Picking The Conference Semis Part I: Canucks vs Blackhawks

April 30, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

With each of our Hudson teams breaking our collective hearts in the First Round, there’s really not much left to say. However, eight teams remain competing for Lord Stanley this Spring.

I went a poor four-for-eight in the first round. So, let’s examine how the Conference Semis might wind up and beyond. We’ll start with a series which is underway tonight:

(3) Canucks vs (4) Blackhawks-A very good match-up between two teams that don’t like each other with a brawl the last time they faced each other in the regular season. Chicago won all four games but that means zilch now. The goaltending match-up between Roberto Luongo and Nikolai Khabibulin is as good as it gets. Key performers on both sides include talented forwards Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Martin Havlat and Kris Versteeg on the Hawks while the Canucks counter with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, emerging Alex Burrows and veteran Mats Sundin. Ryan Kesler and Dustin Byfuglien are also important for each team. Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland give the Hawks an edge up front while Pavol Demitra and Kyle Wellwood bring experience for Vancity.

Both teams boast a solid blueline with the Canucks well balanced with Mattias Ohlund, Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler and physical presence Willie Mitchell. Sami Salo is also steady. Chicago counters with the stellar match-up top pair of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, who limited Jarome Iginla to three goals and a minus-five rating in Rd.1. Brian Campbell and Cam Barker are great skaters who can jump up in the rush. Matt Walker has been alright so far but will be tested. Give the ‘Nucks a slight edge here.

Analysis: It could well come down to which goalie performs as both the Bulin Wall and Louie have gone far in the playoffs. I’d give the Hawks an edge with coach Joel Queeneville, who’s got a little more experience than Alain Vigneault.

Prediction: It’s hard not to like the experience of the Canucks but I gotta stick with the team I took initially.

Blackhawks in 7

Coming Later: (1) Bruins vs (6) Hurricanes