My perfect predictions in the first two rounds of the playoffs came to an abrupt stop in the Conference Finals. Not only did I miss both match ups, but neither was really that close. The Boston Bruins brought out the brooms and swept the Penguins by holding them to only two, that's right, TWO goals the entire series. The Chicago Blackhawks showed why they were the best team in the league all season long and disposed of the Kings in five games. If both teams continue this type of play, it could be a great and very entertaining Stanley Cup Championship.
For this story, I will dissect the teams based on their positions.
Forwards:
The Blackhawks are very top heavy. Patrick Kane has turned it on lately and is scary good. Jonathan Toews hasn't had the greatest playoffs ever, but is always dangerous and his defensive game is very strong. Marian Hossa is a great two-way player. Brian Bickell has come out of nowhere to be a force in the playoffs as a power forward, who isn't afraid to get to the net. Patrick Sharp is solid, as always.
The Bruins line of David Krecji, Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton has been great. Krecji has to be a favorite to win the Conn Smythe award, if a goalie doesn't steal the series. The second line consists of little ball of hate/big goal scoring Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, who is always solid on defense and has been in the right place at the right time offensively, and ageless wonder, Jaromir Jagr. Seriously, can anyone take the puck from him when he decides to move it along the boards in the offensive zone?
Edge: Slightly to the Blackhawks, just because of the skill of Patrick Kane. No one on the Bruins has his ability. Everyone else can cancel one another out.
Defensemen:
The Blackhawks have quick, puck-moving defensemen. The defensive corps is led by Duncan Keith, who is always a solid reliable player on the blue line. The concern would be their depth. If something happens to someone, like when Keith was given a game suspension last round, they don't have anyone able to step in and provide solid minutes.
The Bruins defense is big and deep. They've shown that they have several very strong defensive players that can rotate into the lineup. Of course, their defense is led by 6-foot-9 monster, Zdeno Chara. Not only is he big, but he is really good, just ask Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins. Their defense has the ability to score too. Rookie, Torey Krug has been surprising everyone by putting the puck in the net.
Edge: Slightly to the Bruins. The depth alone pushes them over the edge.
Goaltenders:
It is Corey Crawford of the Blackhawks versus Tuuka Rask of the Bruins. Both have been very good, but Rask was amazing against the Pens. Pittsburgh blistered him with shots and he just kept stopping all of them. And remember, the Penguins offense is loaded with talent. Crawford was very good against the Kings, but struggled in the second round against the Red Wings. He let in a couple questionable goals in that series.
Edge: Boston. Rask was on fire last round against a great goal scoring team. Crawford will allow bad goals.
The Stanley Cup
There is no greater trophy in all of sports. To prove my point, name another sport where the players get to spend a day with the trophy. Fans and players display pure joy in the presence of the Cup.
My Pick: I'm going with the Bruins. They have that team of destiny feel (just watch a replay of game 7 against the Maple Leafs). They played great against the heavily favored Penguins last round. The big factor will be the goaltending. I believe Rask is better, especially with a strong defensive corps in front of him. I'm hoping the series goes all seven games, just to keep the season going, but I think it will end in six.
Regardless of who wins, this will be a great series to watch and enjoy.
~Brad
