NHL Playoffs: Semi-Final Matchups, Part 2

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Western Conference

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 1. Detroit Red Wings vs.  6. Colorado Avalanche     (DET in 6)

 2. San Jose Sharks vs. 5.Dallas Stars

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Eastern Conference

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 1. Montreal Canadians vs.  6. Philadelphia Flyers      (MON in 6)

 2. Pittsburgh Penguins vs.  5. New York Rangers

San Jose Sharks vs. Dallas Stars

Dallas trumped the defending Stanley-cup champions, proving that they could more than deal with a strong defensive team. So what does that mean for San Jose's stone wall defense? they will be in for some kind of contest. Brad Richards and company have proven to be a creative and effective offense. San Jose on the other hand has goalie Evgeni Nabokov and his 2.15 regular season goals against average.

So how will they line up? The Star's offense and the Shark's defense will be a wash, so it comes down to the Star's defense against the Shark's offense. With Joe Thornton leading the attack I think it is pretty clear which team will win this match-up. Not to mention that the Shark's have the edge in net as well. But, Dallas is a scrappy team and the Sharks are coming off a long series with the Flames, so it will last longer than it should.

Bottom Line: Sharks in 7

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers

This is the "changing of the guard" series. It is a classic match-up of the old stars against the up-and-coming stars. New York bought their way into the playoffs by shelling out dollars after dollars for free-agents. Pittsburgh on the other hand has grown their stars and traded for another (Marian Hossa).

Both teams have young goalies. Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury has been solid all season (.921% save percentage) and has a capable back-up in Ty Conklin. New York on the other hand has Henrik Lundqvist who helped the Rangers to the #5 ranked defense in terms of goals against. He on the other hand has no back-up and that could be the difference.

In the end New york doesn't have enough firepower to keep up with the star laced Penguins. Not to mention that the Rangers aren't getting any younger on offense with guys like Shanahan, Jagr, and Drury.

Bottom Line: Penguins in 6