And, once again I've been slipping with posting here. My weeks are just flying by and I can't really do everything I want to do.
Surprise, surprise! The Stars are still in it. Courtesy of Marty Turco. In his first carreer win in the Joe, Marty Turco was OUTSTANDING. Some of the saves he made aren't from this planet. Add to that that he got the only assist on Joel Lundqvist game winning goal.
Next round will be in Dallas. For the sake of some nice hockey, I hope the Stars win that one. Personally, I'm just enjoying the playoffs now. No nerves anymore. The Pens killed'em all by knocking out the Rangers.
Tonight we can see the fifth round between the Pens and the Flyers. I belive it all ends here, for the Flyers. Hopefully it doesn't. Because it has been a nice series to follow. Will Martin Biron stand against the mighty attacks of the Pens tonight? And will the Flyers boxplay manage to keep the hungry power play line of Pittsburgh at bay?
Visar inlägg med etikett Playoffs. Visa alla inlägg
Visar inlägg med etikett Playoffs. Visa alla inlägg
5/18/2008
4/15/2008
The Avery-rule....
or Rule 75.
That's the newest of rules in the NHL. A player is not allowed to disturb the goalkeeper with his hands or stick. This is something we've seen between the Rangers and the Devils. Mr. Avery did sort of a "not touching - can't get mad"-thing in front of Marty Brodeur, preventing the Devils man to see just about anything. The ref couldn't do anything. Now he can.
This kind of behaviour is now under the name of "Unsportsmanship conduct" and will render a two minute minor.
Rangers up, 2-1 in matches.
I know I haven't been fair to you. No predictions has yet been made. I will now do them, a bit late. But better late than never. I will name the teams in the conference finals with one outsider on each coast.
West: Detroit Red Wings vs. Dallas Stars
Outsider: San José Sharks
Why? The Wings is an awesome team, although they lost last night. The Stars made exactly the right moves at deadline and will be there. Look out for Thornton and co, though.
East: Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Outsider: New York Rangers
Why? Just look at the final table of the conference. Two outstanding teams. I really can't find a contender besides those two. The only thing stopping these team will be themselves. The Rangers is an outsider named mostly because I had to find one.
That's the newest of rules in the NHL. A player is not allowed to disturb the goalkeeper with his hands or stick. This is something we've seen between the Rangers and the Devils. Mr. Avery did sort of a "not touching - can't get mad"-thing in front of Marty Brodeur, preventing the Devils man to see just about anything. The ref couldn't do anything. Now he can.
This kind of behaviour is now under the name of "Unsportsmanship conduct" and will render a two minute minor.
Rangers up, 2-1 in matches.
I know I haven't been fair to you. No predictions has yet been made. I will now do them, a bit late. But better late than never. I will name the teams in the conference finals with one outsider on each coast.
West: Detroit Red Wings vs. Dallas Stars
Outsider: San José Sharks
Why? The Wings is an awesome team, although they lost last night. The Stars made exactly the right moves at deadline and will be there. Look out for Thornton and co, though.
East: Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Outsider: New York Rangers
Why? Just look at the final table of the conference. Two outstanding teams. I really can't find a contender besides those two. The only thing stopping these team will be themselves. The Rangers is an outsider named mostly because I had to find one.
4/06/2008
Summing up the regular season....
Almost. There are a few matchest to be played but now we know who's going to the playoffs, and who's not. Well, we knew all about that in the West a few days ago. Now we know everything about the East as well. I have to congratulate the Flyers. They did take a spot. I was convinced that they wouldn't. My prediction (on March 27th) was the following teams:
"East:
1. Canadiens
2. Penguins
3. Hurricanes
4. Devils
5. Senators
6. Rangers
7. Capitals
8. Flyers"
And these are the Lucky Eight, who are actually going to play.
1. Canadiens
2. Penguins
3. Capitals
4. Devils
5. Rangers
6. Senators
7. Bruins
8. Flyers
So, I missed out on one team. The Hurricanes did not have what it took to take them to the playoffs. I had them as an outsider for the Cup. Anyways, these things happen. Will the Flyers step up and be a contender? It COULD happen. But i doubt it. After the last matches in the regular season, I will make my predictions and picks for the Cup. Tune in!
"East:
1. Canadiens
2. Penguins
3. Hurricanes
4. Devils
5. Senators
6. Rangers
7. Capitals
8. Flyers"
And these are the Lucky Eight, who are actually going to play.
1. Canadiens
2. Penguins
3. Capitals
4. Devils
5. Rangers
6. Senators
7. Bruins
8. Flyers
So, I missed out on one team. The Hurricanes did not have what it took to take them to the playoffs. I had them as an outsider for the Cup. Anyways, these things happen. Will the Flyers step up and be a contender? It COULD happen. But i doubt it. After the last matches in the regular season, I will make my predictions and picks for the Cup. Tune in!
4/04/2008
Bye bye, Canucks
We'll get to them later on
But now: Henrik Lundqvist is a man for the history books! With his 10th (!!) shut out of the season, he has now accomplished something that's hasn't been done since the 1920's, within the Rangers organisation. So: Congratulations, Henrik Lundqvist! And congratulations, Blueshirts! They're in the playoffs once again, after beating the Islanders 3-0.
More congratulations: Detroit Red Wings won the Presidents Trophy last night. Well done!
Vancouver Canucks.... What to say? Last night, something I stated a week ago, became reality. The Canucks won't be in the playoffs. They've only got them selves to blame. They had it all in their own hands. But if you don't win matches, you won't go to the playoffs. Enough said.
In the East, the pressure is now all on the Flyers. The Caps won last night. I stand firm with my prediction: It will be the Caps, not the Flyers, in the playoffs. But the Bruins might also miss out.
Right now it looks like this:
7. Bruins 80 matches - 92 points
8. Caps 81 matches - 91 points
---------------------------------------
9. Flyers 80 matches - 90 points
Back to the West. On March 27th I wrote:
"Since I'm here to predict, I will give you my two cents on the outcome in both Conferences.
Teams going to the playoffs in the West:
1. Red Wings
2. Sharks
3. Wild
4. Ducks
5. Flames
6. Stars
7. Avalanche
8. Predators"
And these are the teams who actually have clinched the eight spots:
1. Red Wings
2. Sharks
3. Wild
4. Ducks
5. Stars
6. Avalanche
7. Flames
8. Predators
Sure, the standings differs a bit. But I'm satisfied. How things will end in the East is a question for the future. Stay tuned!
But now: Henrik Lundqvist is a man for the history books! With his 10th (!!) shut out of the season, he has now accomplished something that's hasn't been done since the 1920's, within the Rangers organisation. So: Congratulations, Henrik Lundqvist! And congratulations, Blueshirts! They're in the playoffs once again, after beating the Islanders 3-0.
More congratulations: Detroit Red Wings won the Presidents Trophy last night. Well done!
Vancouver Canucks.... What to say? Last night, something I stated a week ago, became reality. The Canucks won't be in the playoffs. They've only got them selves to blame. They had it all in their own hands. But if you don't win matches, you won't go to the playoffs. Enough said.
In the East, the pressure is now all on the Flyers. The Caps won last night. I stand firm with my prediction: It will be the Caps, not the Flyers, in the playoffs. But the Bruins might also miss out.
Right now it looks like this:
7. Bruins 80 matches - 92 points
8. Caps 81 matches - 91 points
---------------------------------------
9. Flyers 80 matches - 90 points
Back to the West. On March 27th I wrote:
"Since I'm here to predict, I will give you my two cents on the outcome in both Conferences.
Teams going to the playoffs in the West:
1. Red Wings
2. Sharks
3. Wild
4. Ducks
5. Flames
6. Stars
7. Avalanche
8. Predators"
And these are the teams who actually have clinched the eight spots:
1. Red Wings
2. Sharks
3. Wild
4. Ducks
5. Stars
6. Avalanche
7. Flames
8. Predators
Sure, the standings differs a bit. But I'm satisfied. How things will end in the East is a question for the future. Stay tuned!
4/03/2008
Blowing....
....chances. It's not what you want to do when you're fighting for the playoff fun. The Flyers did just that last night. Well, it wasn't as much blowing the chances as it were some amazing goaltending by Marc Andre Fleury. He made some incredible saves, going from one side to the other. The Washington Capitals might want to thank Fleury for their chance for the playoffs now. He was the difference in Mellon Arena. 4-2, Penguins.
The Caps are just one point behind the Flyers with two games to go. The thriller continues.
At the same time, the Devils beat the Bruins, 3-2 after SO. Zach Parise ended the Shootout with a nice top shelf backhand, beating Tim Thomas on his glove side. It was an amazing shot. At the other end of the ice, Marty Brodeur made some outstanding saves.
The Bruins might also loose out on the playoffs. But they got one point last night. That point might prove to be vital.
In the West, the Blackhawks destroyed the Wings, 6-2. If it weren't for some nice saves by substitute goaltender Chris Osgood, the Blackhawks could have gone away with a lot more than that. This win gives the Illinois team a chance for the playoffs. But it's a small chance, they're three points behind with four points left to play for. Miracles have happened before, though.
The Caps are just one point behind the Flyers with two games to go. The thriller continues.
At the same time, the Devils beat the Bruins, 3-2 after SO. Zach Parise ended the Shootout with a nice top shelf backhand, beating Tim Thomas on his glove side. It was an amazing shot. At the other end of the ice, Marty Brodeur made some outstanding saves.
The Bruins might also loose out on the playoffs. But they got one point last night. That point might prove to be vital.
In the West, the Blackhawks destroyed the Wings, 6-2. If it weren't for some nice saves by substitute goaltender Chris Osgood, the Blackhawks could have gone away with a lot more than that. This win gives the Illinois team a chance for the playoffs. But it's a small chance, they're three points behind with four points left to play for. Miracles have happened before, though.
4/02/2008
Ouch, Sens.....
0-3 to the Canadiens. At home. That one has got to hurt. Although it looks like the Sens are going to make the playoffs, that loss must have been bitter. But they had the chance in ten (!) powerplays last night (the eleventh two minute minor for the Canadiens came at 19:57 of the third, so we're not "counting" it). That sort of inefficiency is what makes you loose matches, and in the long run: It doesn't give you a chance to play with the big boys.
Nothing is done yet, though. There are two matches left. And this will be a photo finish. For the Canadiens this must just have added more fuel to the tank. They're in good form and are just looking forward to the playoffs right now. Corey Price has really shown that the trade of Huet (to the Caps) wasn't a mistake. He stopped all 32 shots last night.
In the West, the Avalanche clinched their playoff spot, by beating the Canucks, 4-2. It was a game neither team could afford to loose. Sorry, Canucks. But things aren't looking good now, are they? The Avs' win was much thanks to returning Super Swede, Peter Forsberg. He had an assist at the 2-2 goal, and scored the game winner, 3-2, himself. The result means that the Flames almost has clinched their playoff spot. They're four points clear of the Canucks, since they beat the Oilers last night, 3-2.
Back to the East, the Caps has not given up their chase for a much desired spot in the playoffs. Last night they beat the Hurricanes, 4-1. Rookie Swede got an assist at the last goal, scored by - yes, it's him again - Alexander Ovechkin. The Caps are really putting the pressure on the Flyers. They're one point behind, but they have played one more match than the Pennsylvania based team, who are playing the Penguins (away) tonight. If they loose that one, there will be hell to pay. Because the Caps are in a good form. And the pressure is all on the Flyers. And on the Bruins, actually. They have the same amount of points as the Flyers (91, compared to the Caps at 90 pts). The Bruins are playing the Devils (away, in "The Rock"). I'm really looking forward to those clashes.
To be continued....tomorrow.
Nothing is done yet, though. There are two matches left. And this will be a photo finish. For the Canadiens this must just have added more fuel to the tank. They're in good form and are just looking forward to the playoffs right now. Corey Price has really shown that the trade of Huet (to the Caps) wasn't a mistake. He stopped all 32 shots last night.
In the West, the Avalanche clinched their playoff spot, by beating the Canucks, 4-2. It was a game neither team could afford to loose. Sorry, Canucks. But things aren't looking good now, are they? The Avs' win was much thanks to returning Super Swede, Peter Forsberg. He had an assist at the 2-2 goal, and scored the game winner, 3-2, himself. The result means that the Flames almost has clinched their playoff spot. They're four points clear of the Canucks, since they beat the Oilers last night, 3-2.
Back to the East, the Caps has not given up their chase for a much desired spot in the playoffs. Last night they beat the Hurricanes, 4-1. Rookie Swede got an assist at the last goal, scored by - yes, it's him again - Alexander Ovechkin. The Caps are really putting the pressure on the Flyers. They're one point behind, but they have played one more match than the Pennsylvania based team, who are playing the Penguins (away) tonight. If they loose that one, there will be hell to pay. Because the Caps are in a good form. And the pressure is all on the Flyers. And on the Bruins, actually. They have the same amount of points as the Flyers (91, compared to the Caps at 90 pts). The Bruins are playing the Devils (away, in "The Rock"). I'm really looking forward to those clashes.
To be continued....tomorrow.
3/29/2008
This Forsberg fella'.....
Three assist the day before yesterday. And last night: Another three assist. The Swedish magician has clearly warmed up now. Since his comeback in February, he has got nine points in seven games. But no goals. Yet. As stated before, Peter Forsberg will be a major asset for the Avs in the playoffs.
Canucks lost a vital game last night, being blanked in the 4-0 demolishion away against the Wild. Sure, the Wild is one of the best teams in the league right now, but that was a sorry blow for the Canucks playoff chances. They're now outside the playoffs since Nashville won their match, beating the Blue Jackets 2-0. The Flyers lost an important match against the Devils after Shootout. So they got one point at least, and are now three points clear of the first team outside the playoffs (the Caps).
Besides that, there was nothing that really had an impact on the playoffs spots last night. The Blues beat the Red Wings away after OT, 4-3. Henrik Zetterberg had a decent night, getting three assists for the Wings.
The Sharks beat the Stanley Cup Champions, the Ducks, also away, 3-1.
And Carolina destroyed a sorry Atlanta team by beating them, 7-1. The Hurricanes are warming up to the playoffs and might be a contender.
This year, it is tougher than ever to predict anything, especially a Stanley Cup Champion. The team are so evenly matched and many teams made impressive aquisitions at the deadline magic. Amongst them were the Hurricanes, who got defender Joe Corvo (1+1 last night) from Ottawa.
It's almost time.......4 games left.
Canucks lost a vital game last night, being blanked in the 4-0 demolishion away against the Wild. Sure, the Wild is one of the best teams in the league right now, but that was a sorry blow for the Canucks playoff chances. They're now outside the playoffs since Nashville won their match, beating the Blue Jackets 2-0. The Flyers lost an important match against the Devils after Shootout. So they got one point at least, and are now three points clear of the first team outside the playoffs (the Caps).
Besides that, there was nothing that really had an impact on the playoffs spots last night. The Blues beat the Red Wings away after OT, 4-3. Henrik Zetterberg had a decent night, getting three assists for the Wings.
The Sharks beat the Stanley Cup Champions, the Ducks, also away, 3-1.
And Carolina destroyed a sorry Atlanta team by beating them, 7-1. The Hurricanes are warming up to the playoffs and might be a contender.
This year, it is tougher than ever to predict anything, especially a Stanley Cup Champion. The team are so evenly matched and many teams made impressive aquisitions at the deadline magic. Amongst them were the Hurricanes, who got defender Joe Corvo (1+1 last night) from Ottawa.
It's almost time.......4 games left.
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