WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks (8)
-Offense- Theres no denying that the Canucks are the heavy favorites after finishing first in the league and should also be heavy favorites in an offensive battle with the Hawks. The Sedin twins remain at the top of the league and should continue the offensive production that carries the Canucks. A physical battle will play a major part but this time the Canucks should prevail if there back half holds up again'st Chicago's experienced back half.
-Defense- The Blackhawks are the favorites for defense in this series however. The Blackhawk's Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook still remain one of the leagues most dangerous and skilled pairings. They have the ability to steal a series on their own especially if they way the way they did when Chitown won the cup. The Canucks have a fragile core of defenders and if the series gets long they could find themselves in the same boat as the regular season, struggling to ice a blue line.
-Goaltending- It's going to be a long hard series for young Corey Crawford as he enteres his first post season while Roberto Loungo hasn't exactly had his share of post season magic he is the better goaltender and should win a head to head battle. It Marty Turco can shake off the rust his experience may help the Hawks.
-The Prediction- A tough call but given Chicago's history over the Canucks, I'm saying Chicago in 7.
(2) San Jose Sharks vs Los Angeles Kings (7)
-Offense- This should be a good series as the Sharks and the Kings both have heavy artillery to shell their opponents. The Joe Thornton - Dany Heatley combo can be one of the most dangerous lines in hockey but have had the playoff bust label on the pair of them for quite some time. This season rookie standout Logan Couture should help add some additional offensive support. The Kings have Dustin Penner and Anze Kopitar but the Kings management have had problems sparking their offense all season.
-Defense- The Kings defensive depth is pretty impressive and are set for a long run with a little bit of everything from grit to skill. Drew Doughty will be the key to the Kings winning this series, a cerebral do everything above average type of player which the Sharks have been longing for, for quite some time.
-Goaltending- The goaltending in this series is pretty equal. Anti Niemi has the ability to be the better goalie but is inconsistent at best. His counterpart Jonathan Quick has played steady this season but I personally don't believe has that carry a team on his back ability. Niemi has that ability as shown on the Hawks cup run.
-The Prediction- The Sharks in 6
(3) Detroit Red Wings vs Phoenix Coyotes (6)
-Offense- The Yotes have barely been able to score all season long so the Detroit Red Wings who have consistently been an offensive force should be able to easily dominate the Coyotes forwards. The Coyotes have a lot of character but it will be hard to stop a deadly offense with weapons such as Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and playoff legend Johan Franzen. Even the Wings younger cast appears ready to continue the offense.
-Defense- Detroit has Nicklas Lidstrom a future hall of famer and still is year after year one of the leagues best defensemen even at 40. The Wings surrounding cast have done a good job buying into the system and there really appears to be no weak links. The Phoenix defense is also pretty good as well and one of the organizations main strengths but it'll be hard to match the experience the Red Wing blueline brings to the table as well as the offensive tidal wave thats about to hit them.
-Goaltending- This may be Phoenix's only hope, it all rest on one man's back Ilya Bryzgalov. He has to ability to be a high tier goaltender and can steal a game or two if needed. Jimmy Howard is good but still hasn't proven himself to many in the post season. The Coyotes are going to need Bryzgalov to be better than good if they want to win this series while Jimmy Howard just has to show some drive and consistency.
-The Prediction- Detroit in 4
(4) Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators (5)
-Offense- An understatement would be to say the Nashville Predators are an offensively challenged team although this season they've managed to get a bit more or an impact from their surrounding cast other than Martin Erat and Patrick Hornqvist. Meanwhile the Anaheim Ducks have an abundance of offensive talent and Ryan Getzlaf should lead the charge. Getzlaf is one of the most underrated players in the league while Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan should all help with the load. If the Ducks come out swinging offensively speaking, the Preds could find themselves knocked out in the first round.
-Defense- The Anaheim D is pretty deep but I've been more impressed with the Nashville backend. Shea Weber is going to be the key to the Predators winning, he is their everything and if he falters so will they. Ryan Parent and Shea Weber shouldn't be taking any steps back this post season as they both are ready to show why their considered the best pairing in the league. The Anaheim blueline boasts the highly skilled Lubomir Vishnovksy and young Cam Fowler as well a decent surounding cast but the Shea Weber / Ryan Parent combo as well as the Preds ability to play defensive hockey still seals the deal in this category for me.
-Goaltending- Regularly I'd say the Anaheim Ducks would be the hands down favorite in net with Jonas Hillier but till he's healthy there really isn't a debate. Pekka Rinne will give the Predators every chance to emerge from this series victorious. The tandem of Dan Ellis and Ray Emery wouldn't be many teams first or second choice.
-The Prediction- I'm still thinking Anaheim but in 7
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