NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Conference Finals Predictions: Marketing Nightmares

Got three of the four series right last round, although the only one I got the length right for was the one I got the winner wrong. So that brings me to a record of 8-4 so far this postseason and ensures a better than .500 record regardless of how my final three picks turn out. If you care.

What we're left with now must be giving the execs in the NHL some cold sweats. TV numbers are likely to be down with a Cup Final featuring possibly a Canadian team or a small-market American team with little to no national following (well, maybe Pittsburgh gooses the numbers). This isn't to say there isn't the potential for some compelling hockey.

I'm not going to wait to read previews about either of these next two series. I've got my mind made up as to who will be playing for the right to hoist Lord Stanley, although I can fully admit that I won't be the least bit surprised if I'm wrong on both of this round's predictions. Unlike the inevitable predictability of the NBA Playoffs, the hockey playoffs this year have seen some astonishing upsets that have defied a lot of conventional logic. My beloved Blackhawks are obviously the prime example here, but the continuing success of the Ottawa Senators remains truly remarkable.



Technically presented in descending order of confidence:

Nashville Predators over Anaheim Ducks in six games

Well, so much for the Preds going on a Kings-like run. Instead, the Blues came a little too close for my comfort to making that last series an actual series. All of that said, Nashville still seems like the team of destiny in the West, and I can't wait to watch the Ducks get disposed of again. Anaheim is arguably the team I least want to see win it all out of the four remaining squads.

Pittsburgh Penguins over Ottawa Senators in seven games

I have not picked the Sens yet, and I won't be surprised if I never do (could see myself possibly picking them against the Ducks, but dear God, I hope it doesn't come to that). Ottawa's string of luck seems likely to end here as the Pens have shown at times that they're fully capable of repeating—even with some debilitating roster losses. I questioned how long Pittsburgh could actually hold up, but the Senators are a significant step down from the talent-loaded Capitals and I just don't see how Ottawa can steal four games from Pittsburgh.