Post by james on Jun 5, 2008 15:41:57 GMT -5
Associated Press
Two past champions collide. The Alberta Flames and the Stockholm Express have beaten all comers, and now clash in the IHL Playoff Final.
The Flames certainly have looked to have the harder path to the promised land. Coming right off a last minute, one goal triumph over powerhouse New York, and before that it was a 7 game marathon against Boston. Will they have enough left in the tank for this epic final?
Ales Hemsky was the star in their game 7, but for the playoffs it's been the story of Daniel Alfredsson, Mats Sundin, Scott Gomez, and big Zdeno Chara. All four will need to be clicking on all cylinders here.
Speedy Justin Williams meanwhile, has been the subject of some scrutiny. His play has not been up to snuff for the first line. Players such as Gary Roberts and PJ Axelsson have been forced to pick up his slack. This is a deep team, and it is that very same depth, and veteran experience that has notched two 7 game victories.
Meanwhile the Express is a different story all together...
Contrast the hard working, marathon series winning Flames to the dominant Express.
First round sweep, second round sweep. 8-0.
Maybe we can end this discussion right here? Is this series a foregone conclusion?
Ilya Kovalchuk looked about as cocky as a man could look being interviewed after scoring the overtime winner to the notch the sweep for the Express over Paris. The goal was his second of the game, and his 9th in the 8 games it took the Express to win 2 rounds.
Kovalchuk clearly believes that Stockholm are on the verge of being a team of destiny. Of having a perfect record in their playoff dominance, and of himself winning the Conn Smythe trophy.
Kovalchuk's brash demeanour seems to represent the godly Stockholm Express, just as Gary Roberts' clutch play and veteran presence seems to represent the hard working Alberta Flames.
It just doesn't seem fair.
Roberto Luongo and Chris Pronger have these smug looks on their faces after every win. They represent greatness, but they also represent perhaps the overconfidence that has been creeping up on this seemingly unbeatable club.
This is it folks. The big hulking unstoppable Stockholm Express, complete with star studded lineup and confidence through their ears, against the hard working, veteran laden Alberta Flames.
Will proud Daniel Alfredsson lay down for another sweep, or will he bang his stick against the ice, get that puck, score an early goal, and build that momentum that will carry his team through?
It ain't going to be easy. But it all starts with game one. If Alberta can somehow notch that first victory in the series. If they can break that perfect playoff record Stockholm holds, well then, we'll have a series.
It all comes down to this.
Two past champions collide. The Alberta Flames and the Stockholm Express have beaten all comers, and now clash in the IHL Playoff Final.
The Flames certainly have looked to have the harder path to the promised land. Coming right off a last minute, one goal triumph over powerhouse New York, and before that it was a 7 game marathon against Boston. Will they have enough left in the tank for this epic final?
Ales Hemsky was the star in their game 7, but for the playoffs it's been the story of Daniel Alfredsson, Mats Sundin, Scott Gomez, and big Zdeno Chara. All four will need to be clicking on all cylinders here.
Speedy Justin Williams meanwhile, has been the subject of some scrutiny. His play has not been up to snuff for the first line. Players such as Gary Roberts and PJ Axelsson have been forced to pick up his slack. This is a deep team, and it is that very same depth, and veteran experience that has notched two 7 game victories.
Meanwhile the Express is a different story all together...
Contrast the hard working, marathon series winning Flames to the dominant Express.
First round sweep, second round sweep. 8-0.
Maybe we can end this discussion right here? Is this series a foregone conclusion?
Ilya Kovalchuk looked about as cocky as a man could look being interviewed after scoring the overtime winner to the notch the sweep for the Express over Paris. The goal was his second of the game, and his 9th in the 8 games it took the Express to win 2 rounds.
Kovalchuk clearly believes that Stockholm are on the verge of being a team of destiny. Of having a perfect record in their playoff dominance, and of himself winning the Conn Smythe trophy.
Kovalchuk's brash demeanour seems to represent the godly Stockholm Express, just as Gary Roberts' clutch play and veteran presence seems to represent the hard working Alberta Flames.
It just doesn't seem fair.
Roberto Luongo and Chris Pronger have these smug looks on their faces after every win. They represent greatness, but they also represent perhaps the overconfidence that has been creeping up on this seemingly unbeatable club.
This is it folks. The big hulking unstoppable Stockholm Express, complete with star studded lineup and confidence through their ears, against the hard working, veteran laden Alberta Flames.
Will proud Daniel Alfredsson lay down for another sweep, or will he bang his stick against the ice, get that puck, score an early goal, and build that momentum that will carry his team through?
It ain't going to be easy. But it all starts with game one. If Alberta can somehow notch that first victory in the series. If they can break that perfect playoff record Stockholm holds, well then, we'll have a series.
It all comes down to this.