Journal Keith Russell's Journal: NHL: The Stanley Cup Finals 3
First, a recap of the conference finals...
6 Anaheim (1) vs. 8 Edmonton (4) : (Predicted EDM in 6): All hail the timely goaltending change! J.S. Giguere rescued the Ducks from a sweep in Game 4 and held his ground in Game 5, but Edmonton has that Team Of Destiny feeling right now. I wonder, however, if they didn't wish that Anaheim didn't give them more of a challenge, because this has been a long layoff.
2 Carolina (4) vs. 4 Buffalo (3) (Predicted BUF in 7): This series was always close on the ice, but attrition became the deciding factor. An infected cut on McKee's leg turned out to be straw that broke the Sabres' back. Buffalo can hope for the future, though. Ryan Miller exceeded expectations in goal, and Daniel Briere has not only lived up to his potential for the first time, but emerged as a leader. If the Sabres add some depth at defense, they'll be a force to be reckoned with next year.
And now, for the Finals...
2 Carolina vs. 8 Edmonton
Maybe I'm just being a homer, but I can see plenty of parallels between the Oilers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both were written off for dead before the season. Both entered the playoffs as the last seed in their respective conferences, and have used that "hardest road" as a rallying cry. Both teams are trying to live up to legendary legacies. Both teams have played with "whatever it takes" fearlessness to reach the championship. Both have passionate fan bases who bleed their team's colors. The Silver Pompom looks like it has become as much a talisman to Edmonton as the Terrible Towel is to Pittsburgh. Even the chants are the same: "Here we go [Oilers|Steelers], here we go!"
That's not to say that Carolina's fans are slouches. While the Caniacs may not have the numbers in the heart of NASCAR Country, they're all the more crazy for it. And while Edmonton was scorned in pre-season picks, the Hurricanes were considered a mid-level team that would qualify for the playoffs in the 6-8 seed range, acquit themselves well in the first round, and quietly exit. Then the season started, and you couldn't tell who was the biggest breakout story: Erik Cole, Eric Staal, Martin Gerber, Cam Ward? In the New NHL, speed thrills, and nowhere was that more apparent than in Carolina. The trades for Doug Weight and Mark Recchi were big, as Weight added even more fuel to the offense, Recchi gave them some little-guy grit, and both contributed veteran leadership and Cup-winning experience to the locker room.
The biggest question entering Game 1 is how between-series time off will affect each team. Carolina is probably happy that the NHL added a few days after needing all 7 against Buffalo. Meanwhile, Edmonton must feel like they haven't played since the 8th-grade picnic. I have a feeling Game 1 is going to be sloppy, between the Canes' fatigue and the Oilers' loss of edge. I have to think, in the long run, that Edmonton will benefit, since it's easier to get back to game-level energy after a long break than it is to maintain stamina playing every other night.
It will be long, and hard-fought, but I think Edmonton will just out-last the Hurricanes.
Prediction: Edmonton in 6.
Oilers in 6... (Score:2)
Re:Oilers in 6... (Score:2)
Melrose is trying to put a brave face on it at ESPN.com, but let's face facts. This series is down to three possibilities:
After watching Ward's One Man Highlight Reel performance last night, I think I may have to change my vote. Canes in 5, anyone?
Re:Oilers in 6... (Score:2)