Free Agency Begins
July 1st... Christmas time for most NHL players and fans as teams around the league retool and reload for next season.
No team has made more noise in the past 24 hours than the Montreal Canadiens. A day after picking up center Scott Gomez from the New York Rangers in a trade, the Canadiens added free agents, center Michael Cammalleri (5 years $30 million), defenceman Hal Gill (2 years $4.5million), forward Jaroslav Spacek (3 years $11.5 million) and forward Brian Gionta (5 years $25 million). No Hab fan can really be disappointed (except maybe in the Spacek pickup, but we'll see) in what GM Bob Gainey did today. Cammalleri will probably command the first line duty as center for the Canadiens, and this guy has been a solid performer, posting 39 goals and 43 assists last season with the Flames. Re-uniting Brian Gionta with Scott Gomez suddenly makes yesterdays unusual trade with the Rangers make a whole lot more sense. Gionta and Gomez were a great tandem together in New Jersey several years ago, and Gainey is banking on the pair to find that magic again. Solid marks to the Gainey and the Habs.
The New York Rangers, blessed with cap room after moving Scott Gomez yesterday, gave Glen Sather the green-light to start spending money wildly again. The Rangers picked up enforcer Donald Brashear (2 years $2.8 million... way too much money in my opinion) and forward Marion Gaborik (5 years $37.5 million). The Gaborik signing could either be a gem or the move that finally runs Sather out of New York depending on whether or not he can stay healthy... which has been a big problem for him the past few seasons. The Brashear signing most likely means the end of Blair Betts' days in New York since the last time the two saw one another, the former was wiping the latter's orbital bone off of his elbow.
The Vancouver Canucks re-signed the Sedin twins just prior to the noon free agency period this morning to identical 5 year deals worth $30.5 million. The Canucks are rumored to be working on long-term extension for their captain and goaltender Roberto Luongo as well.
The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up free agent defenceman Mike Komisarek for 5 years, $22.5 million, and former Rangers tough guy Colton Orr, for 4 years, $4 million.
The Washington Capitals acquired forward Mike Knuble for 2 years, $5.6 million.
The Chicago Blackhawks made another free agent splash picking up free agent forward Marian Hossa for 12 years, $62.8 million. Hossa opted to cash in this year rather than bet the farm on a one year deal with a contender like he did with Detroit last year... however, the Chicago Blackhawks are not far from being a contender themselves after making it to the Western Conference Finals last year.
The Edmonton Oilers who lost goaltender Dwayne Roloson to the New York Islanders (2 years $5 million) acted quickly and signed backstop Nikolai Khabibulin to a 4 year, $15 million deal. The Oilers are also currently working on trying to convince Ottawa Senators winger Dany Heatley to waive his no-trade clause and join their club. The Oilers have agreed with the Senators on a trade to move Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner, and Ladislav Smid to Ottawa for Heatley, but the deal fell through when he refused to accept. Heatley is now faced with the very real possibility that the Oilers may be he last chance to get out of Ottawa as the pool of suitors has all but dried up.
Busy day today and it is certainly not over. There should be plenty of more action over the next few days, and throughout the remainder of the summer. To keep up with all of the movement around the NHL, check out the free agent tracker TSN.ca has set up.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 30, 2009
Headed North
The New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens pulled off a big pre-UFA signing period deal this evening. The Rangers traded center Scott Gomez, winger Tom Pyatt, and defenceman Mike Busto to the Habs in exchange for forward Chris Higgins, and blueliners Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh, and Pavel Valentenko.
Gomez is coming off a pedestrian season where he scored only 58 points. GM Bob Gainey is looking for him to rebound in Montreal. The Rangers managed to clear considerable cap space ($7.35 million) off of their roster heading into tomorrow's noon unrestricted free agent opening. One can safely assume that they will dive right back in a give some lucky player a contract of ridiculous proportions. Now if Sather could only find someone to want to trade Wade Redden for.
The Calgary Flames who acquired the exclusive negotiating rights to defenceman Jay Bouwmeester from the Florida Panthers several days ago, made the most of the opportunity. The Flames and JB agreed to a 5 year contract worth $6.6 million per year. There have been rumors that the Flames were looking to swap defenceman Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators straight up for disgruntled winger Dany Heatley. The Bouwmeester signing could be a prelude to that.
Tomorrow at noon the gates and checkbooks will open. Stay tuned!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 26, 2009
Islanders draft John Tavares First Overall
Congratulations to the New York Islanders, and their fans. John Tavares is yours!
NY Islanders GM Garth Snow opened the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by making Tavares the first pick overall... and hopefully the cornerstone that will turn their franchise around... much the same way the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have in recent years.
I do sincerely this player propels the Islanders back to glory... I know that sounds off coming from a Rangers fan... but the cross-town rivalry has lost it's glow in the past two decades. From a purely selfish standpoint, it's going to be alot of fun watching this youngster blossom in the coming years. Congrats again Isles!
The Philadelphia Flyers managed to steal some of the thunder on draft day by acquiring Anaheim Ducks defenceman Chris Pronger. The Flyers mortgaged everything to obtain the monster blue-liner, trading Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa (their first round pick last year), their first round pick in 2009 (21st pick overall), their first round pick in 2010, and conditional 3rd rounder in 2010 or 2011. The Anaheim Ducks opted to trade Pronger on the heels of the news that defenceman Scott Neidermayer would return to play next year... and clearly picked up alot for Pronger. The Flyers did spend big time to acquire Pronger, and will have to move some salary before the start of the season in order to fit Pronger under the cap... but holy cow.... this team just shook the balance of the Eastern Conference. Make no mistake, the Flyers are going for it this year.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 18, 2009
NHL Awards
Although he and the Washington Capitals fell short during the post season, the NHL and it's players couldn't help but recognize Alexander Ovechkin's dominance throughout the regular season.
Ovechkin captured the Hart Trophy for the NHL MVP and the Lester B. Pearson Award for most outstanding player as voted on by the players. For the second straight season he also brought home the Rocket Richard Trophy for league lead in goals scored with 56. Ovechkin beat out countrymen Pittsburgh Penguin forward Evgeni Malkin and Detroit Red Wing Pavel Datsyuk for the Hart Trophy.
Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara captured his first Norris Trophy. Chara beat out Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom and Washington Capitals Mike Green. Chara had lost to Lidstrom twice before who has owned the Norris Trophy, winning 6 of the 8 times he's been nominated. While Chara's performance was impressive this season and helped the Bruins to the top of the Eastern Conference, I was a little surprised. I expected Washington blueliner Mike Green to bring this one home. Green scored 30 goals during the regular season, a feat that hadn't been accomplished since Kevin Hatcher did it in 1992-93 (which in itself is shocking).
Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas captured his first ever Vezina Trophy, beating out Columbus Blue Jackets' Steve Mason and the Minnesota Wild's Nicklas Backstrom. Thomas led all goaltenders with a goals-against average of 2.10 and a save percentage of .933. He also won a career-high 36 games for the Bruins. Not bad for a 35 year old goalie who has resurrected his career over the past few seasons and finally found a home in Beantown.
Here's a rundown of the rest of the awards:
Calder Trophy for NHL's Rookie of the Year: Columbus Blue Jackets - Steve Mason
Selke Trophy for NHL's Top Defensive Forward: Detroit Red Wings: - Pavel Datsyuk
Jack Adams Award for NHL's Top Coach: Boston Bruins: - Claude Julien
Lady Byng Trophy for NHL's most gentlemanly player: Detroit Red Wings - Pavel Datsyuk
Quick Shave:
Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley has topped the headlines lately after he requested a trade from his club, and made the notion available to the public. He has of course been crucified by everyone in the media, fans, and of course Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke (who should lighten up considering he went after and acquired defenceman Chris Pronger following a similar episode in Edmonton three seasons ago). The Sens are in a bit of a rough spot here as Heatley is owed a $4 million bonus next month, that no team will want to pay for, so moving him at the NHL Draft next Friday will be difficult. However Heatley is a 50 goal scorer, so there will should be plenty of suitors who will be happy to overlook the bill and his selfishness. Oh one more monkey wrench to throw in the situation... Heatley has a no-movement clause so he will have a say as to where he winds up.
The Sedin twins have reportedly made their soon to be unrestricted free agent demands to the Swedish Press (who of course made that info available to the world promptly). It will require a small fortune to sign this pair as they are both looking for deals similar to the one Detroit Red Wing forward Henrik Zetterberg signed this year that tipped the scales at $73 million over the next 12 years. Since the Henrik and Daniel are a package deal that means any club wishing to acquire them will have to pony up over $140 million! I think you can buy the Phoenix Coyotes twice for that amount.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 17, 2009
2009 Chuck Norris Trophy Winner
What an absolutely amazing playoffs. Every round showcased an unprecedented level of play... and playoff beards.
The religion of the playoff beard continues to gain followers both on and off the ice as the faithful pay tribute and honor to our Lord and Savior Chuck Norris.
Once again the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins found themselves locked in battle for the Stanley Cup and perhaps the most coveted of all prizes... the Chuck Norris Trophy.
The Red Wings appear to have a team mandate that anyone caught shaving will be fined and sent to their AHL affiliate. Detroit's playoff beards were brilliant as always (this team actually has a trainer who specializes in maintaining their chin mullets) led by the likes of Henrik Zetterberg, Dan Cleary, Tomas Holstrom and even the snake bitten Marian Hossa. This is an organization that will one day topple Gillette.
However in this Stanley Cup Final sequel, the Pittsburgh Penguins turned out to have just a goatee more playoff beard depth and that would prove to be the difference. Prior to their successful Cup run, the Penguins aquired forwards Bill Guerin and Kris Kunitz to bolster their offence and playoff beard strength. Guerin's playoff beard was a thing of glory. Lightly seasoned with some gray, Guerin's chin was enough to make the Executives at Just For Men salivate. The Beard was also strong with Maxime Talbot (Talbot's playoff beard was one of Bosh's favorites, but ultimately he fell just short) who provided grit, and timely scoring, including a pair in Game 7 that would lift the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Championship. While captain Sidney Crosby has yet to hit puberty (he's still only 15 years old afterall) his effort was admirable... although he is in danger of sporting of the Officer Friesen if he isn't careful in the future.
Much like the Conn Smythe Trophy, the winner of the Chuck Norris Trophy can only be presented to a member of the Stanley Cup winner (yeah I know about J.S. Giguere.... enough already, Brodeur got robbed that year).
Credited for a short-handed goal in game 4 that many experts believed turned the Stanley Cup Finals around for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jordan Staal raised his level of play and beard. Staal not only sported a spectacular Pennsylvania-Dutch style playoff beard (perhaps to honor the fans native to his club's region) but was able to best Red Wings defenceman Brian Rafalski one on one and deposit the shortie past goaltender Chris Osgood. The Penguins came to life and captured the game 4-2 and went on to achieve victory. Staal's playoff beard was artwork. A finely woven scarf of man-fur that gently cradled his face, providing warmth and creating fear in his opponents (see Rafalski above). Perhaps the most amazing thing about Jordan Staal's playoff beard is that he is only 20 years of age. Can you imagine what this kid will look like at age 30? The potential for a part in a Star Wars movie is unlimited. That being said...
Please join me in congratulating Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal as our 2008-2009 Chuck Norris Trophy winner for best playoff beard!
Congratulations Jordan. See you next beard!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 14, 2009
Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins for capturing the Stanley Cup!!
What an unbelievable series and finale. The Pittsburgh Penguins topped the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 Friday night, and win the series 4 games to 3.
Penguins forward Sidney Crosby became the youngest captain to ever lead an NHL team to a Stanley Cup. Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin won the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player during the playoffs, leading all players with 36 points.
Marian Hossa's season didn't end as he evisioned it would when he signed with the Detroit Red Wings some 11 months ago. Let's face it, Friday night Hossa was taken out behind the shed by irony and karma and well... you can figure it out. Ridiculous as it may sound, that's just what I predicted would happen last summer (click here if you don't trust in Bosh).
If you really think about it, there's no reason why we shouldn't be watching both of these clubs face off in the finals again next year. The Red Wings lost the Stanley Cup by one game. Hossa should sit tight, either commit to the club for the long term or sign another 1 year deal. The Red Wings aren't going anywhere. However, neither are the Penguins.
Let's talk serious now folks. The playoff beards, and the Chuck Norris Trophy winner. He's out there... and he wears a Pittsburgh jersey. Sorry folks, no Cup win, no Norris Trophy... grab a razor and a kleenex. I have a few front runners in mind, but I'd like to hear from the bearded faithful before I bestow this honor on our next Yeti wearing skates. Sound off!
Congrats again to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the city of Pittsburgh and all you die-hard fans!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 11, 2009
Who's Kung-Fu is stronger?
Is there anything better than a Stanley Cup Final Game 7? Perhaps a Game 9, when then NHL officially switches to the 2-3-2-1-1 format... but until that blessed day arrives... we must embrace this 7th and final match of this Championship series.
Up to this point, we've heard it all. Who's better, who's faster, who has the better defenseman, offense, goaltending, biggest sticks, playoffbeards, hottest chicks, etc. The fact remains that the series is even, and both clubs truly have been equal to the task (as much as I hate that phrase and want to slam my face through my television everytime Emerick spits it out). The one pattern... the home team has won every game. If your life was on the line (perhaps you are seated with a goblet filled with red wine generously laced with Iocane powder) the smart move would be to choose the home team once more.
Regardless of the home ice advantage, I think we are in store for a legendary game tomorrow night. Two outstanding hockey clubs, loaded with scores of future Hall of Famers will leave it all on the ice (another overused string of words that send shockwaves through my spine) for one final game.
Good luck gentlemen, and everyone, enjoy the game!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
May 30, 2009
Pittsburgh Penguins in 6
I've said since last summer that I expected the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins to meet up in the Stanley Cup Finals again this year, and I was hardly alone in that thinking. It's not much of a stretch considering the star power, youth and depth of both clubs... in fact, I would hardly be surprised if both teams are in the same position again next year.
Last year the Red Wings defeated the Penguins in 6 games to take the Stanley Cup... this year I think the results will be considerably different. The Red Wings have been hit with the injury bug, and hit hard. Some of their biggest players like defenceman Niklas Lidstrom, and forward Pavel Datsyuk were forced to watch from the sidelines in the Western Conference Finals. However, Detroit seems to have a bottomless pool from which they can draw talent from and plug in players to fill those voids... and again found a way to win.
The Pittsburgh Penguins look like a different team this post-season. A year older and wiser, they have used their experience to march right back to the Stanley Cup Finals, and I doubt they will be blinded by the stage they are on this year. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been an incredible one-two punch this playoffs for the Penguins and I think they will continue to be dominant in the Finals. More than anything, I don't think Sidney Crosby will allow his club to fall this time, and will find a way for them to win.
As I stated above... Playoff Beard Prediction: Penguins in 6 games.
The playoff beards this post season have been remarkable once again. The Penguins pre-pubescent squad has been bolstered by some veteran playoff beard in Bill Guerin (who's got a beauty salt and pepper version of the Niedermayer growing), and Max Talbot once again looks like homeless man who happened to find a pair of skates. In Detroit... where shaving seems to be illegal now, Dan Cleary, and Johan Franzen are sporting Castaway style facial hair, and Henrik Zetterberg looks like the young version of Santa Claus (you know the puppet version before his beard went white)... but will his playoff beard bring gifts to all the good little fans of Detroit this season?
There is one playoff beard I've been very impressed with this playoffs, but I'm inclined to keep it to myself for the time being... I'm certain you've seen it, and it is a dark horse in the runnning for the Chuck Norris trophy this year. In the meantime... sound off. I want to hear from my fellow Beardians who you think deserves the Norris Trophy.
Enjoy the Finals everyone!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
May 27, 2009
Hossa's worst nightmare
Well it's official folks... the Detroit Red Wings will meet the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals... again. The Red Wings finished off the Chicago Blackhawks this evening in 5 games defeating their opponents 2-1 overtime.
A year ago unrestricted free agent forward Marian Hossa ditched his Penguin blacks, for a one year contract and a fresh new Red Wing jersey and a quest to win a Stanley Cup with a team that he was certain would help get him there. Little did he realize that he may actually have to face off against the club he abandoned. Could there be more pressure on any single player in this series than Hossa? Captain Bosh thinks not!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
May 23, 2009
Kronwall levels Havlat
Last night during the Western Conference finals Game 3, Detroit Red Wings defenceman Niklas Kronwall destroyed Chicago Blackhawks forward Martin Havlat along the boards... effectively removing him from the puck, and the remainder of the game. Kronwall was assessed a game misconduct for the hit (which I thought was overkill... actually I thought the hit was clean).
The Blackhawks held on to win Game 3, 4-3 in OT... bringing the series to 2-1 in the Wings favor. Havlat looked pretty shaken up after the hit, but did leave the ice on his own. Whether he returns or not will be a major concern for the Hawks.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
What about Bob?
New Jersey Devils forward Bobby Holik announced yesterday that he would be retiring.
Holik calls it a career after 18 seasons in the NHL. During that span he played for the Whalers, the Devils, Rangers, Thrashers and finished his final year with the Devils again. In 1314 games Holik amassed 747 points (326 goals, 421 assists) was a +115 and collected 1421 minutes in penalties. He also helped the New Jersey Devils win the Stanley Cup twice in 1995 and again in 2000.
Bobby Holik chose to retire because he wanted to spend time with his family. An admirable decision. Good luck and congratulations on a successful career Bobby.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
May 17, 2009
and then there were four...
Round 2 made the Bosher look like a prophet... depending on your perspective I guess. You see, I called the Pens, Wings, and Hawks, to win their series in 7, 7, and 6 games respectively. Impressive no? Well it would have been had the Bruins taken care of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 5 games I provided them. Sadly, this was not to be, and Hurricane forward Scott Walker punched home the game winner late in first OT of their game 7 matchup.
The Blackhawks young guns were way too much for the Canucks, and more importantly Roberto Luongo. Luongo looked incredibly ordinary in this playoff series, allowing over 20 goals. There has been much talk in the media of late that he may have damaged his chances for being selected as a member of Team Canada for the Oympics in 2010... which would be a blow to him considering the Winter Games will be held in Vancouver.
The Red Wings and Ducks series was perhaps the best of the second round. Truly both clubs were evenly matched and it took the Wings 7 very rough games to knock off the Ducks. What is up Johan Franzen? The Wings forward is perhaps the greatest playoff performer ever. In 12 playoff games this year he has already collected 18 points (9 goals, 9 assists) and is a solid +13. He's already matched his playoff output from last year. This guy is amazing.
The Penguins and Capitals met in what was the most highly anticipated series of the playoffs which was like watching a prize fight between their two superstars. Up until the final game, Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin both put on a show. Ovechkin is like watching a real life version of NHL 93... he does that same move almost everytime... and virtually scores every time. Even when you know it's coming, he still puts the puck in the net. Sidney Crosby was able to match Ovechkin's output and also makes everyone around him better, whether it be from setting up scores, or inspiring his teammates to play harder. In the end, the Penguins finally broke through rookie Capitals goaltender Simeon Varlamov and routed their opponents 6-2.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Having entered the playoffs as one of the leagues hottest clubs, the Carolina Hurricanes have continued their great play and knocked off the the first and third seeds in the Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils. There success has been backstopped by the incredible goaltending of Cam Ward.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are on a mission. Having lost in the Stanley Cup Finals just a year ago to the Detroit Red Wings, the Penguins are just four wins away from a second try for the NHL Championship.
Sometimes it takes a monumental loss for a club to learn what it really takes to win the Cup. The Penguins know what is at stake. For that matter, so do the Hurricanes as former Stanley Cup Champions. However I think it is the Penguins turn, and Sidney Crosby will continue to find a way to will his team to the Finals.
Playoff Beard Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 6 games.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have been riding a hot streak in the playoffs and riding their young superstars Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane. They've received solid goaltending from their Stanley Cup Champ netminder Nikolai Khabibulin and veteran support from likes of Martin Havlat and Brian Campbell. They now face their biggest challenge of the playoffs thus far in the Detroit Red Wings.
The Red Wings are coming off a very physical 7 game series against the Ducks, but should be more than ready for the Blackhawks. As hot as the Hawks are, I don't think they have much of a chance against the Wings. As I write this Detroit has already taken a 1-0 series lead after defeating Chicago this afternoon 5-2.
The Blackhawks are about to see what a real playoff contender looks like in the Red Wings (no offense Vancouver and Calgary).
Playoff Beard Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 5 games.
Here's a little shout out to one of my playoff beard faithful (Greg) who made a pretty cool video for the Detroit Red Wings.... Enjoy!
Enjoy the Conference Finals everyone!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
May 03, 2009
Markus Naslund calls it a career
New York Rangers forward Markus Naslund has informed his club that he intends to retire from the NHL.
Naslund has one year remaining on two year $8 million contract worth $3 million. Apparently Naslund informed the Rangers of his decision to retire during his exit interview, following the Rangers first round loss to the Washington Capitals. Although the Rangers have yet to officially confirm the report from the New York Post.
Naslund recorded 46 points (24 goals, 22 assists) in 82 games with the New York Rangers this season.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
April 30, 2009
Round 2 Match-ups
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
As I and pretty much everyone else expected, the Boston Bruins made quick work of the Habs. The Bruins will face their first real test of the post-season against a very resilient Carolina Hurricanes squad that was minutes away from elimination. Tim Thomas will have to continue his superb play in net. The Hurricanes were able to make future Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur look ordinary at times... especially when it counted.
All that said, I still think the Bruins have more than enough balance to stifle the Hurricanes. The Bruins have been the team to beat in the East all season, and I think they will have continued success in round 2 and find their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Playoff Beard Prediction: Boston Bruins in 5 games.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
The playoff match-up that everyone was hoping for is finally realized. The two (or three) best players in the NHL will face off in a 7 game series that promises to be legendary. This series is more about Sidney Crosby versus Alexander Ovechkin than Penguins versus Capitals, especially from a media standpoint. Both players began to show a growing dislike for one another during the season, and towards the close of the year, things seemed to be reaching a boiling point.
What to expect? Great hockey, unbelievable skill, star-power, and nastiness. If these two clubs didn't like each other prior, they will hate each other at it's end. And in the end, I still see the Penguins on top. I think the Crosby and Malkin duo will be too much for the Capitals to overcome. Although I don't expect a cake walk. This will be a war.
Playoff Beard Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks
Much like the Bruins, the Red Wings weren't really tested in round 1. The Columbus Blue Jackets threatened to force a game 5 late in the series, but the Red Wings found a way to shut the door. Chris Osgood finally arrived for the Wings in goal (save for game 4) and the rest of the team continued their dominant play that has become a staple in Detroit.
While I chose the Sharks to finally get the playoff monkey off their backs this year, I should have gone with my hunch that they would blow it again. It took several years for the Wings to get over the early playoff exits that plagued them... now it is a distant memory. In fairness to the Sharks, the Ducks were not your average 8th seed. The Ducks were clearly the better team throughout the series, and even in the game's they lost to San Jose, I still thought the Ducks out performed their opponents. If any team can knock off the Red Wings in the Western Conference, this is the club.
This series should be just as exciting as the Pens/Caps playoff match-up, and again, this one will be an extended round. I still think the Red Wings will find a way to overcome and continue their march to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Playoff Beard Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 7 games.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks
As I write this the Vancouver Canucks hold a 3-1 lead over the Chicago Blackhawks midway through the third period.
The Canucks looked sharp in round 1 quickly dispatching a red-hot St. Louis Blues team in 4 games and will have to remain steady in order to stave off an equally hot Chicago Blackhawks team that dispatched the Calgary Flames in 6.
Make that 3-2... Vancouver. Power play goal Kane.
The Canucks have Luongo, who is the backbone of this club, and probably one of the most intimidating netminders since Dominik Hasek. The Sedin twins also found their playoff legs in round 1. The Blackhawks while young, seem to be playing above their years and experience. This team is also liberally seasoned with some playoff veterans in Stanley Cup Champion goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, defenceman Brian Campbell, and playoff monster Martin Havlat.
Playoff Beard Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks in 6 games.
Quick Shave:
Please tell me you saw New York Rangers defenceman Paul Mara's playoff beard prior to their first round exit. Holy cow. Mara looked like he should be churning butter in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Granted he started his beard at the beginning of the year, but credit is definitely due for sporting that thing from his chin.
Speaking of the Rangers, former captain Jaromir Jagr expressed his interest in playing for the Edmonton Oilers when his contract in Russia expires after next season.
Blackhawks just tied it 3-3.
Jagr has apparently lost some weight and post nearly point a game numbers with his KHL team this season. Regardless of who he plays for, I hope the big fella does return to the NHL.
Enjoy the playoffs!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
April 29, 2009
Game 7 Stunner
Losing a game 7 and being knocked out of the playoffs is always a tough pill to swallow. Losing a game 7 with 30 seconds to play in the game... that's cause for playing in traffic. The New Jersey Devils were blindsided last night as the Carolin Hurricanes scored twice in the final minutes of the game to tie, then steal a victory to seal the first round playoff series. Eric Staal potted the game winner with little more than 30 seconds remaining to send his club to the second round where they will meet the Boston Bruins.
The Washington Capitals completed a 3-1 series comeback over the New York Rangers last night and completed the first round series with a 2-1 win. Caps forward Sergei Federov also scored late in the game to finish off Washington comeback. The only thing stunning about this series is that it actually went 7 games. The Rangers were dominated throughout the series and merely found ways to survive, although their luck finally ran out. The Capitals move on to the second round where they will face off in what has to be the best matchup of the second round....Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Quick Shave:
So the bosher was 6 for 8 in the first round... only the Flames and Sharks let me down. Well the Sharks pretty much let everyone down. Again. Let's start there.
San Jose once again followed up a successful regular season with an early playoff exit. Joe Thornton was crucified (especially by Keith Jones on Versus... you would have thought Thornton shot his dog) for his poor play, leadership, etc... but let's be fair. This was a team effort, and every Shark sucked big time. Nabokov? Where was he? Marleau? Boyle had one great game. Then? It may be time to blow this team up, because it was clearly not Ron Wilson's fault. The Ducks on the other hand... look awesome. They look as good as they did when they captured the cup 2 years ago. Detroit will have their hands full. The Red Wings were challenged slightly by the Blue Jackets in game 4 but cleared the table quickly as most expected. The Vancouver Canucks shut down a very hot St. Louis Blues team in 4 games as well. The Sedin twins looked great, and Luongo was solid. Sundin was invisible... which is kind of sad. He missed a few games due to injury this series as well. His comeback thus far has been a quiet letdown...quiet everywhere but in Vancouver from what I've read. The Boston Bruins may as well have gotten a first round bye. The Montreal Canadiens would have looked better if I was playing with them. The Pittsburgh Penguins look sharp. Just when I thought the Philadelphia Flyers had a chance to force a game 7, the Penguins reminded me once again that the Flyers still don't have the goaltending to compete with the contenders. Sure Biron was solid in a few games and even landed himself a shutout, but when he's bad, he's really bad. The Blackhawks look great. Young, fast, resilient... and they have Martin Havlat. Does everyone remember how clutch this guy was with Ottawa? He's still doing it. It doesnt hurt to have a revived Nikolai Khabibulin in net either playing like he's in his old Stanley Cup winning form.
Sadly because of the Rangers exit, the Bosher finds himself clean shaven once again... but I find myself in the judges chair once again, admiring the facial artwork that is being displayed once again. Get ready for a very hairy round 2 my friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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