Hockey Tock

[Spiff]

The playoffs are fast approaching and everyone's pretty much in except for the last one in the east, gonna be the Isle, and the last two in the west, which will prolly be the Blues and Oil. YES I said Oil, despite the fact that the Preds have a game in hand. The Preds will lose to St Louis and Colorado and finish with 89 points, while the Oil will beat the Nucks and get the eighth spot. They deserve it too, they have played awesome the last month.

 

Alright well, I want to know what people think will happen in the playoffs.

 

In the East, I think the Ning could go down to the Isle easily because of their goalie situation. Tortorella does not believe in Khabibulin, and Grahame has been solid but has not been tested in the playoffs before. Dipietro has been on point lately, and with the Isle streaking I could easily see them getting it done. St Louis and Lecavalier will not go quietly though.

 

Bruins-Habs. Awesome, the rivalry. I think the Bruins will take this. Though they will have to play better at home. They cannot win in the Fleet center for some reason. But Razor and Thornton should be able to get it done against the Canadiens this time. The Bruins have struggled in the past due to a lack of a #1 goalie, but Raycroft will step up and send Koivu and co. packing.

 

The next four teams are bunched, but Devils-Flyers would be the most boring series. You have the Flyers with their injuries, their crappy goalie situation, and their history of playoff chokes against the limping Devils. The Devs need Rafalski back and they really need Stevens badly. If he comes back for the playoffs, I'm not sure what his situation is, they coast. If not, I see it goin 6 or 7 games. I see the Devils winnin though, cause of the left wing lock and the fact that the Flyers will either start SEAN BURKE or ROBERT ESCHE. Blech.

 

Ottawa and Toronto, now there is a quality series. The Sens have all the offense in the world, but beyond Chara and Redden they have little in the defensive end. This does not go over well in the playoffs. Lalime is very average, Prusek should start but will not. Belfour and the Leafs will get it done. They have the offense, the defense, and the goaltending that it takes.

 

In the western conference, the bestern conference, there could be even more upsets.

 

Detroit, they prolly win the first round. They are veterans, they know when to come and play. Plus they dominate at home. The Oil will put up a good fight, but I see the Wings winning. The crucial point is goaltending for the Wings. If CuJo doesn't play, or even if he does play the Oil could win. He is very overrated, and Legace is off and on. The problem is Detroit has too many scorers. Lang is back, they'll most likely get it done against Conklin and the Oil.

 

San JOse and the Blues. The Blues, well they are a nice team but they are not ready for the Sharks. The Sharks are a very physical, defensive team. They will protect their net and convert their offensive chances. The key here is Osgood. He sucks, we all know it. Tkachuck and the boys will not be able to get pucks past Nabokov fast enough to keep up with Osgood's s***tiness.

 

Colorado and Calgary. I think Colorado gets the 3 spot, looking at their schedule compared to Vancouver's. Both teams are struggling though, so it might not matter. This is somewhat of an unfortunate matchup for the Flames cause they dominate at home, but the Lanche own on the road. It is strength against strength. The Flames have few scorers beyond IGGY, and the Lanche have like 28,000 all stars. The Flames own the advantage in the goaltending department, if you don't know the name MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF you will soon. Abiescher is alright, but the Flames could bite the Avs led by Miikka like the Ducks did to Detroit last year with Giguere. I'll go out on a limb and say the Flames take it in six.

 

Last series. Nucks and Stars. This is a Dallas in four type of deal. They have been awesome in the second half, Turco and the boys are learning how to win on the road and don't even try to compete with them at home. They WILL kill you. The nucks have played like crap since Bertuzzi committed assault in front of 20,000 people. His loss is too great to overcome, especially with a goalie tandem of Cloutier and Hedberg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now agree or disagree.

[Spiff]

Alright I got a couple things wrong.

 

The Preds did make the playoffs after all. Even after the Oil made such a huge run, they boned out and lost to the Canucks on Saturday and eliminated themselves. So Nashville gets to go to Detroit and open the series there. I don't expect them to do much, but Vokuon could always jump up and steal a game or two and make it interesting.

 

The Avs didn't win the Northwest because of that Nucks win over Edmonton. So they instead settle for the fourth seed. They play Dallas in the first round. The Avs are still struggling, and I don't believe in Abiescher at all, so if the Stars can win a game or two in Denver I think they take it in six.

 

The Nucks' reward for winning the division is playing the Flames. Miikka just set the record for GAA in a season, so you know their goaltending is solid. If Calgary's top line gets the scoring done, and their defense doesn't forget to bring their brains, which they sometimes do, they will have a good chance against Vancouver. This could be the best first round series of them all, and none of it is on tv. I think Calgary wins in seven.

[Queen Prawn]

Prusek has been streaky as of late, not sure him in net against Toronto is a good idea. Then again, Lalime has been just as streaky. We need him to be the way he was a couple years ago.

[kapkomet]

NJ-Philly - what a series. Pick 'em. I like Philly just a little better this year then NJ but never underestimate NJ, they just find a way to win. Philly in 7.

 

NYI-TPA - Islanders had TB's # all year. But TPA has too much depth. TPA in 6.

 

BOS-MTL - another really balanced series. MTL has a few injuries but Boston doesn't have much success in April. Raycroft is inexperienced. MTL played great in beginning of March but limped to postseason. BOS in 6.

 

Toronto-Ottawa. This is going to be a brutal, brutal series. I think Toronto just has too much depth and adding some of the players at the trade deadline will help immensely. Toronto in 7, but pays a HUGE price.

 

Det-Nashville - Nashville has played Detroit pretty well lately. But they won't here. Remember first round exit last year? Detroit does. Det. in 5.

 

Calgary-Vancouver - great series. Calgary is playing well now, and after Bertuzzi, Vancouver played bad but rebounded in the last couple of weeks. CGY in an upset, 6 games.

 

STL-SJC - San Jose is quietly a really really good team. SJC in 6.

 

Dallas-Colorado. Dallas in 6. I look for Aebescher to be last years Turco... no experience, no advancement.

[Queen Prawn]

Toronto-Ottawa.  This is going to be a brutal, brutal series.  I think Toronto just has too much depth and adding some of the players at the trade deadline will help immensely.  Toronto in 7, but pays a HUGE price.

I hope you are wrong, but I am thinking that you are probably right.

[The Critic]

This is gonna be painful, but here goes:

 

NJ v PHI - although I want Philly to win, I can't go against Brodeur

 

NYI v TB - this won't be a huge upset considering the season series, but I believe the Islanders will eliminate the Lightning. Too bad, too, I like the Bolts

 

BOS v MTL - I WANT the B's to advance, and they may still, but my gut feeling is the Canadiens will win the series. Thornton's injury and Raycroft's playoff inexperience will cost them, unfortunately

 

TOR v OTT - Lalime is too shaky to inspire confidence in Ottawa. I gotta go with the Leafs. Hot goalie in Belfour and good trade deadline moves

 

DET v NSH - the easy thing is to pick the Wings, but they've been victim to first-round upsets before, so who can tell? I'll still take Detroit to advance, since they have more scoring depth and vast playoff experience ( except maybe in goal if Legace plays - but I think Legace's better than Joseph anyway, so maybe that's a wash )

 

CGY v VAN - I'm going to ride the hot goalie here as well as the fact that the Canucks don't have Bertuzzi. They did win their last 7 or so games, but I think the Flames move on.

 

STL v SJ - this is the toughest one to call for me. St. Louis would appear to have the more talented team, but they play VERY inconsistent hockey. I'll still take a chance on them in a 7 gamer

 

DAL v COL - this series will come down to home ice, I think, so I'll go Colorado. Either team winning wouldn't be an upset, in my opinion, since Dallas is also a very talented veteran team

 

 

I'll hold off on 2nd round predictions until I see who's playing then.

Did I mention that THIS IS THE BEST TIME OF THE ENTIRE SPORTS YEAR????

[SAVVY18]

NJ - Philly - New Jersey has the experience and the better goalie. Philly has the better offense. In the end it will probably be New Jersey.

 

NYI - TB - In spite of the seson series, Tampa will win this one in 6. I think Khabi will seal a couple of games for them.

 

Bos - Mtl - Boston is the stronger team, but with Thornton out and a rookie in goal it is going to be tough. I will say B's in 7.

 

Tor - Ott - Again...Look at goaltending. Toronto in 6.

 

Det(SUX) - Nas - Round 1 upset special. Nashville in 5.

 

Cgy - Van - With Bertuzzi, this is a slam dunk for the Nucks. Without, it is a 7 game series going to the Nucks.

 

Stl - SJ - San Jose in 6. They very quietly amassed a good record. They have a little bit of everything on their roster. Along with a quality Goalie. St. Loser has Osbad in goal. 'Nuff said.

 

Dal - Col - Colorado just lost Kariya and they came into the playoffs on a downward roll. Dallas has gotten back some key players who will be rested. Dallas in 6.

[kapkomet]

NJ - Philly - New Jersey has the experience and the better goalie.  Philly has the better offense.  In the end it will probably be New Jersey. 

 

NYI - TB - In spite of the seson series, Tampa will win this one in 6.  I think Khabi will seal a couple of games for them.

 

Bos - Mtl - Boston is the stronger team, but with Thornton out and a rookie in goal it is going to be tough.  I will say B's in 7.

 

Tor - Ott - Again...Look at goaltending.  Toronto in 6.

 

Det(SUX) - Nas - Round 1 upset special.  Nashville in 5. 

 

Cgy - Van - With Bertuzzi, this is a slam dunk for the Nucks.  Without, it is a 7 game series going to the Nucks. 

 

Stl - SJ - San Jose in 6.  They very quietly amassed a good record.  They have a little bit of everything on their roster.  Along with a quality Goalie.  St. Loser has Osbad in goal.  'Nuff said.

 

Dal - Col - Colorado just lost Kariya and they came into the playoffs on a downward roll.  Dallas has gotten back some key players who will be rested.  Dallas in 6.

If Detroit gets ousted right away, which I'd love, I think Dallas has a GREAT shot at the Cup. And I'll be there...

[NUKE_CLEVELAND]

Alright I got a couple things wrong.

 

The Preds did make the playoffs after all.  Even after the Oil made such a huge run, they boned out and lost to the Canucks on Saturday and eliminated themselves.  So Nashville gets to go to Detroit and open the series there.  I don't expect them to do much, but Vokuon could always jump up and steal a game or two and make it interesting.

 

The Avs didn't win the Northwest because of that Nucks win over Edmonton.  So they instead settle for the fourth seed.  They play Dallas in the first round.  The Avs are still struggling, and I don't believe in Abiescher at all, so if the Stars can win a game or two in Denver I think they take it in six.

 

The Nucks' reward for winning the division is playing the Flames.  Miikka just set the record for GAA in a season, so you know their goaltending is solid.  If Calgary's top line gets the scoring done, and their defense doesn't forget to bring their brains, which they sometimes do, they will have a good chance against Vancouver.  This could be the best first round series of them all, and none of it is on tv.  I think Calgary wins in seven.

I am kinda pulling for the Preds this time cause they have Steve Sullivan who is still one of my fav current players and cause they are the underdog and they are not Detoilet or Colorado.

 

In the East I really dont care who wins as long as it aint the Laffs or the Sissy Senators. If I had to root for a team give me Philly cause they have Roenick & Amonte, 2 of my fav active ex-hawks.

[Queen Prawn]

Sissy Senators

:fyou

[WSoxShuf]

My canadians lost.

 

 

god dammit.

[kapkomet]

NJ-Philly - what a series.  Pick 'em.  I like Philly just a little better this year then NJ but never underestimate NJ, they just find a way to win.  Philly in 7.

 

NYI-TPA - Islanders had TB's # all year.  But TPA has too much depth.  TPA in 6.

 

BOS-MTL - another really balanced series.  MTL has a few injuries but Boston doesn't have much success in April.  Raycroft is inexperienced.  MTL played great in beginning of March but limped to postseason. BOS in 6.

 

Toronto-Ottawa.  This is going to be a brutal, brutal series.  I think Toronto just has too much depth and adding some of the players at the trade deadline will help immensely.  Toronto in 7, but pays a HUGE price.

 

Det-Nashville - Nashville has played Detroit pretty well lately.  But they won't here.  Remember first round exit last year?  Detroit does.  Det. in 5.

 

Calgary-Vancouver - great series.  Calgary is playing well now, and after Bertuzzi, Vancouver played bad but rebounded in the last couple of weeks.  CGY in an upset, 6 games.

 

STL-SJC - San Jose is quietly a really really good team.  SJC in 6.

 

Dallas-Colorado.  Dallas in 6.  I look for Aebescher to be last years Turco... no experience, no advancement.

Well, 6 for 8 is not bad. Missed BOS (who would have thought that after being up 3-1) and DAL. Dallas just SUCKED.

 

On to the conference semis:

 

Western Conf:

 

Calgary/Detroit: Which Detroit shows up? That's the big question. Calgary is on a tear - I like their style, their tenacity. Detroit thinks they have to just show up to win half the time. CGY in 6 in an upset.

 

Colorado/San Jose: Where's the love for San Jose? Perhaps the quietest first round matchup and they kept going right where they left off as division champs. Colorado just dominated the Stars but frankly, the Stars just didn't show up. They will have a tough time vs. San Jose. COL wins the series in 6.

 

Eastern Conf:

 

Toronto/Philly: This one's going to be fiesty. Philly looked good vs. NJ, but right now I gotta like Eddie and the Leafs. Ask Coach Hitchcock about Ed Belfour in the playoffs... Leafs in 6.

 

Montreal/Tampa: This ought to be a pretty good series. Tampa has a dangerous game one situation after having a few days off. Still like their team play over Montreal, however. And frankly after the crap I saw in round one I can't pick MTL (bunch of whiney ass fakin' POS). TPA in 6.

[Queen Prawn]

Eastern Conf: 

 

Toronto/Philly:  This one's going to be fiesty.  Philly looked good vs. NJ, but right now I gotta like Eddie and the Leafs.  Ask Coach Hitchcock about Ed Belfour in the playoffs... Leafs in 6.

 

Montreal/Tampa:  This ought to be a pretty good series.  Tampa has a dangerous game one situation after having a few days off.  Still like their team play over Montreal, however.  And frankly after the crap I saw in round one I can't pick MTL (bunch of whiney ass fakin' POS).  TPA in 6.

I think an Eastern Conference final of Leafs V Canadiens is what's going to happen.

[kapkomet]

I was cool with MTL until all the *cough cough I'M INJURED" crap happened. That's about as low as it gets.

[Spiff]

I guess I got four out of seven right, because I never really picked a winner in the Ning-Isle series. I really must have been drunk to pick the Devils, but I was right about a few other things like Vokuon stealing a game or two, Flyers-Devs being the most boring series (though TB-Isle and SJ-STL were also pretty boring), and Calgary upsetting the Nucks in seven.

 

In this round.

 

The Ning are not going to slow down against Montreal. They have the speed that matches up well against the Habs, and a solid defense. I think they take it in five games.

 

The Flyers will benefit from having rest, and may jump out to an advantage in the series, but I think the way Belfour is going right now you can't bet against him. Leafs in six.

 

Sharks and Avs will be a cool series, because the Sharks have the defense to deal with a high-scoring team like the Avalanche. The key is whether Abeischer can stand up and deny the Sharks' chances. I think the Avs will grind out a win in seven games.

 

As far as Flames-Wings, this is the one I will be watching the most. The Wings are real solid, but they are also real old. The rest will help them, but I'm not sure it will be enough. Datsyuk, Holmstrom, guys like that are going to have to carry the load. I see the Flames beating them up and wearing them down, with Miikka playing a solid goal, they take it in six.

[Queen Prawn]

I was cool with MTL until all the *cough cough I'M INJURED" crap happened.  That's about as low as it gets.

I missed something, what happened?

[SAVVY18]

Western Conf:

 

Calgary/Detroit: Calgary is playing well and Detroit SUCKS...Calgary in 6.

 

Colorado/San Jose: San Jose is quietly running under the radar, but they are a very good team. Colorado had a hard time with a less talented Dallas team. I will go with San Jose in 6.

 

Eastern Conf:

 

Toronto/Philly: Philly disposed of a primarily defensive team in New Jersey and will face an older Toronto team. Belfour will go a long way in deciding this series, but I think the Blackhawks East will win it in 6.

 

Montreal/Tampa: I think this will come down to goaltending and The Boulin wall will prevail. Tampa in 6.

[SuperSteve]

Why have alot of home teams been wearing their away jerseys?

[Spiff]

It's somethin they started a couple years ago in the NHL. The road teams wear white, like in the NFL.

[Mathew]

I missed something, what happened?

Ribero and Lovalev and the other pussies liked to fake hurt every time they were touched on the ice. It's pretty embarassing to the game and team.

[kapkomet]

Colorado had a hard time with a less talented Dallas team.

Are you kidding me? Dallas was cream-puff city. Colorado made them look sad all the way around and played VERY well in the series.

[SuperSteve]

It's somethin they started a couple years ago in the NHL.  The road teams wear white, like in the NFL.

Only in the playoffs?

[Spiff]

Only in the playoffs?

No, the whole regular season and playoffs.

[Queen Prawn]

Ribero and Lovalev and the other pussies liked to fake hurt every time they were touched on the ice.  It's pretty embarassing to the game and team.

Thanks! I only watched game 7 and bits and pieces of the other games so I didn't see much. Thanks again.

[NUKE_CLEVELAND]

LETS GO FLYERS!!!!!!!!

 

Not that I like Philly all that much, I just want to see JR and Tony Amonte win a cup. They deserve it after suffering in Chicago as long as they did.