Both teams are through to the second round of the playoffs. The Rangers beat the Devils in The Rock last night and the Red Wings just knocked the Predators out of the playoffs with a comfortable 3-0 win. Lidstrom, Hudler and Rafalski scored, with Lidstroms goal being a BP dump towards net. The puck took a weird bounce and ended up behind a rather surprised Ellis in net. The Rangers looks to face either the Bruins or the Canadiens. And the Wings will face either the Stars or the Ducks.
NHL playoffs, there's nothing like it.
4/20/2008
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.
4/01/2008
The rollercoaster
Having lost to Pittsburgh, the day before yesterday, the Rangers had to win last night. Against....Pittsburgh. And so they did. Jaromir Jagr did well scoring one and getting one assist in the 2-1 OT victory. Much to the delight of his former fans, I imagine.....
Thanks to the victory, the Rangers passed Ottawa. A team which has lost all form during the last week or so. If things go really bad, the Sens might miss out on the playoffs. Not likely, though. The Sens have some decent matches left, which aren't going to be easy. Canadiens (at home), The Maple Leafs (away) and the Bruins (at home). I belive they will make it, and I've stated that they will do so in my prediction for the playoffs. But wouldn't it be a great big shocker if they didn't?
In the West, the playoffs teams are gathering. The following teams have in fact already clinched a playoffs spot:
Red Wings (clinched division), Sharks (clinched division), Wild, Ducks & Stars. The big guns are loading. I can't wait for the showdowns.
In the East, only two teams have yet clinched their spots, and those are two division winners. The Penguins and the Canadiens. I'm impressed by both teams, especially the Pens. Their long term goal to give the younger players a chance is paying off. Well, it's not like Average Joe, 20 years old, is playing for the Pens. I mean, they do have Sid the Kid and Malkin. Let's not forget Fleury, Talbot, Kennedy and Staal. If they all stay with the Penguins, this team could actually build a dynasty for years to come. But I'm afraid that the salary cap might be a problem. We'll see. But this year, the Pens will be a contender. They have a nice mix and a nice game.
I have to comment the Rangers as well. They sort of clinched the playoff spot last night. But at least one more point is needed. They WILL make it.
Thanks to the victory, the Rangers passed Ottawa. A team which has lost all form during the last week or so. If things go really bad, the Sens might miss out on the playoffs. Not likely, though. The Sens have some decent matches left, which aren't going to be easy. Canadiens (at home), The Maple Leafs (away) and the Bruins (at home). I belive they will make it, and I've stated that they will do so in my prediction for the playoffs. But wouldn't it be a great big shocker if they didn't?
In the West, the playoffs teams are gathering. The following teams have in fact already clinched a playoffs spot:
Red Wings (clinched division), Sharks (clinched division), Wild, Ducks & Stars. The big guns are loading. I can't wait for the showdowns.
In the East, only two teams have yet clinched their spots, and those are two division winners. The Penguins and the Canadiens. I'm impressed by both teams, especially the Pens. Their long term goal to give the younger players a chance is paying off. Well, it's not like Average Joe, 20 years old, is playing for the Pens. I mean, they do have Sid the Kid and Malkin. Let's not forget Fleury, Talbot, Kennedy and Staal. If they all stay with the Penguins, this team could actually build a dynasty for years to come. But I'm afraid that the salary cap might be a problem. We'll see. But this year, the Pens will be a contender. They have a nice mix and a nice game.
I have to comment the Rangers as well. They sort of clinched the playoff spot last night. But at least one more point is needed. They WILL make it.
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