- After squandering a 3-1 series lead in the first round, Capitals Captain and franchise winger Alexander Ovechkin spoke to the press about his team's performance. He will no doubt be the recipient of much criticism, but anyone who watched the series knows that he played with great passion and urgency. He was averaging over a point a game, while so-called offensive studs like Alexander Semin and Mike Green did more to hinder their team than help. However, like a good captain, Ovechkin has willingly shouldered the bulk of the blame, and even came to the defense of his teammates. Say what you will about this guy and his antics, he's still the man. I know he's done some stupid things, but he's not classless.
- The NHL has continued releasing more "History Will Be Made" commercials. The three recent ones focus on the performances of Montreal's Jaroslav Halak, San Jose's Joe Pavelski, and Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk. Easily the three most valuable players to their respective teams in the first round. Bravo, guys.
- Speaking of the "History Will Be Made" series, a lot of fans have taken it upon themselves to make their own. Some are inspiring, others outright hilarious. Go ahead, search "history will be made" on Youtube. I dare you.
Friday, April 30, 2010
2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Second Round Predictions
San Jose Sharks (1) vs. Detroit Red Wings (5)
Is master versus apprentice as Todd McLellan takes on former mentor Mike Babcock. This will most likely be a special teams battle, as both teams have excelled in this department. The Wings dominant two-way tandem of Datsyuk and Zetterberg will obviously be expected to carry the team offensively once more, but San Jose will also need to clear out players like Holmstrom, Franzen, and Cleary from the top of the crease. Pavelski will more than likely continue his tremendous play, but Thornton needs to come to the party if the Sharks have any hope of winning this series. If "Jumbo Joe" shows up, then I guarantee his linemates Marleau and Heatley will do the same. As far as netminders are concerned, I think Nabakov will get the better of Howard. His first-round numbers are superior (granted, against an inferior opponent) and he has years of experience to drawn on. This will be a close one, but I think McLellan will succeed in applying what he learned during his tenure in Detroit against his former club. It's hard to argue with the Wings' post-season success over the past two decades, but my guess is that all those extra games will catch up to them here.
***San Jose in seven
Chicago Blackhawks (2) vs. Vancouver Canucks (3)
"Round 2" literally and figuratively. The Hawks bumped the Canucks in the semi's last year after Luongo imploded in Game 6. No question "Bobby Lou" is looking for payback. That being said, I'm not quite sure he's going to get it; his numbers this year (regular and post-season) have been far from Vezina-caliber, and some speculate that he's been a bit overworked (don't forget the Olympics). And while Samuelsson and the Sedin Twins continue to work their Swedish Magic, players like Burrows and Raymond have yet to really show up and contribute some secondary scoring (one goal for each of them; Burrows' was an empty-netter). Whether or not the Hawks have found an answer in net with Niemi, the truth is that they are just far too deep in all other areas. Toews and Hossa are almost as dangerous on the penatly kill as they are on the power play, and Kane quarterbacks the entire offense like it's his job... well, it is, but you know what I mean. Oh, and did I mention Keith and Seabrook? Best defensive pair in the league? One of which is a Norris-finalist? Yeah, they're not bad, either.
***Chicago in six
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)
Everyone and their moms had their fingers crossed for an Eastern Conference Finals match-up of "Sid the Kid" and "Alexander the Great". Alas, the force was not with "Ovie-Wan Kenobi" this year. Instead, we got the eighth-seeded Habs, backed by none other than Halak the... "Quack?" Far from it. If this kid is for real, than the Pens are going to have their hands full. Don't be fooled by the numbers, either. Former Penguin Hal Gill has been stellar in a shutdown role in front of his netminder, and the entire team operates as a cohesive unit, killing penalties with abloom and slaying on the power play. Let's not forget that Fluery in the paint doesn't exactly put the fear of God into any self-respecting forward. Halak and company will certainly put up a hell of a fight, but Sidney Crosby is a winner if there ever was one, and when your supporting cast consists of Malkin, Gonchar, Staal, and Letang, it's hard not to win.
***Pittsburgh in seven
Boston Bruins (6) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (7)
When was the last time a bottom-four team got home-ice advantage in the playoffs? Not to mention, both teams have been crippled by injury and are backed by backups-turned-starters. Everyone has been yapping about the physical edge and grit that we'll be seeing from both teams; they both sport defensive juggernauts (Pronger and Chara) and a couple of scrappers to boot (Carcillo and Hartnell, Lucic and Thornton). But I think the story of the match-up lies elsewhere. Toughness aside, we're looking at a tight defensive system versus a free-wheeling offensive system that seemed to score at will in the first round against one of the greatest goalies in history (albeit, an aging goalie who has developed a habit of burning out in the post-season). Even without players like Gagne and Carter, Philly has proven scorers in Richards, Briere, Hartnell, and Giroux. Hell, even Prongs can put it away, and maybe Van Riemsdyk and Carle will decide to drop by. This is not a question of which team is tougher, but rather, "can the Bruins play tight enough defensively against the Flyers' top forwards, and take advantage of their shaky goal-tending situation?" Despite a rather depleted blueline, I personally believe the B's are good enough on the back-end, and Rask has been sensational. And let's face it, Boucher is bound to come back down to Earth sooner or later.
***Bruins in six
Is master versus apprentice as Todd McLellan takes on former mentor Mike Babcock. This will most likely be a special teams battle, as both teams have excelled in this department. The Wings dominant two-way tandem of Datsyuk and Zetterberg will obviously be expected to carry the team offensively once more, but San Jose will also need to clear out players like Holmstrom, Franzen, and Cleary from the top of the crease. Pavelski will more than likely continue his tremendous play, but Thornton needs to come to the party if the Sharks have any hope of winning this series. If "Jumbo Joe" shows up, then I guarantee his linemates Marleau and Heatley will do the same. As far as netminders are concerned, I think Nabakov will get the better of Howard. His first-round numbers are superior (granted, against an inferior opponent) and he has years of experience to drawn on. This will be a close one, but I think McLellan will succeed in applying what he learned during his tenure in Detroit against his former club. It's hard to argue with the Wings' post-season success over the past two decades, but my guess is that all those extra games will catch up to them here.
***San Jose in seven
Chicago Blackhawks (2) vs. Vancouver Canucks (3)
"Round 2" literally and figuratively. The Hawks bumped the Canucks in the semi's last year after Luongo imploded in Game 6. No question "Bobby Lou" is looking for payback. That being said, I'm not quite sure he's going to get it; his numbers this year (regular and post-season) have been far from Vezina-caliber, and some speculate that he's been a bit overworked (don't forget the Olympics). And while Samuelsson and the Sedin Twins continue to work their Swedish Magic, players like Burrows and Raymond have yet to really show up and contribute some secondary scoring (one goal for each of them; Burrows' was an empty-netter). Whether or not the Hawks have found an answer in net with Niemi, the truth is that they are just far too deep in all other areas. Toews and Hossa are almost as dangerous on the penatly kill as they are on the power play, and Kane quarterbacks the entire offense like it's his job... well, it is, but you know what I mean. Oh, and did I mention Keith and Seabrook? Best defensive pair in the league? One of which is a Norris-finalist? Yeah, they're not bad, either.
***Chicago in six
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)
Everyone and their moms had their fingers crossed for an Eastern Conference Finals match-up of "Sid the Kid" and "Alexander the Great". Alas, the force was not with "Ovie-Wan Kenobi" this year. Instead, we got the eighth-seeded Habs, backed by none other than Halak the... "Quack?" Far from it. If this kid is for real, than the Pens are going to have their hands full. Don't be fooled by the numbers, either. Former Penguin Hal Gill has been stellar in a shutdown role in front of his netminder, and the entire team operates as a cohesive unit, killing penalties with abloom and slaying on the power play. Let's not forget that Fluery in the paint doesn't exactly put the fear of God into any self-respecting forward. Halak and company will certainly put up a hell of a fight, but Sidney Crosby is a winner if there ever was one, and when your supporting cast consists of Malkin, Gonchar, Staal, and Letang, it's hard not to win.
***Pittsburgh in seven
Boston Bruins (6) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (7)
When was the last time a bottom-four team got home-ice advantage in the playoffs? Not to mention, both teams have been crippled by injury and are backed by backups-turned-starters. Everyone has been yapping about the physical edge and grit that we'll be seeing from both teams; they both sport defensive juggernauts (Pronger and Chara) and a couple of scrappers to boot (Carcillo and Hartnell, Lucic and Thornton). But I think the story of the match-up lies elsewhere. Toughness aside, we're looking at a tight defensive system versus a free-wheeling offensive system that seemed to score at will in the first round against one of the greatest goalies in history (albeit, an aging goalie who has developed a habit of burning out in the post-season). Even without players like Gagne and Carter, Philly has proven scorers in Richards, Briere, Hartnell, and Giroux. Hell, even Prongs can put it away, and maybe Van Riemsdyk and Carle will decide to drop by. This is not a question of which team is tougher, but rather, "can the Bruins play tight enough defensively against the Flyers' top forwards, and take advantage of their shaky goal-tending situation?" Despite a rather depleted blueline, I personally believe the B's are good enough on the back-end, and Rask has been sensational. And let's face it, Boucher is bound to come back down to Earth sooner or later.
***Bruins in six
Thursday, April 29, 2010
2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs: First Round MVP's
First post, here we go.
*Deep breath, neck crack, long sigh.*
I think we can all agree on the fact that this post-season's first round was the most exciting and entertaining since the lockout. The President's Trophy Curse made yet another appearance (in consecutive post-seasons, too), overtime periods were in abundance, and stars shined while others collapsed.
Speaking of stars, that's what this first post will be all about. Let's take a look at each first-round victor's most valuable player.
San Jose Sharks - Joe Pavelski
"Little Joe" was anything but in the Sharks' first six. While San Jose's Holy Trinity of Thornton, Marleau, and Heatley combined for only ONE lousy goal, Pavelski netted five of his own. What's more, they were all very timely: two were game-winners (one in OT) and another tied Game 2 late in the third. Not that any of this is news, mind you; of his 11 career playoff goals, 5 of them have been game-winners.
Chicago Blackhawks - Jonathan Toews
Captains are expected to lead by example, but you don't have to tell this kid that. After leading his team on a surprising run all the way to the conference finals last year, Toews brought his game to new heights against the dazzling Pekka Rinne and company. He's dominant in all three zones, leads his team in points, and scored the series-clinching goal late in the first in Game 6.
Vancouver Canucks - Mikael Samuelsson
Can you believe Detroit let this guy walk? Well, I suppose at the time, you couldn't really blame them. When you're as deep as the Red Wings and looking to sign young stars like Jiri Hudler (oops!), it's hard to justify giving an aging checking forward an extension. Coming off a career season in Vancouver that saw him score 30 goals for the first time as a 33-year-old, Samuelsson is showing no signs of slowing down. He leads his team in scoring and the entire league with seven goals in just 6 games, including an OT-winner in Game 1.
Detroit Red Wings - Pavel Datsyuk
Did you see that Datsyukian Deke on what proved to be the series-winning goal? The guy brought it to his backhand and faked with his entire BODY, twisting into the shot, only to bring it back to the forehand and net it top shelf, blocker side. That's the kind of magic Datsyuk is capable of, and when he delivers, his team wins. Period. A VERY close second for team MVP was Zetterberg, who leads the Wings in goals and points, but you can't help but be astounded by Pavel's skill set. Not only is he great, he's exciting to watch, even without the puck (Selke Trophy, anyone?).
Pittsburgh Penguins - Sidney Crosby
What a year it has been for "Sid the Kid". After scoring a career-high and league-leading 51 goals in the regular season as well as the game-winner in the gold medal game, Crosby has picked up where he left off. He leads the league in points with 14, and wasn't on the ice for a single goal against until Game 6. You could argue that he benefited from playing against sub-par goaltending, but points are still points, and wins are still wins.
Boston Bruins - Mark Recchi
The ageless wonder is at it again. At 42, "The Recching Ball" is powering a team predominantly populated by green youngsters to victory. He only has 5 points, but in a low-scoring series, that's enough to lead his team. That being said, it's the intangibles of experience and leadership that have made him invaluable. And let's not forget that play he made in Game 3, assisting on Bergeron's game-winner and giving the B's a 2-1 series lead.
Philadelphia Flyers - Brian Boucher
It's been about a decade since Boosh and the Flyers blew a series lead in the conference finals against the New Jersey Devils. Since then, he's gone from starter, to backup, to third-string netminder. Now, after sneaking into the playoffs with a shootout win in the very last regular season game, he leads all post-season goaltenders in goals against average and save percentage. And if that wasn't enough, he earned those numbers as well as sweet, sweet revenge by stoning the second-seeded Devils. Beating a team backed by Martin Broduer with Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise up front in just 5 games is no small feat, even for a superstar goalie.
Montreal Canadiens - Jaroslav Halak
Unbelievable. That's the only word that comes to mind. After getting pulled in Game 3 and being benched in Game 4, Halak was virtually unbeatable in the next three contests against the most potent offense in the entire league. Down 3-1 in the series, the Slovakian Superman came to the rescue, stopping 131 of 134 shots, surrendering just one goal in each of the last three games. Call it luck. Call it the President's Trophy Curse. No matter how you slice it, the truth of the matter is Halak won this series for his team.
Kudos to you all.
*Deep breath, neck crack, long sigh.*
I think we can all agree on the fact that this post-season's first round was the most exciting and entertaining since the lockout. The President's Trophy Curse made yet another appearance (in consecutive post-seasons, too), overtime periods were in abundance, and stars shined while others collapsed.
Speaking of stars, that's what this first post will be all about. Let's take a look at each first-round victor's most valuable player.
San Jose Sharks - Joe Pavelski
"Little Joe" was anything but in the Sharks' first six. While San Jose's Holy Trinity of Thornton, Marleau, and Heatley combined for only ONE lousy goal, Pavelski netted five of his own. What's more, they were all very timely: two were game-winners (one in OT) and another tied Game 2 late in the third. Not that any of this is news, mind you; of his 11 career playoff goals, 5 of them have been game-winners.
Chicago Blackhawks - Jonathan Toews
Captains are expected to lead by example, but you don't have to tell this kid that. After leading his team on a surprising run all the way to the conference finals last year, Toews brought his game to new heights against the dazzling Pekka Rinne and company. He's dominant in all three zones, leads his team in points, and scored the series-clinching goal late in the first in Game 6.
Vancouver Canucks - Mikael Samuelsson
Can you believe Detroit let this guy walk? Well, I suppose at the time, you couldn't really blame them. When you're as deep as the Red Wings and looking to sign young stars like Jiri Hudler (oops!), it's hard to justify giving an aging checking forward an extension. Coming off a career season in Vancouver that saw him score 30 goals for the first time as a 33-year-old, Samuelsson is showing no signs of slowing down. He leads his team in scoring and the entire league with seven goals in just 6 games, including an OT-winner in Game 1.
Detroit Red Wings - Pavel Datsyuk
Did you see that Datsyukian Deke on what proved to be the series-winning goal? The guy brought it to his backhand and faked with his entire BODY, twisting into the shot, only to bring it back to the forehand and net it top shelf, blocker side. That's the kind of magic Datsyuk is capable of, and when he delivers, his team wins. Period. A VERY close second for team MVP was Zetterberg, who leads the Wings in goals and points, but you can't help but be astounded by Pavel's skill set. Not only is he great, he's exciting to watch, even without the puck (Selke Trophy, anyone?).
Pittsburgh Penguins - Sidney Crosby
What a year it has been for "Sid the Kid". After scoring a career-high and league-leading 51 goals in the regular season as well as the game-winner in the gold medal game, Crosby has picked up where he left off. He leads the league in points with 14, and wasn't on the ice for a single goal against until Game 6. You could argue that he benefited from playing against sub-par goaltending, but points are still points, and wins are still wins.
Boston Bruins - Mark Recchi
The ageless wonder is at it again. At 42, "The Recching Ball" is powering a team predominantly populated by green youngsters to victory. He only has 5 points, but in a low-scoring series, that's enough to lead his team. That being said, it's the intangibles of experience and leadership that have made him invaluable. And let's not forget that play he made in Game 3, assisting on Bergeron's game-winner and giving the B's a 2-1 series lead.
Philadelphia Flyers - Brian Boucher
It's been about a decade since Boosh and the Flyers blew a series lead in the conference finals against the New Jersey Devils. Since then, he's gone from starter, to backup, to third-string netminder. Now, after sneaking into the playoffs with a shootout win in the very last regular season game, he leads all post-season goaltenders in goals against average and save percentage. And if that wasn't enough, he earned those numbers as well as sweet, sweet revenge by stoning the second-seeded Devils. Beating a team backed by Martin Broduer with Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise up front in just 5 games is no small feat, even for a superstar goalie.
Montreal Canadiens - Jaroslav Halak
Unbelievable. That's the only word that comes to mind. After getting pulled in Game 3 and being benched in Game 4, Halak was virtually unbeatable in the next three contests against the most potent offense in the entire league. Down 3-1 in the series, the Slovakian Superman came to the rescue, stopping 131 of 134 shots, surrendering just one goal in each of the last three games. Call it luck. Call it the President's Trophy Curse. No matter how you slice it, the truth of the matter is Halak won this series for his team.
Kudos to you all.
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