The finalists for the Hart Trophy have been annonced. To no one's surprise, two of them are Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin. The trio is rounded out by Detroit's puck wiz, Pavel Datsyuk.
Like always this award is misintepeded. The Hart is constantly refered to as "given to the league's MVP", when it actually is supposed to be given to the player most valuable to his team. The team MVPs have always been overlooked, most notably during the 80's when Wayne Gretzky held on to it for eight straight seasons during 1980 to 1987.
Malkin gets the Art Ross Trophy for having the most points, Ovechkin recives the Rocket Richard Trophy for his 56 goals this season, and Datsyuk is arguably the best allround player in the NHL, but neither would get the Hart, not if I'm handing out the trophies.
My Hart Trophy goes to Zach Parise for being the most valuable player on a New Jersey Devils team playing most of this season without their star goalie, Martin Brodeur.
Special mentioning goes to Steve Mason for backstopping the Columbus Blue Jackets to their first ever Stanley Cup playoffs.
____________________________________________________________________
4/30/2009
4/28/2009
Sharks blown out of water by Ducks
"The President's Trophy winners will make the process short with the some what struggling Ducks. Who ever the Ducks put in net, likely Jonas Hiller, will find it hard to match Evgenij Nabokov. Thornton, Boyle, Marleau, Setoguchi, Blake, Moen... there is no running out of resons why these Sharks couldn't go all the way to cup final this year. Sharks in five."
This is why I love this game. Not the fact that I was completely off the mark on this one, but because anything can happen in playoff hockey and there are no sure bets. While the Sharks deflated completely and collectively as a team, the Ducks rose to the occasion and stepped up, Jonas Hiller most of all.
______________________________________________________________________
4/27/2009
Replacing the King?
As many expected, the New York Rangers, altough leading the Capitals 3-1, were unable to put away the Washington Capitals, and now find themselves facing a Game 7 in Washington. While momentum is clearly with the Caps heading in to the deciding game, this is by no means over. However, I see two major problems that the Blueshirts will have to solve if they are going to have any chance of advancing to the next round.
The first is Henrik Lundqvist. Though he was the biggest reason the Rangers were up 3-1 in the series to begin with, he is now a major factor why the series is tied. Most experts agree, the King will have to find his groove or the Rangers' season will be over faster than Sean Avery can dish out an offensive slur.
The second problem also involves Lundqvist. For two straight games he has been replaced by Stephen Valiquette, who has been nothing but solid between the same pipes. Should Ludqvist be given a third chance in this, what could be, final game? I don't think so. Since the Rangers can't score, the only way they will win this is if they score just one goal (I'm sure they can muster that in a desperate situation like a Game 7) and Lundqvist stands on his head, and I honestly can't see that happen. So, if Lundqvist is given the start, gives up three or four goals before being replaced again there is no way back for the Blueshirts. Can they afford to take that chance or will they give Valiquette the chance to win the series for them and perhaps take them even further in the playoffs? I don't think John Tortorella has the guts to do that.
This leads me to another thing...
Bruce Budreau moved his number one goaltender after just one loss against the Rangers. Ok, Jose Theodore isn't, by any messure, the goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is even on a good day (he used to be), but still. Since then, Simeon Varlamov has been terrific while shutting out the Rangers on two occasions.
TSN's Dave Hodge gave the Capitals a thumbs down for the way they used, or didn't use Theodore. I would like to give Mr Hodge a thumbs down. What Budreau did was have the guts to do something drastic before it was too late, and it paid off, at least so far. I'm sure Jose Theodore knows how it works.
____________________________________________________________________
4/24/2009
Bunyan, Osgood and humilated Habs
Some first round thoughts...
What kind of fertilizer is Paul Mara using on his face? We're only four games into the first round and the Ranger defenseman already looks like Paul Bunyan! Perhaps Mara's head start on his playoff-beard is what tips the scale in favor of the Rangers, who knows, but they are one win away from eliminating the high-scoring Caps.
Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green were two major reasons why the Caps were favorites to move past the New York Rangers. Instead, they, along with Jose Theodore, are major factors why the Caps are facing elimination when the series return to D.C. for Game 5.
***
The Detroit Red Wings are up 3-0 against playoff debutants Columbus. No long trips to Disneyland must feel pretty good right about now.
Chris Osgood has been as solid as he said he would be. Big surprise!
***
Being eliminated and humiliated by the Boston Bruins (I just have to point out that I had the Bruins in 4), of all teams, and in the first round was probably not what the Montreal Canadiens had in mind for their big centennial year. I say they have no one but them selves to blame for it. The whole centennial circus has gotten way out of hand and it has added unnecessary pressure on the team. I understand one hundred years as a club must be celebrated, but the way the Canadiens thought it should be commemorated is just rediculous. They have milked this thing througout the season by having countless different celebrations on game nights and, personally, I am not surprised it ended the way it did.
____________________________________________________________________
4/15/2009
PREDICTION FOR THE FIRST ROUND
The Stanley Cup playoffs are just around the corner so here is my firt blog post since Febuary 19. I figure, what way to better cement my playoff picks than to post them here on the blog. Can't go back on it if it's in writing, so here they are. I just hope my predictions come closer than Maggie the monkey's picks over at TSN.
Boston vs. Montreal (Bruins in 4)
Like everybody else, I will have to go with the outstanding Bruins simply because they are offensively better as well as defensively. However, the biggest difference between these two teams is solid goaltending. The Bruins have it, the Habs don't. This will also be my only sweep (there has to be at least one sweep in a first round, right?)
Washington vs. NY Rangers (Rangers in 6)
I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick the Rangers, but I will admit this match-up is perhaps the most difficult one to predict (like it's any easier predicting any of the other seven series). While the Blueshirts can't score, the Caps can't keep the puck out of their own net. In the playoffs, however, the latter one is usually a bigger problem. Lundqvist will have to stand on his head against Washington's amped up offense.
New Jersey vs. Carolina (Devils in 7)
Yes, the Hurricanes have shown crazy form lately, but I think Martin Brodeur, along with scoring machine Zach Parise, will be the one tipping this series in favour of the Devils.
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia (Flyers in 7)
This has certainly has the promise of an awesome series. Even though the Penguins really picked up the pace down the stretch, I don't see any clear favorite here. Mike Richards is just as good as last year and Jeff Carter is much better. Like always, it will come down to who has the hottest goaltender. Philadelphia will have their revenge.
San Jose vs. Anaheim (Sharks in 5)
The President's Trophy winners will make the process short with the some what struggling Ducks. Who ever the Ducks put in net, likely Jonas Hiller, will find it hard to match Evgenij Nabokov. Thornton, Boyle, Marleau, Setoguchi, Blake, Moen... there is no running out of resons why these Sharks couldn't go all the way to cup finale this year.
Detroit vs. Columbus (Red Wings in 5)
It must be said, Steve Mason or not, the Wings couldn't be happier about the fact that they don't have to travel to west coast to face Anaheim. But then again, not only is the terrific rookie goalie a threat, he is by far the biggest obstacle the Wings will have to overcome. Playoff experience will favor Detroit. Question is: Where does Osgood stand?
Vancouver vs. St. Louis (Canucks in 6)
In recent playoffs I have always gone against the Canucks, simply because they haven't been a very good team in the post season. Against the Blues, however, I will have to predict in favor of the Canucks. Chris Mason is a good goalie, and without him the Blues wouldn't be here in the first place, but Roberto Luongo is better. The pressure is on the Sedin twins to show they can deliver in the playoffs as well.
Chicago vs. Calgary (Hawks in 6)
The injury-plagued Flames will have their hands full trying to control the young guns leading the Chicago offense. Like always, the hopes of the Calgary fans weigh heavlily on the shoulders of Miikka Kiprusoff and Jarome Iginla. Khabibulin or Huet in net for Chicago?
Let the show begin!
Boston vs. Montreal (Bruins in 4)
Like everybody else, I will have to go with the outstanding Bruins simply because they are offensively better as well as defensively. However, the biggest difference between these two teams is solid goaltending. The Bruins have it, the Habs don't. This will also be my only sweep (there has to be at least one sweep in a first round, right?)
Washington vs. NY Rangers (Rangers in 6)
I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick the Rangers, but I will admit this match-up is perhaps the most difficult one to predict (like it's any easier predicting any of the other seven series). While the Blueshirts can't score, the Caps can't keep the puck out of their own net. In the playoffs, however, the latter one is usually a bigger problem. Lundqvist will have to stand on his head against Washington's amped up offense.
New Jersey vs. Carolina (Devils in 7)
Yes, the Hurricanes have shown crazy form lately, but I think Martin Brodeur, along with scoring machine Zach Parise, will be the one tipping this series in favour of the Devils.
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia (Flyers in 7)
This has certainly has the promise of an awesome series. Even though the Penguins really picked up the pace down the stretch, I don't see any clear favorite here. Mike Richards is just as good as last year and Jeff Carter is much better. Like always, it will come down to who has the hottest goaltender. Philadelphia will have their revenge.
San Jose vs. Anaheim (Sharks in 5)
The President's Trophy winners will make the process short with the some what struggling Ducks. Who ever the Ducks put in net, likely Jonas Hiller, will find it hard to match Evgenij Nabokov. Thornton, Boyle, Marleau, Setoguchi, Blake, Moen... there is no running out of resons why these Sharks couldn't go all the way to cup finale this year.
Detroit vs. Columbus (Red Wings in 5)
It must be said, Steve Mason or not, the Wings couldn't be happier about the fact that they don't have to travel to west coast to face Anaheim. But then again, not only is the terrific rookie goalie a threat, he is by far the biggest obstacle the Wings will have to overcome. Playoff experience will favor Detroit. Question is: Where does Osgood stand?
Vancouver vs. St. Louis (Canucks in 6)
In recent playoffs I have always gone against the Canucks, simply because they haven't been a very good team in the post season. Against the Blues, however, I will have to predict in favor of the Canucks. Chris Mason is a good goalie, and without him the Blues wouldn't be here in the first place, but Roberto Luongo is better. The pressure is on the Sedin twins to show they can deliver in the playoffs as well.
Chicago vs. Calgary (Hawks in 6)
The injury-plagued Flames will have their hands full trying to control the young guns leading the Chicago offense. Like always, the hopes of the Calgary fans weigh heavlily on the shoulders of Miikka Kiprusoff and Jarome Iginla. Khabibulin or Huet in net for Chicago?
Let the show begin!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)