With the Penguins ready to roll into round three of the playoffs in their third race for 4, we thought it was time we came together here at PenguinPoop and put down our predictions of who we think is going to win the Eastern and Western Conference’s and maybe just a few reasons why.
Western Conference Predictions:
Dr. Hook: Speed and skill have taken Chicago a long way. They have balanced scoring and three defenseman who move the puck and get it to the right people. Khabilbulin has already won a Cup and they have Huet as a backup. Their PP was clicking at about 25% on the road and as long as Joel Quenneville doesn’t screw things up (I never liked the guy) I see Blackhawks upsetting the Red Wings. Pavel Datsyuk is in a major funk and Detroit’s PK ranked at the bottom of the league. I’m counting on Scotty Bowman having backdoor meetings to make sure Quenniville doesn’t screw this one up. I’m saying CHICAGO in 6.
Reg Dunlop: As for the Wings and Hawks, I can’t seem to come up with any good reason that the young, high-flying Blackhawks can outmatch the Red Wings. Though, I think the Red Wings are beatable this year, I don’t think the Blackhawks are there yet. I think the Red Wings have the ability step it up and win this series. Plus, how cool would it be to see the Pens beat the Red Wings in the Finals? I like Detroit in 5.
STH35: In looking at every possible angle at this series, and trying to find a way that Chicago can win, I can’t do it. The Blackhawks have a very young, talented and energetic hockey club. They are not ready for the Red Wings quite yet. Toews and Kane are two of the brightest young stars in the game. Their lack of playoff experience will be too much to overcome. The Red Wings still appear to be unbeatable. Even when you shut down their big guns, someone steps up for them. Every edge goes to Detroit. Red Wings in 5.
Phil Krundle: Chicago got a lucky draw the first two rounds and Detroit should take this series no problem. Khabibulin and Chicago’s defense don’t stand a chance. Detroit got a tough draw in the second round going up against a very experienced, very defensive Anaheim team. While the first two games might be close, Chicago will get dejected from not winning the first two after all the effort they put in and the second two games will be blowouts. Detroit in 4.
Eastern Conference Predictions: 
Dr. Hook: With all the Staal bother talk and Ron Franchaise talk the CANES are a comeback team with players who in my humble opinion can’t stand up to the pressure the Penguins will put on them. Erik Cole brought a jump start to Erik Staal but frankly Cole has been MIA in the first two series… Ray Whitney had 7 points against the Devils but snoozed against Boston and Roids Brind’Amour has snoozed almost a whole season away. Cam Ward is going to have to pitch shutouts or play like Varlamov for the Canes to pull this off. Gonchar’s back; Letang is on the rise and Crosby will make sure there is no loss of focus. Carolina is neither big nor tough and I think DISCO DAN’s Flightless birdies figure out Cam Ward early… Penguins in 4.
Reg Dunlop: I think that Jordan Staal is going to have a big series against his brother. He will be the catalyst that leads the Penguins to victory in six games. The biggest variable as I see it in this series will be Cam Ward. This is a guy that can steal a series. The good news is the Pens have proven they can overcome a hot goalie. It is Fleury’s time to step up and make a difference.
STH35: It is very fitting for these two teams to be final conference opponents. They were the best two teams in the East for the past two months. Trying to find an edge for either of these teams is very difficult. They both have youth, speed, veteran leadership, quality goaltending and the ability to win big games. The difference could very well come down to two things — home ice advantage and the Penguins have Sidney Crosby. Penguins in 6.
Phil Krundle: The Penguins need to get motivated for this series, seriously. The last two series they already had all the motivation they needed going in. Carolina got lucky twice at the end of both game sevens, this time, I don’t see the series getting far enough that their luck will be a factor. The Pens will get motivated and they will win the series in 5 games. The only reason I’m giving Carolina one is because sometimes you just don’t get the bounces you want and with their luck anyone can win one!
Jordan always has big games against his brothers teams. He just wants the puck more it seems like.
I couldn’t figure out why Chicago wasn’t playing their better players more, they looked horrible! Milbury’s just trying for another coaching job though.
STH35: You are so right about the Pens having Crosby. This playoffs is his coming out party. As soon as the penguins solve Cam Ward this series is over but I think they will try to wear down players like Samsonov, Brind’Amour, Cole, Whitney and there defense isn’t big or physical enough to stay with us. This is shaping up as a rematch in the Finals. Unles I jixed them with that comment!
KRUNDLE: Brooks Orpik was interviewed by the NHL Network folks and claims that Crosby is so focused that it just bleeds off on everyone else. Didn’t think about this one either but Orpik is the longest tenured Penguin. I’d add him to the Fluery, Crosby, Malkin, Staal core players that should control this series.
DUNLAP: I think Jordan Staal beats up on his big-brother too. I just have that feeling Jordan shuts him down for the series.
HOOK: When you say “as long as Joel Quenneville doesn’t screw things up”—- Patrick Kane gets less than 4 minutes of ice time in the first and Jonathan Towes less than 5. At the end of the 2nd period they have about 8 minutes each. If you replace those names with Crosby and Malkin we’d be jumping all over Bylsma for not playing them. Mibury and McGuire said they didn’t get it either. Why some of these teams keep recycling loser coaches is beyond me. They either play these guys 20 to 23 minutes a game or Detroit will finish them quickley. I have Detroit in 7 but it could be Deroit in 4 if they play these two Matt Cooke type minutes.
Penguins in 5 Blackhawks in 6