The seventh installment of TWeekD asks the important questions. Who is bringing home the Cup? Can Jeremy Roenick have another successful season with the Sharks? Should we be concerned about NHL players signing in Europe? The biggest question of all, however, is what the NHL should do to make the game of hockey a bigger presence in the pro sports market. Contraction or Relegation. Alan Shields, Chris Roberts, and host Grant Beery weigh in on all these and a little bit more.

This edition of TWeekD features Grant, Fred, Bill, Alan, and Chris talking about the coaching shuffle taking place in the NHL, the possible return of the glowing puck to TV broadcasts, and how the Conference Finals are shaping up.

Four teams will continue their season after a relatively short semifinal round. In the West, Detroit completed a seemingly easy sweep of Colorado, giving them much needed (or unwanted depending on who you talk to) rest. They will take on Dallas, who won the 8th longest game in NHL history against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night to complete their six game series. As mentioned in the alliterative title, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will meet for the first time ever in the Eastern Conference Finals, assuring Pennsylvania as a host of the Stanley Cup Finals. Pittsburgh, thanks mostly to stellar goaltending and deep offense, made quick work of the New York Rangers in five games. Philadelphia gained their ticket by upsetting the top seeded Montreal Canadiens, and preventing the Stanley Cup from coming to Canada for the 14th straight year.

While the Avalanche were able to battle back from a 3 goal deficit in game 1 to lose 4-3, Johan Franzen and the Wings absolutely destroyed the Avalanche in game 2 with a 5-1 tally. Peter Budaj played in relief of Theodore in both of the games and played beautifully, allowing only one goal in the 20 shots he’s faced so far. Theodore is blaming is almost abrupt turnaround in performance on the flu and has assured the media he will be ready for game 3. But, what will Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville decide?

The semifinals has given us some interesting matchups to chew on for the next couple of weeks. Colorado and Detroit have a chance to renew a sorely missed rivalry that has produced some of the baddest blood in sports. Pittsburgh is up against a seasoned New York team, leaving us to wonder if experience will once again be the Penguins’ downfall. Can Montreal keep up with the dominating physical presence of Philadelphia? Who will win the battle of the goaltenders between Dallas and San Jose. Below is my analysis and picks for the next round. I’m also including Fred Beery and Alan Shields’ picks to give you some perspective from other hockey fans.