By Wally
OK … we’re at the Final Four stage for the NBA and NHL playoffs. Let’s get some predictions from the Pine on how the playoffs will unravel for each sport. I’ll start:
NBA: Lakers over the Suns in 6. This just isn’t a good size/position match-up for Phoenix; LA’s size and length plus skill at the paint positions will be the difference.
Magic over the Celtics in 7. Close match-up! I think Orlando’s youth and home court advantage will be the slight difference.
NHL: Blackhawks over the Sharks in 7. Okay … this is my heart making this call, but the Hawks haven’t had this good a team in a looooooooong time, so this is the year! Plus, they’re playing exceptionally well on the road in these playoffs.
Canadiens over the Flyers in 7. And why not??? At this point, it’s certainly not an upset. Halak the Rock!!! Soft spot for Anchorage’s favorite son … Scotty Gomez of Les Habs.
Those of you on the Bench … please share your thoughts!
I’m with you on the Habs and the Hawks.
Celts experience will tip this one and of course Rondo causing all sorts of problems. I have no idea with the Suns – Lakers
I am going with the Blackhawks and Flyers. The Flyers are healthy and playing like the team everyone thought they would be – before the season started.
NBA??? I would love to see C’s and the Suns. Now that I said that, it will probably end up being a repeat of last year.
Personally, I’d love to see Chicago vs Montreal. What this means, of course, is that it will be San Jose and Philly.
As for basketball, I don’t even know who is playing, so there you go.
For old times sake, I’m looking for Celts to beat Lakers in 7 and 2 of the original 6 to go at it with Canadiens beating Hawks in 7. Like Bill, I feel I just jinxed 4 teams.
Great start for the Blackhawks … another road win … I think that might be 6 in a row?
I heard where the Hawks may actually win because they are a better road team than home team. At home they tend to play finesse for the Chicago fans, and it’s not their most effective style. They need to dig it out and grind it out, which they do on the road.