They are coming off a great season, finishing first overall. They added a lot of Cup experience with the likes of Dan Boyle, Rob Blake, Brad Lukowich and Claude Lemieux, as well as coach Todd McLellan, which will help them during the tough times. The Sharks have no shortage of fire power and four lines that can contribute. Solid in goal with Evgeni Nabokov. Both special teams are terrific.

Their playoff history puts a lot of pressure on them entering this series. They will have to deal with that. There was also a concern that the Sharks were getting pushed around a little, which is why they added Kent Huskins and Travis Moen - from the Ducks of all teams. You can be sure the Ducks will challenge the Sharks physically.

Patrick Marleau. Whenever anything goes wrong with this team, fairly or unfairly, all fingers get pointed his way. He is the captain and needs to lead the way.

The Ducks looked very good in eliminating the Sharks. Jonas Hiller was great in goal, the defence with Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger, was good and tough and moved the puck well. And when the Ryan Getzlaf line was on the ice they most often dominated.

The penalty killing is going to have to improve if they are going to have a chance in this series. A lot of the Ducks' offence comes from a small handful of players - Getzlaf, Perry, Bobby Ryan and Teemu Selanne - so they will need to find some unsung heroes.

Jonas Hiller. Enough said.