Western Conference Quarterfinals: #1. Vancouver vs. #8. Chicago.

The defending cup champions, who barely made the postseason this year, will try to take down the President's Trophy winner for the 3rd straight year (San Jose in 2009 and Washington in 2010). Here are my top 3 things to watch.

Number 1. Goaltending.

Roberto Luongo is a fantastic goaltender and won the gold medal in Vancouver for Canada in last years Winter Olympics but people are saying that Luongo will become the next Nabokov if he can't get Vancouver a cup. I personally don't think so but one persons opinion doesn't matter. Then again neither do other people's. But if Luongo can't bring that cup home he will have a rough going by fans and analysts to get that playoff monkey off his back. Then there's the other side of the rink where Chicago throws in young netminder Corey Crawford. You might think throwing in a young rookie goaltender is a terrible idea and will not work against Vancouver's potent offense. But the last time Chicago threw in a young, inexperienced goalie was last year with Antti Niemi. They won the cup.

Number 2. The Swedes.

Daniel and Henrik have played hockey together their entire life. That is a ridiculous amount of chemistry for Vancouver. Daniel Sedin being this years leading scorer and Henrik being last years. Their passing and smart plays will make Corey Crawford miserable in the net.

Number 3. The Star First Line.

Chicago has easily one of the best lines in hockey with Toews, Kane, and Sharp. Toews being the leader and great playmaker and Kane and Sharp being the snipers. If they can keep up their season dominance they can really contend with the Sedins on being the best players out there.

Players to watch. Vancouver: Ryan Kesler.

Surprising I know that I didn't pick a Sedin but honestly Ryan Kesler has been huge for Vancouver. He is a great goal scorer and he also plays the powerplay and the penalty kill for Vancouver. He does it all. His health and stamina out there will be huge.

Chicago: Jonathan Toews.

Toews was the Conn Smythe winner last year and racked up points for Chicago on their way to the cup. If he plays like that again they can pull a big upset like the past two years.


Prediction: Despite Chicago's experience and great first line of Toews, Kane, and Sharp, they just haven't done enough to impress me over Vancouver. Vancouver in 6.