Out of nowhere

Matchup no one expected could surprise people

Everyone was expecting this matchup, right? Hardly. But now that it is upon us, this Carolina-Montreal series has a chance to be very exciting, since both of these teams share several attributes beyond their impressive first-round victories.

Carolina pulled off the rare feat of winning a series by splitting the goaltending duties. Kevin Weekes stepped in when Arturs Irbe's play fell off and dazzled in back-to-back wins to close out the Devils -- all this in his first NHL playoff duty. Depending on how the series unfolds, Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice already is on record as saying that both goalies could see duty in this series.

That is in stark contrast to the Habs' situation with goaltender Jose Theodore. He was sensational all season long and then brilliant in Games 5 and 6 in beating the Bruins. No decision making is needed here for Canadiens coach Michel Therrien, as his team will be as successful to the extent that Theodore continues to shine.

For the 'Canes, their shining area of significant improvement this year is on the blueline. Carolina is more mobile with the addition of Bret Hedican and more physical with Aaron Ward onboard. Also, the addition of Sean Hill and his right-handed point shot helped elevate the Carolina power play. Much of the Hurricanes' offense all season was predicated on power-play production and that trend continued into the playoffs, as they scored three monumental power-play goals in the first round, including the series-clinching goal in Game 6. Overall, the better blend of puck-moving skills and pugnacious tendencies make the Hurricanes swifter in transition and tougher in their end of the ice.

Montreal's defensemen, on the other hand, all skate well, helping them overcome their collective underwhelming size. The Sheldon Souray-Stephane Quintal tandem anchors the group, but Patrice Brisebois and Karl Dykhuis also are reliable in the stopper role. Their quickness means they effectively get to loose pucks, as well as providing the potential for backline support on the attack. Their relative lack of size, though, hampers their ability to establish and maintain body position in and around their net, which leads to many putback situations for Theodore.

Offensively, these teams have many similarities: outstanding faceoff men, sage veteran leadership and small, speedy wingers. In the face-off circle, Montreal has Doug Gilmour and Yanic Perreault, the latter being the most efficient man on the draw in the NHL. Carolina counters with the best team winning percentage in the circle, led by Ron Francis and Rod Brind'Amour.

Habs captain Saku Koivu and Donald Audette provide Montreal's outside speed, with Sami Kapanen and Martin Gelinas doing likewise for the Hurricanes. Gilmour is a rejuvenated leader for the Habs, with Francis living up to his "Ronnie Franchise" description. Still, in a matchup of teams that are patient, disciplined and counter-punching in their approach, even-strength offense provided by the third lines might decide it. Carolina's third unit of Gelinas-Josef Vasicek-Jaroslav Svoboda will do battle with Montreal's No. 3 trio of Chad Kilger-Joe Juneau-Andreas Dackell.

It certainly seems fitting that previously little-known performers would play a pivotal role in this unexpected, albeit potentially entertaining, series.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason for CNNSI.com.

 

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