The Eastern Conference Finals are filled with storylines and questions, since as recently as Mar. 14, the precise knowledge of either Carolina or Pittsburgh being in the postseason was still in doubt, let alone either squad dreaming of making it to this point. Nevertheless, both have shown championship mettle, Carolina as the Cardiac ‘Canes and Pittsburgh overcoming severe rivalry series’. Each has to be somewhat fatigued, however, within four victories of playing for the Stanley Cup, now is not the time to give into selfish feelings.Both teams will try and Staal
Not your traditional spelling and not your traditional matchup, as Pittsburgh’s Jordan Staal with go up against his brother Eric from Carolina, which is the first time this has happened since 1974.
One replacement coach will lead team to Cup Finals
Carolina’s Paul Maurice and Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma were both coaches who came in during the season to shake up lethargy each club was suffering from. One of these gentlemen will try to the first coach since Larry Robinson in New Jersey in 2000, to arrive late and still walk off with Lord Stanley’s trophy.
Star Power vs Finding a Way
Sidney Crosby has established himself as the best player in the NHL. He has 12 goals in 13 games in the postseason and his maturity and determination has taken his game to another level. Evgeni Malkin is the perfect second fiddle to make life miserable for any opposing team and creates added pressure to all defenses. Pittsburgh is talent-laden and deep and is playing like team that has unfinished business from a season ago.
Visiting Carolina scored with a minute to go to upset New Jersey in Game 7 and lit the lamp in Boston in overtime to take that series. The Hurricanes have won six series in a row, (two-year playoff hiatus) which included Stanley Cup title in 2006. Carolina has balanced attack and could cause Penguins problems since as they proved in last two series; they have a knack for getting right at the net to score goals.
Goalies on Demand
Carolina’s Cam Ward has been the biggest story among goaltenders to the point. Ward has had to step up to various pressure situations (down 3-2 in series to Devils, going to Boston after team blew 3-1 series lead) and came thru brightly. He’s a former playoff MVP and he gives Hurricanes lots of confidence.
This places more pressure on Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh, whose play is best described as timely, rather than secure. The Penguin between the pipes has let in more than one soft or somewhat surprising goal thus far and has to match his counterpart for Pitt to move on.
Chasm is Special Teams
Pittsburgh’s power play is coming around after slow start in postseason, up to 19.7 percent (13 for 66). Carolina has played like they preferred opponents wouldn’t take penalties, with embarrassing five goals in 48 chances (10.7 percent). The Penguins heavy artillery attack has generated 18 more chances than the Hurricanes, which suggests they can’t make many miscues and hope Pittsburgh doesn’t score.
Numbers
Pittsburgh can go on feeding frenzies and is 25-8 in home games after a blowout win by four goals or more and they are 70-31 when in the favorite role. Carolina has won 19 of last 30 contests against teams with winning records and goalie Ward is 9-3-1 against the Penguins. The teams split four games, each winning once on opposing ice, with the Canes taking last two. In the opener, Pittsburgh could have edge with 26-7 record in home games revenging a same season loss.
Outcome
There are a number of reasons to pick Carolina, but generally speaking, talent wins out over the long haul. As long as Fleury is competent in net, Pittsburgh should return to Finals.
3DW Pick- Pittsburgh (-210) in six
Series odds from DiamondSportsbook.com
The NHL season is winding down to a few precious games and now is the time to ride the teams that are making the playoff push and playing their best hockey of the season. Don’t waste time trying to pick and choose situations, go with certain NHL teams that are already giving you what you want, victories.
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