Stanley Cup Final Predictions

So I got through the Conference Finals with both of my picks being correct. This makes up for my "less than stellar" performance in the second round. I am proud to say that no matter what happens, I will have picked more winners than losers in the 2008 NHL Playoffs.

Rather than just arbitrarily picking a champion, I have decided to compare the Eastern and Western Conference Champions to determine "who will really win" ... ultimately in my opinion anyway. These criteria will be: Leadership, Offense, Defense, and Goaltending.

Criteria 1: Leadership
It's time for Sidney Crosby to shine ... He is the real deal. I don't care how experienced Nicolas Lindstrom is ... This is Sid's time (not to mention his young gun supporting cast). Advantage - Pittsburgh.



Criteria 2: Offense
Three words: Crosby, Malkin, and Hossa. Need I say more? Advantage - Pittsburgh.




Criteria 3: Defense
It's hard to pick against a guy that has won the Norris Trophy, or been nominated for it more times than anyone can count. I am going to have to go with the Red Wings on this one with Nick Lindstrom at the defensive helm. Advantage - Detroit.


Criteria 4: Goaltending
It's tough to pick a young goaltender against an experienced winner like Chris Osgood. With last night's game 6 clincher, Osgood became the all-time leading Red Wing winner of playoff games. He also leads all playoff goaltenders in goals against average heading into the finals. It's also hard to pick against a team that has Dominik Hasek as it's backup. Advantage - Detroit.

Tie-Breaker: Fate
I knew in 2005 that the Pittsburgh Penguins would win the Stanley Cup with Sidney Crosby ... I was just a little early. Pittsburgh in 6.




Let me know what you think!

(For the record, my playoff picks record is 9-5)