The Setting in the West

So the Sharks were eliminated tonight by a very good Anaheim team. Hats off to the Ducks for doing what San Jose has been unable to do; play like they want to move onto the next round.

The East will remain undecided until the New Jersey/Carolina and New York Rangers/Washington series have been decided tomorrow...if you were wondering, I'm still sticking with New Jersey and Washington.

Granted I haven't seen much of the East coast play, but I don't know how anyone is going to be the Western teams advancing here. These two series should be a lot of fun to watch, and I won't be surprised if it takes seven games in both series to decide the conference finalists. Here's my predictions for the next match-ups in the west:

Detroit vs. Anaheim: If the Ducks keep up this level of play the Wings are going to have some problems. Jonas Hiller is looking pretty damn good in net, though as this last series went on, he gave up quite a few more rebounds than were maybe necessary. Plus unlike the Sharks, the Wings are always out to win in the playoffs. Hiller can't expect shutouts against guys like Lidstrom, Hossa, Franzen, Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Anaheim capitalized on San Jose's mistakes and sloppy play, while San Jose was unable to do the same on Anaheim...Detroit won't allow them that luxury. Guys like Holmstrom and Maltby and Draper that will get their sticks free for the rebounds, and will create a huge distraction for the young Hiller. That is just one reason why they are the current powerhouse dynasty. These are the last two cup winners, the cores of those teams are there, they aren't mortal enemies but they are familiar with each other...well, there's the possibility for this to turn into a heinous rivalry with this series. I'm gonna say Detroit...most people are going to bet on Detroit.

Vancouver vs. Chicago: I'm gonna say this series goes to whoever can figure out how to score on their opposing goalies. Khabibulin and Luongo are two world class goalies. I haven't watched either team play much, but there's a part of me that loves guys like Teows, Kane, and Campbell. Campbell is getting on in age, and I'm hoping he's got a few more seasons in him, because I think Chicago is gearing up for something phenomenal on their own. It's really a toss up, but I think Chicago is going to make a big statement by taking this series and giving Detroit some trouble in the conference finals.

In other news, Plymouth State University is still accepting applications for next fall's graduate programs...I like them, but they're loosing points for asking for a personal statement that is 350 words max...I'm verbose...I like myself that way...350 to describe my intentions for graduate school and beyond...oy