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(9 goals, 4 assists) has been the only primary scorer.
Tuomo Ruutu has largely been a disappointment for them. He scored 26 goals with 28 assists in the season. However, he has just 1 goal and 3 assists the entire playoffs. Since they aren't an offensive team, they need all their scorers to score.
Outcome
When I first thought who would win, I immediately thought Pens for obvious reasons. I looked at the teams and their players and guess who I think know: PITTSBURGH. Carolina's run is over now that they run into a scoring machine (Penguins, not Crosby) with a hot goaltender. I just don't think Carolina can win in a shooting match with Pittsburgh and that's what they'll have to do.
Prediction- Penguins win in five games
Western Conference Finals
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are built on a nucleus of Patrick Kane and Jonathon Toews. Neither has disappointed so far in the playoffs. Kane has 8 goals and 4 assists while Toews has 4 goals and 6 assists. Not Crosby-like, but still very good especially for young 20-year-old inexperienced in the playoffs.
Martin Havlat has also produced after a good season with 5 goals and 8 assists. Defenseman Brian Campbell has produced as well with 2 goals and 7 assists. Blackhawks have made it this far because no one has choked, so to speak. What I mean is everyone is producing like they did in the regular season. Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has been slightly above his usual performance with his 2.33 GAA. Now I am starting to understand the theme of the playoffs: good goaltending= success.
Detroit Red Wings
The blueprint for the Red Wings has been to stack their farm system and have the players step up their performance. They are the Pittsburgh Steelers of hockey. Good example: Johan Franzen.
His goals have risen over the last three years despite his playing time: 10, 27, 34. Now he is leading the Wings in goals, assists, amend points in the playoffs.
Henrik Zetterberg has 7 goals and 9 assists. Nicklas Lidstrom has 3 goals, 8 assists. Their "suspect" goalie Chris Osgood has a 2.06 GAA and has allowed two goals or less in nine games. I'm thinking Red Wings offense can handle that.
Outcome
No way can I not predict the machine that is the Detroit Red Wings. They are the example which every hockey team is looking to follow. Salary cap or no salary cap they have been a dominant force. They have mastered the salary cap and they pick players who not only perform but play brilliantly in the playoffs.
Prediction- Red Wings win in six games
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