2011 Stanley Cup Finals

All right, guys...I see I was 50% for my last round predictions, mostly because I just simply hate Vancouver.  They managed to beat San Jose, much to my chagrin, and don't even look like they came out of it very beat up.  As with every other year in recent memory, the Sharks choked and simply cannot close the deal.  I think we're all running out of things to say about them.

Boston did beat Tampa, as I hoped, although it took one more game than I thought it would.  And what a game seven!  Goalie dual and truth be told, the way Roloson was playing for the Bolts I think Boston was lucky to get out of there.  But Horton came through with his second game seven winner of this playoff season so away we go to Vancouver.

Vancouver Canucks
           vs.
    Boston Bruins

No one, and I mean absolutely no one is giving Boston a chance in this series.  Not even Bobby Orr is picking the Bruins.  And I can see why.  Vancouver does look to be the overall better team here, I think.  After finally shaking the Chicago monkey off their backs, they have looked like the first palce club they are making it all the way to this final round.  They have the pieces, they are playing well and they are pretty healthy.  Luongo is dying to finally win a Cup to solidify the legacy he's been threatening to build and he may just lead them there this time.

I will say again, at the beginning of the playoffs I picked Boston to win the Cup, so it makes me extremely happy to see them here in the finals.  Of course, I thought they would be playing some other western team once they got here, rather than the 'Nucks.  Horton has been a monster, Thomas is still riding high and many other players are coming together to make this team deeper than it appears.  Chara leading on defense and playing well.  If only they could score a power play goal, it would be hard to find holes in their game.

I think Boston has more "men" on its team.  Lucic, Horton, Chara...even Recchi, et al.  Compared with the likes of the Butter Twins, Burrows, Erhoff, etc., I like Boston.  Having said that I believe guys like Kesler for Vancouver can make a huge difference for their team as he's already proven.  In my head, I know most people are right; this is very likely Vancouver's year and it would take a lot of work from the hockey Gods to enable Boston to get past them.  But I just can't do it.  I hate those buggars and I have to stick to my original predictions, don't I?  If there's one things the playoffs teach us and remind us of every single year, is that anything can happen.  That's the beauty of sport and why we play these games at all.  Anything can happen.  I'm going on a limb to say anything WILL happen....

Boston for the Stanley Cup.....in seven.

2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Western Confernce Championship

Okay, well...the semi-finals finally ended and it did so with all the bravado that I predicted it would: San Jose took it in the seventh game.  That went down as one of the best series of the playoffs so far, I'd say.  Datsyuk played unbelievable, especially when you consider he did it with one wrist.  I don't think he took one faceoff over the final two games, but he still managed to take control with dazzling passes and timely goals.  Despite those efforts, it wasn't enough to overpower the Sharks.

Vancouver Canucks
              vs.
San Jose Sharks

Since beating Chicago in the first round, I believe Vancouver has shaken a bit of a monkey off their backs.  But now they play San Jose, who really has been living the Canucks fate for the past six years or so.  A perennial first place finisher whose regular season prowess doesn't always translate into post season success.  The Sharks have had a lot of practice at what the Canucks are trying to do, and the Nucks are desperately trying to ensure they don't become the same team.  The Sedins have yet to show up in these playoffs, but by the way Kesler and others are stepping up, it might not matter.

I hate Vancouver, so I would likely cheer against them for any team.  In this case, everyone in the world has been burned (more than once) by thinking San Jose can finally pull it off in the playoffs.  It's hard to jump onto their side, knowing Groundhog Day is so very likely to happen again.  In this case, what have we got to lose?  I think the Sharks can finally go deeper in the playoffs and their current goalie, Niemi, did it to Vancouver last year when he was with the Hawks.  At the beginning of the playoffs I predicted a San Jose/ Boston final and so far, it still looks like it could happen.  Better stick to my guns.

San Jose in six.

2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Eastern Conference Championship

Holy crap!

There were a couple of surprises when it came to the last matchups in the East.  First of all, although I had Boston beating Philly to move on, I certainly didn't think they'd sweep em'!  I think everyone was confident in a tough, hard fought series.  Not saying that was easy for Boston, but beating the Flyers in four straight games will save them some bumps and bruises from a longer series.

Even more surprising, and quite honestly the shock of the playoffs so far, was Tampa Bay beating Washington 4 games to none.  Are you kidding me?  Tampa proved their worth in the first round by taking out the Pens and nobody is arguing against a talented and well rounded line up.  But the Capitals were the best team in the East through the regular season and had a lot to prove with past playoff exits to overcome.  But man, the wheels came off and Tampa uncerimoniously bounced 'em.  Ouch.

Boston Bruins
       vs
Tampa Bay Lightning

Again, I picked Boston to go to the final this year, so I'm happy to see them in the Eastern final.  They are definitely coming together as a team and finding a playoff identity, as it were.  In last night's game, which clinched the series, Patrice Bergeron left the game with what is now known as another concussion.  Bergeron has a very troubling past with head injuries and this cannot bode well.  Although it's only day old news and not a lot is known, if he's got a concussion, he won't be back in these playoffs.  On the other hand, Chara, Lucic, Horton and Marchand have really started to take the reins.

Tampa shocked the hell outta me (and more, I'm sure) by sweeping the Caps.  Great job!  I like Tampa, their players, their rookie coach...I wish them all the best.  They have a good mix of expeience with Vinnie, St. Louis, Malone, Roloson.....good mix of youngs in Stamkos, Downie, Hedman, etc.  I like their chances, truth be told.  This is the farthest they've gone into the post season since winning the cup in '04.  I would be quite happy to see them advance, as much as anybody.  The only thing making my decision on this series is sticking to my original call of Boston taking it all.

Boston in six

2011 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions - Round Two

Allrighty folks…well, the first round is in the books and history has been made, they say.  I think I did pretty good on my predictions, getting 7 of 8 correct.  Of course, some of the lengths of the series were a little off, but still…..the only one I missed was Nashville  taking out Anaheim, but we all knew there was a chance that could happen.  Just didn’t have big enough balls to step up on it.

So, now onto the second round.  Let’s see how we do!

Vancouver Canucks

             Vs.

Nashville Predators

The Canucks had a pretty good scare in round one, which was one of the series’ lengths I did correctly guess.  It went the distance to seven games and then some, creeping into overtime.  I wasn’t sure they were actually going to pull it off, but in the end, Luongo played great and they grew A TON as a team, finally getting the Chicago monkey off their back and overcoming some adversity.  Their confidence has to be huge right now, along with their resolve.  I think they’re going to have a little bit easier times ahead after getting through that series.

Nashville did what everyone thought they could do, and that was bear down, play the system of employing very tight defense and ride outstanding goaltending to a series victory.  It was the first time in their history that the Preds have ever won a playoff series, so kudos to them.  And hey, Anaheim was no lame duck (pardon the pun) to beat.  In the end, though I think Nashville has come as far as they can on that system of theirs.  You need experience in the playoffs to learn how to beat the best teams, and Nashville will be better served next year after learning a lot this year.

Canucks in six

San Jose Sharks

            Vs.

Detroit Red Wings

This is actually a pretty tough series to call.  Big Daisy Thornton finally came through for his team with the series winning goal for round one, so that has to bode well for their chances.  Once he’s rolling, it could be a whole different team.  The expected names came up big with Clowe and Pavelski doing what they do and Niemi seems to holding the net down as well as he did last year on his way to winning a cup.  They have more grit and less spotlight than from years past, so I like the way San Jose can come through.

You must never discount the Detroit Red Wings, who are actually perennial favorites, reminded us of that with a quick and tidy dispatch of the Coyotes in the first round, sweeping them in four games.  Yikes.  This series is going to be all about skill and less about the physical aspects of the game.  I think that will ultimately favor the Sharks.  As skilled as Detroit is, they are getting a little long in the tooth.  Howard is still a goalie that I have a hard time believing can take a team all the way (mind you, I always thought that about Osgood, too).  At least for the western conference, this is the series to watch.

San Jose in seven

Philidelphia Flyers

          Vs

Boston Bruins

Now here’s an eastern series I think we can all get behind. A rematch form last year in which Philly became just the third team in history to come back from being down 3 games to zero.  A massive collapse by the Bruins, to be sure.  And I guarantee you they very well remember how it felt.  The Flyers shook off ridiculously poor goaltending in the first round to scrape by Buffalo by managing to outscore Buffalo’s weak offense.  Here in round two, they still have a shaky goalie situation and are facing much better forwards.

The Bruins took it all the way in round one also, with a game seven overtime win.  Although I believe Philly is deeper up front, Boston has Thomas looking after their net which is a monster advantage over what Philly will have back there.  Pronger is going to be a monster, no doubt…but let’s not forget Boston’s own defensive monster in Chara.  The truth is, I would love nothing more than pick the Flyers for this series…I think they’ve got a more than decent chance to take it.  But alas, at the beginning of the playoffs I chose Boston to make it all the way to the final, so I’m gonna ride that horse.

Boston in seven

Washington Capitals

              Vs

Tampa Bay Lightning

Washington made it through their first round matchup fairly handily against the Rangers, ousting them in five games (another series length I correctly predicted, by the way).  They’re well rested and have got to be firm believers in the system their coach has them playing within by now.  They’re getting it doen with offense, defense, goaltending and grit.  They actually look pretty darn good.  I do however, think that they have some more tests to pass before I’ll be taking them all the way to the Cup Final.

Tampa Bay fought a tough a series.  Tougher than I thought, in fact.  I thought their scoring depth would have zero problems overcoming the Crosby/ Malkin-less Pens, but Pitts burgh proved worthy opponents.  In any case, they made it into the second round and I think are a better team for it.  Too bad for them that they’re facing the Capitals now.  Any other team and I would actually give Tampa a pretty good fighting chance of moving forward again.  And who knows?  Maybe they’ll surprise us with how good they’ve become.  But unfortunately, I don’t think they’re quite at this level yet.

Washington in six 

  

The Secret

When I went through my divorce a couple of years ago, a friend of mine lent me this book called, “The Secret”.  I had never heard of the thing before, but apparently it was actually quite popular and was turning into its own little franchise at the time.  The book was a bit hokey for me and I was uber-surprised that it came from the hands of that friend…meaning I was really taken aback that this person would not only have it on their shelves, but put enough stock into it to lend it out.

But basically, it’s no secret…it’s just a message of positive thinking.  Which is good.  People get trapped into negative cycles and it becomes so incredibly easy to find fault with things.  Much better for you and everyone around you to think in a positive manner.  To be sure, you’ll find your life is much better for it. 

So, as corny as the thing was, I read the deeper message and just basically make a conscious effort to think positively.  One of the other things I took out of that book was that in order to make stuff happen, rather than waiting for it to happen to you, is to constantly be putting it out there.  Somehow the mysterious vibes of karma pick up on this shit and start granting you wishes.  Now, I’m no believer of the hocus pocus, but hey…everything is worth a shot!

Normally, I would be a guy of the quiet mindset; be humble, play your cards close to your chest, knock on wood and don’t jinx stuff.  But today I’m going to try the other way of thinking.  The Secret way.  For the first time in my life, I bought a ticket for the Caritas Hospital’s Full House Lottery!  There’s like, 5000 prizes or something, so lots of opportunity.  And let’s face it, it’s a good cause to support anyway.  Now, rather than not saying anything about it, I’m gonna go with the thinking of “The Secret” and, uh…not keep it a secret.  I’m putting my vibes out there:  Let me win something!!  C’mon, lottery Gods…give me a prize!  I’ve been good…I’m a positive fella…make me win a house!

Or, at least the early bird prize of a rad AMG Mercedes!

Playoff predictions part deux

NHL 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Part II)

After yesterday’s cursory look at the Western Conference matchups, let’s follow that up with a little dabble to the East.  

Eastern Conference

(1)    Washington Capitals

                   vs.

 (8) New York Rangers 

Washington is a weirdo team to me his year.  It’s funny how many people flock around them as the most fun team with best chance to win, based on the “Great 8” being in their lineup.  I mean, there’s no disputing his talent, but it takes a shit load more than a star player (or two) to win a championship in these playoffs.  After faltering the past couple of seasons with relatively early exits, the Caps have been somewhat of a non-force this year, if you can say that about a team that finished first in their conference.  They’re somehow more subdued, quiet…like they’re trying to be taken seriously.  It’s very much the same feeling you get from a notably comic actor putting on a serious acting job for the run at an Oscar…think Jim Carrey in his last however many movies.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.  I’ve said it…The Washington Capitals are the Jim Carrey of the NHL.

The Rangers, easy to hate much like their brothers the Yankees, managed to squeak into the playoffs again my the skin of their teeth.  Although their reputation makes it hard for non-New Yorkers to like them all that easily with their free spending ways and constant protection of a GM that no longer seems to “have it”, they do have some notably likeable players on their roster.  I like Dubinsky…I like Callahan…and goalie Lundqvist is one of two goalies in the playoffs that can steal a series.  But alas, young stud Callahan is injured long term and their defense is still thin and Marion Gaborik is not the tough kind of player that’s going to take charge of a playoff series.  Washington in five.   

(2)    Philadelphia Flyers

         vs.

                (7)  Buffalo Sabres 

Philly surprised everyone by going to Stanley Cup Finals last year, seemingly doing it on brute strength and will alone.  But the more you looked at their roster, the more you saw how deep and talented they really were.  They still have the missing goalie problems that have plagued them for years and years, but Pronger on the backend almost makes up for it.  Up front, guys like Richards, Giroux, Carter and Hartnell provide a lot of grit and talent.  Mind you, Pronger is out for at least the first couple of games, leaving them a little thin back there.

Buffalo doesn’t have a lot.  They don’t have the forward depth or star forward.  Okay, there’s Vanek, I guess…but something about him just doesn’t quite let me buy into him being a top notch guy that can pick his team up and carry them very far.  On Defense, they have the beginnings s of something good in Myers.  In goal, they have a killer in Miller.  But his year has been merely okay.  It’s possible he could steal a series for them.  But I don’t think so.  Philly in six.    

(3)    Boston Bruins

vs.

                (6) Montreal Canadiens

There are two series in the opening round that tower over the others; Vancouver/ Chicago and this one.  The Habs and Bruins are long time rivals and meet in the playoffs often enough to keep those fires stoked.  The Bruins are looking to avenge last year’s defeat and the Habs looking to avenge last month’s demolishing hit from Chara onto Max Pacioretty.  With Carey Price taking the lead in net, it’s time to see if he can endear himself the way Halak did in last year’s playoffs.  God knows they’re gonna need it.

I see a lot of similarities in the Bruins personality compared with Chicago’s from last year.  The addition they made of Nathan Horton adds a ton to their forward lineup…and after the last meeting of the season between these two teams, I think it’s fair to say that Montreal has a legitimate fear of getting a little beaten up by these bruisers.  The Boston Bruins are actually my pick from the East to go to the Finals, so I guess it has to start here.  Bruins in four.

(4)    Pittsburgh Penguins

Vs.

(5)    Tampa Bay Lightning

Pittsburgh has obviously been one of the elite teams for a few years now with a few of the very best players in the league on their roster.  But enabling the salaries of Crosby, Malkin, Fleury and Staal has meant the supporting cast is a little more cobbled together.  Now, with both Crosby and Malkin out of the picture, it doesn’t leave them a ton to work with.  I know they’re a hard working bunch and have taken a lot of games to the hilt with shootout wins to close out the season, but they’re going t need to rely on past winning experience and toughness if they want to go anywhere in these playoffs without their two best players.

Tampa is an interesting one to watch; they got a couple of Canadian Olympians in Martin St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier as well as one of the most dynamic young player sin the game today with Stamkos.  Hedman on defense could step it up to show solid play that got him drafted so highly a couple of years ago and Roloson the aging goalie often steps up as well as any armor wearing knight from any folk story you’ve heard.  Personally, with all that aside, new coach Guy Boucher is a master, and going up against Dan Bylsma from the other bench is going to push his brain into making some challenging decisions, I’m sure.  But I like the team with all of its parts in tact.  Tampa Bay wins in six.

      

Stanley Cup Playoffs!

Wow.  It's really been awhile, huh?  Yeah well....okay, okay.  I promise to do better!

NHL 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Finally!  My favorite time of year is upon us and I’m about to forsake my child and wife for the next 2 months.  Ah well…they’ll forgive me.  They do every year. 

I thought I would take a cursory little look at the matchups and put forth a few thoughts.  Predictions are ridiculous…don’t put any stock into that and I will only make some for the sense of bar talk and fun.  That’s really the essence of why we all love sports:  anything can happen.

Western Conference

 (1)    Vancouver Canucks

                   vs.

 (8) Chicago Blackhawks 

One of the most anticipated series of the opening round, for sure.  This is the third consecutive year that the two teams have met, with Chicago besting the Canucks both times so far, last year on their way to being Stanley Cup Champions.  With Vancouver winning the President’s trophy this year as the NHL’s best team, they have to mighty tired of losing to Chicago already and have a steely resolve not to let it happen again. 

Chicago had to blow up their winning roster a little bit after the Cup win last year and a few of the departing players, like Byfuglien and Niemi, were very instrumental in their victories.  Couple that with the normal hangover letdown that many teams experience the year after winning a Cup and I think it takes bit of an edge off of Chicago this year. 

The hunger Chicago had last year has been passed on to Vancouver for this year.  Luongo and the Butter Twins can win all the accolades and Art Ross trophies they want but everyone, including themselves, know it doesn’t mean as much as a Stanley Cup.  Vancouver in seven.  

    (2)    San Jose Sharks

            vs.

                (7)  Los Angles Kings 

San Jose has been knocking on Stanley’s door for years now, never finding a way to break through it.  That constant failure to make it all the way, despite regularly being the best team throughout the regular season, has had an impact on how people view those players.  Joe Thornton is a daisy.  Heatley has no heart.  Nabakov is a choker.  Well, the last of those players has been replaced by last year’s championship winning goalie, Antii Niemi, and Big Joe is going to take another crack at it with his cast of merry men.  Is this the year they finally do it? 

The Kings are an easy team to like and have a lot of great pieces.  The rebuilding has gone well and their plan seems to be taking the predicated steps year after year.  Their defense is their strongest point with studs like Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson.  They also have a solid list of forwards…except for one big piece.  Their scoring leader and best player, Anze Kopitar went down with a broken ankle near the end of the regular season and won’t be back in time to help.  As deep as they are, they can’t overcome that…not at this point in their development.  I’m sure they’ll fight like champs, but:  Sharks in five.  

    (3)    Detroit Red Wings

             vs.

                (6) Phoenix Coyotes

Detroit has been perennial playoff threat with a solid core of players that always seem to perform with consistency.  To be sure, they are the class of the league.  They’ve won cups aplenty and fans around the league for their play and conduct.  They’re one of those rare teams where no matter how often they win the fans, form any city in the league, will still not hate them.  This year they start the playoffs without Zetterberg and a goalie that seems to be struggling a bit in Jimmy Howard.  But hey, it’s not like that’s never happened to them before.

Phoenix is a bit of a darling team after overcoming huge distractions with their ownership situation and lack of paying fans in the seats.  Despite it all, they stay focused and play hard.  Very well coached by Dave Tippet and well led by captain Shane Doan, everybody likes an underdog.  As much as we all want to see them succeed , they don’t near enough ammunition or experience to take out the big boys.  Detroit in six.

(4)    Anaheim Ducks

          vs.

(5)    Nashville Predators

Anaheim is the team nobody wanted to play in the first round.  Well, that makes Nashville a great opponent because the same could be said of them!  A couple of sold playing teams with just enough power and experience to make them the perfect dark horse and playoff threat.  The Ducks got a sick performance out of Corey Perry, busting through the fifty goal barrier to win the Rocket Richard trophy as the league’s best scorer this year.  And Selanne as a 40 year old is playing like most other team’s 30 year-olds.  Not to mention these boys have the experience of winning it all before…they know what it takes.

Nashville has had the same coach their entire existence for a reason; Barry Trotz could have probably won the Jack Adams award in any given season that he’s worked.  But all in all, they just haven’t had the star player to set them apart.  They have never won a playoff series.  But they fight hard, always have.  It’s going to be a tough series and, as always, who ever advances after playing Nashville will be tired and worse for the wear.  But the same will hold true as years past.  Ducks in seven.

Tomorrow.....the East.  I promise.