Here we go in round 2. Lost in Skates went 6 for 8 in round 1 and knew Anaheim would be the strongest upset candidate. It was just those over achieving Canucks that surprised! Or did they surprise? Perhaps not the Vancouver faithful…Really, it was the closest 4 game sweep you’re likely ever to see–those young bucks on St. Louis (Oshie, Backes et al) were just cutting their collective playoff teeth and couldn’t continue their strong regular season finish.
Canucks vs Hawks
Very tempted to pick the Hawks with their awesome offensive skills and many pronged attack. Will having gone 6 with Calgary in round 1 mean less left in the gas tank for Chicago? I think so. But they are a young team, looking at times like a junior team, bouncing back from hits and getting around with considerable zip. Goal tending, too, is strong….
The way Vancouver has gelled just in this last series with St. Louis, though, makes me feel that they can endure the frenzied Hawk attack. Players like Raymond, Hordichuk, Bernier, O’Brian have all stepped it up and are contributing impressively. Defensively Luongo trumps the Bhulin Wall, and the Nuck backend is a tad more solid than their Chicago counterparts. But above all it’s the unpredictablely creative play of Kesler, Burrows and Wellwood along with the methodical (and also creative) play of the Sedins that I think will make the difference. As long as they don’t take too many penalties, take Vancouver in 6.
Shall take a look at the other 3 series tomorrow.