Ducks, Hawks Advance

Thanks to two Game Six Victories compliments of the Ducks and the Blackhawks, the Western Conference Quarterfinals have come to a close.

In Anaheim, the Ducks were able to oust the President Trophy Winning San Jose Sharks thanks to excellent goaltending and elevated play from their top players.

Ryan Getzlaf continued to lead the charge upfront, registering a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (Goal, Assist, Fight). He dropped the mitts with Thornton just two seconds into the game. As a hockey fan, how can you not love to see each team's top player go at it? It was reminiscent of Iginla and Lecavalier throwing down fisticuffs in the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals.

Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger were dominant from start to finish, in both this game and in the series as a whole.

As much as people are going to label it an upset, and I suppose it is, how many people really thought the Sharks would shake their playoff demons and come out of the west?

Joe Thornton only brought his 'A' Game to the rink in Game Five, Evgeni Nabokov failed to make the crucial stops at key points in the series, and the while the Ducks were able to make the most of their chances, the Sharks just weren't able to bear down.

If you're Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson what's the next move? You're team had the best record in the league during the regular season, but once again failed dismally in the playoffs? Do you move Thornton like the Bruins did? Do you exile Captain Patrick Marleau?

I wouldn't envy being in Dougy Wilson's position right now...

Up in Calgary, the Hawks were able to ride out to another hot start and extinguish the Flames in six.

Just as in Game Five, the Hawks were able to take a sizeable lead going into the second period. Patrick Kane was able to convert a rebound in the slot after Dustin Byfuglien drove the net and redirected a Kris Versteeg pass on net. Byfuglien continued to excel in the first period, hitting Adam Burish driving the net with a slick pass to make the score 2-0 in favor of Chicago. The Hawks didn't look back.

Nikolai Khabibulin had an outstanding performance, stopping 43 of 44 shots to preserve the win.

The Flames had a multitude of problems. Their defense was banged up. No Robyn Regehr. Dion Phaneuf was playing hurt and missed Game Six with a suspected concussion. Jarome Iginla wasn't his usual self. Miikka Kiprusoff got little help, and when he did, he still wasn't that great.

But make no mistake, the Hawks earned this series...

The Western Conference Semi's will look like this:

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks

Two Game Sevens on the dial tonight. The Capitals look to complete their comback over the Rangers on home ice, while the Devils look to cook the Canes in Newark.