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Ottawa and Anaheim are the real contenders and everyone else is a pretender. This is what you play your season for a shot at the final. Is it going to go the distance and be a hard fought series or is it going to be short and sweet? We all want it to go 6-7 like the Ed-Car series but what if it’s like the Det-Phil series that was over in 4?
Anaheim Ducks playoff recap:
Beat the Wild in 5
Beat the Canucks in 5
Beat the Red Wings in 6
Ottawa Senators playoff recap:
Beat the Penguins in 5
Beat the Devils in 5
Beat the Sabres in 5
Both these teams have been dominant and have beat great teams. It should be a great, hard-hitting series and hopefully a bunch of overtimes.
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Let’s break it down further: Strengths and concerns.
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1. Obviously it’s the Spezza, Heatley, Alfredsson line. That Hossa – Heatley deal is really paying off. These guys seem to be unstoppable. They have to be the best line in hockey.
2. Mike Fisher is a hard working, get dirty, talented hockey player. Every team needs a guy like that.
3. Goaltending. I hate when goalies get the shaft. I have no idea why the Sens went out this summer and got Gerber and started him. You drafted Ray in the 4th rd #99 overall and he has become a gem by working his butt off for you. Goalies take time to develop. I think Ray Emery deserves to be a #1 wherever he plays. I hope Ottawa wins the cup for Emery’s sake.
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1. Giguere has to be their best strength. This guy is amazing. He proved it once and he’s back again showing the world that he’s the real deal with a better offensive team in front of him. Didn’t the Ducks start Bryzgalov to start the playoffs? Many said Giggy is the reason they beat the Wings.
2. Selanne, McDonald and Kunitz are an incredible line. Plus they have amazing young talent. I love Corry Perry I think the Ana GM got a steal getting Perry #28 overall in the 2003 draft. What was everyone else thinking the London Knights were incredible???
3. Maybe the best moves Brian Burke did was getting Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger. Both these guys are up for the Norris trophy THIS year. Both have won it in the past. If there is anyone who could stop or slow down Ottawa’s top line it’s Pronger and Niedermayer. Oh yeah, don’t forget about Beauchemin either…this guy is solid.
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Concerns > Ottawa
1. Ottawa’s other forward lines are decent but can they contribute in the most difficult series yet? I am a Comrie fan but these guy needs to chip in to help his team win.
2. As much as I love Emery is he better than Giguere?
3. Can the defense play together for these series? Buffalo had super speed but Emery bailed out the D.
Concerns > Anahiem
1. Scoring? Can the Ducks not rely on their goaltending to win them the cup? If the D can add scoring on the PP then they got a great shot. If not, it might be a quick series unless the forwards can get it going.
2. Can the young guns produce under the greatest pressure?
3. If they can’t stop the Spezza line they are D O N E.
My prediction:
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I know this is an unpopular pick because we are ALL cheering for our last available Canadian team. I think many of us will be blinded by the true facts of the match-ups with our Canada 1st lenses.
By the way I am cheering for Ottawa but if I was a betting man or the choice was whether I was wrong or right I got to pick the Ducks. Leave your heart out of it and you will turn to the dark side of the Ducks.
Of course I could be wrong but I HIGHLY doubt it.