NHL Hockey Playoffs round 2 - Colorado vs. Anaheim
The Avs truly have the edge in terms of "who can put the puck in the net". The combination of Hejduk, Sakic, Tanguay and Brunette is incredibly potent and will dominate the Anaheim offence. As well, if Svatos comes back, you better watch out for that red light behind Bryzgalov. Let us not forget about the Avs defensive core that can also find the back of the net. Blake and Liles are going to successfully challenge the rookie Anaheim goalie. The latest piece of the puzzle that gives the Avs the edge is the return of Konowalchuk. This guy really brings some depth to the Avs line-up. Finally there is Jose Théodore, who is clearly starting to heat up. Even more important is that he has made believers out of his whole team.
Anaheim will have to keep the same intensity that they had against Calgary if they want to compete in this series. The only good news for the Ducks is that their back up goalie has some good playoff experience. Even if Anaheim has home ice advantage and finished the season ahead of the Avs, I still predict the Avs in 6, maybe even 5.
San Jose vs. Edmonton
San Jose has the luxury of having a proven back up “playoff” goalie in Nabakov. Should Toskala falter, be sure to see Nabakov make an appearance. Besides Ottawa, the Sharks are the most talented offensive team in these playoffs. The Thornton-Pronger match up will be one of the most entertaining match ups of the playoffs. The great thing about this team is that if Marleau doesn’t score Cheechoo will. I find their defence is their weakest link, but so far Priessing has impressed many and Ehrhoff is doing a stellar job.
The Oilers will need everything that Hemsky and Samsonov have to offer. Pisani will have to continue putting the puck in the net and Horcoff will also have to come up big in key situations. One thing that Edmonton will not have to worry about is their goaltender and offence from Chris Pronger. Perhaps the best acquisitions by any team, both are built for the post season. I expect big things from both of these veterans.
This series will be a tight one, but if San Jose can weather the storm in the first couple of games, they will win in 5. Hey, its not because you get an upset that you become the No. 1 seed!
Jack Johnson, “King of Hockey”
2 comments:
Pfah! Montreal wins the cup this year. They are not eliminate so much as learning to excel at other aspects of the game - such as driving, chipping and putting.
Montreal was never a contender, think about it: relying on Higgins and Huet...Pfah! to you.
Atlanta and Toronto just failed to play to their potential.
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