San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks: Series breakdown

Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks

There have been so many playoff disappointments from both clubs over the past 10 years that it’s almost impossible to imagine that one of them will be in the finals.  They have also exorcised some demons this season. 

The Canucks blew a 3-0 lead only to close the door on their arch nemesis Blackhawks in game 7.   The Sharks were also facing a historic choke job as Detroit also washed away a 3-0 lead, but ultimately came up short in game 7 as well. 

Lets break down how these teams compare as they battle in the Conference Championship Series for a shot at the NHL Finals.

Forwards

Before the playoffs started, I would have given the Vancouver Canucks the clear edge in this category.  You had two Hart Trophy winners in the Sedins, a 40+ goal scoring Selke candidate in Kesler, and a nice collection of supporting guys like Burrows, Samuelsson, Higgins, Hansen, and so on.  However, the playoffs haven’t been so friendly to the Sedin twins, Kesler is being asked to do too much, and the role players are either battling slumps or injuries.

For the San Jose Sharks, you have a wealth of legitimate depth and the entire roster is healthy.  The big 3 will continue to be a threat with Thornton, Marleau, and Heatley.  The latter two haven’t been what people have expected, but their mere presence is enough to give the Canucks some sleepless nights.  

Rookie Couture has been on fire all season and is showing us why he is a rising star in this league.  Setoguchi, Clowe, and Pavelski are other game-breakers that all have the ability to light the lamp and turn the game at any point.  

Edge: San Jose

Defense

This is an area that should favor Vancouver, but does it?  Hamhuis and Bieska have surpassed Edler and Ehrhoff as key players in the post-season.  During the year the latter guys have dominated ice time and led the way, but Vigneault has gone with the grittier and more defensive pairing when the game is on the line.  Having said that, if Edler/Ehrhoff are your 2^nd pairing then you know you have a high level of depth on the blueline. 

San Jose boast perennial all-star in Boyle, but guys like Murray take care of the defensive responsibilities to open up room for his offense.  Vlasic and Demers aren’t nearly as physical and could have some trouble with a Canucks aggressive forecheck, but both players are good positionally and technically.  Given the amount of quality depth of both forward groups, mental mistakes rather than physical mistakes, will go a long way in determining this series. 

Edge: None.

Goalies

It might be strange to favor Luongo over Niemi given the circumstances, but there is little denying that Luongo has a higher level of raw talent.  Having said that, he was outplayed by Niemi last year and carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.  Niemi has yet to lose a playoff series in his career and should be able to play a more relaxed game. 

However, Roberto Luongo has finally conquered the dreaded Blackhawks and seems to be playing a confident game too.  Going forward, it could come down to mere puck luck, but for the time being you have to give the nod to the current Vezina Trophy candidate. 

Edge: Vancouver.

Special Teams

The Canucks had much more success killing penalties vs Nashville than they did Chicago, but does that surprise anyone?  Discipline was supposed to be an area that the Canucks improved upon from last year, but they are giving their opponents more power play time than any of the remaining teams.  Look for San Jose to seriously test this unit.

On the flip side, the Sharks closed out the Wings killing off 15 straight power plays.  That is quite the impressive feat given how much talent is throwing around the puck on the Wings power play unit.  

Edge: San Jose

Key Matchup:  Usually the key matchup would be a specific player pairing.  There is no shortage of candidates in this series.  Luongo vs Niemi, Thornton vs Kesler, Sedins vs Clowe’s line, etc, etc.  Yet, given how evenly matched these teams are, the key matchup will be the little things.  San Jose block many more shots than Vancouver, but the Canucks have been much better in the giveaway/takeaway categories.  The Canucks hit more, but San Jose is healthier.  

Edge: None.

Conclusion

So what have we learned?  Anything?  It’s clear that both teams are legitimate Conference finalists.  They were arguably the top two teams in the league, let alone the West.  After evaluating the roster and factoring in the intangibles, it becomes evident that the real NHL betting value lies with the Sharks.

NHL odds makers continue to overprice Vancouver and it’s questionable whether or not they are factoring the injuries into the lines.  The President’s Trophy winners carry most of the pressure.  They have home ice advantage and come into the series as the undisputed consensus pick to win the cup this year. 

Meanwhile, San Jose finally enters a round as the underdog.  After avoiding disaster in the Detroit series, the Sharks should be able to play loose and confident hockey.  

The Canucks might very well win this series and go onto win the cup as expected, but if you are looking for value and a great opportunity to take advantage of the betting odds, you’d be almost crazy to pass on the Sharks.

Series update

The Canucks currently hold a 1-0 series lead after their 3-2 victory over the Sharks Sunday night. The NHL Live Lines show Vancouver as a -155 favorite tonight with the total set at 5.5. 

San Jose will try to tie things up with a win, after they fell behind for the first time in this year's playoffs. While David Lawrence sees the Sharks showing up hungry for game 2, he still isn't convinced that it will be enough to topple the Canucks.