Second Round Playoff Predictions!

   2nd round here we come! After a great first round that saw a bit of everything, we journey further down the road into the second round of the playoffs. Here are my predictions for the second round of the playoffs. We'll start out west.

1-Chicago BlackHawks

vs

7-Detroit RedWings

   The Wings are a storied and proud organization, and too good of a team to roll over and die. Even if they lose in 4 straight, expect them to come hard. They're a team with injuries up the ying-yang on defense, but they have veteran forwards who are playing at the top of their game. The RedWings always have a chance when Henrik Zetterberg, and Pavel Datsyuk are on top of their game. If those two, along with Cleary, Abdelkader, Franzen, and Filppula play well, with some great goal-tending from Jimmy Howard, the Wings may just have a chance. 

  The BlackHawks made pretty quick work of the Minnesota Wild, a tough team in their own right. They have so many weapons to use; Hossa, Toews, Kane, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, need I go on? They definitely have the depth advantage over the Wings. The only category the Wings have an advantage is in the goal-tending, but with Chicago's defense, that shouldn't be a problem for them. 

Prediction: Both team's are tough, and in the playoffs anything can happen. But the Hawks are rested up, the Wings are coming off a tough series against the Ducks. I have to go BlackHawks in 6. 

5-Los Angeles Kings

vs

6-San Jose Sharks

   The Kings look like they have their 2012 SWAG back. But, the Sharks won't bow to them. The Kings have it all, good D, depth at forward, an all-start goaltender, and a will to win which makes for a good playoff team. They have a solid chance in this series, but it won't be easy for them. 

   Let's just say something here... the Sharks were the most dominant team in the first round. They made a good Canucks team look like children. The Sharks, like the Kings have it all; a solid top line, and depth at all positions. Logan Coture is emerging as a top player in both ends of the ice. This will likely be an entertaining series. If Antti Niemi can go save for save with Johnny Quick, the ice may just slant in the Sharks favor. Only time will tell. 

Prediction: These teams are so evenly matched that it's a tough one to call. I really think if Niemi can play as good if not better than Quick, the Sharks will have a really good chance. I would have to say that LA has the slight edge because they were here just a year ago. Tough choice, Kings in 7.

And now we'll go out east. 

1-Pittsburgh Penguins

vs

7-Ottawa Senators

   Me thinks the Penguins at a slice or two of "humble pie" in that first round series. It didn't seem there was any doubt they would win the series, but the Islanders gave everything they got. The Penguins looked good, they scored tons of goals, but they also gave up quite a few as well. Vokoun has taken over the goal-tending duties, and seems like he might lock it down. They'll need to jump on a pesky sens team quickly in order to play ahead, instead of playing behind, a bad strategy when playing the Sens. 

   The Pesky Sens have done it again. Spezza is practicing but they say he's far from returning. They'll need to play lock-down defense to try and shut down the offensive Juggernaut known as the Penguins. Their best players will need to be there best players, and Craig Anderson will have to stand on his head. 

Prediction: The Sens have been resilient this year. During the course of the regular season, they lost their best d-man, best forward, and starting goaltender but still managed to get into the playoffs and bully the Habs out of the first round. They've climbed a lot of mountains to get themselves into this position, but this mountain hasn't peaked yet. Pens in 6.

4-Boston Bruins
vs
6-New York Rangers
    Boston was given a big run for their money by the Toronto Maple Leafs, but they found a way to win. This is a very interesting series. Both teams have depth at every position, as well as all-star goaltenders. The Bruins are a bit grittier than the Rangers, but the Rangers can turn on the physical game as well. This one may come down to the Bruins top players outplaying the Rangers top players. If Krejci, Bergeron, Chara, Seguin, etc outplay the Rangers best players, they'll have a good chance.
    The Rangers got some good performances from their secondary players in the first round, and it's indisputable that they were the reason that they got into the second round. Rick Nash and Brad Richards were ghosts in the first round registering no goals and just 3 points between the two of them in the entire series. In order for the Rangers to match the depth of the Bruins those two will have to show up and play their A game. 

Prediction: At the beginning of all this, I picked the Rangers to play the Pens in the East Final. I still hold that prediction. I don't think Brad Richards and Rick Nash will be as useless as they were in the first round. Both team's are coming off two hard fought 7 game series a piece. I give the edge on D to the Rangers, and a slight (very very slight) goal-tending edge to them as well. Rangers top guys vs Bruins top guys, whoever plays better may just take the series. Rangers in 7.

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PLAYOFFS!! PLAYOFFS!!

   It's once again time for the NHL Playoffs! There are some real power house teams this year, but the lower seeds aren't too shabby either. Here is my playoff predictions! I will do every round, leading up to and including the Stanley Cup! Let's start out East!

FIRST ROUND
1-Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
8-New York Islanders
Pens win if: They win if they are firing on all cylinders. Since they have been doing that all year, I don't see why they would stop in the playoffs. If Crosby is back healthy for a playoff run, this team will be unstoppable on their way to the championship.
Islanders win if: They win if they win if they can shut down Pittsburgh's top players, but there are so many of them that I just don't see that happening. JT and the boys won't roll over quietly, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Nabokov steal a game or two.
Prediction: The Islanders have improved, but the Pens are unstoppable this year, and have too many weapons. Penguins in 5.


2-Montreal Canadiens
vs.
7-Ottawa Senators
Habs win if: They win if they can beat Craig Anderson, and keep up the youthful jump that has sprung them all year. They're power-play will have to continue to work hard, and they've need to work for goals against the pesky sens.
Sens win if: They win if they can play that stingy style of hockey they've played all year. This is a good match-up for them. They may not have the fire power to match the Habs, but they have the grit to push them around a bit. Karlsson's return changed any series that the Sens might have played.
Prediction: It will be a close one. The Habs have more fire power up front, but the sens play that pesky, gritty style of playoff hockey. It will be close, but I'll have to go Canadiens in 7.


3-Washington Capitals
vs.
6-New York Rangers
Caps win if: They win if Ovi is hot. It would be hard to argue that there has been a better player in the game over the past month and a half than Alex Ovechkin. Washington found their form and they ran with it. They're a team firing on all cylinders, with a bonafide superstar on their side. If they can match up with the fire power the Rangers have, I like their chances. Also, Holtby needs to outgoaltend King Lundquist or it could be goodnight for the Caps.
Rangers win if: They win if they can keep on their grind, and get back to the New York Ranger hockey that we saw last year. Aside from Matt Hendrichs, the Caps don't really have a lot of size up front. From a grit stand point. If they can play hard, block shots, and punish the caps they'll have a real shot of winning this one.
Prediction: Another hard one to call. They are two of the hottest teams in the NHL right now. The Rangers have a big more depth up front, and a bit more gritiness to their lineup. If their d-men can play like they did last year, and if Lundquist in on his game, it would be tough for the Caps to win this one. With that being said, however, Ovi could probably score on a solid brick wall at this point. A close one to call, but I'm going to go Rangers in 6.


4-Boston Bruins
vs.
5-Toronto Maple Leafs
Bruins win if: They win if they can out-muscle the Leafs. These are two of the toughest teams in the NHL, and both sides have players who can be difference makers at any time. If they B's can play that big bad Bruins style of hockey, and shut down Kessel, Kadri, Lupul, and Bozak, they'll have a good chance.
Leafs win if: *sigh* no more Leaf jokes allowed. Because they have a hell of a year! They improved a lot this season, and that isn't embodied by anyone else but Nazim Kadri. If they Leafs can match depth with the Bruins, as well as match (both metaphorical and literal) punches with the Bruins they'll have a shot. Getting good goal tending from Manitoba native James Reimer will help as well.
Prediction: As much as every Leaf fan would love to see a return to the glory days, I don't see it happening this year. These two teams play a very similar type of hockey. But the Bruins have been here before. Most of those players have a Stanley Cup ring on their finger. I don't see the Leafs matching depth with the  B's in this one. Bruins in 6.

SECOND ROUND
1-Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
6-New York Rangers
Prediction: Both teams have great goal tenders, and lots of fire power. But I don't see anyone in the East beating the Pens this year. Pens in 6.

2-Montreal Canadiens
vs.
4-Boston Bruins
Prediction: Tough one to call. The Habs have gotten tougher this year, and I feel Boston will be worn down from what is likely to be a tough series against the Leafs, although the same could be said for the Habs with Ottawa. If it had to put money on it.... Bruins in 7.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
1-Pittsburgh Penguins
vs. 
4-Boston Bruins
Prediction: Almost a dream series of sorts. You have all-start goalies, great d-cores, and two teams that are deep at forward. As beautiful and cliche as this may sound, Jerome Iginla may be the difference maker in this one. What an ending that would be. Both teams are gritty, but play with skill when they have too. I'd expect it to be long and hard fought, but I have to give the edge to the Penguins. They're too good. Penguins in 6.
 
   Now let's move out to the wild wild west.
FIRST ROUND
1-Chicago BlackHawks
vs. 
8-Minnesota Wild
BlackHawks win if: They win if they continue to play like they did in the regular season. Possibly the most well rounded team in the league, with too many superstars to count. This season has been a Pittsburgh, Chicago super-final in the making.
Wild win if: They win if the Hockey Gods are feeling really generous. They'll need great goal tending from Backstrom, and a miracle.
Prediction: The Wild aren't about to roll over and die, but the BlackHawks are too good, too fast, and too dominant. Hawks in 5.


2-Anaheim Ducks
vs. 
7-Detroit RedWings
Ducks win if: Like the BlackHawks, they win if they continue to play like they did in the regular season. If the big guns like Perry, Getzlaf, and Selanne keep on top of their game and the secondary scoring keeps pouring in, the Wings will be in tough!
Wings win if: They win if Jimmy Howard absolutely stands on his head. There's not doubt the Wings are still a threat. 22 straight years of post-season hockey in the motor-city can attest to that. They lack the secondary scoring that the Ducks have in gallons. Zetterberg and Datsyuk can't carry the load themselves, they will need some help, and a lot of it. It will also be interesting to see how Detroit's shattered d-core deals with their first post-season without Nick Lidstrom.
Prediction: These two teams had some epic playoff battles years ago. Detroit was a much better team then, than now. I don't think it's wise to rule anyone out (flashback: LA last year) but I think the Ducks have too much depth, and too much scoring punch for Detroit's weak d-core to handle. Ducks in 5.


3-Vancouver Canucks
vs. 
6-San Jose Sharks
Canucks win if: They win if they can stop the offensive attack of the Sharks. The Nucks have a solid d-core, and two all-star goalies so it wouldn't surprise me to see them do just that. The Sedin's will have to be on, and they'll need to find some secondary scoring, which was something they lacked in this year.
Sharks win if: They win if they can shut down the Sedins, and get to Luongo early. With Schneider on the mend, Luongo will be expected to carry the load. The Canucks have struggled to find consistency aside from their top line, and the Sharks will need to pounce early to win this one. They have a solid attack with Thorton, Pavelski, Coture, and Marleau. Will Niemi and the d-core be up to the task? Only time will tell.
Prediction: Both teams are very good, and have very good offensive potential. I would have to give the edge to the Nucks based on their d-core and their goal tending which is superior to the Sharks. Nucks in 6.


4-St Louis Blues
vs.
5-Los Angeles Kings
Blues win if: They will win if they don't roll over and die like they did last season against these very same Kings. The Blues are a more matured team, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them make a deep playoff run. Where they lack in superstar talent, and offensive juggernautedness (not a word but it should be eh?) they make up for with solid defense, good goal tending, and a tenacity that you can't teach. They are rough, gritty, and ready to make a push into the playoffs.
Kings win if: They win if they find their form from last year. They were an unstoppable force, and have the exact same pieces in place to make another run identical to last season's. They have depth at forward, solid d, and a good goal tender in Johnny Quick. They need to find that form again this year, from top to bottom they'll need to be solid in order to beat the Blues.
Prediction: This is the series I am looking forward to most in the West. Both teams are very talented, and both teams possess a mean streak that will serve their purpose. I think the Kings will find their form again this year. They are riddled with playoff experience, and it will show. Tough one to call, but I will do so. Kings in 7.
SECOND ROUND
1-Chicago BlackHawks
vs.
5-Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: As much as I think the Kings will find their form again. They won't beat the BlackHawks. It will be a closer series than most will expect, but I think the Hawks will run with this one. Hawks in 6.

2-Anaheim Ducks
vs. 
3-Vancouver Canucks
Prediction: The Canucks just don't seem like the team that they were when they made their cup run in 2010. I think their series with the Sharks will be a long and challenging one that won't prepare them for the most likely well-rested Ducks. Where the Nucks lack, the Ducks flourish with secondary scoring. Ducks in 7.

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
1-Chicago BlackHawks
vs.
2-Anaheim Ducks
Prediction: By far the two most dominant teams in the West this year. These two teams would battle it out for the right to meet the Eastern Conference champion. The Ducks have improved tremendously. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf have found their form again. Their secondary players, and everyone else for that matter will need to play hard, and fight against the BlackHawks. But I don't think it will be enough to defeat the mighty Hawks. BlackHawks in 6.

STANLEY CUP FINAL
1-Chicago BlackHawks
vs
1-Pittsburgh Penguins
Prediction: I'm not usually one to take two #1 seeds to play each other in the finals, but this year these two teams really stood out above the rest. A Toews vs Crosby matchup would be one that hockey fans would drool over. Both teams possess the power to score 10 goals on a given night and give up 0. Both teams boast Norris Trophy like d-cores. Where the major advantage will go is in the goal tending department. To the Penguins. With that being said, both he and Cory Crawford have playoff experience. This would be a Stanley Cup final for the ages, two of the best teams assembled in the 2010's, both of which deserve to win the cup. It's an extremely tough series to call, and I wouldn't be surprised if it went all 7 games. I am going to go Pens in 7. If Crosby returns for the playoffs, and a healthy Sidney Crosby plays like he can, then with their other weapons, they'll take home the cup.

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Winnipeg Jets Year End Wrap Up.

   So, unfortunately the Jets ended without the playoffs for the second year in a row, but they definitely showed some improvement. Here are my grades for each player by position.

GOALTENDERS
Ondrej Pavelec: B+; I can't quite give Pavs an A on this season, although he was a work-horse. He was arguably the Jets best player all season, and was one of the main reasons as to why they almost made the playoffs. He did allow some weaker goals at times that weren't ideal (though is it ever ideal?). Pavelec is the future goalie of this franchise, played very well this year, and will improve for the future.
Al Montoya: B; Not much so say about Montoya as he only played 4 games, but he played well in those 4 games and picked up the only Jets shutout this year. My money is on him returning as Pavelec's backup for next season.

D-MEN
Zach Bogosian: A-; He has amazing potential, and this year he showed us that he has the potential to become a Norris Trophy candidate someday. Is a mean guy to play against, who can chip in on the offensive side of the puck. What's not to like?
Tobias Enstrom: B+; Unfortunately his season was cut short by injuries. But when Toby was playing, he was a difference makers, averaging almost a point per game at one point. He's vital to their power-play's success, a power-play that struggled this year. For the Jets to have success, they need this guy in the lineup.
Dustin Byfuglien: B; With big Buff you know what you're going to get. Huge offensive upside, but some defensive lapses. Despite those, he's till one of the Jets most skilled players.
Grant Clitsome: B; Exceeded my expectations. Chipped in with 4 goals and filled in nicely on an injury riddled blue line. He's one of the UFA's at the end of the year. He can play anywhere in the d-core whether it's as a seventh man, or on the top pair. He's a valuable guy to have.
Mark Stuart: B; You'll get what you expect with Mark Stuart. He's gritty, mean, tough, and chips in everywhere he can. If all the Jets had his compete, they'd be a better team.
Zach Redmond: B; It's a miracle that he is back in game shape. I think he exceeded most people's expectations this season, and outplayed some of the other d-men who will either be competing for spots next year, or will find themselves looking for a job.
Derek Meech: C+; A depth d-man on most team's is a valuable asset. It would be nice to see the hometown kid come back for another year, but with Jacob Trouba on the rise someone has to go.
Paul Postma: C; I think people expected more out of Paul Postma. If I were the Jets I would re-sign him. He's still young, but he needs to pick up his physical play. He's a big guy, but is getting out-muscled by smaller forwards. I'd give him one more year to prove he can be a mainstay in the NHL.
Ron Hainsey: C; He logs big minutes, blocks shots, and seems like a popular guy in the dressing room. But he makes too many mistakes, some that led to huge goals against. I wouldn't expect to see him back next year with the emergence of Redmond and Trouba.

FORWARDS
Andrew Ladd: A; He was everything for the Jets this year, by far their best player (possibly aside from Pavs).
Blake Wheeler: A-; Beat his goal total from last season in less games, and is arguable the Jets most skilled player up front. He, along with this line-mates have given the Jets a solid top line.
Bryan Little: B; Has great chemistry with Ladd, and Wheeler, was key on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck this year.
Evander Kane: B; Evander Kane is truly budding into a super star. He could easily be a 30 goal scorer for a lot of his career. Finding someone to play on the right side of the line with him and Jokinen with more skill would benefit him greatly.
Nik Antropov: B-; Antro may have just done enough to earn another year with the Jets. I feel the development of Scheifele will factor into that decision. For me it would be him or Kyle Wellwood, Antropov produced more this year, and played far more physical than Wellwood (did Welly throw any hits this season?). He's a veteran, and physical presence to a team that desperately needs that.
Eric Tangradi: B-; Tangradi provides a solid physical force up front, he's a good checking line winger, and showed that he has some moves on the offensive side as well.
Jim Slater: B-; A heart and soul guy who's season was cut short by an injury. He hits, fights, kills penalties, and wins face-offs like nobody's business, valuable player to any team.
Chris Thorburn: B-; Another heart and soul guy who's liked in the dressing room, and liked by the fans. Chips in offensively every now and then, but does most of his talking with his physical play.
Olli Jokinen: C+; Despite having his worst offensive year ever, he still provides a veteran presence. He would benefit from a winger to play with him and Kane. Jokinen is a vet, and he won't have another terrible year like this one.
James Wright: C+; Like Tangradi, he provides a good physical force, could have had 7 or 8 goals this season, just couldn't finish like he wanted too.
Anthony Peluso: C+; We got what we expected with Peluso, he's tough as nails, and seems to be a good enforcer. The only reason I gave him such a low grade is because his season was cut short by a hand injury.
Kyle Wellwood: C+; After a slow start, and a few trips to the press box, Wellwood picked up his play towards the end of the year. Whether it was enough to earn a contract renewal will be up to Kevin Chevaldayoff.
Alex Burmistrov: C; A dissapointing year for the young Russian, his contract is up at the end of the year, but I wouldn't expect him to get a phone call until Zach Bogosian is signed to a new contract. With the way he's played he hasn't earned himself a long term contract by any means.
Antti Miettinen: C-; Hasn't performed up to expectations. Found himself a healthy scratch an a lot of nights.
Mike Santorelli, Aaron Gagnon, and Patrice Cormier all had stints with the Jets this season, and contributed in their own ways. I expect them all to be at training camp next season.

OVERALL TEAM GRADE
B-: A B- is usually be a pretty good grade, but in the NHL, sometimes it's not enough to get you into the playoffs. I would say the team exceeded most people's expectations, and came very close to making the playoffs. It's definitely a sign of improvement.

Pending FA's I expect to see back next year:
Nik Antropov, Alex Burmistrov, Paul Postma, Blake Wheeler, Zach Redmond, Grant Clitsome, Zach Bogosian
Pending FA's I don't expect to see back next year:
Ron Hainsey, Antti Miettinen, Kyle Wellwood.

WINNERS AND LOSERS: TRADE DEADLINE

WINNERS AND LOSERS: TRADE DEADLINE!

    Here's my list of team's that really did well this trade deadline, and those who did... not so well.

Let's start with those who are neither, those who stayed put, if you will.
EAST
   - Montreal: A good team, they remain good despite no deadline deals.
   - Winnipeg: Picked up Santorelli for depth, didn't get any worse, didn't get any better.
   - Toronto: Couldn't get the goalie they wanted, but they're sitting pretty in the East at this point.
   - New Jersey: Will be a threat when Kovy returns.
   - NY Islanders: Still very much in the playoff hunt. Didn't do much. But they didn't get worse.
   - Philadelphia: Hopefully adding Steve Mason will light a fire under Bryz. For Flyers fans anyway.
   - Florida: I've stopped paying attention to this team at this point, aside from Jonny Huberdeau.
WEST
   - Chicago: Stayed the same, waiting on Hossa and Sharp. Still a power house.
   - Anaheim: Sitting pretty at 2nd in the West.
   - Vancouver: Added Roy, but couldn't move Luongo. It's getting to be kind of a laugh riot at this point.
   - San Jose: Added Scott Hannan. Not sure what that will do.
   - Lost Angeles: Added Regher for depth. Pretty much stayed put.
   - Edmonton: Added Smithson, like the Jets they added depth, but didn't improve much.
   - Nashville: Can't read this team. Gave away Martin Erat a guy who could help any team.
   - Phoenix: Lost Raffi Torres, but I really feel like they should be winners for trading him.
   - Colorado: Young team, didn't need to do much at the deadline.
 

And now let's take a look at the losers.
EAST
   - Buffalo: It was a fire sale in Sabretown. Pominville gone. Leopold gone. They've only got a few recognizable names left.
   - Carolina: For a team battling for the playoffs. They let a good depth winger who can score go for next to nothing. Is everyone just bowing to the Pens at this point?
WEST
   - Calgary: The only team that lost more than Buffalo. BRUTAL
   - Dallas: Jagr to the bruins, Roy's gone, Ryder's gone. They have no one left.
   - Detroit: Couldn't add any d-men. Lost out on all the d-men who were moved.


And now the winners.
EAST
   - NY Rangers: Lost Gaborik yes, but they added some grit with the likes of Ryan Clowe, and Derek Dorsett. They hope to find their gritty form from last season.
   - Boston: Lost out on Iggy. But landed Jagr. It'll give them a nice top line scoring punch.
   - Ottawa: Finally thinned out their crowded crease. While adding a good scorer in Cory Conacher.
   - Tampa Bay: Landed a solid goaltender in Ben Bishop. However, he is still unproven. Only time will tell how he works out.
   - Washington: Unlike the teams they're battling with (WPG & CAR) they were able to add some punch up front. If I'm betting on who's going to win the Southeast, my heart says Jets, my money says Caps.
   - Pittsburgh: Jarome Iginla, Douglas Murray, Jussi Jokinen, Brendan Morrow, need I say more?
WEST
   - Columbus: They take the silver medal in this one. Landing Gaborik is huge, adding Comeau will also add some good scoring depth up front. I'd be afraid of the Blue Jackets down the stretch.
   - Minnesota: Adding Pominville to a team that's been streaking for a while now is a dangerous mix, for other teams anyway. Only downside is they've lost a good goaltending prospect in Matt Hackett.
   - St. Louis: They have a top 4 that's arguable tops in the league. Still thin up front, but they did good things with their blue line.

The Playoff Picture: Who's the Favorite at this Point?

    The playoff spots in the NHL are still up for grabs thus far, with only 2 or 3 teams really showing that they are going to be in the playoffs. I will offer up my opinion as to who I think will make the playoffs, and with only 14ish (it varies per team) games left. Many spots are still up for grabs, but here is who I think will make the playoffs, and where they will finish.

EAST:
1-Pittsburgh Penguins: Currently holding the lead in the Eastern Conference, firing on all cylinders.
vs
8-New Jersey Devils: Without their leading scorer right now, the Devils may just hang in there to capture the 8th spot.
Prediction: Pens are too deep, too fast, and too good. Pens in 5.


2-Boston Bruins: The B's lost in a shootout tonight, but I still think they have what it takes to get the division lead and finish 2nd. It would help if they could get their hands on Jerome Iginla
vs
7-New York Rangers: Struggling with consistency right now, they will still make the playoffs and with their fire power they're never a team that should be counted out.
Prediction: Although the Rangers have some all-stars, they don't have the grit that they had last year. Bruins in 6.


3-Winnipeg Jets: I truthfully didn't pick my hometown Jets to make the playoffs this year, but they've won some big games in the last stretch (despite the god-awful pair against Washingtion) they rebounded by beating the Bolts, and hammering Carolina on the road. Only one team from the Southeast will make the playoffs this year, and the Jets have set themselves up well.
vs
6-Toronto Maple Leafs: This would be an unreal series. And the Leafs are rolling, they now have depth at forward with the emergence of Kadri, and have played well all year.
Prediction: Neither team is exactly popping with playoff experience. But I'd have to give the edge to the Jets, they have the advantage in net, and if they can shut down Kadri they can do it. Oh, and home ice advantage would help. It'll be close to call though. Jets in 7.


4-Montreal Canadiens: Although they took the division lead back from Boston tonight, I think the B's will come back strong down the stretch. Still an unreal bounce back year for the Canadiens.
vs
5-Ottawa Senators: Despite all the injuries this team still finds ways to win. Which is what ultimately gets them into the playoffs. If they can get Spezza, Cowen, and Anderson back they can do good things come playoff time.
Prediction: This one is tough to call. Both teams are finding ways to win this year, and both teams boast great goaltenders. Without Karlsson (and possibly Spezza) the Sens will be in tough. Canadiens in 6.



WEST:
1-Chicago Blackhawks: The Pens of the West, the only team I could see giving them a real run for their money is the Ducks.
vs
8-San Jose Sharks: Their deep at forward, but they don't want to play the Hawks in the first round. Wouldn't end well for them.
Prediction: The Sharks won't roll over and die, but they won't stand much of a chance. Blackhawks in 5.


2-Anaheim Ducks: They very well could come out of the West this year. Their secondary players have been great all year, and Perry and Getzlaf are looking like the players they were a few years ago.
vs
7-Detroit RedWings: They've won 4 in a row, and the consistency seems to be coming along. They seem to have the Ducks number this year, but their d-core is still inconsistent.
Prediction: Like I said before, the Wings have had the Ducks number as of late, but the Ducks are too good this year. Ducks in 7.


3-Vancouver Canucks: Fighting tooth and nail with the Wild for the division lead. They'll eventually overtake it. And sneak into the 3rd slot. Doesn't seem like Luongo is going anywhere so they'll have two great goaltenders come playoff time.
vs
6-St. Louis Blues: This one I could see going either way, especially if Kesler doesn't return to the Nucks lineup. The Blues have good d, gritty forwards, and a good goaltender in Halak.
Prediction: Tough one to call, the Blues are stingy, and could give them a run for their money. But I'd say the Nucks got this one. Canucks in 6.


4-Minnesota Wild: The Wild have been very good this year. Parise and Suter are looking like their well worth the money. I could see them making a long playoff run, especially if Backstrom can steal a game or two.
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5-LA Kings: Last year's Stanley Cup champs are seeming to find their form again. There's no telling what this team can do if they decide to play like they did last year.
Prediction: Another tough one to call, on the one hand, Minnesota looks like the stronger team, maybe not on paper but they've been consistent all year so far. LA is LA though, the 8 seed that ran the table last season. I can't make a judgment for sure, so I will take my best guess. Kings in 7.

STANLEY CUP FINAL PREDICTION:
    I have to go with Pittsburgh coming out of the East. They're the team to beat. With Sid and Malkin in their lineup this is a pretty unstoppable team.
    For the West, I gotta go with the powerhouse Chicago Blackhawks. They have the defense, and the forwards, it's just a matter of their goaltending holding up, which it has thus far.

March 21st Scores & Recaps

Washington-4 Winnipeg-0:
    The Jets didn't get much of an effort from anyone tonight, Ondrej Pavelec was the only reason the score wasn't 7-0. The Caps got a strong game from Captain Alex Ovechkin who tallied a goal and an assist. Marcus Johansson also had a big game for the caps picking up a goal and an assist. Holtby picked up the win for Washington, and Pavelec took the loss for Winnipeg. These two teams will meet again tomorrow night.
New Jersey-4 Carolina-1:
    The struggles continue for Carolina, as the Canes could only muster 18 shots on Marty Brodeur. Dan Ellis struggled in net for Carolina allowing 3 goals. The 4th came on an own goal by Eric Staal on a delayed penalty. Travis Zajac had 2 assists for the Devils.
Florida-3 NY Rangers-1:
   As much as I like seeing Tort's go crazy at his team's struggles. I don't see this team struggling for long with the talent they have. Brian Campbell, Scotty Upshall, and Tomas Kopecky scored for the Panthers, while Marian Gaborik countered for the Rangers. Jacob Markstrom picked up the win stopping 44 of 45 shots, while King Henrik stopped 21 of 23 in the loss.
Montreal-5 NY Islanders-2:
    The Canadiens continue to sit atop the Eastern conference, and there dominance was established again tonight. Tomas Plekanec had two assists for the Canadiens, who got goals from Michael Ryder, PK Subban (2), Brian Gionta, and Brendan Gallagher. Visnovsky and Tavares countered for the Islanders, and Matt Molson had two assists. Carey Price stopped 25 of 27 for the win, while Kevin Poulin allowed 5 goals on 29 shots.
Buffalo-5 Toronto-4 (SO):
    The Leafs blew a 3-1 lead and came back being down 4-3 scoring 6 minutes into the third. Nazim Kadri had a huge game with 2 goals and an assist, while Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis both had two assists for the Sabres. Tyler Bozak scored in the shootout for the Leafs, while  Drew Stafford and Steve Ott tallied for Buffalo. James Reimer stopped 32 of 36 in the loss while Ryan Miller picked up the win stopping 30 of 34.
Boston-2 Ottawa-1:
    The Sens held a short 1 goal lead against the mighty Bruins, but it wasn't meant to be. The B's got goals from Daniel Paille and Dennis Seidenberg, and Kaspers Daugavins scored for the Sens. Boston backup Anton Khudobin stopped 27 of 28 in the win while Robin Lehner stopped 27 of 29 in the loss.
Nashville-5 Calgary-3:
     Calgary's troubles continue. I'm wondering when Calgary will give up their "we're still a playoff team" attitude because it hasn't been apparent to me. Anyways they got thumped by the Preds tonight. Mike Fischer scored twice for the Preds, and the Flames got singles from Jerome Iginla, Blake Comeau, and Mark Giordano. Mikka Kiprusoff stopped only 18 of 23 shots in the loss, while Pekka Rinne stoped 19 of 22 in the win.
Vancouver-2 Phoenix-1:
    Chris Tanev and Jordan Schroeder (Go Moose Go) scored for the Nucks while all the assists came from former Moose players as well. Antoine Vermette scored for the Yotes. Corey Schneider picked up the win stopping 33 of 34, and Jason LaBarbera and Mike Smith combined to stop 26 of 28 shots with LaBarbera taking the loss.
Dallas-2 Los Angeles-0:
    Dallas did a nice job of staying in the playoff hunt blanking the Cup Champs 2-0. Jaromir Jagr, and Ray Whitney scored for Dallas with Jamie Benn, Alex Goligoski, and Louie Eriksson picked up the assists. Kari Lethonen stopped all 40 shots he saw for the shut out, while Johnny Quick stopped 19 of 21 in the loss.

3-STARS OF THE NIGHT:

1-Nazim Kadri: The young Leaf had 2 goals and an assist, but unfortunately for his team it was in a losing effort.
2-Kari Lethonen: Stopped 40 of 40 shots for the shut out.
3-Alex Ovechkin: Picked up a goal and an assist in a 4-0 win over the Jets.

Tuesday March 12th

Jets tame the tough Leafs with three 3rd period goals:
    The Winnipeg Jets took it to the Leafs last night, scoring 3 goals in the third period, to lift themselves to a 5-2 victory. The Jets had strong games from the entire lineup, with former Leafs Nik Antropov (1G 2A)
 and Kyle Wellwood (1G 1A) both having multiple point games. Dustin Byfuglien had 3 assists, Blake Wheeler had two goals, and Evander Kane added a single to lead the Jets to victory. Phil Kessel scored both of Toronto's goals. The Jets played a complete game, and did not shy away from a tough leafs team that has been able to intimidate most of their opponents this year with their rough & tumble style of play. The Jets didn't shy away. Chris Thorburn's scrap with Colton Orr throw a cheap shot towards the end. Orr had a smile on his face, but this only served to spark the Jets, who dominated the leafs the rest of the way. Needless to say, Orr's smile was gone pretty quickly. It was a strong performance from the Jets, who got a complete performance for the first time in a long time, from Ondrej Pavelec out. Grinders James Wright and Eric Tangradi also had strong games, with Wright getting some glorious chances, and Tangradi picking up an assist on Blake Wheeler's second of the night. Pavelec picked up the win with Manitoba's James Reimer taking the loss.
Other Scores:
Tampa Bay-3 Florida-2: Tampa Bay got goals from all their big guns, as they beat the lowly Panthers with Stamkos getting the winner in the third. St. Louis and Lecavalier also scored for Tampa, Versteeg and Kopecky countered for Florida.
Vancouver-2 Columbus-1: The struggling Canucks picked up a shootout win over the streaking Columbus Blue Jackets last night. Mason Raymond scored the winner in the shootout, and Roberto Luongo picked up the win, and despite another strong performance, Sergei Bobrovsky took the loss.
Pittsburgh-3 Boston-2: Widely considered a game to determine who was #1 in the East, Boston blew a 2 goal lead in the 3rd period as the Pens stormed back to win 3-2. Sutter scored twice for the Pens, and Kunitz added a single. Chara and Seguin countered for the Bruins. M-A Fleury got the win and Boston's backup Anton Kuhdobin took the loss.
St. Louis Doubled up on San Jose 4-2, Nashville blanked Dallas 4-0, Anaheim beat Minnesota 2-1, Edmonton shut out Colorado 4-0, and Phoenix took down the LA Kings 5-2 in an all Pacific division match-up.
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