Octopus>Penguin

I allowed Michael the privilege of giving a cup preview from the rivals side and what does he do? Goes on a 2000 word Bill Simmons-like rant about absolutely nothing. But what else what we expect from our roof-falling friend?.

The series boils down to this: Who would win in a fight between a octopus and a penguin. It would be a battle, don't get me wrong, but how does the tentacled terror not come out on top? A little ink in the beak and eyes and it's all over, just like this series.

The Red Wings are the more talented team. If both teams played this series, healthy, and on ample rest, Wings win in 5. Yeah, Malkin is good. Crosby is alright, but c'mon, Peter Altschuler could grow a better playoff beard than him. Bill Guerin is 40 years old and looks like he should be in a just for men gel commercial. The Penguins do have some talent, but they have not played a defense like Detroit. When you are going against Lidstrom, Rafalski, Stuart, Kronwall,and Ericcson shift after shift, nothing comes easy. On the flip side, who is slowing down Franzen? Who is battling with Cleary and Holmstrom in front? I don't know if the Penguins are ready for the physicality of Detroit.

Like every playoff series, it's going to come down to the play of the goalies. If Ozzie or MAF can steal a game, their respective team is that much more likely to win the series. Ozzie has been here before. Another cup win makes him a hall of famer. MAF has been outstanding in these playoffs, but he faltered in last years series. We will see if the pressure gets to him once again.

Between the Red Wings injuries and the Penguins youth, I think this series goes 7. With the game tied 2-2 in the third, Zetterberg carries over the blue line, dipsy-do's around Hal Gill and lays a drop pass for the on-coming Nick Lidstrom. His signiture blast finds the top corner, giving the Red Wings there 12th Stanley Cup.