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As I write this, the Conference Semis are underway. This leaves eight teams battling it out for the right to Lord Stanley's cup. Those eight teams are Buffalo, Ottawa, New Jersey, the New York Rangers, Detroit, Anaheim, Vancouver, and San Jose.

In the east, Buffalo has proven themselves all year. They were the class, not only of the Eastern Conference, but the whole NHL. They had the best record and looked, at times, unbeatable. As they play the Rangers, expect them to show their strength and stamina. Don't look for any surprises, as the Rangers did to the Thrashers. Buffalo will advance to the Conference Finals.

The other Eastern Conference match up has Ottawa facing New Jersey. Martin Brodeur is very tough to beat in the playoffs. This will make Ottawa's task much more difficult, almost impossible. New Jersey is a team that has the talent to go all the way, so getting past Ottawa will be no surprise. Unfortunately, Buffalo will prove to be too much for the Devils, though they will make for tough opponents, taking the Conference Finals to seven games.

In the West, the series in the Semis to watch will be the Red Wings-Sharks. If you look at it on paper, the Red Wings should have no problem. Ask the Predators how that works. San Jose knows how to peak at playoff time. The Sharks Thornton, and Marleau lead a team of physical players who know how to dominate the neutral zone. Detroit, though, is capable of dominating any team. This series, too, I look for to go seven games, with Detroit surviving to move on.

Anaheim will most likely prove to be too much for Vancouver. Anaheim, too, is peaking at the right time. They have all the potential to dominate this series, and I look for that to happen. Look for only five or six games to decide this series.

Both Conference Finals will most likely be better than the Cup Finals. The only reason for this is that both teams advancing will be worn out. I expect both Conference Finals to go seven games. Buffalo-New Jersey and Detroit-Anaheim will make for series' that will stand the test of time as great series. They will be hard fought and produce many, many memorable moments. The winners will be better labeled survivors. Those survivors should be Buffalo and Anaheim.

The Cup Final will most likely go only five games. Anaheim has shown little stamina all season long. They have had great spurts, but those are short lived. Buffalo has proven it has staying power. They should be able to over come the hard fought series with the Devils better than the Ducks will be able to recover from their bout with the Red Wings. Buffalo will get it's long awaited, and much deserved, Stanley Cup.

Learn more about this author, Jim Becker.
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