Round one of the NHL Playoffs is in the books and it was anything but dull. Here's a quick recap:
Pens Taking Flight?
The Penguins hardly looked liked world beaters for most of their series with the Islanders. They were shaky on defense and Marc-Andre Fleury was even worse in net leading to Tomas Vokoun taking the reigns in goal. The young Islanders, many playing in their first post season, seemed to have answer for every challenge they faced with John Tavares leading the way, showing he truly is among the league's elite. The Pens were able to out score their defensive problems with a lethal offense and solid power play but need more consistency if they want to make a serious title run.
Bruins out of Hibernation?
The Boston Bruins looked like they would make quick work of the young Toronto Maple Leafs after a dominant 4-1 game one victory. However, they were as Claude Julien referred to them a Jekyll and Hyde team the remainder of the series. Never more evident then in their crazy game 7 comeback, though the Leafs did their own transforming act in the third. They generally struggled to find offense and James Reimer in the Toronto net was unbeatable at times. Their epic collapse not withstanding the Leafs could easily have won this series and Boston will have to get more production from the like of Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand is they want to beat a veteran Rangers team.
Original Six, Again...
After one original six match up in round one (Toronto-Boston) we will have two in round two as aside from Rangers vs. Bruins the Chicago Blackhawks face bitter rival Detroit. The Red Wings knocked off the Anaheim Ducks in seven and are a dangerous team even if they finished well back of Chicago in the standings. The Blackhawks disposed of a scrappy Minnesota team in five games and look to make a serious cup run. This series shouldn't take long to heat up as neither team wants to lose to such a hated foe.
Canada's Team
After beating the Canadiens in five the Ottawa Senators are now the only Canadian team left in the tournament. They draw the Penguins a team that will give a young Ottawa team all it can handle, especially defensively, but with the way Craig Anderson is playing in the Ottawa goal, the Sens will not go quietly. They have veteran leadership and have gotten timely scoring so far this playoff this series shapes up to be a beauty. Oh, and there was that little incident with Mat Cooke...
California Love
The Ducks faltered but both the Sharks and defending champ Kings moved on and will face each other in round 2. The Sharks are a veteran team who looked good, at times, against Vancouver and if they can get solid goaltending from Anti Niemmi they could knock off the champs but LA is a very physical team, their series with St. Louis likely measured on the Richter scale, and have more depth. Jonathan Quick is playing very well in goal for LA and they have the experience to get the job done. They are the first defending champ to get out of the first round in several years and don't seem interested in relinquishing their reign.
Biggest Disappointment?
We'll start with Ovi. Alexander Ovechkin ended the NHL season on a tear but put up only 2 measly points in seven games as his Capitals fell to the Rangers, again. Ovechkin has put up solid numbers in the playoffs before but this is the latest failure for a team that has the talent to do more. What changes will or should be made are still debatable but they just can't seem to get the job done in Washington...seems fitting, no?
The Canucks and Ducks both went into their series as a higher seed and both failed to get the job done. Though at least Anaheim won a game. Vancouver bowed out in four straight and look to have more problems than answers moving forward. The Canucks have a lot of talent but can't seem to get it to produce in the clutch. The Sedin's were mediocre and there was very little secondary scoring beyond Ryan Kessler. They have to deal with the goaltending situation as well. In Anaheim Bruce Boudreau continues to lack playoff success. Not sure why but again his big guns, much like in Washington, didn't step up when it mattered most. What move GM Bob Murray makes we can only speculate but perhaps helping an aging D core by moving a forward may be in order, Bobby Ryan perhaps?
The Canadiens went down to the Sens in 5 in a series that was a bit off a toss up going in so the fact that either team won in 5 was a surprise but it was how they lost. Several blow out games and a lack of composure on several occasions but Brando Prust, Josh Gorges, PK Subban and Branden Gallagher showed how frustrated they were. The Habs have a lot of young talent and will be in better position than most moving forward but need to mature.
Round 2 awaits...
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Do or Do Not, There is no Try...
There is nothing more exciting come playoff time than a game 7 and the first round of the NHL Playoffs will see three with the last two coming tonight in Boston and Washington.
In Anaheim last night the Ducks lost 3-2 at home to the Detroit Red Wings. The Ducks lead 3-2 in the series but failed to close the deal. I can relate...This will undoubtedly continue the talks about coach Bruce Boudreau continuing to come up short in the playoffs after great regular seasons. Now personally speaking I always thought he was over rated as a coach and has always had top end talent that he has failed to get to the next level. He is whinny in interviews and doesn't seem to want to shoulder the responsibility of these defeats. In fairness he's lost to Pittsburgh who won the Cup, Montreal when Halak stole the series and now a team in Detroit with veteran leaders. But His Anaheim team is full of veteran guys, Selanne, Perry, Getzlaf, Beauchemin, Koivu who have lots of experience but failed to produce in the clutch. What happens next is anyone's guess but undoubtedly he will continue to be questioned until he make a serious run in the post season.
In Toronto the Maple Leafs, who looked liked they were going to get rolled in this series after game one, have taken the last two, in large part thanks to James Reimer, and forced a game 7 in Boston this evening. The young Leafs have given the Bruins everything they can handle and played a physical style, not afraid to work for their goals. That said goaltending has been the difference. Not that Tuuka Rask has been bad by any means, but he hasn't stolen games like Reimer. Boston needs its top line of Bergeron, Marchand and Seguin to step up if it wants to avoid the upset at home tonight as they haven't produced much of anything all series. Phil Kessel has finally shaken the monkey off his back against his former team and captain Dion Phaneuf leads his young team into unfamiliar waters tonight after atoning for his game 4 gaff with a big goal last night. Whatever happens tonight this series has gone longer than most, myself included, ever imagined.
The Washington Capitals and New York Rangers must be getting sick of seeing each other in the playoffs by now have seen each other five times in less than a decade. They play a decisive game 7 tonight in the US capital in a series where the home team has won every game. Goaltending again, will be a factor as this has been a very tight checking low scoring series for the most part. 'King' Henrik Lundqvist certainly has the experience but Braydon Holtby has looked solid in the Washington thus far. The stars in this series have yet to make a huge impact so whoever steps up tonight will be a difference maker.
In Anaheim last night the Ducks lost 3-2 at home to the Detroit Red Wings. The Ducks lead 3-2 in the series but failed to close the deal. I can relate...This will undoubtedly continue the talks about coach Bruce Boudreau continuing to come up short in the playoffs after great regular seasons. Now personally speaking I always thought he was over rated as a coach and has always had top end talent that he has failed to get to the next level. He is whinny in interviews and doesn't seem to want to shoulder the responsibility of these defeats. In fairness he's lost to Pittsburgh who won the Cup, Montreal when Halak stole the series and now a team in Detroit with veteran leaders. But His Anaheim team is full of veteran guys, Selanne, Perry, Getzlaf, Beauchemin, Koivu who have lots of experience but failed to produce in the clutch. What happens next is anyone's guess but undoubtedly he will continue to be questioned until he make a serious run in the post season.
In Toronto the Maple Leafs, who looked liked they were going to get rolled in this series after game one, have taken the last two, in large part thanks to James Reimer, and forced a game 7 in Boston this evening. The young Leafs have given the Bruins everything they can handle and played a physical style, not afraid to work for their goals. That said goaltending has been the difference. Not that Tuuka Rask has been bad by any means, but he hasn't stolen games like Reimer. Boston needs its top line of Bergeron, Marchand and Seguin to step up if it wants to avoid the upset at home tonight as they haven't produced much of anything all series. Phil Kessel has finally shaken the monkey off his back against his former team and captain Dion Phaneuf leads his young team into unfamiliar waters tonight after atoning for his game 4 gaff with a big goal last night. Whatever happens tonight this series has gone longer than most, myself included, ever imagined.
The Washington Capitals and New York Rangers must be getting sick of seeing each other in the playoffs by now have seen each other five times in less than a decade. They play a decisive game 7 tonight in the US capital in a series where the home team has won every game. Goaltending again, will be a factor as this has been a very tight checking low scoring series for the most part. 'King' Henrik Lundqvist certainly has the experience but Braydon Holtby has looked solid in the Washington thus far. The stars in this series have yet to make a huge impact so whoever steps up tonight will be a difference maker.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Vanquished in Van City
The Vancouver Canucks have been a Stanley Cup contender for a number of years and even went to game seven of the final two years ago before losing to Boston. That window may be closing rapidly. The job security of they coach and perhaps even management is up in the air and there's still that little goaltending conundrum to sort out.
After a four game sweep in round one of the playoffs at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, perennial underachievers themselves and a team Vancouver finished ahead of in the standings, there will undoubtedly be a lot of time to reflect. There was the switch to Cory Schneider in game three even though Roberto Luongo played solidly in the first two games and Schneider looked shaky in relief coming off injury. This may have been dictated to coach Alain Vinegault from management and may not lead to his firing. In fairness he was put in the situation of trying to balance a tricky situation in net and an anemic offense.
Don Cherry defended Luongo the other night on Coaches Corner and made some interesting points. Much like Patrick Lalime years ago in Ottawa who was blamed, fairly at times, for not being able to put them over the top Luongo has good numbers in the post season and is doing his utmost to support a team who doesn't seem able to put the puck in the other net. They have struggled offensive in their last three series against Boston in the finals and in first round losses last year to LA and this year. The Sedin's who are elite point producers haven't taken their game to another level and the supporting cast hasn't stepped up either.
Whatever happens out west it's likely at least one goalie will be gone by the time next season starts, and perhaps they won't be alone.
After a four game sweep in round one of the playoffs at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, perennial underachievers themselves and a team Vancouver finished ahead of in the standings, there will undoubtedly be a lot of time to reflect. There was the switch to Cory Schneider in game three even though Roberto Luongo played solidly in the first two games and Schneider looked shaky in relief coming off injury. This may have been dictated to coach Alain Vinegault from management and may not lead to his firing. In fairness he was put in the situation of trying to balance a tricky situation in net and an anemic offense.
Don Cherry defended Luongo the other night on Coaches Corner and made some interesting points. Much like Patrick Lalime years ago in Ottawa who was blamed, fairly at times, for not being able to put them over the top Luongo has good numbers in the post season and is doing his utmost to support a team who doesn't seem able to put the puck in the other net. They have struggled offensive in their last three series against Boston in the finals and in first round losses last year to LA and this year. The Sedin's who are elite point producers haven't taken their game to another level and the supporting cast hasn't stepped up either.
Whatever happens out west it's likely at least one goalie will be gone by the time next season starts, and perhaps they won't be alone.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Let's Get Ready to Rumble!!
There had been little in the way of animosity between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens coming into this playoff series, especially when you consider they have been divisional rivals for years. They have the common enemy of the Toronto Maple Leafs and have never met in the post season, in the modern era. However all it took was one huge hit by Eric Gryba on Lars Eller in game one to ignite what is becoming a can't miss series, like watching a train wreck meeting an avalanche.
This pent up anger resulted in an all out brawl in game three's 6-1 Sens blowout and their captain Daniel Alfredsson having to play defense as there were no other bodies left. Both benches were emptier than even the rockiest marriage as there were 9 game misconducts in all. PK Subban who ran around like a punk all night, went after Kyle Turris who put up all the resistance of a rag doll and was quoted as saying 'it didn't matter if he wanted to go or not'. And Michelle Therrien called Paul MacLean classless...
Granted taking a time out with 17 seconds left wasn't exactly taking the high road, personally I didn't get it, and I understand why Therrien was upset but MacLean claims he was doing so to protect his players and would do so every time. Whether or not you you by that is up to you, but one thing is for sure, Montreal didn't conduct themselves any better. Josh Georges fired the puck at Turris as time expired and both Rene Bourque and Brendan Gallagher took cheap shots at Cory Conacher before he eventually had to fight back. Therrien's team showed little fight except for these dirty plays.
Craig Anderson let a weak one in but otherwise was stellar. Carey Price was hardly the reason his team lost but wasn't elite. He has played well and the team in front of him has let him down but they need him to make some big saves it they are going to bounce back tonight.
And just for good measure Eric Gryba checks back in after serving his two game suspension, a bogus call by the way, for decking Lars Eller in game one. Paul MacLean was asked it there would be any revenge from the Canadiens. He said he'd be interested to see. I think we all will...
This pent up anger resulted in an all out brawl in game three's 6-1 Sens blowout and their captain Daniel Alfredsson having to play defense as there were no other bodies left. Both benches were emptier than even the rockiest marriage as there were 9 game misconducts in all. PK Subban who ran around like a punk all night, went after Kyle Turris who put up all the resistance of a rag doll and was quoted as saying 'it didn't matter if he wanted to go or not'. And Michelle Therrien called Paul MacLean classless...
Granted taking a time out with 17 seconds left wasn't exactly taking the high road, personally I didn't get it, and I understand why Therrien was upset but MacLean claims he was doing so to protect his players and would do so every time. Whether or not you you by that is up to you, but one thing is for sure, Montreal didn't conduct themselves any better. Josh Georges fired the puck at Turris as time expired and both Rene Bourque and Brendan Gallagher took cheap shots at Cory Conacher before he eventually had to fight back. Therrien's team showed little fight except for these dirty plays.
Craig Anderson let a weak one in but otherwise was stellar. Carey Price was hardly the reason his team lost but wasn't elite. He has played well and the team in front of him has let him down but they need him to make some big saves it they are going to bounce back tonight.
And just for good measure Eric Gryba checks back in after serving his two game suspension, a bogus call by the way, for decking Lars Eller in game one. Paul MacLean was asked it there would be any revenge from the Canadiens. He said he'd be interested to see. I think we all will...
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Sucker Punch? Fighting in the NHL
There are few subjects more controversial in hockey that fighting. The fact is the stats don't exactly punch you in the face either for or against getting rid of it. Nor does it confirm or deny how successful a team will be. Maple Leafs head coach as always wanted toughness and abrasive play and to his credit the Leafs are a much tougher team to play against than in years past and lead the NHL with 43, 10 more than Philadelphia another organization who favors the old fashioned game. The thing is one of these is a playoff team, barring an epic collapse, and Philly, barring a miracle, isn't. among the other league leaders are Boston, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Columbus and Tampa Bay. Several of these teams are either in the hunt or already have a spot while Tampa well, isn't. At the other end a team in Edmonton who many critics have derided as needing more girt are last with just 13 with one fewer than Detroit's 14. To counter that Chicago only have 16 and are doing just fine.
As I said, I don't have the answers and if they are to be found in the numbers, best of luck! There are those who will analyze the minutes after a shift to see what kind of impact it has and in fairness I've seen first hand on many occasions where it will pump a team up and get a sluggish outing turned around. However I've also seen it back fire by firing up the other team or taking an unnecessary penalty detrimental to the team.
Last nights Sens Hurricanes game was a fight filled affair and many of them were out of frustration but the first was between Jared Cowan and Chad LaRose after Cowan leveled Jeff Skinner, with a huge though clean hit, knocking him out of the game. LaRose gave up about seven inches and a lot of weight but stepped in to defend his teammate. I admire and applaud him for this, even if it didn't work out to his advantage. This is a part of the game that is needed to help police it. I get sick and tired of seeing it after every clean hit but when guys cross the line it's a great tool to help maintain law and order.
That said, I'm not a big fan of the staged fight or having some giant on the bench with hands of stone who's only out there to be a punching bag. I like the flow of the game and there are plenty of players with enough skill and grit to do both and those are the guys I'd want on my third and fourth lines. The main concern of course is injuries and when guys go out of their weight class they can get hurt but fights rarely result in serious injuries and while people argue players need to be protected from themselves it serves a deterrent from guys running around taking cheap shots where the real serious injuries occur. The players themselves see the game changing and I think the roll of the enforcer is slowly dying as the game gets quicker but there is still a place in the game for guys who are willing to drop them, and I say let'em at it.
As I said, I don't have the answers and if they are to be found in the numbers, best of luck! There are those who will analyze the minutes after a shift to see what kind of impact it has and in fairness I've seen first hand on many occasions where it will pump a team up and get a sluggish outing turned around. However I've also seen it back fire by firing up the other team or taking an unnecessary penalty detrimental to the team.
Last nights Sens Hurricanes game was a fight filled affair and many of them were out of frustration but the first was between Jared Cowan and Chad LaRose after Cowan leveled Jeff Skinner, with a huge though clean hit, knocking him out of the game. LaRose gave up about seven inches and a lot of weight but stepped in to defend his teammate. I admire and applaud him for this, even if it didn't work out to his advantage. This is a part of the game that is needed to help police it. I get sick and tired of seeing it after every clean hit but when guys cross the line it's a great tool to help maintain law and order.
That said, I'm not a big fan of the staged fight or having some giant on the bench with hands of stone who's only out there to be a punching bag. I like the flow of the game and there are plenty of players with enough skill and grit to do both and those are the guys I'd want on my third and fourth lines. The main concern of course is injuries and when guys go out of their weight class they can get hurt but fights rarely result in serious injuries and while people argue players need to be protected from themselves it serves a deterrent from guys running around taking cheap shots where the real serious injuries occur. The players themselves see the game changing and I think the roll of the enforcer is slowly dying as the game gets quicker but there is still a place in the game for guys who are willing to drop them, and I say let'em at it.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Tragedy in Boston
There are certain moments in life that cause us to take pause and reflect. Today in Boston we were, in the most horrifying of ways, reminded of that. An attacker set off two bombs right near the end of the Boston Marathon and as of this time at least two people are dead and dozens more are injured. Authorities are still on the scene as there may yet be more explosive devices in the area.
There is a sad irony in targeting this event in that many see a marathon or a race of this nature as a sign of hope or choose to run in such an event for a cause. CIBC hosts the run for the cure in here in Canada in order to raise money for cancer research, and countless other events use this format to raise money and awareness for great causes. They bring communities and families together and reveal the true nature of the human spirit. The fact that someone would target such an event defies any explanation, and any here in wouldn't do justice to the tragedy of it. The gamut of emotions one is forced to deal with in such a situation is something I wouldn't wish on anyone and I hope the people of Boston are able to find the help and solace they will undoubtedly need.
The NHL immediately did the right, and really only thing it could, and postponed tonight's game in Boston between the Bruins and the Ottawa Senators. According to reports the Sens will try and fly home tonight as they play here tomorrow against Carolina but given all the commotion, understandably, this may take time.
No one is sure what the days ahead will hold, what will be revealed about the attackers or why this happened, but the endless litany of question will be just that. There is no answers for some, those who suffer a loss in such a circumstance may never have peace or be able to accept it. There is no way we can understand what prompts someone act out in such a horrible and senseless manner. I can't imagine what the families must be feeling and again it is a grim reminder of the world we live in. All I can say is be grateful for small mercies and those things and people in your life for whom you live, as we can all too often take them for granted.
In closing all I can say is that my thoughts and prayers go out to you Boston, may God be with you.
There is a sad irony in targeting this event in that many see a marathon or a race of this nature as a sign of hope or choose to run in such an event for a cause. CIBC hosts the run for the cure in here in Canada in order to raise money for cancer research, and countless other events use this format to raise money and awareness for great causes. They bring communities and families together and reveal the true nature of the human spirit. The fact that someone would target such an event defies any explanation, and any here in wouldn't do justice to the tragedy of it. The gamut of emotions one is forced to deal with in such a situation is something I wouldn't wish on anyone and I hope the people of Boston are able to find the help and solace they will undoubtedly need.
The NHL immediately did the right, and really only thing it could, and postponed tonight's game in Boston between the Bruins and the Ottawa Senators. According to reports the Sens will try and fly home tonight as they play here tomorrow against Carolina but given all the commotion, understandably, this may take time.
No one is sure what the days ahead will hold, what will be revealed about the attackers or why this happened, but the endless litany of question will be just that. There is no answers for some, those who suffer a loss in such a circumstance may never have peace or be able to accept it. There is no way we can understand what prompts someone act out in such a horrible and senseless manner. I can't imagine what the families must be feeling and again it is a grim reminder of the world we live in. All I can say is be grateful for small mercies and those things and people in your life for whom you live, as we can all too often take them for granted.
In closing all I can say is that my thoughts and prayers go out to you Boston, may God be with you.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Playoff Push
With most teams having about nine or ten games left the sprint that was the NHL regular season is down to its last few yards. While top contenders like Chicago and Pittsburgh (with Anaheim and Montreal not far behind) have already wrapped up playoff spots, others are still up for grabs. Even the Maple Leafs look poised to return to the post season. There is now a bit more separation from teams in tenth place and down but the bottom seeds in both conferences are still looking over their shoulders.
St. Louis Blues - The Blues have been getting better goaltending from Brian Elliott of late and with a at least one game at hand on the teams below them need to stay the course to make the playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings - The Wings grip on a spot is a little more tenuous. They currently sit in eighth spot in the west, three points up on Phoenix and four ahead of the Stars, Oilers and Blue Jackets. They can't afford a skid at this point.
Ottawa Senators - What a difference a week makes. Four straight losses have the Sens once comfy cushion fade away. They are four points up on the ninth place Devils with a game at hand but can ill afford to have this streak go any longer.
New York Rangers - The Rangers have underperformed this season but are in seventh in the East tied in points with the Islanders. They have been playing better hockey of late, despite last nights loss to the Leafs, and if Henrik Lundqvist can hold the for they may get it.
New York Islanders - One of the seasons biggest surprises finds the other New York team on the verge of a playoff spot. John Tavares and company have the slimmest of margins, just a two point gap on the Devils and Jets so it will come down to the wire here.
New Jersey Devils - Last years eastern conference champs have fallen off as predicted well, here, but are still a threat to go on a run and make the playoffs. Martin Brodeur is back and the Devils are never an easy out so look for them to push hard to the end.
Winnipeg Jets/Washington Capitals - The Jets and Capitals are in the odd position of possibly being the thrid seed or right out of the playoffs. The Capitals recent streak has them two points ahead of Winnipeg for the South East Division lead but should they falter they may find themselves out of the playoffs all together.
Who gets in? Who's ticket is left unpunched?
St. Louis Blues - The Blues have been getting better goaltending from Brian Elliott of late and with a at least one game at hand on the teams below them need to stay the course to make the playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings - The Wings grip on a spot is a little more tenuous. They currently sit in eighth spot in the west, three points up on Phoenix and four ahead of the Stars, Oilers and Blue Jackets. They can't afford a skid at this point.
Ottawa Senators - What a difference a week makes. Four straight losses have the Sens once comfy cushion fade away. They are four points up on the ninth place Devils with a game at hand but can ill afford to have this streak go any longer.
New York Rangers - The Rangers have underperformed this season but are in seventh in the East tied in points with the Islanders. They have been playing better hockey of late, despite last nights loss to the Leafs, and if Henrik Lundqvist can hold the for they may get it.
New York Islanders - One of the seasons biggest surprises finds the other New York team on the verge of a playoff spot. John Tavares and company have the slimmest of margins, just a two point gap on the Devils and Jets so it will come down to the wire here.
New Jersey Devils - Last years eastern conference champs have fallen off as predicted well, here, but are still a threat to go on a run and make the playoffs. Martin Brodeur is back and the Devils are never an easy out so look for them to push hard to the end.
Winnipeg Jets/Washington Capitals - The Jets and Capitals are in the odd position of possibly being the thrid seed or right out of the playoffs. The Capitals recent streak has them two points ahead of Winnipeg for the South East Division lead but should they falter they may find themselves out of the playoffs all together.
Who gets in? Who's ticket is left unpunched?
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