This is the final installment of Bryan and I co-authoring the Stanley Cup playoffs. We will give different arguments as to who will win the Stanley Cup. He will give his argument of why the Vancouver Canucks will win the Stanley Cup for the first time, and for them to win the Stanley Cup for Canada for the first time since 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens won their 24th title. I will be giving my argument as to why the Boston Bruins will win the Cup for the first time since 1972. Hope you all enjoy it! Also, my apologies for the delay, Bryan just got his in this afternoon, and I was away from my computer for most of the day.
PJ's prediction
Boston has been going through the playoffs in one of two modes, go seven games or sweep the other teams. Currently, they're down 1-0, will that trend continue here in the Stanley Cup Final? My guess is no, as Tim Thomas is probably the Vezina trophy winner and he's going to steal a game in Vancouver to even out the series and help Boston win their sixth Stanley Cup. He will need help from the Bruins pathetic power play though. The Bruins through game one of the Stanley Cup Final are now 5-67 in power play opportunities. Granted, they excel in killing off their opponents power play, killing off 56 of a possible 69, so they're doing well on that front. Plus, Boston will need their big defenseman Zdeno Chara to step up big time to help control the Sedin twins and Ryan Kessler's scoring line, as those are three of the top 10 players in the NHL right now. Finally, it'll be great if the Bruins find a way to get Tyler Seguin to keep up and play hard and be effective throughout the rest of this Stanley Cup Final. If they can do all that, they can bring Boston to a hockey town for at least a day, which would make this guy very happy. However, it will be one hard fought low scoring series, and I'm hoping the B's can pull it off.
Pick: Boston in 7.
Bryan's Prediction
The Vancouver Cnucks are the Western Conference Champions. Returning to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994. Where stars like Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden, and goaltender Kirk McLean were the teams stars. Now they are led by the Sendin teins, Ryan Kessler, and goaltender Roberto Luongo.
This Series will be a hard fought battle with the Boston Bruins. Given that the Canucks have had a full week off to recover from injures. Getting Ryan Kessler back to almost 100% and also getting the addition of Manny Maholtra back from the IR since January from getting hit in the eye with a puck is a big plus.
Keys to this series:
The Canucks have to be stellar on the power play. They have the best power play in the playoffs and have to utilize it. They need to have a great penalty kill as well. The Bruins have been horrible on the power play in the playoffs and if the Canucks can kill off penalties they will keep Boston from building any momentum. The Bruins are the best 5 on 5 team in the playoffs so Vancouver has to take advantage of any odd man breaks as they have, as they will not come often.
I see this being like another Pittsburgh vs. Detriot series 2 years ago. The Vancouver Canucks have the best team on paper. And the Boston Bruins have the best defense in the playoffs and maybe even the league. It will come down to which goaltender shows up and gets some help. Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas are both playing very well. Ryan Kessler has to be the player he was the last two series for the Canucks to win this thing. Also help from the Sendin Twins will help a lot since they have been vert qiute this post season.
Prediction:
I see the Canucks winning in 7 giving the Vancouver Canucks their 1st Stanley Cup Chamiionship and Canada's 1st Stanley Cup in 18 years since the Montreal Canadians won in 1993 over the Los Angelses Kings. Giving Canada even more to cheer about along with the Return of a Winnapeg Franchise.
P.S. Thanks to Pete for letting me write this post season. And hope you enjoy reading this.
