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Conference Semifinals Preview
So, how did I do with this year’s picks? The word
"crap" comes to mind in different forms, but we’ll keep this clean.
Last year’s 7-1 start wasn’t close to matched this time around as I went 3-5. I
think my
is broken. Either way, I’ve sat down to take a good look at the matchups this
time around with the stats and facts we need to see who’s worth watching. 3
Canadian teams left in the East? Something’s going on up there.
Someone’s finally going to watch hockey in
Carolina. Of course, the fans in Montreal will not be happy seeing the
trap played down south, and will also realize why perhaps so few go to
watch it during the regular season. Despite the seedings, both teams were
upsets in the first round. The Canes got away less torn-up it seems, but
can Kevin Weekes keep up his phenomenal play? Can he out duel a hyped-up
Jose Theodore? Only if the Canes hold onto that trap hard. The Habs will
have to play with speed bursts and perfect passing to be successful.
Hitting wouldn’t be so bad either. If Saku Koivu and Yanic Perreault keep
up their level of play, the Canes may not be able to compete.
Fight Fans:
You have to be kidding me. Montreal barely
reacted to an attempted Richard Zednik decapitation, and that was in a
Boston "rivalry". I suddenly miss the Whalers.
Prediction:
An All-Canada Conference Final? Sure, why
not. Habs in 6.
The Senators played great against the Flyers
for an amazing upset. Or did they just sit back and watch the Flyers beat
themselves? Either way, they’re rested and healthy while the Leafs are
injured and bruised. Going into the series against the Islanders the Leafs
weren’t 100%, and they’re even farther from it now. Patrick Lalime was
outstanding in the first round, while Joseph didn’t display any greatness
until the last 10 minutes of the 7th game of last round. He’ll have to be
much better this time around if the Leafs want to advance. The Leafs will
most likely be a lot more aggressive opponents for the Senators then the
Flyers were, and that will mean more banging, more crashing and more
sudden shots. The Sens defense should pass that puck out of the zone fast
and try and beat the Leafs with speed. This year’s Battle of Ontario
should be more exciting and closer then last year’s.
Fight Fans:
The Senators did get rid of Andre Roy towards the end of the season, but
they’re still left with rookie Chris Neil. The Leafs have also shown they
will not give up without a fight. Look for Neil, Chris Phillips and Chara to
have the choice against Darcy Tucker, Wade Belak and Tie Domi. It’s about
the Sens response here, as the Leafs, despite warning from the league, will
still be ready to go.
Prediction:
Senators in 6 (Am I bitter about last round?
Hells yeah. Doesn’t mean the Sens won’t win though.)
After settling down, neither team had trouble
with their first round opponent. So what now? Well, the Wings are the
Wings, stocked with hall of famers looking for a ring before retiring. The
Blues are supposedly built for the playoffs and are starting to prove it.
As much as they’ve built up for this, the Blues depth is still no where
near Detroit’s. Brent Johnson was great in the first round, but I’m
doubting Dominik Hasek will lay down for this.
Fight Fans:
Not unless someone jumps Sean Avery.
Prediction:
Wings in 5 (If I’m wrong, no one will be
smiling more then myself.)
Here’s an even one. The defending champs and
the Sharks who have been getting better year after year, while still
remaining relatively young. The Sharks did not have the 7-game battle the
Avalanche did in the first round. This will be an advantage, and the Avs
will have to take a page from the Kings playbook and battle back. Evgeni
Nabokov is not Patrick Roy, but has definitely been playing as well as St.
Patrick. Mike Ricci isn’t only playing gritty, but putting points on the
board, Patrick Marleau is escaping the potential label that has followed
him for years and Owen Nolan hasn’t broken out yet. Rob Blake looks hurt,
and that weakens the Avs defense tremendously. Peter Forsberg has returned
with passion, but that was expected and the Sharks will most likely tail
him every shift they can.
Fight Fans:
This should be a nasty series by the end, but Scott Parker and Shawn Heins
will also remain healthy scratches. Don’t look for much here.
