POTG NHL Conference Finals Predictions

After a mediocre 5-3 record in the opening round, we fared even poorer in the second round with our predictions, going 2-2, missing on the Predators and Flyers.

Obviously, if you are headed to Las Vegas, you may want to consider someone with a little better track record than we have had. Irregardless, we'll take another crack at our projection for the Conference Finals.

Both series are very difficult to size up and neither offer a team that would be considered a heavy favorite.

Western Conference

(2) Phoenix Coyotes vs (8) Los Angeles Kings - This series appears to be one that will go the way of which team ends up with the hottest goalie. At this time, Jonathan Quick and Mike Smith are running neck and neck as the favorite for the Conn Smythe trophy for playoff MVP. On paper, the Kings would appear to have the advantage on the offensive side but that could be evened up by the tough defensive play of the stiff team defense of the Coyotes that stifled the Predators. Both teams should be well rested and this series is virtually impossible to predict. I've been on the Kings bandwagon, picking them in the first two rounds, but they may have finally run into this year's team of destiny. Coyotes in seven

Eastern Conference

(1) New York Rangers vs (6) New Jersey Devils - The Rangers will have little time to regroup after going sevn games with the Capitals, while the Devils should be well rested after surprising the Flyers in five. This will be a battle of high-end, experienced NHL goalies with Henrik Lundqvist, the favorite for this year's Vezina Trophy, facing Marty Brodeur, who holds many records that will hold for many years. The Rangers look stronger on paper but the Devils came together as a team in making quick work of Philadelphia. No one expected the Devils to go deep in the playoffs this year so they could be another surprise team. Devils in six

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass