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.
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