NHL Playoff Preview: West

© Mike Carr

May 18, 2006
The Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Mighty Ducks go head to head. Here is a preview of the Stanley Cup NHL Western Conference playoff matchup of Edmonton vs. Anaheim.

This series is going to be fun ride. I can guarantee you that.

NHL Western conference playoff preview

Both teams have overcome strong NHL teams to make to the finals. Anaheim took down Nashville, and then the always dangerous Colorado Avalanche.

Edmonton, the Cinderella story of the NHL, took out the top-seed Detroit Red Wings and then the San Jose Sharks.

The Edmonton-Anaheim matchup

Both teams have speed, and both teams know how to play the physical game that will have the plays going end to end. This is a perfect example of the new NHL.

Defensive showdown

On defense, look for Anaheim's Scott Niedermayer Edmonton's workhorse Chris Pronger to clamp down on the opposing offense and aggressively guard the net.

Amazing playoff goaltending

The speed of these to teams would scare any goaltender but the hot play of Anaheim's Ilja Bryzgalov and Edmonton's Dwayne Roloson will definitely be a show.

The rest factor

One important factor to keep in mind is the rest both of these teams have had. Anaheim has had over a week off since their win over Colorado. Too much rest? Maybe.

Edmonton has had two days of rest, so there's no rust or dust there. Their last two NHL playoff series have gone six games, with the last one going into a third overtime.

How much gas is left in the tank? Time will tell.

Who will win the Stanley Cup?

Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup this year? Vote in the poll on the Suite101.com Ice Hockey home page.

Discuss the playoff matchup

What do you think of Edmonton's surprise success in the Stanley Cup playoffs? Discuss it and share your predictions.


The copyright of the article NHL Playoff Preview: West in Ice Hockey is owned by Mike Carr. Permission to republish NHL Playoff Preview: West in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.




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Comments
May 19, 2006 7:09 PM
Mike Carr :
The underdog, bottom-seeded Edmonton Oilers have shocked the hockey world by first toppling top-seeded Detroit and then knocking out the favorite Colorado Avalanche. What do you think of their success? Would you like to see them raise the Stanley Cup this year?
1 Comment: