Was the Sharks/Bruins game a statement game?

So was the Sharks/Bruins game last night a statement game?

I think it was, sort of. But not as much as some are making it out to be. I think San Jose made a statement because both teams brought their “A” game, and as the game went along it was clear San Jose took the upper hand and ran with it. They won and deserved to win. What means more to me in some ways, though, is that they did it on the road. I’d be a lot less impressed with the Sharks game if that game had been played in San Jose — note that San Jose and Detroit have won their home games, but are yet to “break serve” in the other’s building.

But a second look at the Bruins game showed the two teams to be pretty close in skills and capabilities. I certainly don’t think that the win last night means that San Jose would win a series against the Bruins — in fact I think that’d be a pretty darn good and close series if (or when) it happens. I’d choose San Jose to win it today, but heck, that could well change.

But in reality, any combination of San Jose, Detroit and Boston would be some pretty great hockey, and honestly, San Jose would likely have to get through Detroit to get to Boston, and I think it’s a lot harder for whatever team comes out of the West to win that final round than it will be for the eastern team. If (as I expect/hope) the western Final is Detroit/San Jose, I expect that may be the best series in the playoffs — and good luck to the survivor.

Right now, it really looks like the Cup runs through these three teams. The team I’d put in fourth would be Washington, and I’d expect one of those four to win the Cup this year, at least based on the season so far. Below them? In the west, I still like Dallas and Chicago, with Minnesota up there as well. In the east, Montreal, Philly and New Jersey.

For the west, I’m rooting for 6-7-8 to include Calgary, Columbus and Nashville. I’m still unconvinced about Vancouver (but Sundin is waking up, so I can finally end my “no-sundin” embargo here) and Los Angeles are in the mix. I expect Edmonton to fade, Colorado is packing it in, and St. Louis is working their butt off, but simply had too many injuries to overcome. Damn shame, too. My christmas gift to hockey for 2009: that the Blues stay healthy next season.

For the west, honestly, I don’t think 6-7-8 matter. Where there are 10 teams that have a chance to make noise in the west, I’m just not enthused by more than the top five in the east. Good teams, but first round outs. The west is such that there can (and probably will be) significant upsets along the way; I just hope they don’t happen to Detroit or San Jose.

And so on to Pittsburgh, which just hasn’t gotten back in the groove after last year. Sharks better watch out, I expect the pens to see this as a chance to fix things.

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