And-o thinks that Carolina would pretty much be unbeatable by the Habs! In fact, the likes of Brind'Amour and Staal (etc...etc...) would pretty much have their way offensively!
On the other hand, Ottawa has one HUGE weakness ~ goaltending! Hasek's groin is wonky...and Emery is just plain over-rated and over-tired (hence his recent leg problems).
Gang...the Sens could be beaten if the Habs could get a bit of momentum and play a very solid defensive scheme.
If i had to choose, I 'd go with Ottawa. But i believe both can be beaten, ottawa always chokes on playoffs and Carolina is starting to struggle down the stretch. Carolina is beatable, because come playoff time, anything goes and anything can happen, and it does!
And-o respects your views regarding inevitable playoffs surprises...but Carolina (at least in And-o's opinion) would just plain have their way with the Habs!
Look at Carolina's depth...their grit...their talent level. In order to beat them...the Habs would need to play 'lights out' hockey! Huet and/or Abby would need to steal the show and the every line would need to elevate their play!
...let And-o ask this...when was the last seven game stretch where all four lines plays well for the Habs??? ANSWER HONESTLY!!!
good question Ando....i believe it was in the beggining of the year.....Alll lines were rolling, not making amazing plays, but playing mistake free. Thus our 13 - 3 start. Begin was to have a career year. i think he had like 8 goals in the first 30 games.
Both teams are good, the Habs will just have to be better...and they can be. If I had a choice, I'd rather be facing the Bruins Seriously though, I won't pick one or the other, this looks like a case of be careful what you wish for...you just may get what you wished for.