It’s my Parting Shot for The Fearless Predictor to preview Round 2 of the N-H-L’s Stanley Cup Playoffs…..
But, before I do that, the W-H-L’s Western Conference final wrapped up last night with the Prince George Cougars out-scoring the Portland Winterhawks 19-18 in six games. Yet, Portland won the series four games to two – meaning final score margin means very little. Who wins and loses is where it’s at, especially in the playoffs!
With that said, The Fearless Predictor picked five out of eight first round series winners correctly as teams with home-ice advantage won seven of the sets with only Winnipeg losing out to Colorado – just as I figured!
I realize that two of the four Conference semi-final series are underway – that holds no sway for me just one game into both as my Stanley Cup final prediction of the Rangers beating Edmonton is still in play! So…
I have the Rangers knocking out Carolina in seven games in their Eastern set. There will be road teams winning in the series, but the Broadway Blueshirts will prevail on home ice when they need to!
The other Eastern semi is Boston and Florida and last night’s 5-1 result for the Bruins just means Boston was riding high from ousting Toronto on Saturday while the Panthers had been off for a while. I think Florida comes clawing back to win in seven games!
In the West, Dallas is coming off a Game 7 high of eliminating defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas on Sunday. The Stars look good and will carry on to beat Colorado in five games!
That leaves the match-up of two Canadian-based franchises – the last two, unfortunately, remaining in the N-H-L post-season – to the great glee of Commissioner Gary Bettman! As much as my heart wants Vancouver to beat Edmonton, the Oilers have been the best and most consistent team in the N-H-L since late November! Hence, I’m going with Edmonton in six games!
I’m sticking with Rangers over Oilers in the Cup final – so long as they get there!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!…..