2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Final Predictions

Here are my predictions for the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Final.

Eastern Conference
(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning: This should be a fairly interesting series between these two conference foes. Pittsburgh is coming off a six game series win over the Presidents Trophy winning Washington Capitals. Tampa Bay is coming off a five game series win over the New York Islanders. Matt Murray has been very good filling in for Marc-Andre Fleury throughout the playoffs for the Penguins and Ben Bishop has been decent for the most part for the Lightning. The Bolts might get back Anton Stralman and Steven Stamkos for injury, but the Pens should have Olli Maata back as well. This should be an outstanding and fun series but I like the mojo that Sidney Crosby and the Penguins have right now and I believe that the Pens will make their first Stanley Cup Final since 2009 although the Lightning can't be counted out of this series.
Prediction: Penguins in seven games.

Western Conference
(C2) St. Louis Blues vs (P3) San Jose Sharks: This should be a compelling series between toe teams that often get criticized for their postseason failures of the past. St. Louis is coming off a seven game series win over the Dallas Stars. San Jose is coming off a seven game series win over the Nashville Predators. Brian Elliott has been outstanding (outside of game 6 against the Stars) in these playoffs for the Blues and so has Martin Jones for the Sharks. Both teams have also been defending well and scoring timely goals, so expect a lot of great play. This was a tough call, but I like the Blues slightly more to advance to their first ever Stanley Cup Final.
Prediction: Blues in seven games.