Playoffs: Ducks vs Canucks
With The Series Tied At 1-1, Both Teams Look To Take The Lead Sunday
2nd Seed Anaheim Ducks: 48-20-14 -110 points
The number two seeded Anaheim Ducks had no trouble putting out the Minnesota Wild in 5 games during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After running the Canucks into the ground during game 1 of this series with a 5-1 victory, the Ducks were challenged in game number 2 as they were unable to solve Luongo more than once and the game was taken from them in overtime. They look to bounce back Sunday night.
The Ducks have one of the most talented all around teams in the league. With players such as Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, J.S. Giguere, Teemu Selanne and young guns such as Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Dustin Penner they can use their balanced attack to keep opponents at bay. Even their backup goalie could be a potential starter on many NHL teams, Ilya Bryzgalov 10-8-6 2.47 GAA, .907 SV%
Look for Anaheim to challenge the Canucks at every turn and push them to their limits.
3 Key Players to Watch
Teemu Selanne- The “Finnish Flash” can still score goals and he looks to provide the offense the Ducks need.
Scott Niedermayer- One of the best D-men of his time, Scott Niedermayer brings his Championship experience to help lead the Ducks to the Cup.
Chris Pronger- He is the reason the Edmonton Oilers were able to get to the Stanley Cup last year and he looks to help bring his new team there this year.
3rd Seed Vancouver Canucks: 49-26-7 -105 points
The Vancouver Canucks were able to beat out the Dallas Stars in 7 games during the first round but it was only thanks to the strong goaltending effort of Roberto Luongo. After the first game Luongo let in 5 goals against the Ducks as they established themselves as a top team by beating arguable the top goalie during these playoffs thus far. The Canucks were able to bounce back in game 2 with Luongo standing his ground once more.
This team has an offensive attack led by the Sedin twins Henrik and Daniel, with veterans Markus Naslund and Trevor Linden also looking to contribute. With the Ducks having two of the top three d-men in the league it may be tough for this Vancouver team to generate offense in this series, which has been evident in the first two games with the Canucks totaling 3 goals thus far.
Expect Luongo to keep them in it, but only for so long.
3 Key Players to Watch
Roberto Luongo- One of the most prolific scorers in the NHL, Heatley is coming off a 50 goal season and a strong first round performance.
Henrik and Daniel Sedin- These two guys complement each other so well, and together can be a formidable force down low in the offensive zone.
Trevor Linden- A great veteran leader and the face of this franchise for so long, Linden is still contributing during these playoffs even as an older player.
Game 3 Sunday April 29, @ Vancouver.
Prediction: This Anaheim team is too strong defensively and has too much depth up front to be stopped; Roberto Luongo will make it tough on them but look for the Ducks to pull it out in 7 games.
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