Playoff Hockey starts tonight.
I'd love to be here dropping wisdom and insights but I've watched maybe 5 games this season. Maybe only one game in its entirety. I am ill-equipped.
That changes tonight. I intend to watch every game I can (which will be every game not on the NHL Network - cause I don't get it)
Rangers at Canadiens:
Here's what I am looking for - can the Rangers speed effectively stretch the ice? Will the Rangers scorers truly test Price? Will Shea Weber control the front of the net as he has for most of his career? Can the Rangers defense minimize mistakes? Can Rick Nash score?
Both teams are healthy. No excuses.
Bruins vs Senators:
The Bruins' core is one of the best. Seems they are deeper than they've been in years. I'm looking to see second and third line scoring. If Ottawa's defense makes no mistakes, they are tough and should be able to create rushes with Karlsson's skill. I'm curious to see how many good opportunities the Sens can create - they have some good finishers and Kyle Turris is an underrated center. Do the Bruins have any depth on defense? Chara is old.
Blue Jackets vs Penguins:
Columbus is deep. Can the forwards contain the Pens high-powered offense and their depth punish Matt Murray and the Letang-less defense? I am hoping the Blue Jackets can light it up. Carl Hagelin was huge in the Cup run a year ago, do the Penguins need that speed this season? Both goalies should get tested.
Blues vs Wild:
Are the Blues as difficult to play against as they were last season? When healthy they are a deep team, perhaps the deepest in the playoffs. Can they score? Taransenko has to be putting it in the net - don't be the Russian Rick Nash! Lots of weapons. Minnesota is a deep team too and they are tough. Martin Hanzal is "clutch" guy. Staal can be a difference maker (and apparently has played well all season) I love Chris Stewart. He is an old-style player. Is Minnesota's defense more than just Suter?
Oilers vs Sharks:
The Sharks are hungry for sure...so close last season. So far. It is a long road to get back and the Oilers are pretty good. That McDavid guy. I'm not confident in the Sharks' defense. Never been a Paul Martin fan. Brent Burns is for real and can take over a game. Can San Jose play as they did last season? How good is this Edmonton group? The defense is definitely better. The offense has a lot of weapons and Lucic is a beast. I'm sure Anaheim misses Maroon - he can always affect outcomes.
