The Chicago Blackhawks were early season favourites to win the Central division and contend for the conference title. Although they failed in both, they still managed a 111-point season that was 2nd best in the conference. However, they play against a team whose poor form recently can be explained by having to play Leclaire constantly in the remaining 8 games. Even so, they still manage a 100+ point season.

Offense

When you can say that your second line centre is Vincent Lecavalier, you know you have a stacked team. However, the Blackhawks could be criticised for being too deep at centre, having to commit too much money towards centre leaving the wings weakened. While Alexander Frolov, Jean-Pierre Dumont and Jason Blake sound like reasonable 2nd line wingers, some are being asked to play first line minutes. Which is only suitable for a player like Nathan Horton who had 39 points in 55 games for Chicago. As a result, being too dominant in centre may cost them in the playoffs which may make them rue trading Marian Gaborik during the offseason.

The San Jose Sharks made a stir in the league after trading the superstar Alexander Ovechkin this season. Despite having some outraged GMs claiming San Jose was ripped off, it proved to be a shrewed move for the future as Henrik Sedin won the Art Ross in the NHL. Daniel and Henrik Sedin enjoyed the move to the West coast, scoring 51 and 50 points respectively in 62 games. Partnered up with Semin on the first line, who had 79 points, Semin was being confused as a third Se'd'in. The Sharks also have an good second line with Langkow centring Zach Parise and Milan Michalek. This series may come down to a battle of the checking lines, though I have to give the edge to Chicago's Vermette-Laich-Cleary line over the Reasoner-Fleischmann-Miettinen line in San Jose.

Series Edge: Even

Defense

It's unfair to have Mike Green, Andrei Markov, Mark Streit and Lubomir Visnovsky on one team, but Chicago has them. While his puckmoving ability is amazing, with Green leading all defensemen in scoring with 72 points; only Anton Volchenkov is used to shut down opposing forwards. However, Volchenkov is relegated to a third pairing role with Darryl Sydor. The coaching strategy in Chicago is offense first, which led to their 259 goals which was tops in the West. However, in the playoffs, a tighter game is needed and Volchenkov may crack the Hawks top 4 defensemen.

San Jose moved their defensive stalwart Zdeno Chara midway through the season to acquire parts for the future. Even though they are left with Eric Brewer and Adam Foote as strong defensive presences, their lack of mobility may influence the series. While Tomas Kaberle and Ryan Whitney should complement Brewer and Foote, they will need to concentrate on countering the speed of the Hawks forwards rather than taking chances pinching in. Brad Stuart will see time on the third pairing once he returns from injury, but by that time it may be too late as Jack Johnson and Jordan Leopold don't instill confidence in a goaltender.

Series Edge: Chicago

Goaltending

Bryzgalov and Backstrom, the Russian and the Swede, both put up impressive winning records for their respective clubs. However, in the stats categories, they were rather unimpressive. Backstrom's .913 SV% and 2.26 GAA and Bryzgalov's .917 SV% and 2.34 GAA means that neither goaltender is that happy with his blueline. It will now depend on whether Backstrom or Bryzgalov will up their game to ensure his team's survival. All San Jose has to hope the series isn't bad enough to play Leclaire.

Series Edge: Even

Series Prediction: Hawks in 5