There is a mythological theory that I like to apply to any text I read developed by Joseph Campbell. It is called the Journey Plot. When I read a piece of literature I analyze it by looking at the various aspects of the Journey Plot. They are as follows:
1. The call to action
2. The crossing of the threshold
3. In the belly of the beast
4. The acquisition
5. The triumphant return
As it turns out we can use this theory to dissect the path of the 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.
1/2. The call to action/Crossing the Threshold.
The Call began all the way back on October 4th in Stockholm, Sweden. The Pens beat the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in OT on a GWG by Tyler Kennedy. It was TK’s second of two that game, but far the unlikeliest of heroes was Rob Scuderi who scored a goal less than four minutes into the third period to tie the game at 3. Geno Malkin accounted for the other Pens goal but it was the Supporting cast who powered the Pens to their first win of the season. A foreshadow of Game 7.
In the Belly of the Beast
In literature this is the point where all hope seems lost. Han Solo is Jabba’s Palace, Ra’s Ahl Gual is realzing toxins into Gotham, Odysseus is lost at sea, Vito Corleone has been shot, Satan has convinced Eve to eat the fruit, or in this case you’re the defending Eastern Conference Champions and you’re sitting in 10th place 5 pts out of a play off spot. Things look bleak.
The Acquisition
Odysseus realizes he has to treat women as equals, Batman learns to mind his surroundings, Luke understands his destiny, Ray Shero trades for Chris Kunitz, Bill Guerin, and snatches Craig Adams of Waivers.
The Triumphant Return
Having acquired the whatever was needed to get them out of the darkness, the hero returns home complete. Odysseus is reunited with Penelope, Gotham is safe (for now), the empire falls, Christ saves mankind (takes the sequel Paradise Regained, but one story right?), and the Pens, well they secure the 4th seed in the East and return the playoffs for the third straight year, only this time believing they can.
This process is cyclical. In the playoffs each round has its own plot, each game a different hero. In this years playoffs the darkest parts were the 3-goal hole in Philly, Gonch’s knee injury, down 0-2 to the Wings, and the blow out in game 5. The acquisition in the playoffs was the learning how to win clutch games. 2008 Wings 2-1 tight game 4, 5-on-3 for over 1:30, Pens don’t get a shot, Wings go on to win 2-1 up 3-1 in the Series, it’s over. Sure Sykora prolonged the inevitable, but it was done. 2009 Wings 2-1 in the series and the game, the hero is Staal. Shorthanded tally ties the game, puts the Wings of their heels, 2 more quick strikes follow; 2-2. down 3-2 entering game 6 the Pens fall back on that acquisition of Yes We Can to hold on and win. Game 7 was up for anybody to take, and Max Talbot seized the moment.
This is what legends are made of. Dan Bylsma is now a legend in the hockey world. He turned a 10th place team into a Champion in a 5 month span. He may have had some help from a lucky burrito, but he got the job done.
Congratulations Pens, you are all now figures of lore.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Round 2
2. DET- 8. ANA
The defending champs made a rookie goalie look like a rookie. Very few of the Jackets had played playoff hockey, other than game 4 they put up little resistance. Anaheim will be different. Anaheim may have been able to sharpen their skills against the Western Conference’s playoff whipping boy, San Jose. This is for all intents and purposes the first team either team will face legitimate resistance.
Offense-
The Wings are deeper, and more dangerous. They are a scary team up front. The Ducks RYAN Connection (Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, and D man Ryan Whitney) have been the motor that drives this playoff engine. The Ducks have some depth, but it’s not producing right now.
Defense-
Both teams can generate from the back side. The Ducks get the edge on star power, but the Wings are solid.
Goaltending-
This is the only area where either team can claim a distinct advantage. Osgood looked like his old self in the first round, but Jonas Hiller stood on his head; not to mention the fact that guy watching from the bench for the Ducks has a Cup ring, and a Conn Smythe trophy in a Final he lost.
Series-
Ducks in 7
3. VAN- 4. CHI
Chicago looked good in round one but by the time game 4-5 rolled around the Flames could barely dress a NHL roster. It should be interesting to see how Chicago looks starting on the road.
Offense-
Is there a team in the world that wouldn’t want Jonathan Towes? Chicago has the edge offensively. They are deeper and more productive. The Sedins are good, but with Mats Sundin and Pavol Demitra, they lack a proven supporting cast.
Defense-
Vancouver may have the most underrated defense in the league. They can shutdown anyone anytime. Chicago’s D can play but Vancouver has the distinct advantage.
Goaltending-
This series could be a goaltending duel. The Bulin Wall has a Cup ring, and looked sharp in the last round. Luongo could earn tie if the game was played 5-on-0. It’s a tough call but Luongo doesn’t have the experience Khabibulin does, if it’s a regular season game I’d pick Bobby Luo, playoffs I’m going witht the Bulin Wall.
Series-
Chicago’s inexperience will show since they have to play on the road.
Vancouver in 6
The defending champs made a rookie goalie look like a rookie. Very few of the Jackets had played playoff hockey, other than game 4 they put up little resistance. Anaheim will be different. Anaheim may have been able to sharpen their skills against the Western Conference’s playoff whipping boy, San Jose. This is for all intents and purposes the first team either team will face legitimate resistance.
Offense-
The Wings are deeper, and more dangerous. They are a scary team up front. The Ducks RYAN Connection (Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, and D man Ryan Whitney) have been the motor that drives this playoff engine. The Ducks have some depth, but it’s not producing right now.
Defense-
Both teams can generate from the back side. The Ducks get the edge on star power, but the Wings are solid.
Goaltending-
This is the only area where either team can claim a distinct advantage. Osgood looked like his old self in the first round, but Jonas Hiller stood on his head; not to mention the fact that guy watching from the bench for the Ducks has a Cup ring, and a Conn Smythe trophy in a Final he lost.
Series-
Ducks in 7
3. VAN- 4. CHI
Chicago looked good in round one but by the time game 4-5 rolled around the Flames could barely dress a NHL roster. It should be interesting to see how Chicago looks starting on the road.
Offense-
Is there a team in the world that wouldn’t want Jonathan Towes? Chicago has the edge offensively. They are deeper and more productive. The Sedins are good, but with Mats Sundin and Pavol Demitra, they lack a proven supporting cast.
Defense-
Vancouver may have the most underrated defense in the league. They can shutdown anyone anytime. Chicago’s D can play but Vancouver has the distinct advantage.
Goaltending-
This series could be a goaltending duel. The Bulin Wall has a Cup ring, and looked sharp in the last round. Luongo could earn tie if the game was played 5-on-0. It’s a tough call but Luongo doesn’t have the experience Khabibulin does, if it’s a regular season game I’d pick Bobby Luo, playoffs I’m going witht the Bulin Wall.
Series-
Chicago’s inexperience will show since they have to play on the road.
Vancouver in 6
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Round 2
1. BOS- 6. CAR
Boston played a team made up of about 10 guys who had no commitment beyond this year. The Canadiens best players looked like they were more concerned with not getting hurt, than winning a game. It was very hard to judge Carey Price in this series because he got little help, but it should be safe to say that there is a world of difference between Price and Cam Ward. I’m not going to bother discussing the games these teams played in the regular season because at this point they are about as relevant to this series as MSNBC is the world of legitimate journalism. Here’s the breakdown as I see it.
Offense-
Boston was the deeper team in the regular season, but Carolina maybe the more dangerous team. Savard is a great setup man, but he can be cancelled on the other side by Ray Whitney. Ryder has a scorer’s touch but is streaky, and Kessel is unproven. Eric Staal is a proven playoff goal scorer, Tuomo Ruutu and Jussi Jokinen stepped up their performances in Game 7. It’s a tough call, but I’m going out and a limb and giving Carolina the edge offensively.
D-
Carolina’s Defense is a little more mobile than the B’s, but both teams can generate offense from the backside. The Canes don’t have a shut down guy like the B’s do in Big Z, but few teams do. Joni Pitkanen had great numbers through round 1 for the Canes, and Wideman was great for the B’s. I think the B’s have edge, and they’ll need it.
Goaltending-
Tim Thomas in all likelihood will end up winning the Vezina, but when he steps on to the ice Friday for game one, it will be the furthest he’s ever ventured into the playoffs. Cam Ward has only had 6 birthdays (leap day birthday), but he already has a Stanley Cup ring, and a Conn Smythe trophy. He’s also outdueled Marty Broduer in the playoffs twice. I think the edge has to go Ward.
Series-
Canes in 6. They won’t lose at home and they’ll take one away in Boston.
2. WSH- 4. PIT
The NHL/NBC/and VS’s marketing departments are still pinching themselves. Yes class it’s the tag-team-steel-cage we’ve all been waiting for; the MegaPowers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin squaring off against Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin. If you know the history of these teams in the playoffs you know the Capitals are in for an uphill battle. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs Marty Straka ended the Caps season in the first round of the 2001 playoffs. Very few players are left on either side from that battle.
Offense-
The Pens are better down the middle, the Caps have the better wingers. In the regular season the Caps would have and edge because of the wings, in the playoffs it’s all about defense, and the Pens depth at center will provide the edge.
Defense
Mike Green is a wildcard here. Gonchar is good, but he’s predictable. Green is a rover. His roving could prove to be a double-edged sword. If the Pens exploit his forays down low, Malkin/Crosby/Staal could give Varlamov nightmares. If the Pens fail to keep taps on the Mohawked Menace, he’ll haunt Fleury’s dreams all summer. The Caps have great size on their blue line, but the Pens may have the better defensive players. Keep an eye on Brooks Orpik, especially if your name is Ovechkin, if AO tries to get to fancy with his head down Orpik will end his season.
Goaltending-
Varlamov has looked great, but if Nik Zherdev would have brought his hands to the playoffs the Pens would be hosting the Canes. Varlamov hasn’t looked like a rookie but he hasn’t been tested the way he will in this series. Fleury should be serving 25-Life for grand theft after stealing the series against Philly. Simply based on track record, the edge is Fleury’s.
Series-
The Pens know how to play playoff hockey, the Caps are still learning. Should still be an competitive series, Pens in 6.
West breakdown tomorrow.
Boston played a team made up of about 10 guys who had no commitment beyond this year. The Canadiens best players looked like they were more concerned with not getting hurt, than winning a game. It was very hard to judge Carey Price in this series because he got little help, but it should be safe to say that there is a world of difference between Price and Cam Ward. I’m not going to bother discussing the games these teams played in the regular season because at this point they are about as relevant to this series as MSNBC is the world of legitimate journalism. Here’s the breakdown as I see it.
Offense-
Boston was the deeper team in the regular season, but Carolina maybe the more dangerous team. Savard is a great setup man, but he can be cancelled on the other side by Ray Whitney. Ryder has a scorer’s touch but is streaky, and Kessel is unproven. Eric Staal is a proven playoff goal scorer, Tuomo Ruutu and Jussi Jokinen stepped up their performances in Game 7. It’s a tough call, but I’m going out and a limb and giving Carolina the edge offensively.
D-
Carolina’s Defense is a little more mobile than the B’s, but both teams can generate offense from the backside. The Canes don’t have a shut down guy like the B’s do in Big Z, but few teams do. Joni Pitkanen had great numbers through round 1 for the Canes, and Wideman was great for the B’s. I think the B’s have edge, and they’ll need it.
Goaltending-
Tim Thomas in all likelihood will end up winning the Vezina, but when he steps on to the ice Friday for game one, it will be the furthest he’s ever ventured into the playoffs. Cam Ward has only had 6 birthdays (leap day birthday), but he already has a Stanley Cup ring, and a Conn Smythe trophy. He’s also outdueled Marty Broduer in the playoffs twice. I think the edge has to go Ward.
Series-
Canes in 6. They won’t lose at home and they’ll take one away in Boston.
2. WSH- 4. PIT
The NHL/NBC/and VS’s marketing departments are still pinching themselves. Yes class it’s the tag-team-steel-cage we’ve all been waiting for; the MegaPowers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin squaring off against Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin. If you know the history of these teams in the playoffs you know the Capitals are in for an uphill battle. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs Marty Straka ended the Caps season in the first round of the 2001 playoffs. Very few players are left on either side from that battle.
Offense-
The Pens are better down the middle, the Caps have the better wingers. In the regular season the Caps would have and edge because of the wings, in the playoffs it’s all about defense, and the Pens depth at center will provide the edge.
Defense
Mike Green is a wildcard here. Gonchar is good, but he’s predictable. Green is a rover. His roving could prove to be a double-edged sword. If the Pens exploit his forays down low, Malkin/Crosby/Staal could give Varlamov nightmares. If the Pens fail to keep taps on the Mohawked Menace, he’ll haunt Fleury’s dreams all summer. The Caps have great size on their blue line, but the Pens may have the better defensive players. Keep an eye on Brooks Orpik, especially if your name is Ovechkin, if AO tries to get to fancy with his head down Orpik will end his season.
Goaltending-
Varlamov has looked great, but if Nik Zherdev would have brought his hands to the playoffs the Pens would be hosting the Canes. Varlamov hasn’t looked like a rookie but he hasn’t been tested the way he will in this series. Fleury should be serving 25-Life for grand theft after stealing the series against Philly. Simply based on track record, the edge is Fleury’s.
Series-
The Pens know how to play playoff hockey, the Caps are still learning. Should still be an competitive series, Pens in 6.
West breakdown tomorrow.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Playoff thoughts thus far.
Playoffs
The Playoffs have been awesome so far. Here are my thought and the series so far.
SJ/ANA
This series is more proof that SJ is built to win regular season games but not playoff tough. Down 3-1 despite having home ice; OUCH!! Thornton, Marleau, and Nabokov are the core here, if they lose Game 5 at home and exit early again, changes have to be made. They fired the coach last year, maybe it’s the GM’s turn, maybe Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau get traded for some proven playoff producers.
DET/CBJ
This series was over before it began. Detroit was always going to win, Columbus looked like a team that had never been in the playoffs, Steve Mason finally looked like a rookie, and despite a great comeback effort in Game 4 they lost because of a sloppy line change that led to a too many men penalty. Osgood in game 4 looked like Osgood in the regular season, not good for the long term success of the wings. The Wings are the first defending champion to advance to the second round since the Avalanche in 2002. (Keep this in mind if your ever on jeopardy, The Avs lost to the Wings in the 2002 Western Conference Final. What does that mean? I remember too much hockey trivia.)
VAN/STL
This was a bonus year for St. Louis. Next year was supposed to be the year they made the playoffs. Bonus or not they still wanted to win at least one game. Keith Tkachuk has hardly noticeable. O pts a -1. The St. Louis PP was awful. Vancouver looked like a playoff team, St. Louis looked like a intermediate level roller hockey team. If Chris Mason gave up some of the goals in a dek hockey league, they would have still been soff (thanks Mike Therrien). First time Vancouver has ever swept a 7 game series.
CHI/CGY
Home ice matters here, the first goal matters in the opposite way. No home team has lost in this one, and the team that scores first has lost every game. If I’m the Bulin way tonight I let the first shot go in so as to not tempt fate. Calgary got brutalized in game 4. Roy is suspended, Langkow and Conroy both left with injury and didn’t return, rumor has Leopold may be hurt. If these three don’t come back this series is done. Jonathan Toews has looked like anything but a 20 year old, he has looked like a 20 year veteran Captain. I think Chicago wins two in a row and takes it six.
BOS/MTL
More than half of the Canadiens are headed for UFA status this summer. This team will look dramatically different next season and that’s probably a good thing. The Canadiens were to this year’s playoffs what the Senators were to last year’s playoffs; a team that just barely snuck in and had no chance of winning against a buzzsaw opponent that had something to prove. Not much to discuss here. Boston dominated. I don’t know if Montreal ever got the playoff schedule from the office, because they didn’t show up most nights. For a 20 year old kid, Milan Lucic is a beast.
NYR/WSH
Prepare for some harsh truth Caps fans: This is not what a playoff team looks like. The Caps are a run and gun team with little defensive toughness. Sure everybody on this team is about 6’8’’, but that’s not good enough. Ovechkin’s do-it-yourself doesn’t happen very often in the playoffs, and if he tried that against Brooks Orpik, Zdeno Chara, most of the Devils, Canes, or Flyers come playoff time, they’d still be pealing pieces of him out of the ice. The Caps offense is good enough to win a few games here and there, and Varlamov has been outstanding, but the Rags aren’t an offense power house. If you can get Lundqvist on a bad night 9 times out of 10 you win. That was the story of game 5, Rangers win Game 6 at MSG, AO fails to make it out the first round again.
NJ/CAR
Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending. The goalies have been the story of this series. Even the Great Brodeur can get distracted by traffic, as game 4’s .2 second goal proved. Game 5 was the best goaltending duel of the this playoff year. This one has all the makings of a 7 game series and I don’t know if anyone can predict who wins. (On a side note, now that Marty has supplanted Roy as the winningest goaltender, does that mean we’ll see more Royesque meltdowns out of Marty like we did in game 4? Just curious).
PIT/PHI
Goaltending, Goaltending, just kidding. The Penguins only have a lead in this series because of jeune Monsieur Fleury, and because Monsier Biron is easily rattled. If Tyler Kennedy would have licked his stick in the first period of Game 5 and buried the wraparound that Biron lost sight of the Pens would have crushed the Flyers and would now be relaxing while the tremendous leader Mike Richards lead his group to the golf course. I’m not blaming Kennedy for the Pens loss in Game 5 simply offereing an alternate reality of what would have been. Bottom line here is that Marty Biron is a solid goalie when Marty Biron believes he’s a solid goalie, which is when you allow him to believe he is a solid goalie, which happens when you don’t drive bodies to the net and allow him to see every shot like it’s warmups. Biron has enough talent to steal a game, every NHL goalie does, but he’s not good enough to steal a series unless you let him. Penguins have to get bodies and pucks to him. Just my opinion, but I think Sykora is hurt and has been for sometime. He’s looked like a shell of himself for a few months, he left practice before Game 1 in “obvious pain.” I think his back is not quiet right, speaking as a guy who’s hurt just about everything you can hurt playing hockey, he’s been shooting and skating like his back is bothering him. Rumor has it Bylsma has more changes for Game 6 may God(ard) have mercy on us all.
The Playoffs have been awesome so far. Here are my thought and the series so far.
SJ/ANA
This series is more proof that SJ is built to win regular season games but not playoff tough. Down 3-1 despite having home ice; OUCH!! Thornton, Marleau, and Nabokov are the core here, if they lose Game 5 at home and exit early again, changes have to be made. They fired the coach last year, maybe it’s the GM’s turn, maybe Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau get traded for some proven playoff producers.
DET/CBJ
This series was over before it began. Detroit was always going to win, Columbus looked like a team that had never been in the playoffs, Steve Mason finally looked like a rookie, and despite a great comeback effort in Game 4 they lost because of a sloppy line change that led to a too many men penalty. Osgood in game 4 looked like Osgood in the regular season, not good for the long term success of the wings. The Wings are the first defending champion to advance to the second round since the Avalanche in 2002. (Keep this in mind if your ever on jeopardy, The Avs lost to the Wings in the 2002 Western Conference Final. What does that mean? I remember too much hockey trivia.)
VAN/STL
This was a bonus year for St. Louis. Next year was supposed to be the year they made the playoffs. Bonus or not they still wanted to win at least one game. Keith Tkachuk has hardly noticeable. O pts a -1. The St. Louis PP was awful. Vancouver looked like a playoff team, St. Louis looked like a intermediate level roller hockey team. If Chris Mason gave up some of the goals in a dek hockey league, they would have still been soff (thanks Mike Therrien). First time Vancouver has ever swept a 7 game series.
CHI/CGY
Home ice matters here, the first goal matters in the opposite way. No home team has lost in this one, and the team that scores first has lost every game. If I’m the Bulin way tonight I let the first shot go in so as to not tempt fate. Calgary got brutalized in game 4. Roy is suspended, Langkow and Conroy both left with injury and didn’t return, rumor has Leopold may be hurt. If these three don’t come back this series is done. Jonathan Toews has looked like anything but a 20 year old, he has looked like a 20 year veteran Captain. I think Chicago wins two in a row and takes it six.
BOS/MTL
More than half of the Canadiens are headed for UFA status this summer. This team will look dramatically different next season and that’s probably a good thing. The Canadiens were to this year’s playoffs what the Senators were to last year’s playoffs; a team that just barely snuck in and had no chance of winning against a buzzsaw opponent that had something to prove. Not much to discuss here. Boston dominated. I don’t know if Montreal ever got the playoff schedule from the office, because they didn’t show up most nights. For a 20 year old kid, Milan Lucic is a beast.
NYR/WSH
Prepare for some harsh truth Caps fans: This is not what a playoff team looks like. The Caps are a run and gun team with little defensive toughness. Sure everybody on this team is about 6’8’’, but that’s not good enough. Ovechkin’s do-it-yourself doesn’t happen very often in the playoffs, and if he tried that against Brooks Orpik, Zdeno Chara, most of the Devils, Canes, or Flyers come playoff time, they’d still be pealing pieces of him out of the ice. The Caps offense is good enough to win a few games here and there, and Varlamov has been outstanding, but the Rags aren’t an offense power house. If you can get Lundqvist on a bad night 9 times out of 10 you win. That was the story of game 5, Rangers win Game 6 at MSG, AO fails to make it out the first round again.
NJ/CAR
Goaltending, Goaltending, Goaltending. The goalies have been the story of this series. Even the Great Brodeur can get distracted by traffic, as game 4’s .2 second goal proved. Game 5 was the best goaltending duel of the this playoff year. This one has all the makings of a 7 game series and I don’t know if anyone can predict who wins. (On a side note, now that Marty has supplanted Roy as the winningest goaltender, does that mean we’ll see more Royesque meltdowns out of Marty like we did in game 4? Just curious).
PIT/PHI
Goaltending, Goaltending, just kidding. The Penguins only have a lead in this series because of jeune Monsieur Fleury, and because Monsier Biron is easily rattled. If Tyler Kennedy would have licked his stick in the first period of Game 5 and buried the wraparound that Biron lost sight of the Pens would have crushed the Flyers and would now be relaxing while the tremendous leader Mike Richards lead his group to the golf course. I’m not blaming Kennedy for the Pens loss in Game 5 simply offereing an alternate reality of what would have been. Bottom line here is that Marty Biron is a solid goalie when Marty Biron believes he’s a solid goalie, which is when you allow him to believe he is a solid goalie, which happens when you don’t drive bodies to the net and allow him to see every shot like it’s warmups. Biron has enough talent to steal a game, every NHL goalie does, but he’s not good enough to steal a series unless you let him. Penguins have to get bodies and pucks to him. Just my opinion, but I think Sykora is hurt and has been for sometime. He’s looked like a shell of himself for a few months, he left practice before Game 1 in “obvious pain.” I think his back is not quiet right, speaking as a guy who’s hurt just about everything you can hurt playing hockey, he’s been shooting and skating like his back is bothering him. Rumor has it Bylsma has more changes for Game 6 may God(ard) have mercy on us all.
Maybe I'm on to something here....
The NHL has begun announcing its awards finalists and so far I’m looking like a great prognosticator.
Calder
I had 2 out of 3 correct for the Calder. I said Bobby Ryan/Pekka Rinne/Steve Mason the official finalists were Bobby Ryan/Kris Versteeg/Steve Mason. The winner will be Mason no doubt about it.
Norris
I pulled a 3/3 here.
Mike Green/Nik Lidstrom/Zdeno Chara. Mike Green can score goals and for some reason this criteria is what sports writers look for determine the best defensemen. Chara and Lidstrom are both better defensively and can score, but I think the writers will go with Green.
Lady Byng
Again 3/3
Pavel Datsyuk/Zack Parise/Marty St. Louis
The NHL got this one right. Any one of the three is a great choice. I’m sticking with Parise.
Calder
I had 2 out of 3 correct for the Calder. I said Bobby Ryan/Pekka Rinne/Steve Mason the official finalists were Bobby Ryan/Kris Versteeg/Steve Mason. The winner will be Mason no doubt about it.
Norris
I pulled a 3/3 here.
Mike Green/Nik Lidstrom/Zdeno Chara. Mike Green can score goals and for some reason this criteria is what sports writers look for determine the best defensemen. Chara and Lidstrom are both better defensively and can score, but I think the writers will go with Green.
Lady Byng
Again 3/3
Pavel Datsyuk/Zack Parise/Marty St. Louis
The NHL got this one right. Any one of the three is a great choice. I’m sticking with Parise.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Awards Predictions
With the playoffs 8 days away, today seems like a good time to look ahead at the NHL Awards.
Hart Trophy-MVP
Likely Finalists
Pit-Evgeni Malkin
Wsh-Alex Ovechkin
Bos-Tim Thomas
All three players have great cases that their teams would not be in the positions they are without them. The goal production the Bruins are enjoying overshadows the brilliance of Tim Thomas this season. Malkin playing on the same team as Sidney Crosby will cause some writer’s to dismiss his value to his team. Alex Ovechkin has closed the gap on the points race, and is the consensus choice.
Projected Winner: Alex Ovechkin
His P/G ratio is just slightly higher than Malkin. Geno may win the Art Ross and lead the league in takeaways, but AO will run away with the Richard Trophy; bottom line most hockey writers won’t reward Geno’s defensive prowess, but will drool all over AO’s goal totals while ignoring his less than impressive shooting percentage.
Norris Trophy-Best Defensemen
Likely Finalists
Wsh-Mike Green
Det- Nik Lidstrom
Bos-Zdeno Chara
While this award is intended for the best defensemen, it has recently gone to the best offensive defensemen. There has been no better Offensive D-man than Mike Green. 30G 70P + 24. Nobody matches those numbers. Both Lidstrom and Chara are deserving, but unlikely to win.
Projected Winner: Mike Green.
Lady Byng- Sportsmanship
Likely Finalists
Det-Pavel Datsyuk
NJ-Zack Parise
TB-Marty St. Louis
The award is intended to award the league’s most gentlemanly player. Datsyuk is the defending champ he is 4th in scoring with only 20 PIM’s. Parise is 5th in scoring and has only 24PIMs. St. Louis has 78 points, 29 goals, and only 12 PIMs. IN my book St. Louis has a very impressive case, but is not likely to win.
Projected Winner: Zack Parise
Calder Memorial-Outstanding Rookie
Projected Finalists
Ana-Bobby Ryan
Nsh-Pekka Rinne
CBJ-Steve Mason
This race will come down to the goalies, Rinne and Mason, but it’s a one man race.
Projected Winner: Steve Mason
Vezina Trophy-Best Goaltender
Projected Finalists
Bos-Tim Thomas
SJ-Evgeni Nabokov
CBJ-Steve Mason
Thomas has mind-numbing numbers, Nabokov has been automatic, and Mason is a freak of nature. With Marty Brodeur missing most of the year, somebody else gets a chance to win this award.
Projected Winner: Tim Thomas
Masterton-Dedication to the Game
Projected Finalists
Fla-Richard Zednik
SJ-Claude Lemieux
Det-Chris Chelios
Zednik had the freak-life threatening injury last season, and Chris Chelios is about 112 and still going strong. Their stories are great but Claude Lemiuex’s is unbelievable. At an age when most former hockey players are travelling for leisure, Lemieux went to China to prove he could still play pro hockey. He worked his way from China, to Worcester, and finally back the NHL in San Jose.
Projected Winner: Claude Lemieux
Jack Adams-Best Coach
Bos-Claude Julien
CBJ-Ken Hithcock
CHI-Joel Quenneville
Projected Winner: Claude Julien
Selke- Defensive Forward
Projected Finalists
Det-Pavel Datsyuk
NJ-Zach Parise
Phi-Mike Richards
Datsyuk-97 +38, those are great stats. He leads the league in the ever dubious +/- category, but he does kill penalties and plays in important defensive situations as do the other two. Parise is a +29 with 93 points, and Richards is +24 with 78 points and 8 shorthanded goals. I would like to see the league’s leader in takeaways and points Evgeni Malkin on the list, but I think the fact that he’s not a normal penalty killer may hurt his chances. Dark Horses: Pit-Jordan Staal/Car Eric Staal maybe Det Marian Hossa.
Projected Winner: Mike Richards
Hart Trophy-MVP
Likely Finalists
Pit-Evgeni Malkin
Wsh-Alex Ovechkin
Bos-Tim Thomas
All three players have great cases that their teams would not be in the positions they are without them. The goal production the Bruins are enjoying overshadows the brilliance of Tim Thomas this season. Malkin playing on the same team as Sidney Crosby will cause some writer’s to dismiss his value to his team. Alex Ovechkin has closed the gap on the points race, and is the consensus choice.
Projected Winner: Alex Ovechkin
His P/G ratio is just slightly higher than Malkin. Geno may win the Art Ross and lead the league in takeaways, but AO will run away with the Richard Trophy; bottom line most hockey writers won’t reward Geno’s defensive prowess, but will drool all over AO’s goal totals while ignoring his less than impressive shooting percentage.
Norris Trophy-Best Defensemen
Likely Finalists
Wsh-Mike Green
Det- Nik Lidstrom
Bos-Zdeno Chara
While this award is intended for the best defensemen, it has recently gone to the best offensive defensemen. There has been no better Offensive D-man than Mike Green. 30G 70P + 24. Nobody matches those numbers. Both Lidstrom and Chara are deserving, but unlikely to win.
Projected Winner: Mike Green.
Lady Byng- Sportsmanship
Likely Finalists
Det-Pavel Datsyuk
NJ-Zack Parise
TB-Marty St. Louis
The award is intended to award the league’s most gentlemanly player. Datsyuk is the defending champ he is 4th in scoring with only 20 PIM’s. Parise is 5th in scoring and has only 24PIMs. St. Louis has 78 points, 29 goals, and only 12 PIMs. IN my book St. Louis has a very impressive case, but is not likely to win.
Projected Winner: Zack Parise
Calder Memorial-Outstanding Rookie
Projected Finalists
Ana-Bobby Ryan
Nsh-Pekka Rinne
CBJ-Steve Mason
This race will come down to the goalies, Rinne and Mason, but it’s a one man race.
Projected Winner: Steve Mason
Vezina Trophy-Best Goaltender
Projected Finalists
Bos-Tim Thomas
SJ-Evgeni Nabokov
CBJ-Steve Mason
Thomas has mind-numbing numbers, Nabokov has been automatic, and Mason is a freak of nature. With Marty Brodeur missing most of the year, somebody else gets a chance to win this award.
Projected Winner: Tim Thomas
Masterton-Dedication to the Game
Projected Finalists
Fla-Richard Zednik
SJ-Claude Lemieux
Det-Chris Chelios
Zednik had the freak-life threatening injury last season, and Chris Chelios is about 112 and still going strong. Their stories are great but Claude Lemiuex’s is unbelievable. At an age when most former hockey players are travelling for leisure, Lemieux went to China to prove he could still play pro hockey. He worked his way from China, to Worcester, and finally back the NHL in San Jose.
Projected Winner: Claude Lemieux
Jack Adams-Best Coach
Bos-Claude Julien
CBJ-Ken Hithcock
CHI-Joel Quenneville
Projected Winner: Claude Julien
Selke- Defensive Forward
Projected Finalists
Det-Pavel Datsyuk
NJ-Zach Parise
Phi-Mike Richards
Datsyuk-97 +38, those are great stats. He leads the league in the ever dubious +/- category, but he does kill penalties and plays in important defensive situations as do the other two. Parise is a +29 with 93 points, and Richards is +24 with 78 points and 8 shorthanded goals. I would like to see the league’s leader in takeaways and points Evgeni Malkin on the list, but I think the fact that he’s not a normal penalty killer may hurt his chances. Dark Horses: Pit-Jordan Staal/Car Eric Staal maybe Det Marian Hossa.
Projected Winner: Mike Richards
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Who is the best in the world today?
The question of who is the best player in the world is always a contentious one in any sport. In the hockey world the debate usually leads to fist fights. A recent study found that 98.2% of NHL fights are a result of the Crosby/Ovechkin/Malkin debate. 150 of Eric Godard’s PIMS have resulted from this debate, as are 115 of Donald Brashear’s PIMS. Maybe I’m being a little facetious here, but the fact remains that in hockey the debate is always heated, but incomplete. The debate always seems to leave out great goaltenders. As I see it right now the top 5 contenders are: Sidney Crosby: 1.38 points per game(ppg),career +34; Alex Ovechkin: 1.29ppg, career +22; Evgeni Malkin: 1.26ppg, career +38, Martin Brodeur 553 wins, 101 shutouts, Evgeni Nabokov: 247 wins, 47 Shutouts.
Evgeni Malkin: Strengths: He has a hard shot, great passing abilities, solid in his own end, and toughness. Weakness: As is often the case with incredibly skilled players, he can try too much. He also has a habit of making far too many blind passes, in some cases they look bad because they are bad, and in some cases, they look bad because his line mates aren’t expecting them.
Sidney Crosby: Strengths: He is the best most consistent passer on the list. I don’t think Crosby will ever top the 40 goal plateau. Not necessarily because he doesn’t have the skill to be 40+ goal scorer, but because he has a pass first mentality. His speed and vision give him an advantage over Malkin and Ovechkin. He is maybe the best in the league at splitting the defense. Weakness: His shot is just slightly above average, but even so he doesn’t use it often enough. As with Malkin, he often attempts to do too much, and attempts passes that his line mates aren’t expecting or that are simply bad.
Alex Ovechkin: Strengths: Strength and size work to his advantage. He has the best wrist shot of anyone on this list, maybe in the league. Weakness: He can be pulled off his game looking for the highlight-reel-hit. His passing is average. He may never go over 55 assists, because he has a shoot-first mentality. This can be a liability come playoff time as defenses will know to zero in on the chucker.
Evgeni Nabokov: Strengths: He goaltends with a unique style that gets the job done. He can single handedly win games. Weakness: He has little to no playoff success, but that maybe more of a reflection on the team in front of him.
Martin Brodeur: Strengths: The all-time wins lead, is an impressive stat, but it is a slightly inflated by the advent of the shootout. The number that really proves the point is the 101 career shutouts; 103 is the all-time mark. In this era shutouts are rare, and 101 is mindboggling. The combination of focus, skill, determination, and luck it takes to earn a shutout make this stat the most impressive of any on the list. He also happens to be the only player on the list who has won a Cup. Weakness: Other than playing the Rangers, its hard to find a flaw in his game.
My answer to the question: Martin Brodeur Is the best player in the world.
Evgeni Malkin: Strengths: He has a hard shot, great passing abilities, solid in his own end, and toughness. Weakness: As is often the case with incredibly skilled players, he can try too much. He also has a habit of making far too many blind passes, in some cases they look bad because they are bad, and in some cases, they look bad because his line mates aren’t expecting them.
Sidney Crosby: Strengths: He is the best most consistent passer on the list. I don’t think Crosby will ever top the 40 goal plateau. Not necessarily because he doesn’t have the skill to be 40+ goal scorer, but because he has a pass first mentality. His speed and vision give him an advantage over Malkin and Ovechkin. He is maybe the best in the league at splitting the defense. Weakness: His shot is just slightly above average, but even so he doesn’t use it often enough. As with Malkin, he often attempts to do too much, and attempts passes that his line mates aren’t expecting or that are simply bad.
Alex Ovechkin: Strengths: Strength and size work to his advantage. He has the best wrist shot of anyone on this list, maybe in the league. Weakness: He can be pulled off his game looking for the highlight-reel-hit. His passing is average. He may never go over 55 assists, because he has a shoot-first mentality. This can be a liability come playoff time as defenses will know to zero in on the chucker.
Evgeni Nabokov: Strengths: He goaltends with a unique style that gets the job done. He can single handedly win games. Weakness: He has little to no playoff success, but that maybe more of a reflection on the team in front of him.
Martin Brodeur: Strengths: The all-time wins lead, is an impressive stat, but it is a slightly inflated by the advent of the shootout. The number that really proves the point is the 101 career shutouts; 103 is the all-time mark. In this era shutouts are rare, and 101 is mindboggling. The combination of focus, skill, determination, and luck it takes to earn a shutout make this stat the most impressive of any on the list. He also happens to be the only player on the list who has won a Cup. Weakness: Other than playing the Rangers, its hard to find a flaw in his game.
My answer to the question: Martin Brodeur Is the best player in the world.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Posts to come before the playoffs......
Who is the best player in the world?
Awards predictions
East/West Stanley Cup Experience ratings.
If I were in charge of the Awards show, these would be the Awards and the recipients.
Awards predictions
East/West Stanley Cup Experience ratings.
If I were in charge of the Awards show, these would be the Awards and the recipients.
Thoughts on Ovechkin
The buzz around Alex Ovechkin's 5oth goal celebration won't die. The problem isn't that AO celebrated after scoring a goal, everybody does. Some celebrations are subtle; Mario Lemieux always seemed to be cool and collected while he calmly pumped his fist, Sidney Crosby of late has followed that model, some are elaborate; Theo Fleury once rode his stick across the rink to celebrate a playoff series winning OT goal, Teemu Selanne shot his glove out of the air, and I'm sure Penguins fans will never forget Darius Kasparaitis sliding across the rink celebrating his game 7 OT winner in Buffalo, but they all had one thing in common, they were spontaneous. The AO stick on fire celebration, was not only pre-planned, but in the words of Michael Scott from the Office it was "lame so it's double offensive." No one can take away the fact the AO is the best pure goal scorer in the league, but he is miles away from being the best all around player. AO doesn't kill penalties, on most nights he doesn't back check, and if there an Atwood-English Dictionary his picture would appear next the phrase "Cherry Picker." He is a physical presence, but he is by no means a tough guy. He has a history of head-hunting, and hitting from behind. I don't mean to tear the guy apart, but there seems to be a blind admiration for the guy. Most hockey fans are blinded by the goals, and most hockey reporters fall into the same habit. The thing we have to keep in mind is that those of us who are fans of the game, can look beyond of favorite teams and hold the players accountable regardless of the sweater they're wearing, while bandwagon fans, Johnny-come-lately's, and anti-Crosbites admire the guy for being a character. Hockey's characters need not resemble football and basketball buffoons. As the great Herb Brooks once said, we're not a "bunch of monkey’s hugging a football." The simple fact remains that Gary Bettman's efforts to remove violence from the guy in order to market it to people who don't want to watch it anyway has created the kind of environment where clowns like Avery and Ovechkin can flourish. At least in Avery's case he's willing to drop the gloves to back up his antics, AO not so much. If AO had done this 15 years ago he'd still be getting his nutrients via IV come playoff time. I'll end what has turned into a grumpy oldmanish rant by saying that if AO continues down this path, sure he'll still be a great goal scorer, but his legacy will be that of a clown. If I say TO which phrase pops into mind first, incredible talent, or incredible buffoon? A few more "hot stick" celebrations and AO will be the NHL's TO.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Who's In Who's Oot: East
There are 10 teams battling for the 8 Eastern Conference playoff spots. This week has dealt some tough blows to the two teams on the outside looking in, making the selections a little easier. The top 3 seeds have a substantial lead in their divisions, and barring their losing out they’ll hold their top three statuses.
Here is my take on the East.
#1-Bos
They’ve been sliding with only 4 wins in the last ten, but their points lead is very solid, and their schedule is a little easier than the Devils. I think it’s likely they lose 5 of their last 11, but I think they can find away to lose 3 of them in OT and help hold of the Devils. They finish 6-2-3.
Final Record 51-19-12 114 Pts
#2-NJ
First off congratulations to Marty Brodeur, 552 wins, wow. The Devils have a tough road to finish out, 3 back-to-backs, with one of them being back-to-back road games. They also face more teams currently in playoff positions than the Bruins. The X-factor here is that for the first team in franchise history they have a fresh Marty Brodeur going into the playoffs. Assuming that the team plays a group of mortals in front of the almighty Marty, I think they finish 6-4-2. The back-to-backs are the ultimate factor here, as we saw last night against the Canes, sometimes it’s hard to win both. Would anybody be surprised if they pass the Bruins for the 1 seed?
Final Record 52-25-5 109 Pts
#3 WSH
The Caps have the easiest schedule of any of the contenders in the East. Only 1 game against a team currently in a playoff spot, no back-to-backs, the only downside is they play 6 of the last 10 on the road. My predictions here are based on the fact that the team will play hard, despite the fact they have almost nothing to get them motivated. They can’t realistically finish lower than 3rd, they play almost exclusively against non-playoff teams, perhaps the only motivation they have is that the teams they play are in the division. That OT playoff loss last year might be some motivation, but probably not until the second season begins. They should finish 7-2-1.
Final Record 51-24-7 109 Pts
#4 PHI
They have games in hand and play fewer playoff teams, these are the only reasons they get the edge over the Pens. It’ll be a close race for home ice, maybe the game this Sunday in Pittsburgh could be the ultimate decider. They should finish 7-3-3.
Final Record 44-25-13 101 Pts
#5 PIT
They’re schedule is tough to say whether it’s hard or easy, I’ll call it a push. No back-to-backs, 6 out of 10 at home, but they face more playoff teams than not. This could be an advantage. They way they’re finding ways to win it’s hard to see them losing any games, but they should finish 7-2-1.
Final Record 45-28-9 99 Pts
#6 CAR
They finish with 7 out of 10 at home and play as many playoff as non-playoff teams, they have 1 back-to-back but both at home. I see a strong 6-2-2 finish.
Final Record 43-30-9 95 Pts
#7 MON
I think they’ll 8th, but the math favors them over the Rags. They play 7 of the last 12 at home, they have a game in hand, they face fewer playoff teams, these are the only reasons they get the nod for 7th. They could finish 5-4-3.
Final Record 41-29-12 93 Pts
#8 NYR
They only determinate that drops them below le bleu, blanc, et rouge is the number of playoff teams they play, 7 out of 11. They limp across the finish line 4-4-3.
Final Record 41-30-11
Oot
Florida- They play too many on the road, if they get in I think it’s at the expense of the Canadiens who I don’t think can finish as strong as the math says they could.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
West Playoff Pictures.....Who's In Who's Oot
The Western Conference is a little trickier to try to dissect than the East. In the East only 10 teams have a legitmate shot at the 8 playoff spots, but the West as many 13 teams has a shot. LA’s loss to Vancouver may have crippled their chances. Prior to last night they were 5 points out with 2 games in hand, but as everyone knows games in hand are only good if you win them. Before action begins tonight the Ducks, Blues, Predators, and Wild are all with 2 points of the 7th place Oilers. The 7th place Oilers, and 8th place Stars, and 9th place Wild have won only 3 of their last 10 games, but the 11th seeded Blues have won 7, including a big 3-1 win over the Sharks on Thursday. At this point the Sharks, Wings, Flames, Blackhawks, Canucks, and Jackets are fairly safe.
Here’s my take on the how the rest of the West will shake out.
Kings-Oot.
Here’s my take on the how the rest of the West will shake out.
Kings-Oot.
This is a good team with a lot of promise, but this was never meant to be their year. A veteran forward in the free agent market (a Billy Guerin, John Madden, or Jere Lehtinen type would fit the bill) maybe a little more depth, and this team will be back in the post season next year.
Ducks-Oot
The Ducks picked up Ryan Whitney, but other than that they were sellers at the deadline. This team has lost their GM, and could lose most of their blue line, could be tough for them to get in next year as well.
Blues-In
The team is peaking at the right time, goaltending has been good, Mason could be good enough to get them in, but a goalie’ who has never won a playoff series always has to be a question mark.
Predators-In
The Preds next 5 games come against teams below them. They could be a great chance to pick up between 7-8 points and shoot up to 7th. Pekka Rinne will have to be great, this is a franchise that always seems to get in, but exists quickly.
The team is peaking at the right time, goaltending has been good, Mason could be good enough to get them in, but a goalie’ who has never won a playoff series always has to be a question mark.
Predators-In
The Preds next 5 games come against teams below them. They could be a great chance to pick up between 7-8 points and shoot up to 7th. Pekka Rinne will have to be great, this is a franchise that always seems to get in, but exists quickly.
Wild-Oot
If Gaborik returns and lights the world on fire, they’ll get in, but as it stands, this is a team that get seem to get the offense and goaltending going in the same game. This is a good team, but they’ve got themselves in a tough spot, and some teams behind are streaking.
If Gaborik returns and lights the world on fire, they’ll get in, but as it stands, this is a team that get seem to get the offense and goaltending going in the same game. This is a good team, but they’ve got themselves in a tough spot, and some teams behind are streaking.
Stars-Out
The team is beat up. They’ll have to rely too heavily on Marty Turco, and his save percentage isn’t going to get the job done.
The team is beat up. They’ll have to rely too heavily on Marty Turco, and his save percentage isn’t going to get the job done.
Oilers-Oot
If the Blues are Preds make it in, two teams currently on the inside have to drop out. The Oilers are struggling, if those struggles continue the streaking Preds and Blues will overtake them.
If the Blues are Preds make it in, two teams currently on the inside have to drop out. The Oilers are struggling, if those struggles continue the streaking Preds and Blues will overtake them.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Hindsightblog
Sabres/Panthers
I said Buffalo finds a way to beat Florida at home....It happened. Patrick Lalime looked an NHL goalie in this one 30 for 31. Excellent night. Panthers have dropped two, by the time they get back to Sunrise for their five game homestand they’ll be in 9th, with only two points of breathing room between their 9th spot and the Sabres 10th.
Blue Jackets/Penguins
I said the Pens depth scoring gets it done, I said Steve Mason would be a beast. I said Pens win. Meatloaf said it best, two out of three ain’t bad. Easily the most exciting involving an Eastern Conference team. Down 3-0 in the third goals from Gonchar, Dupuis, and Talbot in a 3:25 span. The one thing I failed to mention was the Huselius factor. Fleury gave up a soff goal to Wolverine, sorry, Huselius, and then the shootout was a carbon copy. Not many 4-3 games are goaltending duels, this one was.
Devils/Coyotes
I called Devils for an easy win, it happened. Brodeur one win away from tying Patrick Roy. Is there any sane human being who doesn’t think Marty is the best goalie ever? Gretzky’s 99 is retired because he owns the record book for skaters, Marty’s 30 should be retired league-wide because he will own the record book for goalies. I think the Hall of Fame should waive the waiting period for him on the sad day when he hangs up the skates. He wins another Cup before then, bank it.
Bruins/Senators
I called Bruins, it happened. I didn’t see any of this game. 5-3 both teams end streaks.
Islanders/Canadiens
It took overtime, but the Islanders win on the road for the first time since January, only their 7th on the road. Carey Price actually used his glove to catch pucks, instead of using it as a second blocker. Okposo’s OT winner was soff, Price will want that back. Good news for Montreal is that the Pens only got one point.
Rangers/Predators
What a turnaround from the first to second period for the Rags. Preds get 10 of their 21 shots and both goals in the first. Rangers owned the game from there.
Hurricanes/Stars
Stars held on to win. Ray Whitney has a rocket, great shot to make the game 3-2. Eric Staal had a great chance in the final seconds, couldn’t make it happen. Brind’Amour had two more points, (SHG PPA) he’s one fire. Marty Turco literally made one more save than Cam Ward in this one. 29-28 both faced 31 shots.
My Record after one night:
4-4
If I were a Pittsburgh Pirate I’d call it a successful night, last time the Pirates are mentioned in the same sentence as .500 record all year.
I said Buffalo finds a way to beat Florida at home....It happened. Patrick Lalime looked an NHL goalie in this one 30 for 31. Excellent night. Panthers have dropped two, by the time they get back to Sunrise for their five game homestand they’ll be in 9th, with only two points of breathing room between their 9th spot and the Sabres 10th.
Blue Jackets/Penguins
I said the Pens depth scoring gets it done, I said Steve Mason would be a beast. I said Pens win. Meatloaf said it best, two out of three ain’t bad. Easily the most exciting involving an Eastern Conference team. Down 3-0 in the third goals from Gonchar, Dupuis, and Talbot in a 3:25 span. The one thing I failed to mention was the Huselius factor. Fleury gave up a soff goal to Wolverine, sorry, Huselius, and then the shootout was a carbon copy. Not many 4-3 games are goaltending duels, this one was.
Devils/Coyotes
I called Devils for an easy win, it happened. Brodeur one win away from tying Patrick Roy. Is there any sane human being who doesn’t think Marty is the best goalie ever? Gretzky’s 99 is retired because he owns the record book for skaters, Marty’s 30 should be retired league-wide because he will own the record book for goalies. I think the Hall of Fame should waive the waiting period for him on the sad day when he hangs up the skates. He wins another Cup before then, bank it.
Bruins/Senators
I called Bruins, it happened. I didn’t see any of this game. 5-3 both teams end streaks.
Islanders/Canadiens
It took overtime, but the Islanders win on the road for the first time since January, only their 7th on the road. Carey Price actually used his glove to catch pucks, instead of using it as a second blocker. Okposo’s OT winner was soff, Price will want that back. Good news for Montreal is that the Pens only got one point.
Rangers/Predators
What a turnaround from the first to second period for the Rags. Preds get 10 of their 21 shots and both goals in the first. Rangers owned the game from there.
Hurricanes/Stars
Stars held on to win. Ray Whitney has a rocket, great shot to make the game 3-2. Eric Staal had a great chance in the final seconds, couldn’t make it happen. Brind’Amour had two more points, (SHG PPA) he’s one fire. Marty Turco literally made one more save than Cam Ward in this one. 29-28 both faced 31 shots.
My Record after one night:
4-4
If I were a Pittsburgh Pirate I’d call it a successful night, last time the Pirates are mentioned in the same sentence as .500 record all year.
Tomorrow I try my hand at the West. Only two games on tap for tomorrow, both out West.
Prediction Time
Here are my predictions for the games that affect the East’s playoff picture tonight
Boston beats Ottawa
On one hand this is a no-brainer, best in the East at home against the 12th place visitor. Yet the two teams are streaking in opposite directions, Boston has lost back-to-back games, while the Sens have won 4 in a row, but I look for the Bruins to play like a number one seed.
Washington beats Philadelphia
There will be lots of fire power in this rematch of last years opening round playoff series. Both teams come in having won their last game, in the Flyer’s case their last 2. It is very tough to predict this one. The Flyers are the deeper team, maybe the deepest in the league, but goaltending has been an adventure for both sides. I’m going to say Washington, I think Ovechkin leads the Caps to the W, if it goes to OT or a shootout all bets are off.
New Jersey beats Phoenix
Marty Brodeur moves to within 1 win of tying Patrick Roy, Phoenix is rebuilding, the Devils are beastly. This one shouldn’t need much analysis.
Pittsburgh beats Columbus
Steve Mason is unreal, so are the Pens. If these two teams were in the same conference this could be a major rivalry as the two teams look to be set to compete for long haul. Nash is a beast, look for Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi to draw the unenviable task of trying to contain him. I think the Pens depth wins them a close one.
Buffalo beats Florida
Florida might still have a bad taste in their mouth about blowing a two goal lead in a game they had no business having a two goal lead in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Bottom line here, Buffalo’s season could be over if they lose this one, they’re at home, they’ll find a way to get it done.
Montreal beats the Islanders
Islanders have 6 road wins, enough said.
Nashville beats the Rangers (OT?)
Just playing a hunch, Rangers looked flat on Monday, Nashville is at home so I’m giving them the edge.
Carolina beats Dallas
Dallas is struggling, they are beat up big time, Carolina has been destroying goalie’s lives. The Canes stole a point last night, they’ll got both tonight. The Cole and Staal reunion has been scary.
Funny things is, if things shake out exactly this way, standings remain unchanged. If I bat .500 with these guesses I’m calling it a win.
On one hand this is a no-brainer, best in the East at home against the 12th place visitor. Yet the two teams are streaking in opposite directions, Boston has lost back-to-back games, while the Sens have won 4 in a row, but I look for the Bruins to play like a number one seed.
Washington beats Philadelphia
There will be lots of fire power in this rematch of last years opening round playoff series. Both teams come in having won their last game, in the Flyer’s case their last 2. It is very tough to predict this one. The Flyers are the deeper team, maybe the deepest in the league, but goaltending has been an adventure for both sides. I’m going to say Washington, I think Ovechkin leads the Caps to the W, if it goes to OT or a shootout all bets are off.
New Jersey beats Phoenix
Marty Brodeur moves to within 1 win of tying Patrick Roy, Phoenix is rebuilding, the Devils are beastly. This one shouldn’t need much analysis.
Pittsburgh beats Columbus
Steve Mason is unreal, so are the Pens. If these two teams were in the same conference this could be a major rivalry as the two teams look to be set to compete for long haul. Nash is a beast, look for Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi to draw the unenviable task of trying to contain him. I think the Pens depth wins them a close one.
Buffalo beats Florida
Florida might still have a bad taste in their mouth about blowing a two goal lead in a game they had no business having a two goal lead in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Bottom line here, Buffalo’s season could be over if they lose this one, they’re at home, they’ll find a way to get it done.
Montreal beats the Islanders
Islanders have 6 road wins, enough said.
Nashville beats the Rangers (OT?)
Just playing a hunch, Rangers looked flat on Monday, Nashville is at home so I’m giving them the edge.
Carolina beats Dallas
Dallas is struggling, they are beat up big time, Carolina has been destroying goalie’s lives. The Canes stole a point last night, they’ll got both tonight. The Cole and Staal reunion has been scary.
Funny things is, if things shake out exactly this way, standings remain unchanged. If I bat .500 with these guesses I’m calling it a win.
PROJECTED STANDINGS AFTER 3-12
1. BOS-97
2. NJD-91
3. WSH-90
4. PHI-82
5. MON-81
6. PIT-80
7. CAR-80
8. FLA-77 (FLA won season series with NYR 3-0-1)
9. NYR-77
10.BUF-75
1. BOS-97
2. NJD-91
3. WSH-90
4. PHI-82
5. MON-81
6. PIT-80
7. CAR-80
8. FLA-77 (FLA won season series with NYR 3-0-1)
9. NYR-77
10.BUF-75
Battle Royale in the East Round 1
It’s that time of year again, one month left to go until the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin. For hockey fans this is the most wonderful time of the year. Both Conferences have log-jams in their respective play off races. In the West as many as thirteen teams are in serious contention, and the stronger Eastern Conference, ten teams are battling for eight spots. I am well aware many people believe the West is the better conference, and back-to-back Cup champions certainly adds weight to that theory, but this years it looks like it’s going to take more points to make it to the Eastern Conference dance than the West. As a point of reference, the 11th seeded Toronto Maple Leafs are all but mathematically eliminated from contention in the East with 67 points, while in the West the 13th seeded LA Kings have the same 67 points yet find themselves only 4 points out.
Starting Saturday I’ll begin attempting to break down the congestion in both conferences, but for today I’ll stick to the East.
All fifteen Eastern Conference teams will be in action tonight and Saturday, which means that the entire playoff picture could be in for a massive overhaul. Only Boston and Philadelphia can rest assured of their spot come the end of the night. There could be a flop of the two-three seeds, and the 5-9 slots are all up for grabs. Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Montreal will all still be in a playoff position at the end of the night, but a regulation loss by any of the three in conjunction with a Rangers or Panthers win could leave them within a point of falling out.
Starting Saturday I’ll begin attempting to break down the congestion in both conferences, but for today I’ll stick to the East.
All fifteen Eastern Conference teams will be in action tonight and Saturday, which means that the entire playoff picture could be in for a massive overhaul. Only Boston and Philadelphia can rest assured of their spot come the end of the night. There could be a flop of the two-three seeds, and the 5-9 slots are all up for grabs. Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Montreal will all still be in a playoff position at the end of the night, but a regulation loss by any of the three in conjunction with a Rangers or Panthers win could leave them within a point of falling out.
The Ruutu Redemption
Last night the Carolina’s Tuomo Ruutu bought his team some breathing room by scoring with 27 seconds left in regulation to tie the Chicago Blackhawks at 2. It was a bit of poetic justice for Ruutu for several reasons. Most obviously because Ruutu was traded from Chicago to Carolina at least years trade deadline, but more immediately because he had been called for a 4 minute highsticking penalty earlier in the period, that not only negated a Carolina powerplay, but lead to Troy Brower’s go-ahead powerplay goal. The game was won by Chicago in a shootout, but Ruutu’s redemptive goal, bought them at least two more days in the top 8. By turning the game into yet another three point affair, Carolina tied Pittsburgh with 78. Here are the what if’s that make the one point HUGE. If Carolina loses to Dallas tonight and the Rangers win, the teams would tie at 78, but Carolina stays in the top 8 by Virtue of wins. If Ruutu would not have secured the one point, and the same scenario plays out the Canes would drop from 7th to 9th. Given that the Rangers have two games in hand, falling behind them is not an option.
Is this one point thing crazy enough for you? Well buckle in because there is a month left, and with both conferences as tight as they are, every shift could determine a team's playoff life.
Is this one point thing crazy enough for you? Well buckle in because there is a month left, and with both conferences as tight as they are, every shift could determine a team's playoff life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)