PLAYOFF PICKS

FIRST ROUND

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1 - WASHINGTON CAPITALS
8 - MONTREAL CANADIENS

PICK: Washington in 5

2 - NEW JERSEY DEVILS
7 - PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

PICK: Philadelphia in 7

3 - BUFFALO SABRES
6 - BOSTON BRUINS

PICK: Buffalo in 6

4 - PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
5 - OTTAWA SENATORS

PICK: Pittsburgh in 4


WESTERN CONFERENCE

1 - SAN JOSE SHARKS
8 - COLORADO AVALANCHE

PICK: San Jose in 7

2 - CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
7 - NASHVILLE PREDATORS

PICK: Chicago in 4

3 - VANCOUVER CANUCKS
6 - LOS ANGELES KINGS

PICK: Los Angeles in 7

4 - PHOENIX COYOTES
5 - DETROIT RED WINGS

PICK: Detroit in 4

SECOND ROUND

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1 - WASHINGTON CAPITALS
7 - PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

PICK: Washington in 5

3 - BUFFALO SABRES
4 - PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

PICK: Pittsburgh in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1 - SAN JOSE SHARKS
6 - LOS ANGELES KINGS

PICK: Los Angeles in 6

2 - CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
5 - DETROIT RED WINGS

PICK: Detroit in 6

THIRD ROUND

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1 - WASHINGTON CAPITALS
4 - PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

PICK: Washington in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE

5 - DETROIT RED WINGS
6 - LOS ANGELES KINGS

PICK: Detroit in 7

STANLEY CUP FINALS

EAST: WASHINGTON CAPITALS
WEST: DETROIT RED WINGS

STANLEY CUP CHAMPION: Washington in 7 games

2nd F'ing Round, Baby

Well, glad that's over. I'd like to note [see posts below] that I got 50% right for the first round. Of course, I was bold in several places and failed (noteably, picking Columbus). However, the main losers of the first round have got to be, obviously, San Jose, and perhaps not-so-obviously, the painful-to-watch New York Rangers, who blew a 3-1 lead over the Caps.

The story of the postseason so far has got to be the Carolina Hurricanes. There are few things in this world that make me happier than to see Marty Brodeur get upset. Brodeur sure blew this one for his team, giving up 2 goals in less than a minute in Game 7. Even though his coach doesn't agree, I say the blame falls on POBRE MARTY. Kudos to the Canes for showing a little heart, something lacking in several clubs this playoff.

In any event, the round is over and done with. Here, I give you my predictions for the second round and for the rest of the playoffs -- while naming as few players as possible, simply because I don't feel like it -- not because I don't know who they are.

BOSTON BRUINS VS. CAROLINA HURRICANES

This should be a strong series. The Canes are coming off a strong series, and they've got several weapons that shouldn't be underestimated. However, I think the Bruins showed in the first round that they are the team to beat in this playoff. That 4-game shlacking of Montreal demonstrated to the hockey community that although it sometimes might not seem like it, the B's mean business. They are not the weak-yet-seemingly-strong Devils. They'll take the series with relative ease.

PREDICTION: BRUINS IN 5

WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

The inevitable Ovechkin-Crosby (even though Malkin is better) showdown. This one isn't so easy to predict. I'd like to pick the Caps, but I'm having trouble seeing it. Yes, Simeon Varlamov is playing as well as he could be right now, and yes, Ovechkin seems to have gotten his game back. However, the Pens are simply hotter. Moreover, if the Caps had such trouble putting away the Rangers, one of the NHL's weakest teams offensively, how will they do against one of the NHL's best in that department?

This should be a very interesting series. The Caps and Penguins met infiniti times in the playoffs while I was growing up, and from memory, it seems the Pens almost always had the upper hand. If the Capitals can get it together, they'll win [sound advice, eh?]. Varlamov might even have the upper hand on the weak Marc-Andre Fleury.

PREDICTION: CAPITALS IN 7

DETROIT RED WINGS VS. ANAHEIM DUCKS

Ok, so I was horribly, horribly wrong about Columbus upsetting Detroit in the first round. However, I was just as wrong about San Jose sweeping Anaheim. Anaheim is the best 8 seed we've seen in a while for two main reasons: 1) their young goalie is playing out of his mind; and 2) their team hasn't changed all that much since they won the Cup -- it just seemed like it had at points during the season. They're a threat to be taken very seriously this playoff, and I think they will oust Detroit.

Detroit can be taken down! Remember when they lost 8-0 to Nashville this season? We only see the dominant Red Wings, but must take a step back and realize that this team is far from invincible, especially in the goaltending department.

PREDICTION: DUCKS IN 6

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS VS. VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Perhaps the best series on the bill this round. I don't know much about either team, but I like the way Chicago plays the game. I think the series will go for a while with Luongo eventually pulling the Canucks through. He will be the difference-maker.

PREDICTION: CANUCKS IN 7

BOSTON BRUINS VS. WASHINGTON CAPITALS

That leaves the Bruins facing the Caps in the East. I'm conflicted yet again, but have to go with the Bruins. Here's why: 1) Tim Thomas has played out of his mind this season. The Bruins will have the uppper hand in goaltending, whether any Varlamov-lover wants to face that or not; 2) When the Bruins faced the Caps this season and lost, they didn't have their whole team, i.e. Phil Kessel. This is Kessel's year, and you'll see a clear difference; 3) Home ice means more to the Bruins. It just does. Most Capitals "fans" didn't start caring about the team until relatively recently (and I'm not talking about all of you); 4) The team has come together better than most realize. For example, Chara, once thought of as a stiff by yours truly, has proven to be quite a leader and used his shot rather effectively. Savard has also had a marvelous year, as has Krejci. All the pieces are in place for a trip to the Finals.

PREDICTION: BRUINS IN 7

VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS. ANAHEIM DUCKS

First of all, that rhymes. Second of all, this is where the Anaheim show ends the Luongo one begins (again). The Canucks proved their dominance in the first round over the lowly Blues, and they'll keep it up in this round over the Ducks, who won't be able to take any more after Detroit (assuming they win, which I still maintain they will!). Folks, Vancouver is going back to the Finals (but this time without Pavel Bure!).

PREDICTION: CANUCKS IN 6

BOSTON BRUINS VS. VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Hmmm. Hmmm. Hmmm. I'm going to predict this one when it happens just like I say it will. Until then, or as they say in Argentina, hasta luego amigos!

Game 7 should be more competitive than most expect

This Rangers-Capitals series has been a whirlwind, to say the least. It's been tough to tell throughout who's had home-ice advantage, whether the Rangers actually believe they have any offensive power, whether Matt Bradley was actually proud of himself after that second goal in Game 5, and why Donald Brashear was ever given an NHL contract. Nevertheless, after a few close games and blowouts, we find ourselves here in a Game 7.

Before we begin, let's note a little statistic. No team in NHL history has won the Stanley Cup after playing a 7-game series in the first round. There's absolutely no reason to think this statistic will change this season. The Rangers do not have the threats to compete for the Holy Grail, nor do the Caps. The Caps were once thought to be a serious contender, but after having so much trouble with one of the NHL's far weaker teams this season, they've shown their fans that they probably don't have what it takes to go all the way, at least not in the 08-09 campaign.

So, let's get to the game.

To start, a few things coming from the Capitals side of things have just plain managed to piss me off.

1) You might've noticed that Rangers Coach John Tortorella wasn't on the bench for Game 6. He was suspended for losing his cool when a lovely Capitals fan dumped beer on him:



I'm not saying Tortorella should've done this -- especially after disciplining Sean Avery. Tortorella was obviously angry that his team power play would better be carried out by a bunch of worthless peewees. While there's obviously no excuse for his actions, it's a classless, disgusting act by the fan. What's even more interesting that Tortorella had to be restrained by Rangers Assistant (and former Capitals) Coach Jim Schoenfeld, notorious for acting out during games:



2) Donald Brashear. This guy took out Blair Betts out of nowhere in Game 6. It was completely uncalled for, just as is the rest of his career. As the video shows, Betts had dumped the puck in long before the hit. And he's not exactly the Rangers enforcer:



3) Brandon Dubinsky reportedly had to receive a Tetanus shot after Game 6 because Shaone Morrison BIT him during a fight. I don't have a video for Tyson-Holyfield II, and that's probably a good thing.

4) Nothing makes me sicker than Tom "Where's your skirt" Poti scoring goals.

5)[This one isn't about the Capitals]. Chris Drury just plain pisses me off. He's the worst captain this team has had in a long time. He plays like crap most days in a Blue uniform and then gets repeatedly praised for being "Mr. Clutch." Well, I got a challenge for you, Chris (and I know you already did this in Game 4, even though it was one of the weakest, luckiest goals I've ever seen in my life): score a goal in Game 7. Lead this team to victory for real. In fact, score 2 goals. We'll take a picture and call it a freaking Kodak moment.

PREDICTION TIME

There's little reason to think the Capitals won't win this game. Then again, most people thought the Caps would hand the Rangers a world-class beating throughout the series. That hasn't really happened. Before the series started, I picked the Rangers in 6. Obviously, that won't happen now (and neither will a Sharks sweep, clearly -- they are the losers of this playoff already).

Let's remember that the Rangers won the games they did for one reason and one reason only: their goalie. If Henrik Lundqvist still has one big game in him -- and I truly believe he does -- the Blueshirts will pull through. Thus, the Rangers will win Game 7 and take the series -- winning 2-0 on a goal by none other than Chris Drury.

Rangers-Capitals, Game 1 -- The Morning After

So, the Rangers take Game 1 in perhaps a more wild affair than any of us -- at least I -- could have ever expected. As Dan Rosen at NHL.com noted, the game turned into the one thing the Rangers didn't want (a shootout), yet they still came away with the win. How?

1) The Rangers offense looked better than it has. Antropov, Naslund, and even Gomez managed to come through when it counted. Dubinksy's game winner was quite pretty. It's little known that Jeff Schultz was actually mic'd up for this game:



2) Jose Theodore did not play a strong game. While each Capitals goal either came on a re-direct or through traffic in front, each Rangers tally was on a shot fired straight at the net. If the Caps want a chance at winning a game in this series (and yes, I'm serious), Jose has to step up a bit.

3) Ovechkin didn't play as strong of a game as every one is saying. Yes, he shot the puck often -- but too much. He was too predictable for the sharp Henrik Lundqvist.

This game was absolutely crucial. Once the Rangers went up 3-1, they HAD to win, even if they did blow the lead. Heading into Game 2, all the pressure is on the Caps. If the Rangers steal a game (hopefully this time they'll be playing with Chris "perfect pushup" Drury in the lineup), we could be looking at a very short series. But, the pressure is not on the Rangers. This was the game they had to win.

I still predict the Rangers to come out on top when it's all said and done.

PLAYOFFS -- ROUND 1

Being the dork that I am, I've been thinking about these for quite some time. It kills me that I'm in Argentina this spring to miss these matchups. From the outlook, the teams in the tourney this year seem to be more competitive than in recent years (i.e. the Islanders two years ago). Anyway, here are my picks for the first round:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Boston vs. #8 Montreal

Sweet, sweet revenge for the Bruins -- a team that's suffered at the hands of Montreal for so many years -- before the playoffs have even begun. Of course, the B's dominated the conference this season and surprised many, myself included. While I don't seem them going all the way, this series should be a bit of a breeze for a few reasons.

First, the Bruins have played very well in front of their home fans. One has to realize how devastating it would be for them to lose this series against an archrival like the Habs. The Habs, on the other hand, have suffered a coaching change this season and post a somewhat more unstable unit on the ice. They snuck into the postseason this year, but not by much. Look for the Bruins to win every game at home and then some.

PREDICTION: BRUINS in 5

#2 Washington vs. #7 New York

Yes, this series holds special meaning for me. But still, I'm going to be completely honest. Ok, here goes.

Like the Bruins, it would be ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING for the Capitals to lose this series. This season, they've developed a whole new culture of hockey in Washington, and made it cool (again?) to "rock the red." They have one of the most exciting offensive teams in the league, not just through the great 8, but also through Semin, Backstrom, Green, and Federov, who's just waiting to show what he's made of. But to focus on Ovechkin: the guy has shown time and time again he can singlehandedly change the outcome of a hockey game. If he decides to do that, New York could be sent packing very quickly.

But not so fast folks. Yes, the Rangers like the Canadiens, snuck into the playoffs this season. And yes, the Rangers' pitiful offense has plagued them every other game of the season. Let's address the offense first. It would appear that the Capitals have a better offense -- and indeed, they probably do. However, New York is a very different team than it was when it faced off against Washington this season. One can't underestimate the offensive addition of Antropov and the blueline addition of Derek Morris. There's no doubt -- the power play is better than it once was, and the offense as a whole is more intact. Furthermore, the Rangers' offensive talent on paper is just as potent as the Caps' -- it's just waiting to break out of its shell, and given history, the playoffs will show that.

Then, there's goaltending, and I think we all know which team is better in that category.

But friends, this isn't going to be a series with a lot of goals. The Rangers have the ability to slow down a hockey game and make it low scoring like none other, and that's just what they're going to do starting Wednesday night. In fact, I'm going to predict that no more than 4 goals will be scored in the first two games in Washington. This series will be about who wins the close battles, and whether Ovechkin turns it on.

Yes, it's hard to explain, but the Rangers will sneak by this one.

PREDICTION: RANGERS in 6

#3 New Jersey vs. #6 Carolina

I like the way Carolina is playing right now. New Jersey has a recent history of faltering in the playoffs, and Martin Brodeur CAN be beaten. Look for a fast-paced Hurricanes team that pulls off the upset.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes in 6

#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Philadelphia

The Flyers have a stronger team than most people realize this year, and will probably come out of the East. The Penguins, on the other hand, are more volatile. Sid the Kid will be whining, crying, and bitching when his team exits early this year.

PREDICTION: Flyers in 5

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose vs. #8 Anaheim

It's hard not to see the Sharks coming out on top here. They've had one of the best seasons in franchise history and while like with the Bruins, I don't see them going all the way, they'll win this series easily. Anaheim's had a fairly weak year and shouldn't pose much of a threat.

PREDICTION: San Jose in 4

#2 Detroit vs. #7 Columbus

Detroit will experience a Stanley Cup hangover here and lose this series. Yes, they're the Red Wings, but we can't underestimate Columbus here. They've had a great season and will steal this one. That's all I got.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets in 6

#3 Vancouver vs. #6 St. Louis

PREDICTION: Canucks in 5

#4 Chicago vs. #5 Calgary

Perhaps one of the more exciting series on the bill. Chicago should come out on top in a tight race.

PREDICTION: Chicago in 7

A Jersey that should not have been retired

It's Barack Obama's first full day as president -- do you know where your favorite NHL team is [in the standings]?

Never mind that -- I just came up the idea of profiling a player whose jersey never should have been sent to the rafters. Here's a few clues as to who I'm talking about.

1) He wore #32.

2) He played for the Nordiques, Capitals, and Avalanche.

3) He once scored a big OT goal, but is more famous for this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xte-Vtxg-m8 [embedding was disabled on youtube!]

and now, this: [Note Bill Clement's vicious words]



Yes folks, I'm talking about the one, the only, Dale Hunter.

In 2000, a cool 9 years ago, the Washington Capitals sent Hunter's 32 high above the then-MCI Center ice. This was a huge, anti-climatic mistake, mainly because of the above videos.

It is a disgrace to the Capitals previously-prestigious name [??] to honor a player who engaged in such acts during his career. Players like Hunter are why hockey gets little respect from the professional sporting community.

Just thought I'd share that. Now back to your regularly scheduled life.

The first time I predict a game

And I'm 100% correct. As I predicted earlier [see 2 posts down], the Washington Capitals powered their way past the Boston Bruins tonight, 2-1. The shorthanded Bruins simply couldn't muster the offensive attack they've shown all season, and the Caps took advantage.

The game was highlighted by a marvelous slap-shot game winner from Alexander Semin in the third period. Unfortunately, I couldn't find Semin after the game to discuss the blast.

He probably would have explained to me why he's better than Crosby -- and guess what, if we judge tonight alone, he may have been right. We rarely see a stickhandling performance as good as the one the "other" Alex put on this evening.

Can't wait to see these two teams meet in Boston in a few weeks -- should be a preview of an eventual exciting playoff matchup.