There has been a lot of talk and rumors going around of a group in Winnipeg, looking to buy a hockey team. The two teams talked about often were the Phoenix Coyotes and the Atlanta Thrashers. With the city of Phoenix literally putting money in to keep the franchise there, the next best option was to take the Thrashers. By no means is the deal done yet, but it sounds like the deal is nearly complete. It has to be approved by the NHL Board of Governors. We'll see how the vote goes but I think Canada has gotten a hockey team back.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=564247
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=367433
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Boston Bruins Will Play For The Stanley Cup
In a game that was decided by the slimmest of margins, the Boston Bruins were able to defend their home ice and eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 1-0. For the most part this was a goaltending dual, with both goalies not only matching sprawling save after sprawling save, but both teams playing some excellent defense to. Not a single penalty was called in this game and from my prospective was justified. The refs did a great job of not only keeping emotions down but letting the players decide the game for themselves. Both teams had really good chances, though I would say Boston had way more of them. I find it ironic though, the entire post season most people gave so much credit for the Lightning's 1-3-1 defensive scheme and yet the lone goal came off a great crash the net tip in that made the scheme fail. With 7:33 left in the 3rd period, Nathan Horton redirected a pass from David Krejci to score the lone goal. After that the Bruins went into full defensive mode and hardly let Tampa find any really good chances. They couldn't penetrate the blue line and before you knew it the game was over. If anyone is going to challenge the Canucks it will have to be the Boston D.
As for Tampa Bay, that was a really solid effort that unfortunately wasn't enough. That was a great road game they played and did pretty much everything right. Dwayne Roloson had no chance, on the lone goal and the Lightning couldn't find a answer to Tim Thomas' great performance. I think Steve Yzerman has this team on the right track and next season the Lightning will come back even stronger. Though you have to wonder how much time Roloson has left.
Also I have to give a shout out to Steven Stamkos. He not only showed balls but is a pure example why hockey players are a whole other animal. They don't cry over bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, broken bones, etc... they get up, get fixed and get back out there. Two words... Man's Game!
Lone Goal
Steven Stamkos
As for Tampa Bay, that was a really solid effort that unfortunately wasn't enough. That was a great road game they played and did pretty much everything right. Dwayne Roloson had no chance, on the lone goal and the Lightning couldn't find a answer to Tim Thomas' great performance. I think Steve Yzerman has this team on the right track and next season the Lightning will come back even stronger. Though you have to wonder how much time Roloson has left.
Also I have to give a shout out to Steven Stamkos. He not only showed balls but is a pure example why hockey players are a whole other animal. They don't cry over bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, broken bones, etc... they get up, get fixed and get back out there. Two words... Man's Game!
Lone Goal
Steven Stamkos
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Vancouver Canucks Will Play For The Stanley Cup
After a hard fought game 5 in Vancouver on Tuesday night, the Canucks took care of business and defeated the Sharks in double overtime. The final score was 3-2 with the MVP of the series Kevin Bieksa scoring from the point. Any doubt in the hockey world should be gone by now. Not only did Vancouver take care of business but they also completely dominated the Sharks from game 1. Before the series started I chose the Sharks, mainly because at the time it looked as though they had their act together while the Canucks didn't. They were riding the back of Conn Smyth candidate Ryan Kesler and one line. What happened during their time off though is beyond me. Next time we saw the Canucks the Sudin twins finally made a huge impact in the playoffs, Kevin Bieksa took his game to another level and Roberto Luongo out dueled Neimi in the net. As a team playing on all cylinders, this is easily the team to pick to win the cup.
As for the Sharks, all I can say is what an embarrassment. Every time you think the Sharks had finally gotten their act together, they go and pull off a performance like this. They were so undisciplined through out the entire series, giving up most of the goals on the PP. Especially in game 4 where they gave the Canucks three 5 on 3 power plays in a row. Besides Joe Thornton no one else showed up in this series and while losing is one thing, to just flat out not show up is another. I should of known better then to pick the Sharks. Now it's time for me to eat crow.
As for the Sharks, all I can say is what an embarrassment. Every time you think the Sharks had finally gotten their act together, they go and pull off a performance like this. They were so undisciplined through out the entire series, giving up most of the goals on the PP. Especially in game 4 where they gave the Canucks three 5 on 3 power plays in a row. Besides Joe Thornton no one else showed up in this series and while losing is one thing, to just flat out not show up is another. I should of known better then to pick the Sharks. Now it's time for me to eat crow.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thoughts On The Conferance Finals Thus Far...
Well we've been treated to some very interesting hockey over the last few days. The Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning series, has defiantly had almost everything. Tons of back and forth action, great goals, unbelievable comebacks... all we need is a overtime game. To me Boston has really shown that they have the ability to shut down Tampa and that Tim Thomas can out goaltend Roloson. However, you have to wonder if that game 4 loss is going to haunt the Bruins for the rest of the series. Here you have a 3-0 lead in game 4 going into the second, had all the momentum, got Roloson pulled and end up losing 5-3 in Tampa. Costly turnovers and very bad decisions ended up costing them dearly then.
Game 4: Lightning Win 5-3 - Series Currently Tied At 2
In the west you have the Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks and the Canucks have come out guns a blazing. Through out the entire playoffs I have questioned Vancouver. The series win against the Blackhawks didn't prove much, the series against the Predetors was a example of them taking care of business, but in just the first two games against the Sharks, the Canucks have proven so much more of what it means to be a Stanley Cup contender. The X Factors, the Sedin twins have finally woken up and have been a force. Kevin Bieksa as I said in the prediction has been a major contributor on the defensive line. He's been everything you want in a d-man clearing out the rebounds, hitting, battling against the wall and scoring. He's been the MVP of this series thus far. However, the Canucks can also thank the Sharks for very poor discipline. They have taken some very poor penalties which has lead to almost every one of the Canuck's goals. The only player who has shown up is Joe Thornton and if anything I can say he's looking like a playoff hockey player now. If the Sharks go down, you can't blame him. Big Joe is playing like a champion. Granted the Sharks won game 3, mainly because the Canucks took some stupid penalties. We'll see if the Sharks can tie the series in game 4.
Game 2: Canucks win 7-3 - Series Currently 2-1 Vancouver Canucks
Game 4: Lightning Win 5-3 - Series Currently Tied At 2
In the west you have the Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks and the Canucks have come out guns a blazing. Through out the entire playoffs I have questioned Vancouver. The series win against the Blackhawks didn't prove much, the series against the Predetors was a example of them taking care of business, but in just the first two games against the Sharks, the Canucks have proven so much more of what it means to be a Stanley Cup contender. The X Factors, the Sedin twins have finally woken up and have been a force. Kevin Bieksa as I said in the prediction has been a major contributor on the defensive line. He's been everything you want in a d-man clearing out the rebounds, hitting, battling against the wall and scoring. He's been the MVP of this series thus far. However, the Canucks can also thank the Sharks for very poor discipline. They have taken some very poor penalties which has lead to almost every one of the Canuck's goals. The only player who has shown up is Joe Thornton and if anything I can say he's looking like a playoff hockey player now. If the Sharks go down, you can't blame him. Big Joe is playing like a champion. Granted the Sharks won game 3, mainly because the Canucks took some stupid penalties. We'll see if the Sharks can tie the series in game 4.
Game 2: Canucks win 7-3 - Series Currently 2-1 Vancouver Canucks
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Weastern Conference Finals
Tonight's the night. Here in the West we have two teams that over the past few years have been thought of as tough regular season teams, teams that should go on to win the cup. However, in one way or another they have blown it in some way, shape, or form, against teams they should beat. When all is said and done this year, one of these teams I believe will not only prove they've moved on but get a chance to play for the cup.
Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks road would start with a 3rd rematch against Chicago Blackhawks. Vancouver not only wanted to prove a point in this series, but also wanted to get rid of some demons. Now this Blackhawks team was no where close to being as in depth as we saw over the past two seasons. They were lucky to make the playoffs and we all thought they would lose in 5 games or less. That almost came to pass as the Canucks dominantly took an easy 3-0 lead in the series. Then something happened... maybe the Blackhawks remembered they have the Canucks' number and they are the defending champs. Games 4 and 5 would turn out to be an embarrassment as the Hawks won those scoring 7 in game 4 and 5 in game 5. Game 6 would be decided in overtime and the Hawks would defend their home ice in a brilliant display and move onto game 7. In game 7 the Canucks would dominate this game scoring early and getting many chances. However, they were not able to close out their rivals. In the last 2 minutes of the game the Hawks would score a short handed goal and send this thing into overtime leaving the game up for grabs. Both teams had some very good chances but in the end a turnover would lead to the Canucks finally finishing off the Blackhawks and moving onto the Semi-Finals. If Vancouver wanted to prove something, they only proved how lucky they were. You have to give the Hawks credit to push this thing to the last goal but it shouldn't of been this tough. Even sadder was how the whole city partied like they just won the cup.
The 2nd round brought in the Nashville Predators, who even now I wonder how they even beat the Anaheim Ducks. Again this is a team the Canucks should beat and again would show if they could take care of business. This time we were in for some really gritty hockey, with low goal scoring and a goaltending duel to boot. Every game would be decided by a 1 goal margin except for game 4. Two would go to overtime and though the Canucks were easily the better team, the Predators made it a series with some very lucky goals. In the end though they showed they could take care of business and finished off the Predators in game 6. Also Ryan Kessler really made his mark during this series and really showed why he's Conn Smyth material.
San Jose Sharks: Round 1 featured a classic California match up between the Sharks and the LA Kings. It really turned out to be a back and forth series but I think the game that really defined the Sharks came in game 3. At one point they were down 3-1, 4-2 then 5-3, but the Sharks kept on fighting back. Next thing you know the Sharks tie the game at 5, send it to overtime and beat... no I should say upset the Kings, on the road. After that game the Sharks would blow out the Kings the following game and finish off the Kings in 6. For me this series showed the wins they got last season against the Avs and Wings weren't by accident and they are starting to take care of business.
Round 2 would change my opinion though, as they got a rematch with the Detroit Red Wings. This series would see the closest goal margin in NHL history with every game but one, being decided by 1 goal, going 7 games. The Sharks would start off with a 3-0 lead in the series, winning two of those games in overtime and really demoralizing the Wings. Then from game 4 onward we saw a Red Wings team that not only really turn the momentum around but the mentality of the Sharks. In the next three games the Red Wings would put in dominating performances, making Antti Niemi face 40+ shots a game and really keeping the puck in the Sharks zone the entire game. The Sharks would get a couple of late leads only to blow them and the Red Wings would send this to game 7. You have to wonder will the Sharks choke again and blow a 3-0 lead? Well on game 7 the Sharks not only used their home ice advantage but they came out to play hockey taking a 2-0 lead in the first period. The game would settle a bit in the 2nd and would be pretty even, but late in the 2nd the Red Wings would cut the lead to 1. Half way through the 3rd period the Sharks would score to make it 3-1 then a minute later Pavel Datsyuk would score the goal of the playoffs to make it a 3-2 lead. You think the Red Wings would throw the kitchen sink at Niemi at the end of the game to tie it, but the Sharks did a very good job of controlling the play in the last few minutes. The Sharks would finally put an end to the Red Wings and move on to face the Canucks.
So who do you think will take this series? Here are my thoughts on the matchup.
Home Ice: Canucks
Offense: Sharks
While both teams have a lot of depth, you have to question the Vancouver offense. Sure you have Daniel, Henrik Sedin and Alex Burrowssome... but they have yet to make a real impact in the playoffs. They were almost no where to be seen in the Nashville series and disappeared after game 3 against the Blackhawks. Ryan Kessler has been the savior for the Canucks and has really taken his line and his team on his back and has put on one impressive display for all hockey fans to enjoy. Question is can he do it alone again... I don't think so. Even Conn Smyth winners need support and they will need it against a stacked Sharks team. As for the Sharks they are finally getting contribution from Joe Thornton and his line. Something that Shark fans have been waiting for. Logan Couture is really making something of himself on the 2nd line and Joe Pavelski continues to produce greatly. If the Canucks want to be feared in this department the Sedins really need to step their game up.
Defense: Canucks
Watching both teams in rounds 1 and 2 I really do think the Canucks have the blue line covered better. There are just times the Sharks would give up a lot of chances in front of their net and just leave Niemi out to dry. On the other side I look at Kevin Bieksa and Sami Salo really leading the team on the blue line, blocking shots, taking the body and really giving support to Luongo.
Goaltending: Sharks
Why would I not choose Antti Niemi over Roberto Luongo? Niemi has a Stanley Cup under his belt, he's beaten Luongo, he's proven himself as a goalie who can face 40+ shots and still get a win out of it, he can scramble with questionable defense, etc...
Special Teams: Canucks
Easily the PP has been a problem for the Sharks this postseason. The Sharks are 13.7% on the Power Play, while you compare it to the Canucks strong 86%. In fact for the Canucks most of their goals in the 2nd round came off the power play. On the Penalty Kill the Canucks are strong killing off 86% of their penalties with the Sharks going 82.7%
X Factor: Will the Sedins show up? Can Antti Niemi keep up the demanding 40+ saves if necessary?
My Verdict: I think for the most part the Sharks have more going for them with lines 1-3 really producing. I think Joe Thornton finally gets how playoff hockey works and he has two lines behind him to can produce when he matching up with the other teams star players. They have a goalie that knows how to win the cup and I think the Sharks are way more battle tested then the Canucks. I won't put Vancouver out of the picture just because Ryan Kessler is playing like a MVP this postseason, but I like the Sharks winning this.
Sharks in 6.
Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks road would start with a 3rd rematch against Chicago Blackhawks. Vancouver not only wanted to prove a point in this series, but also wanted to get rid of some demons. Now this Blackhawks team was no where close to being as in depth as we saw over the past two seasons. They were lucky to make the playoffs and we all thought they would lose in 5 games or less. That almost came to pass as the Canucks dominantly took an easy 3-0 lead in the series. Then something happened... maybe the Blackhawks remembered they have the Canucks' number and they are the defending champs. Games 4 and 5 would turn out to be an embarrassment as the Hawks won those scoring 7 in game 4 and 5 in game 5. Game 6 would be decided in overtime and the Hawks would defend their home ice in a brilliant display and move onto game 7. In game 7 the Canucks would dominate this game scoring early and getting many chances. However, they were not able to close out their rivals. In the last 2 minutes of the game the Hawks would score a short handed goal and send this thing into overtime leaving the game up for grabs. Both teams had some very good chances but in the end a turnover would lead to the Canucks finally finishing off the Blackhawks and moving onto the Semi-Finals. If Vancouver wanted to prove something, they only proved how lucky they were. You have to give the Hawks credit to push this thing to the last goal but it shouldn't of been this tough. Even sadder was how the whole city partied like they just won the cup.
The 2nd round brought in the Nashville Predators, who even now I wonder how they even beat the Anaheim Ducks. Again this is a team the Canucks should beat and again would show if they could take care of business. This time we were in for some really gritty hockey, with low goal scoring and a goaltending duel to boot. Every game would be decided by a 1 goal margin except for game 4. Two would go to overtime and though the Canucks were easily the better team, the Predators made it a series with some very lucky goals. In the end though they showed they could take care of business and finished off the Predators in game 6. Also Ryan Kessler really made his mark during this series and really showed why he's Conn Smyth material.
San Jose Sharks: Round 1 featured a classic California match up between the Sharks and the LA Kings. It really turned out to be a back and forth series but I think the game that really defined the Sharks came in game 3. At one point they were down 3-1, 4-2 then 5-3, but the Sharks kept on fighting back. Next thing you know the Sharks tie the game at 5, send it to overtime and beat... no I should say upset the Kings, on the road. After that game the Sharks would blow out the Kings the following game and finish off the Kings in 6. For me this series showed the wins they got last season against the Avs and Wings weren't by accident and they are starting to take care of business.
Round 2 would change my opinion though, as they got a rematch with the Detroit Red Wings. This series would see the closest goal margin in NHL history with every game but one, being decided by 1 goal, going 7 games. The Sharks would start off with a 3-0 lead in the series, winning two of those games in overtime and really demoralizing the Wings. Then from game 4 onward we saw a Red Wings team that not only really turn the momentum around but the mentality of the Sharks. In the next three games the Red Wings would put in dominating performances, making Antti Niemi face 40+ shots a game and really keeping the puck in the Sharks zone the entire game. The Sharks would get a couple of late leads only to blow them and the Red Wings would send this to game 7. You have to wonder will the Sharks choke again and blow a 3-0 lead? Well on game 7 the Sharks not only used their home ice advantage but they came out to play hockey taking a 2-0 lead in the first period. The game would settle a bit in the 2nd and would be pretty even, but late in the 2nd the Red Wings would cut the lead to 1. Half way through the 3rd period the Sharks would score to make it 3-1 then a minute later Pavel Datsyuk would score the goal of the playoffs to make it a 3-2 lead. You think the Red Wings would throw the kitchen sink at Niemi at the end of the game to tie it, but the Sharks did a very good job of controlling the play in the last few minutes. The Sharks would finally put an end to the Red Wings and move on to face the Canucks.
So who do you think will take this series? Here are my thoughts on the matchup.
Home Ice: Canucks
Offense: Sharks
While both teams have a lot of depth, you have to question the Vancouver offense. Sure you have Daniel, Henrik Sedin and Alex Burrowssome... but they have yet to make a real impact in the playoffs. They were almost no where to be seen in the Nashville series and disappeared after game 3 against the Blackhawks. Ryan Kessler has been the savior for the Canucks and has really taken his line and his team on his back and has put on one impressive display for all hockey fans to enjoy. Question is can he do it alone again... I don't think so. Even Conn Smyth winners need support and they will need it against a stacked Sharks team. As for the Sharks they are finally getting contribution from Joe Thornton and his line. Something that Shark fans have been waiting for. Logan Couture is really making something of himself on the 2nd line and Joe Pavelski continues to produce greatly. If the Canucks want to be feared in this department the Sedins really need to step their game up.
Defense: Canucks
Watching both teams in rounds 1 and 2 I really do think the Canucks have the blue line covered better. There are just times the Sharks would give up a lot of chances in front of their net and just leave Niemi out to dry. On the other side I look at Kevin Bieksa and Sami Salo really leading the team on the blue line, blocking shots, taking the body and really giving support to Luongo.
Goaltending: Sharks
Why would I not choose Antti Niemi over Roberto Luongo? Niemi has a Stanley Cup under his belt, he's beaten Luongo, he's proven himself as a goalie who can face 40+ shots and still get a win out of it, he can scramble with questionable defense, etc...
Special Teams: Canucks
Easily the PP has been a problem for the Sharks this postseason. The Sharks are 13.7% on the Power Play, while you compare it to the Canucks strong 86%. In fact for the Canucks most of their goals in the 2nd round came off the power play. On the Penalty Kill the Canucks are strong killing off 86% of their penalties with the Sharks going 82.7%
X Factor: Will the Sedins show up? Can Antti Niemi keep up the demanding 40+ saves if necessary?
My Verdict: I think for the most part the Sharks have more going for them with lines 1-3 really producing. I think Joe Thornton finally gets how playoff hockey works and he has two lines behind him to can produce when he matching up with the other teams star players. They have a goalie that knows how to win the cup and I think the Sharks are way more battle tested then the Canucks. I won't put Vancouver out of the picture just because Ryan Kessler is playing like a MVP this postseason, but I like the Sharks winning this.
Sharks in 6.
Friday, May 13, 2011
New York Rangers Forward Derek Boogaard Has Died...
Such a crazy story. Only 28 years old and he's passed away. There is no report on what caused it. Some think it might of had something to do with a major concussion he had earlier this season. We'll see, but it's sad to see a young life end like this. Prayers and condolences go out to the family.
UPDATE
They got the examiner's list for the cause of death. It ruled accidental and attributed to a mixture of drugs and alcohol.
Update...
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=563345&navid=mod-rr-headlines
Found this nice tribute to him as well.
UPDATE
They got the examiner's list for the cause of death. It ruled accidental and attributed to a mixture of drugs and alcohol.
Update...
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=563345&navid=mod-rr-headlines
Found this nice tribute to him as well.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Eastern Conference Finals
Well; while we wait for the Western Conference Finals to be determined we have two strong surprising teams in the East waiting to jump back on the ice, for a chance to play for the Stanley Cup.
Boston Bruins: During the first round of the playoffs they looked down and out after two games. Then what happened... they get their captain Zdeno Chara back from injury, the Canadians made some TERRIBLE turnovers resulting in 3 goals and the Bruins found life again. Though the Canadians fought back this series went down to the wire and on game 7, the Bruins finally put their hated rival away in one impressive display.
The game that changed it all... Bruins at Canadians Game 3
2nd round they get a rematch with the Philadelphia Flyers, where 1 year ago the Bruins blew a 3-0 lead and lost to the Flyers in game 7. This time, they not only were looking for redemption or payback, the Bruins were looking to lay a beating the Flyers would never forget. From the opening puck drop the Bruins didn't give the Flyers any life or any hope. In 3 of the 4 games the Bruins scored at least 5 goals and left the Flyers scoring an average of 1.75 goals a game. They made the Flyers rotate the goalies every game and they won every battle on the ice. Clearly they had their say in the NHL.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Going into the playoffs Tampa went in hot. The first round had a date with the Crosby and Malkinless Pittsburgh Penguins. A series that many thought would be a easy pass for the Lightning, surprisingly became a fight for survival. I don't know when this may of happened but according to sources the GM Steve Yzerman had a talk with the team, somewhere around games 5 and 6. Whatever he told the team it helped, as the Lightning climbed back from a 3-1 hole to win in game 7.
Round 2 came and after one impressive display from the Washington Capitals, many including myself thought... hey this might finally be their time. Well though the series was very close and every game was decided by 1 goal, the Lightning showed they not only have the scoring depth and hard hitting defence but MVP caliber goaltending in Dwayne Roloson. Now they may have not of been as flashy as the Bruins in their sweep, but what the Lightning showed is that they can contain star players, they have well balanced scoring and they can set their own pace to a game.
The question is who do you chose to go to the Cup Finals? Here's my opinions how everything stacks up.
Home Ice: Bruins
Offense: Lightning
Both teams have some great scoring players and a lot of depth. However, I like the well balanced offense from the Lightning. They get a lot of production from lines 1-3 and their defense has really been stepping up point wise.
Defense: Bruins
After the physical punishment and beat down they gave to the Flyers why wouldn't you. Yes the Lightning have some good hitters to but I look at a Bruins team that's committed to taking out the body, block a ton of shots and are willing to fight tooth and nail for the rebounds.
Goaltending: Lightning
Really this series will be a goaltending duel. Both goalies are the same age with pretty much the same stats. Reason I'm choosing Roloson is because he's been here before and he's playing like the Roloson we saw in 2006 for the Oilers. He is really leading this team and is giving them a ton of confidence.
Special Teams: Lightning
Statistacly the Lighting have been very good and extremely consistent on the Power Play and the Penalty Kill. They are 26.7% on the PP and 94.4% on the PK. The Bruins on the other hand are easily one of the worst in this years playoffs. They are 5.4% on the PP and 80.5% on the PK. It's easily showed in rounds 1 and 2 and I expect the Lighting to stay on pace.
X Factor: Will the Bruins play with the same intensity they brought to the Flyers? Who will start clicking first after a long break? Both have had the same amount of time to rest.
My Verdict: I like the Lightning winning this series in 6 on their home ice. From what I've seen from both teams the Lightning have just been more consistent and I just like the well balanced scoring depth. I like the fact Roloson is playing like the goalie who got the young Oilers team to the Finals oh so long ago and I like the response the team gives him when he makes a huge save.
We are in for one really good series.
Boston Bruins: During the first round of the playoffs they looked down and out after two games. Then what happened... they get their captain Zdeno Chara back from injury, the Canadians made some TERRIBLE turnovers resulting in 3 goals and the Bruins found life again. Though the Canadians fought back this series went down to the wire and on game 7, the Bruins finally put their hated rival away in one impressive display.
The game that changed it all... Bruins at Canadians Game 3
2nd round they get a rematch with the Philadelphia Flyers, where 1 year ago the Bruins blew a 3-0 lead and lost to the Flyers in game 7. This time, they not only were looking for redemption or payback, the Bruins were looking to lay a beating the Flyers would never forget. From the opening puck drop the Bruins didn't give the Flyers any life or any hope. In 3 of the 4 games the Bruins scored at least 5 goals and left the Flyers scoring an average of 1.75 goals a game. They made the Flyers rotate the goalies every game and they won every battle on the ice. Clearly they had their say in the NHL.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Going into the playoffs Tampa went in hot. The first round had a date with the Crosby and Malkinless Pittsburgh Penguins. A series that many thought would be a easy pass for the Lightning, surprisingly became a fight for survival. I don't know when this may of happened but according to sources the GM Steve Yzerman had a talk with the team, somewhere around games 5 and 6. Whatever he told the team it helped, as the Lightning climbed back from a 3-1 hole to win in game 7.
Round 2 came and after one impressive display from the Washington Capitals, many including myself thought... hey this might finally be their time. Well though the series was very close and every game was decided by 1 goal, the Lightning showed they not only have the scoring depth and hard hitting defence but MVP caliber goaltending in Dwayne Roloson. Now they may have not of been as flashy as the Bruins in their sweep, but what the Lightning showed is that they can contain star players, they have well balanced scoring and they can set their own pace to a game.
The question is who do you chose to go to the Cup Finals? Here's my opinions how everything stacks up.
Home Ice: Bruins
Offense: Lightning
Both teams have some great scoring players and a lot of depth. However, I like the well balanced offense from the Lightning. They get a lot of production from lines 1-3 and their defense has really been stepping up point wise.
Defense: Bruins
After the physical punishment and beat down they gave to the Flyers why wouldn't you. Yes the Lightning have some good hitters to but I look at a Bruins team that's committed to taking out the body, block a ton of shots and are willing to fight tooth and nail for the rebounds.
Goaltending: Lightning
Really this series will be a goaltending duel. Both goalies are the same age with pretty much the same stats. Reason I'm choosing Roloson is because he's been here before and he's playing like the Roloson we saw in 2006 for the Oilers. He is really leading this team and is giving them a ton of confidence.
Special Teams: Lightning
Statistacly the Lighting have been very good and extremely consistent on the Power Play and the Penalty Kill. They are 26.7% on the PP and 94.4% on the PK. The Bruins on the other hand are easily one of the worst in this years playoffs. They are 5.4% on the PP and 80.5% on the PK. It's easily showed in rounds 1 and 2 and I expect the Lighting to stay on pace.
X Factor: Will the Bruins play with the same intensity they brought to the Flyers? Who will start clicking first after a long break? Both have had the same amount of time to rest.
My Verdict: I like the Lightning winning this series in 6 on their home ice. From what I've seen from both teams the Lightning have just been more consistent and I just like the well balanced scoring depth. I like the fact Roloson is playing like the goalie who got the young Oilers team to the Finals oh so long ago and I like the response the team gives him when he makes a huge save.
We are in for one really good series.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Ovechkin said it... "We're Going To Win"
I know being down 3-0 in a series seems like the end of the world. However, if you asked the Blackhawks this season and the Flyers from last... it's not over yet. Now I won't look into this too much but just imagine... What if Ovechkin's statement happened? It would be a historical moment in the NHL and easily could make him a legend. I start to think of Mark Messier from 1994 with the Rangers down 3-2 to the Devils and he guaranteed We Will Win. Probably one of the most historical moments in hockey and even in sports in general. I look forward to Game 4 though... lets see if Ovechkin can make true to his statement.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=561881
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=561881
Detroit, Washington & Philadelphia... No Where To Be Found!?!?!
Well two games in and the second round hasn't been anything like I predicted. The Flyers came out so flat in game 1, ended up getting beaten baddy 7-3 then lost a couple days latter in overtime. Boston has really exploited the Flyers goaltending and so far the rotation hasn't paid off like it did against Buffalo.
Washington though getting points from their top players, hasn't been able to outscore the well balanced Lightning offense. Plus the Capitals are 0 for 11 in power plays against the Lightning. Then you have Dwayne Roloson... for being over 40, he's showing no signs of falling. In fact he's playing a lot like he did back with the Oilers in 2006.
Then as for Red Wings, they have ran into a very good Nemi and posting a 0.95 Goals Against Average and has been extremely impressive. I bet Chicago would of wish they signed him to the 3.5 he deserved. Also while the offensive stars on both sides have been quiet, the Sharks have gotten a little more from their unsung heroes like Ian White. The Sharks have really taken the physical game to the Red Wings and their defense have really contributed in most of their offensive chances.
It will be interesting to see how they all adjust to the tone of the series thus far. However, if I had to guess... I say the Sharks and Lightning have the Wings and Capitals ready for the picking.
Washington though getting points from their top players, hasn't been able to outscore the well balanced Lightning offense. Plus the Capitals are 0 for 11 in power plays against the Lightning. Then you have Dwayne Roloson... for being over 40, he's showing no signs of falling. In fact he's playing a lot like he did back with the Oilers in 2006.
Then as for Red Wings, they have ran into a very good Nemi and posting a 0.95 Goals Against Average and has been extremely impressive. I bet Chicago would of wish they signed him to the 3.5 he deserved. Also while the offensive stars on both sides have been quiet, the Sharks have gotten a little more from their unsung heroes like Ian White. The Sharks have really taken the physical game to the Red Wings and their defense have really contributed in most of their offensive chances.
It will be interesting to see how they all adjust to the tone of the series thus far. However, if I had to guess... I say the Sharks and Lightning have the Wings and Capitals ready for the picking.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)