Ok. so here we go back at it again. I went 4-4 in the last round. Let's hope I can go 4 for 4 this time round...
Boston Vs Carolina
I don't think you can really bet against the Bruins. They should they are a dominant team handling the Canadiens pretty easily. That being said, Carolina is had a fairly strong series against the Devils. The Canes have Cam Ward to thank who's now heating up at the right time. Depth may be a bit of an issue with the 'Canes not a lot of heavy scorers up front.
Prediction: Boston
Washington Vs. Pittsburgh
Despite going 1-3-0 Against the Caps, Pittsburgh has a fairly good record against Washington. Crosby seems to save his best for matchups against Ovechkin and it might land on Rookie Simeon Varlamov to hold the fort. Both teams show heavy scoring depth with offensive guns on the back end to run a powerplay. The difference I see will definitely go to the Goaltending. With Fleury more experienced than his Caps Counterpart.
Prediction: Pittsburgh
Detroit Vs. Anaheim
Another team you can't bet against is Detroit. With a team who's better on paper than they were last year when they won the cup, you can't say they aren't able to do it again. You look at the Ducks and they have two lines who are offensive threats. Behind that it's pretty barren. The Wings have a lot of depth and a mass of experience to go with it. Osgoode is proving he can perform in the Playoffs despite the naysayers.
Prediction: Detroit
Chicago Vs. Vancouver
Luongo Vs The Blackhawks may be the better way to put it. Chicago has more offensive power than the Blues and with that comes the challenge. Chicago's goalie in Khabibulin is a pretty strong goalie who held off a lot of Calgary shots in the first round. Vancouvers offensive guns need to shine to get past this Young Blackhawks team.
Prediction: Chicago
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Round 1 Debrief
So I guess for the sake of simplicity I won't really go over the teams I correctly predicted. But I did make 4 errors.
To begin with let's start with Washington/New York. New York was up 2-0 in the series and then 3-1. It all looked like it was New York's series to win but it all went downhill very quickly. To begin, Goaltending was key. Simeon Varlamov is proving that he can stand tall in his trial by fire and the relatively unknown goalie proved to backstop Washington solidly while the Caps did what they do best in scoring. Henrik Lundqvist turned out to be human afterall and Washington managed to score fairly consistently on him to get themselves into that game seven. In a series I thought goaltending would be the big deciding vote, it surely was. There was no Jose Theodore to give the Rangers an offensive chance. Simeon Varlamov managed to shut that down.
New Jersey/Carolina
This was a tough one and an exciting one for sure. Cam Ward was phenomanal and Martin Brodeur may be showing signs of slowing down. The offensive guns for Carolina outshone those of the Devils and in a series where once again goaltending was to prevail, Ward simply did it better
San Jose/ Anaheim
This was a big one. Not many thought Anaheim would pull it off and yet here we are with another Shark choke. It was definitely a shock for sure to see them lose once again and yet not so much. I personally thought this might be the year the sharks go dep but as a Senators fan I know the feeling of having a strong solid team and experience an early upset. The sharks simply disappeared. Their big guns showed up too little too late and in the end they failed togive their team a fighting chance.
Pittsburgh/Philadelphia
This one should have ben a lot closer I think. Philly simply took too many penalties in the first two games and that cost them the series. Goaltending, as usual, also played a role with Biron not looking like he was up to task.
In the end it was clear the better teams won with 7/8 Favourites winning. Shame San Jose didn't get the Memo on that....
To begin with let's start with Washington/New York. New York was up 2-0 in the series and then 3-1. It all looked like it was New York's series to win but it all went downhill very quickly. To begin, Goaltending was key. Simeon Varlamov is proving that he can stand tall in his trial by fire and the relatively unknown goalie proved to backstop Washington solidly while the Caps did what they do best in scoring. Henrik Lundqvist turned out to be human afterall and Washington managed to score fairly consistently on him to get themselves into that game seven. In a series I thought goaltending would be the big deciding vote, it surely was. There was no Jose Theodore to give the Rangers an offensive chance. Simeon Varlamov managed to shut that down.
New Jersey/Carolina
This was a tough one and an exciting one for sure. Cam Ward was phenomanal and Martin Brodeur may be showing signs of slowing down. The offensive guns for Carolina outshone those of the Devils and in a series where once again goaltending was to prevail, Ward simply did it better
San Jose/ Anaheim
This was a big one. Not many thought Anaheim would pull it off and yet here we are with another Shark choke. It was definitely a shock for sure to see them lose once again and yet not so much. I personally thought this might be the year the sharks go dep but as a Senators fan I know the feeling of having a strong solid team and experience an early upset. The sharks simply disappeared. Their big guns showed up too little too late and in the end they failed togive their team a fighting chance.
Pittsburgh/Philadelphia
This one should have ben a lot closer I think. Philly simply took too many penalties in the first two games and that cost them the series. Goaltending, as usual, also played a role with Biron not looking like he was up to task.
In the end it was clear the better teams won with 7/8 Favourites winning. Shame San Jose didn't get the Memo on that....
Monday, April 13, 2009
Playoffs Round 1 Picks:
Boston Vs Montreal:
Though Montreal did manage to beat Boston in their last season meeting of the year, I don't think that Montreal is going to pull this one out. Boston is a lot bigger who can punish Montreal physically throughout string of games. The Habs need to have their best players shine and Kovalev needs to step up. Markov is out but I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back for the first game. The problem there is I've no doubt Boston will take every opportunity to pound on Montreal's star defenceman. Boston's goaltending looks a lot better going in than Montreals. Carey Price has shown to have a pretty weak confidence level and if Boston gets to him early, this series will be done. Tim Thomas and his unorthodox style reminds me of Dominic Hasek and we all know how great he was.
Prediction: Boston
Washington Vs New York
Washington's goaltending is suspect. Jose Theodore has never really gotten the magic he showed in Montreal back. Goaltending is such a big issue in the playoffs and New York has a definite edge. That being said, the Capitals won 3 out of 4 matchups against the Rangers. The only issue with that is the Rangers did not have Sean Avery during those games. Ovechkin has been shown to be less effective when he's looking for the hit more than scoring and Avery is the perfect player to get the russian superstar off his game. New York will need to find some scoring touch as they have no one in the roster that peaked 30 goals. That being said, Jose Theodore, if he doesn't close the door, will be able to hand the Rangers a series.
Prediction: New York
New Jersey Vs Carolina
Carolina is hot. They've gone into the post season with Cam Ward really in stride and, after a slow start, this is exactly the right time to be peaking. They have a strong corps of players who can score and the return of Erik Cole has been great for their team. The 'Canes have won a cup and know the grind of the playoffs. If Cam Ward really gets hot for the post season, he might just lead the 'Canes back to the finals. New Jersey has struggled as of late and the team itself might not go very far. The saviour might be between the pipes in Martin Brodeur. He alons can steal games and he's not one to go through long slumps. You can almost be sure he'll be able to get his game back for the playoffs. Zach Parise has had an amazing season and I look to him to continue to lead New Jersey deep.
Prediction: New Jersey
Pittsburgh Vs Philladelphia
Pittsburgh is looking to get back to the Finals after losing to the Wings. This team started slow but Malkin and Crosby have both had good seasons and hope to lead their team far. The addition of Guerin and Kunitz adds some good scoring help to the Pens who have needed wingers to play with Crosby. Jordan Staal has had a great year of his own and he provdes great depth to that team. Philladelphia has been strong and they can prove to be a formidable foe to the Penguins who face off in a repeat matchup of the Conference Final. Philladelphia can surely out hit Pittsburgh and in doing so can throw off Crosby and Malkin.
Prediction: Philladelphia
San Jose Vs Anaheim
Goaltending. That's really all that needs to be said. Hiller has been great for the Ducks but he's unproven in the playoffs and he'll be against Nabokov who, along with his whole team, has soemthing to prove. I can't see the Ducks going to Giguerre after he's struggled al year but if they do, he could return to form if he can shake off his issues. The Sharks have more depth upfront though. After Perry and Getzlaf, the Ducks are left with Ryan and Selanne. Now that does give two lines but I can certainly see the President's Trophy winning Sharks taking this series
Prediction: Sharks
Detroit Vs Columbus
Once again goaltending becomes an issue. The rising star in Steve Mason against Chris Osgoode. Osgoode has had a terrible statistical season and yet wins games. Mason backstopped Columbus into the post season. Detroit has a lot more depth in scoring and have the same roster they had last season with the one addition of Marian Hossa. On paper they are a better team than the one that won last season but I still have my reservations. Osgood had a better season last year. I'm not convinced he'll be able to pull it off once again. Columbus has a lack in depth however and a very green group of players. Nash leads the team in scoring but has only 3 other players behind him that are close to the 20 goal mark. Against a team in Detroit that can easily clamp down defensively, this might be a big problem.
Prediction: Detroit
Vancouver Vs St Louis
I have to go with Vancouver on this one mainly on the fact that St Louis might just be happy with making it in. Both teams boast hot goalies going into the post season. Both Mason and Luongo have shutouts going into the post season. Vancouver is going to push hard with so many players UFAs come July 1st. Players will be auditioning for jobs as they strive for the cup. St. Louis is a young team on the upswing. This probably won't be their year to go very far but next season might push them a lot further.
Prediction: Vancouver
Chicago Vs Calgary
Well Calgary finally has a full roster and that bodes well for them. The problem they have is Cammalleri isn't scoring much anymore. The arival of Jokinen puts what looks to be 3 scorers on the same line. That isn't a winning combination. Kiprusoff will faceoff against Khabibhulin I would think which means The Hawks have a hot goalie coming off a shutout. The young tandem of Kane and Toews has been phenominal. Samuel Pahlsson has been a shutdown guy for the Ducks in their runs and will provide good leadership to a team filled with young players.
Prediction: Chicago
Though Montreal did manage to beat Boston in their last season meeting of the year, I don't think that Montreal is going to pull this one out. Boston is a lot bigger who can punish Montreal physically throughout string of games. The Habs need to have their best players shine and Kovalev needs to step up. Markov is out but I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back for the first game. The problem there is I've no doubt Boston will take every opportunity to pound on Montreal's star defenceman. Boston's goaltending looks a lot better going in than Montreals. Carey Price has shown to have a pretty weak confidence level and if Boston gets to him early, this series will be done. Tim Thomas and his unorthodox style reminds me of Dominic Hasek and we all know how great he was.
Prediction: Boston
Washington Vs New York
Washington's goaltending is suspect. Jose Theodore has never really gotten the magic he showed in Montreal back. Goaltending is such a big issue in the playoffs and New York has a definite edge. That being said, the Capitals won 3 out of 4 matchups against the Rangers. The only issue with that is the Rangers did not have Sean Avery during those games. Ovechkin has been shown to be less effective when he's looking for the hit more than scoring and Avery is the perfect player to get the russian superstar off his game. New York will need to find some scoring touch as they have no one in the roster that peaked 30 goals. That being said, Jose Theodore, if he doesn't close the door, will be able to hand the Rangers a series.
Prediction: New York
New Jersey Vs Carolina
Carolina is hot. They've gone into the post season with Cam Ward really in stride and, after a slow start, this is exactly the right time to be peaking. They have a strong corps of players who can score and the return of Erik Cole has been great for their team. The 'Canes have won a cup and know the grind of the playoffs. If Cam Ward really gets hot for the post season, he might just lead the 'Canes back to the finals. New Jersey has struggled as of late and the team itself might not go very far. The saviour might be between the pipes in Martin Brodeur. He alons can steal games and he's not one to go through long slumps. You can almost be sure he'll be able to get his game back for the playoffs. Zach Parise has had an amazing season and I look to him to continue to lead New Jersey deep.
Prediction: New Jersey
Pittsburgh Vs Philladelphia
Pittsburgh is looking to get back to the Finals after losing to the Wings. This team started slow but Malkin and Crosby have both had good seasons and hope to lead their team far. The addition of Guerin and Kunitz adds some good scoring help to the Pens who have needed wingers to play with Crosby. Jordan Staal has had a great year of his own and he provdes great depth to that team. Philladelphia has been strong and they can prove to be a formidable foe to the Penguins who face off in a repeat matchup of the Conference Final. Philladelphia can surely out hit Pittsburgh and in doing so can throw off Crosby and Malkin.
Prediction: Philladelphia
San Jose Vs Anaheim
Goaltending. That's really all that needs to be said. Hiller has been great for the Ducks but he's unproven in the playoffs and he'll be against Nabokov who, along with his whole team, has soemthing to prove. I can't see the Ducks going to Giguerre after he's struggled al year but if they do, he could return to form if he can shake off his issues. The Sharks have more depth upfront though. After Perry and Getzlaf, the Ducks are left with Ryan and Selanne. Now that does give two lines but I can certainly see the President's Trophy winning Sharks taking this series
Prediction: Sharks
Detroit Vs Columbus
Once again goaltending becomes an issue. The rising star in Steve Mason against Chris Osgoode. Osgoode has had a terrible statistical season and yet wins games. Mason backstopped Columbus into the post season. Detroit has a lot more depth in scoring and have the same roster they had last season with the one addition of Marian Hossa. On paper they are a better team than the one that won last season but I still have my reservations. Osgood had a better season last year. I'm not convinced he'll be able to pull it off once again. Columbus has a lack in depth however and a very green group of players. Nash leads the team in scoring but has only 3 other players behind him that are close to the 20 goal mark. Against a team in Detroit that can easily clamp down defensively, this might be a big problem.
Prediction: Detroit
Vancouver Vs St Louis
I have to go with Vancouver on this one mainly on the fact that St Louis might just be happy with making it in. Both teams boast hot goalies going into the post season. Both Mason and Luongo have shutouts going into the post season. Vancouver is going to push hard with so many players UFAs come July 1st. Players will be auditioning for jobs as they strive for the cup. St. Louis is a young team on the upswing. This probably won't be their year to go very far but next season might push them a lot further.
Prediction: Vancouver
Chicago Vs Calgary
Well Calgary finally has a full roster and that bodes well for them. The problem they have is Cammalleri isn't scoring much anymore. The arival of Jokinen puts what looks to be 3 scorers on the same line. That isn't a winning combination. Kiprusoff will faceoff against Khabibhulin I would think which means The Hawks have a hot goalie coming off a shutout. The young tandem of Kane and Toews has been phenominal. Samuel Pahlsson has been a shutdown guy for the Ducks in their runs and will provide good leadership to a team filled with young players.
Prediction: Chicago
Friday, April 10, 2009
PLAYOFFS!
So the Eastern Playoff crop has been set and now all that's left is the little wiggle room to determine the final standings. The main things is, only 3 of the 5 Canadian teams remaining are left to vie for the Cup. Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary are Canada's group of teams trying to win it and unfortunately the last two may not last long enough. Calgary has been playing with a short roster due to injuries and going into the playoffs under those circumstances might result in a tired team. Many have thought that Kiprusoff may be burning out from the heavy workload he's gotten this season and a tired goalie going into the post season might result in an early exit. The lack of production from Cammalleri is also goaless is seven games. Some of Calgary's players are simply not going into the post season hot. Now optimists might say that this is good. They go in and they break out of their slump in round one and ride their momentum all the way. Others will say that this is a recipe for a quick exit.
Montreal has also been hitting a rough patch and on a slide. They've essentially backed into their playoff berth out of what many will say is a lot of luck. In the last few games, it seems like every loss they take was matched with a loss by the Panthers. Going to overtime against Boston and losing wasn't a winners way of gettting into post season. The miraculous return of Mathieu Schneider was one thing but missing Markov might be a detriment. Losing your leading scorer is a big problem for any team and Montreal is no different. With Boston or Washington being their two potential opponents, Montreal is in tough. Boston has a very strong team. They have two very offensive defenceman in Wideman and Chara. They're big up front with some very skilled players who will have no problem putting the puck into the net and roughing up the Habs. Washington may have their goaltending to worry about bu Jose Theodore looked like hewas salvaging his career at the end of last season. if he can find that magic once again he might just backstop Washington pretty deep. With Offensive heavy hitters in Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom and Green, the Capitals have the potential of simply outscoring their opponents if they need to. And ovechkin's mean streak and hitting game is the exact type of game style any team wants from their players.
Vancouver's goaltending has shown it's shaping into form. Luongo is heating up as he goes into the post season and his injury might have been the rest he needs. The one thing that hangs is Mats Sundin. Will he return the form as the centre Vancouver was hoping for or will he continue on his mediocre pace? The team is hoping the big forward can show the physical strength and offensive prowess to help lead them deep into the playoffs. If Vancouver maintains their division lead, they'll likely play the Blue Jackets who will enter the post season for the first time. If Mason can continue his strong play, it'll be a great goaltending duel between the two teams.
Montreal has also been hitting a rough patch and on a slide. They've essentially backed into their playoff berth out of what many will say is a lot of luck. In the last few games, it seems like every loss they take was matched with a loss by the Panthers. Going to overtime against Boston and losing wasn't a winners way of gettting into post season. The miraculous return of Mathieu Schneider was one thing but missing Markov might be a detriment. Losing your leading scorer is a big problem for any team and Montreal is no different. With Boston or Washington being their two potential opponents, Montreal is in tough. Boston has a very strong team. They have two very offensive defenceman in Wideman and Chara. They're big up front with some very skilled players who will have no problem putting the puck into the net and roughing up the Habs. Washington may have their goaltending to worry about bu Jose Theodore looked like hewas salvaging his career at the end of last season. if he can find that magic once again he might just backstop Washington pretty deep. With Offensive heavy hitters in Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom and Green, the Capitals have the potential of simply outscoring their opponents if they need to. And ovechkin's mean streak and hitting game is the exact type of game style any team wants from their players.
Vancouver's goaltending has shown it's shaping into form. Luongo is heating up as he goes into the post season and his injury might have been the rest he needs. The one thing that hangs is Mats Sundin. Will he return the form as the centre Vancouver was hoping for or will he continue on his mediocre pace? The team is hoping the big forward can show the physical strength and offensive prowess to help lead them deep into the playoffs. If Vancouver maintains their division lead, they'll likely play the Blue Jackets who will enter the post season for the first time. If Mason can continue his strong play, it'll be a great goaltending duel between the two teams.
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