2009 Stanley Cup Western Conference Semifinals

As of the results of last night games, the Western Conference match ups are set.  In my picks in the West, I was 2-2.  I have to congratulate myself in predicting the Calgary-Chicago series result correctly, Chicago in 6.  But, I did not too well with Anaheim-San Jose or St Louis-Vancouver series.  So, I picked the wrong upset team, Anaheim.  No big deal.  The next round will begin later this week and excitement will continue to build. Here are match-ups:

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(8) Anaheim Ducks vs. (2) Detroit Red Wings
Game 1  Friday at Joe Louis Arena

A rematch of 2007.  The past two champions meeting in a conference semifinal matchup.  This should be an interesting series to watch.  The Duck may be a challenge to the Red Wings.  If the Ducks play their hard hitting style, they could give the Red Wings fits.  And if the Red Wings do not get playoff goaltending, this series may play right into the Ducks’ hands. ho But, I still like the Red Wings in six.

(4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (3) Vancouver Canucks
Game 1 Thursday at GM Place

The Blackhawks have been impressive at home in their seires with Calgary  But, this time around they do not have home ice. Their play and victory on Monday, they may be able to steal this series.  In the prediction scenarios discussed on NHL.com prior to the playoffs, the Blackhawks were document to have the ability to advance to Finals.  But, can you trust a computer?  Well, as I have watched the Calgary-Chicago series, the Hawks can do it with their speed and discipline.  But, Vancouver plays a similar style and have an excellent goaltender as well.   It will be a difficult series.  This series will go seven, but the Hawks will prevail.

I forsee an Original Six matchup in the Western Conference Finals.

NHL 2009 Selke Trophy Nominees

NHL.com announced the 2009 Selke Trophy nominees for top defensive forward.  They are:

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers

Well, another group of hard working forwards who deserve this award.  Pavel Datysuk is the favorite in this category.  While Ryan Kesler and Mike Richards as detailed in the NHL story are the bruising and hitting type forwards, they are no where at the same level as Datysuk in skills to get the puck away from the opposing player.  This  skill will get Datysuk this award again for the second straight year.

Here is the updated 2009 NHL awards nominees schedule and links:

WED, APRIL 22: Calder Trophy (top rookie)
THU, APRIL 23: Norris Trophy (top defenseman)
FRI, APRIL 24: Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship)
MON, APRIL 27: Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)
TUE, APRIL 28: Selke Trophy (top defensive forward)
WED, APRIL 29: Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
THU, APRIL 30: Masterton Trophy (perseverance)
FRI, MAY 1: Adams Award (Coach of the Year)
MON, MAY 4: NHL Foundation Award (contributions)

Don’t forget the watch the award show at the end of the second season.

The 2009 NHL Awards will be broadcast live from the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel Las Vegas on June 18 on VERSUS in the United States and CBC in Canada. Tickets to the 2009 NHL Awards are on sale at ticketmaster.com/nhlawards and at the Pearl Concert Theater Box Office.