Travel and technology have prevented me from posting my Finals predictions. Travel, because I am in Ontario. Technology, because whenever I try to create a post, the site looks super ghetto. So here's hoping this works, but based on what I see in front of me I have no idea if it will.
Anyway, I'm not going to change my original prediction just because the Red Wings are up 2-0 so far. I will stick with the Penguins in 7, with Sidney Crosby capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Both Crosby and the Pens had better start stepping it up if my predictions are to come true! Detroit has looked scarily good thus far, and is ridiculously opportunistic when it comes to taking advantage of Penguins' mistakes and/or lucky bounces.
What are your thoughts and/or predictions about the series so far?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Reminder: 'Nucks and Pucks Reader Comment Awards
Back in January I announced the first semi-annual 'Nucks and Pucks Reader Comment Awards. There were some great comments made in the first six months of the blog, and I am happy to see this trend continuing as the 'Nucks and Pucks one-year anniversary approaches.
The deadline to be considered for Version 2.0 of these prestigious prizes, which earn the winners limited edition 'Nucks and Pucks beers, is fast-approaching: only comments posted between January 1 and June 30, 2009 will be considered.
Therefore, this is a reminder to regular and casual readers to continue to post intelligently, hilariously, obnoxiously and/or excessively in the next month. The awards up for grabs are the Hart Trophy (best comment), the Art Ross Trophy (most comments) and the Calder Trophy (best comment section newcomer).
In addition, I am introducing a new award: the Tom Larscheid Award, given to the commentor that most blatantly exhibits Canucks favouritism/homer-ism. Anyone who has listened to the Canucks radio/internet broadcasts knows that Larscheid's passion for the Canucks is immense, and in that spirit this award is designed to encourage more pro-Canucks chatter in the comments section.
Some of you have mentioned to me that you've had trouble posting comments. I am fairly certain that if you have a Google ID (eg. if you use gmail) it should not be a problem, but let me know if issues persist.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tony Hrkac is still playing!
Tony Hrkac had a fairly average NHL career, scoring 371 points (132G, 239A) in 758 NHL games between 1987 and 2003. His was a true journeyman career, as he played for nine NHL teams in that time: St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and Atlanta Thrashers. He captured a Stanley Cup with the Dallas "Skate-in-the-Crease" Stars in 1999.
Even more journeymanlike, in this time period Hrkac spent parts of eight different seasons in either the American Hockey League (AHL) or the now-defunct International Hockey League. Clearly still in love with the game, or in need of a paycheque, Hrkac toiled for two more seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL following his last NHL season. Hrkac retired in 2005, the season after the Admirals captured the AHL's Calder Cup championship.
I remember Hrkac primarily because of a 91-92 Upper Deck hockey card that featured him in his new Sharks duds. The combination of that very early-90s image, and Hrkac's awesome name (it's pronounced Hir-kis) stuck in my mind. The card is pictured here, though sadly I never owned an autographed version:
Needless to say, Hrkac had not crossed my mind in some time. So why I am I writing a blog post about him?Well it all started when I read a game recap for the Manitoba Moose (the Canucks' farm team), who are currently engaged in a conference final showdown with the Houston Aeros. Turns out "Hrkac Circus" is playing for the Aeros, and further investigation revealed that he was signed by the Aeros in March to play his 19th (!) pro season.
Even though I am cheering for the Moose to make the Calder Cup, I am still pretty stoked about Tony Hrkac. Turns out Hrkac is a pretty popular player with AHL fans, as this post-game Rock Star treatment demonstrates:
Wow! How many players elicit this kind of reaction from their fans? I've seen Trevor Linden and Pavel Bure met by post-game reactions less exuberant than this. Guess it just goes to show that everyone loves Hrkac Circus!
[Ed. note: After the writing of this article, the Manitoba Moose eliminated the Houston Aeros from the AHL playoffs. To the best of my knowledge Tony Hrkac has not yet stated whether he will retire (again) from professional hockey or if he will return for another season.]
Monday, May 25, 2009
Because I haven't posted in a while, and because 70s hockey commercials are epic
This ad is quite amazing for many reasons: it's got four grown men singing about jeans while gliding around on the ice in said jeans and hockey jerseys; it's got Phil Esposito in a Rangers jersey (I know he played six seasons in NYC, but he's always a Bruin in my mind); and it's got a terrible jingle, terrible visual effects, and yet it is still totally awesome. Also, I like how they got the Sasson logo on the ice - it's a nice touch.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Friday, May 15, 2009
2009 Playoffs: Round Three Predictions
Hmmm. So I might have been wrong about the Blackhawks. And the Hurricanes. Oh well, life goes on - and as a Canucks fan that usually means not having your team in the playoffs at this time of year. Here are my predictions for the Conference Finals:
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6) - Penguins in 7
Ah yes, a classic 4 vs. 6 seed match-up in the Conference Finals. But more importantly it's a Staal vs. Staal series, as brothers Jordan and Eric face each other (anyone remember the Russ vs. Geoff Courtnall/Stars vs. Canucks series in 1994?) Both these teams should scare the bejeezers out of each other. The 'Canes have overcome two great teams, including the conference champion Bruins, and have lived up to their nickename Cardiac 'Canes for their improbable ability to win last-minute or OT games in the clutch. The Pens, meanwhile, are looking like a more mature version of last year's squad that bowed out in the Stanley Cup Final. Sidney Crosby is playing unreal, while Evgeni Malkin is hit-and-miss - but when he's "hit" he is amazing. Marc-Andre Fleury looked shaky at times, but also made huge saves such as this game-changing one early in Game Seven against the Capitals:
I think Pittsburgh is the better team, but Carolina has been proving its critics wrong all playoffs and the Penguins would be very, very wise not to underestimate them like the Devils and Bruins may have been guilty of.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (2) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (4) - Red Wings in 6
Who knows how this could play out? The 'Hawks showed a ridiculous resiliancy and ability to come back from deficits against the Canucks and the Flames. But the Red Wings are better and more experienced than either of those Northwest Division squads, and I think the Blackhawks are due for a reality check against a team will be far less likely to stunningly implode than its two earlier opponents. Still... betting against the 'Hawks feels like a risky proposition. But I'm taking the Wings and calling a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Final.
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6) - Penguins in 7
Ah yes, a classic 4 vs. 6 seed match-up in the Conference Finals. But more importantly it's a Staal vs. Staal series, as brothers Jordan and Eric face each other (anyone remember the Russ vs. Geoff Courtnall/Stars vs. Canucks series in 1994?) Both these teams should scare the bejeezers out of each other. The 'Canes have overcome two great teams, including the conference champion Bruins, and have lived up to their nickename Cardiac 'Canes for their improbable ability to win last-minute or OT games in the clutch. The Pens, meanwhile, are looking like a more mature version of last year's squad that bowed out in the Stanley Cup Final. Sidney Crosby is playing unreal, while Evgeni Malkin is hit-and-miss - but when he's "hit" he is amazing. Marc-Andre Fleury looked shaky at times, but also made huge saves such as this game-changing one early in Game Seven against the Capitals:
I think Pittsburgh is the better team, but Carolina has been proving its critics wrong all playoffs and the Penguins would be very, very wise not to underestimate them like the Devils and Bruins may have been guilty of.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (2) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (4) - Red Wings in 6
Who knows how this could play out? The 'Hawks showed a ridiculous resiliancy and ability to come back from deficits against the Canucks and the Flames. But the Red Wings are better and more experienced than either of those Northwest Division squads, and I think the Blackhawks are due for a reality check against a team will be far less likely to stunningly implode than its two earlier opponents. Still... betting against the 'Hawks feels like a risky proposition. But I'm taking the Wings and calling a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Final.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Hangover
Ugh.
Yeah, it happened. And I am not happy about it.
I will have to write more about it I guess, but my off-the-cuff thoughts right now (it's 2:00 AM) about the series:
First off, I will give the 'Hawks credit - whenever it seemed like a normal team would quit, they just kept coming. I was entirely sick of the whole "they're so young they don't know any better" judgment that infused the Hockey Night broadcasts, but there is no doubting that the youthful enthusiasm of the 'Hawks carried them through the rough times and helped spark their remarkable comebacks.
I was not thrilled with the officiating in the past few games. Yes, I am biased in the Canucks favour. But it seemed to me that the Canucks had a number of marginal calls go against them, while at times the Blackhawks had to be one degree removed from bloody murder to get a penalty. I do not think that this was a conspiracy or anything like that, I just think that the Canucks got a bit ulucky in terms of what the refs did and didn't see/call.
The two-seconds-after-the-pass hit on Alex Edler in the first set up a 2-on-1 break for the 'Hawks that could have caused a goal, despite the blatant interference. Ryan Kesler got brutally laid out on a completely unnecessary hit that went uncalled, despite the fact that Kesler was down and bloodied for some time. When the Canucks responded with a similar hit by Rick Rypien they got whistled for it. Meanwhile, the "hooking" call on Shane O'Brien in the 3rd was marginal at best.
The Canucks did not lose because of the officiating. They lost because of what Chicago did when they had the chance. The 'Hawks turn the screw like no other team I've seen before. But as a fan, it was tough to see what seemed to be inconsistent officiating give the 'Hawks multiple opportunities to get back into games the Canucks might have otherwise closed out.
I am still steamed over the "hook" on Dustin Byfuglien in Game 2, which was in fact Byfuglien just losing his footing and smashing into Roberto Luongo, that gave the 'Hawks a powerplay with the Canucks up 2-1. A half-minute later the Canucks shot the puck over the glass, giving Chicago a 2-man advantage upon which they converted to tie a game they would go on to win.
Anyway, I am probably just bitter at this point. I don't feel that the Blackhawks did not deserve to win the series... but similarly, I do not feel that the Canucks deserved to lose it. And the way in which they lost was extremely frustrating.
These Chicago Blackhawks make me think of what I imagine the 1980s Edmonton Oilers were like. It doesn't matter the score, they just keep coming at you again and again, and the capitalize on any mistake you make. I don't know that they will be good enough to knock off Detroit (or maybe Anaheim) in the conference finals, but I do think that they are the most terrifying team left in the post-season. No lead is ever safe against this team.
So here's to the Canucks 08-09 Edition, a team that fit Prototype B of Canucks squads - lovable losers who overachieve (Prototype A is lovable losers who underachieve, but this team only comes around once or twice every decade).
If someone told me in September that the 'Nucks would make it to Game Six of the Round Two I would have seen that as a reasonable and respectable conclusion to the season for this version of the team. Unfortunately, expectations were raised due the Canucks fantastic last few months of the season and quick dispatch of St. Louis in Round One. But, if we can improve from here (ie. Gillis re-signs the Sedins, Luongo plays a brilliant and healthy season, and Cody Hodgson plays like Steve Yzerman Jr.) then who knows how next season will go? Right?
'Cause, well, "next season!" has been the only rallying cry I've ever known as a Canucks fan.
Yeah, it happened. And I am not happy about it.
I will have to write more about it I guess, but my off-the-cuff thoughts right now (it's 2:00 AM) about the series:
First off, I will give the 'Hawks credit - whenever it seemed like a normal team would quit, they just kept coming. I was entirely sick of the whole "they're so young they don't know any better" judgment that infused the Hockey Night broadcasts, but there is no doubting that the youthful enthusiasm of the 'Hawks carried them through the rough times and helped spark their remarkable comebacks.
I was not thrilled with the officiating in the past few games. Yes, I am biased in the Canucks favour. But it seemed to me that the Canucks had a number of marginal calls go against them, while at times the Blackhawks had to be one degree removed from bloody murder to get a penalty. I do not think that this was a conspiracy or anything like that, I just think that the Canucks got a bit ulucky in terms of what the refs did and didn't see/call.
The two-seconds-after-the-pass hit on Alex Edler in the first set up a 2-on-1 break for the 'Hawks that could have caused a goal, despite the blatant interference. Ryan Kesler got brutally laid out on a completely unnecessary hit that went uncalled, despite the fact that Kesler was down and bloodied for some time. When the Canucks responded with a similar hit by Rick Rypien they got whistled for it. Meanwhile, the "hooking" call on Shane O'Brien in the 3rd was marginal at best.
The Canucks did not lose because of the officiating. They lost because of what Chicago did when they had the chance. The 'Hawks turn the screw like no other team I've seen before. But as a fan, it was tough to see what seemed to be inconsistent officiating give the 'Hawks multiple opportunities to get back into games the Canucks might have otherwise closed out.
I am still steamed over the "hook" on Dustin Byfuglien in Game 2, which was in fact Byfuglien just losing his footing and smashing into Roberto Luongo, that gave the 'Hawks a powerplay with the Canucks up 2-1. A half-minute later the Canucks shot the puck over the glass, giving Chicago a 2-man advantage upon which they converted to tie a game they would go on to win.
Anyway, I am probably just bitter at this point. I don't feel that the Blackhawks did not deserve to win the series... but similarly, I do not feel that the Canucks deserved to lose it. And the way in which they lost was extremely frustrating.
These Chicago Blackhawks make me think of what I imagine the 1980s Edmonton Oilers were like. It doesn't matter the score, they just keep coming at you again and again, and the capitalize on any mistake you make. I don't know that they will be good enough to knock off Detroit (or maybe Anaheim) in the conference finals, but I do think that they are the most terrifying team left in the post-season. No lead is ever safe against this team.
So here's to the Canucks 08-09 Edition, a team that fit Prototype B of Canucks squads - lovable losers who overachieve (Prototype A is lovable losers who underachieve, but this team only comes around once or twice every decade).
If someone told me in September that the 'Nucks would make it to Game Six of the Round Two I would have seen that as a reasonable and respectable conclusion to the season for this version of the team. Unfortunately, expectations were raised due the Canucks fantastic last few months of the season and quick dispatch of St. Louis in Round One. But, if we can improve from here (ie. Gillis re-signs the Sedins, Luongo plays a brilliant and healthy season, and Cody Hodgson plays like Steve Yzerman Jr.) then who knows how next season will go? Right?
'Cause, well, "next season!" has been the only rallying cry I've ever known as a Canucks fan.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Desperation Time for Canucks Fans : DO WHAT YA GOTTA DO
Alright Canucks fans, it's backs-against-the-wall time. It'll be tough to take two straight against the 'Hawks, but I have faith that the boys can pull it off.
So far in this series the Canucks have won both games I've watched at a bar, and lost the three I watched at home or at a friend's place. So, naturally, I will be returning to the same bar where I watched Games One and Three for the game tomorrow night. Not that I'm superstitious or anything.
I am also going to wear every piece of Vancouver Canucks clothing I own (not including items in storage) as well as boxers with shamrocks on them - all in the hopes that it will help support the Canucks to a huge victory! It will look ridiculous, but that's fine - the playoffs are not about fashion (perhaps that's why Sean Avery's teams never go anywhere in the post-season?). My outfit will look something like this:
Aside from the shoes, socks, jeans and belt, every piece of clothing is Canucks/shamrock related (the boxers will NOT be Britney-style over the pants, they're just there for the photo). I will have my Canucks hoodie on underneath my jersey, and be wearing my hat. Not sure if I will actually wear the scarf the whole night, but I may. The towel will be waving at every opportune moment, the view of the people behind me be damned.
So that's what I feel I've gotta do. My message to Canucks fans is "DO WHAT YA GOTTA DO!"
If you believe in voodoo then poke the hell out of your Nikolai Khabibulin and Dustin Byfuglien dolls. If you are superstitious then stick a horseshoe on a lucky rabbit's foot and hope for the best. Personally, I never ever pray for the outcome of a sporting event - but if you're religious and feel comfortable praying for a Canucks victory then by all means ask for a little divine assistance!
Here's hoping for a Game Six victory and a chance to take the series back here on home ice. GO CANUCKS!!!
So far in this series the Canucks have won both games I've watched at a bar, and lost the three I watched at home or at a friend's place. So, naturally, I will be returning to the same bar where I watched Games One and Three for the game tomorrow night. Not that I'm superstitious or anything.
I am also going to wear every piece of Vancouver Canucks clothing I own (not including items in storage) as well as boxers with shamrocks on them - all in the hopes that it will help support the Canucks to a huge victory! It will look ridiculous, but that's fine - the playoffs are not about fashion (perhaps that's why Sean Avery's teams never go anywhere in the post-season?). My outfit will look something like this:
Aside from the shoes, socks, jeans and belt, every piece of clothing is Canucks/shamrock related (the boxers will NOT be Britney-style over the pants, they're just there for the photo). I will have my Canucks hoodie on underneath my jersey, and be wearing my hat. Not sure if I will actually wear the scarf the whole night, but I may. The towel will be waving at every opportune moment, the view of the people behind me be damned.So that's what I feel I've gotta do. My message to Canucks fans is "DO WHAT YA GOTTA DO!"
If you believe in voodoo then poke the hell out of your Nikolai Khabibulin and Dustin Byfuglien dolls. If you are superstitious then stick a horseshoe on a lucky rabbit's foot and hope for the best. Personally, I never ever pray for the outcome of a sporting event - but if you're religious and feel comfortable praying for a Canucks victory then by all means ask for a little divine assistance!
Here's hoping for a Game Six victory and a chance to take the series back here on home ice. GO CANUCKS!!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
More playoff beard fun
Hope you enjoyed the first installment of "Pete's Playoff Beard" a few days ago. Hopefully the Canucks pull their socks up (let's just not talk about last night, okay?) so his beard has a chance to reach Grizzly Adams-esque proportions soon.
Speaking of playoff beards, here are a couple more fun stories that I recently came across. First off there is this entertaining read from The Hockey News, featuring some wicked photos of Chris Mason and Scott Neidermayer, as well as some advice on how to tell playoff-Daniel from playoff-Henrik.
Secondly, there is this commercial which was posted on Puck Daddy two weeks ago. It is YouTube gold:
Too bad the boys in the ad couldn't help Sidney Crosby out. The dude is trying but, as you can see from this picture, not succeeding very well in his playoff beard efforts.
Speaking of playoff beards, here are a couple more fun stories that I recently came across. First off there is this entertaining read from The Hockey News, featuring some wicked photos of Chris Mason and Scott Neidermayer, as well as some advice on how to tell playoff-Daniel from playoff-Henrik.
Secondly, there is this commercial which was posted on Puck Daddy two weeks ago. It is YouTube gold:
Too bad the boys in the ad couldn't help Sidney Crosby out. The dude is trying but, as you can see from this picture, not succeeding very well in his playoff beard efforts.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The "Toronto Maple Leafs Facebook page"
As regular readers will know, 'Nucks and Pucks has made a habit of mocking the Toronto Maple Leafs again and again. And again and again and again and again and again and again. So I highly entertained when I saw this "official" Maple Leafs Facebook page at the Leafs blog Down Goes Brown.
Do check it out, this is brilliant stuff. Many of the feeds are lough-out-loud funny. I especially enjoyed:
- June 27, 2008: Bryan McCabe writing "That sucks! Won't be the same around here without you!" in response to the news that "Darcy Tucker has left the group The Muskoka Five."
- Bob Gainey poking Mats Sundin multiple times before getting blocked by Mats in September.
- December 18, 2008: "Mats Sundin and Leafs Nation changed their relationship status to "It's Complicated."
- "Curtis Joseph completed the quiz "Which 1990s Maple Leaf are you?" with the result "You are Curtis Joseph."
- April 13, 2009: Ian White, Luke Schenn, Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman, Mikhail Grabovski, Martin Gerber and Ron Wilson added Switzerland to the Places I've Been application.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Pete's Playoff Beard - Part 1
My buddy Pete has decided to grow a playoff beard for the Canucks postseason run, and I thought it would be entertaining to document the progress of what will hopefully be a beard worthy of Confucius come mid-June. Fortunately Pete also thought this was a good idea - otherwise this ongoing feature would be both creepy and borderline illegal. Enjoy!
This is Pete's beard as of May 3, 2009. The Canucks began their playoff quest on April 15.
This is Pete's beard as of May 3, 2009. The Canucks began their playoff quest on April 15.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Nazzy retiring?
Unconfirmed news came today that current NY Ranger, and all-time awesome Canuck, Markus Naslund may be hanging up the skates for good. You can read the TSN report for more details, or check out Puck Daddy for a detailed explanation of how Nazzy, in his usually classy way, put the team ahead of his own interests.
In short, the Rangers would have had to pay him $2 million if they bought out his contract, which was a likely scenario given the team's cap-crunch. By retiring Naslund forgoes the $2 million but saves the Rangers valuable cap space for next season and the one after. How many pro athletes would forego that kind of cash to avoid screwing over a team with which they had only spent one season?
It is sad that Naslund did not retire a Canuck, but no doubt he expected more from himself in his new start in New York. His numbers this season were decent, but not Naslund-like: 24 goals and 22 assists for 46 points in 82 games. This continues the downward trend since his brilliant 104-point campaign in 2002-03.
Naslund will go down as one of the greatest Canucks of all-time. He holds club records for goals and points, and was peer-voted to win the Lester B. Pearson Trophy in 2003. While he wasn't the same heart-and-soul type of player as Trevor Linden and Stan Smyl, he was nonetheless an excellent captain in his own quiet way - though the burden of the 'C' did seem to be wearing on him as the seasons dragged on.
I hope, and expect, that Naslund's number will one day be hanging alongside Smyl and Linden in the rafters of GM Place. We will have to wait for the official announcement before reflecting too much further on Naslund and his impact on the Canucks organization, but here's wishing Markus all the best with his future plans.
And I can't help but wonder, if he chooses to play a season in Sweden next year, if we might see Nazzy back on GM Place ice for one last hurrah with Team Sweden at the 2010 Olympics. I have a feeling that the applause would bring down the house.
Friday, May 1, 2009
2009 Playoffs: Round Two Predictions
Well the conference semi-finals are underway, and there some brilliant match-ups - most notably, what should be an amazing Pittsburgh-Washington series. So without further ado, here are my picks for the NHL Playoffs' Round Two:
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins (1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6) - Bruins in 6
The Bruins manhandled the Canadiens in the opening round, but that isn't saying much given the fact that the Habs were essentially The Titanic on ice this season. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have all the momentum in the world after their spectacular comeback against the Devils in Game 7. However, the 'Canes are not good enough to stand up to this deep and tough Bruins squad, though I think they will steal a couple games. Oh yeah, and if you haven't seen the Game 7 comeback yet then check this out, it is amazing stuff:
Washington Capitals (2) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (4) - Penguins in 6
Superstar Ovechkin vs. superstar Crosby. Hart Trophy candidate Ovechkin vs. Hart Trophy candidate Malkin. A Russian rookie between the pipes for the Caps. Two of the most exciting teams in the NHL, each of them with a huge hate-on for the other. This should be an amazing series with all kinds of storylines and subplots. The Caps are a great team, and if Sergei Fedorov continues to play like it's 1994 then they could take it. But I think the Pens will get to Simeon Varlamov and rattle his confidence, and I think they are a deeper and better team. And if you need any more reasons to watch, just think how awesome it will be if Crosby and Ovechkin get in a fight.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (2) vs. Anaheim Ducks (8) - Red Wings in 7
Anaheim is a scary opponent (hands up Canucks fans who are stoked not to be playing the Ducks in this series). Just two seasons removed from winning the Cup, and with a roster stocked with the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Chris Pronger, Scott Neidermayer, Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan, the Ducks are well-placed to score another upset. However Detroit is still Detroit. They have the deepest roster in the league, a handful of superstars (headlined by Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Lidstrom) and are the defending champions. I think the Ducks will give them a good run, but am picking the Wings to prevail.
Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (4) - Canucks in 5
I am counting on the 'Hawks to win one on home ice, but I do not like their chances in this series. Luongo is on fire, despite allowing three goals last game, and the depth players are stepping up huge for the Canucks. I would like to see the 'Nucks defencemen throw their weight around more against the skilled Blackhawks players, and I expect that we will see Mitchell, Ohlund, Bieksa et al. do just that against Kane and Toews in the coming games. The 'Hawks are a good team, but the Canucks are that much better and more experienced. Sock it to 'em boys!
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins (1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6) - Bruins in 6
The Bruins manhandled the Canadiens in the opening round, but that isn't saying much given the fact that the Habs were essentially The Titanic on ice this season. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have all the momentum in the world after their spectacular comeback against the Devils in Game 7. However, the 'Canes are not good enough to stand up to this deep and tough Bruins squad, though I think they will steal a couple games. Oh yeah, and if you haven't seen the Game 7 comeback yet then check this out, it is amazing stuff:
Washington Capitals (2) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (4) - Penguins in 6
Superstar Ovechkin vs. superstar Crosby. Hart Trophy candidate Ovechkin vs. Hart Trophy candidate Malkin. A Russian rookie between the pipes for the Caps. Two of the most exciting teams in the NHL, each of them with a huge hate-on for the other. This should be an amazing series with all kinds of storylines and subplots. The Caps are a great team, and if Sergei Fedorov continues to play like it's 1994 then they could take it. But I think the Pens will get to Simeon Varlamov and rattle his confidence, and I think they are a deeper and better team. And if you need any more reasons to watch, just think how awesome it will be if Crosby and Ovechkin get in a fight.
Western Conference
Detroit Red Wings (2) vs. Anaheim Ducks (8) - Red Wings in 7
Anaheim is a scary opponent (hands up Canucks fans who are stoked not to be playing the Ducks in this series). Just two seasons removed from winning the Cup, and with a roster stocked with the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Chris Pronger, Scott Neidermayer, Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan, the Ducks are well-placed to score another upset. However Detroit is still Detroit. They have the deepest roster in the league, a handful of superstars (headlined by Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Lidstrom) and are the defending champions. I think the Ducks will give them a good run, but am picking the Wings to prevail.
Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (4) - Canucks in 5
I am counting on the 'Hawks to win one on home ice, but I do not like their chances in this series. Luongo is on fire, despite allowing three goals last game, and the depth players are stepping up huge for the Canucks. I would like to see the 'Nucks defencemen throw their weight around more against the skilled Blackhawks players, and I expect that we will see Mitchell, Ohlund, Bieksa et al. do just that against Kane and Toews in the coming games. The 'Hawks are a good team, but the Canucks are that much better and more experienced. Sock it to 'em boys!
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