The New York Rangers defeated the Atlanta Thrashers, seems that I finally nailed that one on the head. Meanwhile, Buffalo absolutely destroyed Boston in 5 games with Boston's only bright spot coming in a 5-1 win against Buffalo's backup goalie. So this year's cinderella story the New York Rangers, who traded away the majority of its veterans only to see the remarkable play of Chris Mason launch them into the playoffs and into the conference finals. 41 points separated these two teams and on paper, you can see why.
The Offense - Winners - Buffalo
Though New York hammered Atlanta during games 5 and 6 with Brendan Shanahan scoring hattricks in both games and adding in an assist. The inspired play has to come to an end sometime, with Ryan Johnson the hero (seeing him promoted to the top line) after scoring 9 points in the playoffs, New York doesn't care where it gets its scoring from as long as it comes. If Shanahan can continue his hat-trick a game, then the future looks bright for New York; if he can't then the end of the book with close on this cinderella story.
Every regular forward on the Buffalo roster has scored at least once. That's how deep the Buffalo roster is up front, leading the way is Jarome Iginla. Being set up mainly by Sidney Crosby, Iginla's 7 goals leads the team along with his 3 game winners. The Sabres also play a physical game which may be damaging to the New York blueline who have struggled with injuries throughout the playoffs. The Sabres have averaged 33 hits a game throughout the playoffs, led by Dustin Brown who has 55.
The Defense - Winners - New York
For all their offensive power, Buffalo lack the pointscoring defensemen found on the Chicago roster. Led by Derian Hatcher (I laughed too), the Sabres blueline needs to improve its production. Niedermayer and Bouwmeester are the top pairing defensemen, but only 1 goal and 8 points combined are not numbers worthy to be on this team. Even though they have won their previous two series, having Hatcher lead your blueline with 2 goals and 3 assists is pathetic for a team that managed a 137 point season. If they can't sort of their blueline, another upset might be in the cards.
Bryan Rafalski knows all about playoff hockey and his 9 points thus far are more than Buffalo's Niedermayer and Bouwmeester combined. New York's blueline doesn't stop with Rafalski though, the blueline has combined for 31 points which is 8 more than Buffalo's. This production will need to continue if New York want to keep this series close.
The Goaltending - Winners - Buffalo
Martin Brodeur has been averaged compared to his standards, with the type of team ahead of him, he's been playing inconsistent hockey which has seen GM Luke Wile take a chance using youngster Josh Harding as starter in two games. While it worked in the series against Montreal, it failed miserably against Boston. Luckily it didn't cost them against Boston after Montreal pushed them to seven games. Brodeur will need to be better against New York, his .906 SV% will have to improve if they get through to the cup finals.
Chris Mason has played better than he did during the regular season, but his 2.70 GAA and .903 SV% has to be thrown out the window and Mason will have to be near perfect if they wish to pull off another upset and face either Chicago or Colorado in the cup finals.
Who wins the Series?
New York's job is done, they surprised everyone by winning 4 straight after going 2-0 down in the series against Atlanta but Buffalo just pose too many threats to New York. Whether or not GM Wile decides to use Harding in game 3 like he has throughout the first two series will determine how quickly this series goes. But I think this has the makings of a quick Buffalo win in 5, with Mason rediscovering his form in game 3 or 4.
