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Contact | Home | Archive | AHL | ECHL | About Us | Quick Shots | Audio | Europe | Web Radio | Email Hockeytalk |
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This season, Hockeytalk presents four
different columnists’ takes on the first round of the NHL playoffs: Leon Rafner, Josh Brewster,
Charles Smith and Dennis Bernstein.
(Back to Playoff Main Page)
ROUND 2 JOSH BREWSTER With a defense far more formidable than New Jersey’s, the Boston Bruins pose a threat to not just eliminate the Hurricanes, but sweep them directly from the playoffs. The Bruins, led by Norris nominee Zdeno Chara, manhandled the Montreal Canadiens in four. The Hurricanes, led by late-game heroics courtesy Eric Staal and Tim Gleason, barely escaped The Rock. Now, the Bruins are fixing to tee off on Carolina with a deep lineup, especially strong at center. Boston’s center ice crew of Phil Kessel (4 goals), David Krejci (2) and Marc Savard (2) made short work of the Canadiens. Rugged Michael Ryder haunted the Canadiens in his return. Carolina will look to Staal and Ray Whitney to draw some penalties from the bigger Bruins in hopes of earning an early-series edge. Jussi Jokinen (3 goals) and Chad Larose (2) emerged as thorns in the Devils’ sides in round one. Eric Cole and Rod Brind’Amour each recorded zero points in round one, and that has to change immediately. Matt Cullen, an excellent shutdown forward, has struggled with injuries of late and needs to come up with a big effort, especially if that entails his meeting Marc Savard head-to-head. Defensively, the edge has got to go to Boston. In the net, we see Cam Ward losing the battle to Tim Thomas. PICK: BOSTON in 5 DENNIS BERNSTEIN The Carolina Miracle Workers dream dies a hard death in the Back Bay. Though they've mastered Brodeur and the Devils, the Canes face a Bruins team that is bigger, deeper, more talented and rested. Carolina’s Eric Staal was energized when GM Jim Rutherford re-acquired Erik Cole but too much Boston talent trumps Carolina chemistry and karma. Cam Ward may match Tim Thomas save for save but the Bruins' first round performance proved that they are the Beast of the East. Boston swept the four game regular season series and there’s nothing that makes us think that trend won’t continue. Look for Thomas to continue his crusade to the Conn Smythe in the least contested series of the four quarterfinals. PICK: BOSTON in 5 LEON RAFNER The burly Bruins mauled the Montreal Canadians in a four game sweep. Don’t expect a Hurricane to knock these bears over. Carolina squeaked in with a stunning last minute victory over New Jersey, and it leaves the 'Canes having to prove they belong in this series. Canes Cup Goaltender Cam Ward is back in fine form and although he didn’t have the benefit of a stingy defense all season, as did Bruin Goalie Tim Thomas, Ward has nothing to prove. The Canes D will be no match for the Bruin’s Zdeno Chara. Experienced Carolina D-Man Frantisek Kaberle, a hero of the Cane’s cup run, missed most of the season with a broken foot while young Anton Babchuk stepped up in his place. Add in the experience of Joe Corvo and the 'Canes will survive if Eric Staal can score another 60th minute game winner, as he did in New Jersey. Boston was 4-0 over the Canes during the regular season. Don’t expect a miracle. PICK: BOSTON in 5 CHARLES SMITH This is really the battle of goaltenders Cam Ward and Tim Thomas. Carolina was more than courageous in their series comeback against New Jersey. Carolina defeated one of the best playoff goaltenders in NHL history in Martin Brodeur. The fact of the matter is, though the 'Canes were valiant, Brodeur simply wasn't the Brodeur we're used to seeing in the post season (for the second straight year). Tim Thomas now has a chance to move into elite status amongst NHL goalies and will not fold. All due respect of course to Carolina goalie Cam Ward, but this one belongs to the Bruins. Long-suffering Bruins fans will continue cheering. PICK: BOSTON in 7 SCHEDULE: SERIES I TIME (ET) #1 Boston vs. #6 Carolina Network Friday, May 1, 2009 7:30 p.m. Carolina at Boston VERSUS (JIP), TSN Sunday, May 3, 2009 7:30 p.m. Carolina at Boston VERSUS, TSN Wednesday, May 6, 2009 7:30 p.m. Boston at Carolina VERSUS (JIP), TSN Friday, May 8, 2009 7:30 p.m. Boston at Carolina VERSUS (JIP), TSN *Sunday, May 10, 2009 7:30 p.m. Carolina at Boston VERSUS, TSN *Tuesday, May 12, 2009 7 p.m. Boston at Carolina VERSUS, TSN *Thursday, May 14, 2009 TBD Carolina at Boston TSN
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