Eastern Conference:
#1 BOSTON BRUINS vs. #6 CAROLINA HURRICANES
Bruins/Whalers, could it have been anyone else but the old Whalers? The Bruins and Hurricanes/Whalers have met 4 times in the playoffs, and the B's have come out on top each time. The B's and Canes met 4 times this season, and the B's came out on top each time (scores: 4-2, 4-2, 5-1, 5-1). BUT, the Hurricanes won 18 of 25 games after their last loss to the Bruins. They just handled the Devils' defense, and they seem to have a bit of magic and tons of momentum on their side.
But I think the Bruins matchup beautifully against this team. Bruins in 5.
#2 WASHINGTON CAPITALS vs. #4 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Ovechkin vs. Crosby. The NHL and Versus are drooling over this series. The Caps took 3 of 4 in the season series, and their one loss came in a shootout. Washington looked vulnerable against the Rangers, and they have an untested goalie in between the pipes. Anything is possible, but I think the Caps win a crazy series in 6 games.
But here are the Penguins lesbians:
Western Conference:
#2 DETROIT RED WINGS vs. #8 ANAHEIM DUCKS
What do the Ducks get as a reward for upsetting the Sharks? A date with the highest scoring team in the NHL. The Wings averaged 3.6 goals a game this season, and 4.5 in their sweep of Columbus. This will put the growing legend of Jonas Hiller to the test.
But the Wings do give up goals, 3.0 per game as a matter of fact, which was 12th most in the NHL. It's also the 4th most among playoff teams. This Achilles heel was partially exposed in Game 4 of their series with the Blue Jackets, when they allowed 5 goals.
Detroit won the season series 3-1, but three of the games were decided by one goal, one in OT. Anaheim presents problems for any team, but Detroit is so relentlessly deep on offense. Shut down even the top two lines, and the third and fourth will score on your defensive scrubs.
Red Wings in 6.
#3 VANCOUVER CANUCKS vs. #4 CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
The Blackhawks will shuttle back and forth between Canada once more. Vancouver, on the other hand, has the faith of a nation on its shoulders, as the only team north of the border still in the fray.
Chicago actually had a better record than Vancouver, but the Canucks get home ice thanks to winning their division. Chicago was also 4th in the NHL in goals scored, and surrendered the 5th lowest number of goals in the NHL.
The Blackhawks split the season series, but Vancouver won the final 2 meetings by scores of 7-3 and 4-0. Nikolai Khabibulin looked great against Calgary, but he's prone to inconsistency. His age may also give in. He's started 6 games in a row for the first time all season. He only started 40 games this year. And that's where I see Vancouver, with Roberto Luongo, having a huge edge.
Canucks take this in 7 games, with multiple games going into OT.
CONN SMYTHE WATCH:
The Conn Smythe is one of the coolest trophies in sports, and most coveted in hockey. It's given to the MVP of the entire playoffs, and I wish the other sports would give awards like it. Here are the early front-runners for this prestigious trophy:
Roberto Luongo - Vancouver
4 wins, 1.16 GAA, .962 SV%, and 1 shutout in the opening round.
Evgeni Malkin - Pittsburgh
4 goals, 5 assists, 7 hits, and unlike Crosby he was consistent throughout the series, and his goals weren't "junk" goals.
Jonas Hiller - Anaheim
4-2 against the best regular season team in the NHL, 1.65 GAA, .957 SV%, 2 shutouts
Ryan Getzlaf - Anaheim
2 goals, 6 assists, +5 rating, 15 hits, 10 blocked shots, 15 PIM
Michael Ryder - Boston
3 goals, 4 assists, +5 rating, 1 GWG
Brent Seabrook - Chicago
1 goal, 5 assists, +1 rating, 24 hits, 11 blocked shots
Eric Staal - Carolina
5 goals, 2 assists, +4 rating, GWG in game 7
Conference Semis start Thursday night.
-The Commodore
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