Day 13 Round 1 NHL Playoffs 2009

Two games, two teams in the Western Conference being eliminated in game 6.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames: Chicago wins 4-1 (Chicago wins series 4-2)

The Blackhawks won for the first time on the road this postseason, and what a time it was as they eliminated the Calgary Flames, who have now lost in the first round for the past four years in a row. Chicago, on the other hand, won its first playoff series since 1996. The young Blackhawks will have their work cut out for them, as they have the Vancouver Canucks and Roberto Luongo waiting for them. The signs point to another close series, probably one that should've occured between Calgary and Chicago. But for now, Toews and Kane can relax and celebrate a hard-earned victory, while everyone else wonders what the point of bringing Jokinen to Calgary was.

San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks: Anaheim wins 4-1 (Anaheim wins series 4-2)

The Ducks pulled it off, upsetting the top-seeded team in the NHL playoffs in 6 games. And as a reward, they get to face the defending champion Detroit Red Wings. Still, you have to like the Ducks's odds, at least to be able to take it to a game 7 against the Wings. Jonas Hiller is so far the best goaltender in the playoffs (maybe slightly behind Tim Thomas), and the Getzlaf line is one of the deadliest in the league. And the Ducks probably have the best defensive roster as well. With all that said and the fact that they've already eliminated one powerhouse in the Western Conference, don't think the Ducks will be intimidated moving forward. As for the Sharks, it's another disappointing end and another season of wondering what else they need to add to try and get over that hump.

I'm at least grateful for one thing: I can shave for the first time in two weeks. With that said, Detroit should still blowout Anaheim, because that team will definantly not come out flat in the first two home games. I really don't know who has the upper edge in terms of Vancouver vs Chicago. Vancouver has the better goaltending and defense, but Chicago has a better offensive system (helped greatly by their youth), and the special teams are dead even. Yet, I get the feeling one of the teams will dominate the other.