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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 2868620" data-attributes="member: 2012">I'm assuming you're kidding. After all, when the Flames made it to the final two years ago, I cheered for the Lightning!I am worried about the long layoff. 11 day between games is too much. The Oilers will likely be a little rusty in game one, buut at least they'll be healthy and rested. The flu bug nearly wiped them out in game 4 agianst the Ducks. It turns out, even Roloson had the flu. <img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/paranoid.png"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":uhoh:" title="Paranoid    :uhoh:" data-shortname=":uhoh:" />However, regardless of rust, I think the Oilers will win one of the 1st two games, before heading back to Edmonton. The question will become whether or not they can win both games at home, against the Canes, who are good road team, especially on the power play.The MAJOR thing the Oilers have going for them is that their penalty killing has been amazing, to say the least. If the Oilers can shut down the Canes powerplay then Carolina is going to be in trouble. (They have been killing 5 on 3's and even a 6 on 3 in game 5 against the Ducks!)Note that the Oilers have been outshot in every series they're played so far, and in the 3 games they managed to outshot their opponents they are 3-0. Thus, the Canes better shoot a lot of pucks at Roloson or this series could be over in 5 or 6 games, in the Oilers favor. (Note that Roli is at his best when face 30 or more shots a game.)Another advantage the Oilers have, is Pronger. He has been a ROCK on the Oilers blueline. Nothing seems to be rattling him. Don't get me wrong, the Canes defense is very good, but they don't have a player like Pronger, who is a gamebreaker. Period.The main things the Canes have going for them is 4 solid lines, a good offensive balance (although their 4th line has only one point), and lots of leadership and experience. It is the experience factor that will make them one of the toughest teams the Oilers have played this year, in the playoffs.Facing the Canes, for the Oilers, will be like facing the best of the Red Wings and San Jose, combined. It will be the toughest challenge of the year, for the boys in blue.This matchup is too close to call, IMO. It will go at least 6 games, and will likely go the full 7. Either team will win, and who wins will depend on special teams. If the Oilers continue to dominate on the penalty kill (and take less penalties) then they will win in 6. If the Canes score on the powerplay then this series will be over in 5, in their favor.However, I expect a very evenly matched series with lots of speed and heavy hitting. Scoring will happen in bunches, but both goalies will be solid. I expect Cam Ward to be Carolina's goaltender for this entire series. Switching goalies only works up to a point. (The Oilers will be ready for any goalie change, having proved that against the Ducks.)In conclusion, I can't really pick a overall favorite, but I think Oilers have the best building in the league, right now, and if the Oilers can steal a game in Carolina then they will win the series in 6. If the series goes to 7 games then history (and the crowd) will favor the Canes.Regardless, it should be a heck of a series between two former WHA franchises. (It is the first time these two teams have played each other since Dec 9th, 2007.) Here's the schedule...Stanley Cup Final 2006Jun. 5 Edmonton at Carolina, 6:00 PM MDT; CBC Jun. 7 Edmonton at Carolina, 6:00 PM MDT; CBC Jun. 10 Carolina at Edmonton, 6:00 PM MDT; CBC & NBC Jun. 12 Carolina at Edmonton, 6:00 PM MDT; CBC & NBC Jun. 14 Edmonton at Carolina, 6:00 PM MDT; CBC & NBC Jun. 17 Carolina at Edmonton, 6:00 PM MDT; CBC & NBC Jun. 19 Edmonton at Carolina, 6:00 PM MDT; CBC & NBC Cheers!Knightfall1972Go Oilers Go!</blockquote>

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