The Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks face off in a playoff battle between two perennial contenders. Some might argue that the window is starting to close on both teams with the rise of younger squads, but the two teams look poised for big runs this year.
The Canucks will not easily forget the failed playoff aspirations a year ago when they lost in the opening round to the eventually Stanley Cup champion LA Kings. The team is loaded with offensive options but its continued goaltender battle will make for an interesting series. Cory Schneider enters the playoffs as the number one keeper for the Canucks while Roberto Luongo will be his backup.
The Sharks got off to a solid start but a poor February likely led to the team's inability to grab home ice advantage this postseason. The Sharks made some strong moves at the trade deadline to increase their team speed but the team will depend heavily on the play of number one keeper Antti Niemi, a previous cup winner.
These teams met in the playoffs two years ago when the Sharks were eliminated in five games; it was the only time they ever met in the playoffs. The Sharks won all three games in the season series.
San Jose Wins If... They play with the drive with which they started and ended the season. Patrick Marleau got off to a solid start and then tailed off during the rest of the year. He has never been known as a major playoff star, but the team needs him to up his play. Same goes for Captain Joe Thornton. He led the team in points this year and needs to do the same in the playoffs. Joe Pavelski has been a solid playoff performer over the years and will need to prove it once more against the Canucks.
Vancouver Wins if... Cory Schneider finally proves himself. He was late to the playoff party a year ago but acquitted himself well once he got in. He needs to be the franchise keeper that others expect him to be if the Canucks are going to win this series.
Predictions: The Canucks are finally built to win the whole tournament; they win this series 4-2.
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