NHL Conference Finals preview

I have not had my computer for the past few weeks due to a fan error, so hence no blogging on the NBA conference semis or an April game of the month. Right now the NHL conference finals are about to begin on Saturday with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins, while the Western Conference will begin on Sunday in Vancouver. Allow me to begin with the East. As usual, my friend Bryan Miller will do the Western Conference Final.

Eastern Conference Final: Boston vs. Tampa Bay

Both teams have had significant layoffs since their last conference finals appearance, as this is Tampa Bay's first trip since winning the Cup in 2004 and Boston's first since 1992, where they lost to the Penguins in four games. Both teams had almost the exact same path to get here, as both teams went to game seven in the quarters and then swept their respective opponents in the semis.  Both teams also have relatively old goalies who are pretty darn good. Boston has a Vezina trophy finalist this year with Tim Thomas, 37, and he won only two years ago. While Roloson, being 41 is old and has lost some of his reflexes, he's still better than most. Roloson brings a veteran grittiness to a team filled with young stars like Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos and Steve Downie.
Tampa has depth of scoring, meaning that they could score at anytime on any of their three lines, which makes them a dangerous team, plus Boston's beat of a defenseman, Zdeno Chara cannot be out there 60 minutes per game, as its impossible to be a top flight player playing that long. Tampa could also easily win this series with their power play alone, as they have been excellent in killing it, only giving up 3 goals in 54 chances, while scoring in 12 of their 45 chances.
Boston however, seems to be a team of destiny, to get past their biggest rivals in the first round, the Canadiens in a physical tough series going seven games, then killing off and shaking off the monkey off their back from last year against the Flyers when the Bruins were ultimately dispatched in seven games after having a 3-0 lead.  Finally, they would love to capture their sixth Stanley Cup and first since 1972.  Boston is likely to be dominating the game when it's a regular 5-on-5 game, with Boston scoring over two goals a game more when it's at full strength. The biggest thing for Boston is when a leading scorer like Patrice Bergeron will be back, as he has been the sixth leading scorer in the playoffs.   Both teams are very equally matched, but it will ultimately come down to goaltending, and I will go with Thomas over Roloson. Go with Boston in seven.
Same info taken from: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2011-05-12-eastern-conference-finals-preview_N.htm?csp=34sports&dlvrit=110938.

Western Conference 


#1 Vancouver Canucks Vs. #2 San Jose Sharks

During the Regular season the Canucks were 3-0-1 against the Sharks with two wins in the San Jose. United States star Ryan Kessler finally showed up last series against the Nashville Predators. He scored big time goals and had some big defensive plays. The Sedin twins were kinda silent in the first two series which is surprising don't be too surprised if they break out of that bubble they are in and put on a show. Roberto Luongo played fairly well last series after his shaky first series. He will need to be on top of his game for the Vancouver Canucks to do anything in this series. The defensive six for the Canucks are all very talented and contribute in their on unique way and will need to help out Luongo in every way possible and not leave him hanging. Any lurking injures for the Canucks could be hurtful to them cause they have great team chemistry going and throwing someone new in there could be disastrous.
 Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are going to have to bounce back have a hard hitting and draining series against the Detroit Red Wings. Patrick Marleau finally got that monkey off his back scoring the goal that helped get the Sharks past the Red Wings. Big Joe Thornton has been very consistant this postseason like others which is needed from him being the captain and a great set up man. Look out for Dany Heatley who seems to be the sniper to go to with the Sharks. Ryane Clowe leads the sharks with 13 points this post season expect a lot out of him this series. Rookie phenom Logan Couture has been doing amazing things all season and postseason. Expect him to make a big splash this series because the pressure and big game atmosphere doesn't seem to bother him. Antti Niemi is back to the conference finals in back to back years with different teams. He will have to stand on his head like he did last year and this postseason so far. He is the key to the Sharks winning this series. Dan Boyle and the defensive core for the Sharks will have to contribute offensively and defensively for the Sharks to set the tempo for the Sharks in this series. 
Both of these teams had 3-0 leads this postseason and blew that lead before winning their respectful game 7's. I expect this series to be a long and tiring series 7 games will be needed for these two great organizations.

Final Prediction: #2 San Jose Sharks in 7 Games. Advance to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals.


That does it for the NHL Conference Final previews. I'll be posting quick short previews and predictions of the NBA conference finals later today.