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:
- 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.
- Give Schneider the net in game 6. If it doesn’t work out, you can always put Luongo in for game 7.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stop collapsing so tightly in the defensive zone. At the very least, leave the weak-side winger higher.
- 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.