (faceoffs)