Well, I missed my round 2 predictions, but here goes for round 3.
Dallas/Detroit: Dallas in 6. I’m taking a pretty big risk with this one, but Dallas has been through adversity by outing the champs and my pick to win the cup, San Jose. Dallas plays hard and Turco has just been un-believable. I’m amazed how simple Detroit plays their game through these playoffs so far. Put a guy in front and shoot from the point. They’ve looked amazing against Colorado and Nashville, but Dallas has grit and only an injury to Zubov which could be the difference maker. Either way, Dallas is playing great and despite being down 4 – 1 right now, they’re going to pound the Wings into submission.
Pittsburg/Philly: Pittsburg in 7. Doesn’t matter who wins, the cup final is being played in the West. Neither of these teams has faced stiff competition in either of the 2 first rounds. I don’t think either of them “won” as much as their opponents “lost”. Washington gave Philly a good run with a mediocre team but that’s about it. They’ve both played sloppy hockey and the teams in the West play much more disciplined and neither of these teams can match up. This is going to be a great series since these guys hate each other.
For the record, I was going to pick the Rangers over the Pens and San Jose over Dallas so I’m sitting just over 50% for the post-season. Not bad!