Again, I should work in the financial sector. I’d be rolling in taxpayer dough for getting only one out of four right on the semi-finals. Now I have to cheer for the West in the Stanley Cup yet again because I greatly dislike either possible winner in the East. Hate is such a strong word…no, I do hate the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins. The latter wasted seasons intentionally for draft picks, one of which is the biggest crybaby and the former is a carpetbagger team residing in NASS-CAHR turf. What can you do though? The Bruins choked and the Capitals were a paper tiger again. I can live with Chicago surprising me, I just didn’t think it would be so soon after the death of Dollar Bill Wirtz.
Here’s how I think it’ll go down.
West: #2 Detroit v. #4 Chicago: Detroit Red Wings in six. Sorry Chicago, it isn’t your year when you’re up against the dominant and most consistent team for the last 15 years. Some say the Red Wings are the New York Yankees of hockey. I think it’s the other way around, namely for my dislike of baseball. Oh, I always enjoy going to the Round Rock games with Jeremy, I just feel the season is too long and it’s only a notch above “reality” TV for entertainment.
East: #3 Pittsburgh v. #6 Carolina: Pittsburgh Penguins in seven. Which to hate more? I have to give the advantage to the Pens for name recognition. When a publication like Forbes (I think) says the Penguins have the best brand, you know Bettmann will be listening too closely to a clueless financial rag to fix the series. How I can’t stand to see Cindy Crosby scrunching up his face after the ref doesn’t give him the call he wanted.
It’s going to be a long Summer. On the upside, my new home team will be playing in 139 days!
The Pens will get their rematch against the Red Wings only to receive another serving of defeat.