Forwards: Skating Jabronis gets the nod for real life chemistry. The KLM line and Getzalf-Perry are proven commodities together although as mentioned before, KLM was outside of NHL play. As KIRK pointed out, they did prove it on the international stage against NHL talent, so there is evidence it will be successful. IF the Ovy-Malkin-Tarasenko line can click without giving up too many odd man rushes against, then I give Skating Jabronis the edge up front.
Team Doblett of Fire will push for the following match-ups:
Stevens-Kopitar-Fleury vs Ovechkin-Malkin-Tarasenko
-I am going to alternate between head 2 head Kariya-Sakic-Hossa and the Kopitar line and see which line presents the best fit. I like the idea of the size of Stevens-Kopitar along with Fleury's speed and tenacity against this line. I could see them driving the Malkin line nuts if they can gel and grind in the ozone.
Marleau-Datsyuk-Gartner vs KLM
-I love the idea of Datsyuk against this line. It's going to be a significant challenge no doubt and the goal of this line should be to neutralize KLM, break up their possession, cause turnovers and counter attack with speed. If Datsyuk can get this line near a draw, I feel good about things.
Kariya-Sakic-Hossa vs Giroux-LaFontaine-Recchi
-This will be primary matchup for for Sakic line. This is a damn good 3rd line for Skating Jabronis, but I'll take the matchup and think we win head 2 head.
Duchene-Matthews-Kucherov vs Drury-Getzlaf-Perry
-Potential series x factor although probably give the edge to Getzlaf line due to chemistry and Cup experience.
Defense: I'm biased of course, but I think Doblett of Fire has the better 6 man unit, although Skating Jabronis has the best pairing in the league. One of the keys to this series for Skating Jabronis is to pick their poison in terms of match-ups and how best to utilize that 3rd pairing. Of course, when you can play Lidstrom-Keith 25-30 minutes a night, that problem can by mitigated.
Doblett of Fire feels comfortable throwing any of his 3 pairings out at 20+ minutes a night against any line which allows me to focus more on the center matchups.
Goalies: This is a close matchup and Quick had one dominant Cup run, on a tight defensive unit, but I give Doblett of Fire a slight edge. Holtby has better career playoff stats (GAA and SV%) and proved last year that he can get it done when it counts as Quick has historically proven. Giggy can come in and shut it down if the series dictates it early. Holtby is my starter, but will have a relatively short leash if he's pulled in Giggy take the reigns.
X Factor: Special teams. Both teams PP's will be very dangerous, but Doblett of Fire's PK units are dangerous with some of the best PK goal scorers in NHL history. If Doblett of Fire can put Jabronis PP on their heels with their speed, that could help swing the series.
My personal opinion, biased as it might be, is that this will be a long series.