Paul McCann: Stanley Cup Final Preview / Prediction

Lets go Pens!

Bold prediction: Predators will sweep with 3 games going to OT.
Caveat: I'm always wrong.

The consistency and math used in this blog to determine advantages is.... interesting?

Sort of a weird preview in the sense it essentially covered everyone but the top 3 scorers on each team, which is obviously Pittsburgh's biggest advantage.

I'm struggling to get a feel for this series. With the key injuries to Johansson and Letang it's a huge edge for Pittsburgh down the middle but an equally big one for the Preds on defense. This series may answer the question of which position is most important center or defenseman.

Hoping for an entertaining final.

Sort of a weird preview in the sense it essentially covered everyone but the top 3 scorers on each team, which is obviously Pittsburgh's biggest advantage.

I'm struggling to get a feel for this series. With the key injuries to Johansson and Letang it's a huge edge for Pittsburgh down the middle but an equally big one for the Preds on defense. This series may answer the question of which position is most important center or defenseman.

Hoping for an entertaining final.
- Tojo.

I find it weird there wasn't a forwards section when there was a goaltending and defencemen section....hmmm

No issue with the blog or the prediction except., "Pens have a slight scoring depth advantage" - Forsberg and Neal are the only healthy Preds forward on the same page with Kessel. They have no one close to Crosby or Malkin.(just look at the playoff scoring leaders!) Pens role 4 lines and getting scoring from all 4...Its not close. Pens d is underrated, look at the job they did vs.Washington, a far better offensive team then the Preds. (and for which Fleury gets all the credit) If the Preds win this series its on the back of d and Reinne.

I find it weird there wasn't a forwards section when there was a goaltending and defencemen section....hmmm
- MattStrat

Just depth scoring but yeah weird.

Pitts was able to beat the 1-4/1-3-1 from Ottawa, the question is will they be able to the same against the 1-3-1 from the Preds with a much stronger D but weaker offense. Preds will close the neutral zone.

scoring depth (forwards I guess) - "Slight edge to Pittsburgh".

LOL

Bold prediction: Predators will sweep with 3 games going to OT.
Caveat: I'm always wrong.
- Asplanchna

There's always a first time to be right. Let's hope it's this time. Go Preds!

Depth Forwards but no FORWARDS?
I wonder why?

Should have included the "Star power in there somewhere".

Crosby, Kessel and Malkin are not getting enough consideration here and will be the difference makers in this series.

Pens in 6.

Depth Forwards but no FORWARDS?
I wonder why?

- ReginaPEN15

Because thats obvious and a no brainer lol

Because thats obvious and a no brainer lol
- PredChef

Then why was Defense mentioned? thought that was a no brainer too?
lol

Then why was Defense mentioned? thought that was a no brainer too?
lol
- ReginaPEN15

Well at first thought their D's 42 points these playoffs is outstanding... Then you dig a little deeper and realize the Pens injured riddled D has 37... Which all considered is pretty amazing too.

In no way am I saying the Pens D is as good or even remotely near as talented but I do think they arnt being given the respect they deserve.

"In no way am I saying the Pens D is as good or even remotely near as talented but I do think they aren't being given the respect they deserve."
-MattStrat

Couldn't agree more...our tissue paper D has gotten us this far, lol

All the expert analysis, guesswork and hype is about to fall to the wayside. They'll play the games.

Nice article by Legwand. Thanks for the link Paul.

Go Preds!

Whats the word on Fisher and Smith?

Whats the word on Fisher and Smith?
- PredChef

I hear Fisher is back for tonight, havn't heard anything on Smith.

As others have noted, Paul didn't cover the star power the depth the Pens have at forward. The Pens have 2 of the very best players in the game. True difference makers. It's going to be a helluva series. Pens in 7.

Let's go preds.

Not pens hate, would just like to see Fisher (one of my all time favorite sens) win the cup.

what is this garbage.

Endurance?
Working the officials?
as x-factors

Then again, Paul picked against the Pens vs. CLB.

Anyway, looking forward to game night in steeltown

I'm officially nervous.

scoring depth (forwards I guess) - "Slight edge to Pittsburgh".

LOL
- bburelle

I love me some Preds, but cmon Paul really? A slight advantage?