Question Time: Bruins v Sharks Final?

Alex made a bold statement today, he said "How about a Sharks v Bruins final? Doesn't seem impossible!"

At first I thought no! The final will be won by Detroit in a 4-0 series whitewash over the Penguins. But then I thought 'I've got some time to kill so let's work this out and see if we'll see a B's v Sharks final.

Let's look at the Western Conference first.

The San Jose Sharks are currently embroiled in a bitter battle with the LA Kings, the current Stanley Cup holders and the series is currently 2-2. Can they go on to win the series? Yes. Both teams are evenly matched enough. The games have been close in the regular season and in the playoffs.

Now if the Sharks win the series, they go up against the Detroit Red Wings or the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks pasted the the Sharks in the regular season however the Red Wings are currently leading Chicago in their series.

Can the Sharks beat the Red Wings? Yes. Only once did the Sharks lose to Detroit in the regular season. If they put in a similar performance then I can see them overturning Detroit and making it to the final.


Now let's look at the Eastern Conference.

The Boston Bruins are one game away from taking the current series against the New York Rangers. This, I suspect is a mere formality.

Now the difficulty comes in the next series, the Pittsburgh Penguins are currently 2-1 up in their series against the Ottawa Senators. The Pens' form has dipped recently but with all the talent and superstar trades the team made, I see them defeating the Sens.

So the question is can Boston beat Pittsburgh? Well they didn't manage it in the regular season. Remember the Toronto Maple Leafs took Boston to a seventh game decider so the team can be beaten. I can't see Boston getting past the Penguins.

So Alex, to answer your question: could we see a Bruins v Sharks final? No. I don't think the B's will get past the Penguins. However it's the playoffs so anything can happen.