The Show.

It's that time of year again, and we're down to the final four teams in the NHL. In the West we have the #1 seed San Jose Sharks up against the #2 seed Chicago Blackhawks, while in the East it's the #7 Philadelphia Flyers against the #8 Montreal Canadiens.

WEST MATCHUP: Sharks vs. Blackhawks

This is going to be a really offensive series. Both teams have some really big guns on offense, but it should be interesting because both squads have good goalies as well. The Blackhawks have been challenged more to this point and I think they're better off for it. They're also getting big time production from their big time players: Toews, Kane, Sharp and Hossa have combined for 59 points in 12 games. The Sharks are getting production as well, but I think Chicago has more weapons. I give the edge to Chicago because of their weapons offensively, and I think they have a slight advantage in between the pipes as well.
PREDICTION: Blackhawks in 6













EAST MATCHUP: Flyers vs. Canadiens

No one would have guessed that a 7 and 8 seed would be playing for a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, yet here they are, and deservedly so. The Canadiens took down the #1 overall seed in the first round and the defending champs last round in 7 games. They're getting a ton of production up front - Mike Camalleri is scoring at will as he has 12 goals and 18 points in 14 playoff games. The Canadiens have 4 players with over 10 points, and Jaroslav Halak continues to dominate. Through 14 games he has a 2.42 GAA and a .933 SV%. However, in a series against Montreal it counts a lot to have home ice advantage. The Flyers will benefit from the extra home game. Defensively the Flyers have played very strongly. They lead the playoffs with the least goals against average while also scoring over 3 goals a game. Their offense is surging, and getting Simon Gagne back in the line-up proved to be the difference in their series against Boston. If the Flyers keep playing this dynamic, all-around game I think they'll come through and make it to the Finals.

PREDICTION: Flyers in 7












Stay tuned - Finals predictions are soon to come!