Reply #3: I think the winner of this next series wins the Cup.

[Forkboy]

I think both Western teams are better than Boston and Tampa (not drastically better, but better). Not to take anything away from Chicago and especially Nashville, who played great, but Vancouver has lacked a killer instinct so far. I think the Sharks had it in all but one game, but the Wings are just a great team that wasn't going to go down easily.

The Sedin twins were quiet against the Preds and may be thrilled to play someone else. Not that the Sharks are bad defensively, but Nashville just smothered them. After that anything will seem wide open. And this is a huge series for Vancouver. They are totally built to win it and win it now, and they know it. But Luongo has some playoff demons to beat, and the pressure is more on them than San Jose, imo.

I like both teams a lot, and picked Vancouver all year, but I just hope it goes the distance and is good hockey. I'll be happy with either of them winning the series, and the Cup...if its against Tampa.