Gretz Play-off predictions.... Feb 22 (dont bet on it)
First Round
( 8 ) Sabres @ ( 1 ) Thrashers
Thrash won the season series two games to zero, outscoring the Sabres 10 – 3. First game the Thrash shut out the Sabres 6 –0. The second meeting only a week ago was much closer. If the last game has any indication on how this series would play out, it will be much closer than meets the eye. Game 1135 the final game between the two clubs, the Sabres kept the Thrash to only 20 shots and stayed out of the penalty box as the Thrash where 0 for 0 on the PP. It was a 4 – 3 victory for the Thrash. If the Sabres would like to see a game five, they will need to do the same; play good defense and stay out of the box.
Prediction: Trash in four games
( 7 ) Rangers @ ( 2 ) Bruins
Bruins won the season series two games to zero. Outscoring the Rangers 9 – 5. Including a 5 – 2 last night in Boston. This would be a very interesting series as the Rangers play good defense and can score with the best. Although the Rangers would need a spectacular performance Roloson to attempt to dethrone the Champs.
Prediction: Bruins in five games
( 6 ) Hurricanes @ ( 3 ) Panthers
Panthers and Canes split the season series one game each, Canes won three to one in Florida, Panthers won six – three in Carolina. It would appear both teams enjoy playing on the road; both teams can score with the likes of Ovechkin, Nash, Satan and Richards. It could come down to Nabokov vs. Aebischer. Either way this would be a very good series.
Prediction: Canes in seven games
( 5 ) Penguins @ ( 4 ) Senators
Sens are a strong team who is going to give any team they play a hard time. This would be a very good match up for us to watch. The Pens are the most improved team this year and would like to make some noise I am sure. The Sens with the acquisition of big Joe Thornton makes them very dangerous. The Senators won the season series three games to one. It would appear TheOdore will be missing come game time and that only hurts the Pens chances, as the Sens boast a good tender of their own.
Prediction: Sens in six games
Second Round
( 6 ) Hurricanes @ ( 1 ) Thrash
Canes are in tough here; The Canes will look to their young all star goaltender Aebischer for the series of his life. Thrash at the top of almost every CPHL stat that counts, and a GM known for getting there. The two clubs split the season series with a win apiece, with both teams winning on the road. It’s hard to imagine the Thrash out in the second round, but very possible here. And predictions would be no fun to take he Thrash
Prediction: Canes in six games
( 4 ) Senators @ ( 2 ) Bruins
Now this would be awesome, two teams that could go all the way. The SIM seems to like that Bruin logo. Both teams split the season series so far one game apiece, with two more good games on tap. Both teams sport a solid offense and a very strong defense. The Bruins ended the Sens trip last year in the semi-finals, and will do it again but this time in the quarters, but it will take all seven games with an OT or two to do it. This would be an awesome series …… Ohhhhh I cant wait!
Prediction: Bruins in six games
Gretzky Finals
( 6 ) Hurricanes @ ( 2 ) Bruins
So we have the Canes going through the Panthers, Thrashers and now Bruins. Wow! whom ever does get to the gretz finals, hats off to you, you had to go through some very tough teams. The Bruins can’t go to the finals four years in a row ….can they? No way the Canes will chop them down. Oh ya the season series between the Canes and bruins is tied at two games apiece, with the Bruins outscoring the Canes 15 – 14.
Prediction to represent the Gretz Conferense: Canes
Stanley Cup?
Hurricanes Vs. Oilers (of course)
Well there you have it ……. Predictions from a rink rat
Anyway you slice it…….. it’s going to be a great battle, and good luck to all the Gretz teams. You are going to need it…… that’s one tough conference.
|