another Ducks / Blackhawks breakdown.
Goaltending;
CHI - Crawford has been there done that, seems to be playing at top form in Wild series and winning the net back.
ANA - Anderson playing very well. Had a rough playoff last season which saw him lose his starting role. How will he fair vs a potent Blackhawks team??
Overall, the experience factor with Crawford gives the Blackhawks the edge here.
Advantage = HAWKS
Defense;
CHI - The biggest and maybe the only problem going into this series for Chi-town is they've been rolling 5 Dmen and with the loss of Rozival in game 4 vs the Wild the blackhawks will be very thin with their 5, 6 D pairing. Vs a big and tough Ducks team with a heavy forecheck this could be a worry if the series drags on.
ANA- although young and inexperienced this Ducks back end have been looking like a bunch of veterans all season, including the first 2 rounds. They just into the rush and are very offensive
Before the injury to Roz I would have probably considered this a wash, now I give the slight edge with the Ducks.
Advantage = DUCKS
Forwards ;
CHI - This team just comes in waves, all 4 lines are dangerous
ANA - Also roll 4 lines. Getzlaf, Kesler combination down the middle is 2nd to none.
Overall, I believe both of these offences will score, I feel like we'll be seeing a lot of overs. I give the edge to Chicago as I they have more game breakers, and a bit more depth.
Advantage = HAWKS
Now, what I feel is the wild card.
Coaching ;
Joel Quenneville. Two Stanley Cups as a head coach with Chicago and one as an assistant coach with Colorado. Arguably, top 3 coach in the NHL.
Bruce Boudreau - Has has very good success in the regular season... not so much in the playoffs - never been able to get over the hump.
Overall, I look at coaching to be huge in this series, as match ups will be so important. I give the advantage to Chicago - and I feel like the importance of coaching / game planing in this serious will be massive.
Advantage - HAWKS
The more I analyze this series the more I like Chicago... Yes, the Ducks have home ice but I believe that some of the edges I've listed above will show over a long series.
My money is on Chicago. good luck everyone - and GO HAWKS!!!