by Arlos » Sat May 15, 2010 1:13 am
I'd call game 4 of the Wings/Sharks game a stinker, even if you like the wings. heh. Sharks just were NOT in that game, so if you were looking for competitive hockey, that was not a game to be watching.
I think the Hawks/Sharks series is likely to be crazy. Both teams are blindingly fast, both can score goals in bunches, both have really good D-men, both have slightly suspect goaltending situations....
Honestly, I think one of the biggest difference makers will be the Sharks' ability to win draws. As could be seen in the Detroit series, even fast and skilled teams get tired out from running around, and have trouble getting as much quality offensive pressure if they're constantly having to chase the puck around, instead of winning the draw and going straight on the attack.
I give it about 90% odds that this series is going at LEAST 6 games. Also, though, I think the potential exists that one team will find a gear the other just can't match, and it will be over in 4, maybe 5. Not a huge chance of this, but it exists.
I'm calling it Sharks in 7.
And in the SCFs, they will end up playing.... Montreal.
-Arlos