EASTERN CONFERENCE: Buffalo Sabres vs Ottawa Senators.
Admit it, hockey fans, this is the match-up everyone was hoping to see, especially after the brawl these two clubs staged in a mid-February tilt. There’s bad blood between these two, which could elevate the intensity of this series.
The Senators hope to silence their critics one and for all by advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals whilst extracting some revenge against the Sabres, who upset them in last year’s playoffs. The Sabres want to finally bring a championship to their long-suffering fan and extend their post-season series winning streak against Ottawa to 4-0.
No offense to fans of the Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings, but this one has the potential to be the marquee match-up of this year's playoffs.
Both clubs have quality starting goaltending in Ryan Miller and Ray Emery, although the Sens can turn to Martin Gerber if need be. The less said about Miller’s backup, Ty Conklin, the better. Looking at their respective defenses, the edge goes to the Senators, but when it comes to offensive depth, the Sabres certainly have the advantage there.
There’ll be plenty of intangibles, of course, but ultimately this could come down to the Senators defence against the Sabres offense.
Prior to the start of this year’s playoffs, if you’d asked me who’d win a Sabres-Senators series, I’d say the Sabres without a second thought, but I’ve been struck by how much the Sabres struggled against the Islanders and Rangers, two teams that, quite frankly, they should’ve easily beaten.
Conversely, the Senators have looked poised and confident, especially in the way they handled the New Jersey Devils, and I think that’s a telling sign that this year’s Sens aren’t like the previous versions we’ve seen in the playoffs. SENATORS IN SEVEN.
WESTERN CONFERENCE: Anaheim Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings.
I’m not surprise to see the Ducks here, but I am surprised to see the Wings get this far. This one may not have the hype of a “Battle of California” series had the Wings not defeat the San Jose Sharks, but that doesn’t mean this series isn’t worth watching, although to be honest I doubt it’ll match the intensity of the ECF.
It’s going to be an interesting contrast of goaltending styles; the aging but still effective and unorthodox Dominik Hasek against the steady, no-nonsense style of former Conn Smythe winner J.S. Giguere. I wouldn’t bet against the ancient Dominator as I know he’ll rise to the occasion, but he could be facing a problem with the defensemen in front of him.
Defensively the Wings can still draw on perennial Norris contender Nicklas Lidstrom, the ageless Chris Chelios and the tough, under-rated Danny Markov, but their depth has been walloped by injuries and that could prove a significant factor as this series wears on. Conversely, the Ducks ice a healthy blueline corps, led by workhorse Chris Pronger and the smooth-skating Scott Niedermayer. The edge definitely goes to the Ducks here, and that could prove wearing on Hasek as the series grinds on.
Both clubs match up well offensively, with both teams getting offense from throughout their forward lines. The Wings have also proven they can handle the physical going, but they’re in for a real test against Anaheim, arguably the most physical team in the league.
The Ducks have also proven capable of adjusting their game to fit their opponent and beating said opponent at their own game. If you try to play it tight defensively, the Ducks will squeeze you even harder. If you try to open it up, they’ve got plenty of firepower to match. And if you get dumb and try to play it tough, they’ll beat the stuffing out of you.
In the end, it’s this adaptability of the Ducks and the Wings injury-depleted blueline that tilts this series in favor of Anaheim. DUCKS IN SIX.
Accurate analysis as always Spector. I cannot argue with your assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each time, nor of the potential of a classic playoff series with Ottawa & Buffalo - bring it on!
I truly thought the Sharks would bounce the Wings, but I guess so did everyone else. How can a number 1 seed be disregarded so easily? I too think the Ducks will prevail, and largely because of what you have said, but was anyone else impressed with how poised and confident and in-control the Wings were over the last 2 games, and particularly in last night's game? The dictated the play to the Sharks, and part of me thinks that the Ducks will have to work harder than they ever have to this point to get past the Wings.
As for the Sens and Sabres, I don't really care who wins, I just want to see some awesome, hard-hitting, fast-paced hockey!
Picking against the Sabres again? Don't you see destiny when it is staring at all of you in the face?
Quick question: Why is that most experts would pick the Rangers in a playoff series against the Devils right now YET because the Sabres "struggled" against them, the Sabres are now underachievers compared to the Sens? It seriously doesn't make sense to me.
LGB: Who, exactly, would pick the Rangers over the Devils in a series? When did that ever come up this year?
Like I said, I'm legitimately concerned about the Sabres. Admit it, you were too. I bet you were chewing your nails down to the quick when the Rangers had that lead late in Game Five. Had they won that game, the series might've gone in a different direction.
The Sabres should've easily beaten the Isles and Rangers. Instead, they had their hands full against those two. That's not meant as a knock against either club, but let's face it, both series were much closer than they should've been.
It's not "picking" on the Sabres. Just voicing what I see as a potential problem for Buffalo.
Spector-My point is that no one is giving the Rangers enough credit. The Sabres were the better team in 5 of those 6 games, and yet Lundqvist stood on his head to keep his team in the game.
The Senators played against a team that had poor goaltending, no one scoring and really the Senators only needed one line to score to win 4 out of 5 games. Which is pretty much what happened.
But are you saying if the Devils and Rangers met in a playoff series right now, you would pick the Devils?
Also, I don't think you are picking on the Sabres, I said picking against them and thats cool.
As for Game 5, I totally agree. If they lose that, the series is in serious trouble. But thats what makes great teams great, winning when it looks like there is no chance at doing so.
I guess time will tell what the story is. I just hope I'm right, no offense:)
I'm worried. And I think the worry is justified. Buffalo's power play was absolutely putrid against the Blueshirts, and their penalty killing left a lot to be desired in the series clinching game too. If Buffalo cannot score with the man advantage at a respectable rate against Ottawa, they will fail spectacularly. And I'm not sure where the Ranger power play ranks among playoff teams. With players like Straka, Nylander and Jagr, I would imagine it stacks up fairly well. Either way, Buffalo had better clean up their PK act for Ottawa or it'll be a sad refrain of "wait till next year".
All that said, Ray Emery had better not get too comfortable. He's had a pretty relaxing playoffs so far. That's probably about to change. We know that Miller can stand up to eating rubber all night so Emery will likely have run the same gauntlet. Maybe he's up for it. Maybe not.
Buffalo in 7: Home ice pays off.
Anaheim in 4: Ducks look like a big, tough, clinically-efficient machine. And the 2007 Hasek is no 2007 Luongo.
If Drury doesn't score that goal in game 5, the Rangers may have taken that series. I agree with LGB that people are selling the Rangers short. The Rangers had been playing better than the Devils for a while. Lundqvist was much better than Brodeur in the last round.
With that said I believe the Sabres finally woke up from the third period of game 4 onward. They were clearly the better team the rest of the series.
I'm getting really sick of people saying the Sabres "struggled" against the Islanders. While 4 of the 5 games were one goal affairs, the Sabres won the series in 5 games. Does it matter if it was pretty?
The playoffs have been great so far. I think this year we are truly getting the best two teams in the east and the best two in the west.
Will the Sabres play well enough on special teams to win?
Will Ottawa be able to match the Sabres 5 on 5?
Will Detroit's defensive machine hold up with the injuries mounting?
Will Hasek continue to play this well? He was not tested heavily through most of the regular season.
I have to agree with LGB on this one (is this a first in this forum?) The Rangers have looked phenomenal in this post-season, and in my mind Lundqvist has only been second to Luongo in these playoffs. The Sabres have the goods, and the Rangers deserve a bit of credit for taking the series as far as they did. As long as the Sabres can snuff out Ottawa's ridiculous play in the neutral zone, I think they'll bring Ray Emery back down to reality (I honestly dont feel like he's had it that hard in these playoffs, feel free to disagree).
And as for the Ducks-Red Wings ... it'll be interesting to see Babcock on the other side of the bench in the rematch of the 2003 first round. I think this series is going to be far more exciting than people are giving credit ... with the blueline injuries, Hasek has finally been tested (last night was one of the few times he's had to face more than 25 shots in a while), and this has potential to be a ridiculously awesome series.
Ray Emery learns that you can't get away with giving up rebounds to the Sabres, and Buffalo's offensive depth outmatches Ottawa's defensive depth: Sabres in 6.
Giguere reminds Babcock why he beat the Wings four years ago: Ducks in 5.
Is it the apocalypse? People actually agree with me?
About the power-play...The Sabres have sucked all year at it, its not going to magically get better. They aren't going to score a lot by those means. What they need to stay consistent in is their penalty killing. Prior to game 6 the Sabres were an 87% penalty killing team and after it were an 81. Huge drop off. Of course they still won that game.
well ... after going 5 for 8 in the first round i went a perfect 4 for 4 in the second. I even got the number of games correct in one of them (Ottawa).
Now I am going to go with Ottawa again. I just think they are too strong physically for the Sabres - Alfredsson in particular is playing his mind out. The one area where Buffalo's strength could tell is not up front with the offensive depthg ... but in net. I think Miller has the capability to steal games. Still giong to go with Ottawa though ... in six games.
In the west I am going with Anaheim. They have made relatively short work of the opposition so far. They are stronger physically than than Detroit, both up front and on defence. I think LIdstrom can probably shut down the McDonald line but I don't think they have an answer for the Getzlaf line (or vice versa). What I love in this series is the matchup between two excellent third lines. They won't be agaist each other but they can both shut down the other teams top players and still score. In the end I think the fresh legs and strength of the Ducks will tell ... Unless Hasek steals a few it will be the Ducks in 5.
hey spec ... just read this in your column "Parise made $703,000 last season, so he'll probably seek between $1.5 and $2 million per season."
After 31 goals and 31 assists for the defensively oriented devils do you think another team will take a run at him with a stronger offer sheet than that? I mean the Flyers went after Kesler for $1.9 million ... or are there any other juicy restricted FAs that a team may not be able to afford that another team could take a shot at.
One thing that gives me some comfort is that Buffalo has already faced down the hottest goalie (Lundqvist) they will likely see in the '07 playoffs. Apologies to Hasek and Giguere.
At the beginning of the season I predicted an Anaheim/Buffalo Final, and I've no reason to give up on either club now. That said...
I must admit to being extremely impressed by Detroit this post-season. How does a team lose Steve Yzerman AND Brendan Shanahan and get BETTER? (Answer: You find someone else to start in front if Manny Legace! BWHAHAHAHAHA! But I digress.)
Ottawa has impressed me as well, playing with an intensity and a grit that I hadn't seen previously in past Senators teams.
However (and you just KNEW there was going to be a however), I think Ottawa and Detroit both owe their victories more to the mistakes by their opponents than through imposing their will on the games.
In the Ottawa/New Jersey series, Martin Brodeur did not play like Martin Brodeur. Was it due to injuries, fatigue, age or a lesser defense in front of him? Perhaps a combination of everything. Brodeur was a shadow of himself in the First Round, and didn't improve any against the Senators.
Meanwhile, San Jose sel####estructed versus Detroit. The Sharks played poorly with the lead, and then after Nabakov calls his team out in the press, he promptly coughs up the puck at a critical point in Game 5 (likely the turning point of the series) and gasses the game. By losing two Second Round series they should have won -- vs. Edmonton in 2006, vs. Detroit in 2007 -- San Jose now claims the title of playoff chokers away from the Senators.
*** continued ***
Last edited by Matt_McCallum on May 8th at 12:56 PM.
Ottawa and Detroit are each going to face a tremendous test this round. I think both these clubs have played their best hockey to get this far. I don't think we've seen the best yet out of Buffalo and Anaheim. It should make for some great sport over the next two weeks.
Matt-Thats exactly what I think. If you go to my "previews" you'll see I said pretty much the same exact thing you said about the teams beating themselves instead of the Sens/Wings beating them.
I think the Rangers/Sabres series was the best hockey we've seen thus far in the playoffs, personally. The Rangers' forwards tested Buffalo's sturdy defense and goaltending, and really forced the Sabres forwards to play at their full potential. Ottawa has yet to run into such a squad in these playoffs. Their greatest test was game 2 against the Penguins. Buffalo's got 4 scoring lines to Ottawa's 1 and a half, being generous. I think despite the named defensemen, Ottawa's blueliners are the lesser squad in the series, because they haven't been under fire that often, particularly last round. Ray Emery is going to get abused. Give the poor guy a rape whistle.
Detroit's just going to get tired, and Anaheim won't.
Considering I picked the Rangers to beat the Thrashers and the Sabres, I don't think I can be accused of "taking the Rangers for granted".
As for Parise, it's entirely possible somebody could make an offer sheet to Parise; indeed, I wouldn't rule out a rival GM with an axe to grind against Lamoriello doing so if only to make things difficult cap-wise for the Devils.
The sabres were 7 seconds from going down 3-2. They got lucky. There was no skill in that goal that was scored. If they go on and lose that game they would have been done.
I know all you Sabre fans think differently.
As for the predictions
The Sabres have not faced a team like Ottawa in the playoffs. Ottawa is nearly as fast and deeper on the blueline. Like I said from day one of the playoffs This is Ottawa's year. No one is talking about them. At least Sabres fans can not use the Travel as an excuse this season
Ottawa in 6
As a California hockey fan I was rooting hard for the Sharks. A Sharks-Ducks series would have been great for the west coast.
Detroit's Blueline will catch up with them this series. The Moen-Palsson-Rob N. line will shut down the top line of the wings. The key to this series is secondary scoring wich by far favors the Ducks and Marchant will be centering the 4th line so now the Ducks can roll all 4 lines.
Ducks in 5
What Really matters is who ever comes out of the East will get blasted by the West
Last edited by True_kings_fan on May 8th at 1:24 PM.
Hi Lyle:
Good take on the West. The Ducks would have murdered Vancouver except for Luongo. I just don't think Hasek has that kind of game in him anymore.
I don't get to watch many games here in AZ but from what I've seen in the playoffs, the European goalies are terrible at handling the puck. If I were the Ducks coach I would tell my players to let Hasek handle the puck.
Ducks in 5
I think Matt McCallum hit it on the head when he pointed out that we've seen the Wings & Sens "A"-Games but we haven't seen the best from the Ducks or Sabres.
I've watched just about every Ducks game and it seems to me that they just haven't been thrown up against a wall yet. I wouldn't be surprised if the Wings take game 1 in Anaheim. Still, TKF is right about secondary scoring being the big factor in this series and I really like the way Getzlaf, Perry and Penner are playing together right now. Ducks in 6 games.
I complain a ton about how the Eastern-centric media just doesn't do enough to cover Western time zone teams and this gripe holds for other sports too. But WOW. How does Dany Heatley not get the pub he deserves. Living in L.A. I don't get to see that many Sens games, but he has been awesome in the playoff games I have seen and if you look at his regular season numbers this guy is a stud. Maybe he doesn't want the attention because of the accident, but I'm surprised more people don't talk about him. Oh well, as good as the Senators have been I believe the Sabres are going to exploit Ray Emery's weaknesses and be too much for them. Sabres in 7 games.
Love your stuff Spector. But I have to take exception with your opinion that the Sabres should have easily beaten the Rangers. The Rangers were one of the better teams in the league down the stretch for a reason: they've got good speed up front, Jagr's focused again, they've got a bunch of under-rated players up front, they get great goaltending and most importantly, Renney got them to buy into a team defense concept. Frankly, I was most surprised at the fact that they didn't play their "A" game at the end of the series. If the front office does well in the off season (and that's a huge "IF" with Glenn Savior running the show!!!), the Rangers are going to really do some damage next season.
Last edited by TheHockeyRabbi on May 8th at 3:53 PM.
TKF- During the regular season, the West was definitely the stronger conference. But I don't think there's a team in the league that would've swept the Rangers.
Cobra: interesting point about the European netminders. Off the top of my head I can't think of any who handle the puck well. You're right about Hasek, pound it in on him and force him to handle it and drive hard to the net.
HockeyRabbi: I'm not disrespecting the Rangers and all those points you made are valid, however, the Sabres offense should've made mincemeat of the Rangers average blueline (and it was and still is average)and didn't, and that's why I'm concerned about the Sabres heading into this series with Ottawa.
wow, these aren't easy to pick. i've done pretty good so far... picked 5 of 7 in the 1st round (declined to pick the Flames-Wings series) and 4 for 4 in the 2nd round. This round?
Ottawa in 6 - Miller collapses under the fire of one of the hottest lines in recent memory. Emery super cool customer (reminds me of kipper - how he doesn't get fazed).
Ducks in 6 - Giguere solid (while overshaddowed by Luongo), Selanne showing guts and leadership, McDonald one of the next up-and-coming stars of this league and Beauchemin legitmately being spoken of in the same breath as Pronger and Neidermayer.
Spector:
Buffalo, for a lot of the series, tried to light up the Ranger defense. They did get plenty of shots and quality chances. They averaged about 32 shots per game, and that includes a real stinker when they registered only 18 shots in the game 2 victory. Any objective observer would have to say that is not a bad effort. But Lundqvist really made the New York strategy work. He was brilliant, and I believe the Sabres would have left tread marks on a lesser goaltender and walked away in a sweep.
I'll tell you right now, if the Rangers had the version of Martin Broduer that showed up for New Jersey this playoffs it would have been over quickly. Who was that guy? All those weak goals strung together was sad to see...except for Ottawa-backers, of course.
I do believe the Sens are a better playoff team than they have been, but the Sabres are still the better team of the two. Even though the Sabres have stuggled a bit, they have shown that they can come up with the big play when its needed. Nonetheless, this will be a great seies to watch.
SABRES IN 7
Like many other people I thought the Wings would be out last round, but they have surprised me with how well they've done. However, the Ducks have looked dominant throughout the playoffs, with the best record of any of the 4 teams, and have a lineup very strong at all positions.
Well, Anaheim went an uninspiring 5-4 against the weaklings from the Eastern Conference during the regular season and never even played Buffalo or Ottawa once. Detroit lost the only games they had against the two Eastern finalists, both in the Joe's friendly confines.
Now I don't view the regular season as a completely accurate forecaster of playoff success. But what exactly backs up your implication that the Cup should just be handed out after the Anaheim-Detroit tilt? Hunch? Tarot Cards?
sabreguy: I'm well aware of the Sabres average shots-against, but that's a misleading figure in this case. Not taking anything away from Lundqvist's brilliance, but I just didn't see the dominant Sabres team I'd expected to see when these playoffs started. There were long stretches in those games against the Rangers (particularly after Game Two) when the Sabres didn't appear to be skating, and a number of those shots generated weren't particularly dangerous.
The bad ice at MSG was undoubtedly part of the factor for the Sabres, but like I said before, I was expecting much more from Buffalo than what I saw in this series. Again, I'm concerned about the Sabres in this year's playoffs, because they just don't look like a Cup contender to me right now.
They could turn on the jets against Ottawa and smoke whoever they'd then face in the Finals, but thus far I've found their effort to be lacking.
You can not use Interconfrence games as a tool. With only 10 thats not even 1/8th of the schedule. I go by sheer numbers. The Sabres got to faten up aginst the Phlyers Panthers Caps Habs and Maple leafs. You take the 6,7 and 8 seeds out of the East and they do not even make the play-offs in the tough West. Colorado would have been the 5 seed in the east. Dallas and Calgary would have won divisions.
I am going on numbers alone. playing 10 games is nothing. The Ducks played the East when they were in there Slump. As did the Wings. I just don't think its fair that you had to go no further west then St Louis. and left the eastern timezone 2 times.
your special teams are going to bite you in the Butt either aginst Ottawa or whoever you play in the final
TKF-If you can't go by interconference matchups, which are head-to-head matchups than what can you go by? That seriously makes no f'n sense.
The Sabres fattened up against the Flyers? The Ducks lost their only game to them AND that was when Hitchcock was still coaching. Oh and it was in Anahiem when the Ducks were starting on their tear.
When the Sabres played against Nashville, in Nashville mind you, they won 7-2. They beat Detroit in Detroit.
Do you watch hockey? Or do you just put stuff to try to be inflammatory?
The Rangers d-men are less than average!!! The Rangers top d-man should really be a #3 d-man, at best. However, it's a team game and the Rangers played team defense. The forwards gave the d-men tremendous support and Lundqvist was huge. The team had chemistry in the playoffs which made them greater than the sum of their parts. As for Buffalo, I couldn't agree with you more. After watching them closely in round 2, reading some articles and blogs from the Buffalo media (who constantly refer to the Sabres as "The President's Trophy Winners"- as if that means anything in the playoffs), it seems to me that Buffalo's got the wrong attitude. They seem to think that because they won the President's trophy they're somehow entitled to the cup. All they have to do is just show up and the Cup will be handed to them. They don't seem to be a team that recognizes that the regular season doesn't mean much at this point. Unless they wake up and recognize that they haven't accomplished anything yet and that true accomplishment can only come through greuling effort, they're toast. I think their over confidence is doing them in. They didn't take their first two oponents seriously enough and that's why they didn't dictate the play. They simply don't seem to recognize th elevel of commitment required to win a cup.
Went 5-3 in the first round and 3-1 in the second. This round was a bit harder to pick - http://fans.nhl.com/gregsky/home/r>
Had to pick the Wings over the Sharks last round. I just knew that the Sharks would fall apart (took a ton of grief for that) they had few on the roster who have done anything compaired to the Wings. This round will be a different story though for the Wings, the Ducks are fast and tough. I keep waiting for the Sens to choke as they usually do, but so far they have handed me 50% of my losses. As much as the Sabres look out of sorts sometimes they seem to get the job done. A team that faces some adversity and prevails gets my vote over a team that cruises through easily. Nothing should come easy in the playoffs. This will be the toughest test yet for the Sens.
I am a season ticket holder and cover the sport for one of my local newspapers. So I watch more then you and I get much more access then you do with my media badge
True Kings Fan
"The Sabres not blowing out the Rangers shows how weak the East really is. Detroit Anaheim Nashville sweeps the Rangers"
Rangers won 2 against the team that won the presidents trophy. I dont think you're giving the Rangers ANY credit here.
This comparison between east and west is kinda pointless. Detroit & Nashville got to beat up on the blue jackets, blackhawks and blues. How is that any different than Buffalo playing Florida, Flyers and whoever.
FlyingPig: I agree with you completely. Most people thought Calgary would physically outplay the Wings and bounce them. They didn't. Even more people said the size, speed, and physicality would knock the Wings out. It didn't. These are not the same Red Wings that bowed out early in years past. They are hitting, getting the loose pucks, and even when they fall behind they have come back.
Anaheim is a great team and has looked good so far this postseason, but neither Minnesota or Vancouver put up the offensive pressure that Detroit is capable of. Any team facing the number of shots the Wings have seemed able to put up in the playoffs is going to have a hard time. And don't forget that Babcock is pretty familiar with some of the Ducks players and that could offer some advantage, if even a small one.
This is going to be a fast, physical series but don't people shouldn't be so quick to write off Detroit. Actually I take that back. Underestimate them for another round, it has worked so far. :)
Detroit has put up some gaudy shot totals so far. And they are much stingier in allowing the same for opponents than Vancouver, healthy or not. The Wild are probably THE most miserly team to try to generate shots against, though. The Ducks handled them well.
My choice of Anaheim in a 4-game sweep is probably too harsh. It's more the respect I have for the Ducks line-up than any Detroit flaws. Part of me feels like Hasek, at 42 (42!), has to give at some point. I mean it's not like Gordie Howe's situation where he gets to leave the ice once in a while.
If the Wings can pepper Giguere like they did Kipper and Nabokov they certainly have a great shot at moving on. But again, with Pronger and Niedermeyer getting in the way, that may not happen.
I know the playoffs are front and center but I was curious in how much draft covarage you do. I prefere the Draft to most other things in the NHL. Also will you be at the draft? I will be there I go every year
TKF: I won't be attending this year's draft but I intend to attend next year's in Ottawa. I usually find I can provide quality coverage from my office, since TSN provides intensive coverage from which I can follow all the moves as they occur. Since I'm a commentator/analyst rather than a beat reporter, it's much easier for me to cover it at home and post in real time here on my blog and my website.
I think teh Bufallo/ Ottawa series will be great dn maybe go the distance with the last game going to over time. I though Ottawa would be out 1st round at the longest 2nd from there previous playoffs.
Now onto my hometown Wings/Ducks series. I think it wil be a good tough physical series. To me the Ducks are a 2 line team with the Selanne line and Getzlaf line. There 3rd line from what ive heard is a tough shut down line similar to a younger Grind line. I feel Anaheim hasnt really been tested and has gone up against teams pretty much carried by there goaltending in both the Nucks and Wild. The Wings are playing great these playoffs most of the time. But im pretty confident the Wings even with key defenceman out can stil provail in 6. But i could be wrong but hoping both series will be entertaining and show some great hockey....GO WINGS!!!!!!
I agree with flasmesfaninvancouver... Miller will tank, Emery has proven he should be here, Miller has too, yes, BUT... Emery will prevail in net, Ottawa's too gritty and fast for Buffalo. As for the West, no chance for the 'Dominator', he's been shakey, his teammates make him look good, remember Luongo in Florida? He had a great team in front of him and look how he did this year in Vancouver. I pick Ottawa and Anaheim to come to the dance, I can't honestly see anyone booting Anaheim this year, sorry LGB, but, pipe dreams are just that. So, Spector might see this as a long shot, but, i pick Anaheim for the cup. Their too fast for any of the other last teams. I honestly think that Guigure has something to prove too.
sabreguy29:
If it wasn't for Kipper, Calgary woulda been out in 4 games. he got drilled with shot after shot and proved why he's a dominant goaltender in the NHL, let's see Miller handle those kind of shots game after game. With Nabokov, he had more on his mind, it seemed, plus, my team, Nashville, calfed in the first round, he didn't really get tested until Detroit. You could see his bad mental mistakes.
I work for a smaller paper called the Riverside Press Enterprise.. I am not a writer I am a photographer. I cover the Kings Ducks Sharks and Coyotes, I attended 84 games this season and all 41 Kings home games
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
