I know this is late, but here is my preview for the Conference Finals round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Western Conference Finals: San Jose Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues

Last night, the Blues won game one of this series 2-1. The Blues have looked good all postseason, and goaltender Brian Elliot has been spectacular all playoffs long and continued that trend last night. Captain David Backes continues to lead the team forward by scoring timely goals, and rookies Robbie Fabbri and Colton Parayko have had an immediate impact at the NHL level.

The Sharks played well last night, but just couldn’t beat Elliot. They’ll have to find a solution to that problem and a way to contain Blues superstar Vladimir Tarasenko and offseason acquisition Troy Brouwer, whose having a memorable playoffs. Sharks goaltender Martin Jones has been good all playoffs, but can’t let in cheap goals like he did last night. Joe Pavelski, Joe Thorton, and Logan Couture have carried the Sharks all postseason, and Brent Burns has been a rock on the blue line and has chipped in offensively. These trends will have to continue for the Sharks to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

My Prediction: Sharks win in 7 games

Eastern Conference Finals: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

On Friday, the Lightning won game one of this series 3-1 in Pittsburgh despite injuries to goaltender Ben Bishop and Tyler Johnson. Johnson seems ok, but Bishop’s status is uncertain. His status, along with the status of Lightning superstar forward Steven Stamkos, will have a big impact on the rest of this series.

Coming off an emotional series win against the Presidents Trophy winning Washington Capitals last round, the Penguins just couldn’t get anything going against the Lightning in game one. Rookie goaltender Matt Murray looked human once again in game one, and will need a big bounce back game tonight to avoid putting his team in a 2-0 series deficit going to Tampa. He’ll need help from the players in front of him, especially the superstars. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin combined for only four points the entire series against Washington, and will need to get going in order to advance.

My Prediction: Penguins win in 6 games