NHL Picks, Conference Finals

Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes looks to lead his team to the Finals




By Stanley

So here we are, at the conference finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Both series should be great, but who will win? Well, I'll tell you.


EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (6) Carolina Hurricanes: The Pens come into this one as the favorite, and rightfully so. They have star power all around, and are the defending Eastern Conference Champions. What isn't there to love? However, the Canes are no pushover. After upsetting both the Devils and the Bruins, they come into this series ready to make another Cup run. Remember, the Hurricanes went to the Finals in 2002 and 2006 and took home the hardware in '06. But the Penguins should be too much for Carolina here.

THE PICK: Penguins in 5


WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks: A great rivalry right here with the classic Chicago vs. Detroit matchup. The experienced Red Wings take on the young Blackhawks. This series could represent a changing of the guard in the west, even though the Red Wings will stick around for years. However, don't necessarily count on the upstart Blackhawks winning this one. Detroit is the defending Stanley Cup Champions. There is no reason at all that they shouldn't win in this year. In this one, you have to like Detroit, but it will be a good series. Chicago's hour will come soon.

THE PICK: Red Wings in 6