Well I went 4 for 4 last round, and I am now 9 for 12 overall. The Boston and Tampa game begins in 13 minutes so I will finish this off as quick as I can.
East:
Boston vs Tampa
- The Bruins are a good team, but were made to look like they were the second coming of the Oilers of the '80's because Philly had no business being in the second round. Suddenly Boston's powerplay could score, suddenly they knew how to score overall and suddenly they find themselves in the conference finals for the first time since 1992. That may have been the boost they needed to wake up. However, one problem. Tampa is a better team. They have amazing goaltending in Dwayne Rolosson, deep scoring with the Downie/Berg/Moore line and they trap and trap and trap you until you don't know how to skate anymore. Boston is a more physical team, but I don't see them advancing because Montreal was good but not great and Philly was a Junior C team. Tampa beat the the top team in the East and came from behind to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins. They have been playing playoff hockey. I would rather see the Bruins win because they have great fans and are fun, but I have Tampa in my station pool so I'm not going to complain.
Prediction: Tampa in 6
West
Vancouver vs San Jose
- This is the series I think any good western Canadian hockey fan has been wanting for years. You know, those hockey fans that don't cheer for a lame team from eastern Canada? (Toronto Maple Laughs). This will be great, quick, wide open hockey with great shooting and excellent skating and hitting. We will see some very good goaltending and which ever team takes more penalties is likely screwed. Both teams have a tendency to fall asleep in the 3rd period so that's a relief to the other guy who goes down 3-0 in the 1st. Henrik and Daniel have been absolutely beyond useless and brutally awful as I have said all year. However, the tight and physical Nashville series may have been enough to wake them up. Lots of open ice in this series may give them time to re-connect and make some of that cutesy poo crap they love. All in time to lose to Tampa in the final because they are too creative. Trade them in the off season if the Canucks don't win the cup. But I think they will come alive in this series and nicely compliment the other 10 players on their team that have played a very good playoffs.
Prediction: Canucks in 6
That's it. I would love to see the Canucks win. Guys who will have a great series: Hamhuis, Bieksa, Higgins, Kesler and Daniel.
We'll see how I do! Oh, and I'm still first in my TSN pool of 12 guys with 109 points. My roster is now locked for the rest of the playoffs. I have Luongo in net, Ohlund, Bieksa, Erhoff, and Dan Boyle. Dan Sedin, Kesler, Lecavalier, Downie, St Louis and Logan Couture.
