Eastern Conference
#3 Boston Bruins vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lightning
Both of these teams had no problems in the semi-finals sweeping both of their opponents. Boston swept Philadelphia and Tampa Bay swept Washington.
The Bruins went up 3-0 against the Flyers in a series for the second consecutive year. This year, however, they made sure not to lose that lead. The Bruins outscored the Flyers 20-7 in the four games. An impressive feat despite Philadelphia's goalie drama.
Tim Thomas continued to post outstanding numbers with a GAA of 1.65 and a .953 save percentage in the series against Philadelphia. The Bruins got an offensive burst from David Krejci and Brad Marchand. Krejci scored four goals and five assists in the Flyers series. Marchand netted four goals and two assists.
These two will have to continue to produce if the Bruins want to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.
While Tampa Bay’s series with Washington was a bit closer in terms of goals scored (Tampa Bay outscored Washington 16-10), this is still a very dangerous Lightning team.
Dwayne Roloson was solid in net for the Lightning. He wasn’t nearly as dominant as Thomas was, but he can keep the Lightning in games long enough for them win.
Sean Bergenheim really came alive for the Lightning in the first and second round of the playoffs. He has seven goals in 11 games after getting just 14 goals the entire regular season. Martin St. Louis is also unstoppable for the Lighting with 13 points in 11 games this postseason.
This will be a great series with offensive firepower and great goaltending on both sides of the ice. However, Thomas will continue his stellar play and shut down the Lightning.
Prediction: Boston wins series 4-2
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #2 San Jose Sharks
After blowing a 3-0 series lead to the Chicago Blackhawks in Round One, Vancouver made the series against the Nashville Predators less dramatic taking it in six games. San Jose blew their own 3-0 series lead to the Detroit Red Wings, but managed to avoid a historical meltdown and defeated the Red Wings in seven.
Vancouver has a history of being bounced out of the playoffs early. They seemed to have fought off those playoff demons. Five of the six games against Nashville were decided by one goal. Not only have the Canucks been able to win, but they have been able to finish close games.
Roberto Luongo notched one shutout against the Predators, and was solid in net. These wins in close games should give him some confidence heading into this next series.
Ryan Kesler was quiet in the first round, but sprung to life in the quarterfinals with five goals and six assists. Kesler and the Sedin twins (Henrik and Daniel) are definitely their main source of offense, and will be called upon to deliver for the Canucks.
The Sharks have some playoff demons of their own. Last year, they got swept by the eventual champion Blackhawks in the Western Conference Finals. This year, however, they are a better-rounded team, and will give the Canucks a good run for their money.
Antti Niemi held the Red Wings to just two goals in the first two games, but faltered a bit after that. He posted a .931 save percentage, but did show some kinks in the armor. He won a cup with Chicago last year, so if anyone is going to get the Sharks to the finals, it will be Niemi.
Patrick Marleau was a huge disappointment for the Sharks in this series. He notched just one goal against the Red Wings. However, it was a timely goal as it turned out to be the game-winning goal in Game 7. He led the Sharks in goals and points during the regular season, and the Sharks need more offense out of him in order to continue.
Logan Couture stepped up when Marleau couldn’t produce. The rookie had four goals and three assists against the Red Wings. He had an amazing regular season as well with 32 goals and 24 points in 79 games. He’ll be in the running for the Calder Trophy for sure.
This is another great matchup between the top two teams in the Western Conference. Both teams lost 3-0 series leads in this year’s playoffs, but managed to close out their respective series in Game 7. The Canucks take this hard-fought series.
Prediction: Vancouver wins series 4-3
Tom Mitsos - Tom Mitsos currently works at The Grand Rapids Press as a copy editor for the sports department. Contact Tom at tommitsos@gmail.com.
Join the Conversation