A few random observations on the Stanley Cup playoffs:
Grit is still in style. That is what is allowing the Ottawa Senators to be on the verge of sweeping the new-NHL posterchild Buffalo Sabres. Yes the Sens have a line as talented as anyone's in Dany Heatley-Jason Spezza-Daniel Alfredsson, but Ottawa has jam and plenty of it. They also are getting terrific goaltending from Ray Emery.
The Anaheim Ducks have played in-your-face hockey all season ... to the point it could cost them against a Detroit Red Wings team that stocked up on - yes, you've got it - grit at the trade deadline and during this past offseason.
The Ducks' propensity for penalties was largely a non-factor during the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs because their special teams were so good. However, Detroit's have been just as good if not better during the West finals, so Anaheim will have to be more cautious without losing its identity if it wishes to move on.
Before the playoffs, I would have bet a lot of money on the winner of the West winning it all, but not now. It appears Ottawa will have a long break while Anaheim and Detroit likely go six or seven games. Folks, the Stanley Cup Final should be a doozy regardless of which team faces Ottawa. And should Buffalo rally from down three-love in the East finals, that is a whole nother story.
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