Don’t you get a feeling of “disfunctionalness” from the Devils? Just now created that term (should probably copyright it but at least it doesn’t matter how it’s spelled)), but to use a great term (I have permission to use this): I think that NJ is going to have a craptacular series and crash and burn. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them play their final two games at home this year in the first two games of the series.

I guess it boils down to the feeling that they SHOULD win, certainly on paper. But the Canes have done the opposite of the Devils. While NJ’s been disfunctionalizing, Carolina’s been gelling.

Interestingly enough, what makes me think I just might be right when I say Canes in 5 (maybe even 4 but not more than 6) is that as well-constructed and well thought-out and very compelling as your arguments are I get the distinct feeling that you’re trying to convince yourself as much as the IC readers. Otherwise you just wouldn’t be so darn reasonable about a team and a series you care very passionately about.

I get the sense you’re thinking, “Yes, those Canes are good but the Devils will do it. It might take seven, but I won’t be disappointed. Really.”

Been wrong many a time, and will be many more. But not this time, I think. However…

“We shall see. That’s why we watch.”