April 16th, 2010 (2)

With my first round predictions done and up, that leaves the next rounds to, well predict. Here I go:

2nd Round:
Pittsburgh (4) over Washington (1) in 7
New Jersey (2) over Buffalo (3) in 5

San Jose (1) over Los Angeles (6) in 5
Chicago (2) over Detroit (5) in 6

Another classic between Washington and Pittsburgh, and Sidney Crosby again proves is amazingness. He has proved over and over again that he leads team victory. It's a thriller no doubt, again and will be awesome just like last year. New Jersery handles Buffalo because Martin Brodeur realizes the goalie he is. He somehow out duels Ryan Miller. Zach Parise will be the player he is destined to be, like he is in an American sweater. In the West, San Jose gets by LA in 5, but all games are scarily close. Chicago's skill is just too great over Jimmy Howard and the aging Red Wings.

3rd Round:
New Jersey (2) over Pittsburgh (4) in 6
San Jose (1) over Chicago (2) in 7

Everyone on New Jersey elevates their game, and everything good must come to an end. As unreal as it would be to see the Penguins make the Cup finals 3 years in a row, it just won't happen. Parise and Brodeur continue to lead the way, with a wonderful supporting cast to help along the way. As great as Chicago is, I think San Jose will get past narrowly because they have the best first line going and are well coached, plus the have home advantage.

The Stanley Cup Finals:
New Jersey (2) over San Jose (1) in 6

I'm scared about this pick, but I'm taking the New Jersey Devils for the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions. They have one of the greatest goaltenders of all-time, and despite his shaky play of late, he is going to realize that he is playing for the Stanley Cup. We all saw how much Zach Parise wanted that gold medal in February and he played like a champion. They have Travis Zajac, and Ilya Kovalchuk for goals, alongside Parise. Then they have David Clarkson, Jamie Langenbrunner, Brian Rolston, Jay Paldonfo, and the list goes on. They have the right roster to win the Cup. There defencemen are no wheres impressive, but you know what you are going to get night in and night out. All 6 of their defenders are consistent.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis