Monday, May 28, 2007

Stanley Cup Finals

So, the time has finally arrived when soon, PJ will have nothing to talk about on the blog. The NHL Stanley Cup finals are here and start tonight. I wanted to get my pick in early, but I am still deciding which I'm going with. I suppose I could pull an ESPN and post numerous picks all contradicting each other, but I think I'll break it down.

Offense: With apologies to the Finnish Flash (do people ever call him that anymore?), the Senators behind Alfredsson, Heatley, and Spezza, are the favored when it comes to scoring.

Defense: Pronger and Niedermayer make the defense for Anaheim very stout. Even though Ottawa's defensive corps is solid, they don't have the two work-horses.

Goaltending: As good as Emery has been, Giguere can be a game-changer. I'd have to lean toward J.S. cause he goes by his initials.

Depth: The Senators are a deeper team and that separation got larger due to some injuries for Anaheim.

Coaching: Both Carlyle and Murray are good coaches and I'm not sure that there is an advantage here.

Final Analysis: I think Ottawa will win in seven games. Normally I go with Defense and Goaltending which would be Anaheim, but I just think it's Ottawa's year.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Same pick here! The Ducks will be a contender again next year... the Sens may very well collapse. But they are the deeper, more motivated team right now, and I think that they are going to bring home the Cup!

I also called for 7, but that's more of a desperation bid right now to make hockey last a bit longer! The way the playoffs have gone so far, there should be no way for the series to last that long. But both teams are tough and desperate to win it, so perhaps we'll see a good, long series! :D

Chris said...

I know I have the advantage of having seen Game 1, but I'd have taken Anaheim anyway. Everyone listen closely: DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!

PJ said...

I agree that defense wins championship, but when the defense is close to the same (which I think it is this series - with the edge going to Anaheim slightly), I have to look at other factors and I think Ottawa is more motivated. to be honest, I'd rather Anaheim win for Teemu, but I think Ottawa will take it in the end. We'll see.

Chris said...

DE--FENCE! (stomp, stomp, stomp) DE--FENCE! (stomp, stomp, stomp)