Western Conference:
PHX-NSH
There seems to be a lot of mojo going on in the desert after a first round win (upset?) over the Blackhawks. But I'm gonna take the Nashville Predators in 6 games, because of their overall team ability and coaching. Rinne, Suter and Weber will carry this team to the Western Conference Final.
Preds in 6
STL-LA
So when a team knocks off the #1 seed shouldn't they become the top dog? That's how I feel and that's why I'm picking the Kings to knock off the highest seed left in the conference. Jonathan Quick and company seem to have it figured out early in the playoffs.
Kings in 7
Eastern Conference
NYR-WAS
I really don't care for either of these teams. The caps because of Ovie, and the Rangers because they seem to be the only team the the NHL and NBC seem to care about. Anyhow, since I have to make a pick, I will take the Rangers in 6 based on Richards, Callahan and Lundquvist.
NYR in 6
PHI-NJ
The Flyers will roll over the Devils and sweep.
Philly in 4
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
2012 NHL Playoffs - Round 1 Results & Round 2 Picks
1st Round Results
Otto
5-3
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Pittsburgh
Dan
4-4
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh
Josh
3-5
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Pittsburgh
2nd Round Picks
Eastern Conference
#1 NY Rangers vs #7 Washington
The Capitals got here using a technique that was brand new to them, pound and grind the opponent and outwork them. Evidently Ovie hasn't bought into this and well, the capitals don't seem to care at all. He played around 15 minutes in every game of the series. The Rangers on the other hand have used this style all year. Holtby looked solid in goal for the Caps but was shaky at times, Ill give the goal tending advantage to the Rangers with the King in net. I also think the Rangers big name scorers with the big contracts will start to earn them a little more this round. It wont be easy but I'll take the Rangers in 7 again.
#5 Philadelphia vs #6 New Jersey
Philadelphia proved they can score goals, stopping them is another story. The Devils proved that they can win under pressure, winning games 6 and 7 in OT after falling behind 3 games to 2 to the surprising Panthers. To put it in perspective their were only 5 more goals scored in the Panthers-Devils 7 game series than the Flyers scored in their 6 games. The goal tending is still a major question in Philly since nothing was really proved beyond that they just managed to out power the mighty pens. My theory that Marty will go out with a big bang will be tested this round, the firepower of the Flyers is much greater then that of the Panthers. I think he will do just enough, combined with the inconsistencies of Bryz, to give the Devils the series in 6.
Western Conference
#2 St Louis vs #8 LA Kings
Home ice can make all the difference in the playoffs, then again so can being on a hot stretch. Look at any professional sport the last few years. St. Louis make quick work of a very veteran San Jose team while to Kings make the standings look reversed in their first round win. I'll take the kings in 6, they got rolling at the right time and looked good knocking off the top seeded Canucks.
#3 Phoenix vs #4 Nashville
I think this one will come down to the experience in the playoffs. Nashville continued to build off of their recent playoff history and knocked off the storied Wings in their first round series. Phoenix showed how much they like to play overtime hockey as they battled their way out of the first round versus Chicago. I will take Nashville with their experience in 6 although watch for Smith to steal an extra game and nothing is certain for a team playing a game 7 in front of their home crowd.
Otto
5-3
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Pittsburgh
Dan
4-4
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh
Josh
3-5
Misses: Vancouver, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Pittsburgh
2nd Round Picks
Eastern Conference
#1 NY Rangers vs #7 Washington
The Capitals got here using a technique that was brand new to them, pound and grind the opponent and outwork them. Evidently Ovie hasn't bought into this and well, the capitals don't seem to care at all. He played around 15 minutes in every game of the series. The Rangers on the other hand have used this style all year. Holtby looked solid in goal for the Caps but was shaky at times, Ill give the goal tending advantage to the Rangers with the King in net. I also think the Rangers big name scorers with the big contracts will start to earn them a little more this round. It wont be easy but I'll take the Rangers in 7 again.
#5 Philadelphia vs #6 New Jersey
Philadelphia proved they can score goals, stopping them is another story. The Devils proved that they can win under pressure, winning games 6 and 7 in OT after falling behind 3 games to 2 to the surprising Panthers. To put it in perspective their were only 5 more goals scored in the Panthers-Devils 7 game series than the Flyers scored in their 6 games. The goal tending is still a major question in Philly since nothing was really proved beyond that they just managed to out power the mighty pens. My theory that Marty will go out with a big bang will be tested this round, the firepower of the Flyers is much greater then that of the Panthers. I think he will do just enough, combined with the inconsistencies of Bryz, to give the Devils the series in 6.
Western Conference
#2 St Louis vs #8 LA Kings
Home ice can make all the difference in the playoffs, then again so can being on a hot stretch. Look at any professional sport the last few years. St. Louis make quick work of a very veteran San Jose team while to Kings make the standings look reversed in their first round win. I'll take the kings in 6, they got rolling at the right time and looked good knocking off the top seeded Canucks.
#3 Phoenix vs #4 Nashville
I think this one will come down to the experience in the playoffs. Nashville continued to build off of their recent playoff history and knocked off the storied Wings in their first round series. Phoenix showed how much they like to play overtime hockey as they battled their way out of the first round versus Chicago. I will take Nashville with their experience in 6 although watch for Smith to steal an extra game and nothing is certain for a team playing a game 7 in front of their home crowd.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
2012 NHL Playoffs - 1st Round - Otto
Nothing big this year just my pick and ill do the standings after each round. Send your picks to me on Facebook or in an email.
Eastern Conference
#1 NY Rangers vs #8 Ottawa
I've heard a lot about a high scoring Ottawa team, however I do believe that the Rangers have the potential to match that firepower as well as grinding out games as they have throughout the year. Enough scoring for the Rangers and a heavy dose of the King, I see the Rangers in 5.
#2 Boston vs #7 Washington
This is my most intriguing match-up in the East. Washington has had no consistency this year but have looked great at times. If they hit one of those stretches then I think they can take on anyone. Goaltending will again be an issue this year for them. Boston has not gotten the benefit of co-starting goalies this year but Thomas is the reigning MVP for a reason. I think this one goes 7, and Ovie finally shakes his label of not being clutch when needed. Caps in 7.
#3 Florida vs #6 NJ Devils
This young Florida team is making a first appearance for many of this members. They slumped into the playoffs and I don't think this will change. On the other side, many of the Devils players have been there before. Although he will not be the cornerstone of this series I believe that this year will mark a final march for Marty. Ill take the Devils in 5.
#4 Pittsburgh vs #5 Philadelphia
This takes spot 1A for interest level. An in state rivalry against two top tier teams. It will be interesting to see if the injury of Bryz's foot still lingers and if he can finally prove that he belongs to be a top level goalie. Pittsburgh has the top level goalie and one of the best scorers in the league in Malkin. It will be interesting to see if Crosby can stay healthy in the grind of a playoff game. I think Malkin's offense and more consistent goaltending lead the pens in the one. Pens in 6.
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver vs #8 Los Angeles
The question remains year after year, can Lou play in the playoffs so do we see another melt down leading to him being pulled and missing the next game? The Canucks will be ok this series if they get the Sediens back together, if not it will be a little closer than it should be. I think Vancouver continues what lead them to the top spot in the league, even despite Lou. Canucks in 6
#2 St. Louis vs #7 San Jose
I struggle to make an open minded pick on this one. In my head St. Louis is still what they had been for years prior, it has not caught on in my head yet that they are the second best team in the west. I have always enjoyed watching San Jose play for years, despite their lack of playoff success. I'm picking St Louis in 7 based heavily on their home record during the regular season, 6 regulation losses is hard to argue with.
#3 Phoenix vs # 6 Chicago
Phoenix finished the season on a tear, 7-1-2 giving them the Pacific title and thus the #3 spot overall. With the points alone Phoenix would have been seeded 6 in the west. Chicago finished strong this season as well, giving them 101 points, 4 more than their opponent this round. I think that Phoenix as a hockey town lacks what Chicago will bring and Chicago can steal one on the road. The Blackhawks in 7 for me.
#4 Nashville vs #5 Detroit
How do you pick against the Red Wings? They have so much experience and tradition. Nashville lacks the tradition but has a few years of experience going for them. I think that home ice is going to help Nashville now that they have built up more support the last couple year. I think that Nashville does something special this year and knocks off Detroit in the first round. Nashville in 6.
Eastern Conference
#1 NY Rangers vs #8 Ottawa
I've heard a lot about a high scoring Ottawa team, however I do believe that the Rangers have the potential to match that firepower as well as grinding out games as they have throughout the year. Enough scoring for the Rangers and a heavy dose of the King, I see the Rangers in 5.
#2 Boston vs #7 Washington
This is my most intriguing match-up in the East. Washington has had no consistency this year but have looked great at times. If they hit one of those stretches then I think they can take on anyone. Goaltending will again be an issue this year for them. Boston has not gotten the benefit of co-starting goalies this year but Thomas is the reigning MVP for a reason. I think this one goes 7, and Ovie finally shakes his label of not being clutch when needed. Caps in 7.
#3 Florida vs #6 NJ Devils
This young Florida team is making a first appearance for many of this members. They slumped into the playoffs and I don't think this will change. On the other side, many of the Devils players have been there before. Although he will not be the cornerstone of this series I believe that this year will mark a final march for Marty. Ill take the Devils in 5.
#4 Pittsburgh vs #5 Philadelphia
This takes spot 1A for interest level. An in state rivalry against two top tier teams. It will be interesting to see if the injury of Bryz's foot still lingers and if he can finally prove that he belongs to be a top level goalie. Pittsburgh has the top level goalie and one of the best scorers in the league in Malkin. It will be interesting to see if Crosby can stay healthy in the grind of a playoff game. I think Malkin's offense and more consistent goaltending lead the pens in the one. Pens in 6.
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver vs #8 Los Angeles
The question remains year after year, can Lou play in the playoffs so do we see another melt down leading to him being pulled and missing the next game? The Canucks will be ok this series if they get the Sediens back together, if not it will be a little closer than it should be. I think Vancouver continues what lead them to the top spot in the league, even despite Lou. Canucks in 6
#2 St. Louis vs #7 San Jose
I struggle to make an open minded pick on this one. In my head St. Louis is still what they had been for years prior, it has not caught on in my head yet that they are the second best team in the west. I have always enjoyed watching San Jose play for years, despite their lack of playoff success. I'm picking St Louis in 7 based heavily on their home record during the regular season, 6 regulation losses is hard to argue with.
#3 Phoenix vs # 6 Chicago
Phoenix finished the season on a tear, 7-1-2 giving them the Pacific title and thus the #3 spot overall. With the points alone Phoenix would have been seeded 6 in the west. Chicago finished strong this season as well, giving them 101 points, 4 more than their opponent this round. I think that Phoenix as a hockey town lacks what Chicago will bring and Chicago can steal one on the road. The Blackhawks in 7 for me.
#4 Nashville vs #5 Detroit
How do you pick against the Red Wings? They have so much experience and tradition. Nashville lacks the tradition but has a few years of experience going for them. I think that home ice is going to help Nashville now that they have built up more support the last couple year. I think that Nashville does something special this year and knocks off Detroit in the first round. Nashville in 6.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
My Playoff Picks - Dan
NYR over OTT in 6
These two teams are very well coached, but after that all the advantages go to NY. Goaltender Henrik Lundquist hasn't been good in the postseason but has been playing a a Vezina Trophy level all year. This will be a hard fought series, filled with close games but I think the Blueshirts will pull it off. Look for Ryan Callahan to become a clutch playoff performer.
BOS over WAS in 5
Chara and Sidenberg and Bergeron will make Ovie's life miserable and give him fits. Overall Boston is a better team plain and simple.
NJ over FLA in 7
This series could go either way. The panthers are back in the playoffs for the first time since I was in middle school and might ride an emotional high to a first round victory. The devils have some scoring punch with their big guns flying high, and some team toughness that does well in the playoffs. I have to give the goaltending edge to Broduer and the Devils. This might be his last go around for a cup.
PIT over PHI in 7
This could shape up to be one heck of a series. Not only do the teams not like each other, but they are two really strong hockey clubs. The Pens might have the more potent star power with Crosby, Staal, Malkin, and Letang but the Flyers have Giroux, Briere(hurt), Jagr, and some young stars wearing their crest on their chest. The Pens have the edge in net because Fleury has already won a cup and has proven he can steal a series for his team. Bryzgolov is no slouch but he hasn't proven anything in the post season.
Western Conference
Van over LA in 6
Vancouver has something to prove after last years debacle in the final. They should be all over LA in this series. The two games LA wins will be at home and close. Too bad for LA to get this match up because I like their goaltender (Quick, who should win the Vezina) and their Captain (Brown, dude's a gamer).
STL over SJ in 6
The blues have a lot of young and energetic talent. They play the game the right way all over the rink, and they have not one but two goalies who can shutout a team on any night. Halak and Elliot have been the leagues best tandem all season. If this series goes seven games SJ might sneak by on experience. Side note, look for Alex Pietrangelo to have a coming out party for STL.
CHI over PHX in 6
The hawks will be carried by the emotion of their Captain Jonathan Toews coming back to the lineup and beat the desert dogs. The boys from the windy city are playoff hardened and are poised to make a run as long as their goal tending holds.
NSH over DET in 7
This might be the best series of the first round. Nashville management is all in for a cup run this year by making deals for rental players and giving up picks and prospects to do so. Nashville has the team defense and goaltending to hold Detroit's vaunted attack at bay for seven games. But do they have enough scoring?
These two teams are very well coached, but after that all the advantages go to NY. Goaltender Henrik Lundquist hasn't been good in the postseason but has been playing a a Vezina Trophy level all year. This will be a hard fought series, filled with close games but I think the Blueshirts will pull it off. Look for Ryan Callahan to become a clutch playoff performer.
BOS over WAS in 5
Chara and Sidenberg and Bergeron will make Ovie's life miserable and give him fits. Overall Boston is a better team plain and simple.
NJ over FLA in 7
This series could go either way. The panthers are back in the playoffs for the first time since I was in middle school and might ride an emotional high to a first round victory. The devils have some scoring punch with their big guns flying high, and some team toughness that does well in the playoffs. I have to give the goaltending edge to Broduer and the Devils. This might be his last go around for a cup.
PIT over PHI in 7
This could shape up to be one heck of a series. Not only do the teams not like each other, but they are two really strong hockey clubs. The Pens might have the more potent star power with Crosby, Staal, Malkin, and Letang but the Flyers have Giroux, Briere(hurt), Jagr, and some young stars wearing their crest on their chest. The Pens have the edge in net because Fleury has already won a cup and has proven he can steal a series for his team. Bryzgolov is no slouch but he hasn't proven anything in the post season.
Western Conference
Van over LA in 6
Vancouver has something to prove after last years debacle in the final. They should be all over LA in this series. The two games LA wins will be at home and close. Too bad for LA to get this match up because I like their goaltender (Quick, who should win the Vezina) and their Captain (Brown, dude's a gamer).
STL over SJ in 6
The blues have a lot of young and energetic talent. They play the game the right way all over the rink, and they have not one but two goalies who can shutout a team on any night. Halak and Elliot have been the leagues best tandem all season. If this series goes seven games SJ might sneak by on experience. Side note, look for Alex Pietrangelo to have a coming out party for STL.
CHI over PHX in 6
The hawks will be carried by the emotion of their Captain Jonathan Toews coming back to the lineup and beat the desert dogs. The boys from the windy city are playoff hardened and are poised to make a run as long as their goal tending holds.
NSH over DET in 7
This might be the best series of the first round. Nashville management is all in for a cup run this year by making deals for rental players and giving up picks and prospects to do so. Nashville has the team defense and goaltending to hold Detroit's vaunted attack at bay for seven games. But do they have enough scoring?
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