NHL Conference Finals Preview

By Scott

Eastern Conference Finals

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes

It's no coincidence that the two hottest teams coming into the playoffs are facing off in the conference finals.  The Hurricanes have proven to be the Cinderella of the postseason thus far with goaltender Cam Ward out-dueling both Martin Brodeur and Tim Thomas.  Ward may be the best goalie still alive in the playoffs.  While he is often overlooked, Ward has won both a Stanley Cup and a Conn Smythe with the 'Canes.  He and Eric Staal, who has recorded a point in almost every game, are the sole reasons Carolina is in striking distance of another cup.

Meanwhile, the Penguins are undoubtedly a better, more complete team.  Marc-Andre Fleury isn't the best goalie out there, but he turns it on in the playoffs and consistently gives Pitt just enough of an effort to win.  Sidney Crosby has been unbelievable, overshadowing Alexander Ovechkin in the Pen's 2nd round victory over the Caps, and proving himself to be the best young player in hockey.

As well as Carolina has played, they certainly present upset potential, but Pittsburgh's team as a whole has played incredibly well.  The Hurricanes have relied far too heavily on Cam Ward and Eric Staal to lift them to the conference finals, not to mention that they have already played two 7-games series, and their bodies will start breaking down at some point.  Expect Crosby to extend his campaign as the best overall player in the league, and Marc-Andre Fleury to shut down Carolina.  If Pittsburgh can get Sergei Gonchar back at any extent from his knee injury, the Penguins should see a return to Lord Stanley's Finals.

Prediction: Penguins in 6

Western Conference Finals

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks

In a rematch of this season's Winter Classic, the defending champs take on the explosive tandem of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Martin Havlat.  The 'Hawks have cruised by their first two matchups, including a 6-game series win against Roberto Luongo's Canucks.  Chicago has lived up to their playing style, scoring quick and scoring often.  The most impressive part about their win over Vancouver was their dismantling of Luongo, arguably the league's best goaltender.  In the conference finals, the Blackhawks will face off against Chris Osgood, who may not be as good as Luongo on paper, but has been a brick wall in the 2009 playoffs.  Nikolai Khabibulin has been a bit shaky, allowing just under 3 goals-a-game, but if he can turn it on, the series will get interesting.

The Red Wings enter the series as obvious heavy favorites.  The defending champs are poised, experienced, and flat-out good.  While they had to survive a scare from the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit flipped a switch in game 7 and showed the league what they're capable of doing when necessary.  Johan Franzen has been stellar, leading the team in playoff goals, and he is aided by superstars Henrik Zetterberg and Marian Hossa (I'm not sure where the misconception comes form that the 'Wings are an old team.)  Detroit's depth will be a big problem for Chicago.

Chicago is an exciting team to watch, but Detroit is simply a more talented, deeper squad.  Chris Osgood should be able to maintain order against the Blackhawks' young stars, but Nikolai Khabibulin may not have the same luck against a Red Wings attack that brings a scoring threat on every line.  Whichever teams wins, the Western Conference will be represented well in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Prediction: Red Wings in 6