Hockey's Frozen Four

Hockey's Frozen Four


Gary Bettman and the NHL would love a New York Ranger, Los Angeles Kings Cup Final this writer believe that Martin Brodeur will have something to say about it. Finally it comes down to four teams. The defending champion Bruins were de-throned and teams like Detroit and Pittsburgh did not fulfill their potential, the last remaining teams may not be the usual suspects, but both series lack no shortage of drama.

(1) New York Rangers vs. (6) New Jersey Devils

Skinny: After winning two games 7's on home ice the Rangers are looking to reach the cup final for the first time since winning it in 1994. While the owners of Madison Square Garden would love another game 7,making it twelve home games in the first 3 rounds, their opponent may have other plans. Since last year's all-star break the Devils have been a winning machine. It certainly doesn't hurt getting the 4th overall pick last year in Adam Larsson. Last year Brodeur struggled, but with the help from his friends: Anton Volchenkov, Bryce Salvador and Andy Greene have employed a tough trap with players willing to do anything to block shots. The team split the season series three games apiece.

Ranges win if: Henrik Lundqvist is the best player on the ice. The Vezina and Hart nominee has had a tremendous season and playoffs. His team wins a lot of 2-1 games so keeping the Devils under 2 goals is a must. Brad Richards must continue to spark the offense and the power play needs to start clicking. Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik need to contribute with goals and the team continues to buy in on blocking shots and playing a hard hitting defense.

Devils win if: Ilya Kovalchuk stills play with a chip on his shoulder. After signing the big contract and never being able to live up to it, Kovalchuk is finally showing why he is one of the NHL’s best talents. Kovalchuk had never been able to win a playoff round before this season mostly because he played on a weak Atlanta Thrashers team. The top line with Kovy, David Clarkson and Zach Parise forms a gritty but very capable scoring 1st line. The Devils defense first approach is similar to the Rangers, but play the trap game better. To win the series the team will need to score more then 2 goals a game and Martin Brodeur has to still drink from the fountain of youth.

Prediction: Devils in 6

(3) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (8) Los Angeles Kings

Skinny: The teams split the season series at three games apiece but five of the games were without Jeff Carter in the line-up. Since the Carter addition and Darryl Sutter becoming the new coach, the Kings have been the hottest team in hockey. After knocking the 1st and 2nd seeds, the Kings are poised to take down the 3rd seed Coyotes. After taking game 1 on the road, they now boast a perfect 6-0 record in the playoffs. The Coyotes must split at home to have a chance in the series.

Coyotes win if: Mike Smith’s Cinderella story continues to have a happy ending. There is no denying the reason the Coyotes are here is because of Smith. While he can block most shots he can’t score them…..well almost. The Yotes don’t have the offense scoring depth the Kings provide but they do find ways to be productive. Antoine Vermette, Ray Whitney and Shane Doan will have to provide offense and Oliver Ekman-Larsson can’t look out of place like he did in game 1.

Kings win if: They play the way they are now. With the return of Simon Gagne the question is do you rock the boat? The team has played superb without Gagne and while he can provide secondary scoring the team has shown that all four lines can score as evidenced in the game last night. Fourth liner Dwight King potted two goals giving him four in the playoffs, to put in perspective he had five all season. Jonathan Quick is the backbone of the Kings and if he falters so will the team, if he continues to play like he is now the Kings will be a favourite to win it all.

Prediction: Kings in 6.