Canucks vs Predators - NHL Playoffs - Western Conference Semi-Final

This is it! 1,230 games have been completed and the 2nd season begins. 16 teams participate and 1 will hoist the most coveted trophy in professional sports: the Stanley Cup. This is one of the toughest tournaments in the world and P&B will be your round by round guide.

(Photo via sports.yahoo.com)

1

VS

5

2011 Season Series:

Tied at 2

What's the Story?:

Nashville is the only team in the West to take out a higher seed in the first round. They knocked the top heavy 4th seeded Ducks in 6 games and accomplished a franchise first: won a playoff series.
Trade deadline acquisition Mike Fisher has stepped up his game with 3 goals and continues to bring a strong 2-way game. Offensive catalyst Martin Erat was injured against Anaheim, but is back in the lineup for game 1. The Preds brought a balanced attack into the playoffs and look for them to get contributions from all lines.

No rest for the wicked. The Canucks finished off the Hawks in dramatic fashion in game 7. It took overtime to eliminate the resilient Stanley Cup winners, which doesn't help Vancouver either emotionally or physically. The NHL scheduled game 1 of this series less than 48 hours after their series clinching win. They are facing a well rested Predators team that would love to take a split home to Nashville. If the Canucks are a team of destiny, this will be another great test as the Preds are a very inspired and motivated club.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Pick a Winner:

Will Kesler find his scoring touch back after going goalless in 7 games? Can Rinne bring his GAA below 3? Are the Sedins going to produce in the clutch? Are the Vancouver Green Men wearing underwear?

Key Playas and Pretendas to Watch:

Predators Playas: Fisher, Weber, Cheechoo, Erat
Predators Pretendas: O'Brien, Dumont

Canucks Playas: Sedins, Burrows, Kesler, Luongo, Edler
Canucks Pretendas: Samuelsson, Hanson

P&B Prediction: 

I can see the Preds taking one of the first 2 games in Vancouver, but the Canucks will come back to earth after winning the Blackhawkey Cup and will win it in 6.

-Paqman