We've reached the final four and many people have already been dreaming of a Penguins/Red Wings final in a re-match of last year's finish, but people need to accommodate their dreams to the fact that A. Cam Ward and Erik Staal are pure clutch players, and B. Khabibulin and his speedy comeback kids won't go down without a fight. But other than seeing the Canes battle it out with the Blackhawks, every other possible finish is a Stanley Cup Finals rematch from the last 20 years.
Detroit Vs. Pittsburgh
In a rematch from the 2007-08 Finals, this series features a few other mini-stories within. The first, and obvious, is Hossa now playing for the Red Wings instead of the Penguins. The second story to the rematch is having both teams being 1 more year older. That influences a lot considering most of the players on the Penguins are under the age of 30 and those on the Red Wings are not. The Pens have gone the distance and it is said in order to win the Stanley Cup you must first understand what it is to lose it. The Pens have done that, and this year they are now ready to take it by the horns and drive it home for the win. Needless to say, it will not be a quick series, nor will it be painless.
Carolina Vs. Detroit
Interestingly enough, the last three times the Hurricanes have made it to the playoffs, they've made it to the Conference Finals (2002, 2006, 2009) and both times, aside from this year, they've made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. If they meet the Red Wings in the Finals, the Hurricanes will faceoff against a familiar foe. In 2002, the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in a 5 games against the Hurricanes. 2002 was a strange post-season for Carolina as both goaltender's were known to start strong and end weak. Artus Irbe was replaced by Weekes and Weekes was soon replaced by Irbe on almost a weekly basis, but the tactic worked as they stormed into the Stanley Cup Finals but could not maintain the fiery hot Red Wings as they lost the series 4-1. Now, with stronger goaltending and a crop of talented youth and great veteran leadership it is difficult to imagine this series ending in 5 games or less.
Chicago Vs. Detroit
This one is not a Stanley Cup Finals rematch, but the series itself should be discussed on a few interesting notes. The first is a series that features a former Blackhawk legend now apart of the Red Wings crop - Chris Chelios. The last time the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup was against, you guessed it, the Detroit Red Wings in 1961, and is the longest Stanley Cup drought than any other team in the NHL. In 1995, the two clubs faced off in the Conference Finals only to have Detroit go on to lose in the Finals against the New Jersey Devils. The third odd fact about this series is what has happened this season. The Winter Classic was hosted by Chicago at Wrigley Field against the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings won the game 6-4. Who would have guessed on New Year's day those two teams would meet in the Conference Finals? Let's not forget that Scotty Bowman left the Red Wings organization to work with his son in Chicago. This will be the 15th time these two teams have met in the post-season, the Blackhawks winning 8 of the previous 14 series.
Chicago Vs. Pittsburgh
In 1992, the Blackhawks stormed through the gate with 11 straight playoff victories coming into the Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blackhawks were winning 4-1 in Game 1 before the Penguins came back to win it with 13 seconds left with a goal by none other than Super Mario. The Pens would then post 1-0, and 6-5 wins before sweeping the Blackhawks and tie the 11 straight playoff victory records they broke on Chicago. Mario Lemieux became the 2nd player in league history to win the Conn Smythe two years in a row and the Penguins captured their 2nd Stanley Cup in as many years. Should the Penguins meet the Blackhawks in the Finals once again this season, it will be a battle of youth as both teams are certainly coming into their own on top of the league. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews vs. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Oh, to dream.
There's only 2 tickets to paradise.
Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Rematch - Every Which Way But One
Friday, May 15, 2009
Conference Final Predictions
What an ending to the second round. Three game sevens, one amazing overtime, and Chicago getting some needed rest while Anaheim and Detroit finish a war.
So now the Conference Finals are set, and both matchups look like they will continue the stretch of intense action. On the line: a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Will the upstart Chicago Blackhawks make it all the way and win their first Cup since 1961? Will Carolina make it back to the Finals for the first time since winning in 2006 (the last two times they qualified for the playoffs, they’ve made it to the Finals)? Are we destined for a Detroit-Pittsburgh rematch?
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes
The Penguins are coming off a highly charged series against the Washington Capitals. Sidney Crosby proved why he’s arguably the best player on the planet right now. Carolina had staked itself to a 3-1 series lead against the Boston Bruins, only to be forced to overtime in game seven when unlikely hero Scott Walker put the series away. Now Eric and Jordan Staal get to face each other.
The Penguins will need a lot more secondary scoring, especially from Kunitz, Satan and Staal. Crosby and Malkin can only do so much of the heavy lifting. Carolina needs bigger contributions from Brind’Amour and Cole. Sergei Samsonov showed up against his former team, but he needs to not disappear again.
Prediciton: Penguins in six.
Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks
The last time the Hawks were in the conference finals was 1994-95 where they lost to Detroit. This is the third straight trip for the Red Wings. Chicago comes in on a tear, winning the last three against the Vancouver Canucks to close them out in six games, while Detroit needed a weak goal given up by Jonas Hiller late in game seven to finish off the Anaheim Ducks.
Chicago needs to establish leads early in games, and not have to comeback against Detroit, as the Wings are one of the best at maintaining a lead. Nikolai Khabibulin is going to have to be stellar for the Hawks to have a chance. Detroit needs to stay out of penalty trouble as the Hawks have the best powerplay in the playoffs and the Wing’s biggest weakness has been on the penalty kill.
Prediction: Red Wings in six.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Can the Canucks Break the Barrier a Second Time?
The Chicago Blackhawks were known for two things in this year's post-season:
1. They are considered the "Comeback Kids".
2. They are undefeated at home.
That all changed when the Canucks came to town, took an early lead, and held on for the win to destroy both those facts about the Hawks, and tonight, they look to repeat that performance and push the series to a commanding 3-1 lead.
Consider this a moment of adversity for the Hawks, and it is their first chance to overcome it, as a loss tonight could seemingly put this series out of reach as Luongo is known for stealing games. If the Canucks move up 3-1, Vancouver will surely win the series as there is no doubt Luongo can get at least 1 win in the remaining possible 3 games, rather easily.
The Blackhawks need to come out with sure fire and pepper Vancouver early from all angles. They need to keep their legs moving to draw the calls, play two way hockey and keep Luongo pressed back in his net; that means more down low work from Eager and Byfuglien.
Tonight will be nothing short of interesting as we see just which team wants it more. Consider this the Hawks Game 7, it's do or die tonight. Do the Hawks have what it takes?
I'll be liveblogging this game for your pleasure on TheScore, you can tune in for the event for some great hockey discussion and hopefully and even better game.
Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com
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