Western Conference Semifinals #1. Vancouver vs. #5. Nashville.

Vancouver almost choked and fell to history as they lost a 3-0 series lead but, fortunately for them, won game 7, while Nashville won their first playoff series in team history. (Also they have Carrie Underwood as a fan.) Here are my 3 keys to the series.

Number 1: Rest or Rust?

Vancouver played 2 nights ago in a fantastic series win. They are start game 1 tonight against Nashville. Nashville on the other hand had more time to rest. Or did they rust? The question of all questions. Is having more time to rest better? We will find out with how Nashville does.

Number 2: Sedins M.I.A.

Sure games 1, 2, and 3 the Sedins were huge. Then the rest of the series, including the Canucks game 7 win, the Sedins were mediocre at best. The biggest players arguably in the NHL went missing. That is not good at all for Vancouver. They need to find their game or this could be ugly.

Number 3: Shea Weber (and his beard.)

You guys know that Shea Weber's slapshot has it's own Twitter account? Weird right? No. Not weird. His slap shot is incredible. Strikes fear into the hearts of goalies around the NHL. But enough of his slapshot. His defensive talent is incredible. Notice above how I said the Sedin's went missing. Do you want to know why they went missing? They went missing because Chicago played tough, physical defense. Guess what Nashville plays? Tough, physical defense. They keep that up and Vancouver could be in for a lot of trouble.

Players to Watch

Vancouver-Roberto Luongo.

"Luuuuuuuuuu" wasn't to hot for most of the series against Chicago except for game 7. He has had playoff struggles in the past against Chicago so many Canucks fans are hoping that was the only issue. If he struggles against a Nashville team with something to prove, they might not be so lucky to get out of the series alive.


Nashville-Pekka Rinne

He stood on his head in the first series and played very well to shut down Corey Perry and the Ducks. However, despite Vancouver not having Corey Perry they are still more talented offensively. Rinne better be ready for a strong offensive attack or Vancouver will skate circles around him and win easily.

Prediction

Vancouver did not impress me enough to win this series when Nashville has something to prove. UPSET SPECIAL! Nashville in 6.