It took almost 100 minutes yesterday, but the New York Rangers finally found a way to defeat the Buffalo Sabres yesterday afternoon.
Rangers defenceman Michael Rozsival fired a shot from the point late in the second overtime period to lift New York to the 2-1 victory over the Sabres. Jaromir Jagr scored for the Rangers during the second period, but their undisciplined play once again cost them as the Buffalo Sabres capitalized on a power play to tie it in the third (compliments of Daniele Briere).
The Sabres hold a 2-1 series lead, and the Rangers will look to tie it at 2 before travelling back to Western New York for Game 5.
The Playoff Beards in this series are really starting to blossom. Rangers defenceman Michael Rozsival while sporting a fine slap shot, is also sporting a great playoff beard. Rangers forward Matt Cullen is already into the Geico Commercial phase of his beard growth. The Sabres Brian Campbell is looking more and more like GI Joe's favorite arctic trooper Snow Job.
Quick Shave:
The Anahiem Ducks defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 last night and took a 2-1 series lead in Vancouver. Ducks forward Corey Perry scored the game winner and added an assist in the win. Ducks goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere made 24 saves to complete the win.
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at Ottawa 7:00 PM
Detroit at San Jose 10:00 PM
Both of these series are tied at 1 game a piece. New Jersey heads North to take on the Senators in their backyard, and the Red Wings do likewise as they hit the West coast and the Shark Tank. Enjoy the games!
Last night's game in New Jersey was an aberration, especially for the Devils, and more specifically Martin Brodeur.
The Devils goaltender allowed 4 goals in the first period last night, on the first 9 shots. The first time that's happened to him in over 10 years (they mentioned he was lit up by the Caps or Habs in '91 or '92... I digress). The one thing is certain however, is that when Brodeur has a subpar outting, the following performance is usually super human.
The Ottawa Senators displayed their offensive prowess that flexed it's muscle all season long, and all over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, once again last evening. Ottawa forward Jason Spezza (excellent playoff beard so far) opened the scoring less than two minutes into the match, and was followed by three unassisted goals from Joe Corvo, Dean McAmmond, and Dany Heatley.
New Jersey however battled back, and made a game out of it. I've been very impressed with the Devils offense lately as they have relied more on that than their goaltending and defense this post season. Zach Parise continued his amazing playoff run potting his 7th goal, and Brian Gionta added his 6th. Unfortunately it wasn't enough. The Ottawa Senators held on to win game one 5-4 over the New Jersey Devils.
There are rumors abound that Sens goalie Ray Emery's glove hand is injured (which Coach Brian Murray tried to squash during the post game press conference) and should be something to keep an eye on. Needless to say, game 2 should tighten up more defensively for both teams, but this series will continue to deliver.
Quick Shave: San Jose Sharks forward put the finishing touch on a 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings with his croquet shot past goalie Dominik Hasek last night. Defenseman Matt Carle scored the opener and game winner for the Sharks last night as they took the first game 2-0. Sharks goaltender made 34 saves for his first shutout of this post season.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim 10:00 PM
The battle of New York continues tonight as does the West Coast clash between the Canucks and the Ducks. The Rangers and Canucks will look to rebound from awful first game showings, and the Sabres and Ducks will look to continue their great start. Enjoy the games!
And on his farm, Andy McDonald had three goals, and an assist, a 5-1 win, and a 1-0 series lead. Wow!
Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo was torched for three goals on the first nine shots he faced in the first period. McDonald recorded two, Teemu Selanne added the other and an assist, and Chris Kunitz assisted on all three. Ryan Getzlaf scored to further cushion the Ducks lead in the last period, and Andy McDonald joined the NHL Playoff Hat Trick Club with his third tally late in the game.
Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 26 saves and opened the game by shutting down Canucks forward Markus Naslund who was sprung early on a breakaway. Vancouver's Jeff Cowan opened the scoring for the Canucks mid way through the first but it was all Ducks after that.
The Anaheim Ducks have a 1-0 series lead over the Canucks.
Quick Shave:
Across the country, earlier last night, the Battle for New York was on. A battle that was won convincingly by the Buffalo Sabres. The New York Rangers got into penalty trouble late in the first, and then continued their undisciplined play throughout the second when Sabres forward Thomas Vanek opened the scoring on a power play. Over the next 4 minutes, the Sabres scored twice more on a goal by Ales Kotalik, and Vanek's second. The Rangers got goals from Marcel Hossa, and Brendan Shanahan but it was too little too late as the Sabres went on to win 5-2 and take a 1-0 series lead. Throughout the stands in Buffalo I kept seeing signs that said "These guys are scary good".... I can hardly argue. The Sabres transition from defense to attack so quickly it is scary. Turnovers are rapidly turned into scoring opportunities, and eventually converted into goals. The Rangers have their work cut out for them, especially if they continue to give up power plays. They only allowed one power play goal to Buffalo, but that was 16 minutes of ice time that the Rangers top line of Jagr, Nylander and Hossa could have used. The Buffalo Sabres now have a 1-0 series lead over the Rangers.
Game of the Night:
Ottawa at New Jersey 7:00 PM
San Jose at Detroit 7:30 PM
Just a good night of hockey folks! Enjoy the games!
The first round was especially harsh on the Bosher (and perhaps even harder for the fans of those clubs now playing with their clubs.... I'm referring to the golf variety), so let's see if I can improve a bit and redeem myself in the second round.
2007 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
Series K - #1 Detroit vs. San Jose
The Red Wings look inspired. After two early round knockouts in the post season in previous years, this team is playing with an edge. They aren't allowing many shots on net, and the one that do get through are being gobbled up by a very capable and experienced Dominik Hasek in net. On offense, Henrik Zetterberg, and Pavel Datsyuk (Datsyuk finally got his goal scoring touch to translate to the post season) appear to be blossoming into legitimate post season performers. The Red Wings defense is anchored by Nicklas Lidstrom who is tied for second in scoring during the playoffs with 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) and Mathieu Schneider whose added 4 points of his own as well as excellent playoff beard depth (thanks to Chris for that call out). The San Jose Sharks sport one of the finest offensive units in the NHL, and perhaps the best among these 8 teams remaining. Thorton, Cheechoo, Michalek, Guerin, Marleau! Can I say Mass Hysteria again?! As stacked as this team is, I don't think it will be enough to take down the Red Wings. They will certainly test Hasek, but he should equal to the task (ahhh I said it again!!).
Bosh's Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 6 games.
Thursday, April 26 7:30 p.m. San Jose at Detroit VERSUS Saturday, April 28 3:00 p.m. San Jose at Detroit NBC Monday, April 30 10:00 p.m. Detroit at San Jose VERSUS Wednesday, May 2 10:00 p.m. Detroit at San Jose VERSUS * Saturday, May 5 2:00 p.m. Dallas/San Jose at Detroit NBC * Monday, May 7 TBD Detroit at San Jose VERSUS * Wednesday, May 9 TBD San Jose at Detroit VERSUS
Series L - #2 Anaheim vs. Vancouver
I picked against the Anahiem Ducks in the first round.... and that old grizzled knight from Indiana Jones in the Last Crusade let me know that 'I chose poorly'. Not this time. Randy Carlyle got his favorite keeper back in net in the closing game of the series vs. the Wild, so Jean Sebastien Giguere is ready to rock (and he got some very good efforts from backup Ilya Bryzgalov). The Ducks defense of Chris Pronger and Scott Beardermayer will be huge in shutting down the Canucks' Sedin twins, and the their forward lines of Selanne, MacDonald, Penner, Getzlaf, Kunitz, and Perrey will really welcome Roberto Luongo to the playoffs.
Bosh's Prediction: Anaheim Ducks in 5 games.
Wednesday, April 25 10:00 p.m. Vancouver at Anaheim VERSUS Friday, April 27 10:00 p.m. Vancouver at Anaheim VERSUS Sunday, April 29 8:00 p.m. Anaheim at Vancouver VERSUS Tuesday, May 1 10:00 p.m. Anaheim at Vancouver VERSUS * Thursday, May 3 9:00 p.m. Vancouver at Anaheim VERSUS * Sunday, May 6 TBD Anaheim at Vancouver VERSUS * Tuesday, May 8 TBD San Jose/Vancouver at Anaheim VERSUS
2007 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
Series I - #1 Buffalo vs. #6 NY Rangers
This is going to upset my Buffalo Sabre fan club (except for our buddy Allison who will be able to take care of her playoff malady), but I gotta go New York Rangers on this one. I know they haven't beaten them all season, but I think this is a different Rangers team than the one you saw earlier in the season, and they are going to surprise you, and more specifically the Buffalo Sabres. This series should be a war, and considering the talking (Avery's feelings are in every paper today), look for a physical and nasty round 2.
Bosh's Prediction: New York Rangers in 7 games.
Wednesday, April 25 7:00 p.m. NY Rangers at Buffalo VERSUS Friday, April 27 7:00 p.m. NY Rangers at Buffalo VERSUS Sunday, April 29 2:00 p.m. Buffalo at NY Rangers NBC Tuesday, May 1 7:00 p.m. Buffalo at NY Rangers VERSUS * Friday, May 4 7:00 p.m. NY Rangers at Buffalo VERSUS * Sunday, May 6 2:00 p.m. Buffalo at NY Rangers NBC * Tuesday, May 8 7:00 p.m. NY Rangers at Buffalo VERSUS
Series J - #2 New Jersey vs. #4 Ottawa
New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez leads all players in playoff scoring with 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists). Tied for third are Devils forward Patrik Elias, and defenceman Brian Rafalski with 7 points. The Ottawa Senators best producer so far has been Daniel Alfredsson (which is great news, since he has usually been the focus of the Senators playoff failures in the past). This series should be a long one also, because I think these teams matchup very well. However there is one major difference. Goaltending. Martin Brodeur got his game going against the Lightning and will be the ruler of Australia when he faces the Ottawa Senators.
Bosh's Prediction: New Jersey Devils in 7 games.
Thursday, April 26 7:00 p.m. Ottawa at New Jersey Saturday, April 28 8:00 p.m. Ottawa at New Jersey VERSUS Monday, April 30 7:00 p.m. New Jersey at Ottawa VERSUS Wednesday, May 2 7:00 p.m. New Jersey at Ottawa VERSUS * Saturday, May 5 8:00 p.m. Ottawa at New Jersey VERSUS * Monday, May 7 7:00 p.m. New Jersey at Ottawa VERSUS * Wednesday, May 9 7:00 p.m. Ottawa at New Jersey
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Round Two starts tonight!!! Enjoy the games my friends!
It took Vancouver Canucks 8 periods to finally find a way to put the puck past Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco.
Canucks forward Henrik Sedin tied the game late in the second period to finally score on Turco who had shutout Vancouver for the past two games. Midway through the third Henrik Sedin set up the eventual game winner, a deflection by Trevor LInden. Taylor Pyatt and Bryan Smolinski added late third period empty netters and helped Vancouver defeat the Dallas Stars 4-1 and finally closed out the series in 7 games.
For Dallas, this one has to burn, but I have to give them full credit for fighting back in this one. Down 3 games to 1, is a daunting task for any team. They certainly gave the Canucks quite a wake up call, and could have doomed their progress in the next round because of the long series. My greatest prediction this post season.... Marty Turco. Regardless of the outcome, this was one of the finest playoff performances by a goaltender I've seen in recent time. Three shutouts. I think Turco can finally shed the 'bust in the post season' tag.
Quick Shave:
Congratulations to the New Jersey Devils and the Detroit Red Wings. Sunday, both teams closed out their series in 6 games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Calgary Flames respectively. They also helped Bosh redeem himself slightly... especially in the West. For those keeping score....
Picked Buffalo, but I gave the Islanders 3 wins..... that one almost feels like a loss.
Took Pittsburgh over the Sens in 6, and we know how that one turned out..... no Crosbeard this year.
I picked the Devils over the Lightning in 5 games, they took one extra.
The Rangers were my homer pick, but I still gave the Thrashers two games.... they took neither.
The Western Conference..... ugh.
Bosh's worst pick ever... The Minnesota Wild over the Anaheim Ducks in 6 games.
My second worst, was the Predators over the Sharks in 7 games. I feel sick.
Detroit kind of redeemed me, but it got scary. I called for a sweep of the Flames. Calgary made it entertaining.
I also picked Dallas.... see above.
Perhaps Stache is right. When I make a pick, go the other way. That being said, I will have my picks ready for your consumption tomorrow!!! Round 2!
120 minutes. That's how long it's been since the Vancouver Canucks recorded a goal in this series. Marty Turco made 21 saves to complete the 2-0 shutout win for the Dallas Stars, and tie the series at 3 games a piece. Game 7 here we come!
Turco's shutout was his second in a row, and third of the series against Vancouver (most of my picks were way off this post season, but you gotta give Bosh some credit for predicting Turco would be on.... actually I'm really surprised how solid he's been, but I'll take it).
Dallas Stars forward Mike Modano finally decided to show up last night. Apparently Modano has been crucified by the Dallas media for his lack of production this series, and he answered the bell for them last night. Modano converted a 5 on 3 powerplay for the Stars early in the first which would prove to be the game winner thanks to Turco's kung fu. Jeff Halpern capped the scoring for the Stars midway through the third.
Monday night in Vancouver, our first game 7 of the playoffs! The Canucks have now dropped two straight and given up a 3-1 series lead. They've been unable to solve Stars goaltender Marty Turco for two games now. The Stars have never comeback from a 3-1 defecit in their franchise's history to force a game 7. It looks like this team is attempting to get that monkey off their back.
Quick Shave:
If this Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames series follows it's current pattern, the Wings will lose in Calgary tonight, and then win game 7 in Detroit on Tuesday. Why is it the Flames are so dominant at home, and completely useless on the road? Some of you Flames fans need to scalp some tickets for game 7, otherwise your boys will be going down in..... umm Flames (I feel dirty now). The Red Wings destroyed the Flames yesterday. In fairness, the Flames played a solid first period, holding the Wings at bay.... Detroit started the bleeding in the third period with 3 goals by Daniel Cleary, Henrik Zetterberg, and Chris Chelios. Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk closed out the scoring for the Red Wings as they defeated the Flames 5-1 and took a 3-2 series lead. Detroit goaltender Dominik Hasek made 23 saves on the night. The game got nasty towards the final moments, and it looks like there will be a ton of carry over for tonight's matchup. We can only hope.
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM
Detroit at Calgary 9:00 PM
I don't really need to say anything more about Game 6 in Calgary tonight do I? Tampa Bay looks to stave off elimination this afternoon as they welcome the New Jersey Devils for their game 6 matchup. Enjoy the games, and the staving.
This morning there are an army of happy fans in Buffalo, New York (and one semi-pleased young lady in Cincinatti, whose support of the playoff beard must continue for at least one more round) as their beloved Sabres advanced to the next round of the playoffs yesterday.
The Sabres defeated the Islander (staved if you will) 4-3 and closed out the series 4-1. The Islanders were once again in the game (aside from Game 1, which the Sabres dominated, the Islanders had an opportunity to win every game) and gave Buffalo quite a scare in the final period last night as they attempted to rally from 3 goals down. The Sabres hung on despite blowing a 4-1 lead, and goaltender Ryan Miller made some key saves late (except for 2) to conclude the series. Sabres forward Maxim Afinogenov scored the game winner and added a helper. The Sabres now wait to find out if they will face the Tampa Bay Lightning, or the New York Rangers.
For the Islanders, this season ends in dissappointment, but there are several positives. The team rallied at the end of the season to make the playoffs after everyone had written them off. Goaltender Rick DiPietro came into his own this season (can I use the word season more often? season, season!), and took a big step toward becoming an elite level keeper. Ted Nolan. Great to have him back in the game and I think he deserves Jack Adams consideration for his role in turning this club around. The Islanders now have an identity with him. Garth Snow, I laughed at you last summer, and I apologize for it. You have proved me wrong sir, as you have done a spectacular job as the GM of the Islanders. Your off season homework? Sign Jason Blake, and Ryan Smyth. You pull that off, and you can consider yourself 'the man'.
Quick Shave:
First off, allow me to give props to Tampa Bay Lightning Coach John Tortorella for his magnificent playoff beard (that beautiful chin mane was so thick I thought I actually saw him hand Wesley Snipes some anti-vampire weapons during the second period). But even Sweet T's beard couldn't stop the power of Brodeur. Unfortunately for the Lightning, the real Marty has arrived. The New Jersey Devils goaltender made 31 saves last night to shutout (the 22nd of his post season career, 1 behind Patrick Roy apparently) the Lightning 3-0, and take a 3-2 series lead. This game was colorful, especially at the end which included a good old fashioned donnybrook between Andre Roy and Mike Rupp, and another between Nolan Pratt and Jamie 'I'd like to buy a vowel' Langenbrunner. There was also a shouting match between the bearded one, Coach Tortorella and the pristinely shaven Devils assistant coach John MacLean across the benches. Looks like the Captain's Curse is taking hold in the West. Two teams I picked to win in the Western Conference have now been summarily executed. The Minnesota Wild who were ousted Thursday night, were joined by another Bosh favorite last night, the Nashville Predators. The Predators lost 3-2 last night to the San Jose Sharks and saw their playoffs go up in smoke. This is a huge let down (on level with the Thrashers) for the Predators who re-tooled for the post season, by adding J. P. Dumont, Jason Arnott over the summer, and picking up Peter Forsberg prior to the trade deadline (for quite a ransome, picks, players, beers, etc.). On a positive note, the Predators do look like they have tremendous support in Nashville as the packed stadium certainly showcased. I think once they translate their regular season success to the playoffs, they will strengthen the foundation for a solid fan base.
Game of the Night:
Calgary at Detroit 3:00 PM
Vancouver at Dallas 8:00 PM
Come on guys! Make Bosh proud. I wish there were some more games on, but sometimes quality over quantity is a good thing. Can Calgary continue their great play, or will they suck eggs on the road again? Turco! Luongo! Dallas! Vancouver! Cats and Dogs living together! Mass Hysteria! Enjoy the games!
The Ottawa Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 last night, and effectively put an end to one of the biggest surprises of this NHL Season.
The Penguins, made a brilliant run for the playoffs, and challenged for the Atlantic Division Title, but ultimately they were outmatched by an Ottawa Senators team that appears on a mission. The Senators got three goals in the second period by Dany Heatley (the game winner), Antoine Vermette (a really nice break away score) and Chris Kelly (the icing), and goaltender Ray Emery stopped all 20 shots he faced to complete the 3-0 shutout win, and close out the series 4 games to 1.
The Senators look strong. Their goaltending looks solid, and while their offense has always been potent, it's their defense which has been impressive so far this post season. Stingy as far as allowing shots, and quality chances, but also gifted offensively, often joining the rush, or setting up the breakout with a great pass.
Playoff Beard Alert: Dany Heatley. It's a little patchy right now, but if this guy gets another round of growth, he'll be saying "Tina's here! We're getting back together!"
For the Penguins, congratulations on an amazing season. I don't think this team over-achieved, but rather gave all of us a glimpse at the scary potential they have. The Penguins will be a force in the very near future.
Quick Shave:
The Calgary Flames surely are a dominant team at home. The Flames defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on a pair of scores by Daymond Langkow to tie the series 2 -2. The Flames must now continue their play if they wish to move on. If they only play well at home, then they are going to be in some trouble. The Anaheim Ducks closed out their series with the Minnesota Wild last night with a 4-1 win. Jean Sebastien Giguere started in net for the first time in the series last night and made 26 saves to help the Ducks advance to the second round of the playoffs. The Vancouver Canucks looked to join the Ducks by moving to the second round of the playoffs, but the Dallas Stars had different plans. Dallas goaltender Marty Turco out deuled Roberto Luongo (both goaltenders have been solid) stopping all 21 shots he faced and forward Brendan Morrow scored the lone goal in overtime to defeat the Canucks 1-0, and stave off elimination (I love that term… when’s the last time you staved something? Go out and stave this weekend! STAVE ON!). Vancouver leads the series 3-2.
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:00 PM
San Jose at Nashville 9:00 PM
The Islanders and Predators need to STAVE off elimination tonight, or hit the golf courses. This Lightning and Devils series while early looked like the one of the more more boring matchups is actually becoming pretty exciting. Enjoy the games!
The New York Rangers completed their 4 game sweep of the Atlanta Thrashers last night with a hard fought 4-2 win. A night after a 7-0 ummm... thrashing, the Thrashers showed up motivated by desperation and once again showcasing a new goaltender as Johan Hedberg once again got the start.
The Thrashers opened the scoring for the first time in the series, and also held the lead for the first time twice, but the Rangers continued to answer back. This Atlanta team was frustrated by their poor showing in the franchise's first playoff appearance.
While a large part of the blame for Atlanta's open and shut playoff run can be put on Bob Hartley for his paranoid goalie changes, really I think the credit should go to the Rangers. They played great team defense, got great goaltending, and their top line of Jaromir Jagr, Michael Nylander, and Marcel Hossa produced at a torrid pace (the three combined for 17 points in the 4 games, Nylander leads all scorers in the playoffs right now.... Jagr is a modest second). While this probably still won't be enough to save Hartley's job, or even GM Don Waddell's, the Thrashers learned like most team's, that initiation into the post season can be an unpleasant one.
The Rangers now have about a week to prepare for their round 2 opponent which could be just about anyone at this point.
Quick Shave: New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez scored the biggest goal of the season for himself and his team last night. More than halfway into the overtime period against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Gomez collected the puck after blocking a shot and raced down to score the game winner and help his team to the 4-3 win. The Devils evened the series 2-2 with the Lightning, and breathe life back into the club as they prepare to return home for game 5. The local media has been riding Lou Lamoriello for his late season firing of Claude Julien, calling for his head if the Devils fail to advance in the first round. It will be interesting to see how things proceed in this drama. The San Jose Sharks took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Nashville Predators last night with a 3-2 win. San Jose Sharks forward Milan Michalek potted two goals including the game winner. During the game I heard an interesting stat, or measurment rather. The Sharks players on average, outweigh the Predators players by 18 pounds. That seems as though it would be a disadvantage to the Sharks, as the Predators would be able to beat them with speed, but that hasn't been the case. The Predators are having difficulty pushing past the larger defenceman (unlike the Flyers d-men, these guys are mobile). The Buffalo Sabres are now one win away from advancing to round 2 after their 4-2 win over the New York Islanders. The Islanders once again had a late would be tying goal disallowed in the third period, and their dissappointment quickly turned to misery as a defensive breakdown turned to a back breaking score by Sabres forward Jason Pominville with two minutes to play. The Islanders and their fans can probably put some of the blame on the refs for the outcome of the last two games. Ted Nolan's expression was priceless last night after the Islanders goal was called off, and he should be commended for not losing cool (he's been a steady presence behind the bench this series) and prepare his team for game 5. The Sabres lead 3-1, but the Islanders have been in every game, they've lost.
Speaking of the Buffalo Sabres, my brothers and sisters of Western New York have been huge supporters of Playoff Beard.com. I've been getting emails on a daily basis from the Sabres faithful about their team, and beard (and pit) growing advice. Sabres super fan Joe has been kind enough to update me daily on his playoff beard progress, so I'd thought I display his efforts here. Thanks again for all the support gang!
Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Ottawa 7:00 PM
Detroit at Calgary 9:30 PM
Dallas at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Minnesota at Anaheim 10:30 PM
Do or die for the Pens, Stars and Wild tonight, and to a lesser extent the Flames. The Western Conference can close the doors on two series and the Senators can join the Rangers as the second team to advance in the East. Enjoy the games!
Kari Lehtonen. Then he let 2 in. 3 in. 4 in.... and so on.
Bob Hartley has been the biggest enigma this playoff series. I think he has out-coached himself. Yanking Lehtonen during game 1 in favor of John Hedberg was a dangerous route to take, but it seemed to pay off when Hedberg delivered a terrific effort in game 2. Even though the Thrashers lost a tight one, the foundation for something to build on was there. Hartley however, opted to go back to Lehtonen who until last night had never lost at Madison Square Garden. I can only assume, that Hedberg will get the nod this evening in Game 4.
Whatever the case, the Rangers were ready last night, and the Thrashers were not. Jaromir Jagr setup Michael Nylander for his first goal just 32 seconds into the game and started the bleeding. Nylander scored twice more to join the NHL Playoff Hat Trick Club (the first by a Ranger since Wayne Gretzky almost a decade ago) and the Rangers pelted the Atlanta keeper with 35 shots, 7 of which found the back of the net. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves to complete the 7-0 win, and his first career playoff shutout. Sean Avery once again doing what he does best pestered Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk throughout the game, till the star forward finally cracked and went after Avery, which brought about their eventual ejections from the game. The Rangers now hold a 3-0 series lead going into Game 4 this evening.
Playoff Beard Alert:
Brendan Shanahan (one of Bosh's picks) is sporting a marvelously sculpted playoff salt and pepper goatee, while New York defenceman Michael Roszival is looking more and more like he belongs in a Geico Caveman Commercial.
Quick Shave:
Canada struck back last night! The Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks both took commanding positions in their series, and the Calgary Flames finally decided to show up, and give Detroit a series. The Ottawa Senators inched by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a close 2-1 win, and moved to within one victory of closing out the series. Sens forward Jason Spezza whose deflected pass opened the scoring in the game is sporting the beginnings of a playoff beard.... however it's looking a little Cliff Claven-ish right now. The sideburns are coming in nice, but the chin.....still needs some work. However, full marks for the effort JaSpez! The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Dallas Stars last night 2-1 thanks to the goaltending of Canucks defenceman Willie Mitchell. Mitchell saved what would have been the game tying goal last night with minutes remaining and helped the Canucks to a 3-0 series lead. The Calgary Flames may have given the Detroit Red Wings something to think about last night. The Flames finally arrived after being completely man-handled in the first two games to take a 3-2 win and perhaps turn the series around (Detroit still leads 2-1). Jarome Iginla scored the game winner midway through the third, and Miikka Kiprusoff was solid in net again making 28 saves for the Flames. The Minnesota Wild finally broke through Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. The Wild exploded in the third period with three goals to break open the tie game and win 4-1. Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle did his best Bob Hartley impression and yanked Bryzgalov (the same keeper whose carried his team to three straight playoff wins) in favor of Jean Sebastien Giguere. Now what happens in Game 5? Does Carlyle go to Giguere, or back to Bryzgalov? That decision could make this a series. The Ducks lead the series 3-1.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7:00 PM
Buffalo at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Nashville at San Jose 10:00 PM
Gut check time for everyone tonight! Another superb night of playoff hockey! Enjoy the games!
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist is proving me wrong. At least for the last two games he has.
The achille's heel of the Lightning for most of the season has been quality between the pipes. The strength of the New Jersey Devils has always been built from the goal on out. This playoff series is like Bizarro World, because the better goaltending has begun to sway south to Florida. Lightning keeper Holmqvist made 30 saves last night to help his club to a 3-2 win and a 2-1 series lead over the Devils. Brodeur allowed 3 goals on 24 shots in the game.
The big three of the Lightning owned the Devils last night. Vincent Lecavalier scored his fourth goal of the series, Brad Richards added a score of his own, and Martin St. Louis assisted on all three including the game winner by Vaclav Prospal.
What's up with the Devils? The biggest surprise so far is goaltender Martin Brodeur, who has now allowed 3 goals in each of three games in the series. The Devils are without question one of the best shutdown teams in the league, led by the stingy play of Jay Pandolfo. However, the Lightning, specifically Lecavalier seem unaffected by their defensive efforts. So what do they do to turn things around? It's gotta start with Brodeur. This team lives and dies by his play. Goals have always been a rare commodity for the New Jersey Devils and if this series turns into a shootout, I don't see them on the winning end of it.
Quick Shave:
The Buffalo Sabres defeated the New York Islanders 3-2 last night and took a 2-1 series lead last night on the Island. All five goals were scored in the second frame. Islanders forward (and captain?) Alexei Yashin was demoted to the fourth line last night, and played on the power play. Either Nolan is trying to light a quick fire under the forward, or has given up on him. I still think the Islanders have a chance in this series (a small one), they haven't been blown away by the Sabres thus far, and have held their own. They need to be at their best (bring their 'A' game, give 110%, play for 60 minutes, etc.) if they want to win this series. The San Jose Sharks welcomed the Nashville Predators to the Shark Tank for Game 3 of the series and responded with a 3-1 win. The Sharks hammered the Predators goaltender Tomas Vokoun with 41 shots, while Sharks keeper Evgeni Nabokov only had to face 20. The Sharks sport one of the finest offensive corps entering the playoffs this year, and last night was a great example of it (peace through superior fire power). The Sharks now have a 2-1 series lead over the Predators.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Dallas 8:00 PM
Anaheim at Minnesota 9:00 PM
Detroit at Calgary 10:00 PM
A long night of sweet delicious hockey! I think this schedule speaks for itself. Enjoy the games!
No seriously? Where have the Flames been for the past two games? They weren't in Detroit yesterday afternoon. When Chicken Parm says he's apalled with your lack of performance..... that's not too good boys.
Well Miika Kiprusoff showed up, but unfortunately he was left out to dry by his teammates. In two games against the Detroit Red Wings, the Calgary Flames have allowed 99 shots on their goaltender. Kiprusoff faced 21 in a first period last night that seemed as though the Flames were on a perpetual penalty kill. Detroit opened up a two goal lead in the first on goals by Pavel Datsyuk, and Nicklas Lidstrom and pretty much left the Flames behind once again (there was a slight gleam of hope early in the second when Dion Phaneuf scored early in the second, but when your team only manages to take 15 shots on Dominik Hasek.... you may as well not take any).
Valtteri Filppula scored on a Johan Franzen rebound and sealed the 3-2 win for the Detroit Red Wings in the third. The Red Wings head to Calgary with a 2-0 series lead for Game 3. Maybe that's where the Flames are hiding?
Quick Shave:
Looks my Minnesota Wild upset of the Anaheim Ducks was a brilliant pick (unless the Wild run the table, which could be part of my plan.....). The Anaheim Ducks stifled the Wild 2-1 last night to take a 3-0 series lead and are set to go for the sweep on Tuesday night. Ducks keeper Ilya Bryzgalov made 19 saves for the win, and has been very steady for his club in the post season. Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco (he made 35 saves last night) blanked the Vancouver Canucks for 5 straight periods but they finally broke through late last night. Jan Bulis scored for the Canucks to tie the game in the third, and force overtime once again. Taylor Pyatt wrapped up the game less than eight minutes in to give the Canucks the 2-1 overtime win, and a 2-1 series lead. The Ottawa Senators bounced back hard, and bounced the Pittsburgh Penguins to the tune of a 4-2 win, and 2-1 series lead last night. Marc-Andre Fleury allowed 4 goals on 25 shots last night, and at times looked ordinary. I wonder if the young goaltender is succumbing to the pressure of the post season? Would Thibault be an upgrade at this point?
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at Tampa Bay 7:00 PM
Buffalo at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Nashville at San Jose 10:00 PM
Playoff Hockey is great. I'm salivating just looking at all of these matchups. I expect Martin Brodeur to be dominant tonight after being anything but in Game 2. The Islanders should expect to face a very inspired Sabres team tonight in Uniondale. Nashville and San Jose will be just outstanding. I hope that series goes to a game 7. Enjoy the games!
Somewhere on Long Island, my buddy Mike is wearing a big smile today. Your goaltender has returned Mike, and with him.... hope.
Rick DiPietro returned to the New York Islanders line up last night against the Buffalo Sabres for Game 2, after being cleared to play on Friday. The Islanders netminder who had been missing in action for three weeks with multiple concussions, looked like his old self. DiPietro made 32 saves and helped inspire his club to a series tying 3-2 win over the Sabres.
The series continues on Long Island for Game 3. Game 2 was a big wake up call for the Sabres. As I stated last week, the Islanders are not a team to be overlooked. I expect to see a Sabres team executing with extreme prejudice on Monday night.
Playoff Beard Alert:
DiPietro is sporting a beautiful face mane right now, but he's had that look going since mid-season (when the Isles were playing their strongest.... coincidence? you know it's not), however if he lets that go... look out! Buffalo Sabres forward, Brian Campbell seems to be going after the GI Joe Snow Job award (won last year by Oilers forward Raffi Torres) as he is sporting some lovely red chin fur right now. Keep an eye on that guy!
Quick Shave:
Jeff you're right, that Senators goal was amazing (I think it was the second for them on the power play... a tic tac toe from Spezza, Heatley to Alfredsson), but it still wasn't enough to stop the CROS-BEARD! I don't quite see the hint of a beard yet, but Crosby's play, as well as the rest of the Penguins have brought the series to a 1-1 tie. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in another physical matchup that saw Pittsburgh's keeper Marc-Andre Fleury bounce back from a rough Game 1 outting, to make 34 saves and help secure the win. Sidney Crosby scored the game winner mid way through the final period and added an assist on Ryan Whitney's power play goal. The amusing thing to me is that no one is giving the Penguins a chance in this series (yeah Murray, your team is the underdog....). The Penguins converted 2 of their 3 power play opportunites. The Sens converted one of nine chances. This speaks volumes. The Penguins need to play more disciplined, and Senators, well they should play more disciplined too (since the Penguins don't need many opportuties to cash in on), and should work on their special teams. The Senators are feeling the pressure of being an early round knock out again...... underdogs? Righhhht. To make things even sweeter, Game 3 is in Pittsburgh, TONIGHT!! The New York Rangers took a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Thrashers yesterday afternoon with a 2-1 victory. Coach Bob Hartley started goalie Johan Hedberg in favor of youngster Kari Lehtonen for the Thrashers and the move while widely panned, could hardly be called a bad one after his performance yesterday. Hedberg made 37 saves last night and gave the Thrashers an opportunity to win the game, however Rangers keeper Henrik Lundqvist was equal to the task (I hate that phrase so much by the way) and secured the win by making 27 saves of his own. For the Rangers, I have to mention the presence of Sean Avery. This guy has changed the organization. He's added a level of grit, toughness, and skill that they haven't seen since Essa Tikkanen was a Ranger. Last night Avery delivered his trademark physical play, scored a goal, and as assist (took 9 shots on net ) and got Kovalchuk and Tkachuk so flustered in the final moments of the game they were both ready to pound him. The Rangers and Thrashers will meet in back to back games on Tuesday and Wednesday this week at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Tampa Bay Lightning thundered (got chils on how lame that was, sorry) back to tie their series with the New Jersey Devils on the legs of a 3-2 win last night. The Lightning's big boys delivered again as Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier both scored (Lecavalier the game winner) and goaltender Johan Holmqvist made 34 saves to secure the win.
I'd like to thank Jamie Mottram and Dan Steinberg from the Blog Show for highlighting Playoff Beard.com during their broadcast on Friday night. To view the Blog Show broadcast click here, or watch it below. Thanks again for the support guys!
Game of the Night:
Calgary at Detroit 1:00 PM
Ottawa at Pittsburgh 6:00 PM
Anaheim at Minnesota 8:00
Vancouver at Dallas 9:30 PM
Calgary and Minnesota need to get back into their series (especially Minnesota) and will have ample opportunity to do so today. All eyes will really be on the Sens / Pens series which should get ugly tonight. The third period last night started getting nasty, so look for the first periord today to look like the fourth period last night. That probably didn't make much sense but after a few Molson's you'll have a moment and go.... 'AAAHHHHH, that's what Bosh meant'. The goaltending duel continues in Dallas tonight as the Canucks visit the Stars in the late game. Enjoy the games my bearded fuzzies!
Marty Turco looked impressive last night. The Dallas goaltender made 35 saves for the 2-0 shutout victory (the first playoff shutout of his career) and helped the Stars tie the Canucks 1-1 in the series.... which now travels to Dallas.
Stars forward Jeff Halpern scored less than half a minute into the game, and Joel Lundqvist (the twin brother of Ranger's goaltender Henrik Lundqvist..... I don't know why I mention that.... every time he touched the puck last night the announcers made a point to reference their relationship) potted the final goal of the game off of a sweet feed from Modano. What really impressed me about the Stars is how well they played in front of Turco. Their confidence in their keeper really soared last night, and it was very apparent in their play.
Playoff Beard Note:
Dallas forward Jeff Halpern, and defenceman Sergei Zubov are already laying the foundations for some great playoff beards. Keep an eye on these two.
Quick Shave:
That Forsberg trade is certainly beginning to bear fruit for the Nashville Predators, but how about the off season pick up of J.P. Dumont?! Usually at this point in the first round we are all marvelling at the production of Martin Havlat (who would have 18 goals about now), but thus far it's all Predators. J.P. Dumont scored 2 goals for the Predators last night (he potted two in the first game), Peter Forsberg netted a pair, and rookie Alexander Radulov added a goal and an assist (his third goal of the post season) en route to a series tying 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. All three players are in the top 5 in playoff scoring as of now. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 last night and took a 2-0 series lead as they travel to Minnesota for the next two games. Ilya Bryzgalov made 30 saves on the night for his second straight playoff victory.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Atlanta 3:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Ottawa 3:00 PM
Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Buffalo 7:30 PM
All day playoff hockey. Very nice, although I would have spread these games out just a pinch more so the bosher doesn't have to break his thumb on the remote control.... but few care about my needs. Enjoy the games!
I had a feeling the Red Wings would be ready for this series..... but I don't think anyone including the Flames could have anticipated the onslaught they brought to the ice last night.
Calgary Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff was hammered with 46 shots, 4 of which travelled past him (which really for him isn't too bad, but it says little for the Flames defencemen.... where were you guys?). The Red Wings out played, and physically abused the Flames all night. Defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom scored the second goal of the game and the game winner. Pavel Datsyuk scored ending a 26 game goaless streak in the playoffs (what a monkey to get off your back huh?), and Dominik Hasek was solid, even though he really didn't need to be. He made 19 saves for the 4-1 win. Detroit takes the 1-0 series lead into Sunday's Game 2.
Congratulations also to Chris Chelios for playing in his record setting 22nd time in the playoffs, which surpassed Ray Borque's record of 21 post-seasons. Chelios also became the second oldest player to play in the post season last night, behind only Gordie Howe.
Quick Shave:
The New York Islanders may get Rick DiPietro back for Game 2, and his return probably couldn't come at a better time. The Islanders hung tough with the Buffalo Sabres for two periods, mostly because of the solid goaltending of Wade Dubielewicz, until Buffalo broke the game open in the third winning 4-1. Sabres Chris Drury scored two goals, and Brian Campbell (Sam, you asked for his portrait....and Bosh delivered for ya! Enjoy sir!) bookended those scores, with two goals of his own. Tim Connolly who just returned to action after missing all but the final two games of the season with a concussion set up Campbell's first score. The Buffalo Sabres take the 1-0 series lead. The New York Rangers won their first playoff game in a decade last night as they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 4-3 and take the 1-0 series lead. The Rangers really came out swinging, but I was very impressed with the Thrashers as the continued to comeback, and nearly potted the game tying goal with less than a minute to remain in the game. The Rangers pounded playoff rookied Kari Lehtonen with 38 shots. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 last night to take game 1 and the 1-0 series lead. While Tampa Bay's big guns of Martin St. Louis (1 goal, 1 assist), and Vincent Lecavalier (2 goals) both produced for their club, it was their goaltending that let them down. Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist allowed 5 goals on 24 shots. New Jersey Devils sophomore Zach Parise (who has blossomed into a star this season) scored two goals including the game winner.
Playoff Beard Fan of the Month
I got an email yesterday from our good friend Alison in Cincinatti, a big supporter of the Buffalo Sabres, and the playoff beard. I will let her email to me do the talking:
"so um.... this is a strange one for ya.
i come from niagara falls, ny so needless to say my entire family is hopelessly devoted to the sabres. my older brother and i live in cincinnati now, which is horrible for hockey season. long story short, i made a drunken bet with my older brother and now i have playoff pits. yeah...its gross, but i said i was gonna do it, and now that its game one of the series, i'm past the point of no return. anyway, i thought that you'd appreciate this story of the female dedication to the game. even though ya know..chicks with hairy armpits...ugh...
GO SABRES!!!!!!
alison"
Now that is what I call fan support! Well done Alison!
Game of the Night:
San Jose at Nashville 8:00 PM
Dallas at Vancouver 9:00 PM
Minnesota at Anaheim 10:30 PM
Game 2's abound, Western style! A great friday night, and no need to hold up on the beer, or go to bed early and miss a long overtime game if it should happen again! WOO HOO! Enjoy the games!
Nice work Bosh. Every team I picked to take the first round.... well they all took a beating. Either the Captain's Curse is alive and well, or my picks were just bad, bad, bad.
The Vancouver Canucks took a 1-0 series lead over the Dallas Stars last night in a game that lasted nearly 140 minutes. The Sedin twins which are used to entertaining at bachelor parties for much longer periods of time combined (Daniel fed Henrik from behind the net) to score the game winner with less than two to go in the fourth overtime period and give the Canucks the 5-4 win.
While dissapointing for the Dallas Stars, I think they can come away with some positives. While he did allow 4 goals, the Dallas Stars certainly got a good game from Marty Turco who made 51 saves on the night. The Stars also fought back from a two goal defecit to force overtime. It's only game 1 boys.
For Vancouver, I think it's safe to assume that Roberto Luongo won't have any playoff jitters. The man made 72 saves last! Yes he and his team did blow a two goal lead in the third, but there also some positives. First, they won. Secondly, Markus Naslund started off the playoffs on the good foot, notching a goal and assisting on Mattias Ohlund's power play score. Finally, the Sedin brothers. These guys just don't stop. Each had a goal and an assist on the night, and look like they are going to continue their terrific regular season campaigns right into the playoffs.
Quick Shave:
The Ottawa Senators welcomed the Pittsburgh Penguins to the playoffs in a rough series opener, that the Sens won convincingly 6-3. Pens goaltender Marc Andre Fleury was pulled after allowing the Senators 6th goal and was replaced by Jocelyn Thibault. The Penguins got into penalty trouble early in the game and looked like they were unable to mount any attack. The Senators had a pair of 5-3 power play opportunities but the Penguins were able to kill off both. The Senators physical play early in the game also seem to take the Penguins by surprise. On a good note, the Penguins did pot a pair of power play scores late in the game and perhaps will carry some of that momentum into game 2. The San Jose Sharks won their playoff opener against the Nashville Predators 5-4. Sharks Patrick Rissmiller scored the game winner about mid way through the second overtime period to give his team the 1-0 series lead. The Sharks blew a two goal lead to the Predators who battled back in the third to tie the game and force overtime. On a somber note, the San Jose Sharks may have lost their star forward Jonathan Cheechoo for the rest of the post season because of a knee injury he sustained in the second period while colliding with Nashville's Scott Hartnell. The Predators Alexander Radulov and J.P. Dumont each scored twice for the Predators last night. The Anaheim Ducks took a 1-0 series lead over the Minnesota Wild last night as they won 2-1. Ducks forward Dustin Penner scored late in the third after Wild defenceman Kim Johnsson (way to go KJ!) knocked over his goaltender Backstrom. Penner collected the loose puck and put the lotion in the basket. Ilya Bryzgalov started in net for the Ducks making 24 saves for the win. Best wishes to Jean Sebastien Giguere, his wife and their new born son Maxime.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Atlanta 7:00 PM
Calgary at Detroit 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:30 PM
NY Islanders at Buffalo 8:00 PM
My remote control may self destruct tonight with all the channel jockeying I'll be doing.... but it's all for a good cause. We get alot of East, a pinch of West tonight, and all goodness! Enjoy the games!
April 11th Show
It's that time of year that everyone longs for-- playoff time. And with that, it's the match-up of this decade: Lyle Richardson from Spector's Hockey vs. the Magic Orb. We'll get Lyle's thoughts on some signings, then get his thoughts on the playoff match-ups in the first round and pit them against the Magic Orb in Lyle/Orb: IV. We'll also take a look at the on-going WHL Playoffs, the D'z Nuts playoffs, and the FOHSHL Playoffs. All that, plus signings, resignations, and Don Cherry and his plaid invading the States.
I've been bombarded with questions about the playoff beard and the rules that govern this art form made of hair. Hopefull they following discertation on the chin mullet will help you on your way.
There is one rule, and one rule only that must be followed. Once you commit to growing a playoff beard, you may not, under any circumstances shave that beard, unless you are bounced from the playoffs (as a fan of said team, if you decide to support your club with a playoff beard, you are also bound to these rules).
Man-scaping the neck area is permitted (this has been done in the past, and no repercussions as far as I know of have come back to haunt said individuals), but the length must never be trimmed. There are dire consequences to shaving a playoff beard. Last season Edmonton Oilers forward Michael Peca trimmed his playoff beard between the Western Conference Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals... and what happened in Game 1? The Playoff Beard curse struck and took the Oilers goaltender Dwayne Roloson out of the series. Prematurely shaved playoff beard = torn medial collateral ligament.
Where your beard begins in my eyes doesn't matter. Some players (and fans) begin clean shaven on day one and let it go. Other players (and fans) start with a goatee or beard already begun (see Calgary's Miika Kiprusoff, Nashville's Peter Forsberg or Carolina's Mike Commodore). Regardless of the starting point, the same rules apply. Once your beard has begun, you may not shave it till the playoffs are over.
If you feel the need to shave one last time, do it now because come tonight, it's over. Put the razor down and back away.
That being said, Jay I expect you and the rest of my boys from Buffalo to be a hairy lot this post season. Stache, Jeff and Paul you fellas should all have marvelous chin pelts by next week. Mikey B. congrats on the Islanders bro and stop shaving!
Start your beards boys, and sell your Gillette stock!
Finally! The playoffs are here. Typically the first round is the most exciting, and this season really shouldn't be any different. The matchups are amazing, and in some cases too good. The Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks series is at the top of my list. The only thing that sucks about it, is that one of these juggernauts will be gone in the first round. My second pick (and not by much), is the Ottawa Senators vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. They have provided some of the best hockey I've seen this year (except for the Sabres and Habs....). Below are the matchups and the schedules for the first round (provided by Detroit's own Jeff) as well as my insight onto who wins, how many games, and playoff beards to look out for!
2007 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
Series A - #1 Buffalo vs. #8 NY Islanders
Most have the Sabres pounding the life right out of the Islanders and wrapping this one up quick. I don't think that will be the case. The Islanders are riding some serious momentum entering the playoffs, and had to battle down to the final seconds of the season to make the playoffs. Islanders goaltender Wade Dubielewicz was also a big part of his clubs salvation and his continued solid play could provide that magical post season push. Does anyone else find it poetic that Ted Nolan's return to hockey and the playoffs comes against his former club? All that being said, this series has me hearing upset. However, the Sabres rock, and have rocked all season. Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller should pick up where he left off last post season, as should the rest of the Sabres team. I do expect this to be a test for Buffalo, and if they think they can walk past the Islanders with little effort, they will be mistaken. Playoff Beard Watch:Buffalo: Ryan Miller, Daniel Briere, Brian Campbell. New York: Sean Hill, Wade Dubielewicz, Trent Hunter.
Bosh's Prediction: Sabres in 7 games.
Thu., April 12 8:00 p.m. at Buffalo TSN Sat., April 14 7:30 p.m. at Buffalo VERSUS, TSN Mon., April 16 7:30 p.m. at NY Islanders VERSUS, TSN Wed., April 18 7:30 p.m. at NY Islanders VERSUS, TSN *Fri., April 20 7:00 p.m. at Buffalo VERSUS, TSN *Sun., April 22 7:00 p.m. at NY Islanders VERSUS, TSN *Tue., April 24 TBD at Buffalo TSN
Series B - #2 New Jersey vs. #7 Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Lightning have one of the best lines in hockey consisting of Martin St. Louis, and 50 goal scorer (52 actually) Vincent Lecavalier, but come playoff time it doesn't really matter. The one thing they are lacking, and have lacked since they captured the Stanley Cup is goaltending. The Lightning can play Marc Denis and Johan Holmqvist in net silmultaneously and it won't matter. Tampa is going to lose to the New Jersey Devils. Even when things were going well, GM Lou Lamoriello saw room for improvement and made a coaching change. There is a fresh fire lit under them and desire to win yet another Stanley Cup. Oh yeah, they have Martin Brodeur in net, and I hear good things about him.Playoff Beard Watch:New Jersey: John Madden, Jay Pandolfo, Scott Gomez. Tampa Bay: Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards.
Bosh's Prediction: Devils in 5 games.
Thu., April 12 7:30 p.m. at New Jersey RDS Sat., April 14 7:00 p.m. at New Jersey CBC, RDS Mon., April 16 7:00 p.m. at Tampa Bay CBC, RDS Wed., April 18 7:00 p.m. at Tampa Bay CBC, RDS *Fri., April 20 7:00 p.m. at New Jersey CBC, RDS *Sun., April 22 TBD at Tampa Bay CBC, RDS
*Tue., April 24 TBD at New Jersey CBC, RDS
Series C - #3 Atlanta vs. #6 NY Rangers
This one was tough for me, but I have to go homer. The New York Rangers should take this series. Unlike last year, they come into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league, led by the goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist. Brendan Shanahan should add some veteran leadership that was also missing from last seasons playoffs. The Thrashers while riding a high after making their first playoffs and clinching a division title I believe will lack the experience to go much further. Granted their are some proven playoff winners and performers on the team, but the Thrashers pulse rests on the inexperienced Ilya Kovalchuk, Kari Lehtonen, and the playoff underachiever Marian Hossa.Playoff Beard Watch:Atlanta :Scott Melanby, Steve Rucchin, Greg DeVries. New York: Brendan Shanahan, Henrik Lundqvist.
Bosh's Prediction: Rangers in 6 games.
Thu., April 12 7:00 p.m. at Atlanta TSN Sat., April 14 3:00 p.m. at Atlanta NBC, TSN Tue., April 17 7:00 p.m. at NY Rangers TSN Wed., April 18 7:00 p.m. at NY Rangers TSN *Fri., April 20 TBD at Atlanta TSN *Sun., April 22 1:00 p.m. at NY Rangers NBC, TSN *Mon., April 23 7:00 p.m. at Atlanta VERSUS, TSN
Series D - #4 Ottawa vs. #5 Pittsburgh
Oh yeah the Eastern Conference's first round gem! This series should go the distance, and Bryan Murray you can play the lip service game all week, your team is not the underdog buddy. However they are going to lose. That's right, Bosh said again. Much to everyone's dismay the Pittsburgh Penguins are not going to be the cake-walk everyone thinks they will. I think they are goind to surprise quite a few teams this post-season, starting with Ottawa.Playoff Beard Watch:Ottawa: Dany Heatley, Ray Emery, Daniel Alfreddson (he will be sporting the Friesen). Pittsburgh: Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts.
Bosh's Prediction: Penguins in 7 games.
Wed., April 11 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa CBC, RDS, VERSUS Sat., April 14 3:00 p.m. at Ottawa CBC, RDS, NBC Sun., April 15 6:00 p.m. at Pittsburgh VERSUS, CBC, RDS Tue., April 17 7:00 p.m. at Pittsburgh VERSUS, CBC, RDS *Thu., April 19 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa CBC, RDS, VERSUS *Sun., April 22 1:00 p.m. at Pittsburgh NBC, CBC, RDS *Tue., April 24 7:00 p.m. at Ottawa VERSUS, CBC, RDS
*if necessary
2007 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
Series E - #1 Detroit vs. #8 Calgary
This is going to be a massacre, and for two reasons. The Flames farted their way past the finish line, barely getting into the playoffs (in fact had the Avs not dropped that game to the Preds Saturday night, the Flames would be out). They ride a 4 game losing streak going into their post season affair with the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings are not going to allow another early playoff dissappointment, and unfortunately for Calgary, they are going to be well motivated. This one is going to be over quickPlayoff Beard Watch:Detroit: Henrik Zetterberg, Matthieu Schneider, Chris Chelios, Todd Bertuzzi. Calgary Flames: they won't have time to grow beards.
Bosh's Prediction: Red Wings in 4 games.
Thu., April 12 7:00 p.m. at Detroit VERSUS, CBC Sun., April 15 1:00 p.m. at Detroit NBC, CBC Tue., April 17 10:00 p.m. at Calgary CBC, VERSUS Thu., April 19 TBD at Calgary CBC, VERSUS *Sat., April 21 3:00 p.m. at Detroit NBC, CBC *Sun., April 22 TBD at Calgary CBC, VERSUS *Tue., April 24 TBD at Detroit CBC, VERSUS
Series F - #2 Anaheim vs. #7 Minnesota
I think the Anaheim Ducks are going to find out that regular season success doesn't necessarily translate into post season victories. Allow me to introduce my first round upset. The Minnesota Wild have been hotter than hot down the stretch and look like a team that may make a big run during the playoffs. Even Anaheim's towers on defense of Chris Pronger and playoff beard jedi master Scott Niedermayer will have difficulty stopping the speedy forwards of the Wild. Expect the Wild to make some noise similiar to the last time they were in the post season.Playoff Beard Watch:Anaheim: Jean Sebastien Giguere, Scott Niedermayer, Rob Niedermayer, Ryan Getzlaf. New York: Nicklas Backstrom, Pavol Demitra, Brian Rolston.
Bosh's Prediction: Wild in 6 games.
Wed., April 11 10:30 p.m. at Anaheim TSN Fri., April 13 10:30 p.m. at Anaheim TSN Sun., April 15 8:00 p.m. at Minnesota TSN Tue., April 17 9:00 p.m. at Minnesota TSN *Thu., April 19 10:30 p.m. at Anaheim TSN *Sat., April 21 TBD at Minnesota TSN *Mon., April 23 10:00 p.m. at Anaheim TSN
Series G - #3 Vancouver vs. #6 Dallas
Roberto, enjoy your first playoff experience, it may be a short one. While Luongo has certainly provided the promised stability between the pipes that the Vancouver Canucks desired for so long, I think they are going to fall short in the playoffs. One reason is goaltender Roberto Luongo's playoff inexperience. The big reason? Turco! Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco who has been a perrenial playoff flop is going to finally rise to the occassion this year. Unfortunately Canucks fans, your team will have to be the first of many stepping stones Marty will saunter across in order to capture his Stanley Cup Trophy.Playoff Beard Watch:Vancouver: Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Roberto Luongo. Dallas: Sergei Zubov, Marty Turco, Brendan Morrow.
Bosh's Prediction: Dallas in 6 games.
Wed., April 11 10:00 p.m. at Vancouver CBC, RDS, VERSUS Fri., April 13 9:00 p.m. at Vancouver CBC, RDS, VERSUS Sun., April 15 9:30 p.m. at Dallas VERSUS, CBC, RDS Tue., April 17 8:00 p.m. at Dallas CBC, RDS (JIP) *Thu., April 19 TBD at Vancouver CBC, RDS, VERSUS *Sat., April 21 8:00 p.m. at Dallas VERSUS, CBC, RDS *Mon., April 23 TBD at Vancouver CBC, RDS, VERSUS
Series H - #4 Nashville vs. #5 San Jose
This has to be the toughest series to call, and as I said earlier the most dissappointing because we are going to wave goodbye to one of these teams. They are separated only by 3 regular season points and both are tied with the most wins in the West with 51. So who will take the series? Nashville. In the words of the Sherminator "It was just my time boys." It certainly was, and now it is Nashville's time. The Predators have been quietly building towards this all season, and their acquisition of Peter Forsberg will prove to be a blockbuster much to the dismay of the San Jose Sharks. Make no mistake this series will be a bloodbath, and unfortunatley the victor may not go much further after this round, but this matchup is going to be epic. Playoff Beard Watch:Nashville: Peter Forsberg, Tomas Vokoun. San Jose: Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau.
Bosh's Prediction: Predators in 7 games.
Wed., April 11 8:00 p.m. at Nashville TSN Fri., April 13 8:00 p.m. at Nashville TSN Mon., April 16 10:00 p.m. at San Jose VERSUS, TSN Wed., April 18 10:00 p.m. at San Jose VERSUS, TSN *Fri., April 20 9:00 p.m. at Nashville VERSUS (JIP), TSN *Sun., April 22 10:00 p.m. at San Jose VERSUS (JIP), TSN *Tue., April 24 TBD at Nashville VERSUS, TSN
*if necessary
Ok, there you have it! Right now you many of you are thinking, "Bosh, are you trying to alienate all of your Canadian fans?" Of course not. For you newcomers, there is a little something at Playoff Beard.com we like to call the Captain's Curse. Essentially, when I throw my support or well-wishes behind a team or player..... that team loses, and that player either succumbs to an injury or goes on a month long scoring drought. That being said, my picks could be viewed as votes of confidence, because if I have picked against your favorite team, chances are I have guaranteed them victory. Sorry Sabres fans!
Games of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Ottawa 7:00 PM
San Jose at Nashville 8:00 PM
Dallas at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Minnesota at Anaheim 10:30 PM
You get them all! A predominantly Western Conference evening, with a little Sens/Pens as an appetizer. I love this sport! Enjoy the games my friends!
The most coveted prize in all of sports. The Norris Trophy is presented to the wearer of the finest playoff beard at the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This beacon of glory will once again shine upon an ice warrior who possesses not only unparellelled skill, but a mane of facial hair unmatched by any before him.
Last season, Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Bret Hedican presented us with a playoff beard of extraordinary magnitude. Gone were the tell tale signs of a mouth, barely the hint of a chin or it's strap were visible,... no Mr. Hedican was floating helmet of hair. Truly awe inspiring. That is why Bret Hedican was the clear cut winner of the 2006 Chuck Norris Trophy. Who will it be this year? You will find below a selection of a choice few who I believe will be sporting the latest and perhaps finest in playoff beard fashion this post season.
Gentlemen! Drop your razors!
Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins
If you asked someone earlier this year if they thought the Pittsburgh Penguins would make the playoffs this season, said individual would have laughed in your face and then struck you in the groin. Ask that same person if they think anyone on the Penguins prepubescent roster can grow a playoff beard, but make sure you are wearing an athletic supporter prior to your query.
Since I was one of the few, and the proud who believed in Pittsburgh's rise to prominence this season (actually, I just thought they would make the playoffs, not challenge for the Atlantic), I tell you that the best is yet to come.
Sidney Crosby can lead a club mired in doubt and despair to the promised land, and become the youngest player ever to win the Art Ross Trophy then I believe nothing is beyond his reach. Sidney Crosby will become the youngest player ever to sport a playoff beard! We will see the Cros-beard this playoff season! Oh yes my friends, mark my words.
Peter Forsberg - Nashville Predators
Since the blockbuster deal that brought the superstar forward to the Nashville Predators, the media storm surrounding Forsberg has quieted some. In his 16 games with the club, Forsberg has collected 13 points (2 goals, 11assists), but the big stage on which he performs best is awaiting his encore appearance. During Forsberg's 139 playoff games he has amassed 162 points (61 goals, 101 points) and his playoff beard has always garnered him top honors.
While often sporting a formidable face mane during the regular season, in the playoffs his chin pelt advances like a brigade led by Alexander himself (It is rumored that he trains with a pack of wolves in the off-season). Expect Nashville's pre-trade deadline acquisition of Forsberg to pay massive dividends in the playoff beard category in the coming weeks. Oh, and he should help them win a few games as well.
Brendan Shanahan - New York Rangers
When the New York Rangers signed Brendan Shanahan in the off season, they were looking to take some pressure off of the Jagr line, get some veteran experience to mentor the youngsters, and most importantly.... playoff beard depth. Expect Shanahan's face mullet to be blooming early in the first round of the playoffs, and if the Rangers can extend their stay at the post season dance.... George Lucas will be asking him to play a Wookie in Chewbacca: The Musical.
Shanahan will of course turn down the offer because like the rest of us, he see the Pre-quels as a stain on the Star Wars legacy.
Marty Turco - Dallas Stars
Marty is my dark horse sleeper pick for best playoff beard this post season. Why you ask? Turco is due, big time. I think this playoffs, while he will be most certainly shrouded in doubt, he is going to shine and carry the Dallas Stars like never before. That being said, his chin will also be shrouded in copious amounts of facial hair. For the first time since succeeding the helm of goaltender from Ed Belfour (a veteran of the playoff beard... and prison) Turco will blossom not only as a clutch playoff performer but also as a master of the beard.
Marty, may the Beard be with you!
Daniel Briere - Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are set to be the furriest team in the NHL playoffs this season. None however will be as overgrown with hair as the follicley (I know that's not really a word, but try and suspend disbelief, just for the sake of the beard) gifted Daniel Briere. This Hair Club for the NHL, known as the Buffalo Sabres has the tools and motivation to travel deep into the post season and the foundation for an army of jaw carpets. Look for Daniel Briere to be sporting a playoff beard that would make Civil War Generals weep with envy.
Scott Niedermayer - Anaheim Ducks
Gillette stock drops every April because of this guy.
Niedermayer is without question the Jedi Master of Playoff Beards. By the end of game 1, Niedermayer will be looking like a Yeti (rumor has it the man has to shave between periods just so he can see during the regular season). When Brian Burke signed the All Star defenceman two years ago he knew he was getting one of the finest players in the league, and unprecedented playoff beard experience.
The playoff beard is as regular a sight as the sun rising in the east or Toronto Maple Leaf fans crying in their beer come Stanley Cup playoff time. If you’re an NHLer without facial hair in mid-April, it means either you have bad beard genes, or that beards are banned at your golf club.
Since biblical times, beards have been a sign of virility, and then, in the middle ages, their lack was a sign of purity and innocence and holiness. Men in holy orders were forbidden to wear beards in order to distinguish their elevated state from laymen and soldiers and godless barbarians—a word which comes from the Latin root barba, which means beard. So, to have a beard meant that you were both virile, and a little further away from the divine. And so, capable of all sorts of nastiness.
To be sure, conveying an air of menace is doubtless part of the playoff beard phenomenon, but the prime mover is most likely superstition, for hockey is a profoundly superstitious sport.
Many hockey players have long believed that putting on their equipment a certain way, or performing ritual actions during the warm-up, has a direct bearing on their game. Wayne Gretzky didn't allow any sticks to cross over each other, or to touch other players’ sticks, while goalie Patrick Roy would juggle pucks between periods, then hide them to ward off bad luck.
In 1950-1951, the New York Rangers were on a losing streak, and a local restaurant owner devised a "magic potion" that players drank before games, and so began a winning streak.
In the 1970s, the Philadelphia Flyers believed that singer Kate Smith and her version of “God Bless America”—taped or live, in place of the national anthem – gave them an edge.
Toronto Maple Leaf defensive star “Red” Kelly, as coach of the 1975-76 Leafs, put crystal pyramids in the dressing room, and under the players bench, hoping that the energy given off by the pyramids’ points would propel the Leafs to Stanley Cup glory. After defeating Pittsburgh, Toronto took on their fierce rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, who eventually won a tough seven game series-- with the help of Kate Smith.
It was the dynastic New York Islanders of the 1980s who get the credit for beginning the “we don’t shave until we’ve won the Jug” tradition. Bearded Islanders’ forward Clark Gillies and goalie Billy Smith are tagged as the prime movers behind the bearded run to Cup glory.
Indeed, archival photos of Stanley Cup teams going all the way back to a century earlier support that idea that until quite recently, it was pretty smooth-skin sailing into the Final. The Stanley Cup champions of a hundred years ago sport, at best, a walrus moustache or two, and it seems that hockey players were like medieval holy men when it came to beards--until the Isles caused shares in razor and shaving cream company stock to plummet annually from April to June.
There is my own theory, though, that the origin of the playoff beard belongs to the man who gave the world the Stanley Cup, or the “Dominion Challenge Trophy” as Freddie Stanley called it when his letter announcing his gift to the world was read at a sportsman’s banquet in Ottawa in 1892.
Lord Stanley of Preston, the gloriously bearded aristocrat, soldier, and politician, was posted to Canada as Governor-General (proxy head of state for the British regent) in 1888, and fell in love with hockey at first sight. His sons played on a team called the Rideau Rebels, after the Governor-General’s official residence, Rideau Hall, and his daughter Isobel played in the first recorded women’s match in 1891. Stanley saw his trophy as a way to unite a young, vast and sparsely populated country through love of hockey, and so it did. Today, hockey players from around the world hope that champagne will dribble from hockey’s Holy Grail down their playoff whiskers in June.
In the greatest irony of all, though, Lord Stanley returned to England in July 1893 upon the death of his brother, to become the 16th Earl of Derby. The Stanley Cup was first awarded a few months later, and so Stanley never saw a playoff game for his great trophy. He did, however, keep his beard throughout that historic first series. It just took hockey players nearly a century to take the hint.
"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of Maple Leafs fans suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened."
-Obi Wan Kenobi, on the Islanders making the playoffs
The improbable, and unlikely, became the possible yesterday. The New York Islanders won their final game over the New Jersey Devils 3-2 by way of shootout and ejected the Toronto Maple Leafs from their short 17 and a half hour stay in the 8th playoff spot in the East. The Islanders looked like they had the victory sewn up until Devils forward John Madden decided to make things interesting late in the game. Madden scored with less than 5 minutes remaining in the third to draw the Devils within 1 goal, then tied the game with barely a second remaining. I'm sure things looked good in Toronto at this point.
Although blowing a two goal lead, the Islanders regained their composure and carried onward, battling the Devils to a tie and forcing a shootout. New York Islanders goaltender and playoff savior Wade Dubielewicz stood tall once again, allowing only Brian Gionta a score, and stopping Gionta and Brylin to secure the 3-2 win, and the 8th and final playoff spot. Satan and Kozlov scored in the shootout for the Islanders.
For the Islanders, perhaps they were fortunate that they didn't have to face the New Jersey Devils Martin Brodeur who was rested yesterday in favor of backup Scott Clemmensen. Perhaps, but this team has battled from some ridiculous odds over the past two weeks to achieve what many considered impossible. I thought it was over for them when DiPietro went down, but it's very cool how all the pressure in the world pressing down on the right pair of shoulders can produce something extraordinary. Hat's off to you Wade Dubielewicz, and congratulations Islanders!
Quick Shave: Colorado Avalanche forward Joe Sakic scored his 100 point last night, the game winner in a 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames. A game that would have bounced the Flames from the playoffs had the Avs not dropped one against the Nashville Predators the evening prior. Sakic became the second oldest player at 37 years of age to reach the 100 point mark, second only to Gordie Howe, who scored 103 at age 40. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby has won the Art Ross Trophy for capturing the NHL's scoring title with 120 points. At 19 years of age Crosby is the youngest ever recipient of the award. Crosby has an excellent shot at taking the Hart Trophy this year too, as the league MVP.
A big congratulations to 'It's Not a Toomah' for winning the first ever Playoff Beard.com Fantasy Hockey Tournament! Well done sir!
Did last night's game deliver or what? You don't have to answer. Bosh knows.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens wrapped up their regular season last night at the Air Canada Centre and provided a memorable affair to all who witnessed it. Unfortunately for the Habs, the 6-5 Leafs victory also wrapped up their season, and an opportunity to participate in the playoffs.
The Leafs jumped out to a solid 3-1 lead early in the second before they watched the wheels come off (again?! for the third straight game the Leafs allowed at least three goals in one period) as the Habs potted 4 goals and appeared poised to take the match. Maple Leafs goaltender Andrew Raycroft was yanked for the second time in a week, and it looked like the curtains would be closing on their playoff campaign. Trailing 5-4 going into the third, the Maple Leafs took advantage of Montreal's parade to the penalty box, cashing in on two power play opportunities early in the third and held on the rest of the way for win. Maple Leafs Captain Mats Sundin recorded three assists on the evening, and Habs forward Michael Ryder joined the NHL Hat Trick Club... in one period! Goaltending was not really a factor in this match.
The Maple Leafs, are now pencilled in as the 8th and final playoff spot holders and must wait to see if their 91 points will stand up. The outcome of the New York Islanders vs. New Jersey Devils game this afternoon at 3:30 will determine the immediate future of Toronto. The Islanders are holding in 9th place just one point behind the Leafs, and could take the last spot in the Eastern Conference with a victory. Can you say Game of the Night? I knew that you could.
Quick Shave:
The Buffalo Sabres clinched the President's Trophy last night with a 2-0 shutout win over the Washington Capitals, their 53rd victory of the season. The Vancouver Canucks defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-3 yesterday and clinched the Northwest Division title. The win was number 47 for Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo who tied Flyers goaltender Bernie Parent's record (which was broken by Martin Brodeur days ago). The Sharks loss also helped the Anaheim Ducks claim the Pacific Division title as they defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. The Ottawa Senators defeated the Boston Bruins 6-3 last night securing the 4th spot in the East and the home ice advantage that comes with it. Sens forward Dany Heatley scored his 50th goal of the season in the game and became the first player since Pavel Bure to pot back to back 50 goal seasons. The dream died for the Colorado Avalanche last night as they fell to the Nashville Predators 4-2 last night. The Avs will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1994. The opportunity for a sensational matchup today between the Avs and the Calgary Flames was there as the they lost to the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 last night. However, with the Avs loss, the Flames clinched the 8th and final spot in the Western Conference.
So the battle lines have been drawn (for the most part, with just the 8th seed in the East yet to be determined) and here's a look at the matchups for the first round of the playoffs:
Eastern Conference: 1. Buffalo Sabres vs. 8. Toronto Maple Leafs or New York Islanders 2. New Jersey Devils vs. 7. Tampa Bay Lightning 3. Atlanta Thrashers vs. 6. New York Rangers 4. Ottawa Senators vs. 5. Pittsburgh Penguins
Western Conference: 1. Detroit Red Wings vs. 8. Calgary Flames 2. Anaheim Ducks vs. 7. Minnesota Wild 3. Vancouver Canucks vs. 6. Dallas Stars 4. Nashville Predators vs. 5. San Jose Sharks
Game of the YEAR:
NY Islanders at New Jersey 3:30 PM
The table is set for the New York Islanders to pull of the improbable today. Granted for them to do it and steal the 8th spot in the East from the Leafs, they will have defeat Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. Not an easy task, but little more than a week ago, everyone had written them off. Win and yer in! Enjoy the games!
Don Waddell, today you may breathe a sigh of relief. Your gamble has payed off.
Nearly a month removed from the trade deadline acquisition of Keith Tkachuk from St. Louis (where he mortgaged the farm), Waddell lit a fire under his club and helped propell them not only to the franchise's
first every playoff berth, but the team's first Division title.
The Atlanta Thrashers thoroughly dominated the Carolina Hurricanes (who at this point had little to play for other than pride, as they were knocked from the post season several days earlier) 4-1. Star forwards Ilya Kovalchuk, and Marian Hossa responded to their coaches recommendation that this match be treated like a Game 7, and they did just that by notching a goal each. The victory coupled with the Tampa Bay Lightning's crushing defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers (7-2.... yeah they got old school whooped last night) secured the Southeast Division title for the Atlanta Thrashers.
The Thrashers finish up their season today against the Lightning in what very well could be their first round opponent next week. Certainly today's match will have playoff preview written all over it.
Quick Shave:
How good is the Florida Panthers Nathan Horton? Ask the Tamp Bay Lightning, a team which has owned all season. In 8 games facing Tampa Bay, Horton has racked up 12 points (9 goals, 3 assists), and scored his 9th last night to begin the bleeding. Everyone on the Panthers scored last night (including the mascot and a few fans) as the Panthers pretty much ended the Lightning's hopes of taking the Southeast Division title from the Thrashers during the first period. There may be a battle in the Western Conference after all. The Pacific Division is up for grabs after the Dallas Stars defeated the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 in a shootout last night. The overtime point knocked the Star from title contentions, but the Ducks now only have a narrow two point lead over the San Jose Sharks. Anaheim needs only one point to clinch the division, however should they lose, and the Sharks win, San Jose would take the Pacific, as well as the 2nd overall seed in the Western Conference. The Ducks would drop to 5th place. No pressure.
Game of the Night:
Edmonton at Calgary 10:00 PM
NY Islanders at Philadelphia 1:00 PM
Vancouver at San Jose 4:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Atlanta 7:00 PM Montreal at Toronto 7:00 PM
NY Rangers at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
St. Louis at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Nashville at Colorado 9:00 PM
Edmonton at Calgary 10:00 PM
Every single one of these games is crucial, but none will be as exciting or heated as the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. the Montreal Canadiens tonight. In order for the Leafs to get into the playoffs, they must defeat the Habs in regulation. If the Canadiens get a point in overtime, it's off to the golf course for Toronto. Now if Toronto wins, this is where it get's interesting. The Islanders must win their final two games, and if they do, then they will knock the Leafs out of the playoffs. Toronto must win and then root for the Devils on Sunday. The Islanders must win and root for the Leafs. The Habs.... they just need to root for themselves. Got all that?
Ok, next topic. The 8th spot in the West is as coveted as the one in the East. If Calgary loses to Edmonton today, and the Avs defeat the Predators it will set up a playoff deciding match between the two teams. I'm not saying I want to see the Flames knocked out, but how sweet would a 'win and yer in' game be tomorrow night. Game of the Year .... Edmonton at Calgary, 10:00 PM, Sunday.
The rest of the days games are stuffed with matches that will determine positioning, the Northwest Division title, and perhaps the President's Trophy winner. With that, I say enjoy the games my friends!
The Detroit Red Wings have just announced the signing of center Pavel Datsyuk to a 7 year contract worth nearly $47 million. Datsyuk will earn roughly $6 to $7 million per year during the contract.
Datsyuk has had a solid year scoring 87 points (27 goals, 60 assists) and is an amazing +37 rating (tied for 4th best in the NHL) in 78 games this season and could have become an unrestricted free agent in July.
Big night in the NHL last night! So many storylines that could have written their final chapters yesterday did the opposite and left us with 'to be continued'. Which for most of us is a good thing (difficult to watch your team fighting for a playoff spot on the final game of the season..... I'll get to that shortly).
The New York Rangers clinched a playoff spot last night for the second year in a row with a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens last night. Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr scored the game winner and his 30th goal of the season. Jagr has now scored 30 or more goals in 15 consecutive seasons. The Rangers with one game remaining against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday have a chance to clinch the 6th playoff spot, where they will meet either the Atlanta Thrashers or the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. If they fall to 7th, they will face the New Jersey Devils.
The New York Islanders kept their playoff hopes by handing the Toronto Maple Leafs their second straight loss 5-2 (Raycroft has been lit up recently eh?). Isles forward Jason Blake scored his career high 40th goal of the season and the game winner, and goaltender Wade Dubielewicz had another huge night in net. Dubie made 28 saves and backstopped the Islanders to their second straight victory. Ryan Smyth started the bleeding with the opening score for the Islanders in the first, and then went back and forth with the Leafs until the wheels came off in the third. The Leafs surrendered three goals in one period again for the second straight game, and will now need to win in regulation on Saturday against the Habs in the final game of the season. The Habs can clinch a playoff spot with a win or overtime loss. If the Islanders win out and Toronto wins, they can steal the final playoff spot. Like I said this weekend will be fun.
The Pittsburgh Penguins stunned the Ottawa Senators with seconds remaining in the third period last night. Pens forward Maxime Talbot late (very late) in the game to give his club the 3-2 win and move them into a fourth place tie with the Senators. Both clubs have a game remaining and will play for home ice advantage. Regardless, the Penguins and Senators are going to meet in the first round of the playoffs, and what a series that should be. Does anyone still think the Penguins are going to be pushovers?
Martin Broduer became the regular season's winningest goaltender record holder last night as he and the New Jersey Devils defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 last night. The record was originally held by Flyers own Bernie Parent with 47. Brodeur made 34 saves for the win and helped the New Jersey Devils clinch their second straight Atlantic Division title.
Milan Hejduk, welcome to the NHL Hat Trick Club! He picked the perfect time to join. The Colorado Avalanche, much like the New York Islanders have kept their playoffs alive as well. The Avs defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 and pulled within 3 points of the Calgary Flames (who were dropped by the San Jose Sharks last night 4-3) and if they win out, can steal the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Calgary needs two points to clinch, and they face the Avs on the final game of the regular season! How sweet is that?! Pretty Sweet Bosh. Pretty Sweet.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at Carolina 7:00 PM
Florida at Tampa Bay 8:00 PM
Anaheim at Dallas 8:30 PM
All of these are pretty big games, especially the Thrashers and Lightning games. Both teams are battling for the Southeast Division and the 3rd seed overall. The winner gets the third spot, the loser the 6th or 7th in the East, so wins at this point are extremely valuable. Anaheim's Pacific Division cushion has been widdled down to one point by the San Jose Sharks so they need to pad that if they want to remain in second seed. If they lose to Dallas, ans San Jose continues it's climb, they could drop to 5th. Enjoy the games!
Last year at this time, the Washington Capitals knocked the Atlanta Thrashers out of their franchise's first ever playoff berth. While the Thrashers have clinched a playoff spot this season, last night the Capitals may have ruined their chances at clinching the Southeast Division title and knocked them from 3rd in the Eastern Conference, to 6th (although, if they completely implode, they could realistically end up in the 8th seed).
The Washington Capitals are once again in a position of playing spoiler. A role that they have done very well against the Thrashers. Caps forward Alexander Ovechkin's stats against the Thrashers in Atlanta this season are astounding. Ovechkin scored two goals for his team, as the Capitals defeated the Thrashers 3-2 last night. His two scores gave him 8 in the 4 games he's played there. Ovechkin is just two goals shy of 100 in his young two year career, and two points shy of 200. The Capitals wrap up their season against Buffalo on Saturday.
Quick Shave:
The Anaheim Ducks had an opportunity to extend their Pacific Division lead and also break their franchise home winning record last night. That opportunity however went up in smoke as they blew a two goal lead to the San Jose Sharks, and eventually fell in the shootout 3-2. The Sharks are just three points behind the Ducks for 3rd place in the West and the Pacific Division Title. The Western Conference is stacked. The Calgary Flames are the only team (in 8th) to have not hit the 100 point mark for the season, and they are just 4 points shy. It's a shame that only one team can make it out. The playoffs out West are going to be wild.
Game of the Night:
Montreal at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Toronto at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Pittsburgh at Ottawa 7:30 PM
Colorado at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Calgary at San Jose 10:30 PM
HUGE! HUGE! HUGE! Did I say huge? Habs vs. Rangers?! How good is this going to be? Almost as good as Toronto visiting the Island. Yes New York welcomes our brothers from the North this evening for some colossal matchups that will determine their post season fates. Pittsburgh and Ottawa do battle for position, but regardless it looks like they are going to meet in the first round of the playoffs. I guess we can call this Game 0. What ever happens here tonight will surely continue next week. Martin Brodeur will try to break Bernie Parent's record tonight as he goes for win number 48.... that is unless Scott Clemmensen is net..... I don't think that poor guy has played a game this season. Colorado's season is on life support, and they need a big win over Vancouver. Vancouver and Roberto Luongo will be looking to win, and tie Bernie Parent's record. Colorado will also be hoping for San Jose to take down Calgary tonight, so they can keep their playoff hopes alive.
The New Jersey Devils goaltender has done it again. Martin Brodeur continues to swallow up NHL records as methodically as he does pucks. Brodeur won his 47th game of the season last night, and tied Flyers goaltender Bernie Parent's record, which has stood for more than 30 years.
Last evening, the New Jersey Devils goaltender made 22 saves, plus four more during the shootout to lift his team to a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. With the victory, the Devils are now within a point of clinching the Atlantic Division title for the second year in a row, as well as solidifying their position as the number 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
So many storylines going on at once last night, the least of which was their new coach Lou Lamoriello making his coaching debut in place of recently fired Claude Julien. Lamoriello was apparently pleased with the team's effort, as well as the result as the Devils held the offensively gifted Senators to one goal.
Quick Shave:
The playoff battle in the Eastern Conference looks like it really will go down to the final games of the season. Every team that needed to win did so last night (except for the Carolina Hurricanes.... I'll get to them in a minute), the Lightning, the Leafs, Habs, and Islanders all picked up their two points. The New York Islanders had to take the New York Rangers to the shootout to claim their extra point in the standings. The Islanders won 3-2, in large part to their goaltender Wade Dubielewicz, who made 36 saves on the evening including all three he faced in the shootout.... he had tone, as Bill Clement would say. This guy may have saved the Islander's season last night. The Tampa Bay Lightning moved back into 6th place in the East thanks to an early third period surge that lifted them over the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. The loss was a costly one for the Hurricanes as they were officially eliminated from the playoffs. The first time a Stanley Cup Champion has missed the playoffs in the following season since the Devils in 1996, and the first time ever both participants of the Finals the year prior have missed the playoffs. Dark days in Carolina and Edmonton this morning. The Buffalo Sabres wrapped up the number one spot in the Eastern Conference with their 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins last night. The Detroit Red Wings held on to their 1 point lead for the President's Trophy by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0 last night. Dominik Hasek made 35 saves for his 76th career shutout.... I'd say he's ready for the playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche kept hope alive last night be defeating the Calgary Flames 4-3 last night. Joe Sakic actually defeated the Flames last night, he scored a goal and added three helpers to pull the Avs within 5 points of the Flames. The Avalanche will need to win their remaining games, and hope that the Flames dump all of theirs in order to steal the 8th and final spot in the Western Conference.
Game of the Night:
San Jose at Anaheim 10:00 PM
This is pretty huge. The Anaheim Ducks hold a narrow four point lead over the San Jose Sharks for the Pacific Division title, as well as the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. This is also a playoff preview, as I wouldn't be surprised to see these two teams do battle in the later rounds. Enjoy the games!
It's getting to be that time of year kids! In a matter of days, the razors will be packed away and the Playoff Beard will be born once again! That being said, I thought it appropriate we go over the various stages of the playoff beard. I give you, Playoff Beard.com's Guide to Grading the Playoff Beard!
STAGE 1: The Kristofferson
Round 1 of the playoffs offers some of the most exciting hockey, and a variety of playoff beards (although at this point they are still in the fetal stage of growth) . Starting with 16 teams, and often going to 7 games, this round gives us a chance to view beard potential, and future beards.... unfortunately, beard potential must also be followed up with skill, determination and teamwork on the ice, or one will find themselves shaving on the golf course....or in this instance helping Wesley Snipes fight Vampires.
STAGE 2: The Chaka
Towards the end of round 1 and entering round 2, those who have chosen to go natural will begin to emerge. Many players are beginning to look like the retarded half monkey / half ewok thing from 'Land of the Lost', or like Peter Forsberg does on a daily basis.
STAGE 3: The Mango Salsa
End of round 2, beginning of round 3, we start to see the real playoff beard veterans take center stage. We have officially entered the Ice Age, and players are now really fighting for survival, and for respect with that representative from Geico. At this point, you really shouldn't have much of an appetite. Thank you.
STAGE 4: The Castaway
WILSON!!! In this case however Wilson is not a finely manufactured piece of lawn sports equipment....it is a gleaming beacon of hope symbolized by one Stanley Cup. By the end of round 3, the best teams will be showcasing FedEx quality hair growth. If you think you see Jesus, it's ok, there is no need to call your priest.
STAGE 5: The Chewbacca
The Stanley Cup finals will bring us facial hair growth that only George Lucas could be proud of (and perhaps willing to sue for over copyright infringement). This is the time of year when Rob Neidermayer, and Ray Bourque, stop looking human, and resembled helmets stuffed with hair. Chewbacca would most likely retort with something poetic, only to have the entire cast laugh at him because they don't understand his language and feel more comfortable treating him like a stray dog, than an equal. He only flew the Millenium Falcon for love of pete! I digress,... perhaps the finest Playoff Beards will be on display in the final round. In the past, the legends of the sport, like Esche, Giguerre, and even St. Louis become wookies on ice.
WHEN BEARDS GO WRONG: The Freisen
Oh Jeff. Oh no. Perhaps the worst attempt ever at a playoff beard was the porn star / Wyatt Earp special that Jeff Freisen tried to pull off a few years ago. The effort was there. The genetics however...ooooh......in another line of work, his facial hair could have been put to good use. In the NHL however, it was misplaced. Better luck next time Officer Freisen!
Quick Shave:
The big news yesterday, and still today is the New Jersey Devils firing of head coach Claude Julien. With three games remaining in their season, the Devils will now follow the lead of GM Lou Lamoriello as their head coach. While shocking, I'm sure this was a decision he didn't make lightly, and it's hard to argue with the ones he's made in the past. When he cut Coach Robbie Ftorek loose in 2000, the Devils only went on to win the Stanley Cup. Lou knows. Oh yeah, the St. Louis Blues beat the Dallas Stars 4-2 last night.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Ottawa at New Jersey 7:30 PM
NY Rangers at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Carolina at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Philadelphia at Toronto 7:30 PM
Colorado at Calgary 9:00 PM
All of these are goodies. While the first two are teams fighting for position, the last four are teams fighting for their playoff lives. The Eastern Conference match-ups this week are insane. I don't think the NHL could have planned a better storybook scenario. The Rangers, Islanders, Hurricanes, Lightning, Leafs and Habs are all fighting for the last three spots, and most likely this will go down the final games of the season on Saturday. Exciting and nerve shattering at the same time. Enjoy the games!
WHAT? The Altantic Division leading New Jersey Devils have fired their head coach Claude Julien. With the playoffs a week away, General Manager Lou Lamoriello will be taking over the coaching duties for the second straight season.
This came out of no where, but there must have been some grumblings going on behind closed doors. Lamoriello was a formidable presence behind the bench for the Devils last year and helped turn around the team after a rough start (with the help of a healthy Elias). For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
I'm almost loathe to write about this fearing the curse, but holy crap what a game last night! The first period was playoff calibre, the Garden was certainly playoff atmosphere and both teams appeared playoff bound. Toronto opened the scoring early, and the crowd that was fired up minutes earlier silenced (much like Game 3 against the Devils last year.... Elias score less that two minutes into that one, and pulled the plug on the Garden faithful), however Sean Avery tied it up minutes later and jump started the crowd.
The second period the Rangers broke it open in a huge way in the second. Two quick goals saw Andrew Raycroft pulled from the Leafs net less than 5 minutes into the period. Jean-Sebastien Aubin replaced Raycroft and allowed three more goals, including Sean Avery's second of the night. Sean Avery had an amazing game last night. He recorded the Gordie Howe Hatrick (Goal, Assist, Fight), and nearly joined the HTC. Jaromir Jagr had a goal and two helpers, Michael Nylander scored his 25th, and Martin Straka recorded his team leading 29th.
The Rangers went on to take the win and the coveted two points 7-2. They also moved past the Tampa Bay Lightning into 6th place in the Eastern Conference.
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While the Carolina Hurricanes gained a valuable 2 points last night with their 4-3 overtime win over the Florida Panthers last night, their playoff hopes are fading. They sit two points out in 10th place. If they fail to gain ground in the next 7 days, it will be the first time ever that the two teams that played in the Stanley Cup Finals the season prior didn't make the playoffs the following year. First time ever. That isn't really a benchmark you'd go looking to hit. The Detroit Red Wings took the top spot in the league last night with their 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets..... which by the way, whoever the NBC executive was that thought that matchup should be deemed the game of the week should be beaten. The Red Wings have 108 points and a 1 point cushion over the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres. San Jose Sharks forward Jonathan Cheechoo scored three goals and joined the NHL Hat Trick Club for the third time this season. The Sharks went on to a 6-2 victory over the coasting Los Angeles Kings. The New Jersey Devils are getting their full compliment of players back into the fold, and are once again returning to their winning ways. Brian Gionta returned to the lineup yesterday after a month of absence due to a groin injury to score the game winner in a 3-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Devils goaltender Martin Broduer is one victory shy of tying Bernie Parent's 47 win season record.
Game of the Night:
St. Louis at Dallas 8:00 PM
Well not really, but this is it folks. Monday's only game, and the start of the end of the last week in the regular season..... it all wraps up saturday. Enjoy the game!
It took almost 100 minutes yesterday, but the New York Rangers finally found a way to defeat the Buffalo Sabres yesterday afternoon.
Last night's game in New Jersey was an aberration, especially for the Devils, and more specifically Martin Brodeur.
And on his farm, Andy McDonald had three goals, and an assist, a 5-1 win, and a 1-0 series lead. Wow!
Series L - #2 Anaheim vs. Vancouver
It took Vancouver Canucks 8 periods to finally find a way to put the puck past Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco.
120 minutes. That's how long it's been since the Vancouver Canucks recorded a goal in this series. Marty Turco made 21 saves to complete the 2-0 shutout win for the Dallas Stars, and tie the series at 3 games a piece. Game 7 here we come!
Monday night in Vancouver, our first game 7 of the playoffs! The Canucks have now dropped two straight and given up a 3-1 series lead. They've been unable to solve Stars goaltender Marty Turco for two games now. The Stars have never comeback from a 3-1 defecit in their franchise's history to force a game 7. It looks like this team is attempting to get that monkey off their back. 
This morning there are an army of happy fans in Buffalo, New York (and one semi-pleased young lady in Cincinatti, whose support of the playoff beard must continue for at least one more round) as their beloved Sabres advanced to the next round of the playoffs yesterday.
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The Ottawa Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 last night, and effectively put an end to one of the biggest surprises of this NHL Season.
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Kari Lehtonen. Then he let 2 in. 3 in. 4 in.... and so on.
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist is proving me wrong. At least for the last two games he has.
No seriously? Where have the Flames been for the past two games? They weren't in Detroit yesterday afternoon. When Chicken Parm says he's apalled with your lack of performance..... that's not too good boys.
Somewhere on Long Island, my buddy Mike is wearing a big smile today. Your goaltender has returned Mike, and with him.... hope.
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I had a feeling the Red Wings would be ready for this series..... but I don't think anyone including the Flames could have anticipated the onslaught they brought to the ice last night.
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Where your beard begins in my eyes doesn't matter. Some players (and fans) begin clean shaven on day one and let it go. Other players (and fans) start with a goatee or beard already begun (see Calgary's Miika Kiprusoff, Nashville's Peter Forsberg or Carolina's Mike Commodore). Regardless of the starting point, the same rules apply. Once your beard has begun, you may not shave it till the playoffs are over. 
The Chuck Norris Trophy.
"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of Maple Leafs fans suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened."
Did last night's game deliver or what? You don't have to answer. Bosh knows.
Game of the YEAR:
Don Waddell, today you may breathe a sigh of relief. Your gamble has payed off.
The New York Islanders kept their playoff hopes by handing the Toronto Maple Leafs their second straight loss 5-2 (Raycroft has been lit up recently eh?). Isles forward Jason Blake scored his career high 40th goal of the season and the game winner, and goaltender Wade Dubielewicz had another huge night in net. Dubie made 28 saves and backstopped the Islanders to their second straight victory. Ryan Smyth started the bleeding with the opening score for the Islanders in the first, and then went back and forth with the Leafs until the wheels came off in the third. The Leafs surrendered three goals in one period again for the second straight game, and will now need to win in regulation on Saturday against the Habs in the final game of the season. The Habs can clinch a playoff spot with a win or overtime loss. If the Islanders win out and Toronto wins, they can steal the final playoff spot. Like I said this weekend will be fun.
Last year at this time, the Washington Capitals knocked the Atlanta Thrashers out of their franchise's first ever playoff berth. While the Thrashers have clinched a playoff spot this season, last night the Capitals may have ruined their chances at clinching the Southeast Division title and knocked them from 3rd in the Eastern Conference, to 6th (although, if they completely implode, they could realistically end up in the 8th seed).
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