Wow, what a thrilling series the Sharks and Red Wings west semifinal became. After the Sharks went up by 3 games the Wings looked all but finished. However, in historic fashion, the Red Wings won the next 3 to tie the series before bowing out in game 7 like the Blackhawks in round 1. But series like this show why the NHL playoffs are the best of all sports and hopefully round 3 will be just as exciting.
Western Conference (Clarence S. Campbell Bowl)
Vancouver Canucks (1) VS San Jose Sharks (2)
Many people in the media call this matchup one that was expected from the start. And though Vancouver and San Jose have had a tougher time getting here than they would have liked, they have finally made it. On paper, this season Vancouver looks to be the better team but we all know the playoffs are an entirely new animal. The Sharks have a history of playoff collapses, but this years team seems deeper up front with players like Ryan Clowe, Devon Settoguchi and Logan Couture emerging as talented secondary scorers. The Canucks have Olympic champion Roberto Luongo in net and are led up front by Ryan Kessler and the Sedin twins. Kessler has been a force as usual but the twins have been quiet, something I think will change as we get closer to crowning a champion. In my mind this series will be decided by goalies and though the Sharks goalie Annti Nemi won a Stanley Cup last season, Luongo has simply been better all season.
Prediction: Vancouver in 6
Eastern Conference (Prince of Wales Trophy)
Boston Bruins (3) VS Tampa Bay Lightning (5)
These 2 teams have been waiting over a week to play since they both swept their 2nd round opponents and both teams will be full of energy and offense. Tampa Bay finished 25 out of 30 teams last season and now finds them selves in the final 4 only 12 months later. General Manager Steve Yzerman added veteran goalie Dwayne Roloson and winger Simon Gagne, but their success can be attributed to the role players like Nate Thompson and Sean Bergenheim that are helping with the teams offense. Boston avenged themselves against Philadelphia after they blew a 3 game lead last season before losing the series in 7 games. This time around they did not blow the 3 game lead and instead swept the Flyers out of the playoffs. They are led by star goalie Tim Thomas and monster defenseman Zdeno Chara. The Bruins play a more aggressive game than the Lightning which will either strength or hinder their chances of winning the series; how many penalties they take will be a big factor this round. Tampa Bay plays a very solid defense formation which makes it hard for teams to break in onto their goalie. If the Bruins can't that, than not even the talented Tim Thomas will be able to save their playoff hopes.
Prediction- Tampa Bay in 7
And finally on a more sombre note, late last night it was announced that Derek Boogaard of the New York Rangers had passed away at the age of 28. I would like to express my condolences to his family, friends and teammates as they try to cope with this tragic news. I hope they now that everyone in the hockey world is thinking and praying for them during this time of mourning and remembrance.
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