Stanley Cup and Cheesecake 2011 - Western Conference Semis Edition

Boy, really not into this today. Whatever.

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (5) Nashville Predators

Boy, what a scary first series that turned out to be for the Canucks, eh? With a 3-0 stranglehold on the series, Vancouver almost choked away the whole magilla, needing overtime in game seven to finally eliminate the resilient Blackhawks in one of the most exciting hockey games I've ever seen.

The question now is, how will that long, emotional series affect the Canucks in round two vs. a Nashville team that bested Anaheim in a six game series that, despite some tight moments, had nothing in comparison to Chicago/Vancouver. It was Nashville's first ever series victory, and they're sure to be bouyed the belief that, finally, they CAN win. (I might have more insightful analyisis if I'd been able to watch even one goddamn minute of it on TV.

While my heart wants to pick the Preds, my head says go with the 'Nucks. Whatever, as long as one of them beats the Red Wings. Canucks in six.

(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (3) Detroit Red Wings

I hate the Red Wings. I was really hoping for Chicago to win, so that Wings would have to face Nashville, who I still believe are due for a franchise-defining victory over Detroit. Ah well, maybe in the next round, 'cause the Sharks are sure to lay an egg. Bah. Wings in six.