Puck You! The Legend Returns
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Interesting round for predictions...all three of myself, Nick and Al each got two of four right. I've made my predictions for the third round, but Buffalo and Ottawa is going to be tight and potentially awesome. What a war this could be. Tons of offense, and an unmitigated hatred of each other should make it an exciting series.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Well, the first round is nail-bitingly over, and I have to admit that my picks were pretty bad. Granted, two were "sleeper" picks in Minnesota and Calgary, so I don't mind being wrong on those, but I was also wrong on Atlanta/NY Rangers, Tampa Bay/New Jersey, and Ottawa/Pittsburgh. Nick did quite well on his picks, getting 7 out of 8 correct(!). A 7-1 record, not too shabby. What makes it even more shocking is that that's about the opposite of how his picks usually go in our fantasy pools.
Semifinals Predictions
Buffalo Sabres (1) over New York Rangers (6) in 5 games
New Jersey (2) over Ottawa Senators (4) in 5 games
Anaheim Ducks (2) over Vancouver Canucks (3) in 6 games*
San Jose Sharks (5) over Detroit Red Wings (1) in 6 games
* I'll be rooting for the Canucks, but if they put on a brutal performance like they did in game 6, Anaheim will not only outscore them, but they'll beat them into the ice. Brian Burke doesn't mess around.
Semifinals Predictions
Buffalo Sabres (1) over New York Rangers (6) in 5 games
New Jersey (2) over Ottawa Senators (4) in 5 games
Anaheim Ducks (2) over Vancouver Canucks (3) in 6 games*
San Jose Sharks (5) over Detroit Red Wings (1) in 6 games
* I'll be rooting for the Canucks, but if they put on a brutal performance like they did in game 6, Anaheim will not only outscore them, but they'll beat them into the ice. Brian Burke doesn't mess around.
Monday, April 23, 2007
:: Game 7 ::
Despite showing a level of sucktitude in Game 6 not seen since their pre-Christmas slide, the Canucks bounced back to win Game 7 thanks to 40 minutes of dominating hockey, Trevor Linden, and Roberto Fucking Luongo. My quick post-game thoughts are here on my other blog, and seeing that I finished that post off by quoting a movie, I figured I'd do the same here.
This is what springs to mind when I think of the Game 7 performance when compared to Game 6.
"You know what Lloyd? Just when I think you can't get any dumber, you go and do something like this...AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!"
Now here's hoping the Canucks ride that tiny motorcycle all the way to the Stanley Cup finals.
We got room for one more, if you still wanna go to Aspen.
Despite showing a level of sucktitude in Game 6 not seen since their pre-Christmas slide, the Canucks bounced back to win Game 7 thanks to 40 minutes of dominating hockey, Trevor Linden, and Roberto Fucking Luongo. My quick post-game thoughts are here on my other blog, and seeing that I finished that post off by quoting a movie, I figured I'd do the same here.
This is what springs to mind when I think of the Game 7 performance when compared to Game 6.
"You know what Lloyd? Just when I think you can't get any dumber, you go and do something like this...AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!"
Now here's hoping the Canucks ride that tiny motorcycle all the way to the Stanley Cup finals.
We got room for one more, if you still wanna go to Aspen.
Game six was one of the most pathetic displays of hockey I have ever seen. I can't recall a single legitimately good Canucks scoring chance for the entire game. They had a few shots, but no close rebounds, no game-saving saves by Turco...it was just a really lackluster effort on Vancouver's part. As soon as they got the two penalties in the first five minutes, and Dallas scored on the ensuing 5-on-3, the Canucks were done.
The only bright spot is that hopefully both Morrow and Zubov are hurt (or dead!!) and unable to play in tonight's game. It would be a good time for the Sedins and Naslund to wake up and start actually scoring, too.
The only bright spot is that hopefully both Morrow and Zubov are hurt (or dead!!) and unable to play in tonight's game. It would be a good time for the Sedins and Naslund to wake up and start actually scoring, too.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
My pick for Overtime winner: BRANDON REID
Wait he's not playing? Fine...Morrison.
Or for Dallas, Nagy.
Wait he's not playing? Fine...Morrison.
Or for Dallas, Nagy.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Holy crap. And that was only Game 1!
Great game but come on guys! Save those for the later rounds! (Or at least the weekends!)
Great game but come on guys! Save those for the later rounds! (Or at least the weekends!)
Holy Christ what a game. I'm absolutely exhausted, just from watching.
That game goes into Nick Greenizan's memory bank right alongside the first round, Game 7 win vs. Calgary in 1994, and Game 6 of the 'Nucks/Rangers final in the same here.
I am, however, worried about the injuries. It's only the first bloody game, and already it appears the following players are hurt:
Sopel (cracker strain)
Cooke (groin)
Burrows (concussion probably)
Bieksa (that damn foot)
Yikes. But for now at least, a win is a win is a win.
Just heard Vigneault say this during his post-game press conference, which was only broadcast live on CBC.ca.
On whether his team would be re-energized Friday after such a long Game 1...
"The guys are all great athletes, in great shape, so as long as they don't bend down to pick up crackers, we'll be alright."
Yet another reason why I freakin' love this coach. It's tough to be funny at 1 a.m.
That game goes into Nick Greenizan's memory bank right alongside the first round, Game 7 win vs. Calgary in 1994, and Game 6 of the 'Nucks/Rangers final in the same here.
I am, however, worried about the injuries. It's only the first bloody game, and already it appears the following players are hurt:
Sopel (cracker strain)
Cooke (groin)
Burrows (concussion probably)
Bieksa (that damn foot)
Yikes. But for now at least, a win is a win is a win.
Just heard Vigneault say this during his post-game press conference, which was only broadcast live on CBC.ca.
On whether his team would be re-energized Friday after such a long Game 1...
"The guys are all great athletes, in great shape, so as long as they don't bend down to pick up crackers, we'll be alright."
Yet another reason why I freakin' love this coach. It's tough to be funny at 1 a.m.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Vancouver vs Dallas, game 1 is just about to start!
I just heard one of the announcers say that Brent Sopel won't be playing for the Canucks tonight, because he twisted his back...bending over to pick up a cracker.
...
What the hell?? Picking up a cracker! What does Sopel think this is, Major League Baseball?
I just heard one of the announcers say that Brent Sopel won't be playing for the Canucks tonight, because he twisted his back...bending over to pick up a cracker.
...
What the hell?? Picking up a cracker! What does Sopel think this is, Major League Baseball?
Monday, April 09, 2007
Here's the matchups, with my predictions bolded:
ROUND ONE
#1 Buffalo vs #8 Islanders - 4 games
#2 New Jersey vs #7 Tampa Bay - 6 games
#3 Atlanta vs #6 Rangers - 5 games
#4 Ottawa vs #5 Pittsburgh - 6 games
#1 Detroit vs #8 Calgary - 7 games
#2 Anaheim vs #7 Minnesota - 5 games
#3 Vancouver vs #6 Dallas - 6 games
#4 Nashville vs #5 San Jose - 5 games
ROUND TWO
Buffalo vs Pittsburgh - 7 games ***matchup of the entire playoffs***
Tampa Bay vs Atlanta - 5 games
Calgary vs San Jose - 4 games
Minnesota vs Vancouver - 7 games
ROUND ONE
#1 Buffalo vs #8 Islanders - 4 games
#2 New Jersey vs #7 Tampa Bay - 6 games
#3 Atlanta vs #6 Rangers - 5 games
#4 Ottawa vs #5 Pittsburgh - 6 games
#1 Detroit vs #8 Calgary - 7 games
#2 Anaheim vs #7 Minnesota - 5 games
#3 Vancouver vs #6 Dallas - 6 games
#4 Nashville vs #5 San Jose - 5 games
ROUND TWO
Buffalo vs Pittsburgh - 7 games ***matchup of the entire playoffs***
Tampa Bay vs Atlanta - 5 games
Calgary vs San Jose - 4 games
Minnesota vs Vancouver - 7 games
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Well ladies and gents (and Mike), it's nearly playoff time, so I figured it was high-time to make a post on this long-forgotten blog. Even though the matchups aren't yet set, I still have a pretty good idea of what predictions I want to make, so here goes.
However, before I do that, I'd also like to point out that my pre-season predictions weren't that terrible, with the obvious screw up being that of my three Western Conference Division winners (seeds 1-3) two of those teams, Anaheim and San Jose, are actually in the same division. My mistakes. But I'm giving myself credit for picking Vancouver to win the Northwest, when - at the time - most people said they'd be eighth in the West. At best.
So, good for me. As for the playoffs, without getting into detailed matchups (cuz there ain't any yet), I'll say this...the Final Four will consist of these teams: West: Vancouver and Detroit. In the East, it'll be Pittsburgh and the Buffalo Sabres.
You heard it here first.
However, before I do that, I'd also like to point out that my pre-season predictions weren't that terrible, with the obvious screw up being that of my three Western Conference Division winners (seeds 1-3) two of those teams, Anaheim and San Jose, are actually in the same division. My mistakes. But I'm giving myself credit for picking Vancouver to win the Northwest, when - at the time - most people said they'd be eighth in the West. At best.
So, good for me. As for the playoffs, without getting into detailed matchups (cuz there ain't any yet), I'll say this...the Final Four will consist of these teams: West: Vancouver and Detroit. In the East, it'll be Pittsburgh and the Buffalo Sabres.
You heard it here first.
Monday, September 18, 2006
You are correct, Mr. Eng, hockey is almost back. (About fucking time!)
And with such as occasion comes predictions, or as I like to call them - mistakes. Here's a bunch of 'em: ( I expect the rest of you to make similar proclamations)
During the regular season, the West will be won by Anaheim, led by Chris "My wife has my balls in her Gucci purse" Pronger, and Scotty Neidermayer. However, this prediction will be null and void if Pronger finds another lady sports reporter to bang and he has to be traded elsewhere. This is quite possible, as there's a lot of hot broads in SoCal.
The Eastern No. 1 seed for playoffs will be, I predict, Buffalo.
Here's my whole conference shakedowns...
WEST
1. Anaheim (division winner)
2. San Jose (division winner)
3. Vancouver (division winner)
4. Calgary
5. Nashville
6. Detroit
7. Edmonton
8. Dallas
*Not much change in the west from last year except in the order - although I subbed in Vancouver in favour of Colorado, who I don't think will make the playoffs (I say they'll finish 9th, just behind Dallas). You can't lose Blake and Tanguay a year after losing Foote and Forsberg and still expect to win it all.
And as for the Canucks pick? Blatantly cheerleading, you say?
Puck you, I say.
Actually, you have a valid point - they turned over more than half the team including coaching staff, Jovonoski, both goalies, Bert, etc etc etc..yeah I know. But you know who we did get?
Roberto Fucking Luongo, who wins 5-6 games a year by himself. And while they might bore fans to sleep with the defensive prowess of Pyatt, Chouinard, and Linden, they'll still win. The Flames won the division with no scoring and a top-notch goalie, and while their D was better than the 'Nucks this year, I still think it'll happen.
Here's my Eastern predictions, and keep in mind this is more of a guess because I don't follow Eastern teams as closely as the ones out west.
1. Buffalo (division winner)
2. New York (division winner)
3. Carolina (division winner)
4. Ottawa
5. New Jersey
6. Tampa Bay
7. Philly
8. Boston
It pains me to a great degree to sub in Boston for Montreal - I'd really like to take Philly out of it, but I just can't. And I know Boston is a bit of a darkhorse pick after finishing 20 points out of the playoffs last year, but every year there's a surprise team and I think with Marc Savard and Chara in the lineup, they'll be better.
But I will go on the record as saying that that's the one pick which I know is a stretch.
As for individual awards, I think the top five scorers are, in order: Joe Thornton, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Jaromir Jagr, and Jonathan Cheechoo.
Vezina trophy goes to either Luongo, Kiprusoff, or Henrik Lundquist. Rookie of the year is probably Evgeni Malkin, although I'd like to say Alex Radulov or Luc Bourdon.
PLAYOFFS
I'm getting tired of writing, so you're just getting the Coles Notes version here:
In the West, Vancouver and Calgary make it to the Conference finals, and in the East, it's Buffalo and Carolina again.
That's as far as I'll go in my predictions, however, as I can't bring myself to not vote for the Canucks once I've put them in the final four, and it's an underdog call. If I picked them to go all the way, that'd be just wishful thinking, so I'll just say this:
Do I hope they win? Yes.
Do I think they will? Anything's possible.
And with such as occasion comes predictions, or as I like to call them - mistakes. Here's a bunch of 'em: ( I expect the rest of you to make similar proclamations)
During the regular season, the West will be won by Anaheim, led by Chris "My wife has my balls in her Gucci purse" Pronger, and Scotty Neidermayer. However, this prediction will be null and void if Pronger finds another lady sports reporter to bang and he has to be traded elsewhere. This is quite possible, as there's a lot of hot broads in SoCal.
The Eastern No. 1 seed for playoffs will be, I predict, Buffalo.
Here's my whole conference shakedowns...
WEST
1. Anaheim (division winner)
2. San Jose (division winner)
3. Vancouver (division winner)
4. Calgary
5. Nashville
6. Detroit
7. Edmonton
8. Dallas
*Not much change in the west from last year except in the order - although I subbed in Vancouver in favour of Colorado, who I don't think will make the playoffs (I say they'll finish 9th, just behind Dallas). You can't lose Blake and Tanguay a year after losing Foote and Forsberg and still expect to win it all.
And as for the Canucks pick? Blatantly cheerleading, you say?
Puck you, I say.
Actually, you have a valid point - they turned over more than half the team including coaching staff, Jovonoski, both goalies, Bert, etc etc etc..yeah I know. But you know who we did get?
Roberto Fucking Luongo, who wins 5-6 games a year by himself. And while they might bore fans to sleep with the defensive prowess of Pyatt, Chouinard, and Linden, they'll still win. The Flames won the division with no scoring and a top-notch goalie, and while their D was better than the 'Nucks this year, I still think it'll happen.
Here's my Eastern predictions, and keep in mind this is more of a guess because I don't follow Eastern teams as closely as the ones out west.
1. Buffalo (division winner)
2. New York (division winner)
3. Carolina (division winner)
4. Ottawa
5. New Jersey
6. Tampa Bay
7. Philly
8. Boston
It pains me to a great degree to sub in Boston for Montreal - I'd really like to take Philly out of it, but I just can't. And I know Boston is a bit of a darkhorse pick after finishing 20 points out of the playoffs last year, but every year there's a surprise team and I think with Marc Savard and Chara in the lineup, they'll be better.
But I will go on the record as saying that that's the one pick which I know is a stretch.
As for individual awards, I think the top five scorers are, in order: Joe Thornton, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Jaromir Jagr, and Jonathan Cheechoo.
Vezina trophy goes to either Luongo, Kiprusoff, or Henrik Lundquist. Rookie of the year is probably Evgeni Malkin, although I'd like to say Alex Radulov or Luc Bourdon.
PLAYOFFS
I'm getting tired of writing, so you're just getting the Coles Notes version here:
In the West, Vancouver and Calgary make it to the Conference finals, and in the East, it's Buffalo and Carolina again.
That's as far as I'll go in my predictions, however, as I can't bring myself to not vote for the Canucks once I've put them in the final four, and it's an underdog call. If I picked them to go all the way, that'd be just wishful thinking, so I'll just say this:
Do I hope they win? Yes.
Do I think they will? Anything's possible.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
DAMN, Oilers take Game 5, series is 3-2 Canes. Great game though, ended on a horrible giveaway by the Canes in their own end SHORT HANDED. Good play by Pisani to jump on a great chance, no doubting that. Oilers were lucky though, since Staios got a bad penalty by tripping up Recchi. LUCKY.
The puck you goes to the Carolina player who made a CROSS-ICE PASS IN HIS OWN END IN OVERTIME. I mean, what the hell? Who does that?! Go back to Atom league you schmuck.
(edit: saw on a replay that it was Stillman. DAMN YOU STILLMAN!)
Ron McLean: Sometimes in overtime you run out of gas, but you never run out of oil. (GAG!)
The puck you goes to the Carolina player who made a CROSS-ICE PASS IN HIS OWN END IN OVERTIME. I mean, what the hell? Who does that?! Go back to Atom league you schmuck.
(edit: saw on a replay that it was Stillman. DAMN YOU STILLMAN!)
Ron McLean: Sometimes in overtime you run out of gas, but you never run out of oil. (GAG!)
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Ron McLean: What did you think of the refereeing tonight?
Don Cherry: ...You're trying to get ME to comment on the referees? Aren't I in enough trouble with the league and CBC?
5-0 shellacking by the Canes. Doesn't look good for Edmonton. I continued my streak of bringing goals with me - I turned on the TV and Carolina had 1 minute left in a power play. And with 20 seconds left in it, they scored.
Ryan and I decided that this game's PUCK YOU goes to........Dwayne Roloson!
Ryan: ok rollie i know your playoffs are done but you can't shave your beard
Ryan: jesus
Mike: haha
Ryan: no wonder they look like crap
Don Cherry: ...You're trying to get ME to comment on the referees? Aren't I in enough trouble with the league and CBC?
5-0 shellacking by the Canes. Doesn't look good for Edmonton. I continued my streak of bringing goals with me - I turned on the TV and Carolina had 1 minute left in a power play. And with 20 seconds left in it, they scored.
Ryan and I decided that this game's PUCK YOU goes to........Dwayne Roloson!
Ryan: ok rollie i know your playoffs are done but you can't shave your beard
Ryan: jesus
Mike: haha
Ryan: no wonder they look like crap
Monday, June 05, 2006
WHOA. Roloson won't be back in the series? That's a bit of a heavy hit. Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-oilers-rolosoninjured&prov=ap&type=lgns
Oh yeah and the Canes won.
So Nick says that Conklin should be the PUCK YOU recipient for the first finals game. But I disagree, since it wasn't just his fault, he got crossed up with Smith so who's to say is really more at fault.
We then agreed on Bergeron, for turning a relatively harmless Canes rush into a bonecrushing collision that led to Roloson's knee injury. Andrew Ladd was off balance, the shot had been stopped, everything was fine...and then here comes Bergeron to throw Ladd into Roloson and take him out of the playoffs. Way to go B!
Oh yeah and the Canes won.
So Nick says that Conklin should be the PUCK YOU recipient for the first finals game. But I disagree, since it wasn't just his fault, he got crossed up with Smith so who's to say is really more at fault.
We then agreed on Bergeron, for turning a relatively harmless Canes rush into a bonecrushing collision that led to Roloson's knee injury. Andrew Ladd was off balance, the shot had been stopped, everything was fine...and then here comes Bergeron to throw Ladd into Roloson and take him out of the playoffs. Way to go B!
So I turn on the game at the end of the 2nd...and within like, 10 mins of play, Carolina comes back from 3-1 down by scoring 3 goals. Including one shorthanded! And Ward just made a freaking UNBELIEVABLE save. Been a good game so far, though the Canes fans wearing gut-exposing shirts (male fans) is very disturbing.
Friday, June 02, 2006
VICTORY IS MINE!
Didn't I tell you it would be this way?
Edmonton in 5. Carolina in 7?
I believe I did. And equally as important, I believe Mike did not.
Some days I don't know how the rest of you live inside my shadow of awesomeness. It's baffling, to tell you the truth.
As for Cup final predictions....Edmonton in 6.
Go Oil.
Didn't I tell you it would be this way?
Edmonton in 5. Carolina in 7?
I believe I did. And equally as important, I believe Mike did not.
Some days I don't know how the rest of you live inside my shadow of awesomeness. It's baffling, to tell you the truth.
As for Cup final predictions....Edmonton in 6.
Go Oil.
