Stanley Cup Final Prediction

Here we go, the final prediction of the NHL season. So sad...

Ottawa v Anaheim - While the American networks may not like this match-up (what am I saying, may?), these two teams have proven that they are the two best clubs in the NHL.

Ottawa, to many people's amazement, have only lost 1 game in each of their three series against Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Buffalo. But, the Eastern Conference was the weaker conference all season long, and they probably would not have had such an easy trip to the finals had they played in the West.

Anaheim also had a fairly easy trip this postseason. After disposing with Minnesota and Vancouver with relative ease, they recovered from a 5-0 debacle against the Red Wings to win 3 straight and knock out Detroit.

Offensively, Ottawa is vastly superior. Defensively, the Senators do have more depth, but Pronger and Niedermayer are better than any single Ottawa blueliner. In goal, J.S. Giguere has a Conn Smythe Trophy, and, incredibly, has only 1 overtime playoff loss in 13 games.

It'll be a long series, probably 7, and in a series like this, those overtime games can swing the momentum enough to tip the scales of a even series.

In the last 2 seasons, a non-traditional hockey market (Carolina and Tampa Bay) has defeated a Canadian team (Edmonton and Calgary) in 7 games. They have also had home ice in those series.

I like history...

Ducks in 7.

Record: 10-4