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The NHL Conference Finals: Predictions

We are getting to the business end of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and the four teams left are Vancouver, San Jose, Boston and Tampa Bay. I guess the only surprising team there is Tampa Bay because they had to go through both Pittsburgh and Washington to get to the Eastern Conference final. However, they have shown, particularly through their special teams, that they are more than a match for any side.

Let's take a look at the match-ups. 

Eastern Conference:

Boston Bruins (3) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (5)

Right now the series stands at 1-1. Tampa exploded offensively in the first period of the first game, scoring three goals in around 85 seconds. That was too much for the Bruins to contend with and they could not get themselves back into the game, losing it 5-2. However, in the second game, it was the Bruins, led by rookie Tyler Seguin, who exploded offensively, putting 6 past the Lightning who pulled Roloson. The game ended 6-5 to Boston after a late rally from the Bolts.

It is hard to see how the rest of the series will pan out but I can't help but think that Boston's size and defensive ability will swing the series in their favour. Yes the Lightning have huge scoring potential but I am not sure if they can score as freely as they did in the first game for four games. I think the team that wins this series will have to thank their goalie in a massive way.

My Prediction: Bruins 4 – 2 Bolts

Western Conference:

Vancouver Canucks (1) vs San Jose Sharks (3)

The two perennial underachieving franchises in the NHL are clashing in the Western Conference final. Out of the two teams I think Vancouver are the more complete side but you can't count out a team that includes Joe Thornton, Danny Heatley, Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture and the red hot Ryan Clowe.

However, it is defensively where Vancouver are considerably better than their Sun Belt counterparts and I think that will win them the series. Ryan Kesler will also play a huge part, and you have to think that the Sedins will, at some point, heat up and play to their potential. This should be a close series but I think the Canucks will triumph in the end.

My Prediction: Canucks 4 – 2 Sharks

Daily News: NHL and EPL

 

NHL News:

Torres suspended for four games – Raffi Torres has been handed a four game suspension for his hit on Jordan Eberle.

New stadium for Edmonton Oilers? Alberta Premier expects funding pitch – Exciting news for the Oilers. However, things are at a very, very early stage.

Race for final playoff spots rages on – The last games of the regular season should be fantastic.

Sens' GM Murray signs up for three more years – Fairly self-explanatory headline.

Interesting article discussing the 2010/11 NHL season in numbers – Go read, it's fun.

EPL News:

Chelsea players backing Torres and Ancelotti – John Terry has stated that the Chelsea squad are all behind their manager and star striker.

Park Ji-Sung is ready to get back to his best form for United – The hard-working winger is hoping he can play a big part in the Red Devil's remaining games.

Dalglish talks ongoing – Neither the FSG group nor King Kenny are rushing into a decision at Liverpool

Season for over for Liverpool skipper – Liverpool will be without their best player for the rest of the season.

Wenger putting his faith in youth – Wenger is pleading with the Arsenal fans to put their faith in his youthful squad. I think the fans are pleading with Wenger to buy in some experience and grit.

More news next week!

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Daily News: NHL and EPL

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NHL News:

Miller won't play Tuesday, but is back on the ice – Sabres' goalie Ryan Miller did not practice with the team on Monday morning, nor will he play against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight, but he did skate on his own.

Who can clinch tonight? - Interesting article that shows which teams can clinch playoff spots or division titles after Tuesday's results are in.

No Semin for Caps – Alexander Semin has been given some time to rest to recover from “his injuries from the past.”

Ranger's Callahan out with a broken ankle – Ryan Callahan is out for the rest of the season and the playoffs after breaking his ankle blocking a Zdeno Chara shot. This is a huge blow to the Rangers.

Sharks beat Kings and clinch Pacific Division title – This is the fourth straight Division title for the Sharks, who beat the Kings by a final score of 6-1. 

 

EPL News:

Newcastle boosted by Ben Arfa return – Talented French winger Hatem Ben Arfa has returned to training after recovering from a broken leg earlier in the season.

Higginbotham out for six months – After rupturing knee ligaments, Stoke City's Danny Higginbotham will miss six months of action, that will include the FA Cup semi-final.

Fergie would step down if asked – He doesn't have plans to retire yet, but Alex Ferguson insists he won't outstay his welcome.

Chelsea's John Terry isn't giving up on the title – But he should.

Bruce concerned about loss of form – Black Cats' boss Steve Bruce is worried about his team's slide down the Premier League table.

More news on Thursday!

Daily News: NHL and EPL

 NHL News:

Phoenix and Atlanta on the brink of a move – The Coyotes and the Thrashers are both on the brink of moving. But which franchise will end up in Winnipeg?

Canucks win President's Trophy for the first time, poised to make more history too – The Vancouver Canucks are enjoying their best ever season.

Pronger out til playoffs – Flyers' captain, Chris Pronger is out until the playoffs while he recovers from hand surgery.

McCreary refs final game on Saturday – Veteran ref, Bill McCreary will officiate the final game of his 26 year refereeing career tomorrow night when the Caps take on the Sabres.

Wideman in hospital, no telling when he will return – Washington Capital's defenceman Dennis Wideman is in hospital suffering from a leg hematoma.

EPL News:

Saha to miss the remainder of the season – Everton striker Louis Saha will miss the rest of the EPL season after having undergone surgery.

Hodgson believes he never stood a chance at Anfield – Former Reds boss Roy Hodgson has stated that he never felt wanted at Anfield.

Arsenal join the hunt for Al Habsi – Arsenal have joined the race, along with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Celtic, to sign Bolton goalie, Ali Al Habsi. They desperately need him too.

Mancini warns Balotelli – Man City boss Roberto Mancini wants Balotelli to improve his behaviour on and off the pitch.

Spurs' Hutton out for a month – More injury woe for Spurs as right-back Alan Hutton is sidelined for a month with a knee problem.

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More news on Monday! 

Daily News: NHL and EPL

 

NHL News: 

 

Malhotra prognosis 6-8 weeks away – Manny Malhotra underwent successful eye-surgery but it is too early to say whether he will return to the game or not.

Tim Brent comfortable in visor – After receiving a high-stick to the eye, Tim Brent has realised the importance of a visor.

Crosby cleared for practice – This is simply huge news for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Canucks claim clinch No. 1 seed in West – It has only been a matter of time for the Canucks, but they have finally clinched the top spot in the Western Conference.

Bruins' Thornton leaves game early after facial cut – How lucky was Shawn Thornton? A couple of inches lower and he loses an eye.

 

EPL News:

 

Charlie Adam concentrating on the present – Blackpool captain, Charlie Adam is only concentrating on keeping Blackpool in the Premier League, despite rumours linking him with several other clubs.

Lucas signs new deal at Liverpool – Lucas Leiva has signed a new long-term deal at Liverpool after enjoying his best season yet at the Merseyside club.

Perma-crock Woodgate gets new injury – Jonathon Woodgate has picked up yet another injury. What a surprise.

Ferguson happy with one trophy – Despite being in the hunt for three trophies, Alex Ferguson would be happy with only one. Doesn't sound like Ferguson at all.

McCarthy: It's never been tighter – Mick McCarthy cannot remember a Premiership season that was a tight as this one. A sign that the game is improving? Definitely.

More tomorrow!

Daily News: NHL and EPL

 NHL NEWS:

Ovechkin ready and Arnott close to return – Alexander Ovechkin feels that he is ready to return to action for the Caps, while Jason Arnott should be back very soon. Good news for the Caps.

Selanne proving age doesn't matter – At 40 years old, Teemu Selanne is proving to the NHL world that he still has the ability to be a top player. He scored 5 points in last night's win over the Avalanche and has 75 points on the season.

Bertuzzi ejected from game, could face suspension – Todd Bertuzzi's reckless hit on Ryan Johnson last night earned him a 5 minute penalty and a game misconduct call. With the NHL clamping down on bad hits, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bertuzzi get a suspension.

Alfredsson practices for the first time since February - Sens' forward, Daniel Alfredsson has finally returned to practice. He has been out with an injured back since February the 9^th.

Penner returns to Oil City, Kings lose Kopitar til next season - Dustin Penner is returning to Edmonton for the first time since he was traded from the Oilers to the Kings. News has also come out that Anze Kopitar will not return this season. 

EPL NEWS:

Ibrahimovic to City? - AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is cooling any rumours that he will be moving to Manchester City in the summer. I don't see the point in City buying another striker, especially one who is nearing the end of his career.

Neymar dreaming of Blues – 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Neymar has revealed he would love to play for Chelsea. I think this guy could be a player Chelsea really need. They have an ageing squad and could do with some youthful talent.

Gallas staying at Spurs – William Gallas has signed a new deal at Spurs and with that, will probably end his long career at White Hart Lane.

Bale in race to be fit to play Real – Gareth Bale is desperate to be fit for Tottenham's Champion's League clash with Real Madrid. He suffered a minor hamstring injury training with the Welsh squad last week.

Pardew is confident of summer spending – Alan Pardew is hoping that he will have some money to spend this summer. Newcastle received 35 million pounds for the sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool and Pardew is confident he will be able to use it all to strengthen the Toon squad. 

More news tomorrow!