NHL Semi Final Preview

Time to look at the second round of the NHL playoffs.


Eastern Conference
(1) Montreal Canadians vs. (6) Philadelphia Flyers
(2) Pittsburg Penguins vs. (5) New York Rangers


Western Conference
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Colorado Avalanche
(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (5) Dallas Stars


MON vs. PHI
Prediction: MON in 6
Prognosis: The Canadians swept their season series with the Flyers 4-0. The Canadians have more speed than the Flyers, something that could be the decider of the series. The Flyers on the other hand are riding off of their youth, and should be tough competition for the Canadians. Carey Price, in my opinion, is better than Martin Biron, a factor that will likely decide this series.


PIT vs. NYR
Prediction: PIT in 6
Prognosis: The Penguins are maturing at just the right time. The Rangers have a lot of talent, and a superpest in Sean Avery, that will be a pain in the backside to the Penguins. The Penguins have too much talent to not make it to atleast the Eastern Conference final.


DET vs. COL
Prediction: COL in 7
Prognosis: One of the most underrated rivalries in all of sports will be resurected. I don't think that the Claude Lemiuex and Patrick Roy days will come back, but there will more than likely be some sparks. Chris Osgood and Peter Forsberg, a pair of players from the old days will be expected a lot of. Osgood was named Detroit's number one goalie, and Forsberg will be counted on heavily to produce. It will be a hardnosed grinding series, but I think that Colorado can pull of the upset. Jose Theodore is proving himself at just the right time, and I think that that will make the difference.


SJ vs. DAL
Prediction: Sharks in 7
Prognosis: This may be the toughest series to win out of all of them. It will not be a goalfest with two of the league's top goaltenders in Evgeni Nabokav and Marty Turco going to battle. The Sharks need production from their top players, not just Jeremy Roenick. I think that Patrick Marleau breaks out a little bit, and carries the sharks a little bit further in to the playoffs.