Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
Montreal (8) vs. Philadelphia (7) - Montreal in 7 Games
After going an impressive 0-4 in the last round I've lost confidence in my picks. I've killed it the last two years and this year is absolutely brutal. I don't have the slightest amount of confidence in my picks for this round and in fact I flipped a coin. I believe Montreal is the real deal. After taking out arguably the two favourites in the East, the Habs are looking confident. Halak has been absolutely unconscious in goal and Cammalleri (one of my personal favourites) has been incredible. Philly is coming off a historic comeback from 0-3 down in their series versus Boston and they also look good. Goaltending could be an issue as Michael Leighton hasn't looked completely comfortable in goal. This should be an entertaining series.
Western Conference
Chicago (2) vs. San Jose (1) - San Jose in 6 Games
With Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau finally pulling their weight, Danny Heatley will need to step up too. If San Jose gets both of their top lines rolling they`ll be a hard group to stop even with Chicago`s impressive blue-line. I`d like to see Chicago take the Cup this year, but it just seems like it`s San Jose`s year. This should be an offensive series with a ton of scoring. With each team having All-Star lineups this could be one of the more entertaining series in these playoffs.
Conference Semi-Finals
Eastern Conference
Philadelphia (7) vs. Boston (6) - Boston in 7 Games
After a brilliant first round by both of these franchises in which both knocked out top-three teams this should be one of the more entertaining series in these Playoffs. Although they beat the Devils handily in five games, the Flyers lost some key players in the first round. Gagne and Carter are both out with foot injuries and Laperierre is likely done for the season after a puck struck him in the face. The Bruins on the other hand add a key player to the lineup as Marc Savard returns from a concussion. The goaltending of Tuukka Rask along with the addition of Savard and the three key Philadelphia injuries will be the difference in this one.
Montreal (8) vs. Pittsburgh (4) - Pittsburgh in 6 Games
What an upset! Much respect to the Montreal Canadiens for their first round upset over the Washington Capitals. Halak stood on his head and Gill and company were fearless blocking shots. This should be a great series: Sidney Crosby versus his childhood team. Crosby and the Penguins played a solid first round but didn't look like the Stanley Cup team of last year. Pittsburgh will need contributions from everyone, especially Crosby, Malkin and Gonchar. Look for Sidney to step up and carry his team in this one.
Western Conference
Detroit (5) vs. San Jose (1) - Detroit in 6 Games
Neither team dominated their first-round matchups; in fact there were points where it looked likely that both would make an early exit. Nonetheless they both pulled out victories and will need to step-up to continue on. It's been said again and again but where have Joe Thornton and Danny Heatley been? If not for Pavelski and Setoguchi the Sharks would be playing golf right now. Years of disappointment have lead to a lack-of-confidence in the Sharks and it doesn't help that they lost the season series 3-1 to the Wings. The "Two-Headed Monster" along with the "Mule" will have a big impact on this series and may be too much for the Sharks to handle in a best-of-seven series.
Vancouver (3) vs. Chicago (2) - Vancouver in 7 Games
I don't really have faith in the Canucks, nor do I really like the team, but their first round versus the Kings was impressive. Chicago on the other hand wasn't overly impressive versus the Predators in the first round. Luongo will need to shine in this one for the Canucks to have a change and I believe that he will for the most part. You can count on one bad game by Captain Canuck, but he will be solid overall through this series. The Sedin twins have really matured over the last year, one of them having won the Art Ross Trophy this season (I'm not sure which one, they're interchangeable really) and they should be dominant in this series. I hope the 'Hawks win because I enjoy watching them, but I think Vancouver will take this one.
Conference Quarter-Finals
Eastern Conference
Ottawa (5) vs. Pittsburgh (4) - Pittsburgh in 6 Games
As much as I despise the very existence of the Ottawa Senators, don't expect them to be taken out quickly. The Pittsburgh Penguins haven't been the powerhouse team they've been the last few years. Sidney Crosby was all but forced to shoot the puck more this season as he hasn't had much help around him. Ottawa has been good of late. Spezza is putting the puck in the net more and they need him to step-up in the Playoffs for them to have a chance.
Boston (6) vs. Buffalo (3) - Buffalo in 6 Games
The Bruins have some depth in net, but although Tuukka Rask had the best save percentage in the NHL, he'll be no match for Ryan Miller. If the Sabres can put the puck in the opposing team's goal they'll be hard to beat as Miller may be the best goaltender in the world right now. Vanek needs to score goals like he's paid to do and the Sabres should come out on top in this one.
Philadelphia (7) vs. New Jersey (2) - Philadelphia in 7 Games
I've changed my mind about this series multiple times and I'm not sold either way. I'm going to go with my initial instincts and go with the Flyers. Philadelphia is coming into the Playoffs with a healthier roster than they've had all season long. Even the addition of Ilya Kovalchuk and the presence of Martin Brodeur in goal won't be able to complete with a healthy Flyers lineup. There is too much depth in their roster and they took five of six regular season games against the Devils.
Montreal (8) vs. Washington (1) - Washington in 5 Games
I hope to see a sweep here, but I think the Habs will squeak out a (single) win in this series. Washington's firepower will be too much for the Canadiens to handle and this won't end up being much of a series. I don't think goaltending will end up being a major issue for the Capitals in this series.
Western Conference
Detroit (5) vs. Phoenix (4) - Detroit in 6 Games
The Coyotes have been a pleasant surprise this season and their goaltending has been superb. That being said, the Red Wings have been on fire of late and given their veteran presence they should dominate this series. The Coyotes will put up a fight, but they'll be no match for the Datsyuk, Zetterberg and the Wings.
Los Angeles (6) vs. Vancouver (3) - Vancouver in 7 Games
This series can go either way. Vancouver went 38-3 at home this season which is more than impressive, but the young Los Angeles Kings could potentially prevail in what I think will be the best series of the first round. If Luongo can keep it together the Canucks will come out on top in this series. That's a big 'if'.
Nashville (7) vs. Chicago (2) - Chicago in 5 Games
Chicago's young gunning squad should own the puck in this series and win it handily. The key will be their control of the puck and staying away from Shea Weber in the offensive zone. If the regular season was any signal, the 'Hawks have the potential to go far in these playoffs.
Colorado (8) vs. San Jose (1) - San Jose in 5 Games
Don't expect a sweep here, but the underachieving Sharks need to build momentum and confidence against the Avalanche if they hope to have any chance at their first Stanley Cup. The Sharks have been favoured the past few seasons and have choked every time. Joe Thornton will need to ignore his critics and just play his game. Marleau has quietly had himself a fantastic season and will be looked upon as one of the leaders.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thursday, May 28, 2009
REMATCH.
Those series were unpredictably short. The momentum that both the Hurricanes and the Blackhawks had during the first two series didn't seem to follow them into the Conference Finals. The 'Hawks put up a good fight, taking the Wings into overtime three times and winning one of there five games in the series. The 'Canes however didn't show up versus the Pens. Crosby and Malkin were just too much for Cam Ward to handle and Fleury stood on his head between the pipes.
My prediction for the Stanley Cup is more wishful thinking than anything, so here goes:
Stanley Cup Finals
Pittsburgh vs. Detroit - Pittsburgh (7 Games)
It's the first time since the early '80s that there has been a rematch in back-to-back years in the Stanley Cup Final, and I'm hoping for the same result. In 1984, Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers won their first ever Stanley Cup, knocking off the defending four-pete champion New York Islanders who defeated them in the previous year. This year I hope to see Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins do the same to the defending champion Red Wings, who beat the Penguins in six games last season.
The Red Wings are the better team. The depth in their lineup is matched by no other team in the NHL and their top players are as skilled as any in the league, except maybe Crosby, Malkin and Ovechkin. That being said, with injuries to Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Draper and Ericsson it may be difficult for the Wings to contain the high-flying Pens. Lidstrom should play in game one, but Crosby and Malkin will look to exploit his lower-body injury as best they can. An 80% Lidstrom is still better than the majority of defencemen in the league.
I hope to see Fleury outshine Osgood and the Penguins desire and disappointment from last year push them past the Red Wings this year. I also hope to see Crosby win the first of many Stanley Cups in his career.
My prediction for the Stanley Cup is more wishful thinking than anything, so here goes:
Stanley Cup Finals
Pittsburgh vs. Detroit - Pittsburgh (7 Games)
It's the first time since the early '80s that there has been a rematch in back-to-back years in the Stanley Cup Final, and I'm hoping for the same result. In 1984, Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers won their first ever Stanley Cup, knocking off the defending four-pete champion New York Islanders who defeated them in the previous year. This year I hope to see Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins do the same to the defending champion Red Wings, who beat the Penguins in six games last season.
The Red Wings are the better team. The depth in their lineup is matched by no other team in the NHL and their top players are as skilled as any in the league, except maybe Crosby, Malkin and Ovechkin. That being said, with injuries to Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Draper and Ericsson it may be difficult for the Wings to contain the high-flying Pens. Lidstrom should play in game one, but Crosby and Malkin will look to exploit his lower-body injury as best they can. An 80% Lidstrom is still better than the majority of defencemen in the league.
I hope to see Fleury outshine Osgood and the Penguins desire and disappointment from last year push them past the Red Wings this year. I also hope to see Crosby win the first of many Stanley Cups in his career.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Consistent Inconsistency
So, after a one day hiatus it's time to complain. There are lots of current hockey stories to follow and criticize, for example the Phoenix Coyotes debate, but I'm tired of them all. I wake up and on certain days watch Sportscentre several times in succession. It's just my being too lazy to walk the eight to ten feet to where my remote controls may lie. So I’ve heard all arguments for and against these stories that I care to at this time.
I have been racking my brain for something to complain about, but to no avail. I am in a mood to rant, but there has been nothing I have felt is worthy of a rant. I arrived home tonight about halfway through the third period of game two in the Detroit/Chicago series when that something stared me in the face: #51 Brian Campbell.
He is by no means a horrible player, but he is definitely not a great player. Over the summer he became the first player in NHL history to pull a spin-o-rama into another dimension where players are paid $7 Million a year ($56 Million over 8 years) to play on the second defensive pairing. This was a very poor signing by the 'Hawks, and they are probably the first to admit it. A young team with few veterans, Chicago will have trouble holding onto the star players on their current roster in the coming years. Players like Toews, Kane, Sharp, Seabrook and soon-to-be restricted free agent Versteeg will see offer sheets that the 'Hawks will struggle to match given the NHL Salary Cap. Not to mention Bolland, Eager and Barker who have all had strong post-seasons and will be RFAs come July 1. Martin Havlat will be a UFA this summer and will be difficult to sign in the offseason. Having Campbell tied up in a long-term contract will really hurt the 'Hawks in the coming years as he is too expensive to buy-out and too much of a defensive liability and an offensive dud to spark any potential trades.
Campbell struggled to make the scoresheet with just seven goals during the regular season. He was fifth on team scoring with 52 Points in the regular season, but was (and is) a defensive liability. If he was a basketball player he would have been on more posters than Shawn Bradley. All else equal, thanks to Brian Campbell for helping me establish a good basis for a short-but-sweet rant. His consistent inconsistency is always a conversation sparker and I hope to complain about his overrated abilities again in the near future.
I wrote this without the realization that Campbell gave the puck away in OT for the 3-on-1 that led to the winner, but thanks to Sportscenter I can watch his inadequacies over and over again.
I have been racking my brain for something to complain about, but to no avail. I am in a mood to rant, but there has been nothing I have felt is worthy of a rant. I arrived home tonight about halfway through the third period of game two in the Detroit/Chicago series when that something stared me in the face: #51 Brian Campbell.
He is by no means a horrible player, but he is definitely not a great player. Over the summer he became the first player in NHL history to pull a spin-o-rama into another dimension where players are paid $7 Million a year ($56 Million over 8 years) to play on the second defensive pairing. This was a very poor signing by the 'Hawks, and they are probably the first to admit it. A young team with few veterans, Chicago will have trouble holding onto the star players on their current roster in the coming years. Players like Toews, Kane, Sharp, Seabrook and soon-to-be restricted free agent Versteeg will see offer sheets that the 'Hawks will struggle to match given the NHL Salary Cap. Not to mention Bolland, Eager and Barker who have all had strong post-seasons and will be RFAs come July 1. Martin Havlat will be a UFA this summer and will be difficult to sign in the offseason. Having Campbell tied up in a long-term contract will really hurt the 'Hawks in the coming years as he is too expensive to buy-out and too much of a defensive liability and an offensive dud to spark any potential trades.
Campbell struggled to make the scoresheet with just seven goals during the regular season. He was fifth on team scoring with 52 Points in the regular season, but was (and is) a defensive liability. If he was a basketball player he would have been on more posters than Shawn Bradley. All else equal, thanks to Brian Campbell for helping me establish a good basis for a short-but-sweet rant. His consistent inconsistency is always a conversation sparker and I hope to complain about his overrated abilities again in the near future.
I wrote this without the realization that Campbell gave the puck away in OT for the 3-on-1 that led to the winner, but thanks to Sportscenter I can watch his inadequacies over and over again.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Next One
Crosby.
A name that previously would have been immediately associated with a musician, now nationally recognized as the greatest hockey player in Canada. From an early age "Sid the Kid" was highly touted as the future of Canadian hockey. Wayne Gretzky, "The Great One" said that if anyone could beat his records, Sidney Crosby could. He broke records in minor hockey, junior hockey and scored some exceptional goals for Team Canada in the World Junior tournament.
Drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2005, Crosby recorded 102 points in his rookie season, second to Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals in the Calder Trophy race. In his sophomore season, he led the league in scoring with 120 Points and helped the Penguins into the post-season. Last season he played just 53 Games, amassing 72 Points and leading the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals where they were defeated by the powerhouse Detroit Red Wings.
After a slow start to his season, Crosby registered 103 Points as the Penguins struggled out of the gate but managed a fourth place finish in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins face the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday in what is sure to be a hard fought series. The Hurricanes have upset both the New Jersey Devils and the Boston Bruins thus far and look to capture their second Stanley Cup in four years. To date, Sidney has recorded a league best twelve goals and 21 points in two rounds of playoff action. His twelve Goals are twice as many as he recorded in all of last year’s playoffs, and his 21 Points are just six shy of last year’s totals.
Crosby and the Penguins look to claim the teams first Stanley Cup since back-to-back Cups in 1991 and 1992, the Mario Lemieux era. Crosby has shown great leadership thus far, and I look forward to the series ahead. I would love to witness the first of many Crosby Stanley Cups this season and hope that his best hockey is yet to come.
A name that previously would have been immediately associated with a musician, now nationally recognized as the greatest hockey player in Canada. From an early age "Sid the Kid" was highly touted as the future of Canadian hockey. Wayne Gretzky, "The Great One" said that if anyone could beat his records, Sidney Crosby could. He broke records in minor hockey, junior hockey and scored some exceptional goals for Team Canada in the World Junior tournament.
Drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2005, Crosby recorded 102 points in his rookie season, second to Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals in the Calder Trophy race. In his sophomore season, he led the league in scoring with 120 Points and helped the Penguins into the post-season. Last season he played just 53 Games, amassing 72 Points and leading the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals where they were defeated by the powerhouse Detroit Red Wings.
After a slow start to his season, Crosby registered 103 Points as the Penguins struggled out of the gate but managed a fourth place finish in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins face the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday in what is sure to be a hard fought series. The Hurricanes have upset both the New Jersey Devils and the Boston Bruins thus far and look to capture their second Stanley Cup in four years. To date, Sidney has recorded a league best twelve goals and 21 points in two rounds of playoff action. His twelve Goals are twice as many as he recorded in all of last year’s playoffs, and his 21 Points are just six shy of last year’s totals.
Crosby and the Penguins look to claim the teams first Stanley Cup since back-to-back Cups in 1991 and 1992, the Mario Lemieux era. Crosby has shown great leadership thus far, and I look forward to the series ahead. I would love to witness the first of many Crosby Stanley Cups this season and hope that his best hockey is yet to come.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Fan Ranting About Fans
Now don't get me wrong here, I am a Leafs fan through and through, but I am above all else a hockey fan. I like to complain about my team as much as the next guy or girl, but at least I put some thought into what I am going to complain about. I don't generally incessantly rant about something that I shouldn't. I have the knowledge that statistics are what separates the good players from the great players and in turn the great players from the superstars.
Overlooking statistics and the general sportscaster opinion that a player is a superstar, adds nothing to your argument, and in fact makes you sound both illogical and uneducated. It is in a case such as this that certain arguments should be locked away in the back of your minds so you are not boasting to the entire hockey world that you are an idiot and your expertise is limited to the three games you watched this season while you were stoned in your parents’ basement. Yes, Vancouver fans, I am ranting about you.
Everyone knows that B.C. is the "Capital of Marijuana" in Canada, and that is great for you. Feel free to "puff, puff and pass" and try not to mess up the rotation. That being said, try not to blame arguably one of the greatest goaltenders in the league today for messing up your high. Your team was built to fail!
Here in Leafs Nation, where we base opinion on statistics (generally speaking, and ignoring all fans that use hearsay and other people’s arguments as their own point of view) we know with no uncertainty that Roberto Luongo is a great player, a superstar even. His statistics show it, and the general opinion of the panel on TSN as well as those on Sportsnet and The Score is that he is the greatest. That being said, just watch a Canucks game and you can see with your own eyes that he is great. He is one of the few goaltenders in the world with perfect posture and poise in goal. He keeps his shoulders high and stays square to the shooter. His reflexes are incredible, and his rebound control is amazing. Why in the world would you want to trade a goaltender like that? Here's why: because your terrible team hangs him out to dry game in and game out and you want a scapegoat to blame your mediocre season on.
Clue in Vancouver.
There is a reason Mats Sundin has the most points in Maple Leafs history. Is it because we're not a very good team? Partly, but we are an original six team and no other player in any era had as many points as Captain Mats. So why didn't he score goals for you? I'll tell you why; Mats is not a grinder, he is a playmaker and a sniper. As my close friend Brian so intelligently put it, if Mats taps his stick, you pass him the puck. Watching Leafs games throughout the years, it is a general knowledge that if Mats is calling for the pass, he wants to score. When Mats wants to score, the red light is generally on. How about you sit back and watch a few Sundin highlights, then sign him to a contract. Utilize a great player in the right way and maybe you will get some return on your investment.
I would rant about the Sedins, but it's not worth my time and I want to get out of here. Just as a capper: the Sedins will not lead the Canucks to a Stanley Cup, but Luongo may. He is the heart and soul of your second-rate team, and he would be a welcome addition to any other team in the league.
Overlooking statistics and the general sportscaster opinion that a player is a superstar, adds nothing to your argument, and in fact makes you sound both illogical and uneducated. It is in a case such as this that certain arguments should be locked away in the back of your minds so you are not boasting to the entire hockey world that you are an idiot and your expertise is limited to the three games you watched this season while you were stoned in your parents’ basement. Yes, Vancouver fans, I am ranting about you.
Everyone knows that B.C. is the "Capital of Marijuana" in Canada, and that is great for you. Feel free to "puff, puff and pass" and try not to mess up the rotation. That being said, try not to blame arguably one of the greatest goaltenders in the league today for messing up your high. Your team was built to fail!
Here in Leafs Nation, where we base opinion on statistics (generally speaking, and ignoring all fans that use hearsay and other people’s arguments as their own point of view) we know with no uncertainty that Roberto Luongo is a great player, a superstar even. His statistics show it, and the general opinion of the panel on TSN as well as those on Sportsnet and The Score is that he is the greatest. That being said, just watch a Canucks game and you can see with your own eyes that he is great. He is one of the few goaltenders in the world with perfect posture and poise in goal. He keeps his shoulders high and stays square to the shooter. His reflexes are incredible, and his rebound control is amazing. Why in the world would you want to trade a goaltender like that? Here's why: because your terrible team hangs him out to dry game in and game out and you want a scapegoat to blame your mediocre season on.
Clue in Vancouver.
There is a reason Mats Sundin has the most points in Maple Leafs history. Is it because we're not a very good team? Partly, but we are an original six team and no other player in any era had as many points as Captain Mats. So why didn't he score goals for you? I'll tell you why; Mats is not a grinder, he is a playmaker and a sniper. As my close friend Brian so intelligently put it, if Mats taps his stick, you pass him the puck. Watching Leafs games throughout the years, it is a general knowledge that if Mats is calling for the pass, he wants to score. When Mats wants to score, the red light is generally on. How about you sit back and watch a few Sundin highlights, then sign him to a contract. Utilize a great player in the right way and maybe you will get some return on your investment.
I would rant about the Sedins, but it's not worth my time and I want to get out of here. Just as a capper: the Sedins will not lead the Canucks to a Stanley Cup, but Luongo may. He is the heart and soul of your second-rate team, and he would be a welcome addition to any other team in the league.
Friday, May 15, 2009
REMATCH?
Two and two in Round Two. Nothing to boast or brag about, but then again my confidence in those picks wasn't high to begin with. Overall a 9-3 record over the first two rounds; I'll take it! If I could bury three out of every four shots I took I'd be shooting the puck a lot more often. Now, with no more delay and without further adieu, my picks for Round Three of the Stanley Cup Finals:
Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
Carolina (6) vs. Pittsburgh (4) - Pittsburgh (6 Games)
This is as much a wish as it is a prediction. I desire to take nothing away from the Hurricanes and there magnificent post-season thus far. Eric Staal has shown true leadership and ability. Anyone who can face Zdeno Chara nearly every shift for seven games and come out the overall victor is beyond talented. Staal has shown true character and perseverance and should have an important role on Team Canada come the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Another 'Cane that has probably gained a spot on that roster is goaltender Cam Ward. He has been an absolute wall during the offseason, outplaying arguably the best goaltender of all time in Martin Brodeur, and outlasting probable 2009 Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas.
Given the above arguments, there is one obstacle the 'Canes have yet to overcome. Sidney Crosby has been absolutely unstoppable during the playoffs! After questions of his goal scoring abilities have arisen over the year, Crosby has shown a knack for scoring big-time goals. When superstar (and Art Ross Trophy winner) Evgeni Malkin was virtually invisible, Crosby stepped-up his game and "put the biscuit in the basket." Crosby scored a hat-trick in a Game 2 loss to the 'Caps in which Alexander Ovechkin also recorded a Trick. Game 7 of that Series showed Crosby's true distaste for losing, as he outplayed even Ovechkin in a 6-2 shellacking. Crosby will prove too much for Ward and the 'Canes to handle in this Eastern Conference Final matchup.
Western Conference
Chicago (4) vs. Detroit (2) - Detroit (7 Games)
The 'Hawks have proven to be a team with a "never say die" attitude in this postseason, falling behind in each of their six games versus the Canucks. They were able to rally and win four out of those six games, and even managed to climb out of a 3-0 hole in Game 1 (only to lose due to a "brain-fart" by future All-Star, Cam Barker with just over a minute remaining in the third period). The speedy, young Blackhawks just don't seem to know when to quit, and don't seem to understand the concept of "deficit." The Canucks were built to fail, but don't expect that out of the Wings who are proven winners and boast pretty much the same team as last year (with the addition of sniper Marian Hossa). The only hope for Captain Jonathan Toews and the 'Hawks is to get to goaltender Chris Osgood early and often. Osgood has proven time and time again that he has the fortitude to Win, and won't be easy to defeat in this one. The Wings experience will take them into the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive year and we could be seeing a rematch of the finals from last year.
Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
Carolina (6) vs. Pittsburgh (4) - Pittsburgh (6 Games)
This is as much a wish as it is a prediction. I desire to take nothing away from the Hurricanes and there magnificent post-season thus far. Eric Staal has shown true leadership and ability. Anyone who can face Zdeno Chara nearly every shift for seven games and come out the overall victor is beyond talented. Staal has shown true character and perseverance and should have an important role on Team Canada come the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Another 'Cane that has probably gained a spot on that roster is goaltender Cam Ward. He has been an absolute wall during the offseason, outplaying arguably the best goaltender of all time in Martin Brodeur, and outlasting probable 2009 Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas.
Given the above arguments, there is one obstacle the 'Canes have yet to overcome. Sidney Crosby has been absolutely unstoppable during the playoffs! After questions of his goal scoring abilities have arisen over the year, Crosby has shown a knack for scoring big-time goals. When superstar (and Art Ross Trophy winner) Evgeni Malkin was virtually invisible, Crosby stepped-up his game and "put the biscuit in the basket." Crosby scored a hat-trick in a Game 2 loss to the 'Caps in which Alexander Ovechkin also recorded a Trick. Game 7 of that Series showed Crosby's true distaste for losing, as he outplayed even Ovechkin in a 6-2 shellacking. Crosby will prove too much for Ward and the 'Canes to handle in this Eastern Conference Final matchup.
Western Conference
Chicago (4) vs. Detroit (2) - Detroit (7 Games)
The 'Hawks have proven to be a team with a "never say die" attitude in this postseason, falling behind in each of their six games versus the Canucks. They were able to rally and win four out of those six games, and even managed to climb out of a 3-0 hole in Game 1 (only to lose due to a "brain-fart" by future All-Star, Cam Barker with just over a minute remaining in the third period). The speedy, young Blackhawks just don't seem to know when to quit, and don't seem to understand the concept of "deficit." The Canucks were built to fail, but don't expect that out of the Wings who are proven winners and boast pretty much the same team as last year (with the addition of sniper Marian Hossa). The only hope for Captain Jonathan Toews and the 'Hawks is to get to goaltender Chris Osgood early and often. Osgood has proven time and time again that he has the fortitude to Win, and won't be easy to defeat in this one. The Wings experience will take them into the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive year and we could be seeing a rematch of the finals from last year.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
CREEK, SUMMER 2009
I'm not really one to update my personal life on my blog, but I feel that my team's performance in our first game of the season showed great character and perseverance. Tied 2-2 in the third period, a giveaway on a power play had us down 3-2 with 2:30 to play. With just under a minute left, the play was in their zone, I was in front screening the goalie and Dan (#12) got the puck in the slot, and put a shot between my legs and in to tie the game up at three.
At the faceoff dot, Rob said something along the lines of, "Let's get another one." I won the draw, but they ended up getting possession and the puck ended up in our zone along the left wing boards. I retrieved the puck and put on the jets flying down the wing (or at least my version of "the jets"). I came across the blueline and in on the defenseman looking like I was going to cut inside. I quickly made a move to the outside and cut around him and to the front of the net where the goalie bit on a move and went down. I ran into the other defender, but Rob (#21) was there to bury the puck into the empty net for the 4-3 lead and the "W" with just 14 seconds on the clock.
It was probably the best shift I've had in years and it felt really good to get out there and start the season with a positive outing. It was reminiscent of Carolina's comeback in Game 7 against the Devils and was an exciting finish to a great game.
At the faceoff dot, Rob said something along the lines of, "Let's get another one." I won the draw, but they ended up getting possession and the puck ended up in our zone along the left wing boards. I retrieved the puck and put on the jets flying down the wing (or at least my version of "the jets"). I came across the blueline and in on the defenseman looking like I was going to cut inside. I quickly made a move to the outside and cut around him and to the front of the net where the goalie bit on a move and went down. I ran into the other defender, but Rob (#21) was there to bury the puck into the empty net for the 4-3 lead and the "W" with just 14 seconds on the clock.
It was probably the best shift I've had in years and it felt really good to get out there and start the season with a positive outing. It was reminiscent of Carolina's comeback in Game 7 against the Devils and was an exciting finish to a great game.
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