This will be a good one. The battle we have been waiting for. The battle between the two dragon slayers. San Jose took out LA, while St Louis took out Chicago...neither of these teams has won a Stanley Cup or been to the Final in the modern era...One of them will be getting their shot.
On St. Louis vs. San Jose
Both the Blues and Sharks have shown in stretches in these playoffs that they have the ability to dominate. Both teams have speed and scoring and can play shut down hockey...The Sharks, in my opinion have a little more of everything and when the Sharks are playing their best they are a little better than the Blues at their best. But this is a very even series...and will be a very long series as well.
Tarasenko vs. Pavelski is a classic matchup among young stars...Pavelski definitely plays more of a two way game, but Tarasenko is the most explosive player in this series....The Blues defense is the one place I see St Louis holding an edge. In goal, both have been more than good, if not at times great.
I believe this is a long series, but in the end San Jose will move on in 7....
What do you think?
Stamkos back for Game 2 or 3?
Stamkos Skated with a regular jersey...Centering the 4th line. I keep hearing the target is to have him back for Game 3 in Tampa...but Game 2 is a possibility if he is fully ready.. I believe that after winning game 1 the Lightning can rest him for game 2 and get him into game shape more for game 3.