On the day he signed a one-year contract extension that takes him through the 2009-10 season, Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault chimed in with his Stanley Cup pick during a conference call.

When he was the head coach of the Manitoba Moose in 2005-06, Vigneault had an opportunity to join the Penguins as an assistant coach to Michel Therrien after his friend was promoted from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.

Vigneault took a pass on the gig, lead the Moose to Game 7 of the North Division final and took the reigns of the Canucks after Marc Crawford was fired the following season, but he remains good friends with Therrien, who is enjoying tremendous success this season and is now four wins away from winning the Stanley Cup.

"That's a tough call," Vigneault said when asked for his prediction. "It's going to be a longer series. Detroit has a lot more experience, but I like Pittsburgh's chances with their skill. I'm leaning towards Pittsburgh."

Vigneault and Therrien have spoken before each series and talked a little more before the Stanley Cup final since Therrien isn't as familiar with the Red Wings.

Vigneault is proud of what Therrien has accomplished in his second go-around as an NHL coach.

"I'm very happy for him," said Vigneault, who was replaced as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens by Therrien. "(Therrien) has proven he's a solid coach. I know how organized and passionate he is and I'm not surprised by the success his team is having."