Alot of the experts keep going on about how this series could be one where we see an unlikely upset take place. While I can kind of understand where they’re coming from, considering that Kings finished just two points back of the Canucks, but Vancouver should have what it takes to get through this series.
Offense: Henrik and Daniel Sedin are two incredibly talented scorers who work together better than anyone else in the league. Henrik is one of the leading candidates for the Hart Trophy after leading the league in scoring, despite the fact that Daniel missed a significant portion of the season with a leg injury. Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows are two of the best two way forwards around, and Burrows actually led the team in goals with 35. The Kings have some talent up front, with Anze Kopitar leading the way, and the combo of Kopitar’s talent, Justin Williams’ speed and Ryan Smyth’s grit and veteran leadership has proven to be very successful. Advantage: Vancouver
Defense: The Canucks have a veteran, physical blueline that has done a good job all year. Christian Ehrhoff has probably been their best defenseman all year, scoring 44 points and accumulating a +36 rating. However, as good as the Canucks are on D, the Kings rely heavily on their blueline to both kickstart their offense and be responsible in their own end. Drew Doughty is my favorite for the Norris trophy, ranking 2nd on the team with 59 points and leading the team’s defense with a +20 rating. Veteran Rob Scuderi was a crucial part of the Penguins’ run to the Cup last year, and he will be called upon heavily to help the Kings this year. Advantage: Los Angeles
Goaltending: Jonathan Quick was great, for most of the season. He tanked it a bit at the end of the season, and I doubt many Kings’ fans are feeling all too confident in their starter, who hasn’t won since the end of March. Roberto Luongo has put together another all-star season, although in the absence of an NHL All-star game, a better word to describe his year might be “golden.” Still, that hasn’t stopped critics from questioning his ability to perform under the pressure of the postseason.
Advantage: Vancouver
Special Teams: Both teams had a great deal of success with the man advantage this year, ranking just behind San Jose for 2nd and 3rd in the West. For the Canucks, Ryan Kesler has been their best player on the powerplay, scoring 12 powerplay goals. For the Kings, Kopitar has been an absolute beast on the powerplay, with 14 goals and 24 assists with the extra skater. Vancouver gave up just one less goal than the Kings on the kill, and both teams will have to be sharp on the kill or risk getting burned. Advantage: Even
This could be one of the tightest first round series we get to see, but I’m confident in the Canucks’ ability, and as the only real Canadian team in the playoffs (this is a Leafs’ blog - Ottawa and Montreal don’t count), I’ll be pulling for Vancouver to make a deep run in the playoffs. Still, LA could have what it takes to make it a short and unpleasant spring for Luey and the twins. My pick: Vancouver in 7