Stanley Cup 2007 Prediction

The Ottawa Senators have the league's most lethal scoring line of Heatley-Spezza-Alfreddson. But that won't be enough to stop the Anaheim Ducks. Niedermayer and Pronger may be the most lethal defensive duo of all-time and the Senators top line hasn't had to face lethal defensemen like this. Combined with an edge in goal with the more experienced Giguere it should be enough for the Ducks who have struggled to score to come out on top.

Anaheim in 7.

The NHL needs more Canada

For the past 3 years in a row a Canadian team will play in the Stanley Cup Finals. Even though Canadian teams have lost the previous two times, it is a remarkable feat that despite having only 6 teams out of 30, a Canadian team has been able to make it to finals for 3 consecutive years.

In the US, an American team who makes it to the Stanley Cup Finals boots interest in hockey but it is almost always temporiarily and the following season fans interest in hockey decline. In Canada when a team makes it the finals the city becomes alive as the entire city goes cup crazy. The NHL has tried to find new southern markets but they have failed to catch on. There are no signs of future hockey players in these new markets and instead of finding new southern US markets the US should strengthen its birthplace. Canadians cities like Winnipeg, Quebec, and Hamilton could easily support a NHL team and they would generate more fan interest than southern cities like Atlanta, Phoenix, and Nashville. Hockey is a game that belongs in a colder climate and the NHL needs to realize this if they want their game to grow.

2007 Round 3 NHL Predictions

Buffalo vs Ottawa

I have picked the Senators to lose in the previous rounds and I will continue the streak. The Senators don't deserve to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals after faltering season after season with a stacked team. The Sabres maintained last year's core and added key veterans like Spacek and Zubrus.

Buffalo in 6

Detroit vs Anaheim

I have picked the Ducks to lose in both rounds and I was wrong. I undervalued the Ducks offense and their defense overshadows a defense led by Nicklas Lidstrom. The Ducks will make it to the finals and Oilers will secure a first round draft picks.

Anaheim in 6