STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS 2007-FINALS

Anaheim vs. Ottawa. Two teams, both of whom have never in their respective histories, sipped from Lord Stanley's silver chalice. This is the finals matchup that should have happened in 2003. If you would like to know why it didn't, find an old tape of the final minute of the 2003 Eastern Conference game 7, or just ask Wade Redden directly. That said, I have to say I am rather impressed with the Playoff run of the Ottawa Senators. They have beaten 3 teams ( Pittsburgh, New Jersey, Buffalo ) with distinctively different styles to reach this point. The Anaheim Ducks, heartbroken by their 5 game loss to Edmonton in the Western Conference Finals last season made the necessary moves, or should I say move (Chris Pronger), to propel themselves into the Finals. The Ducks are a deeper team than Ottawa as were the Buffalo Sabres whom were dismissed by the Sens in 5 games in this year's Conference Final matchup. The main difference however, is that the Sens were able to expose a lack of skill players on an otherwise solid Buffalo squad. When it came down to crunch time and Buffalo needed to score, they simply didn't have the individual skill players for those moments when a hero is needed, all due respect to Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, and Ryan Miller of course. The Sens top line of Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley simply overwhelmed the Sabres who seemed to have no answer for players of that skill level. The Ducks have no such deficiencies. Their top checking line of Rob Neidermayer, Samuel Pahlsson & Travis Moen was able to hold Detroit's top line of Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom in check and with such skill players as Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf and Andy McDonald to provide scoring punch. The Ducks are, as a team, a complete package. Just as Detroit's top line was not sufficient to overcome the superior depth of the Ducks, neither shall the top line of the Sens. I've yet to mention the Ducks' defense or goaltending, both of which can also be considered superior to that of Ottawa. Speaking of which, I do expect Ottawa Goaltender Ray Emery to steal a game in this series, but ultimately the Ducks to prevail in 5 games; 6 at the most. If by some miracle the Senators do win this series, expect Ray Emery to take home the Conn Smythe trophy (Playoff MVP). All of Canada may be upset with my commets, but I'm just keepin' it real. It is what it is. See ya'

2007 STANLEY CUP - Conference Finals

We have arrived at the final four. The New Jersey Devils have answered the question "What happens when a 35 year old goaltender (Martin Brodeur) plays 78 regular season games ?" The answer of course ? He has nothing left by the 2nd round of the playoffs. All due respect to the Ottawa Senators, but Marty was toast in the series & a mere shell of his former self as his Devils were squashed by the Sens. Perhaps the Sens have finally turned the corner, maybe after all these years of playoff disappointment, they are ready for big time hockey. Maybe. In any case, they have made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
No surprise as the Buffalo Sabres ousted the New York Rangers to earn their way into the Eastern Conference Finals.
Out West, the Anaheim Ducks dispatched Vancouver in five games made close by the stellar goaltending of Vancouver's Roberto Luongo. The Canucks did the best they could with what they had, but the Ducks are just way too deep. The surprise was the Detroit Red Wings rather easily dismissing the San Jose Sharks. It seemed to be a case of the Sharks (youngest average age in the league) being simply outfoxed by the wily veteran Red Wings. The baby-faced defensive corps of the Sharks seemed at times bewildered while the veteran Red Wings methodically dismantled them. It also didn't help that Sharks' Captain Patrick Marleau had nary a point in the series. Wings defenseman Niklas Lidstrom may not win the Norris trophy this season, but proved his is amongst the best to ever lace 'em up. Let's match them up.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Detroit Red Wings - The Wings conquered a deeper team in the San Jose Sharks while the Ducks have yet to play a series in which they were not decisive favorites. This will be the first real test for the Ducks. The Wings again appear to be at least slightly overmatched against the Ducks who have a deeper bench and should have Center Todd Marchant back for this series. There will be immense pressure on the Red Wings top line of Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, & Tomas Holmstrom. There are a million subplots here. The three Norris trophy finalists (Niklas Lidstrom, Scott Niedermayer & Chris Pronger) will all be playing in this series. The Ducks coach Randy Carlyle is himself a former Norris trophy winner. Wings coach Mike Babcock coached the Ducks in 2003 when the upset the heavily favored Red Wings while enroute to the Stanley Cup Finals. The goaltending is strong on both sides, Dominik Hasek seems to really want to get his name on the Cup a second time. This series is hard to call, but I'd have to go with the depth of the Ducks. This will be an entertaining tilt. It may go seven games, and we all know Hasek even at age 42 is still capable of stealing a series, but then again, so is the younger Jean-Sebastien Giguere (as he did in 2003 vs. Red Wings). Do you think the Red Wings remember ? You bet they do, but the Ducks shall prevail.
Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres - Ottawa's Senators should have played for the Cup in 2003. They did prove themselves adaptable in the first two series as they first shut down a creative wide open Pittsburgh Penguins team, and then shut down the shut-downers when the beat New Jersey in round two. Are these notoriously soft Senators ready to step up and take down the Buffalo Sabres, an ultra-fast juggernaut of a team which went virtually wire to wire in establishing the league's best record during the reguler season ? It will depend on two key aspects, the goaltending of Ray Emery & the continued strong play of Ottawa's top line of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley & Jason Spezza. If these things fall into place, Ottawa could pull the upset. Remember, Ottawa was the number one seed in the East last season when Buffalo dismissed them in five second round games. Ottawa now has a shot at redemption, but it ain't gonna happen. Buffalo will face the Ducks for the ultimate prize. But this series should been fun. Strap yourself in, and enjoy. See ya'

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS 2007-2nd Round

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Anaheim vs. Vancouver - The Ducks dismissed the Minnesota wild in 5 games which earned them a healthy six day rest between series while the Canucks battled down to the wire with Dallas. Much of the Canucks' first round playoff success was due to the stellar goaltending of Roberto Luongo. Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin and Markus Naslund led the team in regular season scoring but were mysteriously absent in the 1st playoff series. The Sedin boys had points only in games 1 and 7, Captain Markus Naslund did not have a point after the first game. The Ducks simply have too much depth for Vancouver. The Ducks are deeper at forward, deeper on defense and with J.S. Giguere/Ilya Bryzgalov in net, they also have better goaltending. Look for the Ducks shutdown line of Rob Niedermeyer, Samuel Pahlsson & Travis Moen to further frustrate Henrik & Daniel Sedin. Luongo may steal a game or two, but Vancouver is no match for Anaheim. They do not have the horses. Ducks are headed to the Western Conference finals.
Detroit vs. San Jose - On paper, this is about as even as it gets. Detroit scored 254 goals in the regular season, San Jose 258, while both teams allowed 199. Detroit won 50 games, San Jose won 51. Both teams added scoring & toughness at the forward position, the Sharks added Bill Guerin, Detroit added Todd Bertuzzi. Both were knocked out of last years' playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers. That however, is where the similarities end. On Defense, Detroit is anchored by two cagey future hall of famers in Niklas Lidstrom & Chris Chelios as well as veteran Mathieu Schneider. The defensive corps of the Sharks is led by veterans Scott Hannan and Kyle McLaren who are mentoring a talented group of young protege' which includes two sensational rookies in Matt Carle & Marc-Edouard Vlasic. San Jose is the youngest team in the league and with Patrick Marleau, Jonathan Cheechoo, Joe Thornton and Bill Guerin up front, the Sharks appear to be the deeper team. In order for the Red Wings to have a shot, Henrik Zetterberg, Tomas Holmstrom & Pavel Datsyuk will need to continue to produce. If those three can produce, this will be an entertaining series if not, then it may end in four. We know about the goaltending of Dominik Hasek who at age 42, continues to amaze. The Sharks' goaltending tandem of Evgeni Nabokov & Vesa Toskala is also battle-tested. This series is San Jose's to lose, they are the deeper of the two teams. San Jose will advance.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Buffalo vs. New York - The Rangers outclassed the Atlanta Thrashers in their first round matchup and, in fact do have more skill players on their roster than do the Buffalo Sabres which means they probably will not get swept. The Sabres have the deepest team in the playoffs as well as possibly the best team concept/system this side of the New Jersey Devils. Rangers Goaltender Henrik Ludqvist is capable of truly spectacular play, and we already know about their talented forwards Jaromir Jagr, Michael Nylander and Martin Straka. Power forward Brendan Shanahan is still effective and a future hall of famer. Buffalo's gritty squad is led by Chris Drury and Daniel Briere. Drury has always been "money" come playoff time. The Sabres also added strong skating forward Dainius Zubrus. Ryan Miller is solid in goal. This is a good matchup, the skill of New York vs. the four-line system of the Buffalo Sabres. There will be some anxious moments and a lot of drama, but ultimately the depth of Buffalo will overwhelm the New York Rangers who will be playing golf in the early part of May.
Ottawa vs. New Jersey - This is one of those looming tough tests which historically has preceded the playoff demise of the Senators. This year will be no different. The New Jersey Devils are stronger, tougher & have better mental discipline than do the Senators. No further analysis needed. It may take seven games, but the Devils will prevail.
See ya'

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS 2007-1st Round (recap)

The 1st round is over, not many surprises (especially not for me since I went 7 for 8 on my 1st round series predictions). That said, we did get a glimpse into the future as Sidney Crosby and his Pittsburgh Posse showed they will be strong for years to come though they were rather easily dispatched by a more seasoned & experienced Ottawa team. The Atlanta Thrashers proved they are not ready for big time hockey as they were steamrolled by the Rangers. The New York Islanders are back although they were no match for Buffalo. The Tampa Bay Lightning may have created a monster as they had the New Jersey Devils on the ropes but could not deliver the knockout blow, consequently, the Devils look like they've now hit stride and Martin Brodeur is now in that rare air yet again.
Out West, the most compelling series was Dallas vs. Vancouver. The teams started with a 4 OT thriller and so fittingly the series did go seven games. Most amazingly, Goaltender Marty Turco may have finally shed his playoff "choker" label - in defeat. Goaltender Roberto Luongo was the victor in that 4 OT masterpiece (his first ever playoff game) and again of course in game seven. The Detroit Red Wing dispatched Calgary in six games - only by the otherworldly goaltending of the Flames' Mikka Kiprusoff kept Detroit from sweeping a Flames team which seemed in disarray much of the time. Coach Jim Playfair is going to have plenty of questions to answer in the offseason. The Anaheim Ducks had little trouble dispatching the Minnesota Wild in five games. The Nashville Predators met the San Jose Sharks in the 1st round for the 2nd year in a row, and although Nashville bolstered their roster by adding Peter Forsberg & Jason Arnott (he may soon have to change his name to "Isnott", "Doesnott" or "Willnott"), the result was the same - out in 5. Nashville has a good team, but something is missing. We,re down to eight teams. It's time for round 2.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS 2007-1st Round

For the first time in the modern history of the National hockey League, both Stanley Cup Finalists (Carolina & Edmonton) failed to qualify for the playoffs in the following season. That said, it is now time to seperate the men from the boys. The Playoffs are upon us, two conferences, 16 teams, each of said teams needing to amass 16 wins to achieve that ultimate goal of sipping the bubbly from Lord Stanley's hallowed Cup. Kinda gives ya' goosebumps eh ? We Shall begin out West.
(1) Detroit vs. (8) Calgary - The Red Wings finished the regular season with the best overall record in the Western Conference. The Flames didn't qualify for the playoffs until next to the last day of the season. This would seem to be a mismatch, and on paper it is, but not when one considers the intangibles. Last year, Detroit was knocked out in the 1st round by an Edmonton team which qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season. Pavel Datsyuk, one of the Wings' most talented players, has not scored a playoff goal since 2002...yes, 2002. Goaltender Dominik Hasek, a six time Vezina Trophy (best Goaltender) winner and two time Hart Trophy winner (regular season MVP) was their man between the pipes when they won it all in 2002, and has played well this season but is definitely past his prime. The Calgary Flames were Finalists in 2004 and still remember the sting of their 1st round exit last season, a season in which they won their division, and Mikka Kiprusoff won the Vezina Trophy. The Flames addressed the need for more scoring by adding Alex Tanguay in the offseason and actually did score more goals in the regular season (258) than did Detroit (254). Defenceman Dion Phaneuf is one of the hardest hitting players in this league in only his second season and is on his way to becoming All-World. Two teams seeking vindication. Rumblings in Detroit that another early round exit will mean the end for coach Mike Babcock. This series has all the makings of a classic. I believe the X-Factor here is Mikka Kiprusoff who is capable of stealing a series, much the way Hasek could (and did) in his prime. Detroit did have a great regular season, but sometimes life just ain't fair. Mike Babcock, get your resume updated. Flames win.
(2) Anaheim vs. (7) Minnesota - The Ducks are no secret, after a surprise run to the Conference Finals last season, they added Defenceman Chris Pronger who along with Scott Niedermeyer gives them the best blueline combo in the NHL. Goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere has come back strong after a shaky 2006 postseason in which he was replaced by Ilya Bryzgalov and was the subject of trade rumors in the offseason. The key for the Ducks in this series and throughout this Playoff will be the goal production of their baby-face second line of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Dustin Penner. As long as that line which was put together late in the season can produce, the Ducks are more than capable of going deep into the Playoffs. The Wild will be relying on their strong defensive play in the neutral zone to counteract the relentless forecheck of the Ducks. 1st year Goaltender Niklas Backstrom who replaced Manny Fernandez midway through the season has been a more than pleasant surprise as he enters the playoffs as the leader in Goals against average and Save percentage. Niklas posted five shutouts in only 36 regular season starts. If the Wild are to pull the upset, Niklas will have to be gargantuan in this series. The Wild have hope for the future, but the Ducks' time is now. Ducks win.
(3) Vancouver vs. (6) Dallas - Last season, the Canucks were a lock to make the Playoffs with a Month to play but then took one of the great nosedives in the history of the sport and were eliminated on the last day of the season. A season after which the Canucks dismissed coach Marc Crawford who was at the helm when that plane went into a flat spin, and shored up the goaltending by trading forward Todd Bertuzzi to Florida in exchange for goaltender Roberto Luongo, a trade that will go down as grand larceny when all is said and done. The Dallas Stars have always been a strong regular season team, and their goaltender Marty Turco has always been a terrific regular season netminder. But, it is now Playoff time. Marty Turco is beginning to be roundly criticized as a playoff choker. The former Michigan Wolverine won two National Championships and went to the Frozen four 4 times during his collegiate career, but for some reason seems to buckle under the pressure of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The may be his last shot at redemption.
Roberto Luongo was for several years the only bright spot on a dreadful Florida Panthers' team. Luongo has been one of the league's best since January. Roberto is absolutely giddy over this, his first playoff appearance and has been waiting a long time for this moment. The Canucks and Stars were almost identical in the regular season. Dallas finished with 107 points, the Canucks with 105. Dallas scored 226 goals, the Canucks 222. Dallas allowed 197 goals, the Canucks 201. Suffice to say that on paper it's a toss up. Playoff games are not decided on paper. At the time of year when goaltending is paramount and goal scoring can be rather scarce, I'm willing to ride Luongo over Turco and his shaky Playoff history. Dallas is a fun town and I really enjoyed the All-Star game festivities when I was there in February but......
(4) Nashville vs. (5) San Jose - Hmmm. Both teams were strong all season. San Jose has a good fast young team built around the terrific playmaking skills of Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton and the goal scoring prowess of Jonathan Cheechoo.
Nashville has followed a plan put in place by Barry Trotz - the only head coach they've ever had. Nashville has always had great team speed and attacks like a swarm of gnats. They've been steadily improving since they came into the league in 1998. On the other hand, remember the Sharks improved their standings every year for 5 straight seasons. These teams are almost a mirror image. The Predators scored 14 more regular season goals than the Sharks, but allowed 13 more. The Preds finished with 110 points, the Sharks with 107, both teams won 51 games. The Preds added Paul Kariya in 2005 & Jason Arnott during the 2006 offseason; the Sharks picked up Joe Thornton in 2005 & Bill Guerin at the trade deadline. It's almost a shame that one of these two great teams will have only a first round playoff exit to show for all their hard work and a great regular season. Flip a coin. Mine came up tails - Sharks win.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Buffalo vs. (8) New York Islanders - The Sabres burst out of the gate this year and had the league's best record virtually the entire season before ending up tied with the Detroit Red Wings for best overall record in the league, but did win the Presidents Cup by virtue of their overall total of 53 wins vs. 50 for Detroit. The Isles were a pleasant surprise this season, a season which saw the return of coach Ted Nolan who had been blackballed by the league after being named NHL coach of the year in 1997-1998, a season after which he was fired by these same Buffalo Sabres whom his new team now faces in this first round match-up. Nolan has once again taken a rather meiocre team and had them over-achieve to get into the playoffs (the late season acquisition of Ryan Smyth didn't hurt either). While coaching in Buffalo it was all about strong goaltending (Dominik Hasek) and great teamwork, Nolan has done the same thing this season with the exception being Rick Dipietro between the pipes. Nolan has showed his coaching skills did not erode during his nine year absence but this team is not yet ready to deal with the unrelenting attack of the Buffalo Sabres who this season led the league with 308 goals. Between the toughness of Ryan Smyth, the scrapiness of Jason Blake and the strong goaltending of Dipietro, the Isles may steal a game or two, but ultimately the Sabres will send them to the Golf course.
(2) New Jersey vs. (7) Tampa Bay - Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur set a record for wins in a season with 48 wins while also compiling 12 shutouts. The Devils always seem to peak at just the right ime, and this season is no different. Brodeur has been rock solid for the Devils since 1995, along the way picking up three rings (1995, 2000, 2003) and winning the Vezina trophy in 2003 & 2004. The veteran goaltender has been even tougher in the playoffs. The Lightning won the Cup in 2004, but that seems ages ago. No surprises here. Devils will prevail.
(3) Atlanta vs. (6) New york Rangers - The Atlanta Thrashers had the benefit of playing in the weakest division and still managed to score only one more goal than they allowed over the course of the season (246 scored; 245 allowed). The Thrashers won their division but their point total of 97 would be good for only third place in any other division. Call it an upset if you so desire, but the Rangers are gonna take this series. In fact, ya' might want to get out the broom....
(4) Ottawa vs. (5) Pittsburgh - The Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins wound up tied with 105 points on the year, Ottawa gets home ice advantage due to 48 wins to the Penguins 47. The Sens have a history of being way too soft in the Playoffs, not to mention bone-head plays in key moments by Star players - they were less than a minute away from the Stanley Cup Finals in 2003 when defenseman Wade Redden made an inconceivable move on a 2 on 2 break which led to the tying goal in game 7 of the conference finals. New Jersey then scored the game winner in OT, en route to the Stanley Cup. Fast forward to last season, down 3 games to 1 & on the Power Play in overtime, team captain Daniel Alfreddson stood like a deer in headlights as Jason Pommenville went around him to score the series winning goal, 'nuff said.
The Penguins have a strong, young team anchored by teenage phenom Sidney (Sid the kid) Crosby - the youngest ever to lead the league in scoring, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. Veteran toughness comes in the form of Gary Roberts, Georges Larocque & Mark (the wreckin' ball) Recchi. Rejuvenated Sergei Gonchar came out of nowhere to finish second in the league in scoring amongst defencemen. The key to this series will be the goaltending of young Penguins netminder Marc-Andre Fleury, not to mention this is the first ever playoff for Crosby, Staal, and Malkin. Both teams have exciting wide open offensive styles which should make this a very entertaining series. I hate to go with soft teams, but the Sens do have a huge edge in playoff experience and nomally don't choke until the later rounds. Ottawa will advance.
Don't you just love this time of year ? More to come in round 2. See ya'

2006 STANLEY CUP FINALS

It has come down to this. The upstart Edmonton Oilers from the Western conference vs. the Carolina Hurricanes from the Eastern conference for all the marbles. The Edmonton Oilers have enjoyed an incredible run lead by their seemingly unflappable Goaltender Dwayne Roloson, against whom the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim may wish to file charges of Grand Larceny after what he did to them in the Conference Finals. The Carolina Hurricanes used their intangibles ( leadership, experience, determination) to ultimately defeat the Buffalo Sabres in the East. I do realize I have picked against the Oilers 3 straight times and been wrong each time, but I just have to do it again. All due respect to the Oilers, but the clock is about to strike midnight on this Cinderella story. I did have the opportunity to speak with Oilers' GM Kevin Lowe during the series vs. Anaheim, he still has that same humble yet confident demeanor he had as a player. Kevin Lowe raised the Cup six times during his playing career; the first five with Edmonton, the last in 1994 as a member of the New York Rangers. This confident attitude seems to have filtered down through the present Oilers roster, as the they just keep on rolling, the Oilers do have the pieces in place to contend for many years to come.
The Carolina Hurricanes were the only team in this year's playoffs to really live up to the expectations. Carolina finished 2nd overall in the East, and have continued to be great in the playoffs, the only surprise being the play of Rookie goaltender Cam Ward who has answered the call, and played with a poise far beyond his years.
The difference in the Finals will be the veterans on the roster of the 'Canes. With the likes of Rod Brind'Amour, Doug Weight, Mark Recchi, Ray Whitney, and Cory Stillman up front, as well as speedy Bret Hedican anchoring the defense along with Mike Commodore, Carolina has too many players who can come through in the clutch. Despite the many combined years of service, only Mark Recchi (1990-1991 Pittsburgh Penguins) has ever raised the Cup. It's time for all these boys to have their day (although I'm sure Chris Pronger would strongly disagree). The "Canes are about to smell the roses. Let's here it for the South; Tampa won it all in 2004, now the 'Canes....the newest Hockey Hot(and muggy)bed.....Only in America. See ya'

STANLEY CUP 2006 - CONFERENCE FINALS

**** EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS ****
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Buffalo Sabres : Hmmm.... two teams with rookie goaltenders...in the Conference Finals. There has to be an edge somewhere, so let's find it. Carolina did win the regular season series against Buffalo 3 games to 1. Buffalo beat a strong Philadelphia Flyers team, and the favored Ottawa Senators in their first two rounds of the playoffs, thanks to terrific team play which seems to only get better as the playoffs go on. The Hurricanes were strong all year, and have been a near unstoppable force in the playoffs after replacing ineffective goaltender Martin Gerber with rookie netminder Cam Ward after dropping the first two games of their first round series against Montreal; the result was a seven game win streak - four against Montreal, followed by three straight against the New Jersey Devils; the latter came in riding a 15 game win streak dating back to the last 11 games of the regular season. The 'Canes eventually sent the Devils to the golf course in five games; outscoring the New Jersey team 17-10 in the process.
Buffalo outscored Ottawa 16-13 on the way to eliminating the favored Senators in five games. rookie goalie Ryan Miller was strong after a shaky start in game one, although Buffalo did ultimately prevail 7-6 in OT in that game. Four games later, rookie Jason Pominville scored the series clinching goal on a short-handed rush in overtime. It was a microchosm of the hustle and urgency with which the Sabres played the entire series. Ottawa Captain Daniel Alfredsson seemed to be wearing cement skates as the rookie forward went around him like a speeding car dodging road kill, on his way to beating rookie goaltender Ray Emery.
The Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo are both 7-3 in this playoff season. This series will come down to the intangibles - leadership and drive. While Buffalo has proven to have as much grit as any team out there, I believe the Sabres will ultimately fall short due to the number of veteran leaders and game breakers on the roster of the Carolina Hurricanes. Doug Weight, Rod Brind'Amour, Mark Recchi, Ray Whitney and Cory Stillman, should be the difference makers, as well as splendid youngster Eric Staal. This is not to in any way sell short the drive and determination of the Sabres, they will be a very tough "out", and we all know about Chris Drury and his history of clutch performances and big goals. This will be a hugely entertaining series.
**** WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS****
The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and the Edmonton Oilers continue to roll. The Anaheim team dismissed Joe Sakic and his vaunted Colorado squad in a four game sweep in which the Avalanche never did pose a serious threat. The Ducks outscored the Avs 16-4 in the series.
The surprising Edmonton Oilers dropped the first two games of their series against San Jose Sharks, and then proceeeded to sweep the next four games to take the series. The series clinching 2-0 win in game six was their most fundamentally sound game of the series, the Oilers killed offpower play after power play, and also generated 7 breakaway chances....yes, seven. Sharks Goaltender Vesa Toskala kept the game from becoming a truly embarrassing moment in team history.
The stage is now set for these two unlikely but very similar contenders to compete for the right to represent the Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Both teams have Norris Trophy winning defensemen, Scott Niedermayer for the Mighty Ducks(2004), and Chris Pronger for Edmonton(2000), the latter was also League MVP in 2000.
Both teams rely on speed, quickness and strong forechecking. Both teams have received strong Goaltending throughout the playoffs; Ilya Bryzgalov for Anaheim, and Dwayne Roloson for Edmonton. The Oilers were 4-0 in the regular season series vs. Anaheim, outscoring the Ducks 18-11 overall, scoring 16 goals in the first three games. Also keep in mind the Ducks have not won a game on the Oilers' home ice since 1999. Fortunately for the Anaheim squad, the Ducks will enjoy home ice advantage in this series.
The breakdown - Edmonton exposed San Jose's previously unknown lack of overall depth & toughness in their Conference semi final victory, wearing the Sharks down further and further as the series went on. When the Oilers stopped Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, they stopped the Sharks. The Mighty Ducks are a solid four lines deep, it will take an even stronger effort from the Oilers than they had in the last round if they are to defeat this tough Anaheim squad, a squad which against Calgary proved they could not be bullied or outworked, and against Colorado proved they could shut down offensive minded teams without having to sacrifice their own offensive output. Dwayne Roloson is the key to this series. Edmonton does not have the personnel to check all four of the Ducks lines, thus Roloson will be called upon to make many huge saves at key moments. Speedy forwards Ryan Smyth, Shawn Horcoff and Sergei Samsonov will have to make huge contributions. The Toughness of Michael Peca and Raffi Torres will also need to play a big part if the Oilers are to continue this most unlikely run.
The most pleasant surprise for the Ducks, their fans, and first year Head Coach Randy Carlyle has been the emergence and continued strong and clutch play of the teams younger players, namely Dustin Penner, Ryan Getzlaf, Joffrey Lupol, Andy McDonald and defenseman Francois Beauchemin, and did I mention their rookie goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov enters the series leading the league in both Goal against average (0.87) and save percentage (.967) ? Edmonton did own the Ducks in the regular season, but that point is now moot. This series will be a spectators delight, and a series in which the Ducks will ultimately prevail due to their superior depth. See ya'.

Stanley Cup 2006 ( 2nd Round )

What the heck happened in the Western Conference ? The top four seeds all lost in the first round. Detroit, Dallas, Calgary & Nashville, with Calgary being the only team to even force a 7th game....Oh how the mighty have fallen. The Red Wings were victims of questionable goaltending by Manny Legace, as well as being outworked in key moments (there is a very fine line between having a lot of "good solid veteran players on the roster", and having "a bunch of old guys on the roster") by a younger, quicker Edmonton Oilers team which at times looked overmatched, but ultimately did prevail, winning the series clinching game six by overcoming a 2 goal deficit and scoring 4 goals in the third period. This was Steve Yzerman's final season, it will be sad to see him go, but the great memories will live on - Stevie Y was a class act to the end.
The Stars were simply outworked in most of their games ( but then again, goaltender Marty Turco didn't exactly set the world on fire either). The Colorado Avalanche unceremoniously dumped the Stars in five games.The Nashville Predators also had problems in net, as goaltender Tomas Vokoun who had anchored the team all year, was unavailable due to illness. The San Jose Sharks smelled blood, and down went the Predators in five games - losing four straight after taking game 1. Goaltending was not the only issue.The San Jose Sharks were the better team all around, and I believe, have been the leagues' best team for the past two months ( the New Jersey Devils' 15 game win streak not withstanding). San Jose will be hard to stop, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau form the best 1st and 2nd line Center combo in the league, Vesa Toskola has been strong in goal, and the rash of 1st round upsets leave the Sharks as the highest seeded team in the Western Conference, and thus with home Ice advantage for at least the next two rounds .
The Calgary Flames took 2 of the first 3 games in their series against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, only to then lose three of the next four games (and the series) to the fast-maturing Anaheim squad. The defining moment may have come early in Game 6, when Flames' captain Jarome Iginla decided to drop the gloves with the Ducks' rookie defensman Francois Beauchemin. Iginla was quickly dropped with a left hook the would have made the late Sugar Ray Robinson proud. Iginla did regain his feet, but the tone was set. Iginla was held to only one shot on goal in game six, and again in game seven. The Ducks put together their most solid performances in games six and seven, outworking the Flames in all three zones (offensive, neutral, and defensive) of the ice. Another key move was Coach Randy Carlyle's decision to start Ilya Bryzgalov in goal in games 6 and 7 ( Ilya is now riding a string of five straight shutout periods) instead of J.S. Giguere who had been less than spectacular in games 2 - 5, being pulled in game 5 after allowing 3 goals on only eight Calgary shots ( Anaheim lost the game by a score of 3-2). Expect the Ducks to ride Bryzgalov the rest of the way, and for Giguere to quite possibly wind up in Detroit in the off-season, playing for his former coach Mike Babcock (the latter part being pure speculation of course).
I cannot recall the last time that the 5, 6, 7, and 8 seeds in the same conference all prevailed in the first round.
The first round of the Eastern Conference was far less dramatic, The Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres were seeded numbers 1 thru 4 respectively, and all were winners - 'nuff said.
**** 2nd ROUND BREAKDOWN ****
Western Conference; #5 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Edmonton Oilers - The Sharks went thruogh the Nashville Predators like a hot knife through butter; likewise the Oilers were surprisingly able to upset the top-seeded Red Wings in the 1st round. The task at hand for the Oilers is to somehow find a way to either stop, or match the offensive output of the San Jose Sharks' devastating combo of Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo, as well as the surprising 2nd line combo of Captain Patrick Marleau, flanked by surprising rookies Steve Bernier and Milan Michalek. Chris Proger anchors the Oilers' defense, while up front, they will rely on the veteran leadership of Ryan Smyth and Michael Peca. Goaltender Dwayne Roloson will also have to make some huge saves. The bottom line - The only chance the Oilers have is to play as a complete and disciplined team, they do have youth, and speed. The Sharks will seek to take advantage of sometimes lackluster play of the Oilers, in which case they can score in bunches. This will be a fun series to watch, if you appreciate speed & skill. The Oilers do have a bright future, but the road will end here....Sharks will prevail.
#6 Anaheim Mighty Ducks vs. # 7 Colorado Avalance - The Mighty Ducks played near - perfect hockey in games 6 and 7 to eliminate the favored Calgary Flames in the first round, showing dramatic improvement and maturation in the process. Rookie Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov was nothing short of brilliant when needed. The Avs have the edge in experience, with a roster that includes future hall of famer Joe Sakic, and hard hitting defenseman Rob Blake (both wre members of the 2001 Avalance Cup-winning team). The bottom line - The Mighty Ducks while facing elimination in games 6 and 7 in the first round, came up with tremendous efforts in both games. The Mighty Ducks will now play a Colorado team which during the regular season allowed more goal against than any Western Conference playoff team. Jose Theodore has yet to prove himself as a clutch playoff goaltender....The Avalanche will melt; the Mighty Ducks will continue to fly high.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Ottawa Senators vs. #4 Buffalo Sabres - Two teams riding rookie goaltenders; Ray Emery in net for Ottawa, and Ryan Miller in net for Buffalo. Ottawa was an offensive juggernaut in the regular season, leading the league in goals scored with 314, and dismissed the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1st round with little difficulty. The Buffalo Sabres eliminated Philadelphia in six games, but would have eliminated them in four or five were they more disciplined. Again, two teams which like to skate (new NHL rules having an affect ?). I like the Ottawa Senators to put more pressure on Ryan Miller than did the Flyers. Buffalo is up & coming, but not this year. Ottawa prevails.
#2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. # 3 New Jersey Devils - Yet another rookie goaltender, as Cam Ward is between the pipes for the favored Carolina Hurricanes. The Carolina Hurricanes boast a lineup which includes a couple of hungry veteran Stars who'd love to finally get their names on the Stanley Cup (Rod Brind'Amour, Doug Weight), as well as former Cup Winner Mark Recchi (Pittsburgh 1991). Nothing really needs to be said about the New Jersey Devils a team which returns to the playoffs with a roster deep in seasoned veterans, and the most disciplined team system in hockey, a system which produced Cup winners in 1995, 2000, and 2003, as well as a trip to the Finals in 2001. Seemingly unflappable Goaltender Martin Brodeur ( a future hall of famer ) has been there from the start. Tough series, Devils prevail in seven games. Enjoy. See ya'.