Conference Finals

In a series with subplots galore the Sharks face the Flames coached by Darryl Sutter who was fired by the Sharks in the middle of a tremendously disappointing 2002/03 season. In addition Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff started the season as the Sharks back up. This series should be fun and exciting as both finished in last place last season and are now just 4 wins from the Finals. Look for home ice to play a big roll in this series as the Sharks reach unchartered waters in 6 games.

The Lightning have been the most impressive team in the playoffs so far, as the simply crushed the Islanders and skated circles around the Canadiens. In recent years the team most impressive in the early rounds of the playoffs has gone on to win the Stanley Cup. This year that team has been the Lightning weather or not they will go on to bring the Stanley Cup to the Sunshine State remains to be seen. However, they should be able to get past the Flyers, who wont be able to keep up with their speed.