The 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Game 7s Galore

With three Game 7s upon us and a possible fourth looming I thought I'd update everyone on what's happening with the Stanley Cup Playoffs and how I've done predicting the series.

Western Conference

1. Vancouver v 8. Chicago - Tied 3-3

When Vancouver took a 3-0 lead eeveryone thought that this series was over and Roberto Luongo had shaken his playoff yips and all was good. Then the Blackhawks lit Luongo up for 10 goals in the next two games. That led to rookie goalie Cory Schneider sstaring Game 6 and playing well enough to keep the team in it before he got hurt. Luongo comes in, game goes to overtime and the Blackhawks win. Now Luongo is going to start Game 7 tonight and no one knows what Luongo they're going to see tonight, the siv from Game 4 and 5 or the stud from Games 1-3. I like Chicago's odds to pull this comeback off.

2. San Jose v 7. Los Angeles - SJ wins 4-2

It looked as if Los Angeles was going to force a Game 7 with the way Jonathan Quick played but unfortunately for him his defense and offense didn't support him enough. Joe Thornton sealed the series with his OT winner last night. One worry for the Sharks going on is their goalie was pulled twice in this series. The Sharks will face either the Chicago Blackhawks or the Detroit Red Wings next.

3. Detroit v 6. Phoenix - Detroit wins 4-0

Detroit looked like the best team in all of hockey the way they disposed of Phoenix in four games, trailing only twice in the series. The Wings played without Henrik Zetterberg for the series and Johan Franzen in Game 4 so just imagine how scary this team will be when they get somewhat healthier. The Wings will face either the San Jose Sharks or the Nashville Predators next.

4. Anaheim v 5. Nashville - Nashville wins 4-2

The Predators have finally won their first playoff series in the franchise existence and are looking to keep it going. They played a hard, physical series with the Ducks and are going to enjoy the little time off they'll have. The Preds will either face the Vancouver Canucks or the Detroit Red Wings next.

Eastern Conference

1. Washington v 8. New York Rangers - Washington wins 4-1

Washington pretty much owned the Rangers for most of this series but after the Rangers lost Game 4 in the fashion they did, you knew the series was over. And the Caps finished them off with 3-1 Game 5 win. The Caps will face either the Buffalo Sabres, the Montreal Canadiens, the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2. Philadelphia v 7. Buffalo - Tied 3-3

These two teams have come to hate each other in this series because of all the physical play. The Flyers are lucky to have captain Mike Richards available as he escaped two dirty plays suspension free. Ryan Miller has been up and down in this series but has followed a bad game with a great game. The Flyers have used 3 goalies in this series and Brian Boucher is supposed to start tonight. I like Philly tonight given the injury problems Buffalo is facing tonight, plus the Sabres are 0-4 in road Game 7s.

3. Boston v 6. Montreal - Boston leads 3-2

The series started out with the road team winning the first four games before Boston took Game 5 at home in double overtime. If Montreal wants to stick around a little longer they'll have to play better tonight at home and get some luck. The Canadiens are one great Tim Thomas save away from being up 3-2 with the chance to close out tonight at home. That said, I see this series going to a Game 7 in Boston.

4. Pittsburgh v 5. Tampa Bay - Tied 3-3

The Penguins looked to have this series wrapped up after stealing both games at Tampa Bay, but the Lightning didn't go away quietly. They responded with a 8-2 win in Pittsburgh and again last night with a 4-2 win at home to force Game 7. You have to wonder if the Lightning have figured out Marc-Andre Fluery and have rattled his confidence. Bad news for the Pens, they're 1 for 30 on the power play this series. I like the skill and talent of Tampa in Game 7 over the grit of Pittsburgh.

With 4 series complete, I'm 4-0 with nailing 2 of the 4 on the dot. So in theory I could go a perfect 8-0 in the opening round. Check back and find out.