Predictions?
In all honesty, Pittsburgh has a very good chance. NOT because they are a better team, mind you. Here's my 3 reasons why they have a good shot:
1. They are HOT. Especially only giving up one PK Goal in the Carolina series. That says a lot. Malkin is on fire, Sid is playing well, Billy Guerin (the best signing the Pens have had in YEARS) is leading the team with veteran presence, and Fleury is turning into the goalie you all thought he would be.
2. Detroit is hurt. No Nick Lidstrom, no Pavel Datsyuk, Jon Ericsson, and Kris Draper.
3. Detroit is tired. The series starts Friday, and the Wings only dressed six defensemen for the closeout game vs. the Blackhawks. 4 of those six played over 24 minutes, and Chris Chelios, who only dressed due to injury, played 12 minutes on his 47 year-old legs.
The Pens have to go to Hockeytown, and if they can take at least one game in Detroit, they have a really, really good shot.
That said, you are playing the defending Stanley Cup champs, and one of the most storied franchises in all of hockey. They have home ice advantage, and the hottest goalie, bar none, in the playoffs. They win when they are beat up, tired, and low on players. There's just something magic about the Wings that no other franchise can top. Maybe they don't have Malkin or Crosby, but they don't need 'em to hoist the Cup, as evidenced last season.
My prediction?
In six games....
Back to back, baby.
