Seven games, decided by one goal in double overtime. And even then, it could go either way.

Yes, that is the prevailing thought for this year's Stanley Cup Finals between Detroit and Pittsburgh. Through three rounds, the Wings have lost just four games while the Penguins have just two defeats.

Two great teams that would be great teams at any point in the league's history. It is a dream Stanley Cup Finals for the league's marketing types, and a seven game series would only make it better.

Not so quick. History shows us young teams on a roll do not always fare well when playing for hockey's holy grail. Remember the 1983 Edmonton Oilers? They lost just once through the first three rounds, and they were a young team led by superstars such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri.

Then they ran into the league's reigning dynasty, the New York Islanders. The Isles may have been considered a bunch of graybeards, but those graybeards swept the youngsters in four games.

The parallels to this series are stunning. Sidney Crosby, annointed as the next Great One, has lived up to the hyperbole. His leadership on and off the ice is remarkable for a 20-year-old. At the media availability day Friday, he spoke like a 25-year veteran.

In other words, he sounded like Chris Chelios.

Just kidding -- but Crosby is a 30-year-old in a 20-year-old's body, and that could present some problems for Detroit. He is not easily rattled on or off the ice, he stays composed yet plays with passion, and he can elude even the best defensemen.

Well, we think the last part is the case. Crosby has not faced Nick Lidstrom, the NHL's best defenseman, for nearly two years. And there is a reason Lidstrom has won enough top defenseman awards to change his first name to Norris.

The "silent assassin" goes about his job more quietly than other high profile defensemen, but few question he is the best. Add Brian Rafalski and Nicklas Kronwall to the defensive corps, and the Wings have the personnel to shut down Pittsburgh.

It will be an interesting battle indeed, as the Penguins have three solid lines. Common sense dictates the Wings would like to get the Pavel Datsyuk-Henrik Zetterberg-Tomas Holmstrom line out against the third or fourth line, but that might not be the case.

For Detroit, their top scoring line is also their best checking line. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are Selke candidates, and it could be argued they are the two best defensive forwards in the league. Don't let their offensive prowess fool you -- these two come to play at both ends of the ice.

Look for Detroit coach Mike Babcock to send the trio out against the Evgeni Malkin line, as the Malkin line is more defensively deficient than the Crosby line or the Jordan Staal line. Puck possession is the name of the game for Zetterberg and Datsyuk, and that alone could neutralize one of Pittsburgh's top two lines.

From Pittsburgh's point of view, it would seem their best matchup is to keep the Crosby and Malkin lines away from Zetterberg and Datsyuk. The Penguins' top two lines also thrive on puck possession, and they would be best served to play against anyone other than the league's best puck possession unit.

On the blueline, the Wings have the edge. Sergei Gonchar, Ryan Whitney, and Hal Gill lead a very competent defensive corps, but the Wings might have the best blueliners in the league -- a point that would likely be argued by Anaheim fans.

In goal, Chris Osgood has been Sogood since taking the starting reins midway through the opening round against Nashville. Osgood has Stanley Cup experience and he never seems to try to do too much.

On the other side, Marc-Andre Fleury has been spectacular, showing why he has been touted as a top-notch prospect for the past several seasons. Maybe it is the new white pads, but Fleury has been a rock for the Penguins in the playoffs.

PREDICTION: It is too easy to say this could go either way (and it could), so there has to be a limb on which to step out. Detroit's experience is invaluable at this time of year, and if the Penguins falter early, this could be a short series. Yet that seems unlikely -- the young Pens simply seem too composed.  Stanley Cups will find Pittsburgh in coming years, but this year, look for Detroit to win in six.

For so many reasons, I want to love Versus.

You know, the network formerly known as OLN. The network that stepped in to the NHL's rescue when ESPN wanted to cut back games to a very small number, as well as put all of them on ESPN2.

And they did so many things right at the start. They added Mike Emrick -- aka Doc -- as a play-by-play man. Emrick's enthusiastic call of New Jersey games is one of the best in the league.

They hired the classy and knowledgeable Bill Clement as a studio host. They showed two games most weeks, most of them in high definition. They promised the NHL as a base of a growing all-sports network.

Where did we go wrong?

Today, Versus still employs good talent. It is the production that leaves a lot to be desired, and that is an area in need of immediate change.

To start, the Versus camera work has been nothing short of awful in the playoffs. Cameramen seem obsessed with keeping the puck in the middle of the frame, which causes a litany of problems.

The best way to watch hockey on television is not to watch the puck -- it is to watch the play develop. Much like watching the game in person, the action away from the puck is often as important as who has the puck. Being able to visualize if someone is wide open in the slot is more important than seeing who has the puck in the corner.

With HD, there is no need for compromise. As HDNet proves, good camerawork allows the camera to remain virtually stationary once the puck enters the offensive zone. With the crispness of HD and the shape of an HDTV, it is more than possible for the viewer to see the entire offensive zone at once.

Instead, Versus zooms in to the point you can not see both shooter and goalie in most cases. As a result, instead of seeing the shot and a save, you're watching a blurred puck in transit, not really understanding what was involved in the save (or the goal).

To top it off, all non-tube HDTVs -- and tube HDTVs comprise a very small percentage of all HDTVs -- have a slower refresh rate than traditional tube televisions. The result is continual blurring whenever the camera is in motion. And as long as keeping the puck in the center of the screen is the main goal, the camera is in constant motion.

It is not that I am watching on an old model or one with a particularly slow refresh rate. I spent five years researching HDTVs before purchasing one, checking data on refresh rates and spending hours at electronics stores watching hockey to see which was the best.

After more time than I anticipated, the decision was a HDTV that was also more expensive than I anticipated -- but by all accounts, it was the best available in terms of refresh rate.

Yet even on this model, blurring is a major issue on Versus broadcasts, as the camera simply moves too much. Zoom out, show us more of the ice, and utilize slower camera movements. In other words, emulate HDNet.

When fans are unable to see what is happening because of the camerawork, the announcers do not come to the rescue. By now, it is clear the producers are telling Versus play-by-play men to eschew traditional play-by-play, instead telling stories and anecdotes during the play.

The result is incredibly annoying. For those who enjoy the analytical part of the game, the way to watch hockey on television is to watch the play develop and allow the announcers to tell you who has the puck. Without the second part present on Versus broadcasts, the way the game is viewed has to be changed.

I know -- when you're there in person, there's no play-by-play man. But you also have control of what you watch -- you are not at the mercy of questionable camera work -- and many fans still choose to bring a portable radio to hear the radio play-by-play while they are at the game.

Even Emrick, who is great on the Devils games, tells too many stories. It is obvious he is simply doing what he is told to do -- which is a shame, since at his best, he is one of the top play-by-play men out there.

Joe Beninati has a very different style -- he is more low-key, similar to a baseball announcer. The passion often seems missing from his voice, even after a big goal -- and like anyone working on a Versus broadcasts, the stories and anecdotes are distracting.

Still, do not blame the play-by-play men -- they are simply doing what they are told.

With any luck, Versus will realize the errors of their ways. If not, there is reason for their low regular season television ratings. In the playoffs, fans have no choice -- watch Versus or watch no hockey at all.

But in the regular season, Center Ice offers dozens of games each week from which to choose. And if Versus wants to improve their ratings, making the game easier for the die-hard fan to follow is essential.

It is strange how nobody has talked about the Detroit Red Wings as Stanley Cup contenders for most of the season.

You know, the team that won the President's Trophy -- again. The team led by Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, and Norris... err, I mean, Nicklas Lidstrom.

The team coached by coach of the year candidate Mike Babcock. The team with three Stanley Cups in a little over a decade. The team that plays in a city that calls itself Hockeytown.

Yes, those Detroit Red Wings. Some would say the Wings are back, but did they ever go away?

Sure, there's been some disappointing playoff runs since their last Stanley Cup in 2002, but disappointing takes on a different tone in Hockeytown. Last season, the Wings made the conference finals and were less than a minute from going up 3 games to 2.

Of course, Anaheim came back to win that series and the Stanley Cup, but Detroit learned from the experience. After a transition period where the Wings adjusted to life without the likes of Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan, the stars seem aligned for Detroit to return to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Now, about those Stars. Dallas might have something to say about it, especially after an impressive six game series against San Jose. Marty Turco is playing some of the best hockey of his career, and his pad save in the first overtime Sunday -- the one earmarked for the top corner -- certainly ranks among the season's best stops.

But it is not all goaltending for the Stars. Brenden Morrow has been the best player in the NHL through the first two rounds of the playoffs, dominating in a manner reminiscent of Mark Messier.

Still, it is hard not to consider Detroit the favorite. They play a puck possession style that frustrates opponents in a very different manner than most systems. Simply put, if the league kept time of possession, the Red Wings would lead the league by a large margin.

Look for a competitive series, but Detroit should take it in six games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW:

With just one loss through two rounds, many are quick to anoint the Pittsburgh Penguins as Stanley Cup Champions.

They have two of the league's best players in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The trade deadline acquisition of Marian Hossa has paid dividends. And Marc-Andre Fleury is playing some of the most consistent goaltending of his young career.

Considering those tidbits of information, why does it seem Philadelphia might be poised to go to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in more than a decade?

These Flyers are on a roll. They have not necessarily been the better team the first two rounds if you break down the game minute by minute, but they've been the best team when the chips are down. Philadelphia has been tenacious, aggressive, and relentless -- in other words, they've been the Flyers.

R.J. Umberger has become a household name in the playoffs, while Marty Biron has been outstanding between the pipes. Daniel Briere has shown why he got a huge contract last summer. The defense, questioned by some, has been plenty good enough to win.

The Flyers knocked off Washington, arguably the hottest team in the league down the stretch, in the opening round. In the second round, they handled heavily favored Montreal in just five games.

It will not be easy, and it will be physical. These two teams do not like each other at all, which should make for some good hockey.

Pittsburgh will unquestionably win more than one Stanley Cup in the coming decade if they are able to keep the team together. Yet these Penguins have yet to face their first real tough test. In the first round, they swept an Ottawa team in turmoil, while the Rangers seemed to be at less than full strength in the second round.

It could be the Penguins really are that good, and they've made everyone look bad so far. Yet most great teams have to stumble before they walk, lose before they learn to win.

This one could go either way, but call it a hunch -- Flyers in seven.

Thoughts heading into round two.....

-- It's funny how things work out sometimes. The salary cap was supposed to mean every team had a chance of winning every year, and that has been the case.

In the post-lockout NHL, no team that reached the Stanley Cup finals has advanced out of the first round the following season, but look a little deeper.

In the Western Conference, we have Detroit, San Jose, Dallas, and Colorado remaining. In the Eastern Conference, it is Montreal, Pittsburgh, the New York Rangers, and Philadelphia.

1998, anyone?

With the possible exception of the Rangers, who were mired in an era of overspending, this list looks a lot like the power teams of the late 1990s. In that era, people said those were the big money teams, and the less wealthy teams were unable to compete.

Perhaps that was the truth, but overspending never got the Rangers anywhere.

Rather, it seems those teams have a template that works. Good drafting, finding hidden gems, wise trades -- that is what has caused many of those teams to return to the top.

Under the new system, it is often the case that many teams are able to offer the same amount of money to an unrestricted free agent. Increasingly, the desire to win will be the determining factor of a final destination -- players will go where there is a winning tradition.

In that case, the eight teams still playing could be in good shape for years to come.

-- The fervor over Sean Avery's arm-waving, in-your-face antics has died down, but the agitator's effectiveness has not dissipated.

He may be the most reviled player in the game, and there is no question he spends most of his time stradeling a fine line between what is and is not allowed. Yet his three goals and five points in five first round games make him one of the Rangers' most valuable players.

His unique style of screening Brodeur that prompted the "Avery Rule" is something nobody wants to see regularly in hockey. Yet a good number of people would admit to laughing when seeing it for the first time. Once, it is funny. Twice, it is annoying.

Kind of like the player himself. I'm not sure the NHL needs more Sean Averys, but at the same time, it may be a more entertaining place because of the presence of one.

-- The NHL might be excited about renewing their television contract with NBC for another year, but I am less than thrilled.

The league's press release states eight of the nine Sunday "afternoon" games will be at 12:30 Eastern/9:30 Pacific.

Ouch. Not only is 12:30 an inconvenient and unenjoyable time to attend a hockey game, it will kill ratings in most of the country.

12:30 in New York is 11:30 in Chicago, 10:30 in Denver, and 9:30 in Los Angeles. Hockey for Sunday breakfast just does not make sense.

The NFL thrives in spite of, not because of, their game times. And even there, the highest rated games are typically the Sunday and Monday night games.

Apparently, the rumors of ESPN picking up NBC's portion of the television contract were not true. It is a shame, since those rumors included replacing the annoying morning games with Friday night games.

On the bright side, it is a one year deal. We can only hope something changes next year -- specifically, the game times.

Second round predictions:

Western Conference

1) Detroit over 6) Colorado in six games

2) San Jose over 5) Dallas in six games

Eastern Conference

1) Montreal over 6) Philadelphia in six games

2) Pittsburgh over 5) New York Rangers in seven games

Some say it is the biggest surprise of the Stanley Cup Playoffs' opening week.

Whenever the defending Stanley Cup champions find themselves going on the road down two games to none in the opening round, it has to be somewhat of a surprise.

Yet five minutes into the opening period of game one, you could see it coming.

Dallas won five of eight games from Anaheim in the regular season, and although the Ducks won the final two matchups -- games that came during the Stars' late-season slide -- the Stars clearly know something about their opponents.

Last season, the Ducks rode the strength of their checking line of Sami Pahlsson, Rob Niedermayer, and Travis Moen to the franchise's first Stanley Cup. Yet in the first two shifts, Pahlsson was hit no less than three times. The stellar Swede is used to being the hitter and not the hittee, but this series would be different.

It continued throughout the first two games. Typically matched up against Brendan Morrow's line, Morrow led the physical charge against Anaheim's most physical line, rendering the checking line ineffective.

From the first shot on goal, it was clear the Stars had goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere figured out as well. Giguere is a classic butterfly goaltender, which often tempts shooters to go for the briefly available five-hole. Yet Giguere's weakness tends to be high, particularly to the blocker side.

Two of Dallas' first three goals went high to the blocker side, and the Stars shot high on Giguere all night.

Yes, these Stars have the Ducks figured out. Seven wins in ten games is more than a trend -- it's a sign the defending champs are in trouble.

Anaheim has played a strict defensive system all year, one based on structure and positioning. At the same time, the offensive system is stifling and unentertaining -- and veteran center Doug Weight essentially said so in the days leading to the playoffs.

The system is based neither on passion nor creativity and features a dump-and-chase style as the primary offensive option. Against this Dallas squad, the system does not work. The Stars have an underrated and physical defensive corps, and more often than not, Dallas has had little trouble winning the battles in their own zone.

The way to score against Dallas might be to engage in a run-and-gun style of play, one where teams trade odd-man rushes and scoring chances. Yet the Ducks have shown a disdain for that style of play this season, so one can only wonder if they will adjust Tuesday night.

Marty Turco has been solid between the pipes for Dallas, but he has not had to face many second shots. Dallas owned the defensive slot in the first two games, giving up very few chances there and allowing even fewer rebounds.

Anaheim has a reputation for getting in the goaltender's face -- some would say they get away with a lot of goaltender interference -- but that has been less prevalent without Corey Perry in the lineup. And with Rob Niedermayer -- once referred to as the human missle -- unlikely to play Tuesday with an "upper body injury," the Ducks will need to find another way to get under Turco's skin.

Unless the Ducks are willing to open it up in game three, do not count on anything changing. Anaheim plays a rope-a-dope style of play -- they like to sit back in the neutral zone, play a 1-2-2, and then utilize the dump and chase when they are on offense. For all the talk of Anaheim's forechecking style, the truth is, they often back off quickly once they lose possession in the offensive zone.

In other words, they are playing a passive game. Dallas has played a far more aggressive, attacking style in the first two games, and they have the wins to show.

Unless the Ducks figure out the Stars the same way Dallas has figured out Anaheim, it could be fall before hockey returns to the Honda Center. The personnel is certainly in place for Anaheim to change their style, but the question is, will that be the game plan?