A complete contrast in styles. In keeping with jtuzzi/HFF tradition, the Whalers are a run-and-gun team, loaded with potent scorers. The only offensive weak spot is left wing. In contrast, pitseleh is a rugged, defensive team loaded with winners and playoff experience. That's not to say they don't have scorers - Charlie Conacher is one of the best goal scorers of all-time, and Esposito, Cowley and Ullman is one of the best 1-2-3 centre punches in the draft. If this series is a tight-checking affair, with lots of 3-2 and 2-1 games, advantage Nanaimo. If this series is wide-open, Hartford will be in their element.
I think the goaltending for both teams is great. If Hasek falters or has one of his mood swings, then you can go to legit HHOFer Chuck Rayner. Boy, I bet Bryan Murray wishes he had that option last year. Ron "The Ninja Goalie" Hextall as the No. 3 can be Heaven or Hell. Nanaimo has a six-time Cup champion as their goalie. In the end, that's why I give them the edge in net. You know what you're going to get from Dryden at this time of year. Their backup, Ed Giacomin, might be the best NHL goalie ever without a ring.
Defence is definitely an edge for Nanaimo. HFF worked really hard to improve on his defence from the last draft, which had (gasp) Larry Murphy as its No. 1. But Hartford still doesn't have a No. 1 this time, even though they could have picked Savard, Claguehorn, Clancy, Seibert or Gadsby when they went with Salming. Nanaimo's top two are both better than Salming, and they also have Pronovost, Boucher, Reardon and Hall. One of the best 1-2 punches, and one of the deepest in the draft.
I do like the composition of the defence, with a good blend of skill and toughness, but the absence of the elite, 30-minute per game guy who can take control of a series single-handedly does hurt.
As far as overall defensive play goes, a big edge to Nanaimo here, too. They have a strong checking line, and even the Ullman line will be tough to play against. Hartford doesn't have that shut-down line, a must at this time of year. While it's nice to have the Forsberg-Hejduk tandem together, a guy like Bob Nevin would or even (gulp) Thomas Sandstrom or Russ Courtnall would have looked a lot better in that spot.
HFF's only offensive weakness is on the left side. Nilsson's actually a natural left winger, but he has experience at the other positions. pit's checking lines will be in very tough against the Mikita line. He only won one Cup, but Mikita was a terrific playoff performer. And he'll get involved physically, opening up lots of room for Cournoyer. Selanne has to come up big. His playoff portfolio is less than inspiring. His reputation as a fader is well deserved.
pit's offence isn't as bad as some make it out to be. Picking Naslund in the top 200 was a big mistake. It leaves a gaping hole on the left side behind the very underrated Sweeney Schriner. Punch Broadbent's role on the first line will be to create room for Espo and Schriner. But the real threat on this team is the tandem of Cowley-Conacher on the second line. Forsberg and Pavelich will have to contain that potent duo if Hartford is to win.
At the time, we thought that it might be good for Hartford and Nanaimo to swap coaches. But Hartford has some players who will be right up "The Fog's" alley. Nanaimo isn't the free-wheeling team that Sather would be well-suited to.
