Stanley Cup 2007: The Conference Finals Picks

The About.com brain trust enters the Stanley Cup Conference Finals with a stellar record, having picked 11 of 12 series winners so far. But that's really nothing to crow about. Plenty of bloggers and media types have had similar success in a playoff year that has failed to produce a major upset.

There will be no upsets in Round Three, regardless of who wins.

(1) Buffalo vs. (4) Ottawa
The puck is deep in the Ottawa zone, and a Senators' defenseman is the first man back to collect it. What happens next? The answer could well determine who wins. Ottawa will generate a few goals. Holding off the Buffalo swarm, with its legions of attackers stealing pucks and exhausting defenders, is the challenge. The Sabres are the superior team if they get consistent smart hockey from every line. But that hasn't always been the case in these playoffs, and Ottawa is doing all the right things so far.
Ottawa in Six

(1) Detroit vs. (2) Anaheim
When the San Jose Sharks were on their game, there wasn't much Detroit could do to stop them. Fortunately for the Red Wings, the Sharks disintegrated at the first sign of adversity. It will be different against Anaheim. The Ducks have the clear edge on defense, a great checking line to frustrate Zetterberg/Datsyuk, and possibly the better goaltender. They won't be blowing early 2-0 leads either. With their battered blueline, the Wings simply have too much to overcome.
Ducks in Six