Anaheim v. Buffalo

Watching the Ducks beat up on the Senators makes me realize that this would not have been the Sabres season to win the Stanley Cup anyway. The Ducks have speed and skill, maybe not quite to the extent of Buffalo or Ottawa, but they have the size that will just beat you down over the course of a game, let alone a seven game series. If Anaheim faced Buffalo, I feel that the goaltending matchup would be a wash, with Giguere and Miller being very even. On defense, Buffalo may be better 6 deep, but with Pronger and Scott Neidermayer anchoring the defense, Anaheim would have the edge there. I would call special teams a wash, as neither team had a very good powerplay and the penalty killing, while it is better for Anaheim, has the ability to be there for Buffalo. The forwards are where I believe Anaheim has the real advantage though. Even though Buffalo is known for extremely talented forwards and the big goal scorers in Vanek, Drury, Briere, Afinogenov, Connolly, and Pominville, I feel that that Anaheim has pure lines. McDonald and Selanne anchor the speed and scoring line. The PPG line (Penner, Perry, Getzlaf) are big with lots of skill that can dump it into the zone, but unlike other physical lines, these three can pick up the puck and score. Their defensive checking line (Rob Neidermayer, Pahlsson, Moen) is a true defensive line that dumps it in and hits you, and although they are not known for goal scoring, Moen and Pahlsson have the GWG in the first two games against Ottawa. The 4th line is also providing great energy for Anaheim, something that Buffalo's did not seem to do. Also, for almost the entire playoffs, Lindy Ruff seemed to be juggling lines, and no line seemed to develop true chemistry. I would say it would have been Anaheim in 5.