The Last Four Standing

I believe the four remaining teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs clearly are the four best teams in the league.  This will make for an exciting semifinal round.

San Jose versus Vancouver

Vancouver only has three players that have previously advanced to the final round.  Vancouver offense is solid albeit in need of a bigger contribution from the Sedin twins.  Ryan Kessler cannot carry the water alone.  San Jose is getting solid performances from Joe Thornton, Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski but will need Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau to show up.  I like the San Jose forwards.  As for defense, I give the edge to Vancouver.  San Jose has Dan Boyle but there is little depth after him.  Vancouver, led by Kevin Bieksa and Alan Edler, are just more talented defensively.  San Jose goal tending is a bit stronger.  Anti Niemi is coming off a strong series with Detriot.  Roberto Luongo is highly capable, but can he deliver when it counts?

This series will be close, I am picking San Jose.

Boston versus Tampa Bay

From the minute the puck drops, expect the Bruins to be physical.  The Tampa Bay forwards are more talented than the Bruins.  The B's will need to rough up Tampa Bay from the outset, if they don't its going to be a short series.  Zdeno Chara leads the Bruin defense and he is well rested and ready to go.  Chara gets solid supporting help from Dennis Seidenberg.  The Bruin's defense is superior to injury laden Tampa Bay's.   Tim Thomas needs to continue building momentum from his strong regular season and early-round playoff performance.  Another solid series, with the Bruins advancing, and he becomes part of the Conn Smythe conversation.  Duane Roloson is playing terrific and will be well rested - I still give the goal tending advantage to the Bruins.

Barring the unforeseen, the Bruins should take this series. 

Miscellaneous.....is it any wonder the Edmonton Oilers are in the cellar for the past couple of years?  You have to wonder how they judge talent?  They decided not to renew Colin McDonald's contract during the summer of 2010, so what does McDonald do?  He goes out and leads the AHL in scoring.  McDonald would be a good acquisition in June for an NHL team needing a solid defensive minded forward.