Goalie matchup: Predators-Ducks

Goldman counters: I firmly believe that the power of a goalie's mind totally trumps the power of their body. No goalie in the world reflects this philosophy better than Ray Emery.

Avascular Necrosis. Even the name sounds like some kind of bone-melting plague from the Middle Ages. This terrible disease, the same one that destroyed Bo Jackson's pro career, was simply no match for Emery. Bedridden for nearly four months after major hip surgery, he never gave up the hope that he might once again stop pucks in the NHL.

That hope slowly turned into potential. Then potential turned into possibility. The possibility then became probability. Probability transformed into probably, and then suddenly turned into definitely the day that Anaheim signed Emery.

Then I watched with a dropped jaw as definitely turned into a trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs as he rattled off seven wins in nine games.

Even though a minor setback might force the Masterton Trophy nominee to miss Game 1, Anaheim has no problem relying on Dan Ellis. He was clutch in their final two games of the season and would love nothing more than to exact revenge on his former team.

Like Ken said in his airtight argument for Rinne, regardless of who plays for the Ducks, they're out-manned and out-skilled. So if the Ducks are to be successful against the Predators, both goalies will have to find a way to out-work their opponent.

That means no sloppy or lazy rebounds and absolutely no softies of any kind.

Even though Rinne dominates in the skills department, there are still a few elements that lend a hand to the E-Team's success. First of all, Emery and Ellis are way more rested. They are also challenging each other for the chance to play more. It's a good old internal duel for glory and fame, and that healthy competition is nothing but a good thing for the Ducks. And let's not forget Jonas Hiller, Anaheim's goalie for much of the season before a bout of vertigo-like symptoms shut him down, is waiting in the wings.

The hidden key to Anaheim's success, however, might be the power of Emery's mind. It's a force with which to be reckoned. He not only has Sugar Ray Leonard reflected on the sides of his mask, but also in his heart and soul. Emery is a true fighter and a real warrior. He doesn't give up on anything, not even when a dreaded bone disease knocks him out.

If he can beat that, he can beat the Predators in a seven-game series. Let's just hope he's healthy enough to do so. If not, I hope Emery injected some of that fight into Ellis' bones.