Look for Preds, Pens to meet for Stanley Cup

Ten years ago, the Ottawa Senators met the Anaheim Ducks in their first Stanley Cup final.

Could history repeat itself this spring? We’re guessing not. Here are our picks for the Eastern and Western Conference finals:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators

Pick: Penguins in six.

Why: Just as they did during the regular season, the Sens survived on slim margins and the superb play of Erik Karlsson to beat both the Bruins and Rangers, but their run stops here against a deeper, more intimidating opponent.

The reigning Cup champs may not be at full strength, but MarcAndre Fleury has done more than

a passing job (.927 save percentage) in place of Matt Murray and a patchwork defence missing Kris Letang had enough to get by the Columbus Blue Jackets and Presidents’ Trophy-winning Washington Capitals.

Oh, and Pittsburgh still has the best player on the planet in Sidney Crosby.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators

Pick: Predators in six.

Why: Back in mid-November, Predators GM David Poile was nervous about the look of his reconstructed team, which replaced captain Shea

Weber for P.K. Subban in a thunderous off-season trade.

“We haven’t got off to the start that we hoped we would,” Poile said. “It’s early, but we need to start playing at a higher level and start getting more wins.”

The Preds eventually found their way to reach their first conference final this spring and are the pick here to go a step beyond that.

The Preds can get extra offence from an engaged and highly mobile defence — Subban, Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi h ave 24 points combined in the playoffs — and Nashville’s speedy style might cause problems for the Ducks.