EASTERN CONFERENCE
Penguins vs. Lightning
My prediction: Lightning in 6
RESULT: PENGUINS IN 7
Post-Series Thoughts: I was wrong again about the Pens in this series. But I don't like the way they did it. Crysby hooks the stick out of a Lightning player's hand right off the faceoff in the third period with both referees looking right at it, no call. Cullen commits a knee on knee hit against Stralman, no call. With 35 seconds left in the 3rd period, two Penguins jump and sit on two Lightning players who are trying to get to the puck to win the faceoff. No call despite the blatant interference. Say what you will, but there's no question the Penguins get a little (okay, a lot of) help from the officials. Give them credit for outdueling a faster team that had a dramatically better goalie, though.
Pre-Series Thoughts: I've consistently chosen against the Pens in this years playoffs, and have consistently been wrong. But they've done it on the backs of primarily two players: Kessel and Murray (and to be fair, though to a lesser extent, Hagelin). Kessel has really turned things around. What a difference quality teammates make! And Murray has played far better than anyone had the right to expect. However, the Pens went a long, physical series against the Caps, where the Lightning have been resting. And as well as Murray has played, Tampa has the edge in goal. They are also faster and have been seeing production from all over the ice. I give this to Tampa in 6, though I wouldn't at all be surprised if this goes the distance.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Blues vs. Sharks
My prediction: Sharks in 6
RESULT: SHARKS IN 6
Post-Series Thoughts: The Sharks' depth here was, indeed, the difference. Also I'm a big Hitchcock fan but the Blues made some odd decisions in goal. In the end, the Sharks just brought their game and when they are on, they are hard to beat.
Pre-Series Thoughts: Both of these teams are strong offensively, both are coming off long, hard-fought previous series, and both dominated in their series-clinching wins last round. But the Sharks are more balanced and deeper throughout their lineup, and the Blues have been inconsistent. Elliott has been phenomenal, but I think the Sharks' overall depth overwhelms the Blues' strength in goal. I'm taking the Sharks in 6.
