I Should Stop Making Predictions

Of course this did not occur. Instead, the Penguins marched to their second-consecutive Eastern Conference Championship. Man, I thought Carolina would have given them more of a series, but Sid the Kid and the gang were too much.

The Detroit Red Wings go for the clincher tonight in Chicago as well. It's looking like a rematch of last year's edition.

In other news:

• Now, THIS is more like it! Also, read the rest of the article for more news on other potential Wild coaching candidates.
• I guess the lure of rotten sugar beets is just too much to take!
• Roman has three new posts to review: one says that the Gophers will have four freshmen on the roster next season, the second has more on Nebraska-Omaha's possible WCHA bid, and the third peeks at the upcoming schedule. I like Lucia's curtailing the freshman class somewhat. It also speaks for Budish's recovery from his knee injury. The Gophers have Taylor Matson coming back from a knee injury and Jacob Cepis eligible around Christmas. With only two early defections (Ryan Stoa and Drew Fisher) and two departing seniors (R.J. Anderson and Justin Bostrom), the Gophers' roster is in good shape. Of course, this could change in a heartbeat depending on where Jordan Schroeder goes in next month's NHL Draft and whether the Islanders look to sign Aaron Ness.
• Speaking of the draft, here are two mock drafts from NHL.com: Adam Kimelman (teaser...the Wild end up with Schroeder at #12; Budish to Calgary at #20) and Brad Holland (Schroeder at #11 to Nashville; Budish to Philadelphia at #21).