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April 8, 2008
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
ODDS OF WINNING CUP 50-1 HOW THEY BEAT YOU A relentless forechecking game is Washington’s way of frustrating opponents and creating space. Once that happens, the Capitals’ offense goes to work. Teams focusing primarily on defending Alex Ovechkin pay a price against four lines capable of scoring. HOW THEY’RE EXPOSED Coach Bruce Boudreau’s reliance on the forecheck sometimes results in odd-man rushes against, putting pressure on the goalie. Washington is prone to taking bad penalties – opponents try to rattle winger Alexander Semin into losing his cool – and the penalty kill is sometimes suspect. QUESTION MARK Can captain Chris Clark rehabilitate an injured groin and return to form? Assorted maladies have limited him to 18 games, but he can provide an emotional lift and an offensive boost. His presence allows role players…
CALGARY FLAMES
ODDS OF WINNING CUP 20-1 HOW THEY BEAT YOU Not any one way on a consistent basis. Sometimes, it’s with stifling defense; although, it usually comes down to goaltending. Sometimes, it’s by out-scoring opponents. The Flames are at their best when controlling the tempo with a strong forecheck and creating scoring chances by working the boards and cycling the puck. HOW THEY’RE EXPOSED All too often, the Flames have let the other team dictate the game and get caught stepping outside their game plan, especially if the opposition wants to run-and-gun. For some reason, Calgary often tries to take the easy way out. Their tendency to take foolish penalties hurt them all season. QUESTION MARK You know what to expect from Jarome Iginla, it’s the supporting cast that’s up in the air. Kristian…
OTTAWA SENATORS
ODDS OF WINNING CUP 8-1 HOW THEY BEAT YOU The Senators are an offensive juggernaut when they’re rolling. Daniel Alfredsson is the straw that stirs the drink while Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza are as strong as anybody in the league. If the Sens are going to be successful in the playoffs, it will be with offense. HOW THEY’RE EXPOSED Defense. It’s pretty simple. Since taking over for the fired John Paddock, coach-GM Bryan Murray has tried to bring more structure to the club. The Senators just haven’t played as well defensively as they have in the past. Everybody has to buy in pretty quickly. QUESTION MARK Defensemen Wade Redden and Andrej Meszaros simply have to be better in the playoffs than they have been all season. Both have struggled to find consistency…
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
ODDS OF WINNING CUP 25-1 HOW THEY BEAT YOU The Canucks are a grinding, defense-minded team that relies on the sublime netminding of Roberto Luongo and the scoring of identical twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Luongo is the real key, though, as he is capable of lifting this pretty average group to considerable heights. HOW THEY’RE EXPOSED Coach Alain Vigneault does not have a lot of offensive weapons and the Canucks can be shut down if the twins and Markus Naslund are leaned on physically. The three Swedes aren’t the biggest of men and they sometimes struggle against relentless hitting. Vancouver’s special teams are middling and can also be exploited. QUESTION MARK The Sedins were effectively neutralized in last year’s playoffs by both the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks as they collected a…
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