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Western Conference 2nd Round Preview
Topic Started: Mar 17 2015, 07:02 PM (65 Views)
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#1 Detroit 17-5 vs #4 Phoenix 12-10

Season Series: Detroit 3-1
Week 4 Detroit 102-57 Phoenix
Week 9 Detroit 93-92 Phoenix
Week 15 Phoenix 97-89 Detroit
Week 22 Detroit 121-100 Phoenix

Leading Scorers by Position
Detroit:
Vladimir Tarasenko 125.27
Brent Seabrook 93.2
Marc-Andre Fleury 167

Phoenix:
Claude Giroux 124.41
Victor Hedman 86.43
Ben Bishop 140.5

Forwards:
The Wings have one of the best top lines in the league, it also happens to be the youngest. Tarasenko, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jaden Schwartz each have tallied over 100 points. What could make the difference in the playoffs is for one of Detroit's streaky players to get on a roll. Phil Kessel, Thomas Vanek, and Jason Pominville can light the lamp at any time. After Claude Giroux the Coyotes have been using a scoring by committee approach with guys like Vern Fiddler and Cody Eakin chipping in to have good weeks. Edge: Detroit

Defense:
Phoenix uses the same approach on defense as Victor Hedman is the star and the others take turns chipping in to provide stats across the board. Huge news for the 'Yotes as Kevin Bieksa is back as Hedman's top line partner. The Red Wings have a balanced defense that adds just enough from the blueline to make them formidable. Brent Seabrook is the leader followed by young guns Seth Jones and Tyler Myers. Edge: Phoenix

Goaltending:
Marc-Andre Fleury is probably having his best season and is one of the main reasons the President's Trophy resides in "Hockeytown". Don't sleep on Jonas Hiller though who has settled in after being traded twice last offseason. He has played well in the second half. What else can I possibly say about the Coyotes goaltending, Ben Bishop, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Devan Dubnyk have taken turns being the guy to come up in the clutch for Phoenix. Edge: Phoenix

Conclusion:
I have to say I am honestly excited about this matchup. The defending champions against the best team in the league this season. Tough one to pick, I've gone back and forth a couple times. While I think the Red Wings are going to be a force for years to come, I think the strength of the Coyotes goaltending will be the difference. I will take Phoenix in a high scoring matchup.

#2 Winnipeg 14-8 vs #3 Minnesota 13-9

Season Series: Minnesota 2-1
Week 1 Minnesota 75-52 Winnipeg
Week 9 Minnesota 91-88 Winnipeg
Week 17 Winnipeg 78-69 Minnesota

Leading Scorers by Position:
Winnipeg:
Sidney Crosby 137.27
Dennis Wideman 127.41
Roberto Luongo 142

Minnesota:
John Tavares 139.48
Niklas Kronwall 94.02
Jonathan Bernier 110.5

Forwards:
I think everyone thinks the Jets start and end with Sidney Crosby but there is much more going on here. Max Pacioretty has 34 goals so far, while Gustav Nyquist has 22. Looking a little deeper Winnipeg started on the streak soon after Mike Fisher returned from injury he has 16 goals in 50 games. Minnesota has so much firepower up front they are bound to put the points up in any matchup. Last week it was John Tavares, Jiri Hudler, and Jake Voracek(as always) but got contributions from Kyle Palmieri. Definitely one of the most devasting offensive attacks in the league. Edge: Minnesota

Defense:
The Jets are surviving on the blueline even with the loss of Mark Giordano. Dennis Wideman is a big reason why putting up 127 points. James Wisniewski could also get on a hot streak and provide some offense. Minnesota relies on the steady duo of Nicklas Kronwall and Dion Phaneuf who put up points every week. Young Hampus Lindholm is a star in the making.
Edge: Minnesota


Goaltending:
Here is where the Jets turned there season around, their goalies have been outstanding. Right now Seymon Varlamov is hot and Steve Mason is playing out of his mind. They might even get some reinforcements with Roberto Luongo possibly making his return later this week. Minnesota got great efforts last week from Jonathan Bernier and Eddie Lack, they will have to keep it up to derail the Jets train. Edge: Winnipeg

Conclusion:
Trivia Question: When was the last time Winnipeg tasted defeat? January 4th! An incredible feat in any league, let alone ours with such parity. That being said the Wild are an offensive juggernaut, it would be tough to pick against them. But I will, I mean 9 straight is 9 straight, I will take Winnipeg to make it 10.
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