Western Conference Quarterfinals: San Jose v. Calgary

To me, the Sharks have been the best team in hockey over the past six weeks or so. They produce offensively from a variety of lines and situations and, perhaps more importantly, they can also play some very solid, shut-down defense if they need to. They're tough, smart, get great goaltending, and put forth a great effort every single night.

In a way, it's great that they're playing Calgary in the first round. If you're looking for a team that, at least in terms of attitude, can compete physically with the Sharks, Calgary is one of the two teams in the west that probably fit the bill. Kiprusoff wasn't exactly his normal self this year, however, and the typical Calgary MO of winning games by scoring two or three goals just didn't work this season. Still, the Flames have a potential Hart finalist in Jerome Iginla, good scoring threats in the form of guys like Huselius, Langkow, and Tanguay, and also potential scoring from the blueline in Aucoin and Phaneuf. To me, Phaneuf is one of the most dynamic players in the league. He's dangerous in the offensive zone, tough as freakin' nails, plays his position smartly, and is one of the best hitters in the game. Once Lidstrom retires this guy will end up with a couple of Norris Trophies, mark my words. The Flames also played well against the Sharks this year, winning three of four meetings.

Still, you look at the Sharks...their roster, the streak they had late in the year (18-0-2 before two meaningless losses after clinching the division), and how multi-dimensional each of their lines seems to be and I, frankly, just don't see how Calgary is going to outlast them in a seven game series. The Sharks, arguably, scratch forwards on a nightly basis that might be on the 2nd or 3rd lines in Calgary...that's how deep they are at the forward positions, particularly center and right wing. I really liked the addition of Brian Campbell at the deadline and I also liked the decision to hold onto Patrick Marleau rather than trading him. GM Doug Wilson recognized that this could very well be the year for San Jose and wisely held onto Marleau rather than potentially upsetting team chemistry. I think more opportunistic goal scoring, better goaltending, and overall roster depth give the Sharks a big advantage over Calgary in what should be a very, very physical series that I see San Jose winning in 5 or 6 games.

Additional note: we'll get a sense of how this series will go more quickly than most of the others. SJ-Calgary is only one of two series in the playoffs where games are scheduled to be played on consecutive nights...and SJ-Calgary open with consecutive games on Wed. and Thu. in San Jose...