NHL Finals Matchups Set

By: Matt "Night" Rider

Note: PPG= Power Play Goal; OT= Overtime

Game 7: Anaheim Ducks: 3, Detroit Red Wings: 4
Game 7: Carolina Hurricanes 3, Boston Bruins 2 (OT)



Conference Finals Matchups:
Western: Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Eastern: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

The NHL Finals matchups are now set after 2 very competitive Game 7s (Ducks vs. Red Wings and Hurricanes vs. Bruins). The Detriot Red Wings will take on the Chicago Blackhawks, to decide the Western Conference Finals, while the Pittsburgh Penguins will face off with the Carolina Hurricanes to determine the Eastern Conference Finals.

Detriot won a 4-3 slug fest over the Anaheim Ducks. The goal that clinched the win, came from Right Winger Dan Cleary with 3:00 to go in the 3rd period. It was back and forth all the way. Other than Cleary's clincher, the Red Wings were helped by goals from Jiri Hudler (15:43, 1st per.), Darren Helm (1:17, 2nd per.), and Mikael Samuelsson (16:23, 2nd per.). The Ducks had goal contributions from Teemu Selanne (14:50, 2nd per.), Corey Perry (PPG 17:12, 2nd per.), and Bobby Ryan (7:37, 3rd per.).

In the other Game 7 of the night, the Carolina Hurricanes knocked the wind outta the Boston faithful, beating the Bruins 3-2 in overtime. The dramatic overtime goal came from Right Winger Scott Walker with 18:46 left to go in overtime. Other Hurricane scorers in the victory included Rod Brind 'Amour (13:59, 1st per.) and former Bruin Sergei Samsonov (7:45, 2nd per.). Boston had two goals: Byron Bitz (7:42, 1st per.) and Milan Lucic (6:19, 3rd per.) in the loss.

The Blackhawks dominated the Vancouver Canucks in a 6 game series (4-2), advancing into the Western Conference Finals. They will face the always dangerous Detriot Red Wings. The Red Wings have the advantage coming into this match-up because they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions and they bring veterans to the table, that have won the Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks are young and have quick scoring abilities. Look for this matchup to be David and Galith fight, all the way to the end.

In the other Finals matchup, both teams (Penguins and Hurricanes) came off tough 7 Games series. This matchup will be won by the team with fresher legs. The Penguins have an edge in that they have Sid "The Kid" Crosby and Malkin, but Malkin has to step up if they are going to win this series. The Canes have talented players that have been and won the Stanley Cup Finals before. Anyone remember who won Lord Stanley's Cup in 2004. If you guess the Hurricanes you are right. Carolina comes into this series as the underdog but this will be a series to remember. I believe it will be back and forth all the way through. These two teams want that trophy bad, but one will advance. It's anyone's guess.

Who do you think will advance to the Stanley Cup Finals? If you want to give your 2 senses, just post a comment. Thank you for reading and look for move coverage of the road to the Stanley Cup Finals. I LOVE HOCKEY!!!!