In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks for the Eastern and Western Conference Finals.
Todd Cordell
I like the Penguins to get it done in six.
Erik Karlsson is playing at a ridiculously high level, and Craig Anderson might be able to steal a game or two, but I think the Penguins have way too much firepower for the Sens to handle. Dion Phaneuf and Cody Ceci are going to get consistent minutes against either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin and I think they're going to get eaten alive.
As for the other series, I'm going with the Ducks in 7.
I had the Ducks beating the Preds in the conference finals prior to the playoffs and I've seen nothing that makes me want to change my mind. I think the Ducks have more scoring depth up front -- the Preds only have three forwards averaging more than .40 points per game -- and their defense is excellent as well.
The Filip Forsberg line (and Nashville's team speed) will cause some problems but I think the Ducks will take care of business.
James Tanner I predict that the Senators will upset the Penguins and move onto the final. The Penguins have looked terrible and very beatable. If not for Fleury, they'd have been eliminated in four games. The Senators in six.
In the West, the Nashville Predators will destroy a Ducks team that is coached by Randy Carlyle and has no business even being in the Playoffs anymore since they lost to Edmonton five times, only to have an incompetent video review process rob them of two victories. So it's Predators vs Senators for the Cup.
Peter Tessier These two series seem to hinge on one variable within goalie still plays lights out.
Pitts vs Ottawa
If Anderson and Karlsson continue their magic they can make this a series but even still, they will need a bit of help/luck from the Penguins. That might be MAF coming back to earth. Even still, Pens in 6.
Nashville vs Anaheim
Does Rinne outplay Gibson? Probably but even though Anaheim may have exorcised their game 7 demon they could be right back there again with this series and I hope that happens. Predators in 7
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