By Hockey Guru
Maybe the forecast of a Philadelphia and Chicago Stanley Cup Final was predictable as far back as last September, but the paths the two teams took to arrive here certainly were enjoyable and anything but predictable. [Editor's Note: I disagree on that last point, since I actually did predict almost the exact road - that the Blackhawks would come out of the 2nd seed, and that the Flyers would come out of the 8th seed]
The latest Cardiac Kids - these Philadelphia Flyers - may be the poster child for the latest wave of 0-3 series comebacks, but Chicago seems to be a well-oiled machine, destined to hoist the Cup in the next two weeks. What does the Guru's crystal ball foresee?
The data going in shows that the Hawks defeated Nashville, Vancouver and San Jose en route to their SCF appearance. Meanwhile the Flyers eliminated New Jersey, Boston and Montreal to arrive on the grand stage.
According to the Crystal Ball - San Jose and Vancouver would come out on top of each of the teams eliminated by Philadelphia - going a combined 6-0 in those matchups (the closest being New Jersey-Vancouver which would have gone 7 games).
This matchup, at first glance would appear to be a BCS school vs non-BCS school in a National Championship game. Sure, it would be a great story for Boise State to knock of Alabama - but realisticly - it's just not going to happen.
However, on the ice, one thing that can not be overlooked is the parity in the NHL. The fact that the Flyers only made it to the playoffs following a shoot-out victory is proof enough. The Flyers are mentally tough - as coming back from an 0-3 hole proves - and they have a deep and talented team.
The Hawks had their hands full with Nashville. 6'5" Goaltender Pekka Rinne and the great-skating defense of Nashville caused a lot of concern and with a couple bounces - the Hawks were nearly bounced from the play-offs. (Well by nearly, they weren't even pushed to an elimination game).
The Hawks were built and designed to overcome the Detroit Red Wings machine - one which "invented" the left-wing lock which is employed by Philadelphia. The Hawks will be soaring and will break through against Philadelphia much the way they did against San Jose and Vancouver. They will be able to raise their game when needed to win.
The series prediction from the Guru is the Hawks in 5 games.
Game One prediction: Fast, physical first period. Hawks scoring at least one PP goal and leading 2-0 or 2-1 after the first. Game settling down a bit in the second, but another Hawks "victory" in the second period with the Hawks wrapping up Game One with a decisive 6-3 victory.
[Update: It's currently 7:19 PM ET on Saturday, May 29th, or about an hour before puck drop for Game One.]
The 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been unpredictable - although the Hockey Guru has been right much more often than not - the Hockey Guru, himself has proven to be unpredictable.
Tonight marks the first 180-degree turn around on a prediction - prior to anything else changing.
The Guru contemplated the prediction of the Hawks in five - and one thing kept coming back to him - this is a series of men against boys.
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are boys. They say the right things - but they really don't believe that this may be their only chance at a Stanley Cup. The Flyers have more veterans - more career players that will be leaving everything they have on the ice. The Flyers have a great coach and this series will be much more difficult than the original Hawks in Five prediction.
The depth of the Flyers is probably more impressive than the depth of the Hawks (particularly if going on merit and not reputation). Marian Hossa hasn't produced yet - what would make the crystal ball predict otherwise? The Flyers will get the jump on the series tonight and might even get up 2-0. Chicago will not be swept (although there are some experts that have consulted with the Guru with just that predictiion)!
The Guru is not quite prepared to change the series pick from Chicago - just he believes that Chicago will have to step up their game in this series and have little to no margin for error.
The way this first game unfolds may be as telling as game one in the Eastern Conference Finals or may leave the Guru continuing to be on the fence.
Tonight's revised Game One prediction: Philadelphia 4 - Chicago 3
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