This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
The West could rest but the East was definitely not least. Hockey's second stage produced five overtimes, two blowouts, one brave comeback, and one not-so-much comeback.
Minnesota came in confident but left deflated. All their speed and determination could not match Chicago's experience and timeliness. Calgary also entered the second round with high hopes but they were quickly extinguished by wave after wave of Anaheim attack.
But the real stories developed on the right side of the continent. Down 3-0, Montreal just wouldn't say die until Tampa put it back into overdrive. And while Washington were determined to stick it to their Metropolitan Division rivals, the Rangers roared back to strike in overtime of Game 7.
Let's reveal the future. But first, a few questions: Are the Ducks truly unstoppable? Or will the Blackhawks find a way through? Can the Rangers continue to summon the spirit of '94? Or will the Lightning overtake their seat of power?
CONFERENCE FINALS PREVIEW
Western Conference
Anaheim (P1) vs. Chicago (C3) (Season series: Chicago 2-1)
Who to watch: It's next to impossible to contain Corey Perry (leads all NHLers with 15 points), though it's fun to try. The important games are the reason Ryan Kesler was acquired (nine, 63.7 percent success rate on faceoffs). Matt Beleskey only scores goals but he's darn good at it (five). No signs of slowing down for Jakob Silfverberg (add five more from the Calgary series). Both Francois Beauchemin and Cam Fowler (at three PPPs apiece) are healthy contributors
The West could rest but the East was definitely not least. Hockey's second stage produced five overtimes, two blowouts, one brave comeback, and one not-so-much comeback.
Minnesota came in confident but left deflated. All their speed and determination could not match Chicago's experience and timeliness. Calgary also entered the second round with high hopes but they were quickly extinguished by wave after wave of Anaheim attack.
But the real stories developed on the right side of the continent. Down 3-0, Montreal just wouldn't say die until Tampa put it back into overdrive. And while Washington were determined to stick it to their Metropolitan Division rivals, the Rangers roared back to strike in overtime of Game 7.
Let's reveal the future. But first, a few questions: Are the Ducks truly unstoppable? Or will the Blackhawks find a way through? Can the Rangers continue to summon the spirit of '94? Or will the Lightning overtake their seat of power?
CONFERENCE FINALS PREVIEW
Western Conference
Anaheim (P1) vs. Chicago (C3) (Season series: Chicago 2-1)
Who to watch: It's next to impossible to contain Corey Perry (leads all NHLers with 15 points), though it's fun to try. The important games are the reason Ryan Kesler was acquired (nine, 63.7 percent success rate on faceoffs). Matt Beleskey only scores goals but he's darn good at it (five). No signs of slowing down for Jakob Silfverberg (add five more from the Calgary series). Both Francois Beauchemin and Cam Fowler (at three PPPs apiece) are healthy contributors on the power-play. Who needs John Gibson (flu) when Frederik Andersen (1.96 GAA, .925 SV%) is running the table? ... No secret how much the Hawks missed Patrick Kane (13) those last six weeks of the regular season. Can Marian Hossa (eight) make it back to yet another Cup Final (this would be his fifth)? Andrew Shaw has supplemented his rough stuff (34 PIM) with some actual offense (all five versus Minnesota). Bryan Bickell (four assists) may not be the playoff wizard he used to be (27 combined the last two years), but he can dish out the pain (far and away tops on the club with 64 hits) as good as anyone. Brent Seabrook (three goals, two assists) may never receive the spotlight, but his value cannot be quantified. After a couple setbacks in Round 1, Corey Crawford (2.60 GAA, .916 SV% total after 4.19 and .850 against Nashville) settled in and took over.
Prediction: Anaheim returns to this stage for the first time since winning it all in 2007, while Chicago are here for the third straight season. The Ducks may be the current juggernaut but there's something to be said for consistent achievement. Both clubs enter on fire but this one will be decided in the air rather than by sea ... Chicago in six.
Eastern Conference
N.Y. Rangers (M1) vs. Tampa Bay (A2) (Season series: Tampa Bay 3-0)
Who to watch: Perhaps Derek Stepan (eight, OT series-winner on Wednesday) is following in the footsteps of Stephane Matteau (two OT deciders over Jersey in 1994) when it comes to franchise folklore. Chris Kreider (five goals) knows his role. Martin St. Louis (four) is approaching 40 but he battles like a much younger man. It would be naïve to believe Jesper Fast (goal, three assists against Washington) could stay on the second unit but everyone might as well enjoy it for now. Dan Boyle (two goals, two assists) took a hard hit in the last one but will be available for his standard supplemental submission. And where would the Blueshirts be without Henrik Lundqvist (1.60 GAA, .944 SV%)? ... Nice to see Steven Stamkos (10, points in five straight) back in the groove. Nikita Kucherov may have had a rough time with Detroit (four assists), but no such worries with Montreal (six goals, assist). It's reassuring to have a third-line center like Valtteri Filppula (six, including three PPPs), who adds leadership and experience. As if 6-foot-7 Brian Boyle (goal, assist) was out there for his deft scoring touch. Anton Stralman may be a bit behind the pace (five) but his physical play should be noted (leads Tampa D with 29 hits). As much as he is maligned for his occasional hiccups, Ben Bishop (1.81 GAA, .931 SV%) brings his A-game more often than not.
Prediction: Despite New York's continued lack of scoring (averaging 1.91 goals), it pulls together and finds a way to get the W. Oh yeah, and there's that Lundqvist guy who shuts the door at criticial moments. The Bolts look solid and they may have already toppled one elite goaltender but don't expect them to notch the second ... Rangers in seven.
CONN SMYTHE CANDIDATES
As we progress through the postseason, MVP choices become clearer. The netminders once again occupy most of the slots but two forwards -- including an undrafted dynamo -- have stepped up as the clear leaders on their teams:
1. Tyler Johnson
2. Henrik Lundqvist
3. Corey Perry
4. Corey Crawford
5. Frederik Andersen
Are you ready for more excitement? Excellent. Just don't use up all your energy before the Final.
