Eastern Conference Final is Final

Rangers are done. So, it is Senators/Sabres. This is the matchup I've been waiting for. The regular season saw some great games between these two teams. I will get to the point and say the Senators are winning the series.

Sabres weren't too impressive in the Islanders series and were pushed pretty hard by the Rangers. If not for Miller, the Sabres would be golfing right now. But I think it was a case of playing down to your opponent and roster changes from injuries. Sabres know what they are in for and should show up for this series. The other rounds no longer matter.

It is such a great matchup. Both teams feature great depth, incredible skill, defensive scoring, goaltending, and skating. I think the physical edge goes to Ottawa. Sens have checking machines in Neil, Fisher, Volchenkov & Schubert. Skill edge is even, both teams have two lines that can score highlight reel goals and get production from the 3rd and 4th lines. A lot has been said of the Sabres 4th line. It is solid. But the combined strength of Ottawa's 3rd & 4th line equalizes it out. Both teams have defensive scoring and can move the puck up quickly. Speed factor goes to Buffalo, only Anaheim has anything close to the speed of the Sabres. I see the Sabres generating most of their chances off the rush, and the Senators from cycling down low. Goaltending edge goes to Miller. I am a huge Emery fan, and he has elevated his game with each series. But I think Miller is playing better right now.

Not to be too cliche, but special teams will probably make the difference. Both teams have excellent powerplay and penalty kill. Sabres are not hitting on all cylinders on their powerplay and Ottawa's special teams have been excellent, especially the penalty kill. But beside that, I think they are even. Any advantage in this area will be huge.

Bad blood factor will be hyped, but not applicable. No one will take chances with stupid penalties when the stakes are this high. I don't see anyone going after Neil for past hits on Drury or Connolly. Emery will not get in a fight (but that would be kewl to see). But any and all physical play will be hyped-up by the telecasters.

Injuries could be the difference. Neil hurt his knee in game #5. Eaves has not returned since the Penguins series. It may seem wacky for me to say that injuries to 4th line players will hurt Ottawa. But Neil and Eaves are basically Sean Avery with less playing time. They hit everything and create chances through physical play. This cannot be understated in the playoffs. I hope they are both ready to go and at full effectiveness.

Go Sens!