Quick Glance:
Of all the series involving first or second seeds – and maybe even third seeds – this one seems to be the most ripe for an upset. For one, Bratislava beat Paris four times this season in the six times they played. And Paris seems like they are teetering on being labeled injury prone, perhaps because almost everyone on the team qualifies for membership in France’s senior centers. If the Rouges Eiffels can stay healthy, and if goalie Chris Driedger plays like he has a most of the season, Paris will win. But Bratislava has a very balanced team and they will be hoping to hang in games and then have Paris cast-off Tanner Jaillet come back to haunt his old team. Jaillet is playing better for the Eagles than he did in any of his five seasons with the Rouges Eiffels.
Goalies:
- Bratislava – Tanner Jaillet, 2.65 GAA and .909 save pct.
- Paris – Chris Driedger 2.79 GAA and .900 save pct.
Top Plus/Minus players:
- Bratislava – Talgat Zhailauov +16
- Paris – Ondrej Palat +40
Expert Panel Predictions:
- Commissioner Chuck: Bratislava in 6 games. Kris Letang’s foot injury could really help Bratislava. Their challenge will be preventing Paris’ great defensemen Alex Pietrangelo and Ken Kuusk from connecting with the forwards, but they managed to beat Paris four times this season.
- Rose: Paris in 4 games. You don’t get to be division winners by being worse than the other teams in your division. My mother told me that in 1965. Paris has more skill, better looking players and a smarter general manager. Bye bye, Bratislava.
