Stanley Cup Conference Semi Final Predictions

The quarterfinals of the Stanley Cup playoffs are now over.  I went 5-3 in my predictions.  The Chicago-Phoenix series saw the first 5 games go overtime, which tied the record set in the 1951 Stanley Cuyp Finals between Montreal and Toronto.  Also, the Blackhawks set a new record with 7 straight overtime games, dating back to the last 2 games of the quarterfinals vs Vancouver.

There were also suspensions that were handed out.  The biggest and most notable was the one that was handed down to Phoenix forward Raffi Torres.  During Game 3 of the series between Phoenix and Chicago in Chicago, he delivered an illegal check to the head of Chicago forward Marian Hossa by leaving his feet.  With him having been fined or suspended 5 times for the same type of play, he was issued a 25 game suspension on April 21.

My predictions for the Conference semifinals are as follows, beginning withn the Western Conference.

1.  (8) Los Angeles Kings vs (2) St. Louis Blues
           season series:  Los Angeles went 3-1 vs St. Louis, while St. Louis went 1-2-1 vs Los          Angeles.
           Prediction:  Los Angeles

2.  (4) Nashville Predators vs (3) Phoenix Coyotes

              season series:  Phoenix went 2-1-1 vs Nashville, Nashville went 2-2 vs Phoenix.
               prediction:  Phoenix


Eastern Conference

1.  (7) Washington Capitals vs (1) New York Rangers
             season series:  tied 2-2
              prediction:  New York

2.   (6) New Jersey Devils vs (5) Philadelphia Flyers
              season series:  Philadelphia was 3-2-1 vs New Jersey, the Devils were 3-3 vs Philadelphia.
             prediction:  Philadelphia