The Phoenix Coyotes ownership situation may be as muddled as it can get in pro sports but the one ice product certainly isn't. The Phoenix franchise won a playoff series for the first time in 25 years, when they were the original Winnipeg Jets. They defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in six games, five of which went to overtime, in a very competitive series. When it came to do it though, Mike Smith put up a wall in the Phoenix net and was unbelievable making 39 saves, many of the spectacular type, in the clinching game. Cory Crawford put up, well, a valiant effort at least, but the fact is he didn't get the job done. He let in several soft goals, including in OT, and this was a big difference, or at least the easiest one to spot, in the series. With the games being so close obviously those goals were the difference and while it's hard and not necessarily fair to heap it all on one player, such is the life of an NHL goalie.
Elsewhere the New York Rangers stayed alive thanks to a big game from Brad Richards, lousy penalty killing for the Senators and some stellar goaltending and a hissy fit, from king Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist is buddies with John McEnroe and sure looked like his pal last night after he thought Chris Neil kicked one in. In fairness Neil definitely did swipe at it but it was hard to say for sure that he actually got a piece of it. Lundqvust was still fuming after the game and basically instantiated that the league wanted Ottawa to move on. I think he needs to take a hard look at where the league offices are and how much revenue the teams he leads makes, that should quell any conspiracy theories very, very quickly. Game 7 goes Thursday at MSG and will be a hard fought game for sure. The Sens haven't had much, by which I mean any, success in game 7's so you know they are lamenting letting last night get away. The Rangers will be tough to beat at home and once again it will probably come down to the men between the pipes.
The Florida Panthers look to win a series for the first time since the 90's as they play the Devils in game six tonight. This was supposed to be one of the more predictable series with many thinking the Devils would have been done with them by now but the Panthers have shown great resilience and have given the Devils all they can handle. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, and not just for my hockey pool as it's in worse shape then the Leafs roster.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Stoll the Show ... NHL Wrap
So Jarret Stoll scores the OT winner and the LA Kings crown the Vancouver Canucks in 5. Have to say, I didn't see that coming. This leads to a long off season of questions in Van city including what to do with their goaltending situation as they clearly have 2 number ones and neither will want to play second fiddle. Also what to do with their coach Alain Vinegault who is rumored to be taking the Montreal job. Cory Schneider showed he is a very capable goalie and Roberto Luongo was no slouch when he was in and certainly wasn't the reason they lost those games. Vancouver's problem was once again the man in the other net. Much like Tim Thomas in the Stanley Cup Final last year, Jonathan Quick stood on his head and lead his team to victory. He was one of the sole reasons all season for their success and has continued his stellar play so far this postseason. The Kings don't score much but they also don't need to thanks to him.
Else where the battle of Pennsylvania lived up to much of the hype and truly was a battle at times with the Flyers prevailing in six games. The ridiculous amount of goals being scored teetered off the last few games but when all was said and done Mark-Andre Fleury wasn't good enough and the Flyers showed they are a well rounded team, if they can get their goalie to concentrate, and were the better team. This puts three Stanley cup threats out in the first round with the Wings having already been bounced by Nashville. As for the Pens, they are a team with all the pieces and for some reason just couldn't seem to get the job done, especially in their own end, and now have the summer to assess what needs to be changed. hard to imagine there will be a huge shake up but time will tell.
Elsewhere the defending champs got an OT goal from Tyler Seguin to fend off elimination against Washington and head home for game seven. The champs have out played the Caps at times but Braydon Holtby again played stellar and kept his team in it. OV finally stepped up and tied the game late but in the end porous defense let the down. The momentum should be in the Bruins favor heading into game seven but with solid goaltending and the guys Washington have who are capable of finishing with just one chance, you never know.
Tonight the Sens have a chance to close out the Rangers at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa and the Coyotes look to wrap up their series against the Blackhawks. Not one sweep in the first round and already some big names out. It seems as many thought this year is as wide open as any.
Else where the battle of Pennsylvania lived up to much of the hype and truly was a battle at times with the Flyers prevailing in six games. The ridiculous amount of goals being scored teetered off the last few games but when all was said and done Mark-Andre Fleury wasn't good enough and the Flyers showed they are a well rounded team, if they can get their goalie to concentrate, and were the better team. This puts three Stanley cup threats out in the first round with the Wings having already been bounced by Nashville. As for the Pens, they are a team with all the pieces and for some reason just couldn't seem to get the job done, especially in their own end, and now have the summer to assess what needs to be changed. hard to imagine there will be a huge shake up but time will tell.
Elsewhere the defending champs got an OT goal from Tyler Seguin to fend off elimination against Washington and head home for game seven. The champs have out played the Caps at times but Braydon Holtby again played stellar and kept his team in it. OV finally stepped up and tied the game late but in the end porous defense let the down. The momentum should be in the Bruins favor heading into game seven but with solid goaltending and the guys Washington have who are capable of finishing with just one chance, you never know.
Tonight the Sens have a chance to close out the Rangers at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa and the Coyotes look to wrap up their series against the Blackhawks. Not one sweep in the first round and already some big names out. It seems as many thought this year is as wide open as any.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
NHL Rink Wrap Up
Time to take a look at another big Saturday in the NHL. The biggest news probably came off the ice as the league suspended Coyotes forward Raffi Torres 25 games for his head shot on Chicago's Marian Hossa. Torres' hit met the criteria, late, high, targeting the head, leaving his feet, Hossa was injured on the play, and he is a repeat offender multiple times over. However, still not sure how Shannahan arrived at 25 games. I'm glad he's sending a message and hopefully players take note, but this number seems somewhat arbitrary and no doubt confusing to others in the league. There have been other incidents that haven't gone punished or where not punished to severely so has the pendulum swung the other way now? Hard to say but the bar has been set, we'll see where it goes from here.
On the ice the Blackhawks, without a concussed Hossa, won in over time to keep the series, in which every game has been decided in OT, going. This was a series many predicted would be close going in and well, it doesn't get much closer.
Elsewhere the Washington Capitals continue to get stellar goaltending from Braydon Holtby and are now only one game away from the second round and bouncing the defending champion Bruins. If there is any team that won't panic in this situation however, it is the defending champs who were behind the 8 ball several times in last years run and we all know how that ended. However, they never ran up against a goalie on this kind of hot streak, and with the finishers Washington has, one chance is all they need to send the Bruins packing.
St. Louis won its series over San Jose in five games leaving many questions to be answered for the Sharks who join the Red Wings as the first teams to hit the links. A team with a lot of talent but seemingly in need of a shakeup. The Blues under coach Ken Hitchcock continue to be one of the better stories of the year and won a playoff series for the first time in 10 years. This is a great sign for the franchise with lots of young talent and bodes well going forward as they will be a tough out for anyone.
In Florida the Panthers took care of the Devils and are now one game away from winning their series. In what was thought to be the most predictable of any in the east it has been anything but as New Jersey has been inconsistent and the Panthers opportunistic putting themselves on the verge of advancing.
On Broadway Craig Anderson stole the show and Jason Spezza snapped his long playoff goalless drought with a pair as Ottawa is now one win away from upsetting the top seeded Rangers. The young Sens have defied all expectations all year and look to do so again.
A big Sunday coming up, check in later for a wrap up.
On the ice the Blackhawks, without a concussed Hossa, won in over time to keep the series, in which every game has been decided in OT, going. This was a series many predicted would be close going in and well, it doesn't get much closer.
Elsewhere the Washington Capitals continue to get stellar goaltending from Braydon Holtby and are now only one game away from the second round and bouncing the defending champion Bruins. If there is any team that won't panic in this situation however, it is the defending champs who were behind the 8 ball several times in last years run and we all know how that ended. However, they never ran up against a goalie on this kind of hot streak, and with the finishers Washington has, one chance is all they need to send the Bruins packing.
St. Louis won its series over San Jose in five games leaving many questions to be answered for the Sharks who join the Red Wings as the first teams to hit the links. A team with a lot of talent but seemingly in need of a shakeup. The Blues under coach Ken Hitchcock continue to be one of the better stories of the year and won a playoff series for the first time in 10 years. This is a great sign for the franchise with lots of young talent and bodes well going forward as they will be a tough out for anyone.
In Florida the Panthers took care of the Devils and are now one game away from winning their series. In what was thought to be the most predictable of any in the east it has been anything but as New Jersey has been inconsistent and the Panthers opportunistic putting themselves on the verge of advancing.
On Broadway Craig Anderson stole the show and Jason Spezza snapped his long playoff goalless drought with a pair as Ottawa is now one win away from upsetting the top seeded Rangers. The young Sens have defied all expectations all year and look to do so again.
A big Sunday coming up, check in later for a wrap up.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Upset in the Making
The NHL playoffs could see two cup favorites bounced in the first round tonight if the Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins can't find a way to win. Making the Penguins task more difficult are the suspensions to James Neal, Aaron Asham and Craig Adams as a result of the shenanigans that erupted in game three. It devolved into mayhem and the Pens paid the price on the scoreboard and with the league and now face an almost insurmountable task down 3-0.
The same can be said for the Canucks whose problems have been trying to solve Jonathan Quick. Corey Schneider will get the start tonight and will have to be very sharp as the Kings aren't giving up many at the other end. Vancouver will also welcome back Daniel Sedin which should give the listless powerplay a boost.
Elsewhere Ottawa hosts the Rangers looking to even the series and avoid setting a dubious NHL record with and eighth straight playoff home loss. Their Captain Daniel Alfredsson is still questionable out with a concussion, a theme in these playoffs.
The NHL needs to seriously start coming down on repeat offenders like Raffi Torres who cheapshotted Marian Hossa in last nights Hawks/Coyotes game. He's not someone who seems to understand that you can't do those sorts of things and seems to have little regard for the safety of others. The NHL screwed up the Shea Weber decision, let's hope they get this one right.
The same can be said for the Canucks whose problems have been trying to solve Jonathan Quick. Corey Schneider will get the start tonight and will have to be very sharp as the Kings aren't giving up many at the other end. Vancouver will also welcome back Daniel Sedin which should give the listless powerplay a boost.
Elsewhere Ottawa hosts the Rangers looking to even the series and avoid setting a dubious NHL record with and eighth straight playoff home loss. Their Captain Daniel Alfredsson is still questionable out with a concussion, a theme in these playoffs.
The NHL needs to seriously start coming down on repeat offenders like Raffi Torres who cheapshotted Marian Hossa in last nights Hawks/Coyotes game. He's not someone who seems to understand that you can't do those sorts of things and seems to have little regard for the safety of others. The NHL screwed up the Shea Weber decision, let's hope they get this one right.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
NHL Playoff Report
With some favorites struggling, multiple overtime games and several series now tied up, the NHL playoffs have been anything but dull thus far. The Sens pulled out a big win in the big apple tonight and are now tied heading home. The win was costly though as Daniel Alfredsson was hit with a high elbow from Karl Haglin who received a five minute major on the play. My guess he hears more from the league as Alfie looked to be injured and it was a cheap shot in a game that could easily have gotten out of hand. In St. Louis they lost Jaroslav Halak but when you have an all star coming off the bench in Brian Elliott, things are ok and they went on to shut out the Sharks and even the series. Washington continues to get outstanding goaltending from Braydon Holtby and won in double OT to even their series with the Bruins.
Both Pittsburgh and Vancouver could not hit the road fast enough after loosing their first two at home. Not sure if either team will bounce back. They have the talent but are up against very talented, if under-appreciated teams. Time will tell.
Both Pittsburgh and Vancouver could not hit the road fast enough after loosing their first two at home. Not sure if either team will bounce back. They have the talent but are up against very talented, if under-appreciated teams. Time will tell.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
NHL Roundup
So home ice means, well, not much if opening night of the NHL playoffs means anything. The Pittsburgh Penguins coughed up a three goal lead to the Flyers and looked nervous and unsure of themselves after building what should have been a comfortable lead. Vancouver was dumped 4-2 by the LA Kings. The Predators were the lone team to defend home ice escaping with a 3-2 win over the Red Wings. The wings also lost Darren Helm for the year after he was cut by Alexander Raduolv's skate. But it was what happened at the end of the game that had people talking. Preds Captain Shea Weber slammed Henrik Zetterberg's head into the glass cracking his helmet in a move more reminiscent of the WWE than NHL. He was fined $2500 but seriously, that's a joke. I like Shea Weber a lot but he should have been suspended at least one game if not two for such a stupid play. Byron Bitz will also hear from Breadan Shannahan after a hit from behind on Kyle Clifford for which he receive 5 and a game.
In tonight's action the Sens open up against the Rangers, the Blues host the Sharks, The Caps face the Bruins and the Blackhwaks are in Phoenix. The Sens have played very well in New York City winning 11 of 14 at MSG but will be in tough against the East's top team, though this is a better match up for them than the Bruins. The Caps have had success against the Bruins but with a young goaltender in nets, Boston will be a favorite. The Sharks underperformed this year and will be dangerous even for a solid St. Louis teams. The Hawks have more playoff experience but Mike Smith may be able to steal some games for Phoenix.
In off ice issues the Calgary Flames and Brent Sutter reach an, amicable, parting, which was likely as warm as a Calgary winter, and now have to move on. The question is will Jerome Iginla be a part of that? Time will tell.
In tonight's action the Sens open up against the Rangers, the Blues host the Sharks, The Caps face the Bruins and the Blackhwaks are in Phoenix. The Sens have played very well in New York City winning 11 of 14 at MSG but will be in tough against the East's top team, though this is a better match up for them than the Bruins. The Caps have had success against the Bruins but with a young goaltender in nets, Boston will be a favorite. The Sharks underperformed this year and will be dangerous even for a solid St. Louis teams. The Hawks have more playoff experience but Mike Smith may be able to steal some games for Phoenix.
In off ice issues the Calgary Flames and Brent Sutter reach an, amicable, parting, which was likely as warm as a Calgary winter, and now have to move on. The question is will Jerome Iginla be a part of that? Time will tell.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
NHL Playoff Preview
It's the most wonderful time of the year. The time when the real season begins. 82 games now mean nothing. Win or go home. etc, etc, etc... The puck drops on the NHL postseason tonight and it begins with a doozie. The Pens and Flyers take part in the battle of Pennsylvania and it promises to be epic. It's actually to bad one of these teams has to be eliminated in the first round as they could both make a serious run. Else where in the East Boston should be able to handle the Capitals who have third stringer Braden Holtby minding the twine. The Devils playoff experience should give them a big edge against the Panthers as Martin Brodeur looks to prove he's still got a run at the cup left in him. The Rangers are in tougher than many many thing against the upstart Sens and while my heart would love to see our boys pull of the upset, my mind can't see Henrik Lundquvist blowing this one.
In the Wild West the Red Wings Predators series is a toss up but I think Pekka Rinee showed last year against Vancouver how good he can be and I think gives the Preds an edge. The Sharks barely made the playoffs, though played well the last week of the season, but I don't think they can swim with the Blues and their stifling D. The Blackhawks come in under the radar and could knock off the Coyotes but I think Phoenix is underrated and I believe Mike Smith has a tremendous series. In Vancouver the Canucks got as close as you can without winning last year and look to make amends. Even with Daniel Sedin out right now, I think their depth will push them past the Kings.
In the end, I think if the Penguins can stay healthy no team is deeper or more skilled and they will again hoist Lord Stanley's mug.
Let's get it going!
In the Wild West the Red Wings Predators series is a toss up but I think Pekka Rinee showed last year against Vancouver how good he can be and I think gives the Preds an edge. The Sharks barely made the playoffs, though played well the last week of the season, but I don't think they can swim with the Blues and their stifling D. The Blackhawks come in under the radar and could knock off the Coyotes but I think Phoenix is underrated and I believe Mike Smith has a tremendous series. In Vancouver the Canucks got as close as you can without winning last year and look to make amends. Even with Daniel Sedin out right now, I think their depth will push them past the Kings.
In the end, I think if the Penguins can stay healthy no team is deeper or more skilled and they will again hoist Lord Stanley's mug.
Let's get it going!
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