NHL Stanley Cup Semifinals Preview

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Eastern Conference
1. Washington Capitals vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Capitals had a some what easy quarterfinal against the Rangers.  Washington has had issues with complacency in the playoffs, but that looks to have been an after thought this year. Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin were great in the quarterfinals and will have to be again.  Michal Neuvirth was spectacular in net for the Capitals.  They have to believe that he can continue to be a productive force for them and their run at the Cup.
Tampa Bay an underdog against the Penguins even though Pittsburgh didn’t have Crosby or Malkin.  The Lightning held their own winning the last three games of the series including Game 7 in Pittsburgh.  They outscored the Penguins 13-4 in those three games.  Steven Stamkos and Hart Trophy nominee Martin St. Louis will have to provide the scoring against their division rival in the semifinals.  Goalie Dwayne Roloson was a big reason why they stopped the Penguins and will have to be even better against Washington.

Lightning in 6 games

2. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 3. Boston Bruins
The Flyers got a wake up call against Buffalo.  Philadelphia had to win the last two games of the series to advance.  Stellar goaltending by Ryan Miller almost was the Flyers undoing.  They had goaltending issues of their own, but Brian Boucher took control and won all four games for the Flyers.  Danny Briere was their catalyst on offense and if Chris Pronger is fully healthy and active against Boston there should be a repeat of the Bruins being eliminated in the semifinals by Philadelphia.
The Bruins finally took control after being down 2-0 to their rival Montreal and won 4 of the last 5 to eliminate them.  It wasn’t easy, but they have to think that Vezina Trophy nominee Tim Thomas will bounce back in net for them.  Zdeno Chara wasn’t the same on defense and Milan Lucic wasn’t as productive offensively.  Nathan Horton was a big reason why the Bruins advanced.  Patrice Bergeron was the setup man and will need to get through the Flyers defense to continue that trend.
Flyers in 6 games
Western Conference
1. Vancouver Canucks vs. 5. Nashville Predators

Vancouver got a bit of a scare being up 3-0 to Chicago and having to beat them in Game 7.  The Canucks were too much for Chicago to handle, but there is some doubt as to whether goalie Roberto Luongo can rebound from a tough end to that series.  If he gets back on track Vancouver will be tough to take to another Game 7. The Sedin twins were lights out in the first three games, but hard to find the rest of the series.  Alexandre Burrows and Ryan Kesler will need to pick up the scoring.  Kevin Bieksa was their best defensemen and best scoring threat from the blue line.
Nashville shocked many with their first playoff series win against the hottest team going into the playoffs in the Anaheim Ducks. Vezina Trophy nominee Pekka Rinne had a lot to do with the Ducks demise.  Shea Weber, Mike Fisher, Joel Ward and Jordin Tootoo each contributed at least 5 points in the six games it took to eliminate the Ducks.  If the Predators can continue that trend against the best team in the NHL this year, they will be the cinderella team of these Stanley Cup playoffs.

Canucks in 6 games

2. San Jose Sharks vs. 3. Detroit Red Wings

There was a moment where the Sharks could have had some problems against the rival Los Angeles Kings, but with that amazing comeback victory in Game 3 all was well for the San Jose.  The usual suspects, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley were productive, but it was the young guns that won it for San Jose.  Ryan Clowe, Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski each contributed at least 5 points.  Clowe and Pavelski lead the team with 4 goals apiece.  Antti Niemi can bounce back from a shaky start to the playoffs the Sharks should see themselves make a repeat appearance in the conference finals.
It seemed to be too easy for the Red Wings in the quarterfinals. Phoenix was no match for them.  Detroit really only needed Pavel Datsyuk to be on his game and boy was he.  Valtteri Filppula is beginning to have a breakout playoff stretch and goalie Jimmy Howard was stellar in all four of his starts.  The challenge will be to slow down the Sharks scorers.  Norris Trophy nominee Nicklas Lidstrom along with Brian Rafalski will be tasked with that and to keep pucks deep into San Jose’s zone.  If they can do that the Red Wings will be closer to another conference title.

Red Wings in 6 games

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