Western Conference Semi-Finals

#5 Nashville Predators vs. #1 Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver Goalie
Roberto Luongo

A lot of people have been calling this series boring due to the lack of goal scoring however I see it as a goaltending duo for the ages.  Two of the top goaltenders in the league, and Vezina Trophy nominees, Roberto Luongo and Pekka Rinne have been outstanding so far in this series giving both there teams the opportunity to advance to the Western Conference Finals.  After last night's victory, the Canucks have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead and look to close out the series in game 5 at home.  The Canucks who were the president trophy winners, for best record in the NHL, have lived up to the hype and one more win away from the western conference finals.


#3 Detroit Red Wings vs. #2 San Jose Sharks

Sharks Forwards Joe Thornton
and Patrick Marleau

After two outstanding regular seasons by both the Red Wings and Sharks they meet in the western conference semi finals.  Most hockey fans were predicting this to be a series for the ages because of the speed and toughness both teams play with.  However, so far, San Jose has proved to be the dominant team taking a 3-0 series lead from Detroit who has been the most successful western conference team in recent years.  San Jose has a history of terrific regular season and early playoff exits.  Clearly it is evident that San Jose is on a mission to attain Lord Stanley's Cup.




Western Conference MVP Thus Far

Canucks Forward Ryan Kesler

My choice for most valuable player of the western conference so far goes to Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler.  He was instrumental in Vancouvers first round win versus the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks.  Kesler held defending Conn Smythe trophy winner to only 1 goal in the entire 7 games series.  Kesler in this series however has other things on his mind and that's scoring goals.  Kesler has been a monster so far in the series with Nashville recording 3 points in each of his last two games to put Vancouver in the spot they are.