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Destiny's darlings Surprising West finalists are mirror images of each otherPosted: Friday May 09, 2003 8:50 PM
Who knew? Cinderella has a twin sister and she lives in the Twin Cities. If the Disney Ducks thought they had the rights to fairy-tale sagas this postseason, they'd better get their copyright attorneys on the case. The Minnesota Wild have crashed the ball that is the Western Conference finals. After the Mighty Ducks dispatched the top two seeds in the West -- the first team to eliminate two foes with more than 100 points in the regular season in the same playoff setting -- the Wild made their own history by becoming the first team to come back from a 3-1 series deficit twice in the same postseason. These two teams appearing in the Conference Final is surprising to everyone. What is less surprising is that they play a similar style and followed the same logic to defeat higher ranked opponents. Both teams skate very well and use their team speed to generate pressure on the puck and quickness in transition on resulting turnovers. Defense is the order of the day for both outfits, and neither is overtly physical, relying instead on impeccable inside positioning in one-on-one battles, with swarming support being central to keeping the puck out of the net. The similarities go beyond style and approach. The mindset and collective spirit emanating from each locker room have the same ring. The players on both sides talk about this being a "special group," with the realization that everyone is contributing to the overall success. Such platitudes as "we realize that we're only as good as the guys beside us" and "we really are playing for one another" that sometimes ring hollow have a genuine air to them when espoused by the Wild and Mighty Ducks. The reason? They are enjoying the moment as they live it. To that end, both head coaches deserve a lot of credit. Jacques Lemaire is widely regarded as the best coach in hockey, and for good reason. What he has done in three seasons in Minnesota is proof positive. Yet Lemaire's demeanor during this playoff run gives a glimpse into the accomplishments of his team. He is taking delight and enjoying the results of his team as much as any feat experienced throughout his storied career. That ability to enjoy the moment while in the midst of the moment is at the heart of the Wild's undying belief. The Mighty Ducks' first-year bench boss, Mike Babcock, likewise has been able to define a unifying bond by "playing each game as if it is the most important." He introduced that theme in the first game of the regular season and the players' embrace is obvious given their fine performance in the second half and stunning run in the playoffs. Babcock's tenacious demeanor gives the Ducks a sense of determination that was lacking in years past. Like Lemaire, Babcock is a stickler for matchups, and that will be a key component of this series, as he diligently tries to get his personnel out in the manner he sees fit. Lemaire will prove to be his stiffest opponent in that regard, as he is the best since Scotty Bowman in deploying his charges based on performance and situation. The biggest difference between the two teams is that the Ducks are riding a definitive top netminder in Jean-Sebastien Giguere, while the Wild employs the only true platoon system in the NHL, alternating Dwayne Roloson and Manny Fernandez with uncanny effectiveness. Other than that, these two teams mirror each other -- with great discipline, attention to detail, speed and depth of character. Right now, it is a magic mirror, as these two teams simultaneously live out a playoff dream. Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for SI.com. Eliot will provide Stanley Cup Playoffs commentary throughout the postseason, and he is also broadcasting the Western Conference finals and Stanley Cup finals for NHL Radio. |
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