PREDICTION: SAN JOSE IN 6
Offense: This series should be an explosive one offensively. Both teams have a slaughterhouse full of ammo. The fact is, San Jose has Thornton-Marleau-Heatley, but Pavelski leads the team in scoring. The fact that they are getting secondary scoring is huge. Meanwhile, Toews leads the NHL in playoff scoring, as expected. But can Chicago get enough secondary scoring to match San Jose? I think not.
Advantage:
SAN JOSE
Defense: Both teams are loaded defensively as well. San Jose has a nice mix of veterans like Rob Blake and Dan Boyle, but also has some unproven younger guys. Chicago has a grittier defense, with guys like Seabrook and Keith. Add in the explosiveness of Brian Campbell and you have a nice core.
Advantage:
CHICAGO
Goaltending: The fact that these two teams made it this far is NOT because of their goaltending. Niemi has been inconsistent and Nabokov hasn't been spectacular.
Advantage: NONE