EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bruins vs. Hurricanes
My prediction: Hurricanes in 7
RESULT: BRUINS IN 4
Post-Series Thoughts: Wow I got this one wrong. The Canes were just finding ways to win...until they didn't. They never figured out this Bruins club. A lot of coaches take the blame but in this case I think it's probably accurate. The Canes got out-coached (all due respect to Rod). This was not all on the players. Adjustments should have been made to their approach. I also think they should have stuck with Mrazek. But either way, good job by the Bruins to get back to the Stanley Cup finals.
Pre-Series Thoughts: The Bruins won their series against the Jackets, but the Hurricanes have been just finding ways to win. I just think the Canes will keep rolling and take out Boston, though this one could certainly go the distance.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Blues vs. Sharks
My prediction: Blues in 7
RESULT: BLUES IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: Craig Berube has shown that he is a legitimately good coach and the odds-on favorite for the Jack Adams. He made adjustments to deal with the Sharks' style of play...and it worked. His team really delivered, and showed that they belong in the finals, to compete for Lord Stanley's Cup.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I keep going back and forth on this one. I really think it's going to be a good series, and my first instinct was to pick the Sharks in 7, just because of their regular season record and their overall depth. But the Blues are also an incredibly deep team, and they are possibly the most close-knit team this year other than maybe the Canes. And in the end I guess this is just a "gut" pick.
