Western Conference Finals

Throw out the season series between these two rivals. It's playoff time and this one should be a dandy.

Vancouver Canucks (4) - (49-21-3-9 - 110 pts) vs Edmonton Oilers (1) - (57-19-1-5 - 120 pts)

Season Series: 5-1-1-1 Vancouver

I found Sebastiano Loconte's post on calling his team the underdogs in this series interesting. I'm wondering on the mindset that this will have on his team. Is the GM showing a lack of confidence in his President Trophy champion team? Or is there something up Mr.Loconte's sleeve? I know a couple players who aren't lacking confidence on this team and that's the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Artemi Panarin. The league's mvp while second in team scoring is undoubtedly the leader in Edmonton. Is there anything that he does in normal speed? At least on the ice he's a marvel to watch. While defensemen are trying to figure out how to slow him down, Panarin offers a dual threat with his ability to find the open ice while everyone is focused on McDavid. Who's really surprised me on the first line however is Mitch Marner. Replacing Nikita Kucherov on the right side, Marner has showed puck management and distribution. It's nice to be able to have such nice linemates to play with. Mitch has died and gone to heaven and has been exceptional replacing Kucherov. Not that Nikita Kucherov is sulking, coming back from his injury he has settled in on the second line with Elias Petersson and Anthony Mantha. Size, speed and scoring best describes this line and they'll give Vancouver plenty to think about. Zach Werenski and Darnell Nurse blossomed in the series against the Jets. Whether with physical play or joining the rush, these two have just carried on from their excellent regular season. Of course none of this is possible without the incredible Connor Hellebuyck. 8-4 with a 1.82 GAA and a. 920% along with two shutouts, I don't see why Sebastiano would consider his team underdogs when he has the edge in goal. Hellebuyck has been fantastic and showed his brilliance especially in game seven against Winnipeg stamping out all chances thrown his way. I'm sure he's savoring another challenge and a chance to show why he was the runner up for the Vezina Trophy.

It's arguably to say that this will be the toughest test so far for Vancouver with respect to Anaheim and Dallas. The Canucks have looked dominant throughout the playoffs and that should be as expected. Leading the way is none other than super pest Brad Marchand. Marchand leads all players in playoff scoring with 7 goals and 16 points. It's not only his skill that sets him apart. He's a pain in the you know what to play against and at getting under your skin there's really no better. He's the player you love to hate but would adore if he's on your team. Leadership, scoring, experience and the will to win are traits his teammates have come to respect from him. He's not alone though, Alexander Ovechkin has started warm up and that doesn't bode well for the Oilers. Everyone knows how he likes to score goals but it's his bruising physical play that impressed me. Who also has impressed is Taylor Hall. His nine points in his last six games tells me that head coach Travis Green was right moving him to the top line. Roman Josi and his smooth skating style only compliments the offense and you know he gets the "Green" light to join in the rush any chance he gets. His partner Mark Giordano appears to be enjoying himself alongside Josi and his 10 points in 12 games is evidence of that. The story though for Vancouver has been the play of goaltender Tristan Jarry. Aquired from Boston for Zach Whitecloud, Ilya Sorokin, VAN 19 Rnd 3, VAN 19 Rnd 4, Jarry has more than shown he's capable of being a number one goaltender. He's handled the pressure of being in the playoffs and has won six games in a row. A 1.57 GAA along with a sparkling .933% has him playing his best hockey and it couldn't come at a better time. He's wrestled the net away from Jordan Binnington and that's no easy task. This should be a classic series and there will be family bragging rights at stake. Let's get ready to rumble!!

Prediction: Vancouver in six