Category: Hockey

Anything except coaching that is related to hockey.

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Hockey Personal

2nd Round Predictions 2011

After going 7-for-8 in the first round (but with only 1 correct prediction on the number of games), the time has come for my picks for the second round.

Eastern Conference

Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Washington was 4-1-1 against the Lightning this season and have completely revamped their game from a year ago.  The team has completely bought into the attention to defensive details and that makes them dangerous.  The Lightning should have punched through the depleted Penguins but struggled.  Tampa has good firepower, a great coach, and a solid veteran goaltender.  I question their overall experience and ability to get things done, though.  I think Washington learned a lot last year about what it takes and I think Tampa, as a group, has to learn it this year.

Prediction: Washington in 6 – More firepower but their goaltending could be a real difference.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins

The Bruins became the first team in a 7-game series to win it without scoring a power-play goal.  They got lucky, in my opinion.  The Flyers on the other hand got pushed way too hard against a banged-up Buffalo team.  Philly’s goalie situation is a major concern.  This will be a physical series between The Big Bad Bruins and The Broad Street Bullies.  Who can survive the physical battles will have an edge.  On the other hand, the Flyers are to the Bruins what the Blackhawks were to the Canucks.  Does Boston have what it takes to exorcise the memories of the last series these two teams played.  Boston has the edge in goaltending for sure.

Prediction: Boston in 6 – Tim Tomas puts the team on his shoulders and drags the Bruins into the 3rd round

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks vs. Nashville Predators

After the heart-stopping game 7, the Canucks might just have taken a critical step towards becoming a better team.  I still have very little faith in Luongo and even less in the Sedins.  Luongo can’t go down swimming quite as much and the Sedins have to find a grittier game or show that they can dominate shift after shift in the playoffs.  Vancouver won’t face the same level of offense as they did against the Hawks, so that may give up a bit more room for the Kesler line and that may be the difference maker.  Nasshville, on the other hand, is a fairly uniform team.  They have a strong first pair on defense and they play as team in all three zones.  Rinne was outstanding against the Ducks and was stingy against the Canucks in the regular season.  For the Predators to have a chance, Rinne must hold the fort and win a few games.

Prediction: Vancouver in 6.  The Canucks are deeper on forward and defense than the Ducks were and Nashville didn’t exactly overwhelm Anaheim.

Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks

After easily handling the Coyotes, the Red Wings will be well rested for the series and this is bad news for the Sharks.  The sharks ran into all they could handle with the L.A. Kings in their first round series and certainly didn’t look too dominant at times.  The Kings’ goalie really shone, though, but a team with that much firepower shouldn’t have struggled that much.

Joe Thornton finally showed up for a few games but San Jose’s goaltending is a bit of a sideshow. With Detroit, I want to say that their goaltending is suspect as well, but I certainly would go with their goaltending over the Sharks’.  Detroit is deeper and more experienced.  If they can stay (and get) healthy enough, I don’t see the Sharks having the depth or skaters to punch-counterpunch with the healthier Wings.

Prediction: Detroit in 6.  The Sharks will put up a fight but they will be outclassed and their goaltending won’t be enough.

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Hockey

NHL Mid-First Round Comments

Wow, did I ever blow that Detroit-Phoenix prediction.  No way did I figure that the Coyotes would go down in 4.  That teaches me to underestimate Detroit again.  I felt bad for Shane Doan, though.

Speaking of underestimating, I did that with Chicago too.  I think the Canucks are in serious trouble here.  Luongo looks like a sieve and it just feels like the ‘Hawks have gotten to him.  I don’t know if it was that Torres hit or not, but Chicago is a team that knows (not just thinks) they can beat the Canucks.  What’s driven me nuts is that after game 2, the Canucks seem to be in a prevent-defense posture.  That NEVER works.  Their strength is the attack and the forecheck and if they want to get back on track, then a few things need to change:

  1. I would have pulled Luongo after the 2nd goal.  Even if the goals weren’t his fault, it was obvious the team needed a shakeup.
  2. Give Schneider the net in game 6.  If it doesn’t work out, you can always put Luongo in for game 7.
  3. Bench the Sedins for a while until they learn to throw their weight around.  Their soft play and loose penalties are fine for the regular season, but in the playoffs they have to start making hits and blocking shots, just like everyone else.  I don’t give a damn what they do (or don’t do) do in the offensive zone as long as they are doing everything they can in the defensive zone.  I’ve never been happy with the twins’ defensive abilities but their skill usually allows them to spend extended amounts of time in the offensive zone.  That isn’t happening so they have to change their game.
  4. Hit Samuelsson with a 50,000 Volt cattle prod.  He’s the one player on the team who’s got a Stanley Cup rink.  He should be leading this team with intensity and determination.
  5. Stop collapsing so tightly in the defensive zone.  At the very least, leave the weak-side winger higher.
  6. To a man, the team has to hit everything in sight.  Just pound the hell out of Toews, Kane, Bolland, Keith, and Hossa.  Hit them every chance you get.

Another series I didn’t see coming was that Boston-Montreal series.  I was impressed with the Habs in the first two games, and I honestly thought they had the 4th game.  While I will give Boston some credit, I think the Habs tend to sit back after they get a lead.  That line change on the winning goal in game 4 was BRUTAL, though.  Should be a interesting best-of-3.

The Washington-New York series has proceeded much the way I thought it might.  New York is tough to play against but I don’t think they have the firepower to outlast the Capitals.

The Philadelphia-Buffalo series has been interesting.  Miller has been very good in the wins and he will have to be near perfect if Buffalo hopes to win.

Where the heck did Pittsburgh get the offense?  Wow!  I’m not saying the Lightning are done, but I’m not holding my breath.

I haven’t followed the Los Angeles-San Jose series, but blowing that big lead was just disastrous for LA.  I don’t have much faith about the Sharks going deep, but they should be able to finish off LA.

I haven’t been following the Nashville-Anaheim series, either.   I’m glad the Predators are playing tough, though.

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Hockey Personal

Playoff Predictions 2011

Despite the fact that I’m not in any hockey pools this year, I decided to make my yearly predictions for the playoffs anyway.  Feel free to add your own predictions in the comments section.  The only rules are:

  1. Pick the winner
  2. Pick the number of games
  3. Give some kind of explanation why you think it will end up that way

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Normally I leave the Western Conference until last but I can’t help myself here.  The Canucks won the President’s Trophy for most points, had the most wins,  had the best Power Play, most goals for, least goals against, highest scorer, best goaltending tandem in the league, the number 3 Penalty Kill, and they were one of the best faceoff teams.  They displayed tremendous defensive depth, seemingly ignoring lengthy injuries to each of their top-6 defensemen.

The Hawks, last year’s cup champions are a shadow of their former selves, having backed into the playoffs on the last day of the season, being helped by a Dallas team that couldn’t win when it counted.

Sounds like we might as well be looking at the second round, shouldn’t it?  My answer is categorically “NO”.  Roberto Luongo has never really got it done in the playoffs and until he either single-handedly wins a series or two or carries the Canucks to the cup, his status as an elite goalie will always be in question.  With the loss of Manny Malholtra and the suspension of Raffi Torres, I worry about the offensive depth on that 3rd and 4th line.

From the Hawks’ perspective, I have to question their goaltending and offensive depth after their fantastic top two lines.  I also have to wonder if the Hawks are too tired from a long push after an even longer season last year.   Still, they do hold a bit of a mental edge, having handled Vancouver in each of the last two playoff seasons.

Prediction: Vancouver in 6 – too deep, too good, too strong

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Ah, San Jose, the perennial contenders/pretenders.  They didn’t finish first in the conference but they still have a good team.  Their goaltending is a big question mark, as is the annual playoff performance predictions for big Joe Thornton.  Are they deep enough for a good run?

The Kings are a different matter.  They have enough serious injuries to their forward corps that I am not sure they have the depth to compete.

Prediction: San Jose in 5 – LA just doesn’t have the horses

Detroit Red Wings vs. Phoenix Coyotes

Detroit has been at the apex of the hockey world for almost 20 years.  They have been accused of being too old and of having poor goaltending, but all they do is seem to win.  They are the measuring-stick that all organizations need to compare themselves to.  This year, they have been dogged by injures and yet they still managed to win their division.

The Coyotes have been playing well despite having the controversy of the sale swirling around them.  They have a top-notch goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov and a solid defensive-corps.

Despite the advantage of experience and greater offensive depth, I don’t think the Wings have what it takes this year.

Prediction: Phoenix in 7 – Just a feeling that this will be an upset

Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators

Anaheim has the only 50-goal scorer in the league this year as well as a re-vitalized Teemu Selanne.  They have the experience and a whole lot of talent.  Their weak spot would be in goal with health question surrounding Hiller and Emery.

The Nashville Predators are a coherent, hard-working group with phenomenal goaltending in Pekka Rinne.  Their no-name offense is a concern but they can get the job done.

Prediction: Nashville in 6 – Rinne will be too hard to get pucks behind

Eastern Conference

Washington Captials vs. New York Rangers

This is the new-look, defense-first Washington Capitals team.  They have the most dynamic player in the game who has bought into the system.  They have three goaltenders that they can go to, and an excellent supporting cast.  Ovechkin is rested and ready to go and their pride is smarting from losing to the Habs last year.

The Rangers are scrappy and have learned to work hard under John Tortorella .  They have an all-world goalie in Henrik Lundqvist and a lot of young talent.  I’m not sure about their offensive depth, however, and I don’t think their hard work will be enough.

Prediction: Washington in 6 – Too much firepower combined with better defensive play

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres

Philly was pushing for first for a while but stumbled down the stretch.  The loss of Chris Pronger seemed to hurt them and their goaltending seems to have gone south.  They are still a talented, physical team with a lot going for them, though.

Buffalo surged with the introduction of their new owner and they have an outstanding goalie in Ryan Miller.  Their offensive and defensive corps are relatively pedestrian, however, and they don’t have a lot of firepower.

Prediction: Phiadelphia in 5 – Buffalo can’t compete unless Miller wins every game for them single-handedly.

Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens

While this matchup will not have the same lustre of past series between these Original Six rivals, it will have all the passion and all of nastiness.  The Big Bad Bruins are back, ladies and gentlemen.  Lead by Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic, Boston can manhandle almost any team in the league.  Tim Tomas’ record-setting season will guarantee him the Veznia trophy and he gives his team every opportunity to win each game.

Montreal is small but fast and Carey Price has had a great season.  While I think Price can steal a few games, the decimated defensive corps is a big concern.  The fact that their top players have struggled putting the puck in the net is also very troubling.  If they can lull Boston into a speed game, they have a chance, but if Boston forces this into a physical contest, Les Glorieux will lose and lose badly.

Prediction: Boston in 6 – Price gets a few games but isn’t able to stop the juggernaut.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Dan Bylsma deserves the Jack Adams trophy for what he’s done in Pittsburgh without his top two players.  Fleury has been outstanding and the team has made a real commitment to playing solidly in their own end.  The core of this team still has fresh memories of winning the cup two years ago and that will help them.  The question is, can they generate enough of the desperate play without Malkin, Crosby, and Matt Cooke (who is out for the first round)?

Tampa Bay has seen a great turnaround since Steve Yzerman took over as the GM.  Stamkos has flourished, flirting with the Art Ross and Maurice Richard trophy for most of the season.  They have Art Ross trophy runner-up, Martin St. Louis as well.  They are able to move the puck and generate offense.  The pickup of Dwayne Roloson was probably the best move made by the team.

Prediction: Tampa Bay in 6 – I don’t see the Penguins having the gas left in the tank after playing desperate hockey since January

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Hockey

Misc. NHL

Just some links about some alternate rules that the NHL was looking into earlier this year:

  1. Here
  2. Here
  3. and Here

Among the rules I think are worth considering:

  • A team who commits an intentional offside cannot change
  • No-touch icing (I play defense and HATE chasing the puck when you’ve got a forward bearing down behind me)
  • Having goalies switch ends in OT to give the teams the long change
  • Shallower nets – giving more room behind the goal
  • Using plexiglass on the top of nets to facilitate video reviews

One of the changes I’d like to see, other than the elimination of the 2-minute puck-over-the-glass penalty, is that players who receive a high-sticking penalty, boarding penalty, or kneeing penalty, should be forced to sit the full time of their penalty.

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Hockey Personal

Hockey vs. Football (Soccer)

I only watch football (soccer for those in North America) about once every 4 years.  In the World Cup.  I figure if I’m going to watch a sport I’m not really into, I might as well see it at the highest level, on the grandest stage.  That way I can get to see the best doing their best.

This  year, unfortunately, I haven’t had as much time to watch matches as I’ve wanted to, but the few times I have seen it, I began comparing and contrasting the differences with ice hockey (beyond the obvious differences in the field-of-play and equipment).  Here are a few random thoughts I’ve had run through my head:

  1. Turnovers in mid-field in football are nowhere near as costly as turnovers in the neutral-zone in hockey.  The ability to transition from offense to defense rapidly is very different for each sport.  In hockey, a turnover usually leads to at least a scoring chance (whether weak or strong).  In football, it is more often than not, simply a change in possession.
  2. The lack of boards at the edges of the field-of-play certainly have a dramatic effect on the ability to contain opposing players.  In football, the risk of putting the ball out of bounds really constrains what a player can do near the sidelines, while hockey, players can use the boards to their advantage when moving the puck or attacking an opposing player – you can literally give them nowhere to go.
  3. Protecting the ball in football seems much more difficult than protecting the puck in hockey.  Despite the abundance of penalties/stoppages in football due to contact, it seems very difficult to set up a pass or shot (unless it is straight-ahead) without having at least a small amount of time/space.  In hockey, the puck-carrier can initiate contact with the opposition and shield the puck with their body while setting up for a pass or shot.  This allows hockey players to make accurate plays while under pressure.
  4. The goalies in football are far more versatile than the goalies in hockey.  The ability to make solid passes to offensive players up-field combined with the ability to handle the ball without being subjected to pressure or without stopping play allows a team many more options than in hockey.  In hockey, goalies who can handle the puck well (even at the top levels of the game) are very few and far between.  While a few goalies can make excellent offensive passes, they virtually cannot sit back and wait for a play to develop.
  5. Toughness is not really a celebrated in football.  In hockey, it is simply expected.  I’ve spoken with several friends that are serious football fans and the main focus, they say, is on the win, the “experience”, the celebrity gossip, or a certain player’s “look”.  Toughness simply isn’t in the equation.  In hockey, players get injured and are expected to get sewn back up and not miss a shift.   Heck, referees and coaches are expected to do the same.   I think that’s why diving and going down easy is so tolerated in football.  Players are doing it to give their team an advantage and that’s all that counts.  There isn’t really a downside.  In hockey, diving is very frowned upon (even by your own teammates) so it doesn’t really give you an advantage, especially if you take a penalty doing it.
  6. With all the penalties and out-of-bounds calls, it seems that the game of football is really broken up.  Substitutions, too, seem to slow the game down.  I just found that the games have very little flow to them.  Granted, in hockey there can be obscene amounts of starts and stops sometimes, but there is usually some semblance of flow.  I almost wonder if, like American-football, that football players are trying to use the clock against their opposition.  I’m not in favour of that, at all, which is a major reason I dislike American-football.

That’s about it for now.  I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the World Cup!