Once again, I predicted the No. 1 team to move on in the playoffs and once again they have failed me.
I correctly predicted Detroit, Pittsburgh and Chicago to move on to the conference finals and than there is Boston.
Much like San Jose, I figured the No. 1 seed would have no problem getting rid of a lower seed. Boston played Carolina.
Lucky bounce for the Canes? Maybe. I do have to give them credit. They took Boston to a Game 7. And won. In overtime.
No one gets to the conference finals by luck. Not even Carolina.

Enough about the past. We now have four teams left.

Detroit vs. Chicago:
This is the winter classic all over again. The Wings beat the Hawks 6-4 in that game. Chicago has the youth and Detroit has the years. Both teams have very talented lines, providing offense when needed. I'm not sure if the Hawks can withstand the Wings. I would like to see Detroit sent packing but I'm not sure the Hawks are ready for this. Do the Hawks have enough fuel in the tank? They haven't gone this far in the playoffs in a long time whereas this long of a post-season is normal for Detroit. The Wings know the drill and know how to survive. This series is proving to be an internal battle for me on who I want to win vs. who I think might win.
prediction: Wings in six

Pittsburgh vs. Carolina
Pittsburgh has Crosby and Crosby has 12 goals in the playoffs this season. Pittsburgh has Malkin and Malkin has found his stride. Hopefully he doesn't fall of the face of the planet like his did at the end of last year's stretch.
Carolina has Cam Ward and he has an impressive track record. Carolina has taken both of their past series to Game 7 and won. They have found a way to win. When it all boils down, the Canes found a way to win and that can be dangerous.
Eric and Jordan Staal will face each other for the first time in the post season. Jordan met Marc last year. Both brothers are centers and good at what they do.
prediction: Pittsburgh in six

Yes. I did predict that we would have a repeat of last year's Finals. I think both Detroit and Pittsburgh can make it through if they keep things going.