Only one game in town….the last series of temptation before the long offseason and a variety of ventures that ensue. Who will take home Lord Stanley and sip some Brandy?? You really want to find out….want to delve deep into the subconscious that is the one..the man…the oh screw it you just want to know who’s gonna take it home?? Alright…alright…here you go.
The Ducks and Sens must look into the mirror and wonder well damn what could have been in 2003. This matchup is quite similar in many ways to the Devils-Ducks matchup. Yes there are some differences…most notably Ottawa has the top line that has been running like the bulls. Although…Teemu Selanne has been hot…..salsa hot the last three games and that could springboard him into a huge Finals.
I could break this down medieval sabremetrics style…but no…not going to happen here….just straight laced facts steamrolled down a hill pummeled into one’s consciousness. This series comes down to the Ducks checking line and the trio of Pronger, Niedermayer, and Beauchemin. If they can slow down the Heatley-Alfredsson-Spezza line then generate some scoring of their own….then the cup is theirs. If not, then Ottawa has an easy road similar to the first three rounds.
That is not to say that talented depth will not play a role…..the secondary guys have to step up…but I think for some reason Anaheim’s will just enough…just a hair more than Ottawa’s. Yes, Redden and Volchenkov have been solid….Corvo has made some unbelievable clutch contributions…but those young guns on the Ducks….players that some NHL insiders have marveled at for a couple seasons while they were playing in Portland may just be too much for Ottawa to ultimately overcome.
Emery has faced a disadvantage in every round as he has been perceived as the worst goalie in each matchup..and that may be true…but in this case…inexperience may rear its ugly head. This is Giguere’s second trip to the finals and Pronger’s as well…and that may mean something early which could help the Ducks later.
So without further adieu, pomp, circumstance, and cow pies….yes cow pies…..my prediction….
Ducks in seven.
This one’s for you lady.
