Well, well, well.
Another round of the playoffs, and I was wrong for every prediction….so far.
But that’s the beautiful thing about this blog. I get to go back, look at what I said, and chalk up my inaccuracy to some unexplained events, like solar storms or something. I have to say though, this has been quite a second round of the playoffs. Who would have thought that two teams would come back after being down 3-1 to force a Game 7. I know the hockey world, and the NHL is loving the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals matchup, but the Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes series has been no slouch either.
So let’s recap my original thoughts: Pittsburgh in 6 (wrong), Bruins in 6 (wrong), Anaheim in 6 (wrong). Notice a trend. The plus side is that each one of these series could still end in my favour, but it’s time to look at the series knowing everything that we know now.
So here we go. Time for Game 7 predictions.
Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
I had a funny feeling that Boston was going to win this one last night. They weren’t going to let Carolina “bruin” their season just like that. After watching their complete performance in Game 5, I think we’re seeing the Boston Bruins of the first round. But that knee on knee on Savard last night could be costly for that team. Even if he does play, he will be playing hurt, and that guy plays such an important role dishing the pucks to their scorers (although Lucic set him up for a beauty last night). Even so, they’re going back to the Garden, and if they’re losing at all going into the third, I predict that Cam Neely puts on skates himself and finishes this for them. I’m saying Boston is taking it, 5-2.
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
This is the one the hockey world has been waiting for since the end of the lockout, and it promises not to disappoint. Word is that Sergei Gonchar may be able to return to the lineup. That is huge, not only for the Penguins powerplay, but for the psyche of that locker room. But the game is back in Washington, and they are going to be loud tonight. If Washington scores first, that crowd and that team are going to be so excited. So expect Pittsburgh to storm back and win the game. If the Penguins score first, I think Washington will get their act together and take this one. It all depends on that first goal though. But if I had to call the series not knowing who is going to score first, I’d say Washington now. They’re undefeated when facing elimination.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks
I knew this series was going to go long, and I’m incredibly pleased that it’s going back to Joe Louis Arena for Game 7. I think Anaheim will take this game though. They’re physicality really showed last night, and they demonstrated that they won’t take it lying down. Here’s how it will play out though: a bad penalty will be taken when an overzealous fan hurls and octupus on the ice at Hiller. Getzlaf sets up Corey Perry for the game winner, and Anaheim faces Chicago next round. I’m calling Anaheim 3-2.
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Dammit. I should have stuck with Pittsburgh!