EHEC Stanley Cup Quarterfinal Preview

[Jets GM]

EHEC STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF PREVIEW
Quarter Finals


WESTERN CONFERENCE

[#1] Los Angeles Kings vs [#7] Nashville Predators

The Breakdown: Nashville ran right through the number two seeded Blue Jackets in the first round after running them out of there own building in the first two games. Columbus looked like they had resided themselves to defeat in games 3 and 4, Nashville took full advantage completing the only sweep in round one. In a reoccurring theme in the second round, unproven goaltenders take the spotlight once again. Both Jonathan Bernier and Pekka Rinne are cutting there teeth this year in the playoffs and the keeper that remains composed and consistent throughout the entire series will go a long way in helping there team advance.

Impact Players: [LA - Brayden Schenn] 18 year old Brayden Schenn is turning heads as he continues to center LA's second line. Schenn can't let his lack of experience get in his head, he's on a big stage at a young age. [NSH - Shea Weber] Weber had 2 assists against Columbus, but didn't bring much in terms of physical play. He'll need to be in his usual MONSTER form for Nashville to win.

The Bottom Line: While Nashville's defense will hold them in this series, there lack of firepower up front proves to be costly. LA in 6.

[#3] Vancouver Canucks vs [#5] Chicago Blackhawks

The Breakdown: A squad of super troopers sent in to bring Lord Stanley back to Canada, lost deep in the desert without a leader to guide them through the wasteland still managed to conquer the mighty Martin Hanzal and his Phoenix Coyotes. With Luongo about to be re-deployed into action, Chicago is going to have a tough task finding a way to beat what is sure to be a blood thirsty Luongo after having to sit and watch round one from head quarters. Da Hawks goaltending situation is up in the air right now, Huet started the first 4 games of the series but Niemi was in net for the last. Huet got the majority of the starts in the regular season, but Niemi's numbers are better. Who starts, and how he competes against the Canucks captain will dictate who wins this series.

Impact Players: [VAN - Roberto Luongo] Ready to prove doubters wrong about not being able to win big games, Luongo will be itching to get between the pipes. [CHI - Cam Barker] Barker was able to elevate his game in the first round against the Coyotes. He, along with the entire Hawks defensive unit will have to exploit there clear advantage on the blueline.

The Bottom Line: Hawks have to much firepower for a rusty Luongo, Chicago in 7.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

[#2] Boston Bruins vs [#8] Ottawa Senators

The Breakdown: The Senators are this years "Rocky" after defeating Alexander Ovechkin's number one seeded Capitals in what only can be described as a shocking knockout of a heavyweight Stanley Cup contender, and in 6 games no less. After a shaky start in there opening game against Washington Capitals, the Senators showed an ability to not only shut down a very high power offense but a belief that they possessed players that could score timely goals. Players like Chris Kelly (4g, 4pts, +6) and Nick Foligno (2g, 2a, 4pts, +6) will need to continue to provide secondary scoring in order to match a deep Bruins lineup. It will be battle of unproven playoff goaltenders in the former blue chip prospect Pascal Leclaire against Leafs 1st round pick Tuukka Rask. Whoever can rise to the occasion and deal with the pressure of a second round series for first time will help his teams chances of victory in a major way. There is a few extra pounds of weight on Rask's back with both Victor Hedman and Andrej Meszaros missing time in this series.

Impact Players: [BOS - Brad Stuart] Stuart was lights out for Boston against the Habs in the first round, with 7 points. With the Bruins defense reeling, he'll need to continue his dominant play in order for Boston to be successful. [OTT - Jason Spezza] Spezza contributed offensively in the first round, but was a -3 and have 5 giveaways. The Senators need Spezza to go to the next level against the Bruins, and fully reach the potential once thought of him when he first entered the league

The Bottom Line: With the injuries to Hedman and Meszaros, this is a coinflip. Sens in 6. Spezza comes up huge and the Senators shake up the EHEC world yet again.

[#3] New York Rangers vs [#4] Tampa Bay Lightning

The Breakdown: The Rangers were able to bounce former super pest Sean Avery and the rest of the Broadstreet Bullies from the playoffs to the golf course in six games with outstanding performances from Henrik Lundqvist and Vaclav Prospal. After scoring 23 goals all season, Prospal exploded for 5 in 6 games in the first round, providing secondary scoring which was the difference for the Rangers. Tampa Bay surprised many by dismissing a potent Hurricanes lineup in just 5 games, winning 3 of the 4 by just one goal. The Lightning showed an ability to score timely, spirit crushing goals that the Hurricanes could not recover from. A hat trick by third line grinder David Clarkson singlehandedly won game two for the Lightning, taking a lot out of the Hurricanes sails going down 2-0.

Impact Players: [NYR - Artem Anisimov] Anisimov showed poise and patience beyond his 21 years in the first round, and has to continue to do so for the Rangers to have success. [TB - Paul Ranger] Simply put, Paul Ranger is a machine. 23 takeaways, 24 hits, 5 blocked shots and a +3. Thats all in six games, Ranger is playing better then anyone in his own end in the NHL right now and shows no signs of stopping.

The Bottom Line: Lundqvist will make this a entertaining series, but the physicality and size of the Lightning will become to much for the Rangers forwards to take as the series goes on. Tampa in 6.

Prediction Record: 3-1
Right # of games: 0

[SypherSens]

Sens in 6.

[Commish Bub(NYR)]

Nice writeup. I hope to prove you wrong.

[Penguin]

Very nice writeup.

Go Preds Go!

[NashvilleGM]

Nice man,

I also hope I can prove you... and a bunch wrong once again

[Parker]

Yeah, great article. Maybe this could replace the stretch drive article on the league front page?

[Virtual Jarmo]

Beautiful. Just put it up on the front page.