Hockey News Finals Analysis (gens C)

[jrodimus]

It's come to this-the long road to the gens C season ends here:

#1 Montreal(SEBE) vs. #3 Calgary(Jrodimus)

Reg season record-

Montreal 31-6-1-2(1st overall)

Calgary 28-9-1-2(T 4th overall)

Head to head- 4-4(TIE)

Here's how they stack up:

Offense

As mentioned in the last analysis, Montreal's offense is deadly, leading the entire league in goals. Stephan Lebeau's line has performed consistently in the playoffs, scoring timely goals for the habs. The Flames scored well throughout the season, ending up 3rd in the league in scoring with 165 goals. Diminutive Theoren Fleury leads the rush, with a supporting cast that includes power forward Gary Roberts with Joe Niewendyk sharing RW duties with Robert Reichel.

Advantage: Habs

Defense

The Canadiens dominated on the defensive side of things in the regular season as well, pacing the league with a stingy 88 goals against. The story has been a little different in the playoffs, however, as the Habs had trouble keeping the puck out of the net against a powerful Nordiques team last series. The Flames have a solid defense, giving up just over 2.5 goals a game in the regular season. Hard hitting Gary Suter keeps opponents in check along with Mr. Slapshot Al Macinnis.

Advantage: Habs

Goaltending

Other than Ed Belfour(who missed the playoffs), Montreal has the best money goaltender in the league in Roy. He makes the big saves when it counts, evidenced by the Canadiens comeback from the brink of elimination last round. Roy's record in elimination games this post-season is 3-0. Mike Vernon has been a rock for the Flames this season. While he has a tendency to be shaky some games, he has stepped up his game in the playoffs.

Advantage: Habs

Coaching

Sebe, coach of the Canadiens, knows how to stay calm behind the bench. When most coaches would've hit the panic button after falling down 3-1 in a playoff series, Sebe and his team dug in and played one game at a time to come back and win the series. He's an intelligent coach who can analyze his opponents' weaknesses mid-game and make adjustments. Jrodimus is definitely the "loose cannon" between these two coaches. Although a smart, well-equipped coach, his fiery style behind the bench pays dividends for his team as often as it hurts them.

Advantage: Even

Intangibles

After finishing their seven-game war with the Nordique, the Canadiens know not to underestimate their opponent early on as it almost cost them a series. However, they have had quite a long layoff since winning their Conference final, beating the Nords almost two weeks ago. Rust may be an issue. After dispatching division rival Vancouver(who many predicted would be in the final) in six games, the Flames are definitely battle tested and running on all cylinders. Calgary is a streaky bunch-they can look either unbeatable or dreadful from game to game.

Advantage: Flames

What Montreal needs to do to win: Play their game. Find and exploit holes in the Calgary defense. Score a few quick goals early and frustrate the Flames.

Game breaker: Roy

What Calgary needs to do to win: Theoren Fleury needs to be everywhere-offense, defense even making a few saves if he has to. Shut down Montreal's passing lanes and not give them time and space to set up on offense.

Game breaker: Fleury

Prediction: This will be a hard fought series, but Montreal will be too much for the Flames. Habs in six.

[Sebe_The_Legend]

Excellent analysis once again. The guys are coming of a great comeback against a very tough Quebec team. They showed a lot of heart and the depth and experience really showed in those later games. The flames are coming off a well earned series victory, against a very strong Canucks team. The flames have proven playoff performers and are very capable of winning the ultimate prize. Should be a very exciting series.