Welcome to Entry #5 in this part of the hockey universe, and thank you for making it part of your online experience. Before looking at the Stanley Cup Finals, I have to recap the past round. As a reminder, these were the predictions:
EAST
2. Pittsburgh vs. 6. Philadelphia – The Pennsylvania state championship, and an intriguing matchup. It’s all about matchups, and although the Flyers won the season series, the Penguins have a little too much for the Flyers in this round. Pittsburgh in 6 spirited games.
ANALYSIS: One game less than expected, and surprised to see the Penguins take a 3-0 lead. As much as I don’t like them, I have to give the Flyers credit for a great turnaround season and playoff run. Even more credit goes to the Penguins for growing up fast on the fly.
WEST
1. Detroit vs. 5. Dallas – A great playoff run by the Stars so far, but it eventually ends here. Detroit has proven themselves to be legitimate, and only having to travel one time zone away is a big plus for an older team. Home ice also becomes more of a factor in the later rounds, and Detroit takes this one in 7.
ANALYSIS: Also one game less than expected, and surprised it took the Stars too long to get started. A scrappy comeback, but too little, too late. Detroit is proof there’s no substitute for experience.
FIRST ROUND: 5-3.
LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS: 1-3.
LEAGUE SEMIFINALS: 2-0.
Now, for the final round, for the record:
1. Detroit vs. 2. Pittsburgh – So much for my original pick of San Jose and Montreal, but what’s not to like about this intriguing matchup? It has it all, for serious as well as casual fans, and should (hopefully) grow the game more in the U.S. So, to choose the winner, this is what stands out: The Penguins, young and talented, have made great strides in a short time. The Red Wings, older and as talented, have more experience. That is one factor that will be the difference. Remember when I mentioned home ice becomes more of a factor later in the playoffs? This is as late as the playoffs get, and Detroit also has home ice. That’s the other decisive factor. Pittsburgh is a year away from being able to win the Cup (they still have a Final lesson to learn this year). Detroit is able to now, and they skate with Lord Stanley after a Game 7 win.
BONUS PREDICTION: Indy 500 (since I grew up with it) – Although I’m rooting for IRL originals Buddy Lazier and Sarah Fisher, the surprise winner will be Vitor Meira.
The next column will recap this round, and preview a couple of summer columns that might be interesting to you, the reader. Thanks for reading, and until then…