Playoffs Diary... Day 21

Best Games:
1A... Flyers 4, Canadiens 2
1B... Sharks 2, Stars 1
San Jose lived to see another day as they finally beat the Stars. Marleau was a big key to their win, as was Nabokov and Michalek. The Sharks may not be going back to Texas, though, as the Shark Tank is becoming the Stars' home away from home.

Best Moment:
Briere scores GWG for Flyers... The Wachovia Center erupted as Daniel Briere banked home a rebound to give Philly the 3-2 lead with 3+ minutes remaining. Briere has been so huge to the Flyers in the playoffs thus far, and stopped any momentum Montreal had gained from their 2 quick goals.

Three Stars:
1. Martin Biron, PHI (36 saves... He may have given up 2 goals, but he was the difference in the win tonight.)
2. Daniel Briere, PHI (G, A... Other than his game-winner, Briere assisted on Umberger's 1st goal.)
3. Patrick Marleau, SJ (SH goal... Captain Marleau lit some fire underneath his Sharks as he score SH once again.)
Honorable mention:
M. Michalek, SJ; R. Umberger, PHI

Tomorrow's Games:
6:00 Penguins @ Rangers (Gm 4)
9:00 Red Wings @ Avalanche (Gm 4)

Versus Promos

"City" - Luongo
"Shift" - Iginla
"Walkout" - Zetterberg
"Faceoff" - Thornton
"Tighter" - Getzlaf
"First time" - Ovechkin
"Shorthanded" - Alfredsson
"Preparation" - Brodeur
I know it's kind of random, but they're kind of cool...

Gameday predictions... Day 21

CANADIENS @ FLYERS - Game 4
I have no clue what to expect out of this game. Carey Price has become a sieve, and the Flyers are outplaying Montreal considerably. Without Kovalev's late goal in Game 1, we'd have four 3-0 series. The one thing I do expect to see is if Philly gets a lead, they're going to have a killer instinct and try their best to blow out the Habs. The Canadiens are in an interesting spot. Although they lost Game 3, they came back and almost tied the game in the 3rd... so they could have some momentum. In the end, I think the Flyers will take a 3-1 series lead.
Prediction: Flyers 2-1

SHARKS @ STARS - Game 4
You could see one of two Sharks teams tonight. They could either come out flying with being on the brink, or they could realize their fate, and complete their crumble with being swept by the Stars. It helps with the games landing on back-to-back days. There wasn't any time for San Jose to reflect on their OT loss from last night. Although I wouldn't be completely surprised to see the Sharks win tonight, I think Turco and company are going to want to complete the sweep in front of their fans at American Airlines Center. They're absolutely owning the Sharks right now.
Prediction: Stars 3-2

Playoffs Diary... Day 20

Best Games:
1A... Stars 2, Sharks 1 (OT)
1B... Red Wings 4, Avalanche 3

Best Moment:
Norstrom scores in OT for Dallas

Three Stars:
1. Evgeni Malkin, PIT (2 G, 1 A... Malkin was sensational in Game 3, with two key PP goals.)
2. Pavel Datsyuk, DET (2 G, 1 A... Datsyuk powered Detroit to their Game 3 win over Colorado.)
3. Mattias Norstrom, DAL (GWG... Norstrom wristed the game-winner in OT past Nabokov to give the Stars a 3-0 series lead.)
Honorable mention:
H. Zetterberg, DET; J. Jagr, NYR; A. Brunette, COL; M. Turco, DAL; M. Ribeiro, DAL

Tomorrow's Games:
6:00 Canadiens @ Flyers (Gm 4)
8:00 Sharks @ Stars (Gm 4)

Gameday Predictions... Day 20

PENGUINS @ RANGERS - Game 3
This series is turning out to be a classic. Expect the verbal feud between Jagr and Crosby to continue tonight. The key for the Penguins is to jump on Lundqvist early. For the Rangers, its the stay out of the box. The Pens' power play is dynamite, so the Blueshirts will need to be disciplined to stay in this series. I expect New York to win tonight because I can't see the Rangers going down 3-0 in the series.
Prediction: Rangers 3-2

SHARKS @ STARS - Game 3
You could say this is the biggest game in Ron Wilson's coaching stint with San Jose. If they get knocked out in 4 or 5 in this series, Wilson could lose his job. Michalek needs to step up tonight. Thornton, Marleau, and Pavelski can't do it all. The Stars' fans will be rockin', especially if they can get a lead. Yet, I still like the Sharks tonight because I can't see them losing this game... plus, they were the best road team in the regular season.
Prediction: Sharks 4-2

RED WINGS @ AVALANCHE - Game 3
It'll be interesting to see if Quenneville starts Budaj over Theodore. Theodore has been ill, and has been terrible between the piped thus far vs. Detroit. If Budaj starts, and remains solid, the Avs have a good chance of winning. If Osgood keeps up his success in net, expect the Wings to take a 3-0 series lead. Colorado will be determined tonight to relatively keep their season alive. Avs will prevail.
Prediction: Avalanche 2-1 (OT)

Playoffs Diary... Day 19

Best Game:
Flyers 3, Canadiens 2

Best Moment:
There really was none

Three Stars:
1. R.J. Umberger, PHI (1 Goal)
2. Martin Biron, PHI (32 saves)
3. Saku Koivu, MON (1 Goal)

Tomorrow's Games:
6:00 Penguins @ Rangers (Gm 3)
6:30 Sharks @ Stars (Gm 3)
9:00 Red Wings @ Avalanche (Gm 3)

Gameday Prediction... Day 19

CANADIENS @ FLYERS - Game 3
Montreal's Tom Kostopolous will be a marked man in tonight's Game 3 against the Flyers. There will definitely be some bad blood during the game. The Flyers have the momentum, winning 4-2 in Game 2. I think the Flyers will take Game 3 tonight in a close one.
Prediction: Flyers 4-3

Going out on a limb...

...to say it will be the Dallas Stars against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals. You heard it first...

The Penguins will beat the Rangers in 5 or 6, then beat Montreal in the East Finals
The Stars will beat the Sharks in 4 or 5, then beat Detroit in the West Finals

Both of these teams are on a mission and know how to win games in the 3rd period.

Playoffs Diary... Day 18

Best Game:
Penguins 2, Rangers 0

Best Moment:
Jordan Staal gives Pens 1-0 lead... Pittsburgh kept getting chance after chance on the power play, but couldn't get one by Lundqvist. Finally, Staal scored and the Igloo carried the Pens to a 2-0 win thereafter.

Three Stars:
1. Marc-Andre Fleury, PIT (26 saves, shutout... Fleury was phenominal today. He's finally asserted himself as one of the better goaltenders in this league.)
2. Brad Richards, DAL (1 G, 3 A... Richards was a beast in the 3rd, getting Dallas started with his slick goal early in the period.)
3. Marty Turco, DAL (29 saves... Turco was the MVP of the 1st period as the Stars killed 3 of 4 penalties. Turco also stopped many good chances for the Sharks.)
Honorable mention:
J. Staal, PIT; N. Hagman, DAL; H. Lundqvist, NYR; M. Modano, DAL

Tomorrow's Game:
6:00 Canadiens @ Flyers (Gm 3)

Gameday Predictions... Day 18

RANGERS @ PENGUINS - Game 2
After Friday's game, Rangers coach Tom Renney had to have been wondering where his 3-0 lead went. On the other hand, Michel Therrien must have been on Cloud 9 after the emotional 5-4 victory for the Pens. I think for the Rangers, you stick to your gameplan. They need to get a lead on Pittsburgh. It'll be tough to comeback on the Pens once you get down 2-0 or 3-0. Today, Lundqvist needs to show the world why he's a Vezina candidate, and why he's a great, not good, goalie. Expect the Penguins to try to feed off of the momentum from Game 1, but I don't think that'll be enough. The Rangers realize how close they were to putting the Pens away before the rally. This series will go to the Garden knotted at 1.
Prediction: Rangers 4-2

STARS @ SHARKS - Game 2
This is a must win for San Jose... period. You saw what the Stars did after they put Anaheim down 0-2. It's a hole to big to climb out of against these Dallas Stars. Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau need to lead the Sharks to a victory tonight. Nabokov was shaky in Game 1, so he needs to turn that around. Believe me, Ron Wilson will have his boys ready. As I said before Game 1, the Stars need to stay out of the box. The Sharks feed off their power play at home. If they can do this again, they have a good chance. But I think the Sharks will be very desperate, and will get a boost from their fans. I like the Sharks tonight.
Prediction: Sharks 3-2

Playoffs Diary... Day 17

Best Game:
Flyers 4, Canadiens 2

Best Moment:
Johan Franzen scores hat trick goal for Detroit

Three Stars:
1. Johan Franzen, DET (3 Goals... Has been the star in Detroit's playoff run so far.)
2. R.J. Umberger, PHI (2 Goals... His 2 goals were the difference in Game 2. His 2nd goal was the solidifier.)
3. Martin Biron, PHI (34 saves... Biron survived a few flurries for Montreal to give Philly the win.)
Honorable mention:
H. Zetterberg, DET; D. Briere, PHI; N. Kronwall, DET

Tomorrow's Games:
1:00 Rangers @ Penguins (Gm 2)
8:00 Stars @ Sharks (Gm 2)

'Miracle' could help the Avs

Let's face it... the Avalanche have been dominated in the first two games of their series against Detroit.
I have a tip for Avs' coach Joel Quenneville... it comes from the best movie out there, 'Miracle'.
The following is a scene from the movie that Quenneville should use tomorrow or Monday during their film session before Game 3. I changes some words around to fit Detroit. These words were spoken by Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell).

"Russian style of play, boys; fluid, creative… forwards are constantly circling.
They don’t so much look for the man as a patch of ice. They get the mismatch, 2-on-1, easy goal.
Nicklas Lidstrom - captain for the last two years, is the best player at his position.
Chris Osgood – if you score on Osgood, keep the puck… because it doesn’t happen often.
Their main weapon is intimidation. They know they’re gonna win, and so do their opponents.
Look, I can give you a load of crap about how you’re a better team than they are; but that’s exactly what it’d be.
And I know what everyone’s saying about our chances. I know it… you know it.
But I also know there is a way to stay with this team.
You don’t defend them… you attack them!! You take their game and you shove it right back in their face!!
The team that is finally willing to do this is the team that has a chance to put them down.
The rest of the league is afraid of them. Boys, we won’t be."

This is exactly what the Ducks were able to do last year. They out-worked and out-skated Detroit in the Western Conference Finals, and beat them in 6.

Game day predictions... Day 17

AVALANCHE @ RED WINGS - Game 2
Today will be a hard-hitting, hard-fought battle at the Joe since Colorado will be trying to avoid going down 0-2 to the Wings. They have the tools to pull a win out today, especially if Forsberg can give it a go with his groin injury. I expect Theodore to be on his game in net after his poor performance on Thursday. Detroit looks determined to get back to the Cup Finals, where they haven't been since 2002. I'm going to pick the Wings because Colorado might be shorthanded without Wolski and possibly Forsberg. Plus, Detroit usually plays well in matinee playoff games.
Prediction: Red Wings 3-1

FLYERS @ CANADIENS - Game 2
Philly knows they can beat these guys. They were 30 seconds away from stealing Game 1 from the Habs, but Kovalev had other plans. Expect the Flyers to be flyin' tonight at the Bell Centre. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them tie the series tonight. But the Canadiens will have the loudest crowd in the NHL behind them, and if they can get a good start in the 1st, that could be enough to get a Game 2 win. I like the Canadiens tonight to go up 2-0 in the series.
Prediction: Canadiens 5-3

48 Hours of Craziness

When I woke up on Thursday morning, I wasn't quite sure if these Semifinals would offer the same drama that the Quarterfinals provided the last couple weeks.

Boy, was I wrong.

Thursday and Friday's game provided four different kinds of rallies, two of which were successful. The other two made the games extremely interesting.

Montreal's overtime 'W' wasn't exactly an instant classic. It was more like another stepping stone for a rapidly-developing Canadiens team; they've been doing this all year long. Last night's Penguins win, on the other hand, was the definition of a classic. Down 3-0 in the 2nd, Pittsburgh had two segments of back-to-back goals added on to a late power play goal to give another young team the series opening win.

Colorado and San Jose's rallies weren't enough out West. Now, I probably exaggerated the term 'rally' for the Sharks, since they were only down one in the 3rd... but they couldn't find a way to crack Turco, and they finally did so with 3+ minutes remaining, only to lose in overtime to Dallas. Colorado was forced to pull their ill goaltender (Theodore), down 4-1 in the 2nd, in favor of Peter Budaj, a goalie with no playoff experience. But he survived the pressure, and gave the Avs a fighter's chance to come back in the game. The Avalanche just couldn't find the back of the net in the final period in their 4-3 loss at the Joe.

Two days, four great games, with so many left to play. All four teams currently down 1-0 still have realistic chances to win their respective series. This is what the Stanley Cup Playoffs are about. Do you actually think the Denver Nuggets or Toronto Raptors have a chance to comeback from 0-2 deficits in the NBA Playoffs?? I didn't think so. Nothing is over in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Four teams proved that in the last two days, and two 8 seeds proved that in the quarterfinals.

We have only played four games in the 2nd round... four! And the drama/excitement has been amazing.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs will never cease to amaze me!!

Playoffs Diary... Day 16

Best Games:
1A... Penguins 5, Rangers 4
1B... Stars 3, Sharks 2 (OT)
A great game out in Cali tonight. Jonathan Cheechoo tied the game with 3:02 left, but it wasn't enough as Dallas captain Brendan Morrow tallied 2 goals, including the game-winner in OT, to lift the Stars to a 1-0 series lead on the Sharks.

Best Moment:
Evgeni Malkin tips in eventual game-winner for Pens... Pittsburgh completed their unbelievable comeback with Malkin's tip-in with a bit over 90 seconds remaining. The goal sent the 'Igloo' into a frenzy...

Three Stars:
1. Brendan Morrow, DAL (2 Goals... scored the OT winner and gave the Stars a 1-0 series lead.)
2. Evgeni Malkin, PIT (1 G, 1 A... Malkin not only scored the GWG for Pittsburgh, but he had a great set-up to Sykora's 3rd period goal.)
3. Sidney Crosby, PIT (2 Assists... picked up the primary assist on the 2nd goal and the GWG.)
Honorable mention:
M. Ribeiro, DAL; J. Jagr, NYR; J. Cheechoo, SJ; M. Rozsival, NYR

Today's Games:
2:00 Avalanche @ Red Wings (Gm 2)
6:00 Flyers @ Canadiens (Gm 2)

Game Day predictions... Day 16

RANGERS @ PENGUINS - Game 1
The Igloo will be insane tonight, with a white out and the white version of the Terrible Towel. This is Crosby's stage to perform. Malkin and Sykora may have stolen the show in the opening round, but it's 87's time now. This is also Marc-Andre Fleury's time to shine. New York has seemed like a very resilient team since midway through the season. They are very capable of stealing a game or two in Pittsburgh. But I don't see it happening tonight. I think the Pens will make a statement with a solid victory.
Prediction: Penguins 3-1

STARS @ SHARKS - Game 1
Tonight's game will either have fireworks or become a complete lull. It could go either way. The key for Dallas is to stay out of the box. If they give the Sharks too many chances on the power play, it could get ugly. But if they can play their hockey and stay out of the box, the Stars have a good chance of winning tonight. The key for the Sharks is to get the first 2-3 goals. If they can build a 2-0 or 3-0 lead, they'll be able to play defensive against Dallas and not allow anything. I like Dallas' chances tonight because they didn't get knocked around in their six game series vs. the Ducks. San Jose is beat up from their seven game series against the Flames. Stars prevail.
Prediction: Stars 4-2

Playoffs Diary... Day 15

Best Game:
1A... Canadiens 4, Flyers 3 (OT)
1B... Red Wings 4, Avalanche 3
Detroit was able to chase Theodore early in the 2nd, and survive an avalanche from Colorado in the waning moments. Well played game that was a preview for what we'll see for the rest of this series.

Best Moment:
Kovalev ties game with 29 seconds left... After AK27 drew a questionable penalty to set up a power play, Kovalev took Koivu's face-off win, and ripped the puck by Martin Biron. The Bell Centre was chaos as the Habs forced OT. They eventually won under a minute into the extra period.

Three Stars:
1. Alexei Kovalev, MON (2 Goals... Other than his 3rd period drama, Kovalev tied the game at two late in the 2nd with a nifty baseball whack of the puck.)
2. Johan Franzen, DET (2 Goals, 1 Assist... Franzen scored two consecutive goals to chase Theodore, and was the key in the Wings' win over Colorado.)
3. Andrei Kostitsyn, MON (1 Goal... Kostitsyn created many scoring chances, including his penalty shot in which he was stopped by Biron. His goal ignited the Habs' rally.)
Honorable mention:
P. Stastny, COL; T. Kostopolous, MON; B. Rafalski, DET

Tomorrow's Games:
6:00 Rangers @ Penguins (Gm 1)
9:00 Stars @ Sharks (Gm 1)

Round 2 begins... predictions!

FLYERS @ CANADIENS - Game 1
I believe the Canadiens will come out flying in front of their home faithful. Philly will have heavy legs after their OT win in Washington just two nights ago. It'll be the Flyers' third game in four days. Also, Carey Price will ride the momentum from his Game 7 shutout on Monday...
Predicition: Canadiens 4-2

AVALANCHE @ RED WINGS - Game 1
Tonight's rivalry renewal between Colorado & Detroit will set the tone for this series. Both teams have pretty good rest from winning their respective series over the weekend. I think Detroit will win because they're at home...
Prediction: Red Wings 3-2

These games will be counted in the Game Factors Record

2) SHARKS vs. 5) STARS

Season Series:
Stars 4-2-2

Previous Playoff Meeting:
2000 Western Conference Semifinals (DAL 4-1)

Tale of the Tape
Goaltending-
Even
Nabby and Turco were both big reasons why the Sharks and Stars advance to this round.
Forwards-
Sharks
San Jose has more big guns than Dallas… its close, though.
Defense-
Stars
I like Dallas’ team defense more. The Sharks’ unit was kind of helter skelter against Calgary.
Special Teams-
Even
Both teams are about even in each category.
Coaching-
Even
Both Tippett and Wilson have trouble in the playoffs once they reach round two.
Experience-
Stars
Dallas has many playoff savvy veterans…

X-Factors
Sharks-
RW Milan Michalek
Michalek picked up zero points against the Flames. I don’t know if he’s lost or what, but he needs to snap out of it to give the Sharks an extra jolt. His speed would is a mismatch for the Stars’ ‘D’.
Stars-
C Brad Richards
Richards contributed some assists in the first round, but needs to find the back of the net for this team to be complete. He won the Conn Smythe in 2004; now it’s time for him to show why.

1st Round Heroes
Sharks-
C Joe Pavelski
Stars-
C Mike Ribeiro

Players that need to step up
Sharks-
D Brian Campbell
Stars-
D Matt Niskanen

Summary and prediction
Did this match-up really have to happen?? The only thing going between these two clubs is the fight fest they had on the last day of the regular season. The Stars made knocking off the defending champs fairly easy, while the Sharks made beating the Flames look anything but. They needed a second period explosion from Roenick and Pavelski to beat Calgary. Personally, I don’t like the Sharks… and the games is in Dallas just don’t translate on TV. Hopefully they prove me wrong by going at least six in this series. I think the Sharks have the upper hand with the home-ice, but the Stars won twice at the Pond in Anaheim. The series will come down to goaltending. Nabokov and Turco are both excellent goalies, but one will have to outdo the other for their team to go to the Western Finals. Do I have to pick a winner in this series?? I feel like whoever I pick won’t win. Such a boring match-up… hopefully they’ll provide better hockey than I expect. Oh yeah, San Jose moves on.
Sharks in 6

1) RED WINGS vs. 6) AVALANCHE

Season Series:
Red Wings 4-0

Previous Playoff Meeting:
2002 Western Conference Finals (DET 4-3)

Tale of the Tape
Goaltending-
Avalanche
I’m going to give Colorado the benefit of the doubt on this one. Osgood is not as polished coming into this series as Theodore is.
Forwards-
Even
Both teams have a good blend of size and skill up front.
Defense-
Red Wings
Who can go wrong with Lidstrom, Rafalski, and Kronwall?
Special Teams-
Even
Both teams are about even in each category.
Coaching-
Red Wings
Babcock barely gets the nod.
Experience-
Even
The playoff experience for both of these teams is about equal.

X-Factors
Red Wings-
LW Tomas Holmstrom
Theodore didn’t see as much traffic in the first round as he’s going to see here against the Red Wings. Holmstrom prides himself by planting his rump in front of the net. The Wings may need his usual garbage goals to advance.
Avalanche-
C Peter Forsberg
This series is the reason why Francois Giguere and company brought the ‘Foppa’ in. He’s been a thorn in Detroit’s side historically in the playoffs. He’ll need to be the same for the Avs to move on.

1st Round Heroes
Red Wings-
C Pavel Datsyuk
Avalanche-
G Jose Theodore

Players that need to step up
Red Wings-
D Brian Rafalski
Avalanche-
RW Milan Hejduk

Summary and prediction
Although Detroit swept Colorado in the season series, none of the games played between these two featured the return of Forsberg or Foote. The Avalanche are arguably the best team in the NHL right now, aside from the Penguins. Jose Theodore is looking like a legit Conn Smythe candidate if he gets his team to the promise land. They reeled off three straight wins to knock off the Wild, and are well-rested for Detroit. Detroit was beaten up in a physical six-game series with Nashville as Chris Osgood picked up the save in relief of ‘The Dominator (no more)’. He’s going to have to out-duel Theodore for the Wings to come away with this series. This is still a bitter rivalry, and it’s Colorado’s chance to show the NHL that they are back. The Red Wings may have gotten through Nashville, but the Avs are a much tougher opponent. Colorado is deeper up front, and has a gritty, battle-tested blue line. There’s usually an upset in the 2nd round, and I think this might be it. I’m going with the Avs…
Avalanche in 7

1) CANADIENS vs. 6) FLYERS

Season Series:
Canadiens 4-0

Previous Playoff Meeting:
1989 Wales Conference Finals (MTL 4-2)

Tale of the Tape
Goaltending-
Even
In their first playoff series, Price and Biron were both good and shaky at times.
Forwards-
Even
Philly is one of the few teams that can match Montreal’s weapons up front.
Defense-
Even
Markov-Timonen, Komisarek-Coburn… eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.
Special Teams-
Even
The special teams units for both teams relatively struggled in round one.
Coaching-
Even
Both coaches (Stevens and Carbonneau) are new to this territory.
Experience-
Even
Both teams have a lot of youth with little playoff experience.

X-Factors
Canadiens-
LW Christopher Higgins
Higgins turned on his game late in the series when Koivu came back, and needs to keep that up for Montreal to prevail in this 2nd round bout.
Flyers-
G Martin Biron
Biron will see the Canadiens fire pucks from all directions. Montreal comes at you in so many ways, so it’ll be important for Biron to be on his game for most of this series.

1st Round Heroes
Canadiens-
LW Alexei Kovalev
Flyers-
C Daniel Briere

Players that need to step up
Canadiens-
G Carey Price
Flyers-
D Kimmo Timonen

Summary and prediction
This is going to be one hell of a series. These two playing against each other make for some great TV! Both the Canadiens and the Flyers survived seven-game series while holding a 3-1 lead. The Habs manhandled Boston in Game 7 by winning 5-0. Philly won a classic overtime game over Washington a night later. With the series starting on Thursday night, both teams may have less energy than normal. With that being said, this series is definitely going six or seven games. Goaltending will be the biggest key here. Price and Biron showed what they can and can’t do at times during the first round. Whatever goalie steps up in this series, his team will move on to the Conference Finals. This should be a very compelling series with two very passionate fan bases behind their teams. In the end, the Canadiens will pull through, and have too much fire power.
Canadiens in 7

2) PENGUINS vs. 5) RANGERS

Season Series:
Rangers 5-3

Previous Playoff Meeting:
1996 Eastern Conference Semifinals (PIT 4-1)

Tale of the Tape
Goaltending-
Even
Fleury and Lundqvist were both stellar in the 1st round.
Forwards-
Penguins
Slight edge to Pittsburgh with Crosby, Malkin, Hossa, and Sykora
Defense-
Penguins
Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney lead a potent Penguins blue line.
Special Teams-
Penguins
Pittsburgh’s power play was slightly better, but the PK was dynamite.
Coaching-
Even
Renney and Therrien are pretty much even.
Experience-
Rangers
It seems like a lot of these Blueshirts have been there, done that.

X-Factors
Penguins-
G Marc-Andre Fleury
This is Fleury’s chance to become a star in this league. He’s been solid down the stretch and in the first round, but this is the stage Fleury has been waiting for.
Rangers-
LW Brendan Shanahan
‘Shanny’ has been here before. If Jagr, Gomez, and Drury get slowed down by the Pens, it’ll be key for Shanahan to step up in the big moments.

1st Round Heroes
Penguins-
C Evgeni Malkin
Rangers-
C Scott Gomez

Players that need to step up
Penguins-
RW Marian Hossa
Rangers-
D Michal Rozsival

Summary and prediction
This is a battle of the heavyweights. Both teams have tradition. Both teams have the stars that can shine under pressure. Both teams have goaltenders on the cusp of greatness. Unlike the other Eastern Conference match-up, the Pens and Rangers have rest… a lot of it. Pittsburgh swept through Ottawa, while New York discarded the Devils in five. The key in this series will be the blueline play. Which defensive unit can contain the other team’s stars the most? I think this series will have both 1-0 and 2-1 games, and also 5-3 and 5-4 results. It’s going to be so hard to pick the games in this series because both teams are so evenly matched. Pittsburgh will obviously be the favorites, but the Rangers are no underdog. Like the Philly/Montreal series, I think it’ll go at least six games. I think the Pens will prevail because they’re on a mission to be playing in June.
Penguins in 6

Top 5 Moments of the 1st Round

1. Alexander Ovechkin scores GWG in game 1 vs. Flyers; also his 1st playoff goal
2. The 3rd period of Game 6 between Boston & Montreal (too many moments to list)
3. Nashville scores 2 goals in 9 seconds in the 3rd vs. Detroit in game 3
4. Calgary rallies from 3 goals down to beat the Sharks in game 3
5. Kostitsyn brothers score less than 2 minutes into game 1 vs. Boston

Playoffs Diary... Day 14

Best Game:
Flyers 3, Capitals 2 (OT)

Best Moment:
Sharks score 4 goals in 8 minute span in the 2nd period

3 Stars:
1. Jeremy Roenick, SJ (2 G, 2 A... let's just say he didn't want his last Cup run to end.)
2. Martin Biron, PHI (39 saves... Biron made some big saves en route to the big Game 7 win.)
3. Joffrey Lupul, PHI (GWG... his OT goal sends the Flyers to Round 2.)

Up next: Round 2 starting on Thursday

Game 7s Live Blog

updates will appear at the bottom...

Flyers @ Capitals
- The excitement is building!!
- Great atmosphere! Caps fans definitely 'Rockin the Red'... hopefully this is a classic.
- Big PP coming up for Washington.. good chance to crack Biron early...
- Marty Biron doesn't look rattled at all.. a kill on this PP would be great for their state of mind.
- Backstrom beats Biron.. DC is going nuts.. I believe they'll still have a power play with the goal being 5-on-3...
- 1st TV break.. I'm impressed by the Caps.. they look loose, but determined. Flyers look to be trying a bit too hard... still early!
- Caps seem to have more desire so far.. you wonder if Philly is still a bit down after last night.
- Great response by the Flyers.. goal by either Upshall or Umberger (may have been deflected).. I don't think Huet saw it.. 1-1
- 4 min PP for Philly with 4 mins left.. GREAT opportunity to get full grasp of momentum for the Flyers
- ANOTHER penalty.. this time its a trip.. these 4 minutes have a lot of momentum riding on it.
- Great kill to end the period.. the Caps looked great on that PK.. they should come out flyin' in the 2nd.

- As the 2nd period is getting ready to start, look for Washington to try to feed off the kill from the 1st period and generate some scoring chances.
- I swear AO will get a goal tonight.. he is lurking around the Flyers' net.. great start to the period for both teams!
- The pace is starting to pickup.. the scoring chances are getting better.. I'm liking this!!
- Thoreson & Morrisonn plow into Huet, opening up the net for Sami Kapanen to put it into the yawning net.. fans NOT happy in DC... good no-call by the refs...
- Power play ahead for the Caps.. it's AO's time to step up when they need him.
- What did I say!? Ovechkin a BLAZER over Biron's shoulder.. we're now tied at 2...
- Capitals responded well after the controversial goal by Kapanen. This is shaping up to be a great 3rd period! I'm liking my 4-3 Capitals prediction...

- It seems like both teams are hestitant, hoping they don't make that costly mistake...
- Flyers picking up the pace.. Hartnell just got rocked twice.. let's see how Washington responds...
- Umberger hits the post, then AO rips one on net off the faceoff.. it feels like its already OT
- The crowd is standing, trying to will their Cardiac Caps to a victory.. you can feel the tension!!
- You can sense a goal coming up.. Green with a blast, then Ovechkin throwing it on net unexpectedly.. before that, Biron was out of the net on a slapshot, but saved himself. Watch out Philly, the Caps are about to go to the Red Light District!
- What a finish!!! Obviously, next goal wins...
- 38 ticks left.. looks like this game is headed to OT...
- Going to overtime for the 2nd time in this series... great game so far! Hopefully this OT doesn't go on forever so we don't miss any of the SJ/CGY game... I've always believed playoff OT favors the road team because they don't have as much pressure; and the home team usually tries too hard.. but we'll see.

- Ahhh, Game 7 OT... nothing better!
- Great save by Huet.. game over if he doesn't make that nifty glove save on Upshall.
- Oooh, late whistle on Poti's trip.. but the right call.. is this Flyer PP the end of the Caps' magical run??
- Lupul on the rebound.. Huet couldn't spot the puck quick enough.. John Stevens jumps higher than he's ever lept! They move on to face the Montreal Canadiens...
- WOW, what a great game.. too bad for the Caps to have their season end in overtime... an even better game coming up!! Sharks-Flames baby!!!!!!

Flames @ Sharks
- This should be a dandy!! Getcha popcorn ready (or coffee)...
- Both teams starting out very aggressive! It feels like the 3rd period or OT already.
- Wow, as great as the Caps/Flyers game was, this has the makings to better. Fast pace and hard-hitting right off the bat!
- Sharks strike first, and it's a blizzard of towels in the Tank... 1st goal at home for the Sharks is HUGE. 1-0 SJ... great pass from Cheechoo.
- Calgary answers 15 seconds into their power play.. screen by Langkow, possibly tipped in by Iginla.. nonetheless, we have a tied hockey game!!
- The Tank is quiet.. this is the perfect time for Calgary to get another one...
- The deadly Sharks PP back at it again after a questionable penalty on Dion Phaneuf... I would've let that go in a Game 7...
- A wild finish to period 1... emotions are high, as usual in a Game 7.

- Period 2 about to get underway. San Jose is outshooting Calgary 14-5. Next goal is huge... I really can't see either of these goalies folding under pressure. This is a very big period that may go a long way in deciding this game...
- Owen Nolan scores 3+ minutes into the period on a breakaway... BUT, it'll be reviewed.. doesn't need to be looked at as Nolan has no kicking motion on the rebound.. 2-1 Flames
- The longer the Flames hold this lead, the less likely the Sharks will get the equalizer... Kipper feeds off of his own momentum.. next 10 minutes are big for the Sharks to tie this game up.
- Setoguchi may have tipped it by Kiprusoff, but nonetheless, the game is tied as the puck trickles through Kipper's pads.. big, big goal for the Sharks...
- Sharks going back to the man advantage... with getting the last goal, Calgary really needs to kill this penalty.
- Roenick puts back his own rebound on the power play, and the Sharks have taken a 3-2 lead.. wild span of about 7 minutes in this game.
- San Jose is swarming in Calgary's zone... the Flames need to survive this period at 3-2.. 4-2 or 5-2 would just about do it...
- Does this period remind you of another 2nd period in this series??? Game 2 in San Jose, the Flames took too many penalties in the 2nd, and it cost them the game. Let's see how they respond this time around.
- FYI... the shots are 28-9 you know who.
- I think the Sharks can taste it... Pavelski puts the puck where momma keeps the cookies.. 4-2 Sharks..
- Kipper pulled for the 2nd time in this series... can Cujo give Calgary the jolt they need??
- 5-2 San Jose.. this is getting ugly. The Sharks finally have the killer instinct they've been lacking for the longest time in the playoffs... Setoguchi gets his 2nd of the night.
- The Flames need to get one by the end of this period to have a chance...
- What a period for San Jose. They definitely responded well to going down 2-1 early in the 2nd. Roenick picked up 2 goals as Setoguchi's 1st was changed to JR. Shots are 35-13 Sharks. Mike Keenan made a bad move by putting Cujo in for Kipper. A timeout would have been a better call. You put in a cold goalie who's been sitting by himself in the runway in a hostile atmosphere with no momentum. He should have called the TO and kept Kipper in.... but that's just me.
- It'll take a miracle for the Flames to win this game... but I've seen stranger things happen.

- After putting on a lot of pressure, Wayne Primeau gives the Flames some hope as they make this a 5-3 hockey game... can they get a quick one to make it a one goal deficit??
- Flames are pulling out all the stops as they're in desperation mode.. as they should be.
- San Jose just killed off a huge penalty. They better not coast to the finish line, or else the Flames will make 'em pay in the worst way possible.
- Empty net with 3 minutes left... pretty desperate, eh??
- 45 seconds left... Keenan using his TO... Flames can't do ANYTHING... Sharks in full lockdown mode.
- Game over.. Sharks to face the Dallas Stars in Round 2.

Game 7 Picks

Flyers @ Capitals - 6:00 ct
To the Caps, a must-win game is nothing new. Every game in March was a must-win. But this is the playoffs. I think the back-to-back helps Philly because Washington spent so much energy to force this 7th game. But I think AO and AS (Semin) are extremely pumped up and are as confident as ever that they can beat these guys. Huet will feed off the sea of red.
Expect this to be a high-paced, high-emotion game (what Game 7 isn't?). I think that style of game favors Washington, especially playing in front of their home crowd.
Prediction: Capitals 4-3

Flames @ Sharks - 9:00 ct
Calgary has got to be one of the best 7 seeds of all-time. Iginla and Phaneuf lead the Flames into the Shark Tank fresh off Sunday's 2-0 win over San Jose. San Jose will have all the pressure with the Cup expectations from their fans and the media. They know tonight is a must-win, or else no one's job is safe in that organization.
The Flames will win if Kiprusoff plays like he did in Game 6. The Sharks will win if the defense shuts down Iginla's line. I believe the latter will happen, as the 'Tank' will be rockin'...
Prediction: Sharks 3-1

Double the drama!!

Tomorrow night, hockey fans will be in their lil' heaven!
Two game 7s between two pairs of playoff rivals.
Two game 7s on one night!?!? Hell yes!
Not one semifinal matchup is set.
There's not too many occasions like what we'll witness less than 24 hours from now...
Double the intensity
Double the drama
Double the greatest specticle in sports
Enjoy it!

Playoffs Diary... Day 13

Best Game:
Capitals 4, Flyers 2
What a rally led by Ovechkin by the Capitals to save their season. Down 2-0 in the 2nd, Backstrom and Semin quieted Wachovia Center to tie the game at 2 going into the 3rd. The Ovechkin show led in the 3rd (scoring twice) as the Caps went on to win 4-2 to force the third Game 7 of the 1st round.

Best Moment:
Mark Streit gives Montreal 2-0 lead... Streit's pretty goal ignited the Bell Centre, if it wasn't already, and gave the Habs a 2-0 lead. I've never heard a louder crowd through my TV! Goosebump material.

Three Stars:
1. Alexander Ovechkin, WSH (2 Goals... AO is the reason why we're having a Game 7 tomorrow night.)
2. Carey Price, MON (25 saves, shutout... Price was money tonight between the pipes. He overcame a lot of pressure with tonight's marquee performance.)
3. Andrei Kostitsyn, MON (2 G, 1 A... Kostitsyn essentially put away Boston with his first of two goals. His 2nd was the final nail in the coffin.)
Honorable mention:
A. Semin, WSH; A. Kovalev, MON

Tomorrow night's games:
6:00 Flyers @ Capitals (Gm 7)
9:00 Flames @ Sharks (Gm 7)

08 > 07

Don't get me wrong.. last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs had some thrilling moments and a classic game or two. But in this year's 1st round, you can already taste a classic playoff season.

In 2007's 1st round:
BUF over NYI in 5... booooring!
NJ over TB in 6... good games, but not good enough
NYR over ATL in 4... mismatch in every way possible
OTT over PIT in 5... Pens had no chance
DET over CGY in 6... nice series, but nothing surprised
ANA over MIN in 5... ZZZZZZZ
VAN over DAL in 7... worst possible series to go 7 games
SJ over NSH in 5... great playoff hockey, but ended too quickly
And after the 1st round, the quality of the hockey just wasn't the same as years past.

In 2008:
MTL and BOS tied at 3... classic series to say the least
PIT over OTT in 4... ok, not very intriguing
PHI on top of WSH 3-2... lots of drama so far
NYR over NJ in 5... short series, but great hockey
DET over NSH in 6... very compelling, especially after it was 2-2
SJ and CGY tied at 3... shaping up to be a classic series, also
COL over MIN in 6... very heated series w/ 3 OT games
DAL over ANA in 6... great playoff hockey
We already have as many 6-game series as last year combined, and have 7 weeks of this drama in front of us!!

If the upcoming rounds are as good as the 1st round, we're in for one hell of a postseason! There's already been so many moments, with many more to come.. likely better than 2006 (best playoffs I can vividly remember)!

04/08 comparison between Bruins/Habs series...

The similarities of this series compared their series in 2004 are scary:

In 2004 for Montreal:
#7 seed vs. #2 Boston
Claude Julien head coach
Rookie goalie for Bruins (Raycroft)
Habs were down 3-1 (won series 4-3)
Habs won Game 5, 5-1

In 2008 for Boston:
#8 seed vs. #1 Montreal
Claude Julien head coach
Rookie goalie for Habs (Price)
Bruins were down 3-1 (now 3-3)
Bruins won Game 5, 5-1

Monday Night Preview

6:00 CAPITALS @ FLYERS - Game 6
Washington was able to survive for a Game 5 victory at home, but I don't expect them to win this one. Philly will be determined to close out the series at Wachovia Center. The Capitals' run to make the playoffs was definitely one of the top stories of the year, but their luck seems to be running out.
I expect this game to be like Game 3. Biron will be on tonight, and Briere and Richards will be too much for Huet.
Prediction: Flyers 5-2

6:00 BRUINS @ CANADIENS - Game 7
Game 7... one of the greatest specticles in sports. One of these teams will survive and see another day, the other will be cleaning out their lockers tomorrow. What's happening to Carey Price?? He was a stalwart in net Games 1-4. Is the pressure of playing in Montreal catching up with him?? Who knows, but he's certainly not the same goaltender right now. History will be on Boston's side tonight, and they undoubtedly have the momentum. Upsets are bound to happen when these two hook up in the playoffs.
The atmosphere at Bell Centre will be incredible, especially if the Habs can score a quick one or two. But the longer the Bruins hang around, though, the better chance they'll have of winning.
I believe Montreal will be playing not to lose, and Boston will be playing to win. That's the difference tonight... I like Boston.
Prediction: Bruins 3-2

Playoffs Diary... Day 12

Best Game:
1A... Stars 4, Ducks 1
1B... Flames 2, Sharks 0

Best Moment:
Loui Eriksson scores to give Dallas 3-1 lead... When Eriksson scored, it was like all the playoff demons that had faced Dave Tippett and Marty Turco were finally gone. That goal officially knocked off the defending champs.

Three Stars:
1. Miikka Kiprusoff, CGY (21 saves, shutout... Kipper was dynamite tonight, especially in the 3rd period.)
2. Stephane Robidas, DAL (1 G, 1 A... Robidas was great in the series, and was the reason why the Stars came back to win tonight.)
3. Nicklas Lidstrom, DET (1 Goal... Yes, he had a very weird goal.. but he didn't make one mistake on the blueline today.)
Honorable mention:
D. Ellis, NSH; S. Barnes, DAL; D. Langkow, CGY

Tomorrow's Games:
6:00 Capitals @ Flyers (Gm 6)
6:00 Bruins @ Canadiens (Gm 7)

Predators' season ends after roller coaster ride

Nicklas Lidstrom's game-winning goal will go down as a slapshot from the point in the boxscore. But the hockey gods were on Detroit's side on his shorthanded goal from roughly 150 feet away. That wicked bounce of the puck took the air out of the Sommet Center. From that point on, the Red Wings played their style of hockey by not giving the Preds any chance of a comeback.
The NHL world will go on as usual with Detroit advancing to the 2nd round. What won't get mentioned is the unbelievable roller coaster season Nashville had...

May 24, 2007: a day that Preds fans will never forget. That's the day Jim Balsillie attempted to buy this franchise for all the wrong reasons. That's the day Craig Leipold did not know what he was getting into with the league and that Blackberry fool. That's the day many Preds fans thought that the 10th anniversary of Nashville having the Predators would be its last.

Suddenly, a month later, Nashville traded away fan favorites Scott Hartnell, Kimmo Timonen, and Tomas Vokoun, and watched franchise hero Paul Kariya walk away to St. Louis... almost raising the white flag for the franchise. The off-season came and went with the Preds not picking up any notable free agents for the first time since the lockout, and fans in Music City started believing that the worst is about to happen.

Then, in November, the new ownership group who stepped forward to potentially buy the team in late July, reached a deal with the city to keep the team in Nashville for at least three more years. After many leaps and bounds to get the sale approved, the organization could finally breath a sigh of relief.

Once the off-ice stuff was done, the on-ice product was the focus. The Preds had many hot and cold streaks over the course of their 82-game schedule. They looked dead as a doornail in mid-March when they couldn't find a way to win a home game. But all that changes after a 5-0-1 hot stretch lifted the Preds into the playoffs.

Now we come back to today. The Preds gave 10x more effort than they had talent during this series, and came the closest they've ever come to winning a series, let alone a playoff road game. Preds fans will always remember this series. The spontaneous TV timeouts, the back-to-back goals in games 3 and 4, the deafening crowd at the end of both of those games, the constant buzz throughout the arena, the anti-Detroit chants, and much, much more.

Tomorrow when Preds fans go back to work or school, they should be proud of what their TEAM accomplished. There were many times where the TEAM could've given up, but they didn't. They fought to the very end, and gave Preds fans a preview of what they'll hopefully see next fall.

Game Factors Deluxe... Day 12

RED WINGS @ PREDATORS - Game 6
GF Results: Red Wings 23, Predators 22
Predicted Score: Red Wings 3, Predators 1
If Arnott and Legwand can't go, it'll be tough for Nashville to win this game, despite playing at home. Detroit will play like they did on Friday, and the Preds could be worn down by the 3rd period. Detroit will move on six...

SHARKS @ FLAMES - Game 6
GF Results: Sharks 22, Flames 25
Predicted Score: Flames 4, Sharks 2
Mike Keenan will get his boys ready for this one. Kiprusoff should be mad at himself at the way he's played since Game 2. Iginla and Kipper will lead the Flames past San Jose to force a seventh game...

DUCKS @ STARS - Game 6
GF Results: Ducks 23, Stars 22
Predicted Score: Ducks 3, Stars 2
This will be a hard-fought battle. Anaheim doesn't want their Cup defense to end early, and the Stars want to avoid going back to Cali and take the series at home. The Ducks have the upper hand in this game because of Giguere. Expect him to be on his game tonight...

Playoffs Diary... Day 11

Best Game:
Bruins 5, Canadiens 4 (see post below)

Best Moment(s):
1A... Sturm scores GWG for Bruins (see post below)
1B... Fans lift Avs to series win in final seconds... The Pepsi Center was a blizzard of pom-poms and deafening in the final minute of the Avalanche's Game 6 victory to eliminate the Wild. It reminded me of the Sommet Center in Game 4, willing their team to a 'W'. I'm sure that moment tonight felt good for the wily vets on Colorado like Foote, Sakic, and Forsberg.

Three Stars:
1. Marco Sturm, BOS (1 Goal, 1 Assist... Yes, the German scored the GWG, but he also made a slick pass to Kessel on Boston's 4th goal.)
2. Jose Theodore, COL (34 saves... Theodore was great all series, and was the key cog for the Avs on this night.)
3. Alexander Semin, WSH (1 Goal, 1 Assist... Semin delivered the eventual GWG for the Caps, and was all over the ice.)
Honorable mention:
P. Kessel, BOS; R. Smyth, COL; C. Higgins, MON; C. Huet, WSH; S. Fedorov, WSH

Today's Games:
2:00 Red Wings @ Predators (Gm 6)
7:00 Sharks @ Flames (Gm 6)
8:00 Ducks @ Stars (Gm 6)

Bruins win crazy game to force Game 7

Only one word could describe tonight's Montreal-Boston game... WOW! The Habs took the lead at three different occasions, and the Bruins responded each time. Then Phil Kessel put home a saucer pass from Sturm to take a 4-3 lead. 11 seconds later, Christopher Higgins tied the game. A couple minutes later, Marco Sturm patiently wristed the puck past Carey Price for the eventual game-winner with 2 1/2 minutes remaining. It was pure pandemonium in Boston as the final seconds ticked down.

The similarities of this series compared their series in 2004 are scary:

In 2004 for Montreal:

#7 seed vs. #2 Boston

Claude Julien head coach

Rookie goalie for Bruins (Raycroft)

Habs were down 3-1 (won series 4-3)

Bruins won Game 2 in OT

Habs won Game 5, 5-1

In 2008 for Boston:

#8 seed vs. #1 Montreal

Claude Julien head coach

Rookie goalie for Habs (Price)

Bruins were down 3-1 (now 3-3)

Habs won Game 2 in OT

Bruins won Game 5, 5-1

Is that weird or what? You know that Habs Nation is on their heels and worried as crap that the Bruins will end up winning this series. They're also worried that their magical season, that no one expected, may have one game remaining.

Game Factors Deluxe... Day 11

FLYERS @ CAPITALS - Game 5
GF Results: Flyers 24, Capitals 22
Predicted Score: Capitals 3, Flyers 2

CANADIENS @ BRUINS - Game 6
GF Results: Canadiens 22, Bruins 22
Predicted Score: Bruins 2, Canadiens 1 (OT)

WILD @ AVALANCHE - Game 6
GF Results: Wild 20, Avalanche 23
Predicted Score: Wild 4, Avalanche 2

Playoffs Diary... Day 10

Best Game:
Rangers 5, Devils 3.. (see post below)

Best Moment:
Johan Franzen scores in OT for Detroit

Three Stars:
1. Jaromir Jagr, NYR (1 Goal, 2 Assists... Jagr was a beast tonight in the Rangers' series-winning game over Jersey.)
2. Dan Ellis, NSH (52 saves... A win would have put him as #1 star. He played outside of his mind in the OT loss to Detroit.)
3. Jean-Sebastien Giguere, ANA (40 saves... Jiggy was a wall between the pipes and kept Anaheim's season alive.)
Honorable mention:
T. Selanne, ANA; C. Drury, NYR; S. O'Donnell, ANA; J. Franzen, DET

Today's Games:
12:00 Flyers @ Capitals (Gm 5)
6:00 Canadiens @ Bruins (Gm 6)
9:00 Wild @ Avalanche (Gm 6)

Tough loss for the Preds... Rangers oust Devils

Tonight's 2-1 overtime loss to Detroit is going to be a tough one to swallow for the Predators. Although outshot 54-21, the Preds were able to tie the game with 43 ticks left with Radek Bonk's goal. But Johan Franzen took the pass from Kronwall and slipped the puck past Ellis on a breakaway for the game-winner.

Nashville gave up the game's first goal not six minutes in, and worked their butts off to keep the game at 1-0 for a chance to tie it at the end. They finally got a chance and capitalized, carrying the momentum into OT. Then bam, Franzen scores.. down 3-2.

For the last three years, the Preds have been knocked out of the playoffs at home. I hope that doesn't happen again, but I have a bad feeling the end is near for Nashville...

BUT, let's say the Preds win at home Sunday to force a Game 7. Then we have a whole different story. The NHL's underdog story of 07/08 has confidence they could steal one in Detroit after the first three games at the Joe in this series.

Should be interesting.. Sunday's matinee will serve many nervous moments at the Sommet Center for Preds fans, and maybe the Detroit fans in attendance, too.

----

Rangers 5, Devils 3

Martin Brodeur was shaky all series long as he gave up some questionable goals. Lundqvist played a better all-around game in net for the Blueshirts.

Brent Sutter had bigger hopes for his experienced Devils team. But let's face it... there was no beating the Rangers in the playoffs. New York had their number in the regular season, and it was the same case in the last week-plus.

Anyways, it ways a good year for New Jersey. I didn't expect the playoffs for them to be honest. Sutter got the most out of his team, that's for sure.

Good luck to New York in the 2nd round...

Friday Night Preview

Rangers @ Devils
Game 5
Martin Brodeur has been relatively sluggish in the first four games of this series. The waves of scoring have been come full throttle at him. Henrik Lundqvist was near dominant at The Rock in games 1 and 2, but struggled at The Garden. The Rangers will win if Lundqvist keeps up his success in Jersey. The Rangers lose if Brodeur becomes Brodeur-like.
The Devils have their backs against the wall at home, so I would normally expect them to win. But I've had a good feeling about these Rangers all year.. series is over tonight.
Prediction: Rangers 2-1

Predators @ Red Wings
Game 5
Nashville has 100% of the momentum after two wins at home. Now the challenge: winning on the road. They have the parts to pull the upset tonight, but can they shake off the mental demons?? Chris Osgood seems to be more consistent than Hasek, which means the Preds probably can't rely on two quick goals anymore.
Detroit's not scared (yet), but they're close to hitting the panic button. The Predators have nothing to lose as they have no pressure tonight compared to the Wings. If the Preds can get up early and survive their usual 1st period lull at the Joe, they have a legit chance. I like Nashville in an upset.
Prediction: Predators 3-2

Stars @ Ducks
Game 5
This is the first time Anaheim's been on the brink in a long time, it seems like. Dallas was able to grab one of their home games to take a stranglehold on the Ducks. Marty Turco may actually win a playoff series!
I've gotta believe Randy Carlyle will have his team ready for this one. They don't wanna get knocked out on home-ice. But the Stars have a lot of confidence at the Pond after games 1 and 2. In the end, the Ducks will win because they'll be very desperate and determined.
Prediction: Ducks 4-2

Playoffs Diary... Day 9

Best Game:
Flyers 4, Capitals 3 (2OT)
The Capitals seem to be running out of gas as they're now down 3-1 in the series. Carter and Knuble starred for Philadelphia in the Flyers' double OT victory.

Best Moment:
Mike Knuble scores in double OT for Flyers

Three Stars:
1. Jonathan Cheechoo, SJ (2 Goals... He lifted San Jose in the 3rd just enough in a big way for the win over Calgary.)
2. Marty Turco, DAL (27 Saves... Turco was stellar in net as Dallas has a stranglehold on the champs.)
3. Jeff Carter, PHI (2 Goals, 1 Assist... Carter was brilliant in Philly's OT win over the Caps.)
Honorable mention:
T. Thomas, BOS; J. Theodore, COL; P. Marleau, SJ; M. Knuble, PHI; N. Backstrom, WSH; S. Barnes, DAL

Tonight's Games:
6:30 Rangers @ Devils (Gm 5)
6:30 Predators @ Red Wings (Gm 5)
9:30 Stars @ Ducks (Gm 5)

Thursday Night Preview

6:00 Bruins @ Canadiens
Game 5

This series has been a very intense and dramatic series, which isn't surprising in this storied rivalry. Montreal earned a split with Boston at the TD Banknorth Garden, and look to have the momentum going into tonight's Game 5. Carey Price has been awesome in his first four playoff games.M
I would not surprised at all to see the Bruins win tonight. They play well with their backs against the wall, and are playing the Habs very tough. Milan Lucic will be Boston's key player tonight. I like the Bruins' chances tonight, but Tim Thomas will have to stand on his head to pull out a 'W'.
Predicted Score: Bruins 3-2 (OT)

6:00 Capitals @ Flyers
Game 4

Philly seems to be more determined than Washington right now. Prospal and Briere are a great duo, and have been excellent in the series' first three games. Really, if you look at it, the Flyers have outplayed the Caps in all but one period. So the Flyers could very easily be going for a sweep tonight.
Nonetheless, Briere's leadership will lead the Flyers to a Game 4 victory.
Predicted Score: Flyers 4-2

7:00 Ducks @ Stars
Game 4

The Ducks regained their dominance in Game 3. Getzlaf and Pronger led Anaheim to a 4-2 win over the Stars. Games 1 & 2 seemed to have woken up the beast. I think they needed that win to get rolling. They should still look at this game as a do or die situation so they're not having to beat Dallas in three straight games.
Anaheim will be desperate, once again. I think if the Ducks can get to Turco early again, they'll be fine. Ducks win...
Predicted Score: Ducks 3-1

8:00 Avalanche @ Wild
Game 5

You think Minnesota isn't a little bit pissed after Game 4?? The Avs destroyed the Wild in every aspect of the game, and got the oh-so-valuable secondary scoring. They were probably sick of playing in overtime.
This series has seven games written all over it. I think the winner of tonight's game will eventually win this series and move on... but who knows, it's the Stanley Cup Playoffs! I like Minnesota tonight. I think they'll come out flying in front of their rabid fans, and will get to Theodore early.
Predicted Score: Wild 4-2

9:00 Flames @ Sharks
Game 5

San Jose picked up a HUGE win on Tuesday. Thornton scored with 10 seconds left to give the Sharks the win. That win may have boosted them well enough to win this series. But it certainly won't be easy. The Flames are a team made for the playoffs. I still like Calgary's chances in this series, but may want to win tonight.
This game will be a 1-0 or 2-1 type game. I expect Kipper and Nabby to be sharp and on their game. Whoever scores first will win. Sharks will be determined at home.
Predicted Score: Sharks 2-1

These games will count on the Game Factors record....