Eastern and Western Conference Finals Set

San Jose Escapes Detroit Comeback

San Jose Forward Joe Thornton

The San Jose Sharks avoid a devastating comeback from the Detroit Red Wings last night last night at home.  Detroit who lost the first three games of the series managed to rally back and tie the series at three only to lose to San Jose Thursday night 3-2.  Detroit trailed all game 7 long and couldn’t manage to make the late comeback to force overtime ending their season earlier then they had hoped.  San Jose Forward Patrick Marleau scored the game winning goal for San Jose with under ten minutes to go in the third period silencing the critics about him not performing in the playoffs.  San Jose opens the third round in Vancouver Sunday night in the Western Conference Finals.

Tamps Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins Preview

Tampa Bay and Boston are both full of firepower up front with plenty of offense to go around.  Tampa Bay is lead up front by snipers Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lacavalier.  Tampa Bay has no lack of goal scoring and are going to challenge the Bruins stellar defense.  Boston’s defense is lead by one of the best defenseman in the league Zedeno Chara.  Chara is helped out on the defensive end by Vezina Trophy finalist goaltender Tim Thomas.  Together they form one of the toughest teams to score on in the NHL making it a fantastic Eastern Conference Finals match up of powerful offense versus tough defense. 

San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks Preview

San Jose and Vancouver have been known in the last five years as typically under achieving teams.  This year however both teams have moved beyond there past and are one series away from making the Stanley Cup.  If either San Jose or Vancouver wants to win this series they are going to need their leaders to step up.  Vancouver will need to rely heavy on the NHL’s leading scorer and captain Henrik Sedin to step up and help the Canucks get the scoring they will need to advance to there third Stanley Cup in franchise history.  San Jose is going to need to continue to rely on forwards Joe Thornton and Logan Couture along with solid goaltending from Anti Niemi if they want any chance at beating the President Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks.