Stanley Cup Preview

Even though I don’t really care for either team, I’m actually fairly excited for this year’s Stanley Cup matchup between the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In fact, I think this one of the most important Cup finals in years, for several reasons.

Throughout the year, Detroit had its bumps but it simply looked like a dominating force in the Western Conference. A lot of people had wrote them off after dominating in the beginning and fading down the stretch, but they’ve simply earned it.

In the East, it was difficult to figure out who was the best team in the conference for much of the year. In the end, it seemed like it was either one of two teams, Pittsburgh, or my team, the Montreal Canadiens. Boy, was I wrong about the Habs, as they looked like a different team in the post-season. Pittsburgh on the other hand, just looked far superior than any other team in the East, losing just twice in the three rounds. Because of this, I really think we have the two best teams in the league in these finals.

If the Red Wings win the cup, they won’t acheive dynasty status in the traditional sense, but they will be the NHL’s version of the San Antonio Spurs, winning several championships through a period of a decade or so.  As much as you have to respect a franchise like the Red Wings, I’ll be rooting for the Penguins myself. I really hope that someday the NHL is going to get back on track in comparison to the other major sports leagues, (despite it’s current situation) and having Crosby, Malkin, Fleury and company win the Cup would be a great start. With that being said, I’m predicting Detroit in 7.  

~ by renuzzle on May 21, 2008.