Stanley Cup Playoffs: Day Seven Predictions

I'm glad to say I've recovered from a very unforgiving flu that kept me from choosing the outcomes for Day Six of the NHL playoffs.

However, off the record, I didn't get one wrong.

Chris' record after Day Six: 9-10 (with the omissions of WSH @ NYR, BOS @ MTL and CHI @ CGY on April 20).

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh (4) @ Philadelphia (5)—PIT leads 2-1

Sunday afternoon saw the Flyers jump out to an early 2-0 lead in a very physical affair. Emotions ran high as the Wachovia Center faithful gave it to Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.

It's easy to suggest the Pens didn't play their best game in the series and will be looking to take Game Four on the road to put the stranglehold on Philadelphia.

Game Four Winner: Pittsburgh

New Jersey (3) @ Carolina (6)—NJ leads 2-1

Other than New Jersey's dominance in Game One, this series has been down to the wire with the last two games needing overtime.

This is the only series in which I have yet to win a game. I'm going to go with my gut and take the Hurricanes in Game Four. Carolina will come out hungry and take this game to knot the series at two games apiece.

Game Four Winner: Carolina

Western Conference

Vancouver (3) @ St. Louis (6)—VAN leads 3-0

The Canucks can punch their ticket to the second round if they can close out the Blues on the road this evening.

Even though they led 2-0 going into Game Three, the Canucks knew they had to be better—and they were by going 3-for-5 on the man advantage. The Sedin twins have now combined for nine points in three games thus far and will be looking to continue their offensive production.

Meanwhile, the Blues have confirmed that Paul Kariya will not suit up for Game Four after practicing with the team for the past week. At the other end Canucks forward Mats Sundin will be a game-time decision.

Game Four Winner: Vancouver

Detroit (2) @ Columbus (7)—DET leads 2-0

After keeping up with the Red Wings for most of Game One, the Blue Jackets' play dropped in the second game. Even with Columbus allowing eight goals in the series there is absolutely no way the blame can rest on rookie goaltender Steve Mason.

There's no question the Jackets will be fired up to host their first playoff game ever in what looks to be a sold-out Nationwide Arena. Columbus still needs offensive production from guys like Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius if they want to get back in the series or it could be lights out.

If Detroit can continue their strong play they could very easily sweep this series.

Game Three Winner: Detroit

San Jose (1) @ Anaheim (8)—ANA leads 2-0

This is not the scenario the Sharks pictured heading into Game Three.

San Jose—who won the President's Trophy for best regular season record—lost their first two games on home ice. They need to up their work ethic if they want a shot at prevailing against Jonas Hiller and the Ducks.

The Sharks now have a tough hill to climb. They must win four out of their next five with only two on home ice.

Here's a quick fact: The Detroit Red Wings lost their first two games of the quarterfinals in 2002 after winning the President's Trophy and went on to win 16 of the next 21 games to win the Stanley Cup. There's no reason the Sharks can't do it either.

Game Three Winner: San Jose