The game will take place between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings on January 1st at ‘The Big House’ (The University of Michigan stadium) and is expected to set attendance records for an NHL game as well as an outdoor hockey game.

The current outdoor record is 104, 411, which was set in a game between the University of Michigan and Michigan State held in December of 2010 at the University of Michigan campus.

The NHL’s commissioner Gary Bettman weighed in on the game saying, “The meeting of these two ‘Original Six’ rivals, at this iconic venue, will lift this Winter Classic to incomparable heights. The demand to be there will be so great that this event could only be held at ‘The Big House.”

Photo Courtesy of Michael Barera

This matchup is projected to sell upwards of 115,000 tickets, which would dwarf the mark set at the first Winter Classic held in Buffalo in 2008, which had an attendance of 71, 217.

Leafs GM Brian Burke coined the game, “Hockeytown vs. The Center of the Hockey Universe,” which should make for a solid match up and create a great deal of hype around the game.

The Red Wings have been a perennial contender and threat to win the Stanley Cup, year in and year out. They haven’t missed the playoffs since the 1989-90 season and have won four championships in that period. They currently sit 1st in the Western Conference and look polished to challenge for this year’s cup. They have the elite talent and depth at about every position, which will most certainly put them in a similar position of contention next year.

The Leafs, on the other hand, have been one of the most disappointing of the original six teams in recent history, failing to make the post-season in the post-lockout era. Their last appearance came in the 2003-04 season where they were eliminated in the second round and their last Cup win dates back to the 1966-67 season.

The team has been rejuvenated as of late under the guidance of Brian Burke and currently sits in 7th place in a tight Eastern Conference race. They are young, fast, and gritty, but are at least a few years away being a contender for Lord Stanley’s mug. Despite their lack of recent success, their fan base remains the largest and most widespread of any team in the NHL.

Toronto holds the edge in the all-time series against Detroit by the narrowest of margins: 276-275.

One of the most exciting things for Wings and Leafs fans alike is that they will get a deeper look into their teams through HBO’s 24/7. This increasingly popular show has showcased teams leading up to the showdown at the Winter classic and has given fans a window into their team that they have never had before. This has given fans a more in depth look at the personalities of their favorite players and has been immensely popular since its inception two years ago, and is just as, if not more exciting than the game itself.

The Leafs will be the first Canadian team to participate in a Winter Classic on American soil and the first to be profiled on 24/7.

This event won’t be limited to this one game between old divisional foes. Comerica Park, in downtown Detroit, will be hub of the festivities in the week following Christmas leading up to the main event on the 1st of January. Some of the events to be held at Comerica  include:

• All four NCAA college games as a part of the Great Lakes Invitational Tournament.
• Two OHL games tentatively scheduled between: Plymouth Whalers vs London Knights and Saginaw Spirit vs Windsor Spitfires.
• A regular season game between the Red Wings and Leafs AHL affiliates: Toronto Marlies vs. Grand Rapids Griffins.
• A Legends game, featuring Red Wings and Leafs old-timers/alumni.
• A number of high school and youth hockey games.

The featured game has the potential to be a spectacle unlike any other.

With Detroit’s proximity to Toronto (about three hours by car), expect an even distribution of fans from both sides to be attending the game. This will be the closest geographically two teams participating in the Classic have ever been to each other.

With both sets of fans as passionate as they are about their respective teams, anticipate tensions to be running high in Detroit for this clash between old Norris Division rivals.

The shootout format has been longed criticized. Many do not like the fact that, after regulation, there’s only a five minute, four-on-four overtime and then a best two-out-of-three shootout. Some people, like myself, would like to see the NHL change to a sudden death 20-minute period, like they do in the playoffs. Games might turn out to be longer, but there’s not much more exciting than sudden death hockey.

Still, there are times when the shootout does give a lot of entertainment. Here is Kane’s amazing shootout goal, plus four others that will blow you away.

1. Patrick Kane’s Many Moves Against the Wild

Patrick Kane has always been a flashy scorer. Some guys like to score with brute force. Not Kane.

He wants to score, and he wants to do it with a little bit of showmanship, and when Kane succeeds in doing that, boy, does it look pretty.

2. Pavel Datsyuk’s Tease Goal Against the Blackhawks

Being a Chicago Blackhawks fan, I can honestly say that while I hate the Detroit Red Wings there is one guy whose level of talent is so damn good that even a rivalry can’t get in the way of the respect I have for him as a player. That guy is Pavel Datsyuk.

You can’t find anyone who won’t admit that Pavel Datsyuk is one hell of a hockey player and one of the best two-way forwards in the game, so when he scored this goal against my Blackhawks, I was angry but not surprised.

3. Nazem Kadri’s Insane Backhand Goal Against Tim Thomas

Nazem Kadri has some of the sickest shootout goals I’ve ever seen, whether it be this absolutely insane forehand to backhand to the top shelf of the net or backhand to forehand. This kid has some of the best hands in the league today, and it shows.

4. Mikhail Grabovski’s Fake Backhand Goal

The level of balance and precision to make this shot is unbelievable.

Keep in mind, in a shootout, the player always have to be moving  forward. The instant he  stops, the shot is over. So players, if they want to be flashy, have to be extremely quick and precise about it. If you don’t think this goal is amazing just watch Grabovski’s stick and how quickly he moves the puck back to his forehand and shoots it.

5. Mike Riberio’s Between the Legs, One-Handed Goal

Take into account what I said earlier about the player having to continue its forward progress, and then add the fact that Riberio had to move the puck between his legs, stop on a dime, and guide the puck around the goaltender with one hand.

There’s a reason why you only see a few players attempt this shot. It’s too risky, but if you can pull it off, you will score a goal.

I mean, you could just do something else, but you won’t. So kick back, relax and enjoy the conclusion of the MSF NHL Preview. (View Part 1 here: Eastern Conference Preview and Predictions.)

Now let’s make like Ice Cube and “Rep That West”

Western Conference Team-by-Team Analysis

1. Vancouver Canucks

2010-11: 54-19-9, 117 points, first in Northwest

The Vancouver Canucks were the best team in all of hockey last season. Yes, they came up short against the Boston Bruins and Tim Thomas, but make no mistake, Vancouver was the toast of the league last year. They also have the benefit of losing only one truly key player in Christian Ehrhoff (Buffalo). There is no reason to think they aren’t the favorite in the West and potentially the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions.

I think 2012 will spell an end to the Sedin twin’s two-year reign as NHL scoring champions. But I’m sure they’d gladly make the exchange for the a couple of rings.

I don’t believe athlete’s as good as Roberto Luongo actually “choke”. Yes, same deal with Tony Romo. Sometimes circumstances unfold that are beyond control. Vancouver was simply beaten by Boston last year. It does not mean it will happen again

2. San Jose Sharks

2010-11: 48-25-9, 105 points, first in Pacific

If the Sharks don’t hurry up and win a Stanley Cup, they are going to go down as one of the great also-rans in sport. IT seems every year they are among the class of the NHL throughout the season before someone inevitably eliminates them from the postseason. I’m sure they’re thinking “this is their year” but they say that every year. And it never is.

The Sharks continue to tinker with an outstanding team. Gone is the newest Shark scapegoat, Dany Heatley (Minnesota), and joining the team are Brent Burns (Minnesota), Michal Handzus (Los Angeles) and Martin Havlat (Minnesota). All three of these players are potential game changers for the Sharks who will once again be a threat to win the President’s Trophy.

After saying all that, they still don’t feel like a threat to win the Stanley Cup. By all rights they should be, but they aren’t. The Sharks are remarkably consistent.

3. Detroit Red Wings

2010-11: 47-25-10, 104 points, first in Central

The best hockey franchise of my lifetime is finally slowing down. The whole team is a year older, they haven’t gotten past the second round of the playoffs for two straight seasons, and they lost four players to retirement (Modano, Rafalski, Osgood and Draper) and yet, they could still make a run at the Cup.

Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Nick Lidstrom are all a little older yet I would never bet against any of them. Jimmy Howard proved last season that he’s got the chops to handle the net in Detroit. Daniel Cleary looks to step up and could well provide 70+ points.

This team only has a few more good years before it’ll be time to make some major moves, but just because there’s snow on the roof, doesn’t mean there’s not fire in the furnace.

4. LA Kings

2010-11: 46-30-6, 98 points, fourth in Pacific

Drew Doughty is back, Anzie Kopitar is back and Mike Richards (Philadelphia) is now in town to possibly push LA over the hump into the elite teams in the West.

The Kings remind me a lot of the Chicago Blackhawks a couple seasons ago. They have a great, young foundation and are rounding their roster out with top notch players like Richards. This is a team that I think will surprise many this season and they really have the potential to make a deep run in the postseason.

It bares mentioning that they have one of the strongest and most underrated goaltending tandems in the league in Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier.

5. Anaheim Ducks

2010-11: 47-30-5, 99 points, second in Pacific Division

The Ducks are one of those classic stories of a team that always faces adversity but somehow finds a way to succeed in the end. First it was their come from behind victory to defeat the Hawks in their innagural season under Coach Bombay, then they took to the international stage to upset Iceland (despite Gunner Staal claiming Coach Wolf Stansson “lost it for himself”)

Wait… I’m getting real-life and Emilio Estevez movies confused again.

Plus, you can’t deny the unstoppable power of the triple deke.

6. Nashville Predators

2010-11: 44-27-11, 99 points, second in Central

Mark my words here. If Ryan Ellis gets 70+ games this season, he will be the NHL rookie of the year. He is the scoring punch this team hasn’t had in recent years and will, one day, be the difference maker for them.

The Predators are on their way up in the West. Last year they won their first playoff series before falling to the Canucks. And it was no fluke. Pekka Rinne is the best goalie you’ve never heard of, and Shea Weber and Ryan Suter form one of the most formidable defensive tandems in all of hockey.

If the offense ever gets the jolt it needs, watch out.

7. St. Louis Blues

2010-11: 38-33-11, 87 points, fourth in Central

David Backes and Chris Stewart are two of hockey’s best kept secrets. Together they form the backbone of this team’s offense. Jason Arnott (Washington) and Jamie Langenbrunner (Dallas) are two additions that could very well usher this club from being “this close” to being eliminated in the first round.

It’s progress. Just not dramatic progress.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets

2010-11: 34-35-13 81 points, fifth in Central

I actually feel eighth seed may be selling this team short. I LOVE the changes Columbus has made. They finally got Rick Nash a centreman in Jeff Carter (Philadelphia) and also added Vinny Prospal (NY Rangers) and James Wisniewski (Montreal). Both of whom are big upgrades to a team that was already looking much better towards the end of last year.

I believe Steve Mason will bounce back to his rookie season form and along with Blue Jacket talents like RJ Umberger, Grant Clitsome, Nash and Ryan Johansen I really see this team coming “out of nowhere” and surprising the Western Conference.

Anaheim proved last season that a team can make the playoffs with one major line, and a strong goalie. I could easily see the Jackets being Anaheim lite.

9. Chicago Blackhawks

2010-11: 44-29-9-94 points, second in Central

I think I’m the only person on earth that does not believe in the Chicago Blackhawks. Outside of the addition of Andrew Brunette (Minnesota), this team is no better (I would venture to say they are worse) than the team that backdoored its way into the postseason on an 82nd game loss by the Dallas Stars.

That’s right, Chicago didn’t even win to get in.

Yet, some people have picked them to not only make the playoffs, but to go far. I refuse to believe it until I’m proven wrong. Corey Crawford was good, but not great last year. The team is missing quite a few of the key players from two years ago, and while the core is still there, the core is not good enough, as we saw last year, to be better than very good.

I’m going to really go against the grain and say that the Blackhawks don’t even make the playoffs in 2012.

Vince Vaughn isn’t impressed with this preview. I wasn’t impressed with “Couple’s Retreat”. We’re even.

10. Phoenix Coyotes

2010-11: 43-26-13, 99 points, fourth in Pacific Division

Without Ilya Bryzgalov (Philadelphia), this team goes from possible playoff darkhorse to aggressively mediocre. The most interesting thing about this team is their captain, Shane Doan, was the last first round pick ever made by the Winnipeg Jets. He has played his entire career for the same organization and this year will play against the Winnipeg Jets.

Only in the NHL.

Wake me up when they finally sell this team and end the nightmare.

11. Edmonton Oilers

2010-11: 25-45-12, 62 points, fifth in Northwest

The team that owns the nicest jerseys in all of sports sure sport an ugly team. However, this is a team that I feel is on the upswing. Only the 1989-91 Quebec Nordiques have finished with the number 1 draft pick for three consecutive years. While Edmonton definitely has a chance to join that company, I think they’re just a little bit too good to do so. Besides, they may be bad, but they aren’t close to Colorado or Ottawa bad.

Edmonton gives it’s fans two very big reasons to be excited: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall. These two should form a dynamite one-two punch and, along with Jordan Eberle, could potentially help the Oilers, once again, forge a dynasty

12. Dallas Stars

2010-11: 42-29-11, 95 points, fifth in Pacific Division

They came oh so close last season. Dallas just missed out on the playoffs on the final day of the season. It will be a few years until they get that close again. Gone is their franchise player, Brad Richards (NY Rangers), and their longest tenured forward, Jamie Langenbrunner (St. Louis), leaving Brenden Morrow (not the Jays pitcher), Loui Eriksson and Mike Ribeiro to carry the load.

They cannot carry the load.

When your big replacement for the biggest free agent of the summer is Boston’s dead weight (Michael Ryder), you are in a heap of trouble.

At least GM Joe Nieuwendyk can tell his team what the playoffs are like.

13. Calgary Flames

2010-11: 41-29-12, 94 points, second in Northwest

This is a very difficult team to read. The Flames were absolutely awful for most of last season, then, not unlike the Leafs, turned things around in the second half going 27-11-9 and almost reaching the playoffs. Now, if you read my Eastern Conference preview, you know I picked the Leafs to finish eighth in the East on the heels of their big second half. The Flames however, fail to give me that same confidence.

This team will undoubtedly miss Daymond Langkow (Phoenix) and Robyn Regehr (Buffalo) and while they have some promising youth (TJ Brodie and Rene Bourque) to accompany Jarome Iginla, this is a team that’s very thin on talent, though the talent they do have is very good.

This team will revert back to their first half showing from 2010-11 but remain there for the duration of the season. It’s time to rebuild.

14. Minnesota Wild

2010-11: 39-35-8, 86 points, third in Northwest

The good people in Minnesota have had a rough year. The Twins came back to earth in dramatic fashion. The Vikings’ one bright hope is the fact they remain a frontrunner to procure Andrew Luck in next year’s NFL draft and the Wild? They sure aren’t as good as the North Stars were. Heck, they aren’t as good as older incarnations of the Wild were. Forget Marion Gaborik, this team longs for Richard Park and Cliff Ronning.

Actually, I bet if Cliff Ronning came back he’d be one of the best players on the Wild. Someone get his number.

Minnesota has now missed the playoffs three years running, and ranked 26th last season by scoring only 2.48 goals per-game. The solution for this is obviously the paragon of virtue that is Dany Heatley. I can not see Heatley adding anything to this team since he’s a player that requires a supporting cast to be anywhere close to competent on the ice. I would have no problem calling them the worst team in the West if it weren’t for…

15. Colorado Avalanche

2010-11: 30-44-8, 68 points, fourth in Northwest

The Avalanche just have not had things go their way since their dynasty came to a crashing halt. They are in the process of getting better, but there is really nowhere to go but up in this case. Semyon Varlamov (Washington) looks promising as the Avs goaltender of the future. But the future is a long way away.

On the bright side, if you cheer for a team in the West, I encourage you to see them play the Avs so you can walk away from the rink with a spring in your step and a song in your heart once your team thrashes them.

Postseason

Round 1

• Vancouver (1) def. Columbus (8)
• San Jose (2) def. St. Louis (7)
• Nashville (6) def. Detroit (3)
• LA (4) def. Anaheim (5)

Round 2

• Vancouver (1) def. Nashville (6)
• LA (4) def. San Jose (2)

Round 3

• Vancouver (1) def. LA (4)

Read over the teams again. See anything missing?

There’s no Detroit in that list.

The man who might have “let the cat out of the bag” is Minnesota’s owner Craig Leopold, who, on Minneapolis’s KFAN radio, told the interviewer about the NHL’s supposed realignment that could take affect at the start of the 2012-13 season.

“Our division would include the Winnipeg Jets, us, the Blues, the Nashville Predators, the Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, and maybe the Columbus Blue Jackets… maybe not depending on if they go east or west. I am all in favor of that. I think that is a grand slam, home run, hat trick for our team.

We’re all Central Division now. All of our teams, except for Columbus, all of our teams will be Central Division. We’ll play less teams in Canada. We will play every team home and away at least one time.”

It has also been widely reported that Detroit would be leaving the Western Conference and joining the Eastern Conference, leaving the ‘Hawks the only Original Six team in the Western Conference.

Of course none of this is actually set in stone, but the tone in which Leopold spoke, and the fact that Detroit management has its “fingers and toes crossed”  for a switch to happen because it would cut travel time and allow them to play more Original Six teams, gives this scenario some credibility.

So, if this does happen, will this be a good or bad thing for the Blackhawks?

My answer would be both yes and no.

First off, the importance of the Detroit/Chicago rivalry would be severely hindered. Logically, it’s a good thing since the ‘Hawks have a career 270-354-84-7 record against the Red Wings, but it would end a tradition that started all the way back to the 1926-27 season. The rivalry is one of, if not the most entertaining and intense rivalry in the NHL, and ending such tradition (at least in the division) doesn’t sit well with a lot of fans.

But, on the other side, it could be a very positive change for the Blackhawks in terms of less competition within their division. There has only been one time in the past 12 years that the Red Wings didn’t find themselves on top of the Central Division, losing the title to the Blackhawks in the 2009-10 season.

If the standings for last season were based on what Leopold said the divisions could be moving forward, then the Central Division standings would have looked like this: Nashville (99 points), Chicago (97 points), Dallas (95 points), St. Louis (87 points), Columbus (81 points), and Winnipeg (80 points).

The ‘Hawks wouldn’t be division leaders, but it’s hard to not suggest that the ‘Hawks would have a better chance to be more successful in the Central Division with these changes. They would have an easier schedule with such a division setup.

Like I said before, nothing is set in stone because the NHL hasn’t officially announced anything yet, but if such a deal like this should be done I think it would benefit the Blackhawks despite losing a much-loved and respected rivalry.

I’m taking a break from bringing you forgotten baseball players to preview the Sweet 16 of the National Hockey League. This year looks to provide some intriguing match-ups to go along with the standard blow-outs.

Let’s get to it, with previews and predictions of each 1st round series.

NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview and Predictions

Washington (1) vs New York Rangers (8)

The regular season saw the Rangers win three of four against the Caps, outscoring them 18-6 and shutting them out twice. That result is misleading though. They concluded their season series Feb. 25, before the Caps started playing their best hockey, finishing the season on a 16-3-1 streak.

Key to this series is that despite a slow start, Alexander Ovechkin has gotten closer to his typical level of dominance near the end of the season. Jason Arnott will likely also be a key factor for Washington.

While Henrik Lundqvist has been amazing for the Rangers, he can’t carry the whole team. Add to that, Ryan Callahan, arguably the Rangers’ best player outside of goal, suffered a fractured leg with three games remaining.

The Capitals have likely learned from last season’s upset to Montreal and will be back with a vengeance.

Washington-New York Predicton: Washington in 6

Philadelphia (2) vs Buffalo (7)

I cannot remember the last time a team as good as Philadelphia looked this bad heading into the playoffs.

The Buffalo Sabres, who squeaked into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, fighting off the Leafs and Hurricanes in the final weeks, have been outstanding down the stretch, going 16-4-4 in their final 24 games including two wins against the Flyers in the past five weeks. By contrast, Philadelphia has gone just 7-7-6 in its past 20 games after spending most of the season on top of the Eastern Conference.

Another difference between the two teams revolves around goaltending. Sergei Bobrovsky had an impressive rookie campaign, but he is no Ryan Miller. The difference between the two will tell the tale in this series. Expect a lot of close games, but I can not see Miller coming up short in this match-up.

Daniel Briere is the X-factor in this series. He had 3 goals and 5 assists in four games against the Sabres this season, and was arguably the most important part of the Flyers’ run last year. Throw in his history with the Sabres and it makes the match-up all the more interesting.

Philadelphia-Buffalo Prediction: Buffalo in 5

Montreal (6) vs Boston (3)

This will be the 33rd playoff series between the rivals, with the Habs holding a 24-8 all-time edge. These teams have a storied history that has escalated this past season.

With the most in-season drama of any series, highlighted with the now infamous Chara hit and constant rough play, these teams have rekindled the flame of one of the best rivalries in sports. The games will be physical and intense and could very well lead to the only fights of the postseason.

Tim Thomas has been arguably the best goaltender in the NHL this season and Tukka Rask is a backup capable of starting for many teams in the league. Carey Price has been overworked to the tune of 72 games this season and will have to be as good as Halak was last year if the Habs stand much of a chance. The Bruins simply put, are better on offense and better on defense. They are healthier than the wounded Habs.

Price will be good, and the Canadians will show amazing fire, but they will fall to Goliath this time around.

Montreal-Boston Prediction: Boston in 7 of the best games of the 2011 playoffs.

Pittsburgh (4) vs Tampa Bay (5)

It’s not likely the Penguins will have captain Sidney Crosby against the Lightning as he still has not been cleared for contact as he recovers from the concussion that has shaken the NHL this season. The question is, do the Penguins need Crosby?

The Penguins have done a remarkable job without their best player or Evgeni Malkin as they were flirting with the possibility of taking the division title from the struggling Flyers. They have been playing a great team game and should be able to handle the Lightning, who have given up the most goals (240) of any playoff team.

The Pens have the only Cup-winning goalie in the East and can parlay that advantage even further by limiting the amount of prime scoring chances Fleury has to face on a nightly basis. On the other side, Dwayne Roloson is the Lighting’s starting goalie? Really?

Despite the amazing offensive weapons in Stamkos and St. Louis, Tampa Bay will never win a Cup again without Brad Richards.

Pittsburgh-Tampa Bay Prediction: Pittsburgh in 4

NHL Western Conference Playoffs Preview and Predictions

Vancouver (1) vs Chicago (8)

Round three.

The best team in the league takes on last year’s champs.

Chicago and Vancouver have met in the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Both times, they have met in the second round. Both times, the Blackhawks have come out victorious. Now, they play in the first round. Will it be Vancouver again?

Short answer, not likely. Tyler Juranovich went over some of the reasons last week in his article. Read it now.

The Canucks are a far different team than either of the previous two incarnations. They managed to get stronger on both offense and defense, setting franchise records in wins and points while leading the league in most goals scored (262) and fewest goals surrendered (185). In every aspect of the game, they were the best in the world.

Chicago, too, is a far different team. They did not cruise through the season like last season. Instead, they needed a minor miracle by the Minnesota Wild in the season’s final game just to earn the honor of playing the league’s best team.

The Sedins and Ryan Kesler have turned out outstanding seasons. While Chicago still has much of their championship team from last year, they lack some of the key pieces to advance. This is Roberto Luongo’s chance to prove his nay-sayers wrong and Corey Crawford is not Anti Niemi.

The Hawks dominance of Vancouver ends in 2011.

Vancouver-Chicago Prediction: Vancouver in 5

San Jose (2) vs Los Angeles (7)

San Jose could not have been luckier than to draw the flailing Kings. Without Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams, the Kings once promising season ended with them dropping to the seventh seed in the West.

The Sharks are like a small scale Buffalo Bills at this point. Every year they are praised as a contender and every year they disappoint. While I can’t see them making it out of the West, last season’s Stanley Cup winning goaltender Antti Niemi has been very solid and the Sharks offense is outstanding as always.

The Kings will need to generate some sort of offense without two of their best scoring threats. I’m looking at Brown and Smyth here. I also can’t see Johnathon Quick saving them from the eventual onslaught of Sharks circling him.

The Kings are totally outclassed in all aspects. Only The Sharks terrible luck is on the Kings’ side.

San Jose-LA Prediction: San Jose in 4

Detroit (3) vs Phoenix (6)

Detroit v Phoenix was, for six games, the best series of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Round two begins this week as Phoenix may be playing it’s final season in Arizona.

Jimmy Howard has done a good job this season as the Red Wings’ top goaltender this season and the timeless Lidstrom and Rafalski have been as good as always. Bryzgalov will need to stand on his head again for the Coyote’s to succeed. Phoenix should also get a boost with the return of Ed Jovanovski to their defense corps.

Phoenix has yet to win a playoff series since moving to Arizona from Winnipeg. But, Detroit has looked vulnerable down the stretch.

The longest-tenured Coyote and burly manly-man, Shane Doan, leads the team in scoring with just 20 goals. Despite this, Phoenix has eight forwards who have scored more than 15 goals this season. This is a team that finds ways to win without any clear cut superstar, arguably the key to success in the new salary caped NHL.

I expect a very tightly played back and forth series. This year however the result will be different.

Detroit-Phoenix Prediction: Phoenix in 7. I may regret that pick.

Anaheim (4) vs Nashville (5)

This series looks to be a classic matchup of offense versus defense. What’s more interesting is both teams finished the regular season with 99 points.

Anaheim has two of the most interesting lines in the league with MVP candidate Corey Perry being paired with Ryan Getzlaf and surprisingly underrated Bobby Ryan. They are joined by the senior citizen connection of Saku Koivu, Teemu Selanne and Jason Blake.

Pekka Rinne could win the Vezina Trophy and he might be the most indispensable player in the League. With him in goal, the Preds are a real contender. The Preds will not need to set the scoreboard ablaze between him and a tight defensive system full of role-players. Hornqvist and Mike Fisher have played very well together in the closing stretch and could provide the offense needed to barely outscore the Ducks for two weeks.

Anaheim has the edge in playoff experience, winning the Stanley Cup in 2007, while Nashville is still looking to win its first round in the postseason.

I don’t think you can look past the importance of goaltending in this match-up. Jonas Hiller was phenomenal this season before suffering from vertigo (seriously). Ray Emery has been outstanding since his comeback, but he too might not be ready after sustaining an injury in the season’s final week. The Ducks may be stuck using Dan Ellis for at least the first game and possibly longer. Not exactly an ideal situation.

Anaheim-Nashville Prediction: Nashville in 6 despite Jarkko Ruutu’s best efforts to drive Nashville insane.

See all of you in a couple weeks when I’m proven wrong.

But they’re going to have to prove themselves again to have a chance to defend their Stanley Cup title.

The Dallas Stars are not going away easily. They’ve been trailing the ‘Hawks, hoping to grab a playoff spot late in the season for the past two weeks. The Stars needed to win their game Friday night and did, forcing the ‘Hawks to now, at least, earn a point in Sunday’s game against the Red Wings.

After 81 games of grinding it out, it all comes down to game 82.

A win, an overtime loss, a Dallas loss, or  a Dallas overtime loss will all give the ‘Hawks a playoff spot. It’s a lot easier said then done, especially for a ‘Hawks team that has had a roller coaster season plagued with inconsistency and third period blowouts.

The ‘Hawks need to find a way to play with the kind of urgency and determination they showed on Friday. Three goals early in the first period buried the Red Wings; and while I love close games, I’d rather not have as heart attack over a hockey game.

The first line and second line attacking the net was key to the success of the ‘Hawks Friday night, proving once again that when the top line performs well the team wins. But the lack of production from the bottom two lines still bothers me.

Good teams get production from their stars, but great teams get it from everyone

Sunday’s game will be in Chicago at the United Center, so there should be no problem with crowd support. It actually fits into the dream finish of clinching the playoffs in front of your home crowd.

With all these advantages, there is still one glaring problem: Detroit will come back with a vengeance.

Rivals love to see ruin eachother’s day, and what’s better than beating your rival and being the reason for them possibly not making the playoffs?

With so much to win and possibly lose, the ‘Hawks better play their best, or they could be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

Every team in the NHL Central, except for Detroit, had a deal set in stone before the Monday deadline.

There was not any huge player dealt, but Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, and Columbus all got skaters that they hope will benefit them this season and possibly for seasons to come.

Here are the NHL trade deadline winners and losers for the NHL Central.

Winner: Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Recent struggles have made them slip all the way down to 10th, but with the way things are in the Western Conference a team is never too far away from a playoff spot.

To help the cause Nashville traded a first round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012 for Mike Fisher from Ottawa. This was one of the landmark deals of the trade deadline.

Nashville picks up a center who fits right into their playing scheme. He can be a potential 25+ goal scorer while adding 40-50 assists in a season. He has plenty of playoff experience, and that’s what Nashville wanted and now hopes Fisher can bring to the team.

Loser: Chicago Blackhawks 

After many statements by Stan Bowman that he was working non-stop on trying to form a deal, the Blackhawks finally acquired defenseman Chris Campoli.

Campoli isn’t the penalty killing machine the ‘Hawks needed, but he does skate and handle the puck fairly well.

I am thinking that Campoli was the best the ‘Hawks could get given their salary cap and the fact that they didn’t give any player on the NHL roster away. Still, there was a sense of disappointment floating around this trade.

But the recent five game winning streak the ‘Hawks are on have abated any trade deadline disappointment the fans might have had. But a little better depth at the defensive position would’ve been nice.

The ‘Hawks are in the playoff race, and things are finally looking to be headed in the right direction.

Other Additions: Michael Frolik and Alexander Salak

Winner: Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings were not active in the trade market this season, but they did give goaltender Jimmy Howard a two year contract extension worth $2.25 million per season.

Howard has been everything the Red Wings could ask for. He notched his 31st win of the season Monday night, has a 2.82 goals against average, and a .907 save percentage.

There is little to worry about in Detroit when it comes to the Red Wings. They are, once again, part of the elite teams in the NHL this season. Doing nothing was probably better than doing something in this case.

Loser: Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets biggest addition is forward Scottie Upshall. He’s a decent forward that has just recently been given the chance to play a full NHL season.

Columbus really didn’t do anything to better themselves in the near or far future. Being 12th in the Western Conference, and with the chances of making the playoffs very low, the Jackets failed this season at the deadline.

They, like I said earlier, were effected by the lack of sellers and hot prospects at this year’s trade deadline.

The best the Jackets can hope for is a decent late season run. Improving should be their main goal. Their 7-2-1 record the last 10 games has helped them inch closer to a playoff push, but they are still a good ways away. Still, if this keeps up, Columbus could be a team that makes a late push for the eighth seed.

It’s not likely, but keep your eyes open.

Other Additions: Sami Lepisto, Michael Chaput and Greg Moore

Winner: St. Louis Blues

St. Louis built themselves up for the future this trade deadline. They received two draft picks: one second round pick in 2011 and a third round pick in 2012.

Add an impressive young defensman Kevin Shattenkirk and forward Chris Stewart and the Blues have some very talented youngsters.

This was the plan all along. Recent seasons haven’t been kind to the Blues, as they’ve only made the playoffs once since the lockout.

Hopefully, with these new additions, the Blues can finally build the franchise their fans have been hoping would happen for years.

There’s no doubt that to be a successful franchise you must never lose sight of young talent. It’s pretty much a staple in today’s sports world.

Hockey is no different.

Young talent can mean the difference between a one-time wonder team and a dynasty. However, it can also be a risky business.

Mess up and fans will not let you forget about your “future star” bust; but if you’re successful, it could mean years of praise.

On that note let us dive into a much closer look at the NHL’s Central Division’s top prospects.

KYLE BEACH

With all the players that Chicago had to get rid of, the Blackhawks are putting a lot of trust onto the newcomers, especially the young ones.

Kyle Beach is one of those young players that can make an immediate impact. 

Beach is a towering power forward who uses brute strength as well as his knack to find the net to be successful. Beach could be a Dustin Byfuglien replacement for the Blackhawks.

Beach has that killer instinct, and he’s not afraid to drop the gloves, the trait that made Big Buff so popular and loved Chicago.

Add a little goal scoring and Beach could become that all-around player that every team wishes for.

Alex Pietrangelo

Our next top prospect comes from the St. Louis Blues. His name: Alex Pietrangelo, a 6’3” defensemen out of King City, Ontario. Chosen in the first round, 4th overall, in the 2008 NHL draft, Pietrangelo brings St. Louis a wide variety of skills.

He uses his size to his advantage, and he is able to stack up against the league’s top forwards, but what’s really intriguing is his mobility and creativity with the puck, an asset that is rare among defensemen.

Also armed with great hockey knowledge and defensive awareness, Pietrangelo is a perfect catch for the St. Louis Blues, a team that is currently thriving on young talent.

Nikita Filatov

Detroit is aging. That’s obvious. With all the injuries last season, many wanted to see Detroit send up some young talent. Detroit has that in Jakub Kindl.

A defensman from the Czech Republic, Kindl has had a hard time adjusting to the more physical NHL, but he has shown enough improvement to feel confident about him being able to deal with that physicality.

He still needs work on his power-play skills, but they can be attributed to the Rangers usually using four forwards on the power play.

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

He can handle the puck very well, and skate just as good as most defensemen in the NHL, but Kindl will need another year to get to his full potential.

With the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, and the Columbus Blue Jackets, winning the division is never as easy as it might seem.

Each team has some great talent; but with talent also comes problems.

In this Central Division outlook, we’ll look at some of the more pressing offseason issues for each team.

CHICAGO BLACKAHAWKS

It’s not easy being the defending champs. It’s difficult trying to repeat the success you had the year before. The Blackhawks will soon find out how hard it really is.

After losing Adam Burish, Dustin Byfgulien, Kris Versteeg, John Madden, Andrew Ladd, Antti Niemi, Ben Eager, and Colin Fraser during the offseason, it’s safe to bet the problem the Hawks will face will be finding adequate replacements for those players.

Photo by Michael Heiman/Getty Images

New faces on the team can also shake up the chemistry the team had the previous season. With no huge coaching changes though, at least the returning players should have no problem getting along with the coaches.

As for the new faces, players can use this chance to become a role model to the young players, as were the older guys who were on the team when they were young and having their first hack at the NHL.

Another question this season for the Hawks is Marty Turco. More specifically, his performance. Goaltending is, arguably, the most important aspect of a championship team. If you don’t have good goaltending, it’s very unlikely for you to go far in the season.

With no experienced back-up for Turco, the Hawks are gambling a little bit on Turco’s ability to do well this season. It could backfire on them, or it could be genius.

DETROIT RED WINGS

Detroit is the hockey town of the United States. You won’t find more dedicated hockey fans anywhere else in the U.S. And you  better believe Detroit fans were angry to see their rival, the Chicago Blackhawks, claim the Central division title and win the Stanley Cup.

As with every year, the Red Wings are one of the most intimidating teams in the Western Conference.

Detroit is known for their balance on both the offensive and defensive sides. They’re able to score goals on you as if it comes naturally to them.

The Red Wings could easily win the division if their stars stay healthy, a problem that really hurt them last season.

Jimmy Howard is coming off a great year, posting a 2.26 GAA and a .324 save percentage. Howard’s performance this season might be the game changer this season for the Red Wings.

Other than that it’s hard to find a huge gaping problem in the Red Wing team. They are and still will be one of the best teams in the NHL.

COULUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Last season was a season to forget for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

They were second to last place in the Wester Conference with an awful -46 goal differential, second only to Edmonton.

Goaltending is not the problem in Columbus though. Steve Mason is one of the best young goaltenders in the league today. The problem is he has no help around him.

Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

A below average offense and defense is not going to win you games in the Central Division, arguably, the toughest division in the Western Conference.

With a new season, hopefully, comes a new outlook for the Blue Jackets.

They can defiantly be a contender. Just look at the 2008-2009 season. A 92 point season and the 7th seed in the playoffs. The Blue Jackets aren’t far off from achieving that again.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Over the years many people  have overlooked the Nashville Predators. For what reason I don’t know, but what I do know is that this team can play.

They aren’t as quick as the Blackhawks nor as offensively potent as the Red Wings, but what the Predators lack in they make up for in intensity.

It’s never an easy game when you’re going against Nashville. The glaring problem they seem to have is defense.

Pekka Rinne is a above average goaltender, with great potential, but the Predators lack a great defense.

While the Predators don’t score as much as other teams in the Western Conference they aren’t without great forwards.

If they could just find that defender that can fill their missing link, the Predators can easily be the number two team in the Central division.

Keep in mind they were only one two points away from tying the Red Wings in total points last season.

ST. LOUIS BLUES

All the pieces are there for a great, young team. It’s just that the pieces don’t seem to fit.

This is what’s troubling the St. Louis Blues, and causing them to be an average team, rather than a great one.

With potentially great young talent, like T.J. Oshie and David Perron, the Blues could be the next Chicago Blackhawks.

It looks like they’re following the a similar path, picking up raw, young talent and putting them in the big show early to help advance and to utilize their talent right away.

Will it be as successful as the Hawks?

The next few season will tell us, but as of right now the Blues have the potential to be the dark horse in the Central Division, potentially stealing second place.

In the loss, Cristobal Huet made coach Joel Quennville’s choice for starting goaltender even easier. Quennville gave Huet the green light on Thursday even after Niemi’s sixth shutout of the season, hoping Huet would make his case for starting goaltender in the playoffs.

It backfired.

Huet let up seven goals in his worst performance of his season, and maybe even his career. In fact it never even started well for Huet. He let up a soft goal 32 seconds into the game. The troubles didn’t stop there.

Huet’s inability to track down the puck and his slow reactions did him in early. He gave up a penalty shot to the Jackets’ Jakub Voracek, the first given up by a Blackhawk since 2007. It’s safe to say nothing went right for Huet Thursday night.

“It was terrible across the board,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “From the first shift to the end of the game … We discount it and throw it in the garbage can, knowing they are our next opponent and create an appetite off of that mess.”

In the midst of all that, the Blackhawks did make the playoffs, but it certainly was overlooked by the loss. It’s not an ideal way to clinch a playoff spot nor the right way, but nonetheless it’s there.

The Blackhawks currently find themselves in second place in the Western Conference, in point behind the San Jose Sharks. With Detroits’ win last night, it’s safer to say who the eight playoff teams are going to be. Detroits’ win puts them six points in front of 9th seed Calgary.

A 2nd seed pits the Blackhawks against the 7th seed Colorado Avalanche, but with the top and bottom seeds so close together, the seeds are going to change a considerably amount. The Blackhawks, Sharks, Coyotes are only separated by two points, and that also goes for the bottom four teams.

One team no fan would like to see the Blackhawks play in the first round are the Red Wings, unless who want them to face the monster right away and get it over with, but those people are defiantly in the minority.

All in all the playoff picture isn’t clear yet, and with anywhere between 7-9 games left for the contending teams, there’s no way to commit to any permanent seeds.

This game had a playoff feel to it. Both teams played like the Cup was on the line, and because of that it earned its title as Game of the Week.

The Hawks came busting out of the gate and quickly took a 2-0 lead gaining all the momentum in the 1st period, but the momentum would rapidly shift throughout the whole game.

With the 1st period coming to an end Detroit needed an event to shift at least some of the momentum back to their side. With 49 seconds left in the 1st period that event happened. Nikolas Lidstrom put the puck in the back of the net, behind Niemi, and cut the lead to one.

It was a huge goal for the Red Wings and the players and crowd knew it. Detroit would even the score at two after a Henrik Zetterberg goal just ten minutes into the 2nd period, but Patrick Sharp answered back two minutes later, and put the Hawks up 3-2. The overall dislike of each other made each goal have a special meaning. Both teams didn’t want to just play well, they wanted to win.

The tension was rising at the beginning of the 3rd period. It would only increase as the game progressed. Each goalie made great save after great save. The Hawks were winning, but one goal just didn’t seem like it would be enough in this type of the game. It wasn’t. Detroit’s Patrick Eaves would even the score about half way into the 3rd period.

Both teams fought for the goal that would seal the deal, but it wouldn’t some in regulation. The game would have go to OT. In hockey OT is just like sudden death, first one to score wins. Saying that the OT gave me chills would be an understatement. It scared the crap out of me. Watching every shot thinking it could be the last really makes you not want to watch. After one of the most entertaining OT this year for the Hawks, the score still remained 3-3. It would have to be decided by a shootout.

The Hawks have never won in a shootout on the road. Paval Datsyuk would start it off for the Wings, and would trick Niemi by slowing down the puck and just lightly put the puck into the net.

Toews answered back for the Hawks with a bullet through Howard’s five-hole, Toews signature move in the shootouts.

Both Zetterberg and Patrick Kane would miss their shot, keeping the shootout goal tied at 1 a piece.

Todd Bertuzzi would score an amazing spin-o-rama goal leaving the game resting on former Red Wing, Marian Hossa’s shoulders. Hossa was getting booed every time he would touch the puck, and I couldn’t help think how ironic it was for him to be the deciding factor. Hossa needed a goal to keep the shootout alive, but if he missed Detroit would get the extra point, but most importantly the feeling of a rival win.

With everyone in the arena silent Hossa started his trek towards the goal. With a flick of the wrist the puck went flying past Howards left shoulder into the goal. The game wasn’t over yet.

Daniel Cleary would be denied by Niemi, giving the Hawks a chance to win the game.

The Hawks, again, controlled their fate. A goal would mean victory. The pressure was on. Patrick Sharp grabbed the puck, skated towards the net, shot the puck, and the red light behind the net went on. With that shot the Hawks had finally ended the game.

The Hawks grabbed the extra point and the lone spot on top of the Western Conference. It was a tough battle, but the Hawks prevailed cementing their dominance over the league.

Catch the Hawks in Ottawa Tuesday night at 6:30pm cst were they will try to keep their three game winning streak alive.

*Watch highlights from the Chicago-Detroit game here.

The Hawks proved they could play earlier this year when they dismantled San Jose and beat Pittsburgh in OT, but nobody could have predicted such a dominant performance against their most hated rival, a rival that plays the Hawks so well that it often looks like they are sometimes bullying them.

But this game the Hawks were the bully. Not only did the Hawks beat the Red Wings, they shut them out. Never have the Hawks been do dominant against Detroit.

Last year you could tell that Detroit was the better team, but this year it looks like it’s the opposite. The Hawks outplayed Detroit in every category. Detroit never looked like they got started, and they paid a dear price for it.

Defensively the Hawks were brilliant letting up only 20 shots on goal, but not only did the defensemen contribute defensively but also offensively.

Two out the three goals were scored by Hawks defensemen, Campbell and Keith. Detroit was out 8 regular players, but they still had Nikolas Lidstrom, Brain Rafalski, and Pavel Datsyuk. Three great players that can cause a lot of trouble for the opposing goaltender.

The Hawks highly respect the Red Wings, but I could tell that they came into this game thinking they were the better team. You could see in the faces of the Hawks players that they knew how big of a win, morally, this would be. Beating Detroit,who has won eight straight Central Division titles, is huge for this Hawks team. It  only cements the idea that they can handle highly skilled and respected teams.

The Hawks have re-claimed the control of both the Central Division and the Western Conference. Yes the Hawks are sitting high, but will this lead to bigger wins in February and March where it all boils down to who wants it more?

Hawk fans saw the potential this team had last year, and they were proud their team made it to the Conference finals, but this year the fans want this team to capitalize on their talent and bring back the Stanley Cup. It’s a big task for such a young team, but they have showed us that they are capable of completing such a task.

After losing the Western Conference Finals to Detroit, Hawk fans are really excited for what next year could bring. Many more NHL teams and owners are taking this young Hawks team seriously now. While the Hawks have lost their season MVP, Martin Havlat, they did add a powerful scoring forward in Marian Hossa. The Hawks lost a great goaltender in Khabibulan, and leaving the team to Huet is a bit risky. Huet has shown he can be a great goaltender, but his inconsistent play has had Hawk fans questioning how good a deal it was to pick him up and at such a steep price.

The Hawks have really big expectations to fulfill this coming season, and nobody really can say for sure if this team is capable of going all the way next year. As young as the team is though, Chicago fans are at least positive that the Hawks could win a championship in the near future. While the future is bright, the players don’t need to feel like they have no room to improve. Their inexperience was exploited by the veteran Detroit team last year in the playoffs and Detroit seems to always have the Hawks’ number. Most of all, Detroit capitalized on every mistake the Hawks made, and the Hawks will have to limit their mistakes against the Red Wings moving forward.

One thing that made me mad was the hatred for the Hawks by Sports Illustrated. They never gave credit to the Hawks, even when they made it deep into the postseason. They said they would lose against the Flames and the Canucks. When the Hawks did win those two series, SI didn’t praise the wins, they just ignored them completely. Just recently Alan Muir has called the Hossa signing a bad one. Come on! They never give the Hawks credit for building a team that can win. Sorry for going on a mini rant, but that has always bothered me a lot.

With prospect camps currently ongoing, the Hawks could find another gem. Next hockey season will be a fun and interesting ride for the Hawks and their fans. As a fan, I can only wish for another playoff berth, and who knows, maybe even a Cup.

Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 Preview

• Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Date: Friday, June 12, 2009
• Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Time: 8:00 ET
• Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Location: Detroit, MI
• Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 TV: NBC
• Red Wings – Penguins Game 7 Odds: Detroit -1.5

So who will take the Stanley Cup?

Originally, we broke down the NHL betting matchup edges into offense, defense, special teams, goaltending and coaching. Have the edges shifted in any of these categories entering Game 7?

Stanley Cup betting lines for Game 7:
Penguins +160
Red Wings -190

Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Preview: OFFENSE

The Penguins are not the same team offensively on the road. In Pittsburgh, they’ve forechecked hard, beating the smallish Detroit defenders to pucks in the corners and taking the body. Jordan Staal, Tyler Kennedy and Maxime Talbot have been particularly impressive. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were brilliant in two of Pittsburgh’s three home games but have done very little in Detroit – amazingly, Crosby has no points at Joe Louis Arena in this series.

Save for Game 5, the Red Wings’ offense hasn’t exploded but it’s been relatively steady. Pavel Datsyuk’s return to the lineup breathed major life into the team in Game 5 and should help distribute Detroit’s scoring in Game 7. Henrik Zetterberg is clutch, as is Johan Franzen, but Marian Hossa has disappeared off the face of the Earth. He looks uncomfortable with the physicality of this series and can’t be relied upon to bust out in Game 7.

Overall, since Crosby and Malkin have been neutralized on the road, the edge shifts to Detroit.

Original Edge: Penguins
Game 7 Edge: Red Wings

Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Preview: DEFENSE

Both teams should be commended for their overall defensive efforts in Stanley Cup betting, though they go about their success in different ways. The Wings have relied on skill, speed and smothering positioning to take space away from the Pens forwards while the Penguins have used their size, brute strength and shot blocking to keep pucks out of the net. As courageous as the Pens have been, they’ve been more tentative and, more importantly, less disciplined on the road, so Detroit keeps its edge here.

Original Edge: Red Wings
Game 7 Edge: Red Wings

Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Preview: GOALTENDING

Could this be the deciding factor in NHL betting lines for Game 7? So far, the matchup has gone just as it seemed it would on paper – Chris Osgood has been solid if unspectacular for the Wings and Marc-Andre Fleury has alternated scintillating and horrible performances. Fleury remains the more physically gifted netminder; he showed in Game 6 that he can singlehandedly steal a game as he stopped 13 Detroit shots in the third period and made some spectacular saves. However, Fleury has melted down on the road and Chris Osgood has loads of big-game Stanley Cup experience, as he’s seeking his third ring. Fleury still can’t be counted out as he’ll need to carry the Pens, but Osgood is oh-so-steady, so Detroit pulls even here.

Original Edge: Penguins
Game 7 Edge: Even

Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Preview: SPECIAL TEAMS

Nothing has really changed here. We know the Wings power play is second to one and we know its penalty kill is brutal. The Wings showed in Game 5 that they will bury anyone who takes penalties against them, but the Pens’ PK has been brilliant aside from that game and its power play has been adequate. No real offshore sportsbook advantage here, but the Pens must stay disciplined.

Original Edge: Even
Game 7 Edge: Even

Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Preview: COACHING

You have to hand it to Dan Bylsma; he guided the Pens from almost missing the playoffs to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final and he found a way to instill confidence in them for Game 6 after the ugly Game 5 loss. However, Bylsma has never coached one deciding game with the equivalent significance of the Super Bowl. Mike Babcock has. He’ll be cooler under pressure, so the Wings get the edge for Game 7.

Original Edge: Even
Game 7 Edge: Red Wings

Red Wings-Penguins Game 7 Prediction:THE VERDICT FOR GAME 7

As you can guess based on the analysis above, I’m picking Detroit to win Game 7. My original online wagering prognosis – Penguins in 6 – was contingent on the Penguins being up 3-2 heading home. Back in Detroit, the defending champs are just too good and the Penguins haven’t shown that they can handle the hostile environment at Joe Louis Arena. Another factor to remember: the home team is 12-2 in Stanley Cup Game 7s all-time.

Stanley Cup betting pick: Detroit Red Wings -190

However, as a devoted sports lover, I enjoy watching any sporting event in which the best players in the world at their respective sport are playing with something great on the line. Certainly, when the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins take to the ice in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals, some of the best hockey players in the world will be battling it out for something great on the line.

And I will watch. (Although, as we all know, hockey is much better viewed live. But I don’t think I’m getting out to Detroit or Pittsburgh anytime soon…)

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Click Here for Great Deals on Stanley Cup Finals Tickets from StubHub

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Maybe I won’t watch every game, but I’ll tune it for most of them. Or at least flip over during the commercials if the Stanley Cup Finals are played concurrently with any NBA games.

And here is the TV Schedule for the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals, a rematch of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals between the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Last year, the Red Wings came out on top and won their first Stanley Cup since 2002. In addition to being the defending Stanley Cup winners, the Red Wings are the last team to win the Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons (1997,1998). Pittsburgh is looking to take home the Stanley Cup for the first time since they won it back-to-back in 1991 and 1992.

Yesterday, our good friends from BetOnline broke down the matchups and offered up a Red Wings-Penguins Stanley Cup Finals prediction. They picked the Pens to come out on top in 6 games. What do you think?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.