Okay, well...the semi-finals finally ended and it did so with all the bravado that I predicted it would: San Jose took it in the seventh game. That went down as one of the best series of the playoffs so far, I'd say. Datsyuk played unbelievable, especially when you consider he did it with one wrist. I don't think he took one faceoff over the final two games, but he still managed to take control with dazzling passes and timely goals. Despite those efforts, it wasn't enough to overpower the Sharks.
Vancouver Canucks
vs.
San Jose Sharks
Since beating Chicago in the first round, I believe Vancouver has shaken a bit of a monkey off their backs. But now they play San Jose, who really has been living the Canucks fate for the past six years or so. A perennial first place finisher whose regular season prowess doesn't always translate into post season success. The Sharks have had a lot of practice at what the Canucks are trying to do, and the Nucks are desperately trying to ensure they don't become the same team. The Sedins have yet to show up in these playoffs, but by the way Kesler and others are stepping up, it might not matter.
I hate Vancouver, so I would likely cheer against them for any team. In this case, everyone in the world has been burned (more than once) by thinking San Jose can finally pull it off in the playoffs. It's hard to jump onto their side, knowing Groundhog Day is so very likely to happen again. In this case, what have we got to lose? I think the Sharks can finally go deeper in the playoffs and their current goalie, Niemi, did it to Vancouver last year when he was with the Hawks. At the beginning of the playoffs I predicted a San Jose/ Boston final and so far, it still looks like it could happen. Better stick to my guns.
San Jose in six.
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