The 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have now gone through 2 exciting rounds. After the 2nd round, we are now left with 4 teams remaining, competing for a chance to fight for the Stanley Cup. The Eastern Conference Finals will be played exclusively between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes. The Western Conference Division Finals has the #2 ranked Detroit Red Wings playing against a young Chicago Blackhawks team. The 2009 3nd Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs should be filled with some great matchups and some exciting hockey. I will offer my 2009 Conference Finals round Playoff predictions below, and I will also add my Stanley Cup Finals predictions as well, and we’ll see how well my predictions fare. Stay tuned to updates for the NHL Playoffs as well as NHL draft news by subscribing to the Ultimate Hockey Warrior:

Western Conference Final NHL Playoff 3nd Round MatchUps

2. Detroit Red Wings (defeated Ducks 4-3)
4. Chicago Blackhawks (defeated Canucks 4-2)

The Red Wings are coming off a hard-fought matchup with the Anaheim Ducks. They are getting a lot of scoring from Franzen as well as their character players.  The Hawks took down two Canadian teams, the Canucks and Flames.  The Hawks are getting scoring from all 4 lines and are being backstopped by Khabibulin, one of the best goalies in the NHL. The Red Wings are well-coached and experienced and have the edge in the series over a very young Blackhawks team.

I see this game going 6 games. The Detroit Red Wings will win the 2008 NHL Playoff Western Conference Final 4-2

Eastern Conference Final NHL Playoff 3nd Round MatchUps

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (defeated Capitals 4-3)
6. Carolina Hurricanes (defeated Bruins 4-3)

The Penguins and the Hurricanes both had long, hard-fought series. The Penguins matched up against a tough Capitals team last round before they blew out the Caps in game 7. The Hurricanes beat the #1 seed Bruins with a brand of tough hockey and timely scoring. The Hurricanes are not making any mistakes when they find themselves with a good scoring chance. These two teams will match up well against each other in terms of speed and physical play. Crosby and Malkin put the Penguins overtop and will lead the Penguins to victory. The Penguins will win in 6 games.

Stay tuned to updates for the NHL Playoffs as well as NHL draft news by subscribing to the Ultimate Hockey Warrior.

The 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have made it through the 1st round with some surprise upsets and some sound beatings, including the reigning Stanley Cup champs, the Detroit Red Wings manhandling the Blue Jackets in the 1st round. The 2009 2nd Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs should be filled with some great matchups and some exciting hockey.  My picks went 5-3 in the 1st round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.  I offer my 2009 2nd round Playoff predictions below, and my 3rd round predictions and Stanley Cup Final predictions as well will follow, so we’ll see how well my predictions fare. Stay tuned to updates for the NHL Playoffs as well as NHL draft news by subscribing to the Ultimate Hockey Warrior:

Western Conference 2009 NHL Playoff 2nd Round MatchUps

2. Detroit Red Wings (defeated Columbus 4-0)
6. Anaheim Ducks (defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-2)

A series with some history. Expect a very tight series with two experienced and playoff tested teams.  Older defensive stalwarts will be highlighted in this series, with Pronger and Niedermayer for the Ducks and Lidstrom for the Wings.  Both teams have the capacity to score big, with Getzlap, Perry, Selanne and Ryan for the Ducks, and Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Hossa and Franzen for the Wings.  In the end the Red Wings depth offensively and defensively wins out. Detroit wins the playoffs series 4-3

3. Vancouver Canucks (defeated the Blues 4-0)
4. Chicago Blackhawks (defeated the Flames 4-2)

The Canucks easily beat the Blues behind outstanding goaltending from Roberto Luongo and timely scoring from a number of players.  The Hawks beat a good Flames team in 6 games and despite their young team age, they have some veterans that offer solid leadership and playoff experience.  The question in this series will be goaltending.  Will Lungo be as good as he was in the 1st round, and can Khabibulin carry his team to the next round.  Both teams have big, strong and mobile defenseman and good speed up front.  This one could definitely go the full 7 games.  Chicago wins the playoffs series 4-3

Eastern Conference 2009 NHL Playoff 2nd Round MatchUps

1. Boston Bruins (beat Montreal 4-0)
6. Carolina Hurricanes (beat Devils 4-3)

The Boston Bruins are flying.  They ruined the Canadians 100 year anniversary without even blinking.  This team is as solid as they come with 4 solid lines, outstanding defense, and a world-class goalie with Tim Thomas.  The Hurricanes are a solid team, though not nearly as talented or deep as the Bruins.  They are clutch though and know how to turn it on in important situations.  The Canes wont quite have enough this time around. Bruins wins the playoffs series 4-2

2. Washington Capitals (defeated the Rangers 4-3)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins (defeated the Flyers 4-2)

The Washington Capitals took 7 games to beat the Rangers in a tough grinding series.  The Rangers did a good job of containing Mike Green and Alexander Ovechkin and at times were able to take advantage of a rookie goaltender.  The Capitals are fast and gritty and have the best hockey player on their side.  The Penguins are loaded up front as well with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.  This series should feature some high scoring and physical games.  The difference maker will be the goaltender . . . and in this case, Pittsburgh has Marc-Andre Fleury who will end up winning this series for the Penguins.   Pittsburgh wins the playoffs series 4-3

Check out the complete 2nd round Playoff Schedule

Stay tuned to updates for the NHL Playoffs as well as NHL draft news by subscribing to the Ultimate Hockey Warrior.

Western Conference NHL Playoff First Round MatchUps

1. San Jose Sharks (53-18-11)
8. Anaheim Ducks (42-30-10)

This matchup will be a great one. These teams know each other well and match up very evenly. I can easily see this one going 7. San Jose wins the playoffs series 4-3

2. Detroit Red Wings (51-20-10)
7. Columbus Blue Jackets (41-31-10)

The Detroit Red Wings are still one of the most dominant teams in the NHL. They are consistent and strong and they have not lost any pieces from their Stanley Cup team from a year ago. If the Jackets stand a chance, it will be up to rookie goalie Steve Mason to carry the team to victory. Detroit wins the playoffs series 4-1

3. Vancouver Canucks (45-27-10)
6. St. Louis Blues (41-31-10)

The Vancouver Canucks have a solid all-around lineup anchored by goalie Roberto Luongo. The St. Louis Blues caught fire the second half of the season to make the playoffs. This should be a very even matchup overall. St. Louis wins the playoffs series 4-3

4. Chicago Blackhawks (45-24-12)
5. Calgary Flames (46-30-6)

Youth goes up against experience in this great first round playoff matchup. The Chicago Blackhawks have been solid all year long with a good mix of offense and a strong defense anchored by a set of young defensemen. The Calgary Flames have a number of guys injured and faded a little towards the end, but they do have a lot of offensive weapons and a great goalie in Mikka Kiprusoff. Chicago wins the playoffs series 4-2

Eastern Conference Hockey Playoff First Round MatchUps

1. Boston Bruins (52-19-10)
8. Montreal Canadians(41-30-11)

The Montreal Canadiens barely made it into the playoffs after playing a great first half of the season and a horrible second half. The Boston Bruins have led the Eastern Conference all-year long and are a very balanced team. Can Montreal get their swagger back or are they in for a beating? Boston wins the playoffs series 4-1

2. Washington Capitals (50-24-8)
7. New York Rangers (42-30-9)

The Washington Capitals are a scoring machine, with Ovechkin, Semin and Mike Green leading the way. Their only real weak spot is in net, but they should be able to light up Lundqvist. The Rangers have a good defense, strong goaltending and no offensive firepower. They need Lundqvist to stand on his head. Washington wins the playoffs series 4-2

3. New Jersey Devils (51-27-4)
6. Carolina Hurricanes (45-30-7)

This is going to be a great first round NHL playoff series. Both teams have outstanding goaltending, high scoring players and strong defenders. I see this one going 7. Carolina wins the playoffs series 4-3

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (45-28-9)
5. Philadelphia Flyers (44-26-11)

The battle of Pennsylvania continues in this even matchup. Lots of stars on both sides, including Malkin, Crosby, Carter and Richards to name a few. Both teams are strong in both ends and have reliable goaltending. Flyers wins the playoffs series 4-2

Stay tuned to updates and predictions for the 2009 NHL Playoffs as well as NHL draft news by subscribing to the Cool Hockey Blog and also check out my 2008 Stanley Cup Playoff 2nd Round Predictions when they come out and feel free to comment below with your picks.

Photo:  Wikipedia

Update:  View my First Round NHL Playoff Predictions!

With less than 5 games left in the NHL’s regular season, it is time to look at who has the best chance of making the playoffs and my predicted order with matchups. I will be basing my 2009 NHL playoff team predictions on record and remaining schedule, including number of games and level of competition. Feel free to leave your NHL playoff team predictions in the comment below and we can see who comes closer as the regular season nears its completion.

In the Eastern Conference, my predictions on playoff teams and seeding are below:

1. Boston Bruins
2. Washington Capitals
3. New Jersey Devils
4. Philadelphia Flyers
5. Carolina Hurricanes
6. Pittsburgh Penguins
7. New York Rangers
8. Montreal Canadians
9. Florida Panthers

The Wastern Conference is a little trickier, with a lot of teams fighting for playoff spots and my predictions on playoff teams and seeding are below:

1. San Jose Sharks
2. Detroit Red Wings
3. Calgary Flames
4. Chicago Blackhawks
5. Vancouver Canucks
6. Columbus Blue Jackets
7. Anaheim Ducks
8. St. Louis Blues
9. Nashville Predators

These are my 2009 NHL Playoff Team Predictions, which I will update once teams have clinched or been eliminated. Feel free to give me your playoff predictions in the comments section.

The Detroit Red Wings win the 2008 Stanley Cup with a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Zetterberg made the score 3-1 in the third period and the Red Wings shut down the Penguins in the third period. Gonchar scored to made it 3-2 with 1:27 left, but the Red Wings were able to hold on for the Cup win.

The Red Wings dominated most of the game once again, going up 2-0 on goals from Rafalski and Filpula. Malkin scored his 1st of the finals to make it 2-1. The Penguins were on the heals for most of the game, especially in the 3rd period. The Penguins only had one shot on goal in the third period until the Gonchar goal. The end of the game was incredible with the Penguins coming inches away from tying the game. The shot caught part of Osgood and part of the post but stayed out of the net.

The Red Wings deserved to win the series, but the Penguins gave it their all. Congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings on winning the 2008 Stanley Cup.

Buy jerseys and apparel for the Stanley Cup winning Detroit Red Wings

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Now the Penguins will be playing on home ice with the chance to send the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals to a 7th game.  At this point I feel it is safe to say the Penguins aren’t as strong as a team as the Red Wings, but the Penguins have the better goaltender.  Can the Penguins get enough offense to squeak by, or did the Penguins piss of the Red Wings who are now ready to seal the fate of the young Penguins.  Game 6 of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals is tomorrow night in Pittsburgh, with the Red Wings offered their 2nd chance to win the Stanley Cup.  Stay tuned for the battle.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins – A dominant team out of the Eastern Conference played well all year long with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading the way. They picked up some major scoring punch in Marion Hossa at the trade deadline, and Hossa has played incredible on a line with Crosby. Marc-Andre Fleury was untested heading into the playoffs and a lot of people doubted his ability to come through in the playoffs, but he has been stellar so far with 3 shutout and only 2 losses in the playoffs.

1. Detroit Red Wings – The Red Wings are led by a great group of players. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are machines and can score from anywhere on the ice in any situation. The Wings have a deep forward lineup that boasts a lot of skill and speed. Their defense is led by Lidstrom, but he is backed up by a solid core of veterans and young guys who know what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. Chris Osgood has been outstanding in the nets since he replaced Hasek in the 1st round.

My Stanley Cup Finals Predictions has the Detroit Red Wings beating the Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games. I think this will be a great series, but as Gretzky has said in the past, you need to know what it feels like to lose before you can win. I think the Wings experience will beat the Penguins energy in this series.

Here is the schedule for the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals:

Saturday, May 24 8 p.m. Pittsburgh at Detroit
Monday, May 26 8 p.m. Pittsburgh at Detroit
Wednesday, May 28 8 p.m. Detroit at Pittsburgh
Saturday, May 31 8 p.m. Detroit at Pittsburgh
Monday, June 2 * 8 p.m. Pittsburgh at Detroit
Wednesday, June 4 * 8 p.m. Detroit at Pittsburgh
Saturday, June 7 * 8 p.m. Pittsburgh at Detroit

Western Conference Final NHL Playoff 3nd Round MatchUps

1. Detroit Red Wings (defeated Avalanche 4-0)
5. Dallas Stars (defeated Sharks 4-2)

The Red Wings are coming off a true beating of the Colorado Avalanche. They are getting scoring from their big guys, as well as from guys who didnt put up a ton of goals in the regular season. Johan Franzen score 9 goals in the 2nd round alone vs. the Avs. The Stars up set the Ducks in the 1st round, and took out a talented Sharks team in the 2nd round. The Stars are getting scoring from all 4 lines and are being backstopped by one Marty Turco, one of the best goalies in the NHL. The Red Wings are too fast and too good for the Stars and their defense.

I see this game going 6 games. The Detroit Red Wings will win the 2008 NHL Playoff Western Conference Final 4-2

Eastern Conference Final NHL Playoff 3nd Round MatchUps

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (defeated Rangers 4-1)
6. Philadelphia Flyers (defeated Canadiens 4-1)

The Penguins made their series over the Rangers look easy. The Penguins have only lost 1 game in the 2008 NHL Playoffs with Malkin and Crosby leading the way. The Flyers dismantled the #1 seed with a brand of tough hockey and timely scoring. The Flyers are not making any mistakes when they find themselves with a good scoring chance. These two teams will match up well against each other in terms of speed and physical play. Crosby and Malkin put the Penguins overtop and will lead the Penguins to victory. The Penguins will win in 6 games.

Stay tuned to updates for the NHL Playoffs as well as NHL draft news by subscribing to the Ultimate Hockey Warrior.

Western Conference NHL Playoff 2nd Round MatchUps

1. Detroit Red Wings (defeated Nashville 4-2)
6. Colorado Avalanche (defeated the Minnesota Wild)

A series with 2 very old rivals and one of the main catalysts of the rivalry remains, Kris Draper. If you remember back many years ago when the Avs’ Claude Lemieux hit Draper from behind into the top of the boards face first wrecking Draper’s face and sparking a rivalry that continues to this day. Expect a very tight series, and depending on how Theodore plays, it could be a very low scoring series. In the end the Red Wings depth offensively and defensively wins out. Detroit wins the playoffs series 4-2

2. San Jose Sharks (defeated the Flames 4-3)
5. Dallas Stars (defeated the Ducks 4-2)

The San Jose Sharks were supposed to be the most dangerous team in the NHL coming in to the playoffs. San Jose played uninspired hockey against the Flames and barely escaped with the win in 7 games. The Stars slumped towards the end of the season, but started the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a bang, destroying the Ducks in 6 games. A couple of keys to this series. Can the Sharks show a spark and use their speed and skill to their advantage? Can the Stars keep getting timely goals from unexpected players? I think this series will go the full 7 games with the Stars coming out on top behind the strength of Marty Turco. Dallas wins the playoffs series 4-3

Eastern Conference NHL Playoff 2nd Round MatchUps

1. Montreal Canadiens (beat Bruins in 7 games)
6. Philidelphia Flyers (beat Capitals in 7 games)

The Canadiens started strong against Boston going 3-1 in the first 4 games. They allowed Boston to win 2 in a row before blowing out the Bruins in Game 7. The Flyers had a tough series against the Capitals after giving up a 3-1 lead, but won the 1st round playoff series in 7 games. I think the Flyers will outmuscle and outlast the Canadiens. Flyers wins the playoffs series 4-2

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (swept Ottawa 4-0)
5. New York Rangers (defeated the Devils 4-1)

Pittsburgh sure made it look easy against the Senators. They only allowed 5 goals in 4 games and scored at will against the Senators. The Rangers dismantled the New Jersey Devils and won easily in 5 games behind strong goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist and a balanced scoring attack from youngsters and veterans. Everyone wanted to see the matchup of Sidney Crosby vs Alexander Ovechkin, especially in a playoff setting. In the end, the Flyers beat the Capitals so we end up with the Rangers against the Penguins. The Penguins are too good of a team and too deep for the Rangers. Pittsburgh wins the playoffs series 4-3

Check out the complete 2nd round Playoff Schedule

Stay tuned to updates for the NHL Playoffs as well as NHL draft news by subscribing to the Ultimate Hockey Warrior.

The Senators started off the NHL season as the best team in the league.  They sat on top of the Eastern Conference standings up until the All Star Break and then their free fall started and the team barely even made the playoffs, finishing in the 7th spot.  During this time, the Senators fired their coach, ridiculed their goalie and blamed team chemistry and injuries.  The bottom line is that the Senators have no heart and didn’t deserve to win a single game.  Hope you guys have fun golfing, because it is going to be a long off-season.