Conference Final Predictions

We are now down to the Conference Finals.  In the Western Conference, the Phoenix Coyotes dispatched the Nashville Predators in 5 games, while the Los Angeles Kings swept the St Louis Blues.  In the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Devils eliminated the Philadelphia Flyers in 5 games, while the New York Rangers took 7 games to eliminate the Washington Capitals.  My record for the 2nd round was 3-1, for a total record of 8-4.    Some notes about the playoffs thusfar:

--The Kings are 5-0 on the road heading into the West Finals.  The last time this happened was in 1988, when the Edmonton oilers were en route to their 4th Cup in 5 years.

--The Rangers are now 5-0 at home in Game 7's.

--All 7 games between the Capitals and Rangers were decided by 1 goal.  It is the first time in NHL history this has happened.

--Neither the Rangers nor Capitals scored more than 3 goals in any game.  Whoever scored first in this series won.

--Mike Smith is 3-0 after a loss in these playoffs to date.



My predictions for the Conference finals are as follows, beginning with the West:

(8) Los Angeles Kings vs (3) Phoenix Coyotes
       season series:  Kings were 3-1-2 vs Coyotes, Coyuotes were 3-2-1 vs Kings
       prediction:  Los Angeles

(6) New Jersey Devils vs (1) New York Rangers
       season series:  Rangers were 3-2-1 vs Devils, Devils were 3-3 vs Rangers
        prediction:  New York