Nothing unexpected about this showdown
If anyone would have predicted a Pittsburgh Penguins/Anaheim Ducks showdown for the WCHL Cup, I don't think anyone would have been shocked. After all, Anaheim claimed the title last year and Pittsburgh is always a threat to claim the crown.
But only one of these teams can win it all and it will be a great battle to see who emerges on top.
For Anaheim the past paves a pretty picture to the present and the previous two cup winners -the Colorado Avalanche and the New York Rangers- each repeated their title victory. Anaheim would be the third straight team to post back-to-back cup titles if they can knock off Pittsburgh.
The Penguins meanwhile are trying to avenge a long list of post-season drive-bys, winning just one cup despite line ups loaded with talent and big names.
It will also be an interesting match up considering Sidney Crosby came to Pittsburgh from the Ducks a few years ago.
Here's my prediction for the WCHL and ACHL Cup finals:
Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins- The Ducks are running a hot streak of epic proportions, winning two straight President's trophies and are on the cusp of repeating as WCHL Cup champions. While the club has had a few six game series thus far, the Ducks haven't really been tested much in the playoffs this year as they rolled through the west, going 12-5 in the process.
Pittsburgh meanwhile has made that record look rather pitiful. Blasting through the New York Islanders in four games in the second round, Pittsburgh at one point had a nine game winning streak in the playoffs and haven't lost in regulation since game two of the first round. In a playoff where many series have gone the distance, Pittsburgh has had the most success of anyone.
The key to success for both clubs will be in who steps up that hasn't yet. For Pittsburgh, the inspirational leader is Teemu Selanne, the greatest Finn of them all. He hasn't been to great this season, posting just one goal and three points in 16 games. Ryan Callahan also has just one goal despite playing over 20 minutes a game.
Anaheim on the other hand has their own living legend in Jaromir Jagr who has only picked up five points in 17 games. Kyle Turris has just four points in 17 games as well, so this talented pair is doing little to pull their weight.
In net, Marc-Andre Fluery finally is playing up to his capabilities, posting a ridiculous 1.21 goals against average and .952 save percentage this post-season. Normally Tuukka Rask's 2.22 GAA and .916 save percentage is great on its own but thus far it looks like Fluery is as locked in as can be.
Prediction: This is a coin flip series, but Pittsburgh seems locked in this post-season. Pittsburgh in seven games
ACHL
Abbotsford Heat vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - Abbotsford in six games.
If anyone would have predicted a Pittsburgh Penguins/Anaheim Ducks showdown for the WCHL Cup, I don't think anyone would have been shocked. After all, Anaheim claimed the title last year and Pittsburgh is always a threat to claim the crown.
But only one of these teams can win it all and it will be a great battle to see who emerges on top.
For Anaheim the past paves a pretty picture to the present and the previous two cup winners -the Colorado Avalanche and the New York Rangers- each repeated their title victory. Anaheim would be the third straight team to post back-to-back cup titles if they can knock off Pittsburgh.
The Penguins meanwhile are trying to avenge a long list of post-season drive-bys, winning just one cup despite line ups loaded with talent and big names.
It will also be an interesting match up considering Sidney Crosby came to Pittsburgh from the Ducks a few years ago.
Here's my prediction for the WCHL and ACHL Cup finals:
Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins- The Ducks are running a hot streak of epic proportions, winning two straight President's trophies and are on the cusp of repeating as WCHL Cup champions. While the club has had a few six game series thus far, the Ducks haven't really been tested much in the playoffs this year as they rolled through the west, going 12-5 in the process.
Pittsburgh meanwhile has made that record look rather pitiful. Blasting through the New York Islanders in four games in the second round, Pittsburgh at one point had a nine game winning streak in the playoffs and haven't lost in regulation since game two of the first round. In a playoff where many series have gone the distance, Pittsburgh has had the most success of anyone.
The key to success for both clubs will be in who steps up that hasn't yet. For Pittsburgh, the inspirational leader is Teemu Selanne, the greatest Finn of them all. He hasn't been to great this season, posting just one goal and three points in 16 games. Ryan Callahan also has just one goal despite playing over 20 minutes a game.
Anaheim on the other hand has their own living legend in Jaromir Jagr who has only picked up five points in 17 games. Kyle Turris has just four points in 17 games as well, so this talented pair is doing little to pull their weight.
In net, Marc-Andre Fluery finally is playing up to his capabilities, posting a ridiculous 1.21 goals against average and .952 save percentage this post-season. Normally Tuukka Rask's 2.22 GAA and .916 save percentage is great on its own but thus far it looks like Fluery is as locked in as can be.
Prediction: This is a coin flip series, but Pittsburgh seems locked in this post-season. Pittsburgh in seven games
ACHL
Abbotsford Heat vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins - Abbotsford in six games.
