The final four. Lost in skates went 3 for 4 in round 2.  Somewhat surprising how both Tampa Bay and the Bruins swept the Capitals and Flyers, respectively, so convincingly in round 2. That Philly looked so tepid was a real shocker. Not surprising that the two western conference series were real grinds.

 

Eastern Conference final

Boston (3) vs Tampa Bay (5)

I’m still amazed that the Bruins are at this stage, in a way. They have the goal tending and the shut-down defensive parings, but not much offensive fire-and no power play to speak of at all. So much for acquiring Kaberle…I know defense wins championships, but!… The team they are facing has a very effecient defensive system of their own. Bruins don’t have the edge in that department, and they certainly don’t in the offensive category either. And Roloson (who didn’t face the Bruins in the regular season) seems to be the equal to Thomas, at the very least, to boot. Probably lucky to see this series go 6, with the Bolts prevailing.

 

Western Conference final

Vancouver (1) vs San Jose (2)

 

Living in Vancouver it’s hard not to have a soft spot for the ‘Nucks. I would love to see them win. San Jose , too, though, also has that need for a ‘finally, at last’ result that’ll take them into the final. This is going to be the series to watch, and it’s going to go 7 games. I’m thinking that if things go shaky for Luongo you’ll see Schneider put in nets a lot quicker than in the Chicago series. I feel that if it were Corey starting in goal that the Canucks would take the series! But we know that ain’t going to happen and, of course, he’s been sitting so long. The Sharks are going to have a lot of confidence coming in having dispatched an elite Red Wings team. Vancouver, on the other hand, doesn’t really have two particularly good confidence-buiding series under their belt. It’s more of the same old: ‘will the President’s Trophy winners show up, or are they going to be struggling to find their complete game. The doubts still linger. Should be fun. Sharks in 7