Miles better than Chicago and Carolina and a cut above Pittsburgh.
Anaheim was the toughest match-up for Detroit because they play killer defense and are very physical. Chicago plays too loose, has a weak goaltender, and not enough stars.
Pittsburgh is not as good as they were last season when they had Hossa. Kunitz has missed a lot of opportunities and Guerin is not the scorer that Hossa was. Gonchar is not playing at 100% and won't be and he is Pittsburgh's only offensive threat for a defenseman.
Carolina is just not good and I am somewhat surprised they made it this far. Never thought they would get past New Jersey in the first round.
Anaheim was the toughest match-up for Detroit because they play killer defense and are very physical. Chicago plays too loose, has a weak goaltender, and not enough stars.
Pittsburgh is not as good as they were last season when they had Hossa. Kunitz has missed a lot of opportunities and Guerin is not the scorer that Hossa was. Gonchar is not playing at 100% and won't be and he is Pittsburgh's only offensive threat for a defenseman.
Carolina is just not good and I am somewhat surprised they made it this far. Never thought they would get past New Jersey in the first round.