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The Everything NHL Thread
- Thread starter Jackal
- Start date
itp matt cooke owned like the bitch he is
karma train CHOO CHOO
go thrashers yeah!
Vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW9Sp-WndwA&feature=player_embedded
karma train CHOO CHOO
go thrashers yeah!
Vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW9Sp-WndwA&feature=player_embedded
Although you don't like to see someone get hurt, it was nice to see Cooke finally got what he deserved. Also lots of you have probably seen this but this is one of the most ridiculous goals I've ever witnessed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5js9ZzeJ4M
My facebook feed went crazy after I posted the Cooke vs Kane vid. I still have good memories of watching him play for the Giants.
Henrik Sedin clinches the Art Ross trophy. Great accomplishment, sets a franchise record also in point.
Vancouver Giants game was disappointing last night, losing 5-4. Almost made a comeback, but meh.
Evanderrrrrrrrrrrrr
I dunno dude Crosby is scaring the shit out of me atm, 5 points and still a period to go :/
Edit: It's done, congrats Henrik!!!
Playoff prediction time! (will write explanations soon)
Eastern Conference:
vs. 
In all honesty I expected the caps to beat whoever placed last, it was just a matter of how many games. Many people question the Caps goaltending along with their defensive play (see Umberger's comments), but in the first round, they can definitely outscore the Habs to win games.
Caps win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. 
I think this series will be the best in the first round in the Eastern conference. Despite the Flyer's questionable goaltending, Boucher has been on a bit of a hotstreak (as far as they go for Philly goalies). It's an offensive system versus a defensive system. A HoF goalie vs. questionable backup, fun stuff!
Devils win in 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. 
Probably the most boring series in the first round. Both teams play a defensive system, but one team can't score to save their lives. Both teams have goalies who have won them the majority of the season, but one team has goalie named Ryan Miller. It's going to be a long fought battle (expecting many 1 goal games.)
Sabres win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. 
This was the hardest series to predict. I would've easily chosen the Pens, but Fleury has screwed me over enough in Fantasy to get me worried about the Pens' goaltending. These teams hate each other (based on their past 2 playoff series against each other), so it'll be a fun watch.
Pens win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs. 
Good on the Avs to get themselves into the playoffs, but they used up all their energy in playing the (astounding) regular season that they've had. Of course they are playing the choke masters in the San Jose Sharks, but let's hope more of the same doesn't occur. :)
Sharks win in 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. 
Battle of the rookie goalies! The Blackhawks obviously have the better forwards, but the Preds have a better defensive core. Not much to say, other than the fact that the better goalie will win the series for their respective teams. And even if the Blackhawks win, they have Hossa, so no cup. =D
Blackhawks in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. 
Probably the most exciting series in the first round. I can't wait to see what the Kings can do. Luongo hasn't been all that good since the olympics, which is one of the reasons I believe they won't win this one. Another is the fact that they're semi-banged up, and still lack a #1 defencemen. However there is a glimmer of hope for the Canucks as Quick has never been in the playoffs before, so he may be as ineffective as any other goalie.
Kings win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. 
Experience versus inexperience, hockey town versus questionable hockey market (just kidding, they ARE viable). I don't really know what to say about this series. I don't really follow either team (except for some Coyote prospects), so I have no idea how they'll play. From what I have seen, the Coyotes can beat the Red Wings, but I just think that they're just too good of a team (unless Lee "I'm not a Leaf anymore, time to play amazing" Stempniak scores a goal a game.)
Red Wings in 4
Eastern Conference:
vs. In all honesty I expected the caps to beat whoever placed last, it was just a matter of how many games. Many people question the Caps goaltending along with their defensive play (see Umberger's comments), but in the first round, they can definitely outscore the Habs to win games.
Caps win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. I think this series will be the best in the first round in the Eastern conference. Despite the Flyer's questionable goaltending, Boucher has been on a bit of a hotstreak (as far as they go for Philly goalies). It's an offensive system versus a defensive system. A HoF goalie vs. questionable backup, fun stuff!
Devils win in 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Probably the most boring series in the first round. Both teams play a defensive system, but one team can't score to save their lives. Both teams have goalies who have won them the majority of the season, but one team has goalie named Ryan Miller. It's going to be a long fought battle (expecting many 1 goal games.)
Sabres win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. This was the hardest series to predict. I would've easily chosen the Pens, but Fleury has screwed me over enough in Fantasy to get me worried about the Pens' goaltending. These teams hate each other (based on their past 2 playoff series against each other), so it'll be a fun watch.
Pens win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs. Good on the Avs to get themselves into the playoffs, but they used up all their energy in playing the (astounding) regular season that they've had. Of course they are playing the choke masters in the San Jose Sharks, but let's hope more of the same doesn't occur. :)
Sharks win in 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Battle of the rookie goalies! The Blackhawks obviously have the better forwards, but the Preds have a better defensive core. Not much to say, other than the fact that the better goalie will win the series for their respective teams. And even if the Blackhawks win, they have Hossa, so no cup. =D
Blackhawks in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Probably the most exciting series in the first round. I can't wait to see what the Kings can do. Luongo hasn't been all that good since the olympics, which is one of the reasons I believe they won't win this one. Another is the fact that they're semi-banged up, and still lack a #1 defencemen. However there is a glimmer of hope for the Canucks as Quick has never been in the playoffs before, so he may be as ineffective as any other goalie.
Kings win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Experience versus inexperience, hockey town versus questionable hockey market (just kidding, they ARE viable). I don't really know what to say about this series. I don't really follow either team (except for some Coyote prospects), so I have no idea how they'll play. From what I have seen, the Coyotes can beat the Red Wings, but I just think that they're just too good of a team (unless Lee "I'm not a Leaf anymore, time to play amazing" Stempniak scores a goal a game.)
Red Wings in 4
great end of season day, lots of interesting things went down, crosby was unreal.
I'll post my predictions later, but I think these playoffs are gonna be something else.
On a fantasy note, I was bored and checking the ending league stats, and was interested in checking how my team would have done in a roto league. I kind of felt like my team was better than 8th, and when I checked I would have finished roto with 63 points (out of 108). Now I checked the top two people in the league, and of course Synre clobbered everyone but interestingly enough WER only would have had 60 points. Unlucky year for me or lucky year for him?
I'm too lazy to do everyones but post yours if you want.
I'll post my predictions later, but I think these playoffs are gonna be something else.
On a fantasy note, I was bored and checking the ending league stats, and was interested in checking how my team would have done in a roto league. I kind of felt like my team was better than 8th, and when I checked I would have finished roto with 63 points (out of 108). Now I checked the top two people in the league, and of course Synre clobbered everyone but interestingly enough WER only would have had 60 points. Unlucky year for me or lucky year for him?
I'm too lazy to do everyones but post yours if you want.
These are, like, the most boring matchups possible. There's so few viable upsets in the first round because of how the playoffs ended up filling out - the handful of "oh, this team could feasibly expose this team!" matchups just didn't occur. Lame.
1
Washington Capitals vs. 8
Montreal Canadiens
Was definitely hoping for Habs/Devils. Think of the storylines! Brodeur playing in Montreal in the playoffs, Gomez + Gionta vs. Devils... Montreal is one of those teams Ovie usually plays better against which might make what would have been an awful series anyway even worse.
Captials win 4-0
2
New Jersey Devils vs. 7
Philadelphia Flyers
This one might be interesting in the sense that at least they'll beat each other up, but the Devils should finally be able to make it out of round 1 here. The Flyers have been tailspinning, and are having trouble in the locker room, in goal, and well, basically everywhere. Surprised to see that this roster has been this bad in practice. Maybe they'll suddenly do what they were assembled to do... but I doubt it.
Devils win 4-2 (but lose at least two (2) players to injury)
3
Buffalo Sabres vs. 6
Boston Bruins
Their recent play has me thinking I might predict them to go a little less far than I was planning on otherwise, but Ryan Miller will beat Tuuka Rask in this series of mostly inept offenses. Buffalo seems to get a blowout every 3-4 games in order to make up for scoring like 0-1 every other game, so we'll just plan on them getting two silly offense games and Miller stealing a couple. Rask is worth a couple wins, good experience for a promising young goalie to be playing in this series.
Sabres win 4-2
4
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5
Ottawa Senators
And they play in the first round for the third time in four years! The winner of the previous two match-ups between these teams went on to lose horribly in the cup finals, but hopefully that doesn't continue because neither of these teams are very appealing. I think the Sens are a lot better than people realize (especially when the goaltending is there) and that the Pens are a lot worse, but the Pens have been really good at finding ways to win in the playoffs. However, since I picked the high seed in every other match-up...
Sens win 4-3 YEAHHHHHH
(but seriously the Pens are gonna win)
1
San Jose Sharks vs. 8
Colorado Avalanche
Fully expecting this series to suck. If anyone could lose this its San Jose, but I think the Sharks benefit from today turning out the way it did, since all of Nashville, LA, and Detroit could have surprised them. Colorado is a noticeably less good than the other 7 - but like many of the other teams that squeaked in, this will be really good experience for a young core.
San Jose wins 4-1
2
Chicago Blackhawks vs. 7
Nashville Predators
I think this one could be really, really interesting. The games between them in the regular season were pretty interesting (Chicago won 4-2), though many of them were played before Rinne got hot. He's been one of the best goalies in '10, and the Preds D is awfully strong. The Hawks are probably the best team in the west, but the Preds play a tough enough game that this will probably not be a sweep. Interesting to see how Antti Niemi (not Christobal Huet, who I remember mocking the signing of because of said Niemi and Crawford waiting in the wings) performs in his first playoff action.
Hawks win 4-2
3
Vancouver Canucks vs. 6
Los Angeles Kings
I think this Kings team will be good enough to win this conference some year not too far in the future, but this is not the year. On some level this seems like a perfect opportunity for Vancouver to get surprised by a talented young team two years in a row, but with Luongo hot off that whole Olympic thing and Henrik Sedin the scoring champion, I would be pretty surprised to see LA win here. It's worth noting that Vancouver is the second best home team in the NHL as well (T-1st in home wins), so the fact that they are the 3 and not LA could make a big difference here. Nice to see the Kings in the playoffs, though - this'll be a valuable year of learning for Doughty, Johnson, Kopitar, Brown, etc.
Canucks win 4-2
4
Phoenix Coyotes vs. 5
Detroit Red Wings
As a Wings fan I'm pretty god damn pleased about this one. Bryzgalov is good enough to steal the series, but for him to do so he's going to need someone to score some goals, which I think the Coyotes will have a rough go of against a finally healthy Detroit team. Jimmy Howard is the x-factor here, since he's one of four young goalies getting his first playoff action (Rinne, Niemi, Rask), but he's been strong enough in the regular season that even with a goalie disadvantage the Wings should be able to power by a noticeably inferior Coyotes team.
Detroit wins in 7
1
Was definitely hoping for Habs/Devils. Think of the storylines! Brodeur playing in Montreal in the playoffs, Gomez + Gionta vs. Devils... Montreal is one of those teams Ovie usually plays better against which might make what would have been an awful series anyway even worse.
Captials win 4-0
2
This one might be interesting in the sense that at least they'll beat each other up, but the Devils should finally be able to make it out of round 1 here. The Flyers have been tailspinning, and are having trouble in the locker room, in goal, and well, basically everywhere. Surprised to see that this roster has been this bad in practice. Maybe they'll suddenly do what they were assembled to do... but I doubt it.
Devils win 4-2 (but lose at least two (2) players to injury)
3
Their recent play has me thinking I might predict them to go a little less far than I was planning on otherwise, but Ryan Miller will beat Tuuka Rask in this series of mostly inept offenses. Buffalo seems to get a blowout every 3-4 games in order to make up for scoring like 0-1 every other game, so we'll just plan on them getting two silly offense games and Miller stealing a couple. Rask is worth a couple wins, good experience for a promising young goalie to be playing in this series.
Sabres win 4-2
4
And they play in the first round for the third time in four years! The winner of the previous two match-ups between these teams went on to lose horribly in the cup finals, but hopefully that doesn't continue because neither of these teams are very appealing. I think the Sens are a lot better than people realize (especially when the goaltending is there) and that the Pens are a lot worse, but the Pens have been really good at finding ways to win in the playoffs. However, since I picked the high seed in every other match-up...
Sens win 4-3 YEAHHHHHH
(but seriously the Pens are gonna win)
1
Fully expecting this series to suck. If anyone could lose this its San Jose, but I think the Sharks benefit from today turning out the way it did, since all of Nashville, LA, and Detroit could have surprised them. Colorado is a noticeably less good than the other 7 - but like many of the other teams that squeaked in, this will be really good experience for a young core.
San Jose wins 4-1
2
I think this one could be really, really interesting. The games between them in the regular season were pretty interesting (Chicago won 4-2), though many of them were played before Rinne got hot. He's been one of the best goalies in '10, and the Preds D is awfully strong. The Hawks are probably the best team in the west, but the Preds play a tough enough game that this will probably not be a sweep. Interesting to see how Antti Niemi (not Christobal Huet, who I remember mocking the signing of because of said Niemi and Crawford waiting in the wings) performs in his first playoff action.
Hawks win 4-2
3
I think this Kings team will be good enough to win this conference some year not too far in the future, but this is not the year. On some level this seems like a perfect opportunity for Vancouver to get surprised by a talented young team two years in a row, but with Luongo hot off that whole Olympic thing and Henrik Sedin the scoring champion, I would be pretty surprised to see LA win here. It's worth noting that Vancouver is the second best home team in the NHL as well (T-1st in home wins), so the fact that they are the 3 and not LA could make a big difference here. Nice to see the Kings in the playoffs, though - this'll be a valuable year of learning for Doughty, Johnson, Kopitar, Brown, etc.
Canucks win 4-2
4
As a Wings fan I'm pretty god damn pleased about this one. Bryzgalov is good enough to steal the series, but for him to do so he's going to need someone to score some goals, which I think the Coyotes will have a rough go of against a finally healthy Detroit team. Jimmy Howard is the x-factor here, since he's one of four young goalies getting his first playoff action (Rinne, Niemi, Rask), but he's been strong enough in the regular season that even with a goalie disadvantage the Wings should be able to power by a noticeably inferior Coyotes team.
Detroit wins in 7
Tocchet and Lawton both fired. =O
Eastern Conference:
vs.
No surprise but I don't think the habs can take down the caps, it's like teifu said this was the worst matchup for them.
Caps win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Pronger can make magical things happen in the playoffs (edmonton over detroit?), the flyers have momentum and they have carcillo to take out parise. I also feel like Brodeur just isn't good anymore when the pressure is on (see him playing baseball in the olympics, behind the best defense ever). I like the flyers here.
Flyers win in 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
With savard this is a completely different story, but without him I just don't see the bruins solving miller. Too bad because I love rask.
Sabres win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Pens are proven, enough said.
Pens win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs.
I really have no faith at all in the sharks in the post season, but I do think its about time they got to the second round. Watch out for Duchene and co. in about 2 years though!.
Sharks win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
We know the blackhawks are at least making the finals because of Hossa, so there is no losing here! Plus, they have toews who is a pure winner and they will take this easy. Although Rinne may steal max 2 games.
Blackhawks in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
The kings are dynamic and fun to watch, and I really feel like the bunch of kids can pull it off. Doughty is a straight up stud, and I like everything that is going on here.
Kings win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
I kind of feel like this is a series that could come down to coaching. You have Tippet who is likely a lock for the Jack Adams against Babcock who is proven and quite possibly the coach of the decade. It will be really interesting to watch Howard too, but I mean it is impossible to predict all these rookie goalis. Some of them will pull a cam ward/varlamov and just be unreal while others will pure crumble. I don't know enough about Howard to say which it will be, so I will stick with the wings but i feel like this could really go either way!
Red Wings in 7[/QUOTE]
vs. No surprise but I don't think the habs can take down the caps, it's like teifu said this was the worst matchup for them.
Caps win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Pronger can make magical things happen in the playoffs (edmonton over detroit?), the flyers have momentum and they have carcillo to take out parise. I also feel like Brodeur just isn't good anymore when the pressure is on (see him playing baseball in the olympics, behind the best defense ever). I like the flyers here.
Flyers win in 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. With savard this is a completely different story, but without him I just don't see the bruins solving miller. Too bad because I love rask.
Sabres win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Pens are proven, enough said.
Pens win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs. I really have no faith at all in the sharks in the post season, but I do think its about time they got to the second round. Watch out for Duchene and co. in about 2 years though!.
Sharks win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. We know the blackhawks are at least making the finals because of Hossa, so there is no losing here! Plus, they have toews who is a pure winner and they will take this easy. Although Rinne may steal max 2 games.
Blackhawks in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. The kings are dynamic and fun to watch, and I really feel like the bunch of kids can pull it off. Doughty is a straight up stud, and I like everything that is going on here.
Kings win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. I kind of feel like this is a series that could come down to coaching. You have Tippet who is likely a lock for the Jack Adams against Babcock who is proven and quite possibly the coach of the decade. It will be really interesting to watch Howard too, but I mean it is impossible to predict all these rookie goalis. Some of them will pull a cam ward/varlamov and just be unreal while others will pure crumble. I don't know enough about Howard to say which it will be, so I will stick with the wings but i feel like this could really go either way!
Red Wings in 7[/QUOTE]
Time for my wild mass guessing!
Eastern Conference:
vs.
Ovechkin and co aren't due to choke until the second round at least, so I'm predicting a blowout.
Caps win in 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
The Devils are way too good to lost to a Flyers team that barely squeaked into the playoffs. I'll be watching this series to see who Pronger or Carcillo injures (here's hoping it's Kovalchuk).
Devils win in 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Ryan Miller.
Sabres win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Predicting that Ottawa wins the first two games, and then the Penguins remember who they are and take the rest of the series. After the last game is won, Gary Bettman finally proposes to Crosby.
Pens win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs.
Smelling a choke here, and it wouldn't be the Western Conference if the #8 seed didn't make it to the second round. The Sharks won't just lay down, however.
Avs win in 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
The Blackhawks want the Cup badly. They won't get it, since Hossa's on the team, but they will go deep into the playoffs.
Blackhawks in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
This is going to be a matter of whether Luongo choking will be balanced out by Quick's inexperience. I'm feeling that the Canucks will pull this one out though.
Canucks win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
I feel badly for the Yotes, but I don't think that Bryz is going to be able to carry them against a finally healthy Red Wings squad. He'll try, though.
Red Wings in 5
Eastern Conference:
vs. Ovechkin and co aren't due to choke until the second round at least, so I'm predicting a blowout.
Caps win in 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. The Devils are way too good to lost to a Flyers team that barely squeaked into the playoffs. I'll be watching this series to see who Pronger or Carcillo injures (here's hoping it's Kovalchuk).
Devils win in 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Ryan Miller.
Sabres win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Predicting that Ottawa wins the first two games, and then the Penguins remember who they are and take the rest of the series. After the last game is won, Gary Bettman finally proposes to Crosby.
Pens win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs. Smelling a choke here, and it wouldn't be the Western Conference if the #8 seed didn't make it to the second round. The Sharks won't just lay down, however.
Avs win in 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. The Blackhawks want the Cup badly. They won't get it, since Hossa's on the team, but they will go deep into the playoffs.
Blackhawks in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. This is going to be a matter of whether Luongo choking will be balanced out by Quick's inexperience. I'm feeling that the Canucks will pull this one out though.
Canucks win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. I feel badly for the Yotes, but I don't think that Bryz is going to be able to carry them against a finally healthy Red Wings squad. He'll try, though.
Red Wings in 5
May as well take a shot at this, excited about playoff time although not so much about Montreal's playoff run -_-
Eastern Conference:
vs.
As much as I hate predicting against my favorite team, anyone who honestly thinks Montreal has a chance probably expects the Caps to implode, which they won't. Montreal might steal a game though (they did break the really long win streak a while back).
Caps win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
And to think some people thought Philly would be a major player in the East at the start of the year. The only test for the Devils in this series will be to stay healthy.
Devils win in 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Battle of two teams reliant on defense and goaltending, fun. Whichever goaltender messes up first will lose, and I'm guessing it'll be Rask.
Sabres win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
At least this time it shouldn't be a blowout. Elliot and Leclaire won't be able to hold the fort against the Pens though.
Pens win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs.
I have lost all faith in the Sharks to win a first round series. They may have a (much) better team, but they'll somehow choke and lose it like always.
Avalanche win in 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Blackhawks are the better team, not much to say here.
Blackhawks win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Probably the best series in Round 1, I think the Canucks have it unless Luongo really lets them down.
Canucks win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Someone decided the rewrite the Cinderella story in such a way that the far prettier girl shows up at the last minute to steal the prince. Pheonix won't let the Wings go on without a fight, but the fairytale ends here.
Red Wings win in 6
Eastern Conference:
vs. As much as I hate predicting against my favorite team, anyone who honestly thinks Montreal has a chance probably expects the Caps to implode, which they won't. Montreal might steal a game though (they did break the really long win streak a while back).
Caps win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. And to think some people thought Philly would be a major player in the East at the start of the year. The only test for the Devils in this series will be to stay healthy.
Devils win in 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Battle of two teams reliant on defense and goaltending, fun. Whichever goaltender messes up first will lose, and I'm guessing it'll be Rask.
Sabres win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. At least this time it shouldn't be a blowout. Elliot and Leclaire won't be able to hold the fort against the Pens though.
Pens win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs. I have lost all faith in the Sharks to win a first round series. They may have a (much) better team, but they'll somehow choke and lose it like always.
Avalanche win in 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Blackhawks are the better team, not much to say here.
Blackhawks win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Probably the best series in Round 1, I think the Canucks have it unless Luongo really lets them down.
Canucks win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Someone decided the rewrite the Cinderella story in such a way that the far prettier girl shows up at the last minute to steal the prince. Pheonix won't let the Wings go on without a fight, but the fairytale ends here.
Red Wings win in 6
Eastern Conference:
vs.
I don't see Halak or Price being a match for the offensive side that the Capitals have. Even though their defensive force isn't as strong, I'm quite sure they will outshoot and score the Canadiens. Shame but I think they can accompany the leafs on the golftrack after the fifth game.
Caps win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
They had a decent season in New Jersey, but I just dont think that they have what it takes to get far in the playoffs. Expect the Flyers to decide it after 6.
Flyers win in 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Defense, defense and Vanek. If he has it on his hips like last game, this series could be over quickly. Miller also being the better goalie will make this round a easy fit for Buffalo.
Sabres win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
There are always some surprises in the playoffs, and why not put them in round 1. Senators will be a hard battle and I expect it will go to game 7. If they have lady luck on their side I think they can put Sid's crew on an early exit.
Senators win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs.
Colorado really surprised me this year. I honestly expected my favourite team to end dead last (and win the Taylor Hall sweepstakes). But an awesome october brought them towards the playoffs. They should be able to steal a game or two, but San Jose won't choke yet.
Sharks win in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Congrats to the predators to making it this far, but the Hawks are hungry. I expect this to be the shortest series in round 1.
Blackhawks in 4
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vs.
Luongo... choke. choke. choke. But shamefully I don't think the Kings will have the energy to win this series. Sedin's top season brought him the most points. Should be enough to carry Vancouver to the next round
Canucks in 6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs.
Go Yotes. This is gonna sound retarded, but with Phil Aucoin bringing us the Dutch championship, Keith Aucoin bringing Washington's AHL team the championship next year. It's up to their nephew to step up and bring a cup to Phoenix. Bryzgalov will be an important part for this series and I expect a stunt from the Yotes.
Aucoin will score the winning goal in game 7.
Coyotes in 7
vs. I don't see Halak or Price being a match for the offensive side that the Capitals have. Even though their defensive force isn't as strong, I'm quite sure they will outshoot and score the Canadiens. Shame but I think they can accompany the leafs on the golftrack after the fifth game.
Caps win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. They had a decent season in New Jersey, but I just dont think that they have what it takes to get far in the playoffs. Expect the Flyers to decide it after 6.
Flyers win in 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. Defense, defense and Vanek. If he has it on his hips like last game, this series could be over quickly. Miller also being the better goalie will make this round a easy fit for Buffalo.
Sabres win in 5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vs. There are always some surprises in the playoffs, and why not put them in round 1. Senators will be a hard battle and I expect it will go to game 7. If they have lady luck on their side I think they can put Sid's crew on an early exit.
Senators win in 7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Conference:
vs. Colorado really surprised me this year. I honestly expected my favourite team to end dead last (and win the Taylor Hall sweepstakes). But an awesome october brought them towards the playoffs. They should be able to steal a game or two, but San Jose won't choke yet.
Sharks win in 6
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vs. Congrats to the predators to making it this far, but the Hawks are hungry. I expect this to be the shortest series in round 1.
Blackhawks in 4
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vs. Luongo... choke. choke. choke. But shamefully I don't think the Kings will have the energy to win this series. Sedin's top season brought him the most points. Should be enough to carry Vancouver to the next round
Canucks in 6
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vs. Go Yotes. This is gonna sound retarded, but with Phil Aucoin bringing us the Dutch championship, Keith Aucoin bringing Washington's AHL team the championship next year. It's up to their nephew to step up and bring a cup to Phoenix. Bryzgalov will be an important part for this series and I expect a stunt from the Yotes.
Aucoin will score the winning goal in game 7.
Coyotes in 7
Apparently we aren't the only ones making predictions:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=525280&navid=DL|NHL|home
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=525286
The Hawks seem the obvious favorite to represent the Western Conference.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=525280&navid=DL|NHL|home
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=525286
The Hawks seem the obvious favorite to represent the Western Conference.
YESSSS Waddell no longer GM
The Coyotes were a dog at home on most betting tables - I mentioned to gr33n that if I hadn't locked my bet in before the odds were reduced to make Phoenix dogs instead of even and Detroit even more of a favorite I would have bet on the Coyotes instead - you've gotta expect they win at least 2 of game 1/2/5, after all.
I'm going to go along with the quote that I shouldn't explain with maliciousness what can be explained by stupidity here, but man the officiating didn't help last night. Helm got tackled off the faceoff on the PK which led to the game winning goal with no call, Lidstrom's face was bleeding like a waterfall because of an obvious high stick at center ice that didn't get called, there was enough charging/interference on the Phoenix side to make Kronwall look like Lidstrom in the hitting department, etc.
Not particularly worried as a Wings fan regardless, but man the PK looked like last years team instead of this years team, lol. Though the constant interference was a factor, they've really gotta sort that back out.
"Bold Prediction": Helm line scores 4 in the rest of the series to lead to a Detroit win
I'm going to go along with the quote that I shouldn't explain with maliciousness what can be explained by stupidity here, but man the officiating didn't help last night. Helm got tackled off the faceoff on the PK which led to the game winning goal with no call, Lidstrom's face was bleeding like a waterfall because of an obvious high stick at center ice that didn't get called, there was enough charging/interference on the Phoenix side to make Kronwall look like Lidstrom in the hitting department, etc.
Not particularly worried as a Wings fan regardless, but man the PK looked like last years team instead of this years team, lol. Though the constant interference was a factor, they've really gotta sort that back out.
"Bold Prediction": Helm line scores 4 in the rest of the series to lead to a Detroit win
The Sharks/Avs game was pretty awful too (Galiardi's face for truths!) Funny how the Sharks still lost despite the non-calls.
