Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please...
If you've been watching, you'll already know what I am about to tell everyone who FOOLISHLY HAS NOT BEEN WATCHING THE NHL PLAYOFFS EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM TO LAST WEEK. If you haven't been, then lucky for you, its not too late. In fact, I think the greatness of these playoffs is just beginning. But, before we look ahead, lets take a moment to recap whats started these playoffs out as the maybe the best I've ever seen.
All over but the crying:
A special thanks to the following two series for making me look like I may know what I am talking about.
Red Wings vs The Franchise Formerly Known as Phoenix
Sweep central here. I picked the Wings in 5, because its hard to sweep an NHL team. That little fact is why part of the reason why the Wings showed me some scary stuff in the first round. Compound that with the fact that they did it without heart-and-soul-two-way-forward-who-plays-even-better-in-the-playoffs-conn-smythe-winner Henrik Zetterberg, and without the Mule for the 4th game, and I'd say that these Wings were maybe on cruise control for much longer than anyone thought this season. That would make sense, considering their age and experience. I am sure Babcock thought they could turn it on, if they were coasting, and he was very correct. This series just reinforced my opinion that the Wings are a Finals team, especially with the extra rest they will now get.
Caps vs Rangers
The Caps proved a lot in this series. Coming from 3-0 down to win in 2OT in game four will be the defining game for this team if they make a deep run, which they are going to do. The Rangers came in to the series confident, despite being the lowly 8 seed, and played very well. The Caps were able to exorcise their past playoff demons, thanks largely to their new found defensive commitment. The caps are the ONLY team in the east that look at all good, so my thoughts on them making the finals is not changed at all either. I feel like regardless of who they get from now until the SCF, they probably win in 5, 6 if they have an off goalie night. Either way, congrats Caps fans, you are sitting pretty.
3-2's (AKA Everyone else):
Buffalo vs Sillydelphia
When the Flyers inevitably lose this series, there are two people to put the blame for this most epic of disappointments on: Mike Richards and Peter Laviolette, and here's why; lack of leadership is killing this team. First, losing games to Buffalo is embarrassing. But to come out and go down 3 (count 'em, 3) goals to Buffalo in the most pivotal game of the series in game 5, AFTER the opposing coach called you whiners? How does that happen? If anyone wants to talk about how the Flyers came back and almost won, let me point out that they lost. As in, they didn't win, and they didn't deserve to. Most of this blame has to go to Richards. He is the captain. It is his job to emotionally lead the team, on and off the ice. If I was the captain of a team that pulled that crap, I'd be pretty embarrassed. But just blaming Richards ignores maybe the worst coaching decision of the last 5 years (in the playoffs anyway): The goalie carousel that is the Flyers. Quick question, and if you think you have any sort of rational answer, please post it in the comments, because I'd love to hear it; how is Michael Leighton even getting a sniff of the ice, let alone ACTUALLY PLAYING IN A PLAYOFF GAME? Bobrovsky played well in game 1, and game 2 you could argue that he wasn't at his best. But let me point something out to you: Bob let in 3 in the first, BUT SO DID RYAN MILLER. There are periods like that in hockey, where goals just go in. Its just one of those things, just like there are periods where every shot hits every post, stick handle, and part of the net without going in. You roll with those. However, Laviolette did not agree with that idea. Here is exactly what went through his mind, 'We have been playing terrible, and if I let Bob in and he doesn't play well, then it's MY fault for not pulling him. If I pull him and Boucher stinks, well, what could I have done.' Pulling Bob was the wrong move, especially from a long run perspective. If you stick with him through that first period, I guarantee you he has new found confidence because they stuck with him, both long term and short term. But not only does Laviolette pull him, he DOESN'T EVEN DRESS HIM NEXT GAME. Are you f*cking kidding me (literally my thought when I found that out). Thats pretty unprecedented. Your game 1 and 2 starting goalie isn't good enough to even dress anymore? Makes great sense. I'd rather have the guy who didn't play all year, wasn't claimed off of waivers OR re-entry waivers, and who let in the weakest Cup clinching goal of all time (like he doesn't have the most fragile confidence in the playoffs of any goalie outside of Robert Long). Yep, I'd rather have him than the kid that not only got us here, but the future of our franchise. Two serious questions; 1) do you think the Red Wings would ever pull something like this (as they pretty much do stuff the right way) and 2) do you really think the Flyers have any shot at winning a cup with the tandem of Boucher and Leighton? I'll give you a hint, the answers are the same, and they rhyme with 'smell ducking snow.' In any event, the Flyguys are crashing and burning right now. I'll be happy for Ryan Miller to win a playoff series. He deserves it. Sorry Flyers fans, its sad to see such a good team go down so epicly.
Boston vs Habeneros (thats an approximate translation)
They say that a series doesn't start until the home team wins, right? I feel like I'm getting that wrong, but it works here, so whatever. This series is a bit of madness. Great to watch, and absurdly unpredictable. I picked the Canadiens in 5, which was easily my dumbest guess from a games perspective, but thats okay. I have loved the insanity of the series thus far. Literally, I have no idea how this finishes. The Habs could easily win the last 2, or they could get punked hard next game. Who knows. Either way, it'll be fun to watch. I just feel like Carey Price is a better bet than Tim 'Lucksack' Thomas. But maybe thats just me.
Pittsburgh vs Tampa Bay
Well, as interesting as this series is, with Malkin and Crosby dead, and Stamkos going to Cabo with Jessica Simpson until game 5, I am intrigued that the Penguins are winning. More than anything, it tells me that the Bolts are probably 2 years away from serious cup contention, because the Penguins aren't good enough to win a playoff series otherwise. You'll see in the next round, although, I get the feeling that maybe the lightning have finally decided to play. They could still win this. Tune in to see.
Vancouver vs Chicity
Well, the 3-0 hole wasn't good. But, leave it to the mentally frail Robert Long to lead the choke fest. The Blackhawks are getting hot, and Luongo is getting to be a liability. I am incredibly dubious of the Sedins ability to lead through adversity, and the Blackhawks are the Canucks biggest demon. You never want to be playing just to escape a series, and thats what the 'nucks are doing now. Bad, bad news. I stick by my pick, even though the 3-0 is nearly impossible to overcome. Hawks in 7.
Kings vs Sharks
Ugh, 4 goal lead blown. But, to come out the next game and go up 3-0 in the first again? Impressive resiliency. Thats mental toughness, and thats leadership. What don't the sharks have? Leadership (in my opinion). True, something got them to rally from 4-0 to win in OT, but I'm not ready to say that one game proves the previously mentioned big named sharks players are actually leaders. Rather, I think its worse that they don't show up to play the first period in any game. I think the Kings are playing better than the Sharks. The home ice for the Sharks doesn't faze the Kings, who are a better road team than a home team at times. Game 7 in San Jose? I'm taking Kings. Drew Doughty, just get me there.
Nashville vs Emilio Esteves (is that a court case?)
The series has lived up to the expectations. Scrappy, gritty, tight. Tough, tough games. Beautiful. Game 5 was the defining game, I think, not because it was a game 5 so much as the way Nashville refused to lose. I don't think they are as talented as Anaheim, but the are a better team, and they will not stop fighting. I love that in a playoff team. They get two cracks at finishing off the Ducks, and I expect them to do it in their first chance. That OT loss has to have a hang over, so expect Nashville to get the early jump in game 6. Congrats to them when they pull it off.
Other news and notes:
People need to relax about the Phillies not hitting anything but singles. They are winning, and thats how they are going to win. If you hit a single and want a double, steal second. They are playing just how they need to. Credit to Chuckie Manuel.
Shout out to the Pacers. Its a shame they won't win that series, and that they are playing the Bulls. I wish that somehow, the Pacers could have played the Lakers (I know they are in different conferences people, but this is my fantasy) because they would destroy them. Like the Thunder are going to do later. Bwahahahaha.
Cleveland Indians, keep it going chums. Looking good. Baltimore, you are killing me.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Scrambled Sack
Hello boys and babes, and welcome to this weeks Goalie Fights. This week is a little bit of everything because, as much as there is going on in sports right now (NHL playoffs, NBA playoffs, MLB) there isn't really anything big to write about. So lets go random!
First, NBA playoffs. I am by no means an NBA expert, so pretty much anything I say on the matter, probably assume that its wrong. That said, I am picking a Heat vs Thunder finals, with the heat winning in 6. The Bulls are good, but I think the Heat are more experienced (and apparently experience means something in the NBA playoffs, or at least so I'm told). The west is just old, and I feel like the youth of that conference will prevail (also, Durantula. C'mon). In the end, again with the experience, I think the Heat triumph. But really, who the hell knows.
I assume you all are watching the NHL playoffs. If you aren't, what the hell is the matter with you, its the NHL playoffs. Whether you have been watching or not, here is exactly why you need to be. Game 2 of the Wings vs Coyotes series, Johan Franzen got run face first into the boards. That is not a pleasant experience, as I am sure Mr. Franzen would attest to, and as evidenced by both the cut on his eyebrow and his mashed up nose. If you didn't see it, imagine your best friends face if they saw Snooki naked, then add blood to that face. Yeah, ouch. Now, if this is pretty much any other sport, he's out for the game. But, because this is a sport played by dudes who only care about winning and being men, he showed up on the bench a little later stitched up, with some cotton up his nose, and looking to get back out there, like a boss. Franzen happens to be one of the guys who still plays without a face shield, and he returned to the bench still sans face shield. The Red Wings coach, Mike Babcock, started ripping into the trainer who stitched him for not putting a shield on him. In the highlight, you can read the trainers lips when he responds, and I quote, "he won't put the f*cking thing on." So Babcock looks and Franzen (who is Swedish, by the way) with a look of disbelief. Franzen? Just shakes his head that he won't wear it, goes out there, and cracks some skulls. How is hockey not the number one sport in America? Spare me your excuses. Also, the Datsyuk between the legs shot/rebound/DarrenHelmGoal spectacular? Please start watching hockey if you don't.
Now, what I am about to propose is going to, initially, cause you to immediately say 'that is literally the worst idea I've ever heard,' but hear me out. I hereby propose a Caddyshack remake. Yes, I said it, and I am serious. Take a moment to process that thought...
...and great. Now that you are done crying with laughter/sorrow, here's why it doesn't have to be how terrible you just imagined it. Recently, tons of remakes have come out, and they have been more or less travesties. The reason, however, that they are so bad is because they try to essentially update the previous movie to today's technology/social feel, and that totally kills what made the original good. I think Caddyshack is amazing, so destroying it or otherwise altering it isn't what my aim is here. Instead of remaking it just to update it, I think it should get remade to honor and celebrate the original. Don't let the new actors try and make the movie their own. Have them replicate what the original actors did, thereby saying, 'Hey, you guys kicked ass. We are all good actors hear to celebrate how much ass kicking you originally did.' I think remaking it with that sort of attitude would totally make the Caddyshack remake acceptable, because its not a replacement. Its some of todays best actors/actresses saluting their predecessors. Let me give you my selections for the cast, then you can cast your final judgement on the idea.
Ty Webb: Vince Vaughn
Al Czervik: Will Smith
Judge Smails: Robin Williams
Carl Spackler: Adam Sandler
Danny Noonan: Hunter Parish
Sarah Holcomb: Emma Stone
Tony D'annuzio: Andrew Garfield
Lacey Underall: Scarlett Johansson
I can hear you bitching about the Sandler pick, but look, I am not saying he is as good as Bill Murray. No one is Bill Murray. I am saying that Sandler did Happy Gilmore (classic golf movie) and is one of the few who could properly recreate the quirkiness of Murray's Spackler. Remember, I don't want Sandler's Spackler, I want Sandler recreating Murray's Spackler. Its a cinderella story.
Finally, Dwight Howard put up huge numbers in the Magic's loss to the Hawks. He is an elite player. Probably, eventually, a HOF player. But the Magic are essentially the Cavs. They have given one of the top 5 players in the game today nothing to work with. Take Howard off that team, and the Magic and Cavs would be competing for who was the most futile supporting cast left behind. So I am calling out to Dwight. Go to Philly. There is a team without a superstar, yet plays awesome basketball. There is a team that is a phenomenal supporting cast waiting for a superstar to take them to the title. Philly, clear cap space and get him. I don't care how, just make it happen.
I just saw a Michelle Wie commercial. How does she still have endorsement deals? No offense to the LPGA players, because all of them could crush me on any given course, but Michelle Wie isn't just an LPGA player (try naming 3 other LPGA golfers). She's an irrelevant LPGA golfer. They don't even cover her missing cuts anymore. I instantly forgot who the commercial was for on principle, but whoever you are, faceless advertiser, don't give me Michelle Wie. Michelle Beadle, sure. But giving me Wie is like weeing on my face. We need Wie less than we need to wee after 6 hours on a Wii, oui?
Happy Sunday to all, and to all a good week.
First, NBA playoffs. I am by no means an NBA expert, so pretty much anything I say on the matter, probably assume that its wrong. That said, I am picking a Heat vs Thunder finals, with the heat winning in 6. The Bulls are good, but I think the Heat are more experienced (and apparently experience means something in the NBA playoffs, or at least so I'm told). The west is just old, and I feel like the youth of that conference will prevail (also, Durantula. C'mon). In the end, again with the experience, I think the Heat triumph. But really, who the hell knows.
I assume you all are watching the NHL playoffs. If you aren't, what the hell is the matter with you, its the NHL playoffs. Whether you have been watching or not, here is exactly why you need to be. Game 2 of the Wings vs Coyotes series, Johan Franzen got run face first into the boards. That is not a pleasant experience, as I am sure Mr. Franzen would attest to, and as evidenced by both the cut on his eyebrow and his mashed up nose. If you didn't see it, imagine your best friends face if they saw Snooki naked, then add blood to that face. Yeah, ouch. Now, if this is pretty much any other sport, he's out for the game. But, because this is a sport played by dudes who only care about winning and being men, he showed up on the bench a little later stitched up, with some cotton up his nose, and looking to get back out there, like a boss. Franzen happens to be one of the guys who still plays without a face shield, and he returned to the bench still sans face shield. The Red Wings coach, Mike Babcock, started ripping into the trainer who stitched him for not putting a shield on him. In the highlight, you can read the trainers lips when he responds, and I quote, "he won't put the f*cking thing on." So Babcock looks and Franzen (who is Swedish, by the way) with a look of disbelief. Franzen? Just shakes his head that he won't wear it, goes out there, and cracks some skulls. How is hockey not the number one sport in America? Spare me your excuses. Also, the Datsyuk between the legs shot/rebound/DarrenHelmGoal spectacular? Please start watching hockey if you don't.
Now, what I am about to propose is going to, initially, cause you to immediately say 'that is literally the worst idea I've ever heard,' but hear me out. I hereby propose a Caddyshack remake. Yes, I said it, and I am serious. Take a moment to process that thought...
...and great. Now that you are done crying with laughter/sorrow, here's why it doesn't have to be how terrible you just imagined it. Recently, tons of remakes have come out, and they have been more or less travesties. The reason, however, that they are so bad is because they try to essentially update the previous movie to today's technology/social feel, and that totally kills what made the original good. I think Caddyshack is amazing, so destroying it or otherwise altering it isn't what my aim is here. Instead of remaking it just to update it, I think it should get remade to honor and celebrate the original. Don't let the new actors try and make the movie their own. Have them replicate what the original actors did, thereby saying, 'Hey, you guys kicked ass. We are all good actors hear to celebrate how much ass kicking you originally did.' I think remaking it with that sort of attitude would totally make the Caddyshack remake acceptable, because its not a replacement. Its some of todays best actors/actresses saluting their predecessors. Let me give you my selections for the cast, then you can cast your final judgement on the idea.
Ty Webb: Vince Vaughn
Al Czervik: Will Smith
Judge Smails: Robin Williams
Carl Spackler: Adam Sandler
Danny Noonan: Hunter Parish
Sarah Holcomb: Emma Stone
Tony D'annuzio: Andrew Garfield
Lacey Underall: Scarlett Johansson
I can hear you bitching about the Sandler pick, but look, I am not saying he is as good as Bill Murray. No one is Bill Murray. I am saying that Sandler did Happy Gilmore (classic golf movie) and is one of the few who could properly recreate the quirkiness of Murray's Spackler. Remember, I don't want Sandler's Spackler, I want Sandler recreating Murray's Spackler. Its a cinderella story.
Finally, Dwight Howard put up huge numbers in the Magic's loss to the Hawks. He is an elite player. Probably, eventually, a HOF player. But the Magic are essentially the Cavs. They have given one of the top 5 players in the game today nothing to work with. Take Howard off that team, and the Magic and Cavs would be competing for who was the most futile supporting cast left behind. So I am calling out to Dwight. Go to Philly. There is a team without a superstar, yet plays awesome basketball. There is a team that is a phenomenal supporting cast waiting for a superstar to take them to the title. Philly, clear cap space and get him. I don't care how, just make it happen.
I just saw a Michelle Wie commercial. How does she still have endorsement deals? No offense to the LPGA players, because all of them could crush me on any given course, but Michelle Wie isn't just an LPGA player (try naming 3 other LPGA golfers). She's an irrelevant LPGA golfer. They don't even cover her missing cuts anymore. I instantly forgot who the commercial was for on principle, but whoever you are, faceless advertiser, don't give me Michelle Wie. Michelle Beadle, sure. But giving me Wie is like weeing on my face. We need Wie less than we need to wee after 6 hours on a Wii, oui?
Happy Sunday to all, and to all a good week.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Lord of the Cup
For a blog called Goalie Fights, I should probably write more hockey. But, I'm an equal opportunity writer with all sports, just like you are equal opportunity readers (which, by the way, I humbly thank each and every one of you who read my blog every sunday). So, lets take this week as an opportunity to preview the upcoming NHL Playoffs, and see if we can't figure out a winner.
Eastern conference:
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers
The Rangers have dominated this series this year, 3-1 in wins with an 18-6 goal margin (which, for you math impaired out there, is 3-1 in goals. that is irony, atlantic marmoset). Despite this, I'm taking Caps. They are getting better and better, which is encouraging because it shows me that they are learning how to win in a playoff style system. The caps failed the last few years because they were all offense, which wins regular season games, but not playoff games (see: san jose sharks teams of the last decade). This year, however, they have been defensively minded. They have struggled at times because it is unnatural for them to play that way due to the offensive talent on the Caps, but now that they have adjusted, they are terrifying. They know how to grind out playoff wins, they still have great offense, and they have 3 shots at finding a lock down goaltender (Holtby, Neuvirth, and Varlamov). I've seen Holtby play live a lot this year, and he is legit. Watch for him in the NHL All Star Game in a few years. Prediction: Caps in 6
Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres
The Flyers are bad right now. I wanted to pick against them, but I think Buffalo is pretty much the only team they could get that won't exploit how bad they are right now. Granted, Ryan Miller can win a series by himself, but he hasn't seemed quite as dominate this year (fatigued, I think, from years of already carrying the Sabres) and the Sabres suck. So, yeah, lucky you Flyers. Prediction: Flyers in 6
Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens
I honestly think this is the worst matchup of the whole playoffs. The Canadiens are riding a good goalie (see the Sabres) and the Bruins are collapsing like a dying star. The winner of this series is fodder for the next round, so meh, whatever. Ultimately, I think Carey Price will continue to dominate the Bruins (Montreal leads the season series 4-2). Prediction: Habs in 5 (sorry Coach Ferry)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The series was an even 2-2 this year. The Lightning are a team on the cusp of being a legit powerhouse. The Pens seem more and more to be a team on the precipice of getting torn down to rebuild around Crosby. Even still, this is a pretty even matchup. I want the Lightning to win, because the seem to have the most chance to blow up a good team (I'm looking at you Flyers), but the Penguins are veteran laden. No Crosby is a huge hole though. Prediction: Bolts in 7
Western Conference
Vancouver Sedins vs Chicago Blackhawks
These teams haven't played in a while, but its worth noting the series is an even 2-2. Vancouver is the love child of every hockey analyst ever, and the spot on pick to hoist the cup. The Blackhawks are the defending Champions, and riding an emotional high into the playoffs, thanks to the Minnesota Wild pwning the Dallas Stars (which is awesome. take that team who formerly occupied our state!) Sneaking in is definitely an advantage (again, looking at you Flyers). I am going to say that the Canucks have been playing peak all year, and have no better hockey stashed away, which is not a compliment. Every Cup winner saves their best for last. Also, the Canucks just make me believe that they are the Sharks reincarnate. Or the Caps of last year. Either way, bad news bears. You heard it hear first boys and girls, the Canucks have no shot at the cup. Prediction: Blackhawks in 7
San Jose Sharks vs Los Angeles Kings
Season series is 3-3. LA plays better on the road, but crappy lately. Sharks are still the sharks, just without Nabokov (who, btw, always had great stats, even in the playoffs. Leadership is non existent on this team (Joe Thornton, Dany Heatly, Jonathan Cheechoo). I literally don't know how the Kings will win, but I always think that, but pick against the Sharks anyway, and I inevitably end up being correct. Prediction: Kings in 7
Detroit Red Wings vs Winnipeg Jets (because the coyotes are just on loan)
A rematch of an opening round matchup last year, I don't see a lot of difference, other than the Yotes aren't quite as good this year, and the Red Wings have been healthier this year. Regardless, this plays out the same in my mind. Prediction: Wings in 5
Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators
As good as the Ducks have been, you cannot ignore the fact that the Preds own the season series 3-1 AND played in the best division in hockey all year (debatable, but I'm saying I am right). There is something about the Preds that I like. Not sure what it is, but they have spunk. If they make it past the Ducks, who are quite dangerous, I think they are the sleeper WCF team. Beware the Preds. Prediction: Preds in 6
Eastern Conference Finals
Capitals vs Flyers
I've explained why I love the Caps. The Flyers are lacking leadership, which is why they do not play a full 60 mins ever. That said, the opening round against the Sabres should propel them to playing better. As long as they can avoid playing the Lightning, they should make it. The Caps will roll whoever they play. Prediction: Caps in 6 (if it goes 7, Philly)
Western Conference Finals
Red Wings vs Predators
I really am low in my confidence with these picks, but with the 'Nucks out, I don't really see a whole lot of opposition to this pick. Besides, you need to show some sack if you want to get things right. Red Wings are the better of these two, and there isn't anything hidden in this matchup. Prediciton: Red Wings
Stanley Cup Finals
Red Wings vs Capitals
In a rematch that sadly does not feature Olaf Kolzig nor Dougie Brown, we get a chance to see the last shot for a rapidly aging Detroit powerhouse. On the flip side, I think this is the apex of the Caps building and growing for the last few years. The Caps are better, younger, and will have more energy. The Wings are more experienced, aware of their closing window, and still skilled. On paper, the Caps look like a winner in 5 games. In reality, there is a reason we play the games. The Wings will not go softly into the night. Prediction: The Washington Capitals will hoist it in 7. Rock the Red Washington, you are a fan base that deserves it. And yes Craig, I picked the Caps over the Wings.
Side notes:
Tiger was soooooo close. Alas, no dice, but he looked promising. Lets hope, for all our sake.
Manny retired rather than serve a 100 game suspension for PEDs. He asked if he could just sit on the Catwalk at the Trop for 50 games, but Bud Selig was afraid his shrunken testicles may become stuck in the grating of the walk.
Mel Kiper is a hack. How that man gets paid to do what he does, I do not understand.
Beware the Orioles. AL wild card team. You read it here first.
Eastern conference:
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers
The Rangers have dominated this series this year, 3-1 in wins with an 18-6 goal margin (which, for you math impaired out there, is 3-1 in goals. that is irony, atlantic marmoset). Despite this, I'm taking Caps. They are getting better and better, which is encouraging because it shows me that they are learning how to win in a playoff style system. The caps failed the last few years because they were all offense, which wins regular season games, but not playoff games (see: san jose sharks teams of the last decade). This year, however, they have been defensively minded. They have struggled at times because it is unnatural for them to play that way due to the offensive talent on the Caps, but now that they have adjusted, they are terrifying. They know how to grind out playoff wins, they still have great offense, and they have 3 shots at finding a lock down goaltender (Holtby, Neuvirth, and Varlamov). I've seen Holtby play live a lot this year, and he is legit. Watch for him in the NHL All Star Game in a few years. Prediction: Caps in 6
Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres
The Flyers are bad right now. I wanted to pick against them, but I think Buffalo is pretty much the only team they could get that won't exploit how bad they are right now. Granted, Ryan Miller can win a series by himself, but he hasn't seemed quite as dominate this year (fatigued, I think, from years of already carrying the Sabres) and the Sabres suck. So, yeah, lucky you Flyers. Prediction: Flyers in 6
Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens
I honestly think this is the worst matchup of the whole playoffs. The Canadiens are riding a good goalie (see the Sabres) and the Bruins are collapsing like a dying star. The winner of this series is fodder for the next round, so meh, whatever. Ultimately, I think Carey Price will continue to dominate the Bruins (Montreal leads the season series 4-2). Prediction: Habs in 5 (sorry Coach Ferry)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The series was an even 2-2 this year. The Lightning are a team on the cusp of being a legit powerhouse. The Pens seem more and more to be a team on the precipice of getting torn down to rebuild around Crosby. Even still, this is a pretty even matchup. I want the Lightning to win, because the seem to have the most chance to blow up a good team (I'm looking at you Flyers), but the Penguins are veteran laden. No Crosby is a huge hole though. Prediction: Bolts in 7
Western Conference
Vancouver Sedins vs Chicago Blackhawks
These teams haven't played in a while, but its worth noting the series is an even 2-2. Vancouver is the love child of every hockey analyst ever, and the spot on pick to hoist the cup. The Blackhawks are the defending Champions, and riding an emotional high into the playoffs, thanks to the Minnesota Wild pwning the Dallas Stars (which is awesome. take that team who formerly occupied our state!) Sneaking in is definitely an advantage (again, looking at you Flyers). I am going to say that the Canucks have been playing peak all year, and have no better hockey stashed away, which is not a compliment. Every Cup winner saves their best for last. Also, the Canucks just make me believe that they are the Sharks reincarnate. Or the Caps of last year. Either way, bad news bears. You heard it hear first boys and girls, the Canucks have no shot at the cup. Prediction: Blackhawks in 7
San Jose Sharks vs Los Angeles Kings
Season series is 3-3. LA plays better on the road, but crappy lately. Sharks are still the sharks, just without Nabokov (who, btw, always had great stats, even in the playoffs. Leadership is non existent on this team (Joe Thornton, Dany Heatly, Jonathan Cheechoo). I literally don't know how the Kings will win, but I always think that, but pick against the Sharks anyway, and I inevitably end up being correct. Prediction: Kings in 7
Detroit Red Wings vs Winnipeg Jets (because the coyotes are just on loan)
A rematch of an opening round matchup last year, I don't see a lot of difference, other than the Yotes aren't quite as good this year, and the Red Wings have been healthier this year. Regardless, this plays out the same in my mind. Prediction: Wings in 5
Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators
As good as the Ducks have been, you cannot ignore the fact that the Preds own the season series 3-1 AND played in the best division in hockey all year (debatable, but I'm saying I am right). There is something about the Preds that I like. Not sure what it is, but they have spunk. If they make it past the Ducks, who are quite dangerous, I think they are the sleeper WCF team. Beware the Preds. Prediction: Preds in 6
Eastern Conference Finals
Capitals vs Flyers
I've explained why I love the Caps. The Flyers are lacking leadership, which is why they do not play a full 60 mins ever. That said, the opening round against the Sabres should propel them to playing better. As long as they can avoid playing the Lightning, they should make it. The Caps will roll whoever they play. Prediction: Caps in 6 (if it goes 7, Philly)
Western Conference Finals
Red Wings vs Predators
I really am low in my confidence with these picks, but with the 'Nucks out, I don't really see a whole lot of opposition to this pick. Besides, you need to show some sack if you want to get things right. Red Wings are the better of these two, and there isn't anything hidden in this matchup. Prediciton: Red Wings
Stanley Cup Finals
Red Wings vs Capitals
In a rematch that sadly does not feature Olaf Kolzig nor Dougie Brown, we get a chance to see the last shot for a rapidly aging Detroit powerhouse. On the flip side, I think this is the apex of the Caps building and growing for the last few years. The Caps are better, younger, and will have more energy. The Wings are more experienced, aware of their closing window, and still skilled. On paper, the Caps look like a winner in 5 games. In reality, there is a reason we play the games. The Wings will not go softly into the night. Prediction: The Washington Capitals will hoist it in 7. Rock the Red Washington, you are a fan base that deserves it. And yes Craig, I picked the Caps over the Wings.
Side notes:
Tiger was soooooo close. Alas, no dice, but he looked promising. Lets hope, for all our sake.
Manny retired rather than serve a 100 game suspension for PEDs. He asked if he could just sit on the Catwalk at the Trop for 50 games, but Bud Selig was afraid his shrunken testicles may become stuck in the grating of the walk.
Mel Kiper is a hack. How that man gets paid to do what he does, I do not understand.
Beware the Orioles. AL wild card team. You read it here first.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Madness Redux
And then there were two...
The madness of the college basketball tournament is winding down now, down to just one last game on monday. Let's take a look back at some of the key moments of this tournament, as well as address a point I heard discussed on sports radio that made me absolutely furious, so that we can enter monday with full hearts and clear minds, knowing that Men's College Basketball is the supreme post-season in sports.
Well, lets get bad out first. My upset picks? I was incorrect, obviously. Belmont, Clemson, Utah State, Villanova? They combined for less wins than Morehead St. Classic. I don't really regret any of those picks from a knowledge perspective, although I am surprised NONE of them won. They were solid picks, they just didn't pan out. That happens.
Then, the final four. I happened to get 3 of the 4 wrong, which means I got one correct. Which is one more correct than most people (for the record, my ESPN bracket? 94.6 percentile). It was a hard year for getting the final four right. Pre-tourny, all the experts said it was a 'rock chalk' year (what a stupid expression, but thats a different discussion), and it seemed that way. I felt like they were correct, but I hate picking number 1 seeds to make it to the final four because they so rarely do. Thankfully, they didn't disappoint me in that regard, I just didn't get the other teams right. Meh.
The good. Richmond. They made the sweet sixteen, which is really respectable. I also will pat myself on the back and say I NAILED UCONN. I really enjoyed round after round the 'experts' repeating the sentiment that Uconn couldn't keep it up, Kemba Walker couldn't keep doing it by himself, Hershey's Cookies and Cream Bars have trans fat, blah blah blah. Fools. Jeremy Lamb has come into his own, Alex Oriakhi is a solid inside guy (probably the difference against UK. he killed the media darling Harrelson), and Napier's use as a pg is clear (and if it isn't, it gets Kemba off the ball and allows him to cut off screens and get open looks). Uconn is a good team, Calhoun is a good coach, and Kemba is a finisher. They are a great team.
Also, the demise of Duke and OSU happened right on schedule. True, it wasn't Texas that eventually wiped out Duke, but Arizona's coming out party for Derrick Williams was even more fun to watch than Rick Barnes sideline antics. AND watching the Butteyes get taken out by Kentucky was great, even though Calipari is pretty much a blight on college athletics. I am pretty pleased with their downfalls.
The ugly. Missed VCU, but really, I don't know how you'd get that right, unless you saw VCU like I saw Clemson. Perhaps. If you did, awesome for you.
Butler I feel like, even though they were an 8 seed, we all should have seen coming. Let's review the evidence and their bracket:
A) Shelvin Mack is a pro style point guard, Matt Howard is a hustler inside, and there are about 4 guys that can put up 10-15 on a given night, which is a defensive problem. So, they have players, and those players are loaded with experience after last year.
B) While he looks like a middle school math teacher, Brad Stevens can coach the shit out of a basketball team. This, we also knew before the tourny.
C) Their section of the bracket was primed for this to happen. To be specific: Old Dominion (meh), Pitt (Jamie Dixon cannot win in the tourny for reasons I have a theory about), Wisconsin/Kansas State (both had the look of overrated Cinderella fodder about them) and the Florida/BYU (both of whom were called overrated for their seeds). I am not saying that it was an easy road of a guaranteed final four birth, but compared to some of the other regions, this was definitely the region that gave Butler the best shot at making it back. Should have taken a chance on them.
So, overall, I stand by what I predicted. I need Uconn to close out, but regardless, its been a great tournament to watch, and thats what matters most. Which leads to part 2...
2) I love 97.5 the Fanatic. Its an FM philly sports talk radio. LOVE IT. Tony Bruno, Mike Missanelli, Mike and Mike in the morning, all great. But, the other day, Missanelli was arguing that not only was the NCAA final four shit because VCU was playing Butler, but that the fact that one of them was going to make the final made the whole NCAA tourny a sham as compared to the BCS, because the tournament does not 'find the best team in the country.' Now, let me drop some logic on you (btw, I typically love Missanelli, but I whole heartedly disagree with him on this one).
First, we will ignore the fact that he didn't like VCU vs Butler. He is entitled to his opinions. But the other argument is utter nonsense. First, the statement that the tournament 'doesn't find the best team in the country' implies that the BCS does. Which it doesn't. Which is the reason every year there is a cry to replace it. WITH A DAMNED TOURNAMENT. Now, you could say that the NCAA tourny lets in too many teams and that typically, the best team doesn't win it. That's fine, I'll accept that. But, I don't think the NCAA tournament is their necessarily to find the best team. It is there, I believe, to allow teams from 'lesser' conferences to prove that they can play with the big schools, to earn the respect they deserve, to give student athletes more opportunities to play one last basketball game, and to give the elite teams in the country a chance to show how good they really are. You can say whatever you want about the best team not winning it every year, but the tournament allows teams to prove they are good, and gives teams that would otherwise be ignored a chance to prove that maybe, they might actually be the best basketball team.
The BCS fails in so many ways, but the biggest way is that the so called 'best team in the nation' is almost always a questionable title. The BCS rarely PROVES that its champion is the best. If you win the NCAA tourny, you've proved something. You don't beat that many good teams, over that long a stretch, and not be a great team. I don't care what you say about being hot, lucky, etc. If you aren't great, you will lose a game at some point. The BCS leaves you wondering how great that winning team is. What if Boise State had EVER been given their crack at those title games? Their are so many what ifs with the BCS. The only what ifs their are in the tournament are, what if we had let even more teams in, how big would cinderella get then?
Ultimately, the BCS doesn't give you the best team in the nation. It gives you the best team of two teams a computer decided were best. Last time I checked, there was a reason we play the games. We play the games because winners win games, especially when it matters most. You don't prove someone is the best by saying they are the best. You don't prove you are the best by winning one game. You prove you are the best by beating the best teams, from every conference. You prove you are the best by playing. Not by voting.
Shout out to India for their cricket WC victory! Congrats! I don't understand cricket at all, but I respect the love those who do have for it. Hormuz and Akhil, enjoy some champion partying for me.
Also a shout out to Neil Walker. Nice first grand slam of the season! Pirates, making a run? Its not the craziest thing I've ever said (I once, under the influence of a 'cold soda' or two, in a heated baseball discussion, may have overstated the quality of Jorge Posada, and by that, I mean I may have said he was an all time great. I regret that comment, but my friends will not leave me out of it)
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