Friday, May 11, 2007

You can't score against these goalies in the Eastern Conference, especially in the 2007 NHL Playoffs

Yes, a team from the Eastern Conference will take the 2007 Stanley Cup home. And yep, it'll be the remaining Canadian team in the postseason.

Only four teams remain on the road for the 2007 Stanley Cup. The Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Sabres are playing in the Eastern Conference finals while the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the Detroit Red Wings are settling their differences in the West.

As talented as the Ducks and the Red Wings are, it seems the Eastern Conference has the talent to take home the Stanley Cup this season. Of course, the Detroit Red Wings do have all those Stanley Cup titles and they can score faster than a hiccup but hey, this is about the two remaining goalkeepers in the Eastern Conference playoffs so work with me here.

Let's start with the Cinderella team of the 2007 NHL Playoffs, the Ottawa Senators. The Senators are the only Canadian team remaining in the postseason and the pressure is on them to bring the 2007 Stanley Cup back for home country Canada.

The Ottawa Senators have Ray Emery in front of the goal. The 24-year-old Emery is making his first trip to the conference finals. Last season, he got the starting job from an injured Dominik Hasek after the Olympic break. Emery backstopped the Senators to a first-round victory over Tampa Bay Lightning. But then, in the conference semis, he couldn't hold off the Buffalo Sabres, which took out Ottawa in five games.

This season, Emery won the starting job from high-priced, free-agent pickup Martin Gerber. By season's end, Emery appeared in a career-best 58 games, posting 33 wins, a 2.47 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.

The Buffalo Sabres, on the other hand, have Ryan Miller. Miller is making his second trip to the conference finals. Last season, behind an injury-depleted defense, the former Michigan State star backstopped the Sabres to a Game 7 against the Hurricanes. Despite Miller's best efforts, Buffalo couldn't overcome Carolina in Raleigh.

This season, Miller continued to provide strong goaltending for Lindy Ruff's team. In 63 games, he went 40-16-6 with a 2.73 GAA and a .911 save percentage. He has been just as strong in the first two playoff rounds, going 8-3 with a 2.04 GAA and a .928 save percentage.

Who will win and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals from the 2007 NHL Playoffs? Bet on Bodog for more odds or visit OddsHQ for the best sports betting odds and lines in sports today.

2007 NHL Playoffs 2007 Stanley Cup

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