2011 NHL playoff predictions: Western and Eastern Conference Finals
May 13, 2011 3 Comments
The NHL Playoffs are now past the halfway point as we head into the Western and Eastern Conference Finals. The second round was a great one, though for the most part not as closely contested as the first, especially in the Eastern Conference. My predictions this time around were good with 3 out of 4 guessed correctly. Here is my 2nd round winners and losers, and below that, my 3rd round picks:
Called it: Vancouver (in 6), San Jose, Boston
Missed it: Tampa Bay
Western Conference
The Canucks managed to avoid another seven game series against the Nashville Predators and were able to put them out of their misery in six, but it was a hard-fought series against a team that never gave up and a goalie in Pekke Rinne that was tough to beat, game-in and game-out. This time around they will be going up against the San Jose Sharks who put away the Detroit Red Wings in seven, and look to be hitting their stride, finally shedding themselves of their own playoff curse. Both teams will bring it hard this series, but I think the Canucks will eke out a victory in 7.
Eastern Conference
I went against the Lightning in the first two rounds, and they clearly made me look like a fool, so this time around against the Boston Bruins, I’ll take the youth over the no-quit attitude. Sure it would be great to see an original 6 team in the Stanley Cup Final but when I get the chance to boo a Northeast Division rival, I can’t pass that opportunity up. Bold, but Lightning in 5.
About Sean Bailey
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I think Tim Thomas is just too good. Bruins-Canucks final.
You may be right, but both teams are playing well, coming off their sweeps. They’ll both have momentum, I think if Tampa comes out stronger to start they can get the Bruins on their heels and take the series. They just have to get room for their big 3 and they’re good to go.