Here’s my take on this series between 1 Detroit vs 2 Anaheim:

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This series will feature all three Norris candidates as Ducks’ tandem Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger are set to do battle against Nicklas Lidstrom. The 37 year-old Lidstrom has won the Norris four times during his illustrious 16-year career. The Swede is arguably the best defenseman of his era. In terms of consistency, no one has been better. Offensively and defensively, the Detroit captain has been a tower of strength on the blueline.

Pronger and Niedermayer have also both taken home a Norris in their outstanding careers. Both are perennial All Stars who can impact a game both offensively and defensively. Pronger does it with sheer physicality while Niedermayer does it with effortless skating and speed. They certainly pose a huge challenge to Lidstrom and Co. if they’re to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Just a note. I went 4-for-4 in Round 2 on my site. Not too shabby after an inauspicious first round.

This also is the first time Detroit has seen Anaheim since Giguere stoned them in that shocking first round sweep in 2003.