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Western Conference Playoff Preview
What does that
say now? Hopefully, it has something to do with what happens in round 2. Either way, here are the Western Conference matchups with the facts and figures you want to see.
The Red Wings have been on a pretty big slide
recently. Of course, not starting part of the core of your team each of
the last few games doesn’t help either. The Canucks had to battle to get
into the playoffs and won 8 of the last 10 games. This is a battle of rest
or momentum. Wait a second, no it’s not, these are the Red Wings. While
Todd Bertuzzi and Markus Naslund may have put up great numbers this
season, the Wings just have too much depth to compete with. If they find a
way to battle with the lineup of Hall of Famers, they still don’t matchup
well in net. Dominik Hasek easily outclasses Dan Cloutier. Age will likely
not be a factor for Detroit in the first round. If Vancouver can drag this
series out, the second round opponent of Detroit may have to send free
golf balls over to British Columbia.
Fight Fans:
These are the Red Wings, what are you
thinking? Go to K-mart, switch some price tags, and you’ll probably see a
better fight there. The one "if": the last time these two met,
Detroit went down fast and started throwing some fists on the way to a
comeback win. Perhaps they’ll use the same strategy if they go down early
in any game. Perhaps, but unlikely.
Neither team had big success in the last 10
games, but since January the Kings have been the best team in the league.
Colorado will try and focus the media on Peter Forsberg, but by now most
realize he won’t be back, and even if he is, he will not be close to 100%.
The Kings are just as deep as the Avalanche and have the best power play
in the league. The Avalanche will have to play smart, and have Rob Blake
and Adam Foote give everything they’ve got. It took 7 to decide the series
between these two last year, and it probably will again. Jason Allison
should flip the result though.
Fight Fans:
I wouldn’t count on it. While the Kings may play feisty and willing, the Avs
take the willing part out. Scott Parker will see little or no time in the
playoffs. If he’s on the bench, and things get out of hand we may see a possibility
here.
It’s pretty amazing the Coyotes made the
playoffs in the first place with their roster. At first look, goaltending
is even and the major reason why each team succeeded the way they have.
Teemu Selanne must be contained for the Coyotes to put up a win or two.
Owen Nolan will not be a pushover either. The Sharks will likely not
underestimate Daniel Briere and Daymond Langkow leaving the ‘Yotes with
little firepower after that.
Fight Fans:
Andrei Nazarov will probably have some work as the Coyotes may not be able
to keep up with the Sharks. Look for him to have a possible Gordie Howe Hat
Trick one game (there’s an odd prediction for ya). Likely opponent: Scott
Thornton.
The 4-5 series in each conference seem like
they’ll have the most open and exciting play. Aggressive play will come
from both teams. The Hawks penalty kill needs to step up in this series,
and as aggressive as they want to be, penalties will have to be few for
the Hawks to succeed. Brent Johnson doesn’t seem to have the question
marks around his name quite like Roman Turek did last year. If the Hawks
take the first game or two, all the pressure may lie on his shoulders, and
the focus on the Blues will go from Keith Tkachuk and Al MacInnis to
Johnson for the rest of the series. Keep an eye on Michael Nylander, good
play from him will let Chicago take this round. Chicago’s defense is a
little banged up, and St. Louis should cash in on that.
Fight Fans:
Reed Low and the playoffs might not mix. Bob Probert might not either. The
Blackhawks will definitely play tough, it just depends how much the Blues
want to take it. Expect a lot of scrums, but a "real" fight is a
question mark until the lineups are set.
