The Conference Finals

Today marks the start for both of the Western and Eastern Conference Finals.

For the West, we have:

#1 San Jose Sharks V #2 Chicago Blackhawks



This could be one hell of an amazing series and most are saying that the winner of these two could probably be the winner of the Cup. Chicago dispatched the Vancouver Canucks in 6 games and showed that they have learned a lot since last year's post season. They'll look to take their experience against the Sharks in hope of moving to the SCF since the 91-92 season. As for San Jose, this will be their 2nd WCF in franchise history, since losing to the Calgary Flames in 2003-2004. We all know that the Sharks have been good at choking in the post season, but being that they pretty much dismantled the Detroit Red Wings in 5 games, they'll look to redeem themselves for many years of playoff disappointment.

So far, Chicago's rookie netminder, Antti Niemi, has been pretty solid as well as the team playing in front of him. San Jose will hope to ride on the shoulders of an amazing Joe Pavelski as well as their top players. Will this be another conference final exit for the Hawks?? Will San Jose have too much rust from over a week off the ice? Or will old demons haunt the Sharks in this final?? We will see.

As for my picks on this series? I'll keep my mouth shut since I have been 50% right.

For the East:

#7 Philadelphia Flyers V #8 Montreal Canadiens



Both teams have come on top after upsetting their opponents as well as surprising most of the hockey world. The Flyers defeated the Boston Bruins after being down 0 - 3 in the series, they came back to win it 4 games to 3. In game 7, they were down in Boston 0 goals to 3 but were able to come back and defeats the B's in a final score of 4 - 3. Completely creepy and crazy. As for the Habs, they went on to defeat the Cup champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in 7 games and in that 7th game, they were able to not just win but crushed the Pens in a final score of 5 - 2. It looks like the Habs could have a great chance at the Cup and will be on a tidal wave of momentum to that goal. Halak has been a wall and players like Cammalleri, Gionta, and PK Subban have been contributing.

For the Flyers, netminder Leighton has filled the shoes pretty well after being asked to step up when Boucher injured himself, but also stepping up have been players such as Richards, Pronger, Briere and of course Gagne. This will be an evenly matched series and will be interesting to see who will move on to the Cup final.

My picks for this one? I think the Habs will be the team to move on and it could happen in 7 games. But who knows? I haven't been spot on in my Eastern picks. Let's hope I am for this one.

There you have it. We will see where these four teams will be when I do the Ducks Vlogstrosity this coming week. Til then:

Go Ducks!