Western Conference Finals: Ducks Meet Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks—two powerhouse teams stacked with superstar players. These two teams, which pretty much tore their way through the first two rounds of the postseason, are set to face off in what will be one epic Western Conference finals series.

Anyone who loves the game of hockey should be excited about this one.

We are going to see fierce puck battles, hard hits, and of course some beautiful goals. These two teams have so much talent it can be sickening at times. I mean Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Jonathan Toews, are only a few players that will be in the same arena on the same ice fighting for that one puck. It’s going to be intense and it’s going to be great!

What will hype up this series even more is that the Hawks and Ducks have never met in the playoffs. Sure, they see each other all the time in the regular season, but you can’t compare the regular season to a playoff series where players elevate their game and legends are born.

Despite both teams going through their opponents quickly, I don’t think this series will see an early exit. Both teams are going to bring their A game, which means that neither team is going to be easy to eliminate.

January 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) blocks a shot against Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Who has the advantage?

Well, this is familiar territory for the Hawks who are making their third consecutive trip to the final while the Ducks haven’t been in this position since 2007 when they went on to win the Stanley Cup. In the past few seasons, the Blackhawks have found ways to win playoff series while the Ducks has exited the postseason quickly.

Since 2009, the Hawks have won 14 playoff series and the Ducks have only won four. The Ducks also only have three players left from its Stanley Cup-winning team, Getzlaf, Perry and Francois Beauchemin while Blackhawks have their core of Cup winners intact.

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If I were to bet on this series, I would go with the Blackhawks. To me, Chicago is the ultimate playoff team. They are like the New York Yankees back in the 90s—consistent, stacked with top talent and hungry to create a dynasty. You can even argue they have a core four (Kane, Patrick Sharp, Keith and Toews).

Chicago is also that team that always shows up during the postseason. Their top players don’t disappear—they take center stage. Kane almost single-handedly led to the Minnesota Wild’s demise with his play in the four-game sweep. But what is so dangerous about the Blackhawks is their depth. No matter who is on the ice, the opponent must be careful not to give too much space or turn the puck over because Chicago’s four lines are capable of doing some damage.

One player they will be missing is Michal Rozsival who injured his leg in Game 4 against the Wild. Defenseman David Rundblad, the 24-year-old who has never played in an NHL playoff game, is expected to take his place. If Anaheim is smart, it will take advantage of the youngster’s lack of playoff experience.

Even though I believe Chicago will win, I think this series is pretty evenly matched. Anaheim has just has much depth and talent. The team doesn’t rely on the Perry-Getzlaf combination as much, which is a testament to other players stepping up their game. The Ducks are getting support and production from other lines, and that hasn’t been the case in past postseasons, which is why they have exited early. Everything seems to be clicking for the Ducks and they are going into the series only having lost one game this postseason. That type of confidence can be lethal.

I suggest you start gearing up for this one now because I predict a Pacquiao-Mayweather type matchup—except with much more action (same amount of punches though).

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