So the playoffs are nearly here and I thought of getting a head start on matchups already decided
Western conference champions Chicago have one of the hottest teams in the West, going 8-2-0 in their last ten games they rely on a high-powered offense and solid defense to win games. Marian Gaborik has been on fire and, barring a 4 goal game from Iginla, will be the Rocket Richard winner.
Edmonton has been relying on production from Johan Franzen and Tomas Holmstrom to make the playoffs, and with a total collapse from Detroit, they made the playoffs.
The Offense: Winners - Chicago
It's hard not to go with Chicago here, scoring 78 goals more than Edmonton in the regular season and have 13 players who have scored more than 10 goals (5 over 30 goals) against the Oilers who have 10 players over 10 goals (3 over 30 goals). Chicago's depth lies at center with Thornton and Lecavalier who are arguably the best 1-2 punch in the BRHL2.
Edmonton has to hope that Franzen's hot play continues as he's been the center of the Oilers winning streaks. If Chicago can neutralize Franzen quickly, you'll see a quick exit by the Oilers.
The Defence: Winners - Chicago
When Chicago traded Timonen at the deadline, as management deemed him surplus, shows you how deep this defence is. Having Markov, Volchenkov, Green and Streit are a great top four, but with Visnovsky, Chelios and Skoula provides Chicago with excellent depth. But one important statistic is the goal differential of the two teams, Chicago has a +95 while Edmonton has a -10.
Edmonton's defence relies heavily on experience than speed, as only Zhitnik has a SP rating of over 70 there is a possibility that the Edmonton defence will struggle with the speed of Chicago's forwards. Edmonton will rely upon Ruslan Salei to be outstanding in this series as he'll be pitted against Chicago's top line.
The Goaltending: Winners - Chicago
Nicklas Backstrom hasn't been outstanding this season, with a 2.92GAA and .888 SV% but he knows how to win games. When Chicago has played Backstrom, they have won over 60% of their games. Craig Anderson has been provided her with great support in relief, outperforming Backstrom with a 2.85 GAA and .896SV%. If Backstrom's injured, Chicago won't feel too bad about playing Anderson.
Edmonton on the other hand will be hoping nothing happens with their goalie Martin Biron. They've been trying to avoid any possible injuries by starting Thomas Greiss so that Biron will be healthy for the playoffs. However, Biron has a GAA of over 3.1 and had a .896 SV%.
Who wins?
I think it's obvious where I think this series will end up, Chicago will sweep the Oilers in 4 games.
Chicago is fulfilling my prediction of a sweep, up 2-0 in the series. Outscoring the Oilers 9-2 through two games has demonstrated the difference between these two teams.
Surprises of the Series thus far:
Nicklas Backstrom - Playing in Conn Smythe fashion after disappointing season
Chicago's Disciplined Play - 4 for 4 on the penalty kill, holding back the goons
Johan Franzen - 1 goal in two games after his point streak put Edmonton in the playoffs
After going ahead 3-0 in the series, Edmonton looked dead and buried, but two wins means that they have a chance to come back and win. Highly unlikely as the Chicago coach is probably slow-boiling his players over an open fire right now and they'll want to shut up the Edmonton crowd in game 6.
Surprises of the Series thus far:
That Chicago hasn't won this series yet
Johan Franzen and Scott Hartnell - Combined for 9 points to lead the Oilers in scoring, but are -8 so it's a struggle to see how they're back in this series
Alexander Frolov - 4 goals and 3 assists is outproducing Rocket Richard winner Marian Gaborik
Mike Green - Usually known for his offensive play instead of his defensive, but 2 points is overshadowed by his +6 rating which means he's been solid in his own zone
