EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
#1 Buffalo v. #4 Ottawa

This could prove to be the best series of the entire playoffs, both teams are rather similar, and arguably the two best teams in the league. They both boast good offenses, and young but capable goaltenders. The Sabres defense has become better in the playoffs, and that helped them stay in games where the offense dissapeared against the New York Rangers. The Sabres however dissapeared in games 2 through 5 in the Rangers series, and they simply can't afford to do that against Ottawa. Ottawa was every bit as stifling to New Jersey as they were against Pittsburgh. I have to give a slight edge to Ryan Miller in goal for the Sabres, he's been a little more consistent, and Ray Emery seems to be fighting pucks, and giving too many rebounds away. However the Sens D has helped secure these rebounds to minimize their effect. This one will be close, but I will stick with the Sabres.

Buffalo in 7

WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Detroit v. #2 Anaheim

I keep thinking Detroit is too old to go deep in the playoffs, and they keep proving me wrong. San Jose wasn't the same after losing Game 4 in the final seconds and overtime. For the Ducks they boast a great defense, but anyone can stifle the offensive-dead Vancouver Canucks. Detroit controls the puck well and will be a different look. It'll be close, and getting anthing past Guigre will be tough. But I like the Wings to be back to the final for the first time in 5 years.

Detroit in 7