West Semis: #1 Vancouver vs #5 Nashville

[Thrillhouse]

Records:
Vancouver: 54-19-9 (117 pts) Home: 27-9-5 Away: 27-10-4
Nashville: 44-27-11 (99 pts) Home: 24-9-8 Away: 20-18-3

How They Got Here:
Vancouver survived in 7 against Chicago.
Nashville defeated Anaheim in 6

Head-To-Head:
Jan 26 - VAN 2 NSH 1
Feb 17 - VAN 1 NSH 3
Mar 3 - VAN 0 NSH 3
Mar 29 - VAN 3 NSH 1
Season series tied 2-2.

Fighting:
None

Line-Up:
Goaltending: EDGE Nashville
Scoring: EDGE Vancouver
Defense: DRAW
Coaching: DRAW
Grit: DRAW

Schedule:
Thursday, April 28 at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m. CBC, VERSUS
Saturday, April 30 at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m. CBC, VERSUS
Tuesday, May 3 at Nashville, TBD CBC, VERSUS
Thursday, May 5 at Nashville, TBD CBC, VERSUS
*Saturday, May 7 at Vancouver, 8:00 p.m. CBC, VERSUS
*Monday, May 9 at Nashville, TBD CBC, VERSUS
*Wednesday, May 11 at Vancouver, TBD CBC, VERSUS

Prediction:
If you asked me had Vancouver put Chicago away early, I think the Canucks would be a safe pick. Although they have a ton of talented guys, Vancouver's first round wasn't much to be desired and Nashville put everyone on notice in their disposal of the Ducks. Nashville did as good as is to be expected against Anaheim's top 6 but one of Vancouver's great assets is their depth. Can the Preds handle the bottom 6? Nashville showed they are a very tough team to play against, and I like them in 6 over an exhausted Vancouver team.

[cougar fists]

I'm goin for Nashville, I'm lovin how Tootoo is playin and I'm stoked! Let's go Preds!

[CubsJunkie]

This is a tough call....

Is Vancouver emotionally and physically exhausted from the first round or have they finally gotten over that hump of beating Chicago and have a ton of confidence?

Regarding Nashville, they played really well against an offensive force in the Ducks, but they played an average goalie and now play arguably a top-5 goalie.

The teams are evenly matched in contrasting styles, but I'm going to say Nashville in seven. Should be another entertaining series.

[bobberino]

Well, the Preds took my team out in 6 so I picked them. I want them to win another series so the Ducks dont look too bad, strange logic huh. They have great D, 4 lines that can score and a BEAST in net..

But, this round they are playing a team that has a HEALTHY goalie. If I were betting, it would be on the Canucks you dig.

I see another 7 gamer here.

[canuckfan]

I'm having flashbacks of 1994 here. Burrows goal tonight against Chicago reminded me a little of Bure's against Calgary in that opening round, and the Canucks siezed momentum and put it all together for a long run to the finals. I think finally beating Chicago this year will be a similar, huge emotional lift and will allow the Canucks to overcome the mental roadblocks that have haunted them the last 2 years. Beating the Hawks was a huge and important first step - and even though they almost blew it - will give them some huge momentu and confidence moving forward.

The Preds will put up a stiff test though - every game in the regular season was close and tight - but I gotta go Canucks in 6.

[talonz]

Same here canuck fan, thats the kind of series that forges championship teams.

nucks in 6.

[Hagstrom]

This is a tough one, I think the Preds could shut down the Canucks pretty well.

[Pillager]

Nashville played Vancouver very tough this year, shutting them out twice. Still, I think the Canucks gained a ton of confidence in beating Chicago and will win due to their superior depth. Vancouver in 6.

[skacore]

Canucks have overcome their burden and they're about to roll. I take Canucks in 5, possibly 4 straight.

[Ciccarelli]

I think this first round victory was what the Canucks needed to realize their role of being Stanley Cup favorites. IMO they are now going on a run that will be stopped only and eventually in the finals.

Canucks in 5

[Juha82]

Canucks outplay Nashville, controlling the puck(its key-point how they will win a defensive team Nashville) and have to play physically as well.
Canucks in 6.
Canucks was a bit nervous in the serie against Chicago but i think they arent no more nervous against Nashville.

[diablo]

Nashville in 6

[thepolishkid88]

Rinne will steal a few games but Vancouver finally got over the hump. That alone could power them to the Finals.

I say Canucks in 6. Would not be shocked to see 7 games.

[PhlyerPhanatic]

On paper...the Canucks should win this series. On paper they pretty much have the advantage in every category.

Screw the paper....Preds in 6.

[lakingsfan19]

Go Preds!

I have been Rooting for them even when the Kings were still in the playoffs. Manner of fact, they remind me a lot like the Kings, except they are better at their system.

Preds 2010/2011 cup champs