Well, FanX fans what can I say? I was right in predicting the result for all 4 series in the West in Round 1! So, you have to be wondering what my predictions will be for Round 2? I have to say, that all the winners in Round 1 did not look overly dominant. I really thought that teams like Chicago would have wrapped up their series in 5 games. However, this is the NHL Playoffs and series are hard fought out battles that surprise fans all the time! Nonetheless let’s get down to business...
#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings:
Oh boy, this is exactly what the Sharks wanted to avoid until the Conference finals. Detroit is a seasoned veteran team that has been to the last two Stanley Cups. They also won 3 of 4 games versus San Jose in the regular season. This begs the question, can San Jose finally have some success in the playoffs? Detroit will ultimately answer the question, as if the Sharks lose again in the 2nd round the franchise will be looking to blame someone. Nonetheless, let us take a look at how these two teams match up.
The Sharks certainly have the edge in goaltending. Nabokov has been to the playoffs several times, while Jimmy Howard is an inexperienced rookie. On defence I would have to give the nod to the Wings, as Nick Lidstrom along with Brian Rafalski always come up big when it comes to crunch time. The Sharks hope that their defence will not play like they did in the 1st round when they had many gaffes including Dan Boyle’s notorious goal on his own team! In looking at scoring, San Jose will need the trio of Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Patrick Marleau to step it up. They struggled immensely in the 1st round and if they do not come up big in this round the Sharks may have some troubles. The Wings’ scoring powers did not disappoint in the 1st round and look forward to racking up goals against a shaky Nabakov.
It is my feeling that if the Sharks can generate enough scoring, they may be able to go on to the next round, however this is a big maybe. Let us hope for San Jose’s management’s sake that they move on to the next round.
Prediction: Sharks in 7
#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #3 Vancouver Canucks:
This will be a very exciting series. The Canucks have sought revenge ever since they were bounced by the Hawks in last year’s playoffs. Both teams have improved since last year and there is no doubt in my mind that this series will be one for the ages! I am excited to see the two team’s superstar duos face off against one another. Who will bring their game to the next level, the Sedin twins or Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews?
Chicago has surprised many fans by not rushing through the Preds. They were heavily favoured and looked shaky against the Preds. One of their downfalls was Antii Niemi. He will need to be much more solid in net against Vancouver’s scoring powers. Niemi has a serious problem of letting out too many rebounds and there is no doubt in my mind that pesky scorers like Samuelsson may have a great series if this trend continues. The Blackhawks defenders are in my mind stronger than their Canuck counterparts and will need to be at their best to contain the Sedin twins.
Vancouver ended up beating a young Kings team in six games. It was a great series that showed that the Canucks success depends on the Sedin line. In order for the Canucks to have a chance in this series they will need to have the 2nd line step up. Where have Alex burrows and Ryan Kessler gone. They were great in the regular season and will need to show up against the Hawks. They are primary components to the Canuck’s penalty kill and struggled against LA, having only a 61.5% in killing penalties.
I really am having a hard time deciding a winner in this series because both teams need to win for their fans. Chicago is a team that has the longest Stanley Cup drought in the NHL, and the Canucks franchise is yet to win one. Therefore, in showing my Canadian pride I hope that Bobby-Lu and the Sedin twins come out with a good show.
Prediction: Canucks in 7
Remember, FanXchange has all your ticket needs for these great series, so get up and get your tickets now! www.FanXchange.com
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