Round one of the NHL Playoffs is in the books, and there are now just eight teams who can still set their sails toward Lord Stanley's Cup. The Lightning closed out the Red Wings 2-0 in Game 7 Wednesday night to close out the first round. Those fans in Detroit join their brokenhearted brethren in Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, St. Louis, Nashville, and yes- Long Island (at least the pockets of LI who aren't pro-Rangers.)
So what did we learn in the first round? Well, the higher seeds ran the table in the East (despite Tampa and Washington needing 7-game marathons to do so.) While the West was appropriately wild- three lower seeds overcame home ice disadvantage to oust their foes.
The blog's first round picks were passable- thumbs up on the Rangers/Canadiens/Lightning/Ducks/Flames/Blackhawks; thumbs down on the Blues and You-Know-Who-landers.
And now that we've mentioned them, a quick aside on this season...
Simply incredible. The Isles made some offseason splashes, had folks wondering if there was something coming together for the organization, and then BAM. They won four straight at the start of the season, never let too many cold streaks hit them across the long season, and transformed themselves from a lottery team into a perennial playoff squad that's only going to get better as their insanely young core grows and matures.
Which is why the whole move sucks. So much. It's been beaten into the ground, and very few outside of LI want to hear about this while there's still a Stanley Cup to be won in the coming weeks, but being at all three Nassau Coliseum games gave me such a thrill. A thrill that I just cannot believe will be missed out by future generations of Long Islanders.
Driving along Hempstead Turnpike and seeing the outside video board that simply hasn't been operational for months and months....the entire 16,000+ seat building being accessible via just one concourse....the concessions/bathroom anarchy that results from aforementioned 16,000+ seat building having just one concourse...being able to literally touch/whack/bludgeon the low-hanging ceiling from the top rows, while still having a ridiculously good view of the action...the hundreds of rhythmic car horns sounding "BEEP-BEEP-BEEPBEEPBEEP" to the tune of "Lets-Go-Is-Lan-Ders!"...
It was something special for each and every fan. Right, attendance wasn't great throughout the past several seasons. Correct, several bandwagon fans hopped aboard for the playoff push. But for a team who hasn't won a playoff series in 22 years (by far the highest drought in the NHL- only 5 teams have streaks longer than 10 years), even the bandwagoners haven't had it easy!
The Brooklyn era awaits, and I will begrudgingly welcome it with open arms. After all, as I've learned with Bud Light Lime, The Big Bang Theory, and zumba... "Don't knock it til ya try it." But not-knocking is a far cry from "better experience than the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum." Because the Brooklyn atmosphere is never topping what went down those last three playoff games in Uniondale.
...
Still with me? Good. Great! On to the second round. Let's take a look at who will still be standing as eight becomes four over the next couple weeks....
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1M New York Rangers (113 points) vs. #2M Washington Capitals (101 points)
Season Series: Rangers won three out of four games, all in regulation.
Stanley Cup Odds: Rangers 3/1 (best in NHL); Capitals 10/1 (7th best)
Relevant Mighty Ducks Quote: "THE GOA-LIEEEEEEEEE!!" - Wolf "The Dentist" Stansson, D2
Round One Roundup: Is Henrik Lundqvist of this planet? ; Can the Caps conquer New York?
Round Two Breakdown: As many Ranger fans can attest, that was no ordinary five-game romp over Pittsburgh. Sidney Crosby went Sid Vicious in Game 2, tying the series as it shifted to Pittsburgh. But three consecutive 2-1 victories- with the final two coming in overtime- thrust the Rangers into the second round. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist was unbelievable in every sense- completely shutting down the Penguins as the Blueshirt offense did just enough. Can he continue it against the potent Capitals attack?
If you're a Washington fan, you pick between two mindsets. Door number one: "The Islanders effectively shut down superstar Alex Ovechkin for much of the series, and Long Island was without three of their best defensemen. We're screwed against this Ranger blueline!" Door number two: "Ovechkin was facing some serious monkeys on his back and was just pressing. He won't be held down two series in a row...look out, Rangers."
The Capitals have some serious playoff bones to pick with the Rangers. With this being the best regular season NYR team since the 1994 Cup run, nothing would give Ovechkin and the boys more joy than ousting them. Braden Holtby would have to be terrific- as he was for much of Round One.
But in the end, the Rangers just have too much. As good as Holtby has been, the fear of burnout is still ever-present. And even on his best day, he's not Lundqvist. Rick Nash, Derrick Brassard, etc. give the Rangers enough to solve the Caps defense. Washington's spirit will be willing, but the body will be weak.
The Pick: Rangers in Five
#1A Montreal Canadiens (110 points) vs. #2A Tampa Bay Lightning (108 points)
Season Series: Lightning won ALL five games.
Stanley Cup Odds: Canadiens 6/1 (5th best); Lightning 8/1 (6th best)
Relevant Mighty Ducks Quote: "12 to 1. 12...to...1. You know what word comes to mind when I think of that? PATHETIC!" - Gordon Bombay, D2
Round One Roundup: Did Montreal needlessly miss out on valuable rest? ; Did Tampa's marathon series exhaust them, or allow them to grow up?
The Breakdown: The two squads who battled for Atlantic Division supremacy throughout the six-plus months of the regular season finally get to duke it out in the playoffs. It's time to pick your cup of tea when watching this series- do you want the best scoring offense (Tampa) or the NHL's best 2015 goalie and surefire MVP (Montreal's Carey Price)? Rarely do you see a team earn 110 points in a season and get blanked five times by the same opponent during that season...but good grief the young Lightning must be sky high with confidence.
In what many (present company included) thought would be a relative stomping, Detroit gave Tampa all they could handle.But goalie Ben Bishop lived up to the billing in his game 7 shutout. Incomprehensibly, Tampa won a seven-game series with superstar Steven Stamkos being held without a goal. That will need to change in a hurray if the Lightning are going to solve Price and the Canadien defense.
These teams truly are neck and neck. At the end of the day, though, I see the Eastern Conference coming down to the best goalie of the past decade (Lundqvist) facing off against the unquestioned king of Goaltending 2015 (Price).
The Pick: Canadiens in Seven
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
#1P Anaheim Ducks (109 points) vs. #3P Calgary Flames (97 points)
Season Series: Ducks won three out of five games.
Stanley Cup Odds: Ducks 4.5/1 (2nd best); Flames 12/1 (8th best)
Relevant Mighty Ducks Quote: "Yes sir, Mr. Ducksworth. Quack Quack QUACK QUACK QUACK, Mr. Ducksworth!" - Gordon Bombay, D1
Round One Roundup: Are the Ducks finally living up the the hype? ; Is Calgary content just winning a round, or are they primed for an underdog run?
Round Two Breakdown: Was there even a Ducks-Jets series? Did I miss it? Was it cool?
The Winnipeg fans gave their squad a hearty salute at home after the Ducks swept them four games straight, but despite one overtime game it really wasn't much of a battle. Frederick Anderson was tremendous in goal for the Quackers, who now take on a Calgary team that out-bullied and out-hustled and most, importantly, out-scored the higher seeded Canucks in Round One.
Jonas Hiller, now with Calgary, goes up against the squad where he enjoyed the most success in his career. Jiri Hudler and Johnny Gaudreau were phenomenal against the Canucks, but it's hard to see that continuing against what appears to be a no-nonsense version of the Ducks. Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Ryan Kesler lead an attack that will be just too much for the Flames to handle. Though they provided plenty of thrills against Vancouver, the Calgary Flames just don't have the look of a final-four team.
The Pick: Ducks in Six.
#3C Chicago Blackhawks (102 points) vs. (WC) Minnesota Wild (100 points)
Season Series: Blackhawks won three out of five games
Stanley Cup Odds: Blackhawks 4.5/1 (3rd best); Wild 5/1 (4th best)
Relevant Mighty Ducks Quote: "I told Coach Orion that you were the heart of the team...and that you would learn something from each other. I told him that you were the real Minnesota Miracle Man. So be that man, Charlie. Be that man." - Gordon Bombay, D3
Round One Roundup: Who the heck plays goalie for Chicago? ; Can Minnesota continue to be goal-scoring maniacs?
Round Two Breakdown: The must-watch series of Round Two. Chicago has all the talent in the world throughout their roster, but their one apparent blemish is where...you never ever want to have the blemish. Corey Crawford is the proven Cup winner, but lays an egg in Game One. Backup Scott Darling went on to pull the game out of the fire, and yet the Blackhawks went back to Crawford in Game Two- only to get blasted 6-2 by Nashville. Then they hand the keys to Darling, who wins games three and four before taking his own beatdown in Game 5. Crawford wins Game six, and Chicago advances in "what the heck do we do here?" fashion.
In comes the Zach Parise-led Minnesota attack, which ripped the heavily favored Blues defense to shreds in Round One. but the story of the series was goalie Devan "Get The Tables" Dubnyk, who put on a fantastic Jeckyll & Hyde routine. When he was good, he was great (four goals total surrendered in Wild's four wins.) When he was bad, he was an albatross (10 goals surrendered in two losses.)
So do we trust the greatness and playoff moxy of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, etc. to make up for the goaltending wackiness in Chicago? In a word, NO!
Three higher seeded teams advance this round, and one plucky Minnesota Wild squad crashes the party as well. Be those men, Minnesota...Be those men.
The Pick: Wild in Seven
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the second round action!!
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
2015 NHL Playoffs: Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
It's here.
It's finally, finally here.
Tonight begins the 2015 NHL Playoffs. The season started in October with 30 teams dreaming the ultimate dream of raising the Stanley Cup, and that list has now been whittled down to 16. Included in these 16 are a Rangers team looking to return to the Cup Final after falling short against the Kings last year; as well as an Islanders team looking to write a fairytale ending to its final season at Nassau Coliseum.
These hockey playoffs are the crapshoot of all crapshoots. The upcoming basketball playoffs will also invite 16 teams to the dance...but in reality there are only 4-5 true contenders. In the NHL, seeding is just a number. As the 'Reset' button is pushed on everything from the past 6 months and everybody is now 0-0, it can be a hot goalie, clicking power play, playing on home ice, etc. that makes an underdog team greater than the sum of its parts.
It's why the Bruins and defending-champion Kings were so devastated to lose out on their playoff spots in the final week. These teams weren't playing for a boost in morale & for the right to get blown off the ice by the top seeds in their conference. No. If you're in this tournament, you can authentically win this tournament. Simple as that.
While that part may be simple, picking out who the heck is gonna win this thing is the polar opposite. The puck drops tonight on four of the eight first round series, so let's take a look at what's in store.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1M New York Rangers (113 points) vs. (WC) Pittsburgh Penguins (98 points)
Season Series: Rangers won 3 of 4, Pittsburgh's only win came via shootout
Stanley Cup Odds: New York 5/1 (best); Pittsburgh 16/1 (9th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "I don't have a skull. Or bones..." -Olaf
The Breakdown: Is this finally 'The Year' for the Blueshirts? Last year they came darn close, with marathon playoff series leading to a Cup defeat at the hands of the Kings. But with nearly all the key pieces back for the Rangers and some important pieces also added, things are trending upwards in a big way. The Rangers depth on offense (Rick Nash, Derek Brassard, Martin St. Louis, Derek Stepan, Mats Zaccarello) and defense (Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Keith Yandle) are scary enough. And on top of that you have to stare down Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes? These guys are Cup favorites for a reason.
The Penguins have been among the East's elite for the past decade, but injuries have decimated the squad. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are always a risk to steal a game or two, but the Rangers have Pittsburgh outmatched in nearly every element of the game.
The Pick: Unless Lundqvist lays an egg in Game 1 and the "We Want (Cam) Talbot!!" hoopla tears the team apart, the Rangers should dust off the beatup Pens rather quickly.
Rangers in Five
#2M Washington Capitals (101 points) vs. #3M New York Islanders (101 points)
Season Series: Tied 2-2, with three of for games needing Overtime
Stanley Cup Odds: Washington 18/1 (12th best); New York 20/1 (14th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "Oh Anna... if there was only someone out there who loved you." -Hans
The Breakdown: Ever since the Islanders opened the year winning four straight, it's been a dream season for the Nassau Coliseum's swan song. The Isles even flirting with the top position in the conference for a short period. But it's been a rough finish to the year. Kyle Okposo sustained a midseason eye injury and following his return, did not maintain his torrid pre-injury production. Current injuries to forward Mikhail Grabovski and defenseman Travis Hamonic are also quite concerning. But the biggest worry of all is that goaltender Jaroslav Halak may be showing signs of burnout. The Islanders had some horrific losses down the stretch- which featured blown third period leads and a staggering amount of goals surrendered in the final minute of periods. But despite all the bad, the Islanders made the tournament thanks to the brilliance of franchise player John Tavares. Putting together an MVP caliber season, Tavares netted 86 points while Okposo was second on the team with...51. Tavares improves anybody who plays alongside him, and scoring (top 5 in the NHL) isn't the issue. Ryan Strome, Anders Lee, Frans Nielson, Nikolay Kulemin, Brock Nelson & co. will do their part.
It's all about whether the Islander defense can stiffen up and counteract the terrifying Alex Ovechkin-led Capital attack. Washington is a balanced squad- in the top 10 in both goals scored and goals allowed. Ovechkin is flanked by fellow stay Nicklas Backstrom, Marcus Johansson, and Troy Brouwer. Islander defenders will have a tough task locking the Caps down 5-on-5, and even more trouble with the top-ranked Capitals powerplay unit. With Hamonic out, expect Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy to have preposterously high ice time numbers. Goalie Braden Holtby has been a workhorse for Washington, with 73(!!) starts this season. He has been stellar throughout, and Washington is hoping that those same Halak-type burnout questions do not manifest themselves.
The Pick: Washington comes in playing much better hockey- that's indisputable. But as the season point totals indicate, these squads are neck and neck. Call it pageantry, call it lunacy...but doesn't the Islanders script for the final season at the Coliseum just beg for a postseason showdown with the Rangers? If both teams take care of business, that matchup will be secured. Few doubt that the Rangers will hold up their end of the bargain...and here's one that believes the underdog Islanders find a way.
Islanders in Seven
#1A Montreal Canadiens (110 points) vs. (WC) Ottawa Senators (99 points)
Season Series: Senators won 3-1
Stanley Cup Odds: Montreal 10/1 (6th best); Ottawa 18/1 (11th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "Who marries someone that they just met?" -Kristoff
The Breakdown: Nobody wanted to play these streaking Senators. Ottawa seemed dead in the water a few weeks ago, only to sizzle off a 21-6 conclusion to the season. It's a strange squad whose leading scorer is a defenseman (Erik Karlsson) and second leading scorer is a rookie (Mark Stone). But they also happen to have a goalie who went 20-1-2 on the season. And that is not a typo. Andrew Hammond is the straw that stirs this drink for Ottawa. But he has no playoff experience, and they guy standing across from him in Montreal's net...
...is likely the MVP of the league this season. Carey Price has gone wire to wire as the best goalie in the league, putting up a transcendent season. 44 wins and a sub-2.00 goals against average is staggering to see. But much depends on the health of leading scorer Max Pacioretti, who suffered a nasty injury earlier in the season.
The Pick: Many folks are all about this upset, but Price will outshine the young Hammond. Ottawa should hold its head very high for making it this far, but
Canadiens in Six
#2A Tampa Bay Lightning (108 points) vs. #3A Detroit Red Wings (100 points)
Season Series: Lightning won 3-1, with one game needing Overtime
Stanley Cup Odds: Tampa Bay 12/1 (8th best); Detroit 20/1 (13th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "This is awkward... I'm awkward, you're gorgeous - wait what?" -Anna
The Breakdown: Detroit has been a staple in these playoffs for the last 600 years, but this isn't a classic WIngs squad. Injuries, uncertainties in net, and transitional growing pains have left this a very vulnerable Detroit squad. Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk have plenty of experience, but will need plenty of help around.
The Lightning, conversely, look primed for a deep run. Steven Stamkos leads an explosive offense and Ben Bishop has been tremendous between the pipes.
The Pick: Detroit has the storied history, but Tampa's time is now.
Lightning in Five
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
#1P Anaheim Ducks (109 points) vs. (WC) Winnipeg Jets (99 points)
Season Series: Ducks won all three matchups, but two went to Overtime
Stanley Cup Odds: Anaheim 9/1 (4th best); Winnipeg 25/1 (16th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "It's time to see what I can do- to test the limits and break through." -Elsa
The Breakdown: Yet again, the Ducks have put together a monster regular season to earn the West's top seed. But in one of the most topsy-turvy stats I've ever seen, Anaheim won 27 more games than they lost in regulation- and yet scored just 10 more goals than they allowed throughout the season. Yes, apparently that's possible...by being very clutch in one-goal games and having very very off bad nights where they got shellacked. Since winning the Cup in 2007, the Ducks have had plenty of playoff disappointments following big regular seasons. Usual suspects Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry lead the offense along with playoff veteran Ryan Kesler, playing in his first season for Anaheim. Frederik Anderson will start in goal for the series, with John Gibson also playing a big role during the regular season. But with an offense that wasn't in the NHL's top 10 in scoring, and a defense that was in the NHL bottom 10 for goals allowed, this is one of the more confusing, pedestrian top seeds we have seen in a while.
You're not going to find many marquis names on Winnipeg (perhaps hulking defenseman Dustin Byfuglien qualifies) but they have a goalie that has played his tail off in closing out the year. Don't ask me how to pronounce Ondrej Pavelec...just know that if he picks up where he left off in finishing the regular season, the Ducks are in deep doodoo. When looking for playoff upsets, nothing is more compelling than the hot goalie.
Elsa's quote applies to both teams for different reasons. Due to their underwhelming stats, folks are seeing the Ducks as ripe for the picking. They need to prove they're not in for another letdown. The Jets, meanwhile, are in their first playoff series since relocating back to Winnipeg in 2011. Expect those fans to be juuuuust a little pumped to cheer on the upset.
The Pick: A very tough series to pick, but Winnipeg just seems of have a bit too many eggs in its goaltender's basket. If Pavelec keeps it going and steals this series away, all power to him and the Jets. But the Ducks are a team of veterans (a reason their success in one-goal games may not be quite as fluky as people think) and are more complete from top to bottom. Winnipeg will win one at home for its deserving fans, but Anaheim closes the book on this one quickly.
Ducks in Five.
#2P Vancouver Canucks (101 points) vs. #3P Calgary Flames (97 points)
Season Series: Tied 2-2, with one Canucks won coming in OT
Stanley Cup Odds: Vancouver 16/1 (9th best); Calgary 25/1 (16th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote:"I don't know why, but I've always loved the idea of summer...and sun... and all things hot..." -Olaf
The Breakdown: If you take a look at the Flames roster, and then the Kings roster, and then told folks that Calgary beat out LA for a playoff spot...most hockey aficionados may give themselves a mild concussion from so much head-scratching. Nobody's every heard of anybody on the Flames (though Jiri Hudler is nearly a point-per-game forward) and their best overall player Mark Giordano has been out for months with a biceps injury. But Calgary is a balanced team that finds a way to accomplish the most important of tasks: finding the back of the net. They are 6th in the NHL in goals scored, and experienced goalie Jonas Hiller will start the series.
Vancouver has the more explosive-yet-topheavy attack, with the Sedin teams and Radim Vrbata each eclipsing 60 points on the season. The Canucks special teams- which tend to make or break teams this time of year- have been stellar. The power play and penalty kill each rank in the NHL top 10. Goalie Eddie Lack has impressive peripheral numbers, but he lacks any significant playoff experience.
The Pick: See the Frozen quote above. No hockey playoffs are complete without at least one "wait...what?" first round result. Take the Flames. And the sun. And all things hot. Calgary finds a way to out-fun their Canadian brethren.
Flames in Seven.
#1C St. Louis Blues (109 points) vs. (WC) Minnesota Wild (100 points)
Season Series: Tied 2-2, with one Blues win coming in a shootout
Stanley Cup Odds: Blues 8.5/1 (3rd best); Wild 9/1 (5th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "And you...is there sorcery in you, too? Are you a monster, too?" -Duke
The Breakdown: Whoa, nellie, look at those Stanley Cup odds! A first round matchup consisting of two 100-point teams is always a treat, and this one looks to be a classic. The Blues have once again put together an unbelievable squad, in the NHL's top-5 in goals scored, goals allowed, and power play. Vladamir Tarasenko, Alexander Steen, David Backes, and T.J. Oshie are all a handful to deal with, while Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo leads what many consider to be the best defense in the sport. It's always scary to thrust a rookie into the hotbed that is the NHL playoffs, but Jake Allen has been tremendous throughout the regular season and will get the nod.
The Wild also boast some big names in Zach Parise, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, and Ryan Suter...but their most important player was midseason trade acquisition Devan Dubnyk. In just half a season, he complied 27 wins an a sub-1.80 goals against average. Jaw-dropping numbers.
The Pick: The Wild have really come on strong to finish the season, and those lofty Cup odds are no fluke. But they got a real tough first-round draw in this St. Louis squad. As long as Allen doesn't get the willies in his first playoff action, the Blues should squeak by.
Blues in Seven
#2C Nashville Predators (104 points) vs. #3C Chicago Blackhawks (102 points)
Season Series: Blackhawks lead 3-1, with two games needing OT
Stanley Cup Odds: Predators 12/1 (7th best); Blackhawks 7/1 (2nd best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "You don't have to live in fear...cause for the first time in forever, I will be right here." -Anna
The Breakdown: Poor, poor Nashville...The Predators sat atop the NHL for so much of the regular season and seemingly withstood a midseason injury to franchise goalie Pekka Rinne..only to slip up at the end and lose their final six games. Their penance is a first-round date with the Blackhawks, with superstar Patrick Kane finally returning to Chicago's lineup (inspiring the Frozen quote above.) Rinne can be the best in the world when he's on, but the Predator goalie has struggled mightily to be himself lately. Chicago's Corey Crawford has proven himself to be more than capable in his own right, and the Blackhawks surrounding personnel simply outmatches what Nashville brings to the table. Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, & co. are poised for another deep run.
The Pick: It's hard to show such disrespect to a Nashville team that had such an impressive regular season. But Chicago's ability to stay elite even without their superstar showed how truly scary they will be now that he's back.
Blackhawks in Six.
It's finally, finally here.
Tonight begins the 2015 NHL Playoffs. The season started in October with 30 teams dreaming the ultimate dream of raising the Stanley Cup, and that list has now been whittled down to 16. Included in these 16 are a Rangers team looking to return to the Cup Final after falling short against the Kings last year; as well as an Islanders team looking to write a fairytale ending to its final season at Nassau Coliseum.
These hockey playoffs are the crapshoot of all crapshoots. The upcoming basketball playoffs will also invite 16 teams to the dance...but in reality there are only 4-5 true contenders. In the NHL, seeding is just a number. As the 'Reset' button is pushed on everything from the past 6 months and everybody is now 0-0, it can be a hot goalie, clicking power play, playing on home ice, etc. that makes an underdog team greater than the sum of its parts.
It's why the Bruins and defending-champion Kings were so devastated to lose out on their playoff spots in the final week. These teams weren't playing for a boost in morale & for the right to get blown off the ice by the top seeds in their conference. No. If you're in this tournament, you can authentically win this tournament. Simple as that.
While that part may be simple, picking out who the heck is gonna win this thing is the polar opposite. The puck drops tonight on four of the eight first round series, so let's take a look at what's in store.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1M New York Rangers (113 points) vs. (WC) Pittsburgh Penguins (98 points)
Season Series: Rangers won 3 of 4, Pittsburgh's only win came via shootout
Stanley Cup Odds: New York 5/1 (best); Pittsburgh 16/1 (9th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "I don't have a skull. Or bones..." -Olaf
The Breakdown: Is this finally 'The Year' for the Blueshirts? Last year they came darn close, with marathon playoff series leading to a Cup defeat at the hands of the Kings. But with nearly all the key pieces back for the Rangers and some important pieces also added, things are trending upwards in a big way. The Rangers depth on offense (Rick Nash, Derek Brassard, Martin St. Louis, Derek Stepan, Mats Zaccarello) and defense (Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Keith Yandle) are scary enough. And on top of that you have to stare down Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes? These guys are Cup favorites for a reason.
The Penguins have been among the East's elite for the past decade, but injuries have decimated the squad. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are always a risk to steal a game or two, but the Rangers have Pittsburgh outmatched in nearly every element of the game.
The Pick: Unless Lundqvist lays an egg in Game 1 and the "We Want (Cam) Talbot!!" hoopla tears the team apart, the Rangers should dust off the beatup Pens rather quickly.
Rangers in Five
#2M Washington Capitals (101 points) vs. #3M New York Islanders (101 points)
Season Series: Tied 2-2, with three of for games needing Overtime
Stanley Cup Odds: Washington 18/1 (12th best); New York 20/1 (14th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "Oh Anna... if there was only someone out there who loved you." -Hans
The Breakdown: Ever since the Islanders opened the year winning four straight, it's been a dream season for the Nassau Coliseum's swan song. The Isles even flirting with the top position in the conference for a short period. But it's been a rough finish to the year. Kyle Okposo sustained a midseason eye injury and following his return, did not maintain his torrid pre-injury production. Current injuries to forward Mikhail Grabovski and defenseman Travis Hamonic are also quite concerning. But the biggest worry of all is that goaltender Jaroslav Halak may be showing signs of burnout. The Islanders had some horrific losses down the stretch- which featured blown third period leads and a staggering amount of goals surrendered in the final minute of periods. But despite all the bad, the Islanders made the tournament thanks to the brilliance of franchise player John Tavares. Putting together an MVP caliber season, Tavares netted 86 points while Okposo was second on the team with...51. Tavares improves anybody who plays alongside him, and scoring (top 5 in the NHL) isn't the issue. Ryan Strome, Anders Lee, Frans Nielson, Nikolay Kulemin, Brock Nelson & co. will do their part.
It's all about whether the Islander defense can stiffen up and counteract the terrifying Alex Ovechkin-led Capital attack. Washington is a balanced squad- in the top 10 in both goals scored and goals allowed. Ovechkin is flanked by fellow stay Nicklas Backstrom, Marcus Johansson, and Troy Brouwer. Islander defenders will have a tough task locking the Caps down 5-on-5, and even more trouble with the top-ranked Capitals powerplay unit. With Hamonic out, expect Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy to have preposterously high ice time numbers. Goalie Braden Holtby has been a workhorse for Washington, with 73(!!) starts this season. He has been stellar throughout, and Washington is hoping that those same Halak-type burnout questions do not manifest themselves.
The Pick: Washington comes in playing much better hockey- that's indisputable. But as the season point totals indicate, these squads are neck and neck. Call it pageantry, call it lunacy...but doesn't the Islanders script for the final season at the Coliseum just beg for a postseason showdown with the Rangers? If both teams take care of business, that matchup will be secured. Few doubt that the Rangers will hold up their end of the bargain...and here's one that believes the underdog Islanders find a way.
Islanders in Seven
#1A Montreal Canadiens (110 points) vs. (WC) Ottawa Senators (99 points)
Season Series: Senators won 3-1
Stanley Cup Odds: Montreal 10/1 (6th best); Ottawa 18/1 (11th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "Who marries someone that they just met?" -Kristoff
The Breakdown: Nobody wanted to play these streaking Senators. Ottawa seemed dead in the water a few weeks ago, only to sizzle off a 21-6 conclusion to the season. It's a strange squad whose leading scorer is a defenseman (Erik Karlsson) and second leading scorer is a rookie (Mark Stone). But they also happen to have a goalie who went 20-1-2 on the season. And that is not a typo. Andrew Hammond is the straw that stirs this drink for Ottawa. But he has no playoff experience, and they guy standing across from him in Montreal's net...
...is likely the MVP of the league this season. Carey Price has gone wire to wire as the best goalie in the league, putting up a transcendent season. 44 wins and a sub-2.00 goals against average is staggering to see. But much depends on the health of leading scorer Max Pacioretti, who suffered a nasty injury earlier in the season.
The Pick: Many folks are all about this upset, but Price will outshine the young Hammond. Ottawa should hold its head very high for making it this far, but
Canadiens in Six
#2A Tampa Bay Lightning (108 points) vs. #3A Detroit Red Wings (100 points)
Season Series: Lightning won 3-1, with one game needing Overtime
Stanley Cup Odds: Tampa Bay 12/1 (8th best); Detroit 20/1 (13th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "This is awkward... I'm awkward, you're gorgeous - wait what?" -Anna
The Breakdown: Detroit has been a staple in these playoffs for the last 600 years, but this isn't a classic WIngs squad. Injuries, uncertainties in net, and transitional growing pains have left this a very vulnerable Detroit squad. Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk have plenty of experience, but will need plenty of help around.
The Lightning, conversely, look primed for a deep run. Steven Stamkos leads an explosive offense and Ben Bishop has been tremendous between the pipes.
The Pick: Detroit has the storied history, but Tampa's time is now.
Lightning in Five
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
#1P Anaheim Ducks (109 points) vs. (WC) Winnipeg Jets (99 points)
Season Series: Ducks won all three matchups, but two went to Overtime
Stanley Cup Odds: Anaheim 9/1 (4th best); Winnipeg 25/1 (16th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "It's time to see what I can do- to test the limits and break through." -Elsa
The Breakdown: Yet again, the Ducks have put together a monster regular season to earn the West's top seed. But in one of the most topsy-turvy stats I've ever seen, Anaheim won 27 more games than they lost in regulation- and yet scored just 10 more goals than they allowed throughout the season. Yes, apparently that's possible...by being very clutch in one-goal games and having very very off bad nights where they got shellacked. Since winning the Cup in 2007, the Ducks have had plenty of playoff disappointments following big regular seasons. Usual suspects Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry lead the offense along with playoff veteran Ryan Kesler, playing in his first season for Anaheim. Frederik Anderson will start in goal for the series, with John Gibson also playing a big role during the regular season. But with an offense that wasn't in the NHL's top 10 in scoring, and a defense that was in the NHL bottom 10 for goals allowed, this is one of the more confusing, pedestrian top seeds we have seen in a while.
You're not going to find many marquis names on Winnipeg (perhaps hulking defenseman Dustin Byfuglien qualifies) but they have a goalie that has played his tail off in closing out the year. Don't ask me how to pronounce Ondrej Pavelec...just know that if he picks up where he left off in finishing the regular season, the Ducks are in deep doodoo. When looking for playoff upsets, nothing is more compelling than the hot goalie.
Elsa's quote applies to both teams for different reasons. Due to their underwhelming stats, folks are seeing the Ducks as ripe for the picking. They need to prove they're not in for another letdown. The Jets, meanwhile, are in their first playoff series since relocating back to Winnipeg in 2011. Expect those fans to be juuuuust a little pumped to cheer on the upset.
The Pick: A very tough series to pick, but Winnipeg just seems of have a bit too many eggs in its goaltender's basket. If Pavelec keeps it going and steals this series away, all power to him and the Jets. But the Ducks are a team of veterans (a reason their success in one-goal games may not be quite as fluky as people think) and are more complete from top to bottom. Winnipeg will win one at home for its deserving fans, but Anaheim closes the book on this one quickly.
Ducks in Five.
#2P Vancouver Canucks (101 points) vs. #3P Calgary Flames (97 points)
Season Series: Tied 2-2, with one Canucks won coming in OT
Stanley Cup Odds: Vancouver 16/1 (9th best); Calgary 25/1 (16th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote:"I don't know why, but I've always loved the idea of summer...and sun... and all things hot..." -Olaf
The Breakdown: If you take a look at the Flames roster, and then the Kings roster, and then told folks that Calgary beat out LA for a playoff spot...most hockey aficionados may give themselves a mild concussion from so much head-scratching. Nobody's every heard of anybody on the Flames (though Jiri Hudler is nearly a point-per-game forward) and their best overall player Mark Giordano has been out for months with a biceps injury. But Calgary is a balanced team that finds a way to accomplish the most important of tasks: finding the back of the net. They are 6th in the NHL in goals scored, and experienced goalie Jonas Hiller will start the series.
Vancouver has the more explosive-yet-topheavy attack, with the Sedin teams and Radim Vrbata each eclipsing 60 points on the season. The Canucks special teams- which tend to make or break teams this time of year- have been stellar. The power play and penalty kill each rank in the NHL top 10. Goalie Eddie Lack has impressive peripheral numbers, but he lacks any significant playoff experience.
The Pick: See the Frozen quote above. No hockey playoffs are complete without at least one "wait...what?" first round result. Take the Flames. And the sun. And all things hot. Calgary finds a way to out-fun their Canadian brethren.
Flames in Seven.
#1C St. Louis Blues (109 points) vs. (WC) Minnesota Wild (100 points)
Season Series: Tied 2-2, with one Blues win coming in a shootout
Stanley Cup Odds: Blues 8.5/1 (3rd best); Wild 9/1 (5th best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "And you...is there sorcery in you, too? Are you a monster, too?" -Duke
The Breakdown: Whoa, nellie, look at those Stanley Cup odds! A first round matchup consisting of two 100-point teams is always a treat, and this one looks to be a classic. The Blues have once again put together an unbelievable squad, in the NHL's top-5 in goals scored, goals allowed, and power play. Vladamir Tarasenko, Alexander Steen, David Backes, and T.J. Oshie are all a handful to deal with, while Kevin Shattenkirk and Alex Pietrangelo leads what many consider to be the best defense in the sport. It's always scary to thrust a rookie into the hotbed that is the NHL playoffs, but Jake Allen has been tremendous throughout the regular season and will get the nod.
The Wild also boast some big names in Zach Parise, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, and Ryan Suter...but their most important player was midseason trade acquisition Devan Dubnyk. In just half a season, he complied 27 wins an a sub-1.80 goals against average. Jaw-dropping numbers.
The Pick: The Wild have really come on strong to finish the season, and those lofty Cup odds are no fluke. But they got a real tough first-round draw in this St. Louis squad. As long as Allen doesn't get the willies in his first playoff action, the Blues should squeak by.
Blues in Seven
#2C Nashville Predators (104 points) vs. #3C Chicago Blackhawks (102 points)
Season Series: Blackhawks lead 3-1, with two games needing OT
Stanley Cup Odds: Predators 12/1 (7th best); Blackhawks 7/1 (2nd best)
Relevant Frozen Quote: "You don't have to live in fear...cause for the first time in forever, I will be right here." -Anna
The Breakdown: Poor, poor Nashville...The Predators sat atop the NHL for so much of the regular season and seemingly withstood a midseason injury to franchise goalie Pekka Rinne..only to slip up at the end and lose their final six games. Their penance is a first-round date with the Blackhawks, with superstar Patrick Kane finally returning to Chicago's lineup (inspiring the Frozen quote above.) Rinne can be the best in the world when he's on, but the Predator goalie has struggled mightily to be himself lately. Chicago's Corey Crawford has proven himself to be more than capable in his own right, and the Blackhawks surrounding personnel simply outmatches what Nashville brings to the table. Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, & co. are poised for another deep run.
The Pick: It's hard to show such disrespect to a Nashville team that had such an impressive regular season. But Chicago's ability to stay elite even without their superstar showed how truly scary they will be now that he's back.
Blackhawks in Six.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
