Three Big Surprises In the Semis

The semi-finals of the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs have been a little surprising for more than one team.  If I didn’t know better, I’d say the semis were being rigged to set up the most drama possible for the fans.

First, the San Jose Sharks handed the Red Wings their head on a platter during their series.  I think I felt the Detroit fans disappointment all the way in Washington State.  Sure, Detroit may not have spent the playoffs playing up to the standard they have set the last few years, but being sent packing from the play offs with a series loss of 4-1 had to hurt.  Sorry to tell Detroit fans, but your dominance in NHL may be over.

The remaining three series are looking like battles to the death.  The Canadiens vs. Penguins series looked like it might be an easy win for the Penguins at the start.  It had to be some sort of fluke that the Canadiens made it past the Capitols in the last round, right?  I don’t think many people believe that anymore. 

Wednesday night is the seventh game of the series and the Canadiens look like they may pull an upset on the defending champions.  The Pens are just happy the game isn’t at Bell Center where the Canadiens seem to find super powers.

The Bruins vs. Flyers series looked cut and dry when the Bruins took over early in the series, winning the first three games but the Flyers have come back with a vengeance.  The series is now standing at 3-2 in favor of Boston but if the Flyers can get a win on Wednesday, the series will go to a game seven which is exactly what the Bruins don’t want.  The Bruins need to return to their disciplined form and play for all they are worth if they hope to end the series tomorrow.

The Canucks vs. Blackhawks started off with a Canucks win in the first game.   Vancouver fans held onto a glimmer of hope before the Blackhawks threw out three quick wins.  The Canucks seemed to fall apart at the seams with the losses and took on the motto “If you can’t beat them, well then beat them” as they physically attacked the Blackhawks out of frustration in game four. 

Somehow, they got their act back together and found a win on Sunday to bring the series to a 3-2 battle.  If the Canucks can pull off another win tonight, it may be the Blackhawks that take up the fighting motto and make the rink look like a WWE match in game seven.

It seems to have taken a few teams some time to kick into gear but now that they are there, it makes for an exciting and dramatic end to the semi-finals.  The next two nights will show us who wants the Cup the most as all three remaining series get ready to battle it out.