It's now down to three series in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The final four sees three of the Original 6 teams, and one from the first expansion dozen.
I was wrong in the second round with the Rangers and Kings. But, when it's down to four, the margins between teams is even more thin.
The Western Confernce final pits the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks against the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings come into the conference showdown having won back-to-back Game 7 thrillers. Goalie Jonathan Quick is displaying the form he did when the Kings hoisted the Cup two years ago. The Kings have their offence in gear, led by the exciting Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik.
The Hawks might have one of the best on-ice leaders in the NHL in Jonathan Toews and the dynamic offence of Patrick Kane. But, if there is any chink in the champion's armour, it could be in a bit of over-confidence. It allowed the Minnesota Wild to take the second round series to six games. And don't forget the St. Louis Blues gave them a scare in the opener.
Los Angeles has shown great poise when facing elimination, and won both Game 7s away from home. Make it three this series. I think the Kings win in seven.
The Eastern Conference final pits the New York Rangers against the Montreal Canadiens. Unlike the previous series for the Habs, the playoff history between these two teams isn't nearly at the same rivalry intensity.
Montreal goalie Carey Price is showing why he was the choice to lead the Olympic gold-winning team. He is cool under pressure, and comes up big when it matters. At the other end is his opponent in the gold-medal game, Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. The Rangers came back against the Penguins, when it looked as if they were done. The inspired play around Martin St. Louis was clear in their victory.
Many probably counted the Canadiens out after either the second-game third period collapse, or the 1-0 overtime loss in Montreal in Game 4. This is going to be a another classic series, but I think Montreal will prevail to go to the final in six.
Let the final four get underway.
