I would have to say that the finals will be a lot closer than some might imagine. The smart money would likely be on a Wings-Penguins finals but there are reasons to give the underdogs their day. Question marks surround all four goalies as none of them has that sparkling playoff resume that adds that mystique that gets into an opponents heads.
Martin Biron might have the fewest questions because of his shorter resume. At the other end of the rink, Marc-Andre Fleury will be under closer scrutiny. He has fared well so far in the playoffs but the pressure will be up a little higher this time around. Having failed to close the deal in the World Junior Championships in 2005, the QMJHL title or a Memorial Cup, there will be questions in his own head about whether or not he can carry the Pens all the way this time around. His game has improved and he is far more solid than he was before his ankle injury but his focus and his ability to handle the pressure remains untested.
In the west, Chris Osgood has made great strides this year in overtaking the reality show that is Dominik Hasek. While he had a regular season good enough to warrant an appearance in the All Star Game and a contract extension with the Wings (at a bargain, I might add) there are still questions if only because he has been considered a back-up for so long or because he has had his share of playoff failures. Marty Turco is all too familiar with that but has done a great deal in this post-season to match his elite regular season performance.
Both the Flyers and Stars head into the series with the hotter goalies and the reputation to play a more physical game. I have a funny feeling that one of them will actually make it to the finals but I can't say which one.
In the saw it coming category: Mike Richards will likely be captain of the Flyers next year. His play through this year's post-season has solidified his leadership credentials on the team.
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