Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I haven't been around much over the past several days.
The Ducks hung on tonight to beat the Red Wings 4-3 and win the Western Conference Finals 4-2.
For the third year in a row we'll have a Canadian team verus a "non-traditional hockey market." And for the third year in a row I think the "non-traditional hockey market" will take the cup home. And yes, I'm bitter and would be miserable if the Sens end their drought while the Sabres and Leafs continue to suffer. And yes, I think it would be a great slap in the face to the bandwagon fans who just want to see the Cup back in Canada. But in all honesty I believe the Ducks are a better team than the Senators up and down the line-up. Granted, I thought that about the Sabres too but Anaheim has something Buffalo didn't have...Chris Pronger. Chris Pronger is a true difference maker and a real shut-down guy. Pronger and O'Donnell along with Moen, Pahlsson and Rob Niedermayer can stop the Spezza, Heatley, Alfredsson line. Ottawa's work ethic and incredible will to win has pushed them this far, I just don't think it's enough to beat the (Mighty) Ducks of Anaheim.
2 comments:
I mentioned the canadian/non-traditional hockey market matchup to Paul and Leah in a lil' facebook message last night... isn't it wierd that it's all happening in the Sun Belt? (Just look at the map -- Hockey country I think not.)
As for the upcoming series, is the difference really Pronger? I think if Anaheim has a chance at winning it will be because of something Buffalo has -- good goaltending. Jiggy has been impressive in this run, and he did win the Conn Smythe in 2003. Sure, the Anaheim blue line is strong, what with Niedermayer being on the ice whenever Pronger's not, but Ottawa cracked the Devils' EGG line... I know it's not a defensive line, but it's a tough line to beat (two puns in one!), and they won it in five. All they have to worry about is beating JS. There's enough offensive talent and scoring depth to be able to beat the Ducks' D.
Going the other way, all Getzlaf, Teemu and Perry (and the other Nieder - if his bro's looking out for him) need to do is hope that the refs bug Emery enough about his water bottles to get him off his game. But that's unlikely.
There is a lot of time to rest up for both teams, which is unfair in some eyes. Then again, it's a lot of time to siphon the gas from both tanks.
I'm betting a boring, low scoring split in the first four games, and then the Sens in Six. You in?
Wait. I'm unemployed. Friendly bet.
I think I'm about equally terrified of Pronger and Jiggy, what with his enormo cheater equipment.
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