Red Wings vs. Flames
Looks to be a very interesting match up to me. You have the rather mechanical style of the Wings and the robust play of the Flames.
All in all, I believe this is gonna come down to coaching. And since I believe Mike Babcock is probably the greatest coach in the league (behind Jacques Lemaire), I’d have to say that he is by far out of Jim Playfair’s league. And as much as I would love to see the Albertan survivors pull an upset here, I don’t think they have solved their offensive issues enough to surpass the system the Wings follow.
Then again, Hasek’s groin might pull the upset for them.
Detroit in 6.
Predators vs. Sharks
The Sharks have been putting great line up after great line up out there and yet cannot truly produce in the offseason. Why? There are many theories.
When I think of San Jose this season, everything appears legit. Their players are obviously quite talented, their coaching superb. And when trade deadline day came, you saw that management wasn’t satisfied with merely being in the mix of contenders as they outbid some serious competition for some key contributors.
In round 1 of the playoffs, this has got to be the match up to pay closest attention to. Here we are talking about team’s 4 and 5. And yet, both of these clubs have what it takes to go a long way this offseason. A first round exit for either team could be considered catastrophic when not taking account of how good the opponent is.
My personal opinion? There isn’t one team that will be able to defeat the Predators in a first round of these playoffs. Their speed is just explosive.
Predators in 7.
Ducks vs. Wild
Not once since expansion have the Wild had this much to hope for. And ready for the big show with Gaborik in the line up? The Ducks are also a team that will appear disappointing in a first round loss, when not appreciating the talent of the Wild.
Jacques Lemaire could never be questioned for his defensive system, but with a punch on the forward units and the greatest surprise of the season in Backstrom, I foresee the ghosts of the Edmonton Oilers help push Minnesota over Pronger and the Mallards.
Wild in 6.
Canucks vs. Stars
Everyone knows the focus in this series will revolve around goaltender Roberto Luongo who will be making his first ever appearance in the big show.
His induction will come at the expense of a good, but not great team in Dallas. Sure the Stars have been in a Jennings race for most of the season and they had their fair share of IR adversity, but I do not see that killer instinct they once had when Hitchcock was calling the shots.
I do expect the Dallas defenders to make a great presence in this series which will take a chunk out of Vancouver’s team, but I do not think it will be enough to send Luongo on an early Florida vacation (like season’s past).
Canucks in 6.
