Penguins / Canes Predictions

ESPN.com...

This one is going to be a ton of fun to watch; but, in the end, the Canes don't have an adequate answer for Crosby and Malkin. As long as Fleury doesn't completely lose his mind, the Pens should be able to dictate how things go in this one. Penguins in six. [Burnside]

So, in the end, I think it does come down to Crosby and Malkin. If they have their A-game, the Penguins move on. If they don't, and the Hurricanes are able to neutralize them, it will be Carolina against the Red Wings in a rematch of 2002. I'll take No. 87 and No. 71. Penguins in seven for a rematch of last season's Stanley Cup finals. [Bucci]

The National Sports Review...

The Penguins do need goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been erratic, to step up his game. Carolina’s Carm Ward, who never has lost a playoff series (6-0), has outplayed Fleury in the playoffs...Another concern for the Penguins could be the health of defenseman Sergei Gonchar, who returned to the lineup in Game Seven against the Capitals after missing a two games following a knee-to-knee collision with Ovechkin....Still, we see the Penguins advancing in six games and facing the Red Wings in a rematch of last year’s Finals.

Puck Daddy...

With 12 goals and nine assists -- his 21 points lead all scorers in the playoffs -- Crosby has vanquished Mike Richards, outplayed Alex Ovechkin and is now on a mission to win his first Stanley Cup. He's elevated and modulated his game, playing gritty hockey in front of the net. Watching the Penguins, you get the sense that Crosby's not going to allow them to lose. And that takes a special player. The Hurricanes are going to have to figure out a way to neutralize him. And then after they do that, all they have to worry about is Malkin ...

... so the prediction here is Penguins in six. We've been impressed throughout the postseason with the Hurricanes, and would never count them out of this series. Not for a minute. But the Penguins' poise in the semifinals was impressive. Fleury's play, outside of a few hiccups, has been championship quality. And their depth can match that of the Hurricanes. It won't be easy, and we'll likely have a few more "Cardiac 'Canes" moments. But when it's over, the Penguins are going to play for the Stanley Cup for the second straight season.

Sportsnet.ca...

For Pittsburgh to win: Crosby has been on a mission after being left off the ballot for the Hart Trophy this season to prove he is still the best player in the NHL. So far, so good. But even when Crosby is flying, the Penguins need Malkin to contribute. He slipped a bit early in the second round and then seemed to find his second wind. He must continue to be a threat every game.

For Carolina to win: Ward already has one Conn Smythe Trophy under his belt and if the Hurricanes are to pull off an upset in this round, he'll need to give an even better performance against Pittsburgh than he did against Edmonton in the final two years ago. Also, Staal will need to try to match Crosby point for point. Series prediction: Penguins in five.

From the Rink...

The Penguins are having a bit of an interesting trip through the first three rounds of the playoffs, and really haven't yet met up with a team with a big, bruising defence. That works well for Sidney Crosby, who we've seen hunting around the goal a lot more than ever before and who got the better of Mike Green and the Caps blueline eight times in Round 2. (In his first 25 career playoff games, Crosby had nine goals; in 13 games so far this season, he's already got 12. We're seeing a more goal-hungry Sid than ever before.) Eric Staal and Cam Ward are driving the 'Canes success to a large degree, and if they keep it up, Carolina has a shot (especially if Sergei Gonchar's not at top speed) but I worry about the matchups they'll get with Crosby and Malkin on the ice and Joni Pitkanen and Joe Corvo both playing more than 25 minutes a game (as they did against Boston). Penguins in 6.

Sports Central...

I really find this series hard to predict. Pittsburgh's struggles on defense could mean trouble for them in this series, but their offense has been equally impressive. While Carolina may be viewed as an underdog in this series, we have already learned it is foolish to count them out of any series. In order for Carolina to win, they will need Cam Ward to continue his dominant form and they will need to continue their aggressive play on offense. If Cam Ward is on his game, it could be hard for Pittsburgh to win. Where Pittsburgh may prosper in this series, unlike Boston and New Jersey, is the fact that they have recent experience. The team lost in the Stanley Cup Finals last year and they desperately want to get back. Pittsburgh won't take Carolina lightly, which should make for intense series. Pick: Pittsburgh in 7.

On Frozen Pond (Miami Herald)...

Should have another good one tonight as the upset-minded Hurricanes go into Pittsburgh with little fear. Should be a terrific series. I hope they have Versus in Bloomington, Ind. I think they should, but one never knows.

Prediction time kids. Who do you like in these conference finals? As I've said a few times before, I'm going with a Detroit-Pitt rematch for the Cup. George's Picks -- West: DET in 6; East: PIT in 7

Playoff Beard.com...

Sometimes it takes a monumental loss for a club to learn what it really takes to win the Cup. The Penguins know what is at stake. For that matter, so do the Hurricanes as former Stanley Cup Champions. However I think it is the Penguins turn, and Sidney Crosby will continue to find a way to will his team to the Finals. Playoff Beard Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 6 games.

And from the Blogs....

Pittsburgh Puck Talk...

I said before the playoffs that there’s no team that the Penguins can’t beat four times in seven chances. I still feel that’s the case. I’m expecting Fleury to have a solid series. He coming off a confidence-boosting performance in game seven of the second round and has the chance to start this series on home ice. He played three games against Carolina this season and posted a 2.00 GAA and .937 SV%. Also, it doesn’t appear that Crosby and Malkin are going to slow down any time soon. All bodes well for the Pens. All the Penguins need to do is win at home. It’s easier ssaid than done, but they can get it done and possibly even steal one in Carolina. Penguins in six.

Sens Chirp...

My instinct is telling me the Pittsburgh Penguins will be too much for the Hurricanes to handle. My instinct has also been so frequently wrong in these playoffs that its tempting to go against it here but I cant. Crosby is on a mission right now and I think the Cardiac Canes will come up just short in their Cinderella run. Penguins in 7.

Duelings Couches...

But I think Carolina's streak of opponents choking has come to an end. Pittsburgh is not a choking team. They're experienced, physical, smart, and explosive. They played in the toughest division in the League, and still managed to get 99 points. If they can beat Washington, they can handle Carolina. Penguins in 6.

Canadian Wild Blog...

The Penguins have the advantage over the Canes in every category accept Carolina's cluth performers. If the Penguins can't end the series early Cam Ward won't let the Penguins win a Game 7. Pittsburgh is on a mission after the coaching change and the team to beat this year. Pittsburgh in 4.

The Ryan Coke Experience...

The key to Pittsburgh though will be Sergei Gonchar. If he’s playing, their powerplay will be able to click. If he’s too injured to play, the team will suffer with the man advantage, and make it that more difficult to win. Regardless, the Pens have too much firepower, and the Hurricanes will start to slow up as fatigue sets in the longer the round goes. My prediction: Pittsburgh in 6.

Posted in: Hurricanes,Penguins,playoffs 2009