NHL CONFERENCE FINALS PREVIEW

We are down to the final 4 in the NHL playoffs and all 4 remaining teams look to be relatively healthy for this time of year.

In the East, the Pittsburgh Penguins lock up with the upstart Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes have won two dramatic game 7's to advance to the Eastern Finals and appear to have some of that magic which landed them a Stanley Cup a few years ago. Pittsburgh defeated Washington and Philadelphia, both in 6 games and appear to be getting strong as the playoffs go on. Both squads feature strong young goaltenders and capable, mobile defense units. Ultimately I think this series comes down to star power and the Pens Malkin and Crosby will be too much for Eric Staal. Pens in 6.

The Western Finals matches up two of the original 6, long time rivals Detroit and Chicago. The Hawks dispatched of Calgary and Vancouver, both in 6 games while the Wings swept Columbus and narrowly escaped Anahiem, winning in 7 games. Most experts would not have expected this deep playoff run from the Hawks, at least not this season. For a young team, they have handled the pressure extremely well. The Red Wings have tons of playoff experience on their roster and have a cup hungry Marian Hossa. I have gone against the Hawks in the first two rounds and they have proven me wrong. I am going for the hat trick here by picking the Wings in 6 which will give us a Pittsburgh/Detroit Stanley Cup Finals rematch.