Reader here, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are down to the final four.
For the second series in a row, Alex Newhook was the hero, scoring the winning goal in overtime, as the Montreal Canadiens dispatched the Buffalo Sabres, 3-2, last night in Game Seven of their Eastern Conference Semifinal.
That means the Habs have earned themselves a showdown with the powerhouse Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.
Rod Brind’Amour’s club finished atop the Eastern Conference standings, and second overall, behind only Colorado.
Montreal might be a little rubber-legged, after two seven-game series, while the ‘Canes have played and won the eight games they’ve played in the postseason so far, sweeping Ottawa and Philadelphia.
The Habs’ legs may not be as fresh, coming on two consecutive seven-game series, but behind strong netminding from Jakub Dobes, Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson powering the offense, and Newhook’s late-game heroics, there’s no telling what could happen.
That said, if Fredrik Andersen continues his stellar play in goal for Carolina, and the Hurricanes four line rotation continues to stay consistent with their relentless forecheck and scoring in waves, it’ll be a tough matchup for Montreal.
The Western Conference Final has the league-leading Colorado Avalanche taking off the Vegas Golden Knights.
Personally, I hope the Avs obliterate Vegas. I’m sure it won’t be in four straight, but Colorado should come out on top, and be the West representative in the Stanley Cup Final.
As far as the Eastern Final? My heart says Montreal, but my head says Carolina.
As much as I’d love for the Habs to come through and have a chance to bring Lord Stanley’s Mug back to the Great White North for the first time since 1993 (when Patrick Roy and the Habs beat Wayne Gretzky and the L.A. Kings), I think the Hurricanes are just too strong.
And yes, I know Montreal swept the season series this year, but there’s a big difference between the regular season and playoffs, and the ‘Canes are built for the postseason.
I do think the Habs will hand Carolina their first loss or two of the playoffs, but ultimately, I’m picking Carolina in six. In the West, I’ve gotta go with Colorado in five.
I’m not usually one of those people who jump on a bandwagon after my team is eliminated. Generally, once my Flyers are down, I don’t watch a whole lot of hockey. I’ll tune in for the Finals, but that’s about it.
I do have my limits. I’ll never cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs or Calgary Flames. That’s a non-starter. I’d LIKE to cheer for the Ottawa Senators, as one of my all-time favourite players, former longtime Flyers captain Claude Giroux is a member of the Senators. BUT, so is Brady Tkachuk. So that eliminates the Sens. The Oilers, well, they were taken out in Round One, while the Jets and Canucks failed to make the postseason.
That said, for as long as it lasts (Likely just this third round), I guess I’m a Montreal Canadiens fan! Allons-y, Habs!
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