NHL Conference Finals

The NHL conference finals are ready to get underway. Here are some previews and predictions.

Prince of Wales (Eastern Conference):
Boston (3) vs Tampa Bay (5)-
Overview: Tampa has answered all questions about their team this postseason and look like real contenders after defeating Pittsburgh in 7 and sweeping Washington. Boston was the best defensive team in the East this year, but does not have any breakout scoring threats. They vanquished their rival Montreal and benefitted from Philadelphia's annual spring goalie implosion to get to this point.
Goalies: All Star Tim Thomas is in net for the Bruins, while 41 year Dwyane Roloson has found a fountain of youth this spring for the Bolts. I'm giving the edge to Tampa in this matchup, I just don't trust Thomas and his unorthodox style to bring the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Star Performers:
Boston: Patrice Bergeron leads the Bruins with 2 goals and 10 assists these playoffs. The story behind those numbers are even more impressive, as he has often been matched up against other teams top lines. His health will be a major question, as he is still suffering from a concussion he sustained from a hit by Claude Giroux in the Flyers series. The only skater more important for Boston is their mammoth Defenseman and Captain Zdeno Chara. He has 2 goals and is a team leading +11 in these playoffs. He averages around 28 minutes of ice per game and changes everything for Boston while he is out there.

Tampa: Martin St. Louis has been playing great as always for the Lightning. For a little dude out there, he can change the game just as much as Chara. He has 6 goals and 7 assists thus far in the postseason. His long time partner, Vinnie Lecaviler has been solid as well, with 5 and 7. Sean Bergenheim has netted a surprising 7 goals, playing on the best 3rd line in these playoffs with Dominic Moore. Eric Brewer has opened my eyes with some great two way play from the blueline.

Guys who need to step up:
Boston: Milan Lucic has had a very quiet playoffs. The Bruins are going to need the power forward to make a big impact if they want to halt the Bolts run
Tampa:Ryan Malone has been a solid player for Tampa, but his offensive numbers are lacking. He needs to rise up to lead the Lightning to their 2nd Finals apperance.

Campbell (Western Conference):
Vancouver (1) vs San Jose (2)
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Overview: Both of these teams have overcome labels as not being able to perform in the playoffs and won game 7's at home after squandering 3 games to None series leads. Both had great regular seasons with talented rosters, and now one will move on to the Stanley Cup Finals, San Jose for the 1st time ever or Vancouver for their 2nd apperance after losing to the Rangers in 1994.

Goalies: Roberto Luongo overcame some shaky play and a surprise benching in the 1st round against Chicago and then outdueled Pikke Rinne against Nashville. He has had great regular seasons and won a gold medal last year, now he looks to complete Vancouver's quest for hockey's Holy Grail. The Sharks meanwhile have last years Cup winning Goalie, Annti Niemi. The Finn may be the difference maker this year between chokers and champs for the guys in teal.

Star Performers:
Vancouver: Ryan Kessler has been all everything for the Nucks so far and leads them with 5 goals and 10 assists. Alex Burrows has provided them with solid depth scoring and great two way play.

San Jose: The young trio of Logan Couture, Ryan Clowe, and Devin Setoguchi are leading the way in scoring for the Sharks. Joe Thorton and Danny Heatly have played better these playoffs then in prior dissapointing years.

Guys who need to step up:
Vancouver: The Sedin twins have been solid, but for the Canucks to get to the next level they really need to take over like they are capable of doing.

San Jose: Patrick Marleau has had a lackluster postseason, for the Sharks to win this he will need to contribute, and show Jeremy Roenick some heart.

Official Blog Predictions-
Lightning over Bruins in 6
Canucks over Sharks in 7

Series predictions so far:
East: 3-3
West: 5-1
Overall: 8-4

Ranking of finals league wants for US TV rating-
1. Boston / San Jose
2. Tampa / San Jose
3. Boston / Vancouver
4. Tampa / Vancouver