Something Crosby Can't Do

Worst Shootout Percentage:
Patrice Bergeron, C, Boston (0-for-5)
Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh (0-for-4)
Miroslav Satan, RW, Pittsburgh (0-for-4)

This is pretty interesting. Why can't Crosby score in a shootout? Obviously, the other two's lack of notching in a shootout is equaly mysterious.


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AND THE CIRCUS LEAFS TOWN...

The Mats Sundin circus is finally over as the big Swede decides to join the Vancouver Canucks. I admit it, I was sure Markus Naslund had convinced his friend that the Garden is the greatest place to wind down your career, but I guess money talks more than Naslund. In the end the New York Rangers couldn't match the Canuck's big offer.

In his column for ESPN, Scott Burnside, who isn't very impressed with Sundin's career or possibly just pissed off that left Toronto, wrote the following.

"In all his time in the NHL, Sundin, 37, has managed to appear in zero Stanley Cup finals games. He has won no major awards. He was part of Sweden's gold-medal team in the 2006 Torino Olympics. But the Vancouver Canucks are likely paying him a prorated salary of $10 million to play in the NHL, not on the big ice surface of a once-every-four-years tournament."

Scott also wrote that Sundin is a fine hockey player, but the fact that he has never stepped up in the playoffs seems to overshadow the good things in his career. Mats Sundin is not Mark Messier, not many players, if any, are. Messier was an exceptional player and leader, the likes of we will most likely never see again. But is Sundin a good leader? Yes. Did he play on a crap team all these years? Yes.

When the Maple Leafs lose it is Mats Sundin's fault, yet when the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup yearlier this year no one claimed this was Nicklas Lidstrom's doing. Don't get me wrong, I think Lidstrom is one of the best skaters to ever lace up, but he is also the captain of a great team. I would actually suggest that these two captains (although Sundin is no longer wears the C) are quite similar in their style of leadership, simply by leading by example in showing a tremendous work ethic.

Of course Mats Sundin's accomplishments would rank higher had he won trophies and the occational cup along the road of his otherwise impressive career, I can't help but sense a somewhat bitter tone in Burnside's critique. Was Sundin wrong to refuse to waive his no-trade clause last season? Perhaps. I admit it seems strange now as he joins a team halfway through the season because he feels they have a shot at the cup, which is exactly what he refused to do back then. On the other hand, this was the first time in his NHL career that he could choose where to play. Marian Hossa was in the same situation prior to this season and he also recieved massive critisism for his choice. I think a lot of people fail to realize how much it means to these players not to feel like a commodity.

I am just glad this whole thing is over.

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CLASH OF THE TITANS

The Western Conference showdown between Detroit and San Jose is just minutes away and I can't help but feel that this could be the game of the season. The Boston Bruins will have to excuse me. This is the game most hockey fans have been waiting for since a while back. The Sharks have been devestatingly good so far while the Wings, even though they they aren't far behind in the standings, still have some work to do.

How will it turn out? My gut says Detroit, Henrik Zetterberg scores the winner.

Here we go!


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AVERY NO LONGER A STAR

The six-game suspension of Sean Avery is over, but the forward will not be returning to the Dallas Stars. In an interview, co-general manager, Brett Hull said, "Sean needs to focus on his own well-being while the Stars hockey team must focus on playing hockey and competing for a playoff spot."

Is it just me or does that sound like Avery is recovering from a serious injury or illness rather than just coming to terms with having been a bad boy? I can totally understand that the Stars don't want the controvertial player back in their line-up, but don't make it sound like you're doing this for his sake.

Until now I thought Avery was just a victim of his own mouth being to quick to unleash uglies for his own good, but now I'm not so sure. Could it actually be that he wasn't happy in Texas, and when he suddenly realized trading his flashy Manhattan life style for more money wasn't such a great idea after all, and that he needed to do something to get him the heck out of there.

Now you probably say, "but who could possibly think a little speech about your "sloppy seconds" would get you thrown out of the organization?" Well, either this little press conference of his was just part of a bigger plan, or Sean Avery is savvier than we give him credit for. Perhaps Avery knew this was just enough fuel for the Stars to cut him loose. Perhaps he also knew that the double standard of the NHL would surface and condemn him hard enough for all everyone to join in their choir, stating it's ok to say anything you want on the ice, close enough for all kids whose parents happened to score rink-side seats, as long as you don't say it on TV.

I would not be surprised if the New York Rangers, only because they know what he can bring when he is happy with his situation, will take him back. And if not the Rangers, than surely some other team will take a chance on the guy. Either way, I am sure all hockey fans will follow the Sean Avery show with anticipation for the same reason that both fans and non-fans followed the Howard Stern show, just to see what he'd do next.

UNCLASSY MELROSE

I like Barry Melrose as much as the next guy, and I also think he was a great coach, but perhaps he should never have come out of retirement in the first place. The comments he made about his former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, suggest to me that he is back where he belongs, on ESPN radio, that is.

I'm not saying Melrose is wrong about Steven Stamkos not being ready for the NHL, I agree. However, I don't think it's a matter of size. Look at what Patrick Kane did in his rookie season in Chicago. Kane is certainly not a big guy but he is skilled and, more importantly, he is mentally strong, at least his extremely mature game suggests he is. This may be Stamkos biggest problem. He will be a good NHL player one day, he's just not there yet.

Hoping the team wouldn't win another game all season, that's just not a very classy comment and not one I expected from a guy like Melrose.

Now, is Barry Melrose to blame for the Lightning's lame start to this season? Perhaps. As the coach he is, at the very least, responsible for the team's results. Also, when looking for scapegoats, it is certainly easier to sack the coach rather than the whole team. Ultimately, it the players who have to perform to win and they haven't. The Tampa Bay roster is still full of players who are good enough to take them to the play-offs, but they aren't playing at the level they should be.

The very questionable former management traded this team to pieces getting rid of Brad Richards and Dan Boyle among others, but they really have to get over it and move forward. Focus on what you have rather than on what you use to have.

Buffalos and Penguins

The Buffalo Sabres are hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins. With 11:32 left of the second period the score is 1-1.

Dave Andreychuck was a great player and it was nice to see the Buffalo Sabres honor him tonight.

Another great Sabre, Maxim Afinogenov, will likely never see his number retired, and I must say this guy is an enigma. There are few players who can skates as well as the 29-year old Russian, and he a a great hockey sense, yet his point production has always been sub par. Anyone who saw him play for Russia a few years ago would agree it is a mystery how he hasn't been the Sabres top point-scorer the last couple of seasons. So far tonight, he has been Buffalo's best player and he had a fantastic assist of the first goal. I hope he can keep this up throughout the season.

The old Buffalo jersey is among the most classic and best looking. So why, when they bring it back as a third jersey, do they ruin it by putting some stupid vertical line along the front and some ugly grey armpit on it? Who are designing jerseys nowadays? And Pittsburgh... they once fought the Bruins for the right to wear black, white and gold. Now they wear some sun-faded, sorry exuse for gold and it looks... sad.

Hated/Loved Lemieux Returns

Well, Mats Sundin can't seem to make up his mind but at least someone is making a comeback. Former Conn Smythe winner, Claude Lemieux is, acording to himself, in the form of his life and is, at 43, ready to return to the league he left five years ago. While the news of his return will excite very few, it should come as a pleasant surprise to anyone trying to pick this seasons Stanley Cup winner as Lemieux, who has over 1,200 career games, seemed almost incapable of playing for a team not going all the way. He is one of only eight players to win the Stanley Cup with three different teams.

After hoisting the cup -and the Conn Smythe- with the Devils in 1995, Lemieux was traded to the New York Islanders, only to shipped off to Colorado, where he he wasted no time winning another (his third) cup. A few years later he returned to New Jersey where he won his forth cup and second as a Devil.

Acording to Lemieux, a few teams are interested in his services. And to be honest, if I were the GM for a cup-contending team I would definately sign him. I know the Dallas Stars did just that back in 2002 and it didn't pay off, but still. I hope he finds a team because I would like to see how this turns out. And seriously, who wouldn't like to see him return to Detroit ... with the Avs!

***

I wonder if it will take Sundin five years to make up his mind.

New Mark Zet

Last year's play off MVP, Henrik Zetterberg, has his goal set for this season, he wants to be the second player after Håkan Loob to reach 50 goals. The classic mark should be within his reach, considering he notched 43 last season eventhough he missed 8 games because of injury.

What is remarkable, however, is the fact that only one Swedish player in history has ever reached the 50 goals mark! A few have been close, like Kent Nilsson, who in the 1980-81 season had 49 tallies with ten games to go. What happened? He just couldn't score one more. Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin, Markus Näslund, Thomas Sandström, Mats Näslund, Daniel Alfredsson... the list could go on forever. Let's hope Zetterberg is the chosen one. I believe he could be.

Off to a late start

I am well aware of my late start here, and those who followed - or just casually read my blog once or twice - the blog during last season probably though I had given it up by now. But, here we are, a few games into the new season and I couldn't resist it. I have decided to not write so much game commentary as I did before, you can all read those at tsn.ca or espn.com. I will instead try to just give you my personal thoughts on different stuff happening around the NHL.

CUP BACK IN HOCKEYTOWN

The Detroit Red Wings are the 2008 Stanley Cup champions! They wrapped up the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning it 4-2, after beating the Pens 3-2 at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.

The best team during the regular season proved to be the best also in the playoffs. Eventhough Pittsburgh made a valiant effort to stave off elimination, the Wings were just too good in the end. I think we can all agree the Penguins have many great years ahead of them but this time the young Pens fell short against a wall of red.

Henrik Zetterberg recieved the Conn Smythe Trophy and it was well deserved. It wasn't the greatest or the prettiest goal Zetterberg has scored, but it certainly was one of the most important.

There is no doubt in my mind, Nicklas Lidstrom is the greatest Swedish player to ever lace up in the NHL. When he hoisted the cup, as the first European captain ever, I got goosebumps.

Chris Chelios is 46 years old, though he looks 35, and he won his first cup in 1986 with Montreal. How is that humanly possible!?

Some reflections from the game...

I had been waiting the whole game for Pavel Datsyuk to show some of his magic and with less than eight minutes left of the third period, there it was. A quick turn in the middle of the left circle and he had two Penguins going the wrong way. Beautiful!

When it comes to killing off time, few have mastered that art as well as Detroit veterans, Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby. Late in the third, well over a minute past as they battled in the corner in the offensive zone. Stuff like that wins you Stanley Cups.

This Detroit team is by far one of the best teams I have seen in decades. The way they played throughout the regular season and the playoffs is unlike anything I have seen, they were in a league of their own. They didn't have as many Hall of famers as the 2002 cupwinners but the team was just perfectly composed. And it's not like they are an old team. Except for Chelios, Draper, Chris Osgood, Lidstrom and a few others, there is an abundance of young talent ready to take over the Red Wings and fight for the cup for many years to come. But for now they will all just enjoy the moment.

I sure wish I were back in Michigan to enjoy it with them. Go Wings! By the way, Minnesota, this is the reason they call Detroit Hockeytown.

WINGS ON THEIR WAY

What ever happened in Game 5, the Detroit Red Wings seem to have forgotten about it. After two periods they lead the Penguins by 2-1. So far they look less nervous than on Tuesday and more like the dominating team that they have been all season. As for Pittsburgh, they seem to have less jump than they did early in Game 5 when the rushed off to a 2-0 lead before the half-way mark of the first period. Perhaps the gravity of the situation has gotten the better of them.

At the end of the second period the Pens seemed to catch a second wind when Evgeni Malkin, who has finally regained some of the form that made him Pittsburgh's leading scorer during the regular season, scored his first goal of the finals. However, the Penguins will need to find more offense if they are to turn this around because Marc-Andre Fleury is not standing on his head tonight.

NO SHIFT IN MOMENTUM

At the start of the season my blog collegue and also eminent sportswriter, Per Bjurman, predicted the Detroit Red Wings would play the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup finals and win. Until Game 5, I guess this was still true. However, in his latest article for Aftonbladet he writes that he is starting to have doubts about Detroit's abillity to close the bag on the Pens. Bjurman writes that Detroit has not been in a position where they have had to fight their way back in these playoffs and this is why their nerves crumbled in Game 4 and also why they're not favoured to win tonight at the Mellon Arena.

But the Red Wings aren't in a position where they have to come back. They still lead, though the lead has shrunk to 3-2, and still have a chance to oust the Penguins and snatch their forth cup in eleven years. In fact, this situation is not unlike the trouble they were in against Dallas, where they were up 3-0, then dropped two games only to crush the Stars in Game 6 in Texas. During that series many were also saying there was a momentum shift and that the Stars had figured out the Wings. That wasn't true, the Wings got themselves together and moved on, and it isn't true now. Also, the pressure is still on Pittsburgh to force a Game 7 and I wouldn't be surpriced if we'll see some nerves among the Penguins.

I agree the Red Wings will have to play their very best to beat the Pens tonight, but it's not like they have to be absolutely perfect or they will lose. I enjoyed the Bjorn Borg-likeness, and just like the king of Wimbledon, the Wings have to clear their minds of missed opportunities and just play Game 6 like any other game. Player by player, Detroit is the better team, far better than any of the teams the Pens rolled over out east, and the biggest reason Pittsburgh stole Game 4 was Marc-Andre Fleury who stood on his head, collecting 55 saves in the process. Should that game be played five more times Detroit would win four of them. If Fleury is as untouchable tonight, the Wings will be in trouble, but I expect the big red machine to make him work for it.

Either way I think we're all, diehard Wings fans excluded, happy we get to see more of the fantastic hockey these two teams have displayed so far.

JUST SECONDS AWAY

35 seconds. Normally, it qualifies as just a brief moment. In a hockey game it can seem like forever, especially when your team is leading 3-2 in the third period and Lord Stanley's cup is being polished (they really should know better than to jinx it like that).

The Detroit Red Wings did look a little nervous in the first two periods, while Pittsburgh, jumping to a 2-0 lead in the first period, looked better than ever during this final series. Marc-Andre Fleury turned into a human wall making 55 saves - 24 of them in OT - as the Penguins avoided elimination at the Joe.

This game was a perfect example of desperation beating quality. Now, I'm not suggesting the Pens aren't a quality team, on the contrary, but last night they got a win out of sheer desperation.

Though the Wings would have wanted to win in front of their home crowd, and boy were they close, they will have no problem shaking this loss as they head for Pittsburgh for Game 6. They are simply too good to let this get the better of them.

So a 2-0 series lead for the Red Wings turned into a 3-2 lead and we finally got the close battle we all hoped for. Is a deciding Game 7 too much to hope for?

WINGS BACK IN FRONT

In the first two periods, Pittsburgh seemed to have found a chink in the Detroit's perfect defensive armour. Now, fifteen minutes into the final period, the momentum has changed completely and Detroit, back in charge, are rolling. The Penguins will have to dig deep now if they are going to have a chance at getting back in this game. Should they do so, it would be an impressive feat since the Detroit defensive isn't giving them a lot of chances at all.

ONE WIN AWAY

Tonight the march of the Penguins can come to a crashing halt as Pittsburgh is on the brink of elimination heading into Game 5 at Joe Louis Arena. I have to be honest, it seems unlikely the Detroit Red Wings will drop this one, they are simply too good. Many thought the Penguins had a decent shot at the cup this year, including the Pens themselves, but so far they haven't been close to getting the better of Detroit. Sure they got one game at the Mellon Arena, but that was more because of misstakes on the Wings part. In the other three games, Detroit have dominated the Pens and odds are they will do the same in Game 5.

The Pittsburgh Penguins went through the Eastern Conference like a juggernaut but has since hit a red brick wall. While Hart Trophy nominee, Evgeni Malkin, has been a dissapointment for Pittsburgh through out the finals, Selke Trophy nominee, Henrik Zetterberg, has been a giant for the Wings. On a team that has no real flaws he has been a difference maker. Though Sidney Crosby hasn't been terrible, at least not in Games 3 and 4, he has been outplayed and outsmarted by Zetterberg who has been everywhere on the ice, dominating the offense as well as the defense. The 5 on 3 they killed off in Game 4 was some of the sweatiest hockey I have ever seen. Most agree, including the Detroit players, Henrik Zetterberg should win the Conn Smythe. But first the Red Wings have to beat the Peguins one more time. But make no mistake, it won't be easy. The Penguins are a desperate bunch right now.

WINGS STILL CONFIDENT

Detroit netcrasher, Tomas Holmstrom, seems to have made a speedy recovery and is likely playing in Game 4 in Pittsburgh. The Red Wings are looking to take a 3-1 lead in the series so they can clinch it back in Motown. The Penguins, however, did seem to slip back into their winning playoff mode after coach Michel Therrien switched the lines back to the old order.

Johan Franzen looked hot in his comeback after sitting out six games and I wouldn't be surprised if he adds a couple more tallys tonight.

It is interesting how much less disapointed the Wings seemed after losing Game 3 than they did losing twice to the Dallas Stars in the conference finals. To me that just speaks volumes of how confident they are in their ability to go all the way. Johan Franzen even told reporters it would have been less fun for the hockeyfans had they taken a 3-0 lead. Let's hope that comment doesn't come back to bite the Mule in the ass.

***

On a totally different note, the Boston Celtics (people in Beantown have had a lot to be happy about since the Pats lost in the Super Bowl) beat the Detroit Pistons to advance to the NBA finals for the first time since 1987, which is also the last time they faced off with the Los Angeles Lakers for the World Championship. Well, after twenty one long years these two classic teams, who both have had extensive dynasties over the years, they finally meet again. Being a Laker fan ever since I first saw Fletch in the mid eighties, I'm of course hoping the purple and yellow get to lift the trophy for the first time in six years. Go Kobe!

A GROWN MAN'S GAME

The Pittsburgh Penguins aren't enjoying all of the luxuries of the Stanley Cup finals. The team is staying in a hotel with no less than five 5-star restaurants. These, however, are owned by a gaming commission, since there is also a casino at the hotel, which of course excludes anyone under 21 from eating there. I'm not sure where Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal are eating, perhaps they have to order room service.

RETURN OF THE MULE

Watch out all Penguins, the Mule is back!

The one they call the Mule, Johan Franzen, has finally been cleared to return to the playoffs. Still tied for the scoring lead, even though he has sat out six straight games, he is a welcome addition to the Detroit line-up. I'm not saying that because the Red Wings are lacking anything up front, on the contrary. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins have their hands full trying to solve the Wings solid defense so to them Franzen's return is all but positive.

I wonder what kind of odds they give on the Mule scoring in Game 2.

***

As expected, veteran Gary Roberts returns to the line-up for Pittsburgh. Just one year ago, as the Ottawa Senators rolled past the Penguins in the playoffs, John Paddock told Roberts he should have been with them instead. The Senators had offered Roberts a contract but the veteran ultimately chose Pittsburgh. I doubt he regrets that decicion today.

THE DOMINATING RED

The Pittsburgh Penguins didn't get off the best of starts in last night's Game 1 against the Detroit Red Wings. Goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury, stumbled and fell as he entered the ice and moments later the PA announcer introduced the Pens' captain as Steven Crosby! An innocent slip of the tounge? I doubt it. Great stuff!

***

After his team was handed a crushing 4-0, Pittsburgh coach, Michel Therrien, said it was their worst performance yet in these playoffs but that it taught his team a lesson going into Game 2. That is sort of true. The Penguins did recieve a lesson, only it was given to them by the dominating Red Wings.

Experience is key in a cup final and the Wings have it in boatloads. The talented but inexperienced Pens don't have a whole lot of it at all and it showed. Why the immensely experienced Gary Roberts was a healthy scratch I have no idea, but I am fairly certain he will play in Game 2 and that he will show his young teammates what they have to do, that is to not back down.

***

Once again Tomas Holmstrom was called for goaltender interference, even though he was outside the crease and he barely, if at all, touched Marc-Andre Fleury with the stick. Like one of the Wings said, "Had it been any other Detroit player, there'd been no call on thet play." I sure hope the officials will sit down and disscuss this problem in the summer because this is getting rediculous. The interference calling is anything but consistant. In fact, the only thing that is consistant is how Tomas Holmstrom plays his game.

***

Even for a talented team, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, it must be frustrating playing against a solid defense like the Red Wings. In a sea of red the opponent isn't given any room to create any real chances. The fact that Detroit keeps getting scoring support from other lines than the first doesn't make things any easier for the Penguins.

The first line, led by Henrik Zetterberg did a great job against the Crosby line, while Niklas Kronwall was solid once again delivering his usual hits. The open-ice hit on Ryan Malone was a beauty.

LOOKS LIKE A DOUBLE SWEEP

I am sitting here watching the quarter final between Sweden and Czech Republic and, even though it is exciting (of course it is, I'm Swedish), I can't help but think how slow this game is compared to what is going on south of the border. At times during Game 3 in Dallas, the Red Wings seemed to be moving at fast-forward speed in the offensive zone. Needless to say, said Red Wing players were Datsyuk and Zetterberg.

Tonight, 2 am here, the "Red Army" will look to finish off the Dallas Stars and punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 2002, when they beat the Carolina Hurricanes for their third cup triumph in ten seasons.

The Pittsburgh Penguins keep marching and are now only one game away from sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers. Not to take anything away from the Pens, they have been great, but it is painfully evident how important Kimmo Timonen is to the Flyers. Even if they can get it together enough to take Game 4, I can't really see them come back from a 3-0 deficit. The Penguins are way to good.

I am pretty sure most people are just waiting for the Wings and Pens finish their sweeps already so they can enjoy a Stanley Cup final between the two best teams in the NHL, and who can blame them. Datsyuk and Zetterberg against Crosby and Malkin. What a classic series it could be. By the way, has it ever happened before, that both conference finals have ended in sweeps? To be honest, I can hardly wait myself.

THE GREAT OZ STEALS GAME 2

"The great Oz has spoken", was heard from the announcer at Joe Louis Arena after the Detroit Red Wings had beaten the Dallas Stars 2-1 and taken a 2-0 lead in the series. They weren't half as dominant as they were in Game 1, in fact Dallas was the dominating team for most of the second and final period. Chris Osgood was the difference in this one as he remains solid while going 8-0 in these playoffs.

Has anyone noticed how Henrik Zetterberg almost sound like a Canadian? How aboot that. Last night he, yet again, showed what a dominating force he is. He had one tally and was a constant offensive threat in the Dallas zone.

And what about Pavel Datsyuk? I'm am really beginning to believe this guy is the second coming of Sergei Fedorov. He has a way of making his opponents look really stupid and the crowd loves it. At one point late in the game he dropped the puck to Kronwall, at least that is what the Dallas forward (I think it was Ribeiro) and everyone else in the building thought, only to kick it back to himself as he skated past Ribeiro and out of the Red Wings zone. Pure magic!

Speaking of Mike Ribeiro, there is no excuse for what his slashing across the chest of Chris Osgood. This will of course heat things up between the two teams heading in to Game 3 in Dallas, but it will also diminish the Stars' chances of getting back into the series as they will most likely play without Ribeiro. The Stars also lost Jere Lehtinen who went off with a leg injury.

Marty Turco will be glad to go back to Dallas for Game 3 as his winless streak at Joe Louis Arena grew to 11 games.

FINAL FOUR

The 'final four' matchups are a real treat any way you look at. Out west, Dallas, who had a tough time getting to the Western Conference finals almost blowing a 3-0 lead to the San Jose Sharks, will face the Detroit Red Wings for the first time in the playoffs since 1998. The Stars upset both the reigning Stanley Cup champions, Anaheim, and the Sharks, a team many thought would go all the way this year.

Detroit, who had a somewhat less bumpy ride getting here, are my favorite to advance to the finals. Sure, the Stars will prove a more difficult obstacle than the Avs were, but ultimately I have to go with what I still consider the best team in the playoffs. I think the key is that the Wings are finally getting sufficient scoring from their second line to take some load off the the dominant first line. On their way through the playoffs, Johan Franzen has been breaking several of Gordie Howe's old records while also picking up some early condsideration for a Conne Smythe.

The Stars have yet to face a team in the playoffs boasting the kind of scoring power the Wings possess. Also, Chris Osgood still haven't lost a game in these playoffs and is 6-0 since taking over from Dominik Hasek.

Pittsburgh seems to be everyones favorite to move on to the finals from the Eastern Conference. I'm not so sure. To do so they will have to dismiss the surging Philadelphia Flyers and that is no easy task.

The Flyers don't have the kind of young talent the Pens have in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but they have a solid group of hardworking players who play tough and with determination and heart on every shift. They have so far dismatled the fast and talented Washington Capitals and the Eastern winners, Montreal, and it looks like they're just getting started.

The Flyers also have Martin Biron, who has been spectacular so far, Daniel Briere, who has really stepped up to prove all doubters wrong, and R J Umberger, who has turned in to a virtual scoring machine.

The Penguins need more from captain Sidney Crosby than what he showed in Game 5 against the NY Rangers. On the other hand, whenever Crosby turns in a mediocre performance, Malkin is there to dominate the game. This guy is unhuman at times.

The 'Battle of Pennsylvania' will just that, a battle, and I think Philadelphia will be victorious in the end. Also, I would not be surprised if it goes to a Game 7.

* * *

Lastly, I want to say how pathetic I think it is the way the crowd at Mellon Arena boed Jaromir Jagr during Game 5. This guy spent almost eleven seasons with their team and helped them win two Stanley Cups and, I don't care what reason they say they have, they have no right to give him anything but applaudes. They should be ashamed.

THE COMEBACK FLYERS

Once again the Philadelphia Flyers showed what a tremendous comeback team they are. The Montreal Canadiens seemed to have the game under control as they led the Flyers 3-1 in the second period, but then, this Flyers team did what they have done so many times during this season, they erased the deficit to win the game 6-4 and clinching the series in five games. Who ever they face in the conference finals have their work cut out for them.

The fact that Philadelphia has reached the Eastern Conference finals, for the first time since 1997, is amazing considering this team finished dead last just one season ago. GM, Paul Holmgren, and coach, John Stevens, have done a fantastic job with the club.

Pittsburgh host the NY Rangers tonight at the Mellon Arena as they have a chance to eliminate the Blueshirts and go on to fight the Flyers for a place in the Stanley Cup Finals.

* * *

I did pick Montreal as Stanley Cup champions and that didn't happen. I was so looking forward to a Red Wings - Canadiens final. However, the Habs did surprise a lot of people this season and it was great to see and hear the crowd at Bell Centre cheer and applaude their team during the final minutes of Game 5 against the Flyers.

Rookie goalie, Carey Price, did seem rattled in round two of the playoffs, but remember that this kid is just twenty years old. He has many years to shine ahead of him, and he will shine pleanty, trust me.

IT'S A SWEEP IN DENVER

It's a blow-out win for Detroit as they sweep Colorado. The Detroit Red Wings were just too good for this Avs team. This series was a physical mismatch from the start. There were just too many injuries for the Avs to have a fair shot at upsetting the bast team in the NHL. 8-2 doesn't reflect the Avs' effort. They did put up a good fight, but Detroit are just an unbeatable juggernaut right now.

I sure hope Joe Sakic will be back next year because this is no way to end such a fantastic carreer.

I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep my eyes open so it's back to bed for me. Good night!

THE SWEEP GETS CLOSER

What can be said of Henrik Zetterberg that hasn't already been said? Not a lot. This guy is such an awesome offensive force and the fact that both he and Pavel Datsyuk are nominated for the Selke Trophy, as the leagues best defensive forward, says it all about him being the total package.

6-1 with less than five minutes left to play in the second period and the Red Wings are playing like the game was tied at 1-1. They are totally commited and focused. They let Nashville into the series in round one and they are determined to not give Colorado the same opportunity.

The Mule scores his third of the night, his second hat-trick of the playoffs, as the Detroit takes a 7-1 lead.

WINGS COME OUT FLYING

It is do or die in Denver but the Colorado Avalanche didn't get the greates of starts as they try to stave off elimination against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 4 at the Pepsi Center. The Red Wings got of to a flying start as Michael Samuelsson scored what looked like a soft goal on Jose Theodore.

The Avs did get an equalizer from Tyler Arnason, but the Wings took back the lead late in the first when Henrik Zetterberg served Tomas Holmstrom with a perfect pass. With a minute left of the period the Avs gave up the puck in the neutral zone and red-hot Johan "The Mule" Franzen did what he's been doing all playoffs, he scored.

It's 5:12 am here, the second period just started and Peter Budaj has come on for Theodore. Here we go!

Just as I was about to post this, Henrik Zetterberg scored on a rocket as the Wings were on the power play.

RANGERS LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER NIGHT

The New York Rangers finally did what they couldn't do in the first three games, and what the Ottawa Senators never could, that is to beat the seemingly invincible Pittsburgh Penguins. The question is if they can do like the 1942 Maple Leafs and the 1975 NY Islanders and mount a history-making comeback from 0-3. I doubt it, though it seems more likely the Rangers would than the San Jose Sharks or the Colorado Avalanche.

THE GOALIE CONUNDRUM

Having a great goalie is what gives every team a chance at winning. The Colorado Avalanche had that during the second half of the regular season and in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Wild. Against the difficult Red Wings they have lacked that important component. Jose Theodore have been battling the flue as of late and haven't been the same thus he hasn't been that lock you need in net.

Of course Theodore is not entirely to blame for the Avs being down 3-0 in the series. Instead, blame Joel Quenneville for not giving the other players that fair chance att winning, which they probably would get if Peter Budaj would start in net. Quenneville keeps saying that he wants Theodore to play because he got them there. True, Jose Theodore's incredible goaltending was a huge factor against the Wild, but that is not a good reason to play him when he's playing not so great. With all the injuries this Avs team has suffered they need him to be a difference maker.

Quenneville answered any goaltending questions with "this [Theodore] is a guy that they have to count on. You win with your best and you lose with your best.

What does that tell Peter Budaj, who has come on for Theodore twice in this series and been solid? In my opinion, you play with who is hot. Quenneville's decision to stick with his number one cost the Avs two games and put them in a near impossible situation. This is no time to avoid hurting someone's feelings and Theodore knows this, he's been in the league long enough to know it's about who is hot and who is not. Starting Budaj in Game 2 could have given the Avs a better shot at tying the series at 1-1.

In Game 3 Theodore had 31 saves so maybe he has gotten over his bad spell. Question is if it's too late for the Avs as a team to do the same. No team since the 1975 NY Islanders has erased a 3-0 deficit to advance from a playoff series.

I hate to say it, but this Colorado team does not look like a history-making team.

ARE WE GETTING ROBBED?

Penguins are marching, they are now 7-0 so far in the playoffs, and the Rangers seem powerless to stop them. The Dallas Stars have got the Sharks totally figured out and outsmarted and also lead 3-0 in their series and the Detroit Red Wings, much thanks to a certain Mule, are just steamrolling over the oft-injured Colorado Avalanche. Three out of four series in the second round could stop at just twelve games which means we're missing out on at least four or five games, theoretically, we could be missing as much as nine games but it is very rare that three out of four series goes to seven games. On the other hand, isn't it just as unlikely that many series end in sweeps? It is, and I don't think we'll see three sweeps.

I'm gonna say Rangers in Game 4 and that the series ends 4-1. I think Dallas will take Game 4 and sweep the lame Sharks. Colorado will win Game 4 on sheer determination but ultimately the Wings will prove to tough of an obstacle. It would have been cool to see these two teams battle it out while the Avs were at full power but all these injuries are finally taking its toll on them.

Thankfully the Montreal-Philadelphia series is providing everything I want from a great playoff series, two equal teams bringing out the very best in each other while fighting it out to the very end (hopefully a Game 7), great individual performances (Martin Biron), suckerpunch-controversies and, ultimately, coaches arguing about it.

* * *

The Pens look unstoppable as they try to become the first team to go 8-0 in the playoffs since the seven-game series was introduced in 1987. Two other teams, Montreal in 1989 and NY Rangers in 1994, managed to go 7-0 and both teams went to the Stanley Cup finals.

TOOTHLESS SHARKS

The San Jose Sharks dropped a 2-1 lead in the 3rd period to lose Game 2 against the Dallas Stars 5-2. They now have to dig themselves out of a hole as they head to Dallas for Game 3. And while the key players, such as Mike Modano, Marty Turco, Brad Richards and Mike Ribeiro, have all stepped it up in the playoffs, the key players for the Sharks have done the exact opposite. Evgeni Nabokov is a favourite to win the Vezina Trophy for his impressive season where he lead in wins, but against the Stars he hasn't really impressed anyone.

But though the Sharks definately need more from their star goalie, Nabokov is far from their biggest problem. When asked if he needed more from his captain, a very irritated Ron Wilson responded, "No." Then he walked off mubeling something about all the questions always being so negative. Sharks captain, Patrick Marleau, kept up his sub-par performance from Game 1, where he jumped over a shot instead of blocking it. That is not acceptable in the playoffs, if ever.

I realize that I predicted San Jose would beat Calgary in seven games to advance to the second round but, with the facts in hand I am surprised they pulled it off considering how poorly they played. Against Dallas they haven't stepped it up an inch and I would not be surprised if this series ends in Dallas.

AS GOOD AS IT GETS

The Philadelphia Flyers held on to beat Montreal and tie the second round series and there is no doubt in my mind what so ever, this is where the best hockey on the planet is being played. It is too bad only one of these two teams can advance to the Eastern Conference finals. All we can do is enjoy this while it lasts and hope it does so for a full seven games. This, ladies and gentlemen, is as good as it gets.

The Candiens missed the oppurtunity to go 2-0 in the series against the Flyers much because of Martin Biron's stellar play last night at the Bell Centre. Game 2 of the series was just as close as the first one, only this time the Flyers managed to hold on for the win. Biron took 34 of the 36 shots he faced giving the Flyers a 4-2 win. R J Umberger scored twice and red hot Daniel Briere got one as well. But, even though the Flyers played a really solid game, beating the Habs in everything, it was Biron who made the biggest difference.

The Habs certainly aren't happy with splitting the two first games in their own building so expect them to want to do at least the same once the series turn to the city of brotherly love. The Flyers, though probably quite content with getting one game in Montreal, surely must feel they let Game 1 slip away and that they should be heading home leading the series 2-0.

Habs goalie, Carey Price, rated his own performance a 6 out of 10, stating he wasn't lucky with the bounces, but I'm not sure that many would agree with him. Coach Guy Carbonneau just said that great players create their own luck. Price gets a lot of praise for always looking so relaxed and composed in the net, but that means nothing if you don't stop the pucks. Sometimes his relaxed style borders on nonchalance like in Game 2 where he had major difficulties with his glove hand. I don't doubt that Price will get the start in Game 3 in Philadelphia because great players also bounce back.

Red Wings too much for Avs

What looked like an exciting revival of the rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche is looking more like a cat's fight with a mouse, after the mouse is out cold.

Colorado, again without Peter Forsberg, had absolutely nothing going for them as they got creamed by a Red Wings team that is looking more and more like a real cup contender. Chris Osgood keeps showing us he's still got what it takes to go all the way and Johan Franzen is playing like a man posessed, leading the playoffs is scoring after his hat-trick.

I really though the Avs would put up more of a fight even without Forsberg, but the shaky play by Jose Theodore has to be coach Quenneville's biggest worry right now. Peter Budaj replaced the former Hart Trophy winner for the second straight game and was great, giving up just one goal. If Budaj, who will surely get the start in Game 3 in Denver, can keep playing like this it will give the Avs an oppurtunity to get back into this series. If not, this series will be over in four.

No beards

It seems a lot of players aren't taking the playoff beard seriously. While watching a pre-game interview with Colorado forward Ryan Smyth, my first thought was how surprisingly clean-shaven he was. After six games against the Minnesota Wild in the first round and one game into the second round series against Detroit you would think he'd sport a full beard by now.

During the warm-up, like always, a slimey octopus found its way down to the ice, only this time a Colorado player picked it up and threw it back into the stands! Hillarious!

Rivalry off to a cool start

The Colorado Avalanche played most of the regular season without Peter Forsberg, yet after the loss to the Red Wings in Game 1 coach Joel Quenneville said that, though his absence was felt, they did learn how to play without him down the stretch. That says a lot about the impact Forsberg has on this team. If he doesn't return for Game 2 on Saturday, the Avs will most likely find themselves in a 0-2 hole heading back to Denver.

Quenneville also has to decide who to play in goal in Game 2. Either go with Peter Budaj, who came on for Theodore and shut the door on the Wings or stay with his number one, Theodore, if he is well by then.

* * *

I can't understand why coaches keep blaming the refs after a loss. Philadelphia coach, John Stevens sat at the podium and sulked over the eledged high-stick by Alexei Kovalev, which, to his dismay, was ruled a goal. There is no point to this, they won't change the call after the game and it certainly does little to help his team. The Flyers lost because they blew a 2-0 lead due to weak defense.

Neither team got a lot of chances at the man-advantage, but both teams took advantage when they got that oppurtunity. Be sure, the rest of this series will be as tight as this first game.

Round two... here we go!

It's time for round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs and so far it has been just awesome. The second round is just as difficult to predict as the first but here are some thoughts.

I can't stress enough how excited I am that the Detroit Red Wings are facing the Colorado Avalanche again. It has been a while since the rivalry's heyday but a handful of players still remain on both rosters. Those who weren't there the last time around, in 2002, will definately get a taste of the old days the minute this series kicks off. The Avs lost all four games against the Wings this season, but they did it without many of their top forwards, including Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth, and Paul Statsny. The Colorado team that brushed off Minnesota in six games is a completely different team. I would not be surprised if it takes seven games to separate these two teams, which would be only the second time that has happened. I think Detroit has the edge here, but not because they went 4-0 against the Avs, because of their defense, Osgood and their scoring depth, they basically have no real weaknesses. Theodore played great in the first round but Minnesota is not the offensive powerhouse that Detroit is. The Avs also rely heavily on the presence of Peter Forsberg. With him they usually win, without him they tend to lose.

A lot of experts seem to think this is finally the year of the Shark. I don't. I can't see the San Jose Sharks getting past Dallas, a team brimming with confidence after dismissing the defending Stanley Cup champions in six games. Dallas is a far tougher opponent than the Flames, a team that the Sharks had surprising difficulties getting passed. San Jose gave up a 3-0 lead in Game 3 and when they had the chance to close the series in Game 6 they appeared lame and uninterested. Dallas, on the other hand, played solid for most of their first-round series against Anaheim and unless the Sharks can play more consistent, the Stars will play in their first conference final since 2000.

I have said that I think the Montreal Candiens will play in the Stanley Cup finals and I am not changing that prediction now. I never thought the Bruins would force the Habs to a Game 7 and the Canadiens' powerplay didn't look as sharp as it did in the regular season, eventhough they did connect on two PP chances in Game 7. These were the two best teams on the man-advantage during the regular season so special teams is key to winning the series. The Canadiens also need Alexei Kovalev to be the dominationg force he was during the season. The Flyers got better and better as the series against Washington progressed and they are entering the second round confident they have what it takes to eliminate the eastern conference winners. Montreal native Martin Biron played a great series and is now the undisputed number one goalie. He will have to keep up that level in the second round. Philadelphia is also heading into round two with a Daniel Briere on fire. The Habs will have to find a way to stop him or their cup chase ends here.

I honestly didn't think the New York Rangers would get this far. If I remember correctly I said 4-1 to New Jersey, but now they are here and they did look very good against a very midiocre Devils team. Pittsburgh will be a far greater obstacle than their Hudson neighbors. Defensively I would go with the Rangers, offensively the Penguins have the upper hand, and in goal Henrik Lundqvist has the edge over Marc-Andre Fleury. A long rest didn't do the Ottawa Senators a lot of good before the finals last year and it doesn't favour the Pens now either. I actually think the Rangers will emerge triumphant from this series and Sean Avery, who thrives against the Penguins, will probably play a big part in it, as will Vezina nominee Ludqvist.

Dream match up in second round

The Washington Capitals have spent most of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs coming back and they have captured a lot of fans doing it. Unfortunately, in the first round they faced an even better comeback team in the Philadelphia Flyers. After losing two straight games, missing a chance to clinch the series at home in Game 6, the Flyers finally figured out how to get the better of Alex Ovechkin and his band of young talent.

The San Jose Sharks looked uninspired in Game 6 but pulled them selves together and put out the Flames in Game 7. They will never admit it but, I think the Dallas Stars are quite happy to play the Sharks rather than Calgary.

It is extremely rare that a team returns from a 3-1 defecit and it didn't happen now either. The Boston Bruins fell short in Game 7 just like the Caps. This gives us a second round that is a virtual wet dream and also very hard to predict (like always when it comes to pure guessing), so I'm not going to predict any scores.

Montreal-Philadelphia
Pittsburgh-NY Rangers
Detroit-Colorado
San Jose-Dallas

I have to ponder this one for a bit and come back with my thoughts on the second round. But if you have any predictions, please share with a comment!

Crunch time

The fact that the Montreal Canadiens won all eight games against the Boston Bruins during the regular season means very little in the playoffs, this is especially true now that their first round series has come down to a deciding Game 7. The Habs, heavy favourites at the start of the series, have seen a 2-0 slip away and at the chance of wrapping things up at 3-1 they lost two straight. Young Carey Price gave up five goals in each of those games, which were his first consecutive losses since being called up from the minors in February. Momentum is clearly with the B's even if stats still favour the Canadiens. The Bruins have never won a series in which they trailed 3-1. On the other hand, this is the first time they have forced a Game 7 in that situation. Be that as it may, I'm going to stick with my original pick. This will be the ultimate test to see if Price can perform at crunch time, I think he can.

* * *

The Philadelphia Flyers don't have their backs against the wall, at leaste not yet. Though the Washington Capitals took home Game 5 and avoided elimination, the Flyers still have two shots at clinching their first playoff series since 2004. Ovechkin didn't have any goals or assists in Game 5 but he did play perhaps his best game in the post season. Question is if the Caps can win the next one as well without his contribution the scoresheet. The Flyers will have to do without forward Mike Knuble, but they are more than familiar to playing without their stars, they have gotten through most of the season without several of them. I'm not changing my pick here either, Philadelphia look way too tough and if they lose tonight they will win in Game 7. There is something special about these Flyers and, much like those Canadiens of 1993, they will surprise a lot of people on their way through these playoffs.

* * *

Nice to see that Henrik Lundqvist got nominated for the Vezina Trophy. Early on in the season he carried the non-scoring Rangers on his back and, even though he lost his touch around the halfway pointone point, a late push by the Rangers saw him return to his old form. The nomination is his third in a row. Will the third time be the charm for The King?

The other two nominees are Martin Brodeur, who will try to win his fifth Vezina, and Evgeni Nabokov who posted a league leading 46 wins this season and was third in the league with a 2.14 goals-against-average and tied for third with six shutouts. Lundqvist, who despite his mid-season struggle, posted a 2.23 goals-against-average and a .912 save percentage, also led the league with 10 shutouts.

I would have to say that Nabokov looks like the favourite to win his first trophy as the best goalie in the NHL.

* * *

The Flyers - Capitals game just started so I'll have to wrap this up now.

The Bruins - Habs series

Phil:

About game 2 of the B's-Habs series, that's exactly what the Bruins did. They came out of the gates hitting everything in red. A ferocious forecheck was put into works too but to no avail. They are simply snake-bitten by the dreaded Habs this year. Hopefully, the tide will turn for the better in three hours from now.

Apparently, Kessel was a healthy scratch(!)last night. I'm still trying to figure out why Wideman wasn't dressed.


Niklas:

Well, my friend, the Boston Bruins continued to forecheck and play the body hard against the Habs in Game 3 and it payed off. I guess this is they only way they can beat Montreal and, like Marc Savard said, "We don't have a lot of dancers over here, we're a lunch-bucket team." That comment hits the nail on the head, you have to accept what you are and play the game there after.

Unfortunately, this leaves a great player like Phil Kessel on the outside. He was a healthy scratch for the second game in a row.


Phil:

Savard is right, at least in comparison to the Canadiens. But this is the most talented Bruins team I've seen in years. I know this series could be wrapped up in a couple of nights but the Bruins are not supposed to be in the playoffs this year in the first place. And if this is a preview of what's the come in the next two years, I'll be laughing.

Wideman, Krejci, and Lucic are awesome. The latter is the most exciting skater to hit Beantown since Sinden stole Neely from Vancouver. Lucic is a bigger and "badder" Bruin as a 19-year old than Joe Thornton ever was. No pun intended though. We'll see if Julien still thinks Kessel is too soft tomorrow. Allez Bruins de Boston!


Niklas:

I think you're right and, while I still think trading off Big Joe to San Jose is one of the dumbest moves in resent history, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for these young and talented Bruins. The future looks bright and the Montreal-Boston rivalry might take centre stage once again. Carey Price against Tukka Rask could be a classic. But for now, the Canadiens are too good for the B's.

First round thoughts

Montreal had no trouble beating Boston in Game 1, but interestingly enough, they didn't do it through their league-leding power play. Boston tried so hard to not take a lot of unnesessary penalties that they instead gave the Habs too much room to score at even strength. I expect the Bruins to check a lot more and hit a lot more in Game 2.

* * *

Just a couple of hours left until the puck drops at the Verizon Center in Game 1 of the Washington - Philadelphia series. This is by far the most interesting of all match-ups in the first round. I did pick the Flyers to take home the series but I think the Caps will win round one. These Flyers are a comeback team and they will snatch Game 2 before the series goes to Philly. Did I say Flyers in 7? I think so. Wow, this is going to be a classic.

* * *

The Detroit Red Wings got some lucky bounces and managed to fight off the hot Nashville Predators and I think that was really important for the Wings to head into this playoffs not having to comeback early in the series. There is a lot of pressure in Motown and, eventhough the Wings took home the Presidents Trophy again, because of a couple of early round exits from the playoffs, a lot of fans don't expect them to go far. Can't be easy to be the best team so often.

* * *

I did pick Anaheim over Dallas and, eventhough it is just a guess because stats mean nothing in playoffs, I have to stand by that but losing at 0-4 at home is certainly not the start the Ducks had hoped for. I expected Dallas to give the Ducks a run for their money but this? No way! Turco was magnificent and the Stars made the home team pay on their power play. Interesting to see how Anaheim will play in Game 2. Expect Turco to sweat.

Wild Wild West

Most experts agree the Western Conference is tougher than the East, and to a certain extent that is true. The teams are bigger, at least most of them, but most importantly, I think, the travel is longer. Anyway you look at it, the first round is really interesting. Eventhough the Red Wings once again took home the Presidents Trophy I see no clear cut favorite. I'm not sure what Maggie the monkey predicted, haven't had a chance to see any of the TSN experts picks yet, but here are mine for the first round of the Western Conference in the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs. By the way, why is Maggie spinning a wheel? That's not predicting at all. Just let her point to the team she likes, a monkey could do that for sure.

San Jose 4 - Calgary 3

Sure the Sharks are favorites, but Calgary is a tough team to play and the will make sure any opponent knows it. If they go down, they will go down fighting and the Sharks, should they get past them, will be pretty banged up for second round.

* * *

Anaheim 4 - Dallas 2

When it counts, the champions will step it up a notch. If Sergei Zubov does not return to the Stars' lineup, fending off the Ducks will prove too big of a task. Marty Turco is also a key player, but he hasn't had much luck in the post season yet, though he was spectacular last year in the series against Vancouver, which the Stars lost.

* * *

Detroit 4 - Nashville 1

This could be a sweep but I think the Predators will get one at home. There is a lot of pressure on the Red Wings to go all the way but they have a lot of power up front and are better equipped defensively than last year. The only thing that may be cause for concern is the two previous cup winning veterans sharing duties in the net. That really sounds better than it is.

* * *

Colorado 4 - Minnesota 2

To most, the Minnesota Wild are favorites to advance victorious from this series, and they do have Colorado's numbers this season. But that means absolutely nothing in the playoffs, and if Peter Forsberg can stay healthy the Avs will not only get passed the Wild but will probably be an ugly surprise to a few other teams as well. Jose Theodore is also getting back to his old 2002 form and that will be crucial.

15 minutes before the playoffs begin. Ironically, after writing this, I am watching New Jersey - NY Rangers. Let's go!

Playoffs! Finally!

It's finally here, the time we've been waiting for since September, the Stanley Cup playoffs. And boy, what a playoff this will be.

The first round is full of really exiting match-ups, the Flyers-Caps series is certainly one of them. Philadelphia will have to find a way to contain the Ovechkin-Backstrom combo, however, the Flyers have no shortage of offensive power themselves.

Philadelphia 4 - Washington 3

* * *

When the season started, I don't think the Boston Bruins were planning on making a serious push for the Cup, their plans lay a little further in the future, but now, here they are and it's anyone's game. Against conference winners Montreal, the Bruins can play without pressure, but ultimately, the Habs will be too much for them. But this will be a fun series to watch since these two Original Six teams have faced off against each other once or twice before in the playoffs.

Montreal 4 - Boston 2

* * *

The Rangers have the Devils' numbers, they won 7 of eight games this season against their Hudson rival. None of that matters now and I wouldn't be surprised if this series goes to seven games. The Brodeur-Lundqvist match-up could be future classic. However, this is where the neighbor across the river shows they're the better playoff team.

New Jersey 4 - NY Rangers 1

* * *

I think the Ottawa Senators are actually enjoying being the underdog all of a sudden. The Penguins are stronger and have more scoring depth than last year, but if Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher are healthy, this series isn't as easy to predict as most seem to think. Can Malkin produce along side Crosby?

Pittsburgh 4 - Ottawa 2

* * *

That was the East. I'll do the West tomorrow.

By the way, I am as happy as everyone else about Washington making the playoffs, because it would really suck to see the big dance start without the leagues best player, Alex Ovechkin. And since they did, thanks to an impressive end of the season-winning streak, there is no way they can give the Hart Trophy to anyone else than the Caps' super-Russian.

Caps, Flyers and the Stanley Cup Champions

This season has been a rollercoaster for the Philadelphia Flyers. At one time they were at the top of their division, then later on they went on a ten game losing stretch. They have had myriad of injuries plauge their roster through out the year yet, through it all, they have looked like a playoff team. Because if there is one thing the Flyers don't lack it's heart, they have an abundance of it and they will need it in the post season because my guess is the Flyers will face Pittsburgh in the first round.

Buffalo still have a shot at a playoff berth, however, the Flyers need only two points to keep the Sabres out. Washington, who have left to play Florida and Tampa Bay at home, probably have the easiest remaining schedule and will probably snag third place overall away from Carolina who are on a two-game losing streak. Washington beat Carolina last night and are 9-1-0 in their last ten games and are looking strong after a slow start to the season.

Montreal will end up second and play Ottawa in the first round and eventually go all the way to the Stanley Cup. And I say this despite the fact that the Habs just lost their captain, Saku Koivu, for the season because there are to major factors that favor Montreal. The most important is Carey Price who is in a similar situation to that of Patrick Roy in 1986 and the Canadiens do have a pretty good track record when it comes to rookie goalies. The second reason is the fact that they made no major aquisitions at the trade deadline which, as history shows, is something most previous Cup winners also did not. Another, less fact based reason, is the names on the roster. Whith names like Latendresse, Bouillon, Brisebois, and Lapierre how can not go all the way?

That, along with the fact that they possess the best powerplay record in the NHL, is why I think the Montreal Canadiens will take home the Stanley Cup.

Who will be around come playoff time?

I just realized I hadn't posted anything for quite a while. In case I still have any readers left, I will try to better myself, which won't be hard with the playoffs just around the corner. Speaking of the playoffs, I will give you perdiction for round one.

If Evgeni Malkin can keep producing with Sidney Crosby returning, I think Pittsburgh will grab the number one spot in the East. Montreal, Carolina and New Jersey will round out the home-ice four while it looks like Ottawa, NY Rangers, Philadelphia and Boston will complete first round. There is still a chance Washington could snatch the 8th spot away from the slipping Bruins but I don't think they will. Boston got a big win against Toronto last night and they have a game in hand on the Caps. Buffalo, Toronto and Florida can start planning for next season.

Out west, the situation around the 8th spot is just as tight as it is in the east. Only Detroit and San Jose are set as 1st and 2nd. Calgary and Minnesota are still fighting for the top spot in the Northwest Division and home ice in the first round along with Anaheim. Slumping Dallas look pretty safe at 89 points, but unless they start winning they could find themselves in a very unpleasant situation. Colorado are still hanging on for dear life in the 8th spot with Nashville still pushing hard for a playoff berth. Vancouver are also on shaky ground in 7th but, though Edmonton are just a point behind the 9th placed Nashville, I think the Canucks will hang on to 7th and the Avs will face the Red Wings in the first round.

I will save the outcome of the first round for my next post, in which I will also give you my prediction for the Stanley Cup finals.

Good to be back!

Take a look at the picture above, I think it's pretty awesome. I don't know what Joe Sakic is saying to Peter Forsberg, but I bet it is something along the line of "Good to have you back, buddy." And boy, are they glad. When Forsberg, who logged more ice time than any other Avs forward, turned up his game a notch in the third period, which led to two goals, it was nothing if not vintage Forsberg. I can't wait to see how well he'll play once he gets a few more games under his belt. After the game Ian Laperriere was very excited about how good Forsberg looked on the ice, and really, who wouldn't be. What team in the Western Conference will want to square off against the Avs in the first round?

Lidstrom, overrated greatness?

In a resent post I talked about Nicklas Lidstrom and how his injured knee may hurt his chances at a sixth Norris Trophy. That article got a very interesting and somewhat controversial comment from my old friend and hockey connoisseur, Philip Arvidsson. Philip, a resident of Toronto for many years and currently living in the Netherlands, knows more about this sport than most so-called experts and it’s a pleasure to get his thoughts on the NHL as he is a frequent commentator on my blog. This comment fueled an interesting and heated debate that I decided to post here. I hope to be able to post more "face offs" like this in the future, but here is the premiere!

Philip
To me, Mr. Lidstrom is a complete enigma. The guy gets showered with perks by every hockey writer and critic and Norris Trophies seem to be fedexed to his home on a yearly basis. I've never really understood the Lidstrom hype but that does not mean I'm right.

Niklas
Unless I missunderstood, you say Lidstrom is being handed this trophy every year for lack of a better recipient, an argument I am having massive problems getting my head around. I think the fact that almost every player in the NHL agrees he is the best in the league speaks volumes.

Philip
As far my own humble opinion is concerned, I've never been sold on No. 5. I'm not saying he's not Norris Trophy material but five, six, or even seven of them? More than Ray Bourque, my favorite player? Due to that, coupled with the fact that every time I've seen Lidstrom play for Tre Kronor he appears utterly lost, I find him to be highly overrated.

Niklas
I know you are a Bruins fan (I think everyone reading this blog knows that) and so you favoring Bourque comes as no surprise. So you think the competition was so much tougher back in the day when he reigned?

Philip
I thought about this not too long ago and came up with a theory. Bourque "only" collected five Norris Trophies. But back in his heydays, there were 4 or 5 other "Ray Bourques" such as Brian Leetch, Scott Stevens, Al MacInnis, Chris Chelios, and Paul Coffey. They were all Bourque-caliber players, in their prime at the same time, competing against each other thus the Norris was passed around among them every season. To be fair, Maybe Lidstrom also belongs to that high echelon of d-men but he doesn't have to share the Norris with anyone simply because there are no other defenders of that magnitude in today's game.

Niklas
Perhaps, but does that mean you value Bobby Orr's career any less? He certainly did not have that many oponents of his own caliber. But ok, for arguements sake, Chris Pronger is on par with a guy like Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer is even better than his former captain (to me he was always a better leader than defensman). Paul Coffey was a forward in disguise, so out of the 4-5 you mentioned I will agree on only MacInnis, Chelios and Leetch. By the way, not long ago you were telling me what a great player Niedermayer was (which I agreed on).

Philip
I would say Niedermayer MAYBE, but that's it. And yes I also recall sticking up for Niedermayer after his Conn Smythe/Stanley Cup season because you ripped him with the following headline "who cares?". And by the way, Ray Bourque was robbed of the Hart Trophy in 1990!

Niklas
Agreed we're not seeing as large of a group of future Hall of famers today as we did back then, but like I said, how large was that group of top blueliners during Bobby Orr's heydays? Orr is still the best ever in my opinion, just like the lack of "Bourques" doesn't make Lidstrom any less great. About Bourque being robbed, sure, eventhough Gretzky, Lemieux and Messier all had great seasons, the Hart should probably have ended up in Beantown that year.

Philip
Hey, perhaps you're right. Like I said, I'm not sold on the guy but everyone else seems to be. This is why I came up with "theories" to find out if I was wrong and, if so, how wrong was I?

Niklas
Perhaps we will find out in the years to come, perhaps we won’t. We will just have to agree to disagree on the Red Wings captain. I hope you’re not too bummed about the Bruins blowout against Toronto the other night, as we both know, Boston is still a team for the playoffs and the Leafs are not. Be good until next time, Phil.

Philip
Oh, don't even get me started on the Leafs, we'll do them next time. 'Til then, blog hard!

Peter the Great returns

If one didn't know better, one would assume this picture was taken a couple of years ago (I guess the new jersey sort of gives it away). But it isn't and I'm thrilled to see him back. The amazing thing about Peter Forsberg is that whenever he makes a comeback he is great, just like he was against Vancouver the other night. he hasn't played a game for almost a full year but you can't tell. Who else is capable of that?

Terry Frei, who writes for ESPN wrote, "He looked rusty, but certainly not out of place." Most other hockey experts agreed Forsberg looked all but rusty in his debut at Pepsi Center.

Peter Forsberg has taken a lot of abuse since he first started talking about making another comeback in the NHL. You would think all the experts should have learned by now that Peter Forsberg is not like most other players in the league, but no, most of them were ready to write him off once again. I will admit that when he pulled out of the LG Hockey games in November that was a close as I've ever been to believing his time as a player had come to an end. The fire in his eyes wasn't there. He looked done. Of course he wasn't and he probably knew even then.

Peter Forsberg's stats, which are great (especially his playoff numbers), don't even begin to tell how great a player he is. He has deep passion for the game, one that is rare, at least to that degree. His stubborness to never give up, his will to win and his hatred of losing makes him special and there few if any like him.

I consider myself very fortunate that I am ones again able to see him out there on the ice along side Joe Sakic and Milan Hejduk and I am sure many share my feelings.

Who is better than Lidstrom?

In an article, ESPN's Scott Burnside suggests that Nicklas Lidstrom will probably be nominated for the Norris Trophy, but, because of his knee injury he may not win what would be his sixth in the category. As he points out, history shows that miss large parts of the season due to injury are less likely to win trophies, and while this may be true, not giving the Norris to Lidstrom would be outright rediculous. Why should he be punished for needing less time to be better than everyone else? To me, that makes absolutely no sense at all.

To be honest, the reason for Lidstrom not to win isn't even all that valid in this case. Lidstrom has played 62 games, which is just seven less than the league-leading 69 (five Dallas players) and six behind the best defenseman in that category. Despite this, he still leads all defensemen in points. Thats right, he leads. As if that isn't enough, he also leads the entire leauge in plus/minus with +39 and he is 4th in ice time among all skaters. Burnside mentions Pittsburgh's Sergei Gonchar and Habs blueliner Andrei Markov as possible candidates, but while Gonchar is still very inconsistent in my opinion and Markov is a minus player, I find that unlikely. Still, I wouldn't be very surprised if any of the two do appear on the ballot.

Not only do I still consider Lidstrom the strongest, if not the only, candidate for the Norris, I also think he should be seriously considered for the Hart Trophy as well. A few weeks ago coach Mike Babcock made a strong case for his captain as the league MVP simply because he was the best player on the best team in the league. It is true they were the best team, and when he was injured they fell apart. That says it all.

Even if he doesn't get any consideration for the Hart, which he most likely won't, if he doesn't get his sixth Norris Trophy, years from now people will look back and laugh at the NHL's foolishness.

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Official's blunder costly for Wings

While the Detroit Red Wings are having a tough time getting out of their funk, it doesn't exactly help when the puck just isn't bouncing your way, which it isn't for the Red Wings right now. Down by one late in the third period against the San Jose Sharks last night the puck hit the net above the glass behind Dominik Hasek's goal, dropped down in front of Devin Setoguchi who just tapped it in behind the perplexed Czech. Obviously, the goal should not have been allowed since the puck is dead when it hits the net, which the HD replay clearly showed it did.

The commentators couldn't believe their eyes, and neither could the Detroit crowd, when the goal was allowed. With four referees on the ice I think it's a catastrophy that none of them was watching the puck when it hit the net and then fell back onto the ice. Normally, if the puck does hit the net it is out of play, however, this is not a circumstance which is reviewable by the officials in Toronto, which is nothing less than rediculous.

The only good thing to come out of this embarrassing event is that it will never happen again, since the NHL will obviously have to change their criteria for reviewing plays, but try and tell that to the Red Wings.

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Nice to see Cristobal Huet get a shutout in his first game with the Capitals. It will be interesting to see how this goalie situation developes in Washington. If Huet keeps playing like this, Olaf Kolzig will of course find himself stuck on the bench, which is something he certainly isn't accustomed to having played around 70 games of the seasons for the last ten years.

Gutsy move by Habs

The Tuesday trade deadline came and went, and yes, we did see some pretty stunning moves. Mats Sundin exercised his right to stay with his Maple Leafs, in Denver people are preparing for Peter Forsberg's homecoming, and Brian Campbell has decided to test the waters out west with the Sharks. No huge surprises there, while Philadelphia were favorites among most to land the comebacking Forsberg, Colorado has obviously been frontrunners all along.

Sundin's choice to remain a Leaf did come as a surprise to some and while I believe the best way he could have helped his team was to move, I just don't think he is capable of looking at it that way. If he had chosen to leave for a cup contender he thinks fans would have seen him as a traitor or a captain that leaves his sinking ship. Now they are stuck with the captain while they're going down, only to see him leave the ship for retirement this summer. I'm not saying he will call it quits after this season, but, Toronto are stuck in the shit because he could.

I am wondering if Buffalo got a trade offer from Anaheim, because if they did, I can't really see why Campbell wouldn't want to go there since his chances of hoisting the cup later this spring would increase notably. But, San Jose is a contender and for them this is a great trade as Campbell is a potential Norris winner in the future.

Sundin, Forsberg and Campbell aside, the gutsiest move belongs to Bob Gainey and the Montreal Canadiens. They decided to trade goalie Cristobal Huet off to Washington for a 2009 second-round draft pick. With Huet gone, the job of starting goalie now falls on young Carey Price and, while the Habs have been lucky going with rookie goalies, you can't help but wonder if the Canadiens got enough for Huet. It is a good deal for Washington though. Olaf Kolzig isn't getting any younger and with all the young talent they sport they could afford to lose that 2:nd round pick. I will get back to that in a few years when we realize the Habs used that pick to grab some future Hall of Famer.

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