Western Conference Matchups: San Jose vs Calgary, Anaheim vs Dallas

San Jose Sharks (2) vs. Calgary Flames (7)

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Analysis:
The Sharks had the second best record in the NHL this season and many of their losses came in extra periods. Filled with both productive veterans and young players the team is physical, has scoring from all over and a strong defense made stronger with the addition of Brian Campbell at the deadline.

The Flames are consistently one of the most physical teams in the NHL, especially on the blue line where they are led by stalwarts Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr. They have good depth and their defense is once again one of the strongest in the league.

Both teams are led by yearly Vezina candidates in Evgeni Nabokov and Miikka Kiprusoff, so that is pretty much a wash. Both have proven reliable in the post season and the only real advantage is Kirusoff went as far as the finals.

Prediction:
San Jose wins 4-2
San Jose is a constant playoff choker, always seemingly missing something that would put them over the top. They think it is Brian Campbell, and while he helps he is not the reason I think they will win. San Jose has, or I should say doesn’t have one thing the Flames do: Mike Keenan. Keenan has not done nearly enough with the roster he has, especially since forwards Kristian Huselius and Damon Langkhow are having career years on offense, and Jerome Ignila potted fifty goals. His lack of coaching ability will end Calgary’s Stanley Cup bid in the first round.



Anaheim Ducks (4) vs. Dallas Stars (5)

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Analysis:
Anaheim is probably all in all the toughest team in this league, and they got big boosts at the end when both Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer decided to return. And they had already replaced them with Mathieu Schneider and Todd Bertuzzi in the off season. They have proven playoff goalie JS Giguere who has two finals appearance, one in which he won the cup the other in which he earned the playoff MVP despite being on the losing team. Anaheim can score and keep the puck from the net, and will grind the other team down while doing both. There is no real weakness on this team.

Dallas has had an up and down year despite finishing fifth in the conference. Their deadline pick up of Brad Richards was supposed to put them over the top, and he has helped with nearly a point per game. Unfortunately, almost half those points came in one game so those numbers are quite skewed. They also gave up depth in Jeff Halpern and Jussi Jokinen to get him, though trading goalie Mike Smith will not have any repercussions on this years playoffs. With their best defenseman Sergei Zubov doubtful on playing, Dallas could be without their best defenseman for their series.

Prediction:
Anaheim wins 4-1
I don’t think Dallas has quite the depth, or exuberant youth they need to win. While not a bad team, Anaheim is better all around in my opinion and it will show on the ice.