Even though I am posting this a day late, here is the full preview for the NHL's conference semifinals.
NY Rangers vs Boston
Both teams arrive here following epic comebacks. Boston rallied from down 4-1 in Game 7 against the Maple Leafs with less than ten minutes remaining to tie the game in the final minute of regulation. A Patrice Bergeron goal won it for the Bruins in overtime. The Rangers rallied from series deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 against the Washington Capitals, winning both Games 6 and 7 with Henrik Lundqvist shutouts. Both teams are on an emotional high right now.
In reality, these two teams couldn't be more evenly matched. Both play a physical, in-your-face style, which suggests the series will come down to a battle of attrition. Both teams are banged up right now. The Rangers are still missing physical forward Ryane Clowe and top defenseman Marc Staal. Boston's Dennis Seidenberg was lost in a collision during Game 7, and his status for the series is questionable. This would be a huge loss for Boston. The Rangers' top defensive pair of Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh were beaten up by Washington's relentless physical play. If Staal can't come back healthy, how will both survive against a much more physical and larger team?
Aside from which team is more physical, the series will come down to special teams. The Rangers must get their power play going, and quickly. That will be a tall order against the Boston penalty kill, ranked 4th in the league during the regular season. The Rangers also need to get Rick Nash going. He went goalless in the Washington series. Imagine if he gets going.
And of course, the X factor in the series is goaltending. The Bruins have a young stud in Tuukka Rask. The Rangers have Lundqvist, the best in the world. He is also on the top of his game right now. As much as the Rangers have been inconsistent offensively, they can always rely on the man they call Hank to steal a game or two.
In a series like this, you need to go with the better (and hotter) goalie.
Rangers in 6.
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa
The New York Islanders gave the uber-team known as the Penguins fits in Round 1. It prompted a goaltender change. Tomas Vokoun is now tending goal in relief of the underachieving Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Ottawa has the red-hot Craig Anderson in goal and is brimming with confidence after dispatching of the second-seeded Montreal Canadiens in 5 games. The Senators are not afraid of Crosby, Malkin, and their band of stars. They can light it up on the scoreboard like the Penguins can, and can intimidate and get under the skin of their opponents. Just ask more than half the Montreal roster.
Anderson is more than capable of stealing games against Pittsburgh's high-powered offense and special teams. If Erik Karlsson is on his game, he can also carry the team. The Islanders proved the Penguins are beatable. I think the Senators pull it off.
Senators in 7.
Chicago vs Detroit
Detroit, like their original 6 counterparts in New York and Boston, showed resiliency and pride by coming back to defeat the Anaheim Ducks in 7 games, winning 3 of 4 games in overtime. Now, they run into their archrival, a Chicago team that is more complete than Anaheim. The Hawks do it all; they get good goaltending when needed, have excellent special teams, and have a very deep roster. The Wings have gotten what they needed from their top players: forwards Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, and goalie Jimmy Howard. It won't be enough against the Hawks, who get contributions from new heroes every single night. The Wings will display the pride and guts factor again, but will run out of gas.
Blackhawks in 7.
Los Angeles vs San Jose
The Kings proved their championship mettle in Round 1. They rallied from a 2-0 deficit against the St. Louis Blues, winning in 6. They also survived a fatal goaltending error from Jonathan Quick in overtime of Game 1. They are proving last year was no fluke. The Sharks, however, have ridden the hot goaltending of Antii Niemi to this point, sweeping a soft Vancouver team in Round 1. They'll need the Vezina nominee to play like one again if the expect to beat the champs. The Sharks also come in well-rested, while the Kings survived a very physical series with St. Louis. This series will come down to the goaltending; will Quick or Niemi make the fatal mistake or the key save? In theory, that would make the series a toss-up. However, you have to go with the more experienced team with the championship pedigree.
Kings in 6.
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