NHL Conference Finals Predictions

So we're down to the final four teams in the 2007 NHL playoffs.

There's no Cinderella story here. All four survivors: the Sabres, the Senators, the Red Wings, and the Ducks, had high expectations coming into the season.

Look for the Conference Finals to be long and grueling. With the teams so evenly matched, the games should be very interesting to watch. Here's how I see things playing out: 

Eastern Conference: Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottawa Senators

When the dust settles here, I expect the Senators to be heading to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history.

That said, the Sens are going to have to fight to get there.

Ottawa has found an extra gear in the postseason, and they're a grittier, harder-hitting team than the Sabres...with skill to boot. The key for the Sens will be Ray Emery's play in net. Once again, he's matched against a more experienced goaltender. But he did beat Martin Brodeur, and I think he's got what it takes to get the job done against Buffalo's Ryan Miller.

Prediction: Ottawa in 7

 

 

Western Conference: Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks

 

The biggest difference between these two teams is the Wings' bigger, more physical forwards. At the same time, the Ducks have a deeper defense, with two former Norris Trophy winners.

The outcome here will hinge on four players. For the Ducks, defensemen Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermeyer must continue to create offense for their team off the rush and on the power play. For the Red Wings, Nicklas Lidstrom and Dominik Hasek must both play up to their abilities.

I have no doubt that Lidstrom will continue to produce. However, I think the increased shot load this series will be more than Hasek can bear, and I expect to see him falter at some point.

Prediction: Ducks in 6

That's all I've got for now. Reply here with your own predictions, and we'll see who winds up on top in the end.