Stanley Cup and Cheesecake 2014 — Atlantic Division Semifinals

EASTERN CONFERENCE – Atlantic Division Semifinals

(1) Boston Bruins vs. (WC2) Detroit Red Wings

Detroit managed to extend its streak of playoff appearances to 23 years. They've been banged up and missing many of their stars at various points this season, but the young players they've called up have ably carried the load in their absence. As the veterans return to the lineup and bolster an underrated offensive attack, goalie Jimmy Howard should be able to hold the fort, build upon the success the Wings enjoyed vs. Boston earlier in the season (3 wins in 4 games) and pull off the upset of the heavily-favored Bruins.

(This is totally a homer pick, not just because I despise Boston and every player on the Bruins roster, but also because some bum from Boston stiffed me on a commission recently. So, no more free art for you, Beantowners!)  Red Wings in seven.

(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens

Offense isn't a concern for either of these teams...they can score, and in bunches. Who wins may come down to who has the better goaltending. The Habs' Carey Price has had a stellar season, and already has a gold medal around his neck to show for it, but his playoff resume is mediocre. For the Bolts, the great play of Ben Bishop helped the team keep winning when superstar Steven Stamkos missed four months with a broken leg, but his injury late in the season will likely thrust the up-and-down Anders Lindback into the spotlight. I think that will be the difference, and that it'll be the
Habs in six.

A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR: All of the original, hand-drawn art for this year's Stanley Cup picks will be on sale soon...but much of the art from previous years is currently available at my Etsy store, and on sale for 30% off through the end of the playoffs in June, when you use the code CUP2014 at checkout!

Of course, if you'd like to go the extra mile and get a personalized, one-of-a-kind uni-girl illustration of your very own to your exact specifications, that information can be found here.