Just like Game 1, the Avs got off to a decent start and took an early lead. Then we started playing our game, and you know the rest. What I'm seeing is as long as the Wings are allowed to play their puck possession, disciplined, AND PHYSICAL GAME(that's right, I said it...thank you Kronwall and Stuart for administering pain), they are a tough team to put away. Colorado didn't even look like it was trying in the last two minutes, I couldn't believe it; and how does Scott Hannan allow himself to be leveled by Filpulla in a key situation at the end of the game!
Anyway, enough of the analysis....I almost sound like Barry Melrose, the professional analyst who said the following two things
"Avalanche will win in 6"
"Theodore is the most dominant goaltender in the playoffs"
HA!
Then again, my Sharks/Habs finals prediction isn't looking so hot, but I don't have a mullet.
My posts are so much sweeter in the playoffs.
Put it away on Thursday!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Game 2: Red Wings 5 Avalanche 1
Johan Franzen is the man. I should just end this post right there.
But I won't. I'm surprised at Colorado's lack of energy in the first two games. It's true they are dealing with a few key injuries, but they seemed to manage through it most of the season when all the S's were out. The difference is the Wings aren't letting their 3rd and 4th liners contribute like they did this season.
The Avs lost their cool in the second period and took a lot of dumb penalties, and the Wings capitalized, and when the Avs got some power plays in the third, the Wings killed them all and got a shorty. A great 60 minute performance today!
Well...we were up 2-0 on Nashville and we all know how that went. I expect the first period of Game 3 to be Colorado's best period of the season. Forsberg should be back, both teams will have and extra day to rest up, and the Avs will have an opportunity to feed off of the home crowd energy. This series ain't over yet..........Wings gotta take at least one of the next two, preferably Game 3.
#37 had a decent game as well. Bout time.
But I won't. I'm surprised at Colorado's lack of energy in the first two games. It's true they are dealing with a few key injuries, but they seemed to manage through it most of the season when all the S's were out. The difference is the Wings aren't letting their 3rd and 4th liners contribute like they did this season.
The Avs lost their cool in the second period and took a lot of dumb penalties, and the Wings capitalized, and when the Avs got some power plays in the third, the Wings killed them all and got a shorty. A great 60 minute performance today!
Well...we were up 2-0 on Nashville and we all know how that went. I expect the first period of Game 3 to be Colorado's best period of the season. Forsberg should be back, both teams will have and extra day to rest up, and the Avs will have an opportunity to feed off of the home crowd energy. This series ain't over yet..........Wings gotta take at least one of the next two, preferably Game 3.
#37 had a decent game as well. Bout time.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Game 1: Red Wings 4 Avalanche 3
I feel reimbursed for all the Red Wing games I've been to my whole life. This is the first playoff game I've been to since 1994 I believe, and all playoff games I've been to have resulted in a shutout in favor of the other team. The Wings took care of that quickly, putting 4 in the net in just over a period.
Then the "Red Wings with the lead" showed up, sat back, dilly-dallied around, and let Colorado back into the game. But I won't fret about it too much. I said this was going to be a good series and this game indicated that it would be.
The Wings were all over the Avs in the first half of the game, and the Avs all over the Wings in the second half of the game. Osgood's goal allowed to Liles was weak, but he made up for it with a HUGE save with seconds remaining.
In the third period, it seemed like Colorado had 200 shots, but after watching the tape at home, they were just in the zone a lot and the Wings had good stick work to prevent a lot of shots on net. All in all, good for the Wings for winning.
The series should be good, and I guess the Avs have a few injuries as well. No Forsberg was a suprise, and it looked like Wolski left early too. Can't wait for Maltby to come back to provide some energy to the lineup. I guess Theodore left with some illness after being pulled? Hmm....provides a great lead into the photo below.
Then the "Red Wings with the lead" showed up, sat back, dilly-dallied around, and let Colorado back into the game. But I won't fret about it too much. I said this was going to be a good series and this game indicated that it would be.
The Wings were all over the Avs in the first half of the game, and the Avs all over the Wings in the second half of the game. Osgood's goal allowed to Liles was weak, but he made up for it with a HUGE save with seconds remaining.
In the third period, it seemed like Colorado had 200 shots, but after watching the tape at home, they were just in the zone a lot and the Wings had good stick work to prevent a lot of shots on net. All in all, good for the Wings for winning.
The series should be good, and I guess the Avs have a few injuries as well. No Forsberg was a suprise, and it looked like Wolski left early too. Can't wait for Maltby to come back to provide some energy to the lineup. I guess Theodore left with some illness after being pulled? Hmm....provides a great lead into the photo below.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Second Round Picks
Great matchups in the second round! This has the potential to be a top-memory playoffs
1 Detroit vs 6 Colorado
As I mentioned before, we should not expect a cake-walk in this series. Colorado is playing solid hockey and Jose Theodore is rejuvenating his play of late as well, so look for a close, low-scoring series. Both teams have talent to put the puck in the net, so I think the difference maker will be on the defensive side. This is where the Wings have the slight advantage. As long as Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Cheli, etc. show up and do what they've been doing, then they will be the x-factor over the deeper defensemen on the Avs like Sauer and Liles who tend to make mistakes from time to time. I wouldn't be surprised if the Avs pulled off the upset on us, but I'll be optimistic this round. Promise........
Prediction: Red Wings in 6 and 1/2
2 San Jose vs 5 Dallas
San Jose looked like an unstoppable machine in Game 7. Look for that to roll into the next round. This series will tell us how good Dallas really is. They have speed and solid goaltending, but San Jose will wear them down physically.
Prediction: Sharks in 6
1 Montreal vs 6 Philadelphia
I'm looking forward to this one. Two teams with a lot of offensive talent that have a starting goaltender with little playoff experience. Montreal fans got a little Michigan State on us by burning cars and other things after their first round series win. I hate to see what happens if they get through the Flyers. Get the tear gas ready.......
Prediction: Habs in 7
2 Pittsburgh vs 5 NY Rangers
I won't underestimate the Rangers in this round. I'll give them a few wins. Both teams are well-rested as one got a sweep and one got a 5 game victory. Rangers stun the Pens with two road wins to start the series, then the Pens wake up and win the next 4.
Prediction: Pens in 6
Going to Game 1 tomorrow! :)
1 Detroit vs 6 Colorado
As I mentioned before, we should not expect a cake-walk in this series. Colorado is playing solid hockey and Jose Theodore is rejuvenating his play of late as well, so look for a close, low-scoring series. Both teams have talent to put the puck in the net, so I think the difference maker will be on the defensive side. This is where the Wings have the slight advantage. As long as Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Cheli, etc. show up and do what they've been doing, then they will be the x-factor over the deeper defensemen on the Avs like Sauer and Liles who tend to make mistakes from time to time. I wouldn't be surprised if the Avs pulled off the upset on us, but I'll be optimistic this round. Promise........
Prediction: Red Wings in 6 and 1/2
2 San Jose vs 5 Dallas
San Jose looked like an unstoppable machine in Game 7. Look for that to roll into the next round. This series will tell us how good Dallas really is. They have speed and solid goaltending, but San Jose will wear them down physically.
Prediction: Sharks in 6
1 Montreal vs 6 Philadelphia
I'm looking forward to this one. Two teams with a lot of offensive talent that have a starting goaltender with little playoff experience. Montreal fans got a little Michigan State on us by burning cars and other things after their first round series win. I hate to see what happens if they get through the Flyers. Get the tear gas ready.......
Prediction: Habs in 7
2 Pittsburgh vs 5 NY Rangers
I won't underestimate the Rangers in this round. I'll give them a few wins. Both teams are well-rested as one got a sweep and one got a 5 game victory. Rangers stun the Pens with two road wins to start the series, then the Pens wake up and win the next 4.
Prediction: Pens in 6
Going to Game 1 tomorrow! :)
First Round: Looking Back
What a great first round it was. Some great series and some great game 7s. How did I do on my picks? Pretty darn good I would say.
My pick: Wings over Preds in 6
Actual: Wings over Preds in 6
Comment: Good for me. This was a tough series for the Wings, but it shouldn't have been. They did do a nice job of shutting down Nashville's offense in the last two games, and hopefully that carries over to the Colorado series, because they have a lot more offense than Nashville.
My pick: Sharks over Flames in 5
Actual: Sharks over Flames in 7
Comment: I am going to give myself credit for saying that the Flames are capable of taking the Sharks deep in the series. San Jose looked mighty powerful tonight. Good job by the Sharks for keeping my Stanley Cup pick alive
My pick: Avalanche over Wild in 6
Actual: Avalanche over Wild in 6
Comment: I'm telling you, Colorado is a big time sleeper. The Wings are not going to have it easy in the second round. More on the Wings/Avs series when I post my second round picks.
My pick: Stars over Ducks in 5
Actual: Stars over Ducks in 6
Comment: I just had a feeling about this one. There's always some team in the west that everyone thinks is going to win and just doesn't come to play. It was looking like it was going to be San Jose for a while, but they woke up at the right time. Dallas has a lot of no-name talent on their team.
4 for 4 in the West. Go me! Then there's the east
My pick: Habs over Bruins in 6
Actual: Habs over Bruins in 7
Comment: That was a fun series to watch, especially the last few minutes of Game 6. Montreal, like San Jose, almost ruined my Stanley Cup final pick but game through for me in Game 7.
My pick: Pens over Sens in 5
Actual: Pens over Sens in 4
Comment: Ottawa was awful. Pittsburgh is deep. Enough said.
My pick: Caps over Flyers in 7
Actual: Flyers over Caps in 7
Comment: Oh, Ovechkin.....you should have taken that shot late in the third instead of trying to hit Fedorov with the pass. I know you would have beat him! Great season for the Caps. They'll be back next year, and probably better if they keep their core players
My pick: Devils over Rangers in 6
Actual: Rangers over Devils in 5
Comment: My worst pick of the first round. I underestimated the Rangers and Henrik Lundqvist, and equally overestimated Brodeur. He wasn't the reason they lost, but he wasn't the brilliant goaltender he's always been.
My pick: Wings over Preds in 6
Actual: Wings over Preds in 6
Comment: Good for me. This was a tough series for the Wings, but it shouldn't have been. They did do a nice job of shutting down Nashville's offense in the last two games, and hopefully that carries over to the Colorado series, because they have a lot more offense than Nashville.
My pick: Sharks over Flames in 5
Actual: Sharks over Flames in 7
Comment: I am going to give myself credit for saying that the Flames are capable of taking the Sharks deep in the series. San Jose looked mighty powerful tonight. Good job by the Sharks for keeping my Stanley Cup pick alive
My pick: Avalanche over Wild in 6
Actual: Avalanche over Wild in 6
Comment: I'm telling you, Colorado is a big time sleeper. The Wings are not going to have it easy in the second round. More on the Wings/Avs series when I post my second round picks.
My pick: Stars over Ducks in 5
Actual: Stars over Ducks in 6
Comment: I just had a feeling about this one. There's always some team in the west that everyone thinks is going to win and just doesn't come to play. It was looking like it was going to be San Jose for a while, but they woke up at the right time. Dallas has a lot of no-name talent on their team.
4 for 4 in the West. Go me! Then there's the east
My pick: Habs over Bruins in 6
Actual: Habs over Bruins in 7
Comment: That was a fun series to watch, especially the last few minutes of Game 6. Montreal, like San Jose, almost ruined my Stanley Cup final pick but game through for me in Game 7.
My pick: Pens over Sens in 5
Actual: Pens over Sens in 4
Comment: Ottawa was awful. Pittsburgh is deep. Enough said.
My pick: Caps over Flyers in 7
Actual: Flyers over Caps in 7
Comment: Oh, Ovechkin.....you should have taken that shot late in the third instead of trying to hit Fedorov with the pass. I know you would have beat him! Great season for the Caps. They'll be back next year, and probably better if they keep their core players
My pick: Devils over Rangers in 6
Actual: Rangers over Devils in 5
Comment: My worst pick of the first round. I underestimated the Rangers and Henrik Lundqvist, and equally overestimated Brodeur. He wasn't the reason they lost, but he wasn't the brilliant goaltender he's always been.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Game 6: Red Wings 3 Predators 0
Ssssshhhhhhhh.....it's awfully quiet in the Sonnet Center today.
Helm, McCarty, Hudler: Best line in this game. That's how you succeed, with your third and fourth lines.
That being said, we have to capitalize more on our opportunities next series, because either opponent (Avs or Flames) is going to be extremely tough. We should all be familiar with Kipprofsoddsdsasuouf or whatever his name is on Calgary, and Colorado is a sleeping beast and a lot different team than the one we've manhandled for the past few seasons.
Looking forward to relaxing now and watching some Game 7s over the next few days, and whatever game Washington and Philly is on. They seem to be about a week behind.
Oh and I wouldn't mind if Jordin Tootoo gets attacked by a vulture while on the golf course in a few days.
Helm, McCarty, Hudler: Best line in this game. That's how you succeed, with your third and fourth lines.
That being said, we have to capitalize more on our opportunities next series, because either opponent (Avs or Flames) is going to be extremely tough. We should all be familiar with Kipprofsoddsdsasuouf or whatever his name is on Calgary, and Colorado is a sleeping beast and a lot different team than the one we've manhandled for the past few seasons.
Looking forward to relaxing now and watching some Game 7s over the next few days, and whatever game Washington and Philly is on. They seem to be about a week behind.
Oh and I wouldn't mind if Jordin Tootoo gets attacked by a vulture while on the golf course in a few days.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Game 5: Red Wings 2 Predators 1 (OT)
It would have been wrong in so many ways if the Wings lost this game. And when Nashville tied the game late in the third I was convinced that the Wings were destined to lose both this game and the series. They pelted Dan Ellis, the best player in this series, with shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot after shot and he did all he could to keep his team, who was outplayed from puck drop, a chance to steal this one. But it wasn't to be. There is one word to describe Johan Franzen this season, CLUTCH
Please go win on the road and shut the Predator fans, who steal their chants from other sports franchises, the fuck up.
Please go win on the road and shut the Predator fans, who steal their chants from other sports franchises, the fuck up.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Tonight's Game
I have a bad feeling. Not sure why I'm so negative this year. Deal with it.
DO SOMETHING TONIGHT!
DO SOMETHING TONIGHT!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Game 4: Predators 3 Red Wings 2
Making a series interesting when it shouldn't be....par for the course. We are giving up goals at the worst possible times in this series. I can live with Osgood starting in Game 5 as well. It's not that Hasek is the reason we lost these two games, but he hasn't helped that much either. I think the Wings will be fine as long as they bench Mikael Samuelsson for the rest of the playoffs.
But for real....can the Wings really rebound again from losing 3 and 4 on the road? This will be interesting. A few years ago, I would be livid at these two losses. Now, it's just what I come to expect.
But for real....can the Wings really rebound again from losing 3 and 4 on the road? This will be interesting. A few years ago, I would be livid at these two losses. Now, it's just what I come to expect.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Hobey Baker
Congrats to Kevin Porter for being the second Wolverine to win the Hobey Baker Award and congrats to this year's Michigan hockey team for being the tenth team in a row to shatter my hopes and dreams
Game 3: Predators 5 Red Wings 3
You clowns have to go for the jugular when you're up in the third period with a chance to take a stranglehold on the series. Instead, you sat back and let them take momentum. Nice job. Teams that are too careful in the playoffs rarely succeed.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Clutch Sunday
Philadelphia 2 Washington 0: Didn't see it. Looked boring. Good job Flyers. Moving on...
New Jersey 4 Rangers 3 (OT): Sean Avery continues to amaze me. He is like the Holmstrom of the Rangers. Heads up play by John Madden by banking the overtime winner off of a Ranger player's stick for the game winner. We have a series!
Boston 2 Montreal 1 (OT): We also have a series here! Montreal's offense completely fell asleep in the third period, and Tim Thomas had an overall clutch performance. Game 4 should be a good one and the Habs will need to step it up. They got a lot of help from power plays in game 2, and this series could easily be 2-1 Boston right now.
Calgary 4 San Jose 3: This game was the story of the night from an ageless veteran perspective. Curtis Joseph plays 57 minutes of shutout hockey after Kipper is pulled three minutes in after letting in three early goals, and Owen Nolan gets the game winner to complete the Flames rally late in the third period. Upset alert?
The Wings need to lay it to the Preds tonight in Nashville.
New Jersey 4 Rangers 3 (OT): Sean Avery continues to amaze me. He is like the Holmstrom of the Rangers. Heads up play by John Madden by banking the overtime winner off of a Ranger player's stick for the game winner. We have a series!
Boston 2 Montreal 1 (OT): We also have a series here! Montreal's offense completely fell asleep in the third period, and Tim Thomas had an overall clutch performance. Game 4 should be a good one and the Habs will need to step it up. They got a lot of help from power plays in game 2, and this series could easily be 2-1 Boston right now.
Calgary 4 San Jose 3: This game was the story of the night from an ageless veteran perspective. Curtis Joseph plays 57 minutes of shutout hockey after Kipper is pulled three minutes in after letting in three early goals, and Owen Nolan gets the game winner to complete the Flames rally late in the third period. Upset alert?
The Wings need to lay it to the Preds tonight in Nashville.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Game 2: Red Wings 4 Predators 2
The current headline on ESPN.com's NHL page says "Detroit Luck City." That may be taking it just a hair too far. The Wings weren't lucky to win the game, but they were lucky to get out of the first five minutes of the second period with a 3-2 lead after getting completely outplayed. The Preds hit two posts and could have easily gone up 3-2 themselves. Shortly after, Draper got the go-ahead goal off of a Predator skate. In the 3rd period, the Wings completely controlled the pace until the last minute when the Preds were frantically trying to score on Hasek with two-extra men. Hats off to Dom (wow, have I given him credit two games in a row?) for another strong performance. Oh yeah, and nice job by D-Mac on his goal as well!
Now let's see if the Wings can stop losing games 3 and 4 on the road in the first round like they did to Calgary last year and their series with Nashville a few years ago. Stop Trotz and his team's bitching about bad calls and luck and dominate on the road.
Now let's see if the Wings can stop losing games 3 and 4 on the road in the first round like they did to Calgary last year and their series with Nashville a few years ago. Stop Trotz and his team's bitching about bad calls and luck and dominate on the road.
Great Games Today!
Washington 5 Philadelphia 4: These Caps are something else! They just don't die. And who gets the big goal? Ovechkin of course. What a great goal it was...he just took the puck away from two Flyers and beat Biron. Unbelievable. Forget what I said earlier in the season. This guy is the best player in the NHL. Hands down. Not even close!
Pittsburgh 5 Ottawa 3: Hats off to Ottawa for rallying back from three down. It looked like Pittsburgh was going to run away with this one. The Pens are just better and Ryan Malone stepped up with two late clutch goals.
Rangers 2 New Jersey 1: I think I underestimated the Rangers defense and goaltending here. How about Avery with another big goal? Wow.
Minnesota 3 Colorado 2 (OT): This series looks like it's going to be tight right to the finish. The Wild looked like they had it won, and then suffered a last minute goal down two men (let them play, refs!). Keith Carney ends up being the unlikely hero early in OT on a bad goal by Theodore. On a side note, nice job by Versus to provide excellent sound in the overtime (there was none).
Pittsburgh 5 Ottawa 3: Hats off to Ottawa for rallying back from three down. It looked like Pittsburgh was going to run away with this one. The Pens are just better and Ryan Malone stepped up with two late clutch goals.
Rangers 2 New Jersey 1: I think I underestimated the Rangers defense and goaltending here. How about Avery with another big goal? Wow.
Minnesota 3 Colorado 2 (OT): This series looks like it's going to be tight right to the finish. The Wild looked like they had it won, and then suffered a last minute goal down two men (let them play, refs!). Keith Carney ends up being the unlikely hero early in OT on a bad goal by Theodore. On a side note, nice job by Versus to provide excellent sound in the overtime (there was none).
Friday, April 11, 2008
Notre Dame 5 Michigan 4 (OT)
2008 Michigan Hockey: Continuing the Michigan tradition of failing to deliver on high hopes
Game 1: Red Wings 3 Predators 1
Good showing to start the playoffs guys. Looks like Dan Ellis is ready to play. He stopped 37 and was the primary reason the score looked closer than it should have been. Hats of to Mikael Samuelsson for being the only Red Wing in the minus on the stat sheet, but I wouldn't expect anything more from #37.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Brad Stuart
I got some misleading information online regarding Brad Stuart being out for the season. It now appears he will be ready for game 1. Good stuff.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
1st Round Playoff Predictions
THE PLAYOFFS ARE HERE!
It's the best time of the year. Time for me to flip some coins and predict the first round.
By the way, I'm still sticking to my preseason Stanley Cup Finals pick of Sharks/Canadiens
1 Detroit vs 8 Nashville
As I recently mentioned, I have massive concerns about the Wings' ability to make a run despite their record, but not so much that I don't think they can handle the Predators. The predators have inexperienced goaltending in the playoffs, and that will be a big difference. As long as the Wings play good defense, this series shouldn't be a problem. It won't be easy, but they'll win.
Prediction: Red Wings in 6
2 San Jose vs 7 Calgary
Don't count the Flames out in this series just because the Sharks have been playing outstanding down the stretch. If Kipper gets hot in goal you never know what could happen. Plus, Calgary has played well against San Jose this year. The Flames have the ability to make this series long, but the Sharks have the talent to get it done.
Prediction: Sharks in 5
3 Minnesota vs 6 Colorado
The Wild had a good year, and the Avalanche almost had a disaster. Then Colorado turned things around for themselves and are playing well offensively in front of Jose Theodore, who has had a rebound year. I like Colorado in this one because their 3rd and 4th line players always seem to get a big goal when needed.
Prediction: Avalanche in 6
4 Anaheim vs 5 Dallas
This is Turco's last chance to prove he can perform in the playoffs. Seems like Anaheim is such a heavy favorite in this series. And we all know that favorites always win in the NHL, right? Wrong.
Prediction: Dallas in 7
1 Montreal vs 8 Boston
Alright! An original 6 matchup. The Canadians are 8 and 0 against the Bruins this year.
Prediction: Canadians in 6
2 Pittsburgh vs 7 Ottawa
They meet in the first round for the second year in a row. The Pens have to be the heavy favorites because of their offense; and the Senators also have done nothing but drop down the stretch, and they are banged up going into the playoffs.
Prediction: Penguins in 5
3 Washington vs 6 Philadelphia
Can the Caps keep it going? This is the hottest, and most fun team in the NHL. They are playing a Flyers team that has gotten absolutely no publicity at all this season. Well, they have this guy named Mike Richards who has had a good year, and are in a market that is pressuring them to perform. They'll crumble.
Prediction: Capitals in 7 to set up the dream series of Pitt/Washington
4 New Jersey vs 5 NY Rangers
How sweet it is that these two rivals meet in the first round. The Rangers owned the Devils in the regular season until today's game, winning 7 of 8 versus New Jersey. Both teams don't score often and play good defense. It'll come down to goaltending. I'll take Brodeur
Prediction: Devils in 6
It's the best time of the year. Time for me to flip some coins and predict the first round.
By the way, I'm still sticking to my preseason Stanley Cup Finals pick of Sharks/Canadiens
1 Detroit vs 8 Nashville
As I recently mentioned, I have massive concerns about the Wings' ability to make a run despite their record, but not so much that I don't think they can handle the Predators. The predators have inexperienced goaltending in the playoffs, and that will be a big difference. As long as the Wings play good defense, this series shouldn't be a problem. It won't be easy, but they'll win.
Prediction: Red Wings in 6
2 San Jose vs 7 Calgary
Don't count the Flames out in this series just because the Sharks have been playing outstanding down the stretch. If Kipper gets hot in goal you never know what could happen. Plus, Calgary has played well against San Jose this year. The Flames have the ability to make this series long, but the Sharks have the talent to get it done.
Prediction: Sharks in 5
3 Minnesota vs 6 Colorado
The Wild had a good year, and the Avalanche almost had a disaster. Then Colorado turned things around for themselves and are playing well offensively in front of Jose Theodore, who has had a rebound year. I like Colorado in this one because their 3rd and 4th line players always seem to get a big goal when needed.
Prediction: Avalanche in 6
4 Anaheim vs 5 Dallas
This is Turco's last chance to prove he can perform in the playoffs. Seems like Anaheim is such a heavy favorite in this series. And we all know that favorites always win in the NHL, right? Wrong.
Prediction: Dallas in 7
1 Montreal vs 8 Boston
Alright! An original 6 matchup. The Canadians are 8 and 0 against the Bruins this year.
Prediction: Canadians in 6
2 Pittsburgh vs 7 Ottawa
They meet in the first round for the second year in a row. The Pens have to be the heavy favorites because of their offense; and the Senators also have done nothing but drop down the stretch, and they are banged up going into the playoffs.
Prediction: Penguins in 5
3 Washington vs 6 Philadelphia
Can the Caps keep it going? This is the hottest, and most fun team in the NHL. They are playing a Flyers team that has gotten absolutely no publicity at all this season. Well, they have this guy named Mike Richards who has had a good year, and are in a market that is pressuring them to perform. They'll crumble.
Prediction: Capitals in 7 to set up the dream series of Pitt/Washington
4 New Jersey vs 5 NY Rangers
How sweet it is that these two rivals meet in the first round. The Rangers owned the Devils in the regular season until today's game, winning 7 of 8 versus New Jersey. Both teams don't score often and play good defense. It'll come down to goaltending. I'll take Brodeur
Prediction: Devils in 6
Friday, April 4, 2008
Last Two Wings Games
The loss to Chicago was embarrassing. I'm glad we're not playing them in the first round. I have a few concerns going into the playoffs. One of them is the fact that Zetterberg and Franzen are scoring almost all of the Red Wings' goals lately. They teamed up to save the Wings from a loss to Columbus yesterday. Also, it looks like Maltby is going to miss at least the first round with a hamstring injury. As far as I know, Holmstrom, Draper, Samelsson (who cares) and Kopecky are questionable with injuries still and the latest word on Brad Stuart is that he may miss the remainder of the season. The Red Wings will have to overcome a lack of continuity, combined with the fact that this last month has been against nothing but central division (which ended up overall weak once again) teams. They will have to turn up their game a notch to be successful in the playoffs. I'm not worried about the first round, but I have a bad feeling overall.
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