Mason’s unproven, but I think “his” bad start was more his team’s bad start than anything else. Even Luongo has to have a team playing well in front of him.

The edge in goal goes to the Canucks, yes; but not as much as you’d think just looking at it “on paper”. As everyone keeps saying, the Blues’ve been playing playoff hockey for a long while now, and they’ve been doing it very well.

On D I think there’re health concerns with Salo and Bieksa, but the edge goes to Vancouver, no doubt. I’m glad you mentioned Jackman because I think he’s an example of an average player with a bit of a nasty edge who’s been thrust into a leading role by circumstance and has reached a level I never would have thought he could reach. I’d compare him now with a Jason Smith or a Francois Beauchemin in their Cup runs when it comes to his overall playing level and his importance to the team.

I think that Canuck fans should be concerned about their forwards because Demitra’s wonky groin (or is it knee? or both?)is always just a tweak away from missing a series, Sundin just hasn’t shown he has it (though he may step it up for the playoffs) and Kessler’s had a monster season but he can’t carry the second line by himself. The Sedins and Burrows are top notch, yes; but in the playoffs where the physical intensity and the checking go up exponentially, if they could be shut down the strain on the second line could be a huge factor.

On the other hand — yes, I have to say it again — the Blues up front remind me so much of the young Oilers of the 80′s it’s unreal. They don’t know how good they are yet and they’re so full of energy and youth they just haven’t seemed to care who they face.

I remember so well watching a Monday afternoon game where they just would not quit against the Bruins in Boston until they completed a huge comeback and won it. And there was another one in Detroit where they just HAD to win and they didn’t quit until they did. I told the TV screen, “Look out for these guys.” after the winner went in against Boston and “I told you so.” after the game in Detroit. (You can’t tell the guys I watch the games with anything, they think they know it all. Fools. Besides, the TV has some great insights.) I give the Blues the edge up front.

Coaching: Blues. Vigneault’s good, but…

Prediction: Blues in 6. “Here we go Blues, here we go…”

(And oh what a season the Blues could have next year…)