Stanley Cup Breakdowns...by Jeff
Well my buddy Jeff, dropped a great breakdown of tomorrow night's series, and I really thought it was worthy of everyone's attention, so enjoy! Thanks Jeff!
I've got a prediction to make as well. Here's how I see it breaking down:
Offence: Carolina.
So...while there's no doubt that the 'Canes are have the better offense. Yes, the Oilers have had big production from the likes of Hemsky, Horcoff, Smyth, and Pisani. But the Canes have just had amzing production this playoff. There are so many names you could say with people who have been awesome this playoff. Brind'Amore, Commodore, Staal, Hedican, Recchi. The list just goes on. You gotta go with the Canes on offense.
Defence: Oilers.
This is where the Oilers have the depth, and of course there is one that stands above the rest: Pronger. I really think he and Roloson could have beaten the Red Wings by themselves. The man has 17 points this playoff, and only 18 minutes in the sin bin (c'mon, the Pronger of old would have 30-40 by now.) Watching the Oiler defence simply shut down any kind of offense has just been incredible. They stopped the Detroit's skill and they stopped San Jose's speed, so I don't know if we'll be seeing the high scores that the Canes have been showing lately.
Goaltending: Oilers
...but only just. Cam Ward has been amazing this playoff run. After watching him shut down the Sabres forwards on breakaways, I can't see a lot getting past him this series. However...Not only has Rolly the Goalie been denying forwards...he's making them look silly. Making three saves with players laying on top of his legs, making diving leaps to keep errent bounces out of the net, glove-saves, blocker-saves, pad-saves, stick-saves, helmet-saves, holy-shit-how-did-he -do-that-saves. Not to mention he's got two assists this playoff, so he's an offensive threat as well as a brick wall.
Playoff Beards:Oilers
Yes, there is veritable plethora of amazing facial hair on the Hurricanes, not least of which is the amazing Afro-beard of Commodore, but when the captian doesn't have so much as peach fuzz on his chin...sorry. But that's unforgivable.
Prediction: Oilers in 7
I loved watching the Canes, but I gotta believe that Rolly will continue his habit of embarassing offensemen. And when you add the stellar defensive performances the Oilers have been putting up... Granted, Carolina is the best offense that the Oilers will have seen by far, but they've stopped everything else that's been thrown at them...I can't imagine that changing this series. Give them a game or two to get back on their feet after the layoff, and I think they'll go back to shutting other teams down peice by peice.
Comments
Oh, man. My grammar and diction are so bad here...I'd be emarassed if I wasn't talking about a sport which has already probably ruined my chances at a Pulitzer due to excessive head contact.
Posted by: jeff | June 4, 2006 08:21 PM
"So...while there's no doubt that the 'Canes are have the better offense."
What the HELL was wrong with me when I wrote that? I wasn't high, I wasn't drunk...what?
Posted by: jeff | June 4, 2006 09:01 PM
Relax dude! We can all translate it! If you can understand my writing, you are good to go. Spelling is optional at Playoff Beard.com....so is grammar and punctuation.
bosh
Posted by: Captbosh | June 5, 2006 09:15 AM
I like your breakdown Jeff and I'll thank Bosh for posting it on the main page.
First and foremost, you know it had not even occurred to me that Rod the Bod has not one lick of facial hair on him? Nice observation. I'm trying to remember if Ronnie Francis had one in 2002 and I don't believe he did. So, if they lose again this time I think you've uncovered something huge. Captain's should have beards! Lead by example! (That said, I think Brind'Amour is my heads on favorite for the Conn Smyth should the Canes win)
Next issue is the matter of defense. You're certainly in the majority to suggest Edmonton has the better group but I wonder if this won't be more even than it seems. I could've sworn I read somewhere that Carolina has allowed fewer shots on goal than the Oilers and have taken fewer penalties than Edmonton (and special teams could very well be the deciding factor). I think Carolina's D is just as deep, but I see Edmonton getting more contributions from their forwards on defense. Problem with that is that those forwards have got to get the puck in the offensive zone at some point, and Carolina's forecheck can wear a team out. The Canes weakness on D is getting the puck out of their zone. They make bad clears sometimes and that's where a guy like Pronger could really pounce from the point. I think it's a draw, man! Should be awesome to watch!
The other thing on your list I'm not 100% convinced on is the goaltending issue. The Canes get no love despite having TWO goalies who've been stellar? What happens if Roly goes down or - god forbid - his mask comes off for the tenth time and he accidentally takes a puck to the face? Laviolette has utilized goalie changes as a momentum booster to great affect. Should we take that into consideration? Tough to say. I agree that Roloson has made the more spectacular saves in the playoffs, but Cam Ward hasn't really been in a position where he's had to be as acrobatic. I look at this match-up pretty much the same as I saw the Ryan Miller vs. Cam Ward match-up. They're both going to be solid and amazing, it really comes down to which team gives their goalie the most support at the other end in my opinion.
Can't wait!
Posted by: Playoff Moustache | June 5, 2006 11:54 AM