#4 Anaheim Ducks (47-30-5) vs. #5 Nashville Predators (44-27-11)
Season series won by Nashville 3-1
Although Anaheim was very good on home ice this season, this isn't a series that I see home ice playing such a big role in. I've seen playoff games in Anaheim and I'm not trying to diss out their fans but it doesn't seem as intense as a playoff game, say in Chicago or in another bigger market team. So I say Nashville has the advantage because for them, I don't think, it won't feel the same as a road playoff game and they'd be more comfortable. Both teams played great down the stretch to ensure a playoff spot in the wild western conference so this should be a fun one to watch. For Anaheim, they haven't done much in the playoffs since winning the cup in '07. There was one series where they beat around the Red Wings a bit before losing the series but besides for that they've been pretty quiet. Nashville was outed by Chicago in the first round last year and they didn't do as good as most people were hoping.
Offense: Anaheim:
The Maurice Richard (and possible Hart Trophy) winner this season was Corey Perry. He had a great season and especially stepped up this year when Ryan Getzlaf was out with an injury. Perry essentially saved the Ducks season by keeping them in the hunt during that period. Him and Bobby Ryan (who form the dynamic line with Getzlaf) both had good seasons. Thrown into the mix of good scorers are aging Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu. Besides for these players, Anaheim has few others who have really stepped up. Lupul is decent but Anaheim is gonna have to rely on their first lines if they want a chance to win this series. They were 11th in the league this year in scoring and they hope to continue this deep into the playoffs.
Nashville:
Stereotypically, Nashvilles lack of high scoring players is expected. They have a few lines that can do damage and each one is about just as effective as the other. Sergei Kostitsyn, Martin Erat, and Patrick Hornqvist have been Nashville's best scorers over the years and should be good enough in the playoffs also. For a team that's ranked 21st in the league in scoring, Nashville still seems like the team that can still run up the score if they need to. Look for guys like J-P Dumont and Joel Ward to step up in the playoffs along with guys like Steve Sullivan and Matt Halischuk. Newly acquired Mike Fisher is also looking to contribute on the top line.
Defense: Anaheim:
The high powered Ducks are a bit lacking in the defensive category. Besides for Lubomir Visnovsky, not one guy on this defense seems like the type of player you'd trust in a big playoff game. Toni Lydman did play well during the season though and Cam Fowler looked good at times as well but their defense is partly responsible for the reason that Anaheim is ranked 20th in the league in goals allowed per game (2.85). This is the playoffs though and anything can happen. Any one can step up at any given moment and right now Anaheim is hoping for that type of player.
Nashville:
Shea Weber is one of the best all around players in the league. Not only is he quick, strong, and big, he has a wicked shot and blocks a lot of shots also. His leadership is key with this relatively young roster. His line mate Ryan Suter is also having a very good year. Shane O' Brien also played very consistent for this stably defensive team. I would not be surprised if Weber and more defensemen contributed in the scoring this series. Weber alone was top 5 scoring defensemen in the league so this is definitely something to watch for.
Goaltending: Anaheim:
There is still some confusion about who is going to start for the Ducks. At the beginning of the year, Jonas Hiller was spectacular and made an all star game appearance. However, since then, he got injured and previously showed signs of fatigue late in the season so they acquired Ray Emery who came off of hip surgery and played well while in Anaheim. Also, Dan Ellis played a few games for them. They each played well but I think it's going to be Hiller who gets the start if he's healthy. If not then I'd give it to Emery who was with Philly for a while last year (before injuring his hip). Whatever the case is, I don't think goaltending will be a weak point for Anaheim.
Nashville:
For Pekka Rinne, it's another fantastic year. While everyone was raving about how well Tim Thomas was playing, Rinne had a hell of a season also. It's a shame he won't win the Vezina (he'll probably be a finalist but it will go to Thomas I'm sure) but he can seriously cause damage in the playoff. Although injured for a few games, he was still able to put up ridiculous numbers. 33 wins, a great 2.12 GAA, and an unheard of .930 SV%. He is the strongest part of this Nashville club and without him, they're game doesn't quite work. Nashville is 3rd best in the league in goals against per game at 2.32 and its especially thanks to Rinne (and partly Lindback who played in relief of Rinne during his injury).
Special Teams: Anaheim:
PP-23.5% (ranked 3rd)
PK-81.3% (ranked 19th)
Nashville:
PP-15.2% (ranked 26th)
PK-84.9% (ranked 5th)
When Nashville has a powerplay it will most likely just be getting quick shots in the high slot by guys like Erat and hard blasts from the point from guys like Weber. Anaheim isn't particularly good on the kill but they won't really have to be against a weak powerplay from the Preds. Everyone is excited to see the other matchup when the Ducks have a powerplay. They move the puck well and anyone on the ice for them will be able to put it home. In the mean time Nashville's strong kill along with their great goalie will serve as a giant obstacle. It's pretty much a tie for Special Teams right now.
Bottom Line: Anaheim:
They don't want to spoil such a career season for Perry and their offense will surely be there with their opportunities. They'll put on relentless pressure as they desperately try to make it onwards. If they stay this way and stay persistent, this could be a long series. They have to focus on shutting down the opportunistic Predators. They might not come flying at you full speed but they can still put the puck in the back of the net when given the opportunity.
Nashville:
After last years excitement which was followed with swift disappointment after their loss to Chicago, they want to show their dedicated fans that they can make it through a few rounds. With a healthy Rinne and a solid core of good, well-rounded players, they will do all they can to counter Anaheim's high powered team. They know they can shut them down if they need. All they need to do is get it done this year.
Predictions:
The Ducks don't have a deep enough team and will rely on their first line too much. Nashville will eventually be able to shut them down and Rinne will play amazing for them. The goals will indeed come for them against Anaheim's shaky defense. Anaheim puts up a fight at the end but it will be too-little-too-late.
Predators move on after 6 games.
No comments:
Post a Comment