EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes

As I and pretty much everyone else expected, the Boston Bruins made quick work of the Habs. The Bruins will face their first real test of the post-season against a very resilient Carolina Hurricanes squad that was minutes away from elimination. Tim Thomas will have to continue his superb play in net. The Hurricanes were able to make future Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur look ordinary at times... especially when it counted.

All that said, I still think the Bruins have more than enough balance to stifle the Hurricanes. The Bruins have been the team to beat in the East all season, and I think they will have continued success in round 2 and find their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Boston Bruins in 5 games.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals

The playoff match-up that everyone was hoping for is finally realized. The two (or three) best players in the NHL will face off in a 7 game series that promises to be legendary. This series is more about Sidney Crosby versus Alexander Ovechkin than Penguins versus Capitals, especially from a media standpoint. Both players began to show a growing dislike for one another during the season, and towards the close of the year, things seemed to be reaching a boiling point.

What to expect? Great hockey, unbelievable skill, star-power, and nastiness. If these two clubs didn't like each other prior, they will hate each other at it's end. And in the end, I still see the Penguins on top. I think the Crosby and Malkin duo will be too much for the Capitals to overcome. Although I don't expect a cake walk. This will be a war.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks

Much like the Bruins, the Red Wings weren't really tested in round 1. The Columbus Blue Jackets threatened to force a game 5 late in the series, but the Red Wings found a way to shut the door. Chris Osgood finally arrived for the Wings in goal (save for game 4) and the rest of the team continued their dominant play that has become a staple in Detroit.

While I chose the Sharks to finally get the playoff monkey off their backs this year, I should have gone with my hunch that they would blow it again. It took several years for the Wings to get over the early playoff exits that plagued them... now it is a distant memory. In fairness to the Sharks, the Ducks were not your average 8th seed. The Ducks were clearly the better team throughout the series, and even in the game's they lost to San Jose, I still thought the Ducks out performed their opponents. If any team can knock off the Red Wings in the Western Conference, this is the club.

This series should be just as exciting as the Pens/Caps playoff match-up, and again, this one will be an extended round. I still think the Red Wings will find a way to overcome and continue their march to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 7 games.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

As I write this the Vancouver Canucks hold a 3-1 lead over the Chicago Blackhawks midway through the third period.

The Canucks looked sharp in round 1 quickly dispatching a red-hot St. Louis Blues team in 4 games and will have to remain steady in order to stave off an equally hot Chicago Blackhawks team that dispatched the Calgary Flames in 6.

Make that 3-2... Vancouver. Power play goal Kane.

The Canucks have Luongo, who is the backbone of this club, and probably one of the most intimidating netminders since Dominik Hasek. The Sedin twins also found their playoff legs in round 1. The Blackhawks while young, seem to be playing above their years and experience. This team is also liberally seasoned with some playoff veterans in Stanley Cup Champion goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, defenceman Brian Campbell, and playoff monster Martin Havlat.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks in 6 games.

Quick Shave:
Please tell me you saw New York Rangers defenceman Paul Mara's playoff beard prior to their first round exit. Holy cow. Mara looked like he should be churning butter in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Granted he started his beard at the beginning of the year, but credit is definitely due for sporting that thing from his chin.

Speaking of the Rangers, former captain Jaromir Jagr expressed his interest in playing for the Edmonton Oilers when his contract in Russia expires after next season.

Blackhawks just tied it 3-3.

Jagr has apparently lost some weight and post nearly point a game numbers with his KHL team this season. Regardless of who he plays for, I hope the big fella does return to the NHL.

Enjoy the playoffs!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Losing a game 7 and being knocked out of the playoffs is always a tough pill to swallow. Losing a game 7 with 30 seconds to play in the game... that's cause for playing in traffic. The New Jersey Devils were blindsided last night as the Carolin Hurricanes scored twice in the final minutes of the game to tie, then steal a victory to seal the first round playoff series. Eric Staal potted the game winner with little more than 30 seconds remaining to send his club to the second round where they will meet the Boston Bruins.

The Washington Capitals completed a 3-1 series comeback over the New York Rangers last night and completed the first round series with a 2-1 win. Caps forward Sergei Federov also scored late in the game to finish off Washington comeback. The only thing stunning about this series is that it actually went 7 games. The Rangers were dominated throughout the series and merely found ways to survive, although their luck finally ran out. The Capitals move on to the second round where they will face off in what has to be the best matchup of the second round....Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Quick Shave:
So the bosher was 6 for 8 in the first round... only the Flames and Sharks let me down. Well the Sharks pretty much let everyone down. Again. Let's start there.

San Jose once again followed up a successful regular season with an early playoff exit. Joe Thornton was crucified (especially by Keith Jones on Versus... you would have thought Thornton shot his dog) for his poor play, leadership, etc... but let's be fair. This was a team effort, and every Shark sucked big time. Nabokov? Where was he? Marleau? Boyle had one great game. Then? It may be time to blow this team up, because it was clearly not Ron Wilson's fault. The Ducks on the other hand... look awesome. They look as good as they did when they captured the cup 2 years ago. Detroit will have their hands full. The Red Wings were challenged slightly by the Blue Jackets in game 4 but cleared the table quickly as most expected. The Vancouver Canucks shut down a very hot St. Louis Blues team in 4 games as well. The Sedin twins looked great, and Luongo was solid. Sundin was invisible... which is kind of sad. He missed a few games due to injury this series as well. His comeback thus far has been a quiet letdown...quiet everywhere but in Vancouver from what I've read. The Boston Bruins may as well have gotten a first round bye. The Montreal Canadiens would have looked better if I was playing with them. The Pittsburgh Penguins look sharp. Just when I thought the Philadelphia Flyers had a chance to force a game 7, the Penguins reminded me once again that the Flyers still don't have the goaltending to compete with the contenders. Sure Biron was solid in a few games and even landed himself a shutout, but when he's bad, he's really bad. The Blackhawks look great. Young, fast, resilient... and they have Martin Havlat. Does everyone remember how clutch this guy was with Ottawa? He's still doing it. It doesnt hurt to have a revived Nikolai Khabibulin in net either playing like he's in his old Stanley Cup winning form.

Sadly because of the Rangers exit, the Bosher finds himself clean shaven once again... but I find myself in the judges chair once again, admiring the facial artwork that is being displayed once again. Get ready for a very hairy round 2 my friends!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have had a rough year, which is a shame since this was supposed to be a season of celebration, honoring the franchises' 100th year. They managed to salvage the season by surviving a second half collapse and clinching the 8th and final playoff berth. The ride for them is now unfortunately over.

The Habs will carry their 4 game losing streak into Boston, where they will discover a new definition of pain and suffering as they are slowly digested over a thousand years by the Bruins... no wait, that's the Sarlacc Pit... regardless. The Bruins are going to destroy this club. I know, I know, all the Canadian media is saying hey, history is on Montreal's side....blah blah blah. It's over Johnny. This series is going to be like watching a UFC fight when one dude compound-fractures his leg off another guys head, and we all wince and collectively say 'ooooooooohhh'... yet never turn away as that floppy, rubbery appendage folds under the weight of it's owner as he attempts to stand on it. Nasty, brutal, but a beauty to witness.

Playoff Beard Watch: Zdeno Chara, Mark Recchi, Tim Thomas (sorry no Habs allowed)

Playoff Beard Prediction: Boston Bruins in 3 games. Yep, 3 games... they won't need a fourth.

Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers
As much as I love the Rangers, it's hard to pick against the best player in the NHL. Alex Ovechkin is a force. I can't see this guy being contained by any club. I think at best, all you can do is hope to limit the damage he does. As if having the best forward in the league wasn't enough, the Capitals also have arguably the best defenseman in the league in Mike Green who potted 30 goals this season... passing the great Bobby Orr. The only question on the Caps is in net. Jose Theodore. Which Jose shows up? MVP, or Meh? Theodore doesn't even need to be spectacular either, he has to be steady. If he's awful... that may be the door the Rangers need.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, goal scoring hasn't been plentiful this year. Defensively they've been solid, and have the best penalty kill in the league...led by 38 game winning goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. That sadly is where the positives end. They are at the bottom of the league in scoring and on the powerplay. They may be able to hang with the Caps, and steal a game or two, but I don't think they will have enough to stifle Ovechkin.

Playoff Beard Watch: Alexander Ovechkin, Paul Mara, Chris Drury, Mike Green

Playoff Beard Prediction: Washington Capitals in 6 games.

New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes

A few weeks ago the New Jersey Devils were unstoppable. Then goaltender Martin Brodeur surpassed Patrick Roys' win record, and since that point they couldn't buy a win. Brodeur and the Devils struggled down the home stretch, collecting an odd win here or there, but never establishing a solid sense of confidence going into the playoffs. Now mired in doubt, and rumors that their head coach Brent Sutter will not be returning next year, they face one of the hottest teams in the NHL in round one. The Carolina Hurricanes.

Re-acquiring forward Erik Cole from the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline was probably the best move made by any club (playoff beard depth) Not only Cole's season turned around, but his arrival and reunion with Eric Staal has helped energize the 'Canes toward the end of the season. Goaltender Cam Ward has played some of the best hockey in the past month losing only once in March. The Hurricanes are going to be a difficult team to stop, and have handled the Devils and Brodeur in the playoffs before.

Playoff Beard Watch: Erik Cole... the one to watch.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes in 5 games.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Another all Pennsylvania series. On paper this is probably the best first round matchup. On ice I expect it will be even better.

Both teams boast high-powered offenses, but the edge in net goes to the Penguins and Marc-Andre Fleury. There's no love lost between the clubs either, so it should be a brutally physical series.

The Flyers Jeff Carter has had a breakout season this year, scoring 46 goals, second only to Ovechkin in that category... pretty good company. Mike Richards also had a terrific year scoring 80 points (30 goals 50 assists) for the Flyers. Sadly, I don't think Philadelphia's best, can match Pittsburgh's best.

I picked the Penguins to make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals this season and I'm standing by that call. While it looked rough for the club a few months ago when they were sitting outside the playoff bubble, the team has flourished under new head coach Dan Bylsma. Art Ross Trophy winner Evgeni Malkin who finished the year with 113 points and Sidney Crosby who added 103 points will lead the charge right through Philadelphia. However, I don't expect the Flyers to roll over. They will be a tough battle for the Penguins, but one that they should be able to overcome.

How cool would it be to see Crosby face Ovechkin in a 7 game series?

Playoff Beard Watch: Bill Guerin, Maxim Talbot (this guy will look scary by round 2), Sydney Crosby (hopefully his beard grows beyond the wispy chin fuzz he sported last year).

Playoff Beard Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins in 6 games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks
Is there a team carrying more pressure into the playoffs than the San Jose Sharks? For years they have been Cup favorites, and for years they have dissapointed and fallen short. While the jury is still out on this club, I think this post season may be different for the Sharks.

Blueline pick-ups Dan Boyle and Rob Blake will provide Stanley Cup playoff experience that they've never really had before, and it could be the difference for them. Joe Thornton and Evgeni Nabokov need to step up and prove they can get it done in the playoffs.

The Anaheim Ducks will be the first big obstacle the Sharks will need to get over on their quest. This series out of all of them has upset written all over it. The Ducks still have the core group that helped them to a Stanley Cup Championship two seasons ago and playing a seven game series against a defensive corps lead by Scott Beardermeyer and Chris Pronger will be no walk in the park.

A year ago, my lack of faith in the Sharks would have me picking against them, but I'm finding it difficult to do so this year... either because of their play this season, or my fear of getting bombarded by hate mail from you wack-job Sharks fans. In any case, I think the Sharks will pull through... at least for this round.

Will the addition of Claude Lemieux to the lineup payoff in the playoffs?

Playoff Beard Watch: Joe Thornton, Scott Niedermayer.

Playoff Beard Prediction: San Jose Sharks in 6 games.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Welcome to the playoffs Columbus. Enjoy it while it lasts.

The Detroit Red Wings should have an easy path to round 2. Should. The question is, will Chris Osgood play like he did during last years playoff run, or like he's been playing for the past few months. If this series comes down to goaltending, then Columbus may have the edge with rookie netminder Steve Mason who had a spectacular year and should pocket the Calder Trophy this summer.

The Red Wings have been here before, and have gotten past the early round knock out bug that plagued them for a few years. They know what needs to be done, and how to get it done. Every player on this team steps it up in the playoffs, and they all know how to win. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg should be fun to watch... not just their play, but their facial hair.

Playoff Beard Watch:pick a Wing... any Wing.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Detroit Red Wings in 4 games.

Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues came out of nowhere to make the playoffs and have been the hottest team in the NHL since January. Most expected this team to be sellers at the deadline, but the Blues back office lead by John Davidson had faith in his club and it's paid off.

The Vancouver Canucks have also been a hot team themselves and enter the playoffs on a very strong note. With one of the best keepers in the NHL in Roberto Luongo, and a strong blueline, the Canucks will be a difficult team to score on. The big question for Vancouver is can the Sedins produce in the playoffs. Both have been post season dissapointments in the past. With the twins headed towards UFA status this summer, they may be extra motivated. UFA mid-season pickup Mats Sundin may be looking at his last chance to finally get his name engraved on the Stanley Cup, so look for him to leave everything on the ice.

I expect this series to be a long drawn out battle and wouldn't be shocked to see it go the distance.

Playoff Beard Watch:Henrik and Daniel Sedin.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Vancouver Canucks in 7 games.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Calgary Flames
This should be another great first round matchup. The Chicago Blackhawks have owned the Calgary Flames this season and have been a feel-good story this season. The Blackhawks are now back in the spotlight again after years of icing a mediocre product.

The Calgary Flames have re-tooled and reloaded for this post season, acquiring Mike Cammalleri over the summer, and picking up Olli Jokinen at the trade deadline. While Jokinen has never before seen the playoffs (aside from watching it on TV) he should provide the additional scoring threat this club has been missing for...ever. The Flames biggest concern is in net. Miika Kiprusoff has been wildly inconsistent over the past month, and could be feeling fatigue from playing 70 games this season. Will that carry over into the playoffs, or will he get a second wind?

The Chicago Blackhawks will lean heavily on youngsters Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. They have a proven Stanley Cup winner in net with Nikolai Khabibulin, and injury free Martin Havlat... who if you remember was always incredible in the post season when he played for Ottawa. Can he light it up again?

This is probably the hardest series to pick, but for me it comes down to one name. Jarome Iginla.

Playoff Beard Watch:Martin Havlat, Jarome Iginla, Miika Kiprusoff.

Playoff Beard Prediction: Calgary Flames in 6 games.

Now put your razors away and enjoy the playoffs!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 01:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The New York Islanders won the NHL Draft Lottery earlier this evening and will pick first in this years NHL Entry Draft. Unless the Islanders trade the pick (which is highly unlikely since Mike Milbury is no longer associated with the organization) forward John Tavares or Swedish defenceman Victor Hedman will be headed to New York. This club needs one of these players the same way Pittsburgh needed Crosby many years ago. A better ending to this nightmare season for the Islanders and their fans couldn't have been scripted.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 09:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Enjoy your final day of facial agriculture my friends... come tomorrow, the playoff beards will begin their relentless march across our chins...their progress halted only by a playoff series loss.

A teaser of sort tonight is the NHL Draft Lottery. Perhaps the only consolation for the clubs who finished outside of the playoffs. The New York Islanders awful 2008-2009 season may be somewhat redeemed if they receive the first pick... which will undoubtedly become young superstar John Tavares. The Islanders have a 48.2 % chance of picking first.... I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for this club. They need help... and more importantly hope.

The Draft Lottery is tonite at 8pm ET on TSN... and I would assume the NHL Network.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Our friend and fellow chin mulleteer Stache, is the 2008-2009 Playoff Beard.com Fantasy Hockey League Champ! Stache defeated the Reggie Dunlop's 7-5 to take the coveted title. Well done boys, and thanks to everyone for a great season!

The regular season wrapped up yesterday, and the playoff matchups are now set... the second season kicks off on Wednesday.... shaving should stop now.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 07:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Atlanta welcomed the Washington Capitals and their superstar forward Alexander Ovechkin with open arms and a video tribute to the prolific goal scorer.... and horrible actor. Caps coach Bruce Boudreau was very upset about the video...

Personally I was more offended by the Colby Armstrong commercial. At least Ovechkin can play hockey.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 last night by way of shootout to clinch their first playoff berth in their club's history. Rick Nash deposited his 39th tally of the year late in the match to tie the game 3-3, and blueliner Fedor Tyutin scored the only goal in the shootout to defeat the Hawks.

The Blue Jackets currently sit 6th in the Western Conference. Congratulations to everyone in Columbus... now put your razors away!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 12:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Believe it or not we are a week from the start of the playoffs. The regular season ends this Sunday... and with that finale comes the end ofthe needless slaughter of millions of tiny hairs that desire only to spread across the chins of our frozen warriors.

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers are locked in a dogfight for the final playoff berth. Both clubs have 3 games remaining and are tied with 89 points. Buffalo has a slim chance if the Rangers and Panthers drop the ball. The Habs have a 3 point lead over both clubs and sit 7th, and should be able to hold on to one of the final two spots.

The Western Conference has the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues all battling for the final three spots. The Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers also have outside but improbable shots at the final spot. The Blues and Preds are tied for 8th with 86 points. The Ducks sit 7th with 88 points and the Jackets are in 6th with 90.

Aside from the Ducks all of the clubs battling for their playoff lives have 3 games left. Gonna be a hairy week of hockey. No pun intended.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Montreal Canadiens playoff hopes took a serious smack in the mouth today as the club will be without two of it's biggest guns on the blueline. Mathieu Schneider will have to undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder, and Andrei Markov will miss the better part of three weeks as he attempts to recover from a left knee injury. Both players were injured in Saturday's victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. A very costly win.

While it looks as though the Habs will make the playoffs now since they built a small cushion over the past week (and the New York Rangers have been playing like they want to remain clean shaven... except for Paul Mara... holy cow what a beard on that guy... he looks like a Yeti!) it will take a supreme effort to advance beyond the first round for this team. The 100th year Anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens has been one that all would probably like to forget. The Canadiens fell 3-2 to the Ottawa Senators this evening.

However now that I've said that, they will probably win the Stanley Cup!

Now onto the fun. Check this guy out:

The lad's name is Linus Omark. He was a fourth round selection by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007 and has apparently become a popular figure overseas thanks in large part to his fancy stick work, and videos that are appearing on YouTube.

Unfortunately for the Oilers he is considering playing in the KHL next year and has a $1 million dollar offer on the table. He remains unsigned by the Oilers thus far. Omark has 23 goals, and 32 assists in 53 games in the Swedish Elite League.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh

Posted by captbosh at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)