Here are the final Standings
O: Anaheim v. Ottawa - ANA wins 4-1
f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R3+O)
(f) 1> Matt (200, 150+50)
(b) 2> Mom (187, 137+50)
(f) 3> Justin (148, 138+10)
(f) 4> Jen (139, 129+10)
(f) 5> Jered (97, 97+0)
Thank you to everyone who participated! Watch for our football pool this far!
Showing posts with label NHL Playoff Pool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NHL Playoff Pool. Show all posts
10 June 2007
05 June 2007
Stanley Cup Playoff Pool - Round 4 Update
Okay, standings through 4 games of the finals
O: Anaheim v. Ottawa - ANA leads 3-1
Here are the standings,
f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R3+O)
(f) 1> Matt (180, 150+30)
(b) 2> Mom (167, 137+30)
(f) 3> Justin (148, 138+10)
(f) 4> Jen (139, 129+10)
(f) 5> Jered (97, 97+0)
O: Anaheim v. Ottawa - ANA leads 3-1
Here are the standings,
f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R3+O)
(f) 1> Matt (180, 150+30)
(b) 2> Mom (167, 137+30)
(f) 3> Justin (148, 138+10)
(f) 4> Jen (139, 129+10)
(f) 5> Jered (97, 97+0)
28 May 2007
Stanley Cup Finals Preview
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Ottawa v. Anaheim
Let's start the Preview with how they got there. The Ottawa Senators finished the regular season red hot. They have dispatched the offenivsly loaded Pens, the defensivly loaded Devils, and the increadably deep Buffalo Sabres in 5 games each (12-3 overall in the playoffs). The Anaheim Ducks beat the suddenly offensivly dormant Minnesota Wild, the always offensivly dormant Vancouver Canucks, and the too old to go deep Detroit Red Wings. I don't know why the media are making the Anaheim Ducks the prohibitive favorites, the Senators 12-3 run is far more impressive.
The Senators we found out are as deep as the Sabres, this will prove valuable as the season goes on. The Anaheim Ducks are tough, they don't give much away, and Jean-Sebastein Guigure is playing like a goalie expecting a $7M/yr deal when he becomes a free agent this summer. Ottawa's Ray Emrey has seems to have improved as these playoffs go on, but he still gives away some adventurous rebounds, so far the D in front of him have been doing a great job of keeping them out of harms way, but the Ducks are tougher in front of the net than anyone the Sens have seen. Anaheim hits hard, and they play tougher defense than than anyone Ottawa has seen so far (New Jersey was capable of being this tough, but didn't show it at all against the Sens).
But Ottawa has more weapons and is capable of rolling 4 lines without giving up much talent, they are no slouches in their own end either, this is something Anaheim hasn't seen.
The question is will Ottawa continue to generate enough offense against the hard hitting Ducks, and can Emery help his team enough to keep them in close games.
This series will be a lot of back and forth, but I think it benefits the Sens the longer it goes.
I predict the Cup returns to Canada for the first time in 14 years.
Ottawa in 6.
NOTE: This was written before the start of game 1, but held out due to the closed ballot in our Stanley Cup playoff pool.
Ottawa v. Anaheim
Let's start the Preview with how they got there. The Ottawa Senators finished the regular season red hot. They have dispatched the offenivsly loaded Pens, the defensivly loaded Devils, and the increadably deep Buffalo Sabres in 5 games each (12-3 overall in the playoffs). The Anaheim Ducks beat the suddenly offensivly dormant Minnesota Wild, the always offensivly dormant Vancouver Canucks, and the too old to go deep Detroit Red Wings. I don't know why the media are making the Anaheim Ducks the prohibitive favorites, the Senators 12-3 run is far more impressive.
The Senators we found out are as deep as the Sabres, this will prove valuable as the season goes on. The Anaheim Ducks are tough, they don't give much away, and Jean-Sebastein Guigure is playing like a goalie expecting a $7M/yr deal when he becomes a free agent this summer. Ottawa's Ray Emrey has seems to have improved as these playoffs go on, but he still gives away some adventurous rebounds, so far the D in front of him have been doing a great job of keeping them out of harms way, but the Ducks are tougher in front of the net than anyone the Sens have seen. Anaheim hits hard, and they play tougher defense than than anyone Ottawa has seen so far (New Jersey was capable of being this tough, but didn't show it at all against the Sens).
But Ottawa has more weapons and is capable of rolling 4 lines without giving up much talent, they are no slouches in their own end either, this is something Anaheim hasn't seen.
The question is will Ottawa continue to generate enough offense against the hard hitting Ducks, and can Emery help his team enough to keep them in close games.
This series will be a lot of back and forth, but I think it benefits the Sens the longer it goes.
I predict the Cup returns to Canada for the first time in 14 years.
Ottawa in 6.
NOTE: This was written before the start of game 1, but held out due to the closed ballot in our Stanley Cup playoff pool.
26 May 2007
Stanley Cup Playoff Pool - Round 3
Okay, sorry this has taken me so long following the conclusion of Round 3, but here are the standings, featuring a new leader.
M: Buffalo v. Ottawa - OTW wins 4-1
N: Detroit v. Anaheim - ANA wins 4-2
(f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R2+M+N)
(f) 2> Matt (150, 100+25+20)
(f) 1> Justin (138, 123+5+10)
(b) 3> Mom (137, 107+5+25)
(f) 4> Jen (129, 94+25+10)
(f) 5> Jered (97, 97+0+0)
At 10 points per game in the finals it's still anybody's pool. The series Begins on Monday between Buffalo and Anaheim. I'll post the series post tommorow, and I will figure a way to do a secret ballot if necessary.
M: Buffalo v. Ottawa - OTW wins 4-1
N: Detroit v. Anaheim - ANA wins 4-2
(f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R2+M+N)
(f) 2> Matt (150, 100+25+20)
(f) 1> Justin (138, 123+5+10)
(b) 3> Mom (137, 107+5+25)
(f) 4> Jen (129, 94+25+10)
(f) 5> Jered (97, 97+0+0)
At 10 points per game in the finals it's still anybody's pool. The series Begins on Monday between Buffalo and Anaheim. I'll post the series post tommorow, and I will figure a way to do a secret ballot if necessary.
19 May 2007
Stanley Cup Playoff Pool, Round 3 Update
Okay here are the Standings so far for round 3.
M: Buffalo v. Ottawa - OTW leads 3-1
N: Detroit v. Anaheim - Tied 2-2
f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R2+M+N)
(f) 1> Justin (138, 123+5+10)
(f) 2> Matt (125, 100+15+10)
(b) 3> Mom (122, 107+5+10)
(f) 4> Jen (119, 94+15+10)
(f) 5> Jered (97, 97+0+0)
Matt and Jen are gaining ground, largly due to Ottawa's crushing of Buffalo so far, if the Sabres don't make it closer there could be some lead changes. And remember it's 10pts/game in the finals so it's gonna be close.
M: Buffalo v. Ottawa - OTW leads 3-1
N: Detroit v. Anaheim - Tied 2-2
f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R2+M+N)
(f) 1> Justin (138, 123+5+10)
(f) 2> Matt (125, 100+15+10)
(b) 3> Mom (122, 107+5+10)
(f) 4> Jen (119, 94+15+10)
(f) 5> Jered (97, 97+0+0)
Matt and Jen are gaining ground, largly due to Ottawa's crushing of Buffalo so far, if the Sabres don't make it closer there could be some lead changes. And remember it's 10pts/game in the finals so it's gonna be close.
10 May 2007
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
#1 Buffalo v. #4 Ottawa
This could prove to be the best series of the entire playoffs, both teams are rather similar, and arguably the two best teams in the league. They both boast good offenses, and young but capable goaltenders. The Sabres defense has become better in the playoffs, and that helped them stay in games where the offense dissapeared against the New York Rangers. The Sabres however dissapeared in games 2 through 5 in the Rangers series, and they simply can't afford to do that against Ottawa. Ottawa was every bit as stifling to New Jersey as they were against Pittsburgh. I have to give a slight edge to Ryan Miller in goal for the Sabres, he's been a little more consistent, and Ray Emery seems to be fighting pucks, and giving too many rebounds away. However the Sens D has helped secure these rebounds to minimize their effect. This one will be close, but I will stick with the Sabres.
Buffalo in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Detroit v. #2 Anaheim
I keep thinking Detroit is too old to go deep in the playoffs, and they keep proving me wrong. San Jose wasn't the same after losing Game 4 in the final seconds and overtime. For the Ducks they boast a great defense, but anyone can stifle the offensive-dead Vancouver Canucks. Detroit controls the puck well and will be a different look. It'll be close, and getting anthing past Guigre will be tough. But I like the Wings to be back to the final for the first time in 5 years.
Detroit in 7
#1 Buffalo v. #4 Ottawa
This could prove to be the best series of the entire playoffs, both teams are rather similar, and arguably the two best teams in the league. They both boast good offenses, and young but capable goaltenders. The Sabres defense has become better in the playoffs, and that helped them stay in games where the offense dissapeared against the New York Rangers. The Sabres however dissapeared in games 2 through 5 in the Rangers series, and they simply can't afford to do that against Ottawa. Ottawa was every bit as stifling to New Jersey as they were against Pittsburgh. I have to give a slight edge to Ryan Miller in goal for the Sabres, he's been a little more consistent, and Ray Emery seems to be fighting pucks, and giving too many rebounds away. However the Sens D has helped secure these rebounds to minimize their effect. This one will be close, but I will stick with the Sabres.
Buffalo in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Detroit v. #2 Anaheim
I keep thinking Detroit is too old to go deep in the playoffs, and they keep proving me wrong. San Jose wasn't the same after losing Game 4 in the final seconds and overtime. For the Ducks they boast a great defense, but anyone can stifle the offensive-dead Vancouver Canucks. Detroit controls the puck well and will be a different look. It'll be close, and getting anthing past Guigre will be tough. But I like the Wings to be back to the final for the first time in 5 years.
Detroit in 7
07 May 2007
Stanley Cup Playoff Pool Round 3
The Conference Finals are set! Here are the matchups, make your picks.
Eastern Conference Finals
Series M: #1 Buffalo v. #4 Ottawa
Western Conference Finals
Series N: #1 Detroit v. #2 Anaheim
For the Schedule...
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=304243
Picks are due Thursday by 5:30pm CT (30 minutes before the start of Game 1 of Ottawa v. Buffalo). Remeber each time your team wins it's worth 5 points, plus a 5 point bonus if your team wins the series. Good luck!
Eastern Conference Finals
Series M: #1 Buffalo v. #4 Ottawa
Western Conference Finals
Series N: #1 Detroit v. #2 Anaheim
For the Schedule...
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=304243
Picks are due Thursday by 5:30pm CT (30 minutes before the start of Game 1 of Ottawa v. Buffalo). Remeber each time your team wins it's worth 5 points, plus a 5 point bonus if your team wins the series. Good luck!
Stanley Cup Playoff Pool, Round 2 Final
Round Two of the pool is over. Here are the results:
Series I: BUF v. NYR - BUF 4-2
Series J: NJ v. OTW - OTW 4-1
Series K: DET v. SJ - DET 4-2
Series L: ANA v. VAN - ANA 4-1
(f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R1+I+J+K+L)
(f) 1> Justin (123, 72+15+15+6+15)
(b) 2> Mom (107, 56+15+15+6+15)
(f) 3> Matt (100, 64+15+3+15+3)
(f) 4> Jered (97, 46+15+15+6+15)
(f) 5> Jen (94, 58+15+3+15+3)
Conference Finals are set, we'll be playing for 5 points per game in Round 3, and 10 points per game in the final, so plenty of time left :). I'll put the matchups in the next post, make your picks there :)!
Series I: BUF v. NYR - BUF 4-2
Series J: NJ v. OTW - OTW 4-1
Series K: DET v. SJ - DET 4-2
Series L: ANA v. VAN - ANA 4-1
(f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R1+I+J+K+L)
(f) 1> Justin (123, 72+15+15+6+15)
(b) 2> Mom (107, 56+15+15+6+15)
(f) 3> Matt (100, 64+15+3+15+3)
(f) 4> Jered (97, 46+15+15+6+15)
(f) 5> Jen (94, 58+15+3+15+3)
Conference Finals are set, we'll be playing for 5 points per game in Round 3, and 10 points per game in the final, so plenty of time left :). I'll put the matchups in the next post, make your picks there :)!
01 May 2007
NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Pool - Round 2 Standings
Okay here are the first standings of Round 2. Matt and Jen made the same picks, and I, Jered and Mom also made the same picks, but different from Matt and Jen.
Series I: BUF v. NYR - BUF 2-1
Series J: NJ v. OTV - OTW 2-1
Series K: DET v. SJ - SJ 2-1
Series L: ANA v. VAN - ANA 2-1
(f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R1+I+J+K+L)
(f) 1> Justin (96, 72+6+6+6+6)
(b) 2> Mom (80, 56+6+6+6+6)
(f) 3> Matt (79, 64+6+3+3+3)
(f) 4> Jen (73, 58+6+3+3+3)
(f) 5> Jered (70, 46+6+6+6+6)
I'm way ahead, all the rest of you are getting closer :)!
Series I: BUF v. NYR - BUF 2-1
Series J: NJ v. OTV - OTW 2-1
Series K: DET v. SJ - SJ 2-1
Series L: ANA v. VAN - ANA 2-1
(f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, R1+I+J+K+L)
(f) 1> Justin (96, 72+6+6+6+6)
(b) 2> Mom (80, 56+6+6+6+6)
(f) 3> Matt (79, 64+6+3+3+3)
(f) 4> Jen (73, 58+6+3+3+3)
(f) 5> Jered (70, 46+6+6+6+6)
I'm way ahead, all the rest of you are getting closer :)!
25 April 2007
NHL Conference Semifinals Preview
Eastern Conference Semifinals
#1 Buffalo v. #6 New York Rangers
Buffalo took good care of the spunky team from Long Island. Now the best team in the NHL moves the act to the New York team that plays Broadway. Both teams are well rested, the Sabres winning in 5 and the hot Rangers winning in 4. The Rangers Sean Avery was talking a little trash this week about how they're going to hit Buffalo harder every time. I think this is a little premature on his part. The Rangers cruised past Atlanta, but Buffalo is leaps and bouds better. It should be a good series, and the Rangers should put up a fight, but the Sabres are just too deep for the Rangers.
Buffalo in 6
#2 New Jersey v. #4 Ottawa
I think the Lighting exposed some vunerabilities in New Jersey. If Martin Brodeur isn't solid, we can see that the Devils D can be beaten by the likes of Tampa Bay Forwards. Enter the Ottawa Senators with threats of 4 scoring lines, and a team that held the best rookies in the leauge off the board in the first round. If the Devils win this series it will be becasue Brodeur outplayed Emery, but I don't think Brodeur can do enough.
Ottawa in 6
Western Conference Semifinals
#1 Detroit v. #5 San Jose
So Detroit outlasted Calgary in 2 ots to win game six and send the flames home for the summer, despite being beat up. The Sharks are 3 lines deep and made good work of the Predators. However, this is not the Matchup the Sharks wanted, they were certainly rooting to get Vancouver or Anaheim (had a lower seed than them advanced). However the Red Wings got bead up pretty good in their series, and the Sharks boast a great offense and good goaltending.
Sharks in 6
#2 Anaheim v. #3 Vancouver
Two teams I hate, the Ducks just userped the 'nucks for the top spot on the teams I hate board. But the Ducks play great defense which will spell disaster for a Vancouver offense that went missing for two games in the Stars series. Unless the refs give Vancouver the same kind of treatment the Ducks got in their opening round, this will be over pretty quick for Vancouver, I'm not holding my breath for them.
Ducks in 5.
#1 Buffalo v. #6 New York Rangers
Buffalo took good care of the spunky team from Long Island. Now the best team in the NHL moves the act to the New York team that plays Broadway. Both teams are well rested, the Sabres winning in 5 and the hot Rangers winning in 4. The Rangers Sean Avery was talking a little trash this week about how they're going to hit Buffalo harder every time. I think this is a little premature on his part. The Rangers cruised past Atlanta, but Buffalo is leaps and bouds better. It should be a good series, and the Rangers should put up a fight, but the Sabres are just too deep for the Rangers.
Buffalo in 6
#2 New Jersey v. #4 Ottawa
I think the Lighting exposed some vunerabilities in New Jersey. If Martin Brodeur isn't solid, we can see that the Devils D can be beaten by the likes of Tampa Bay Forwards. Enter the Ottawa Senators with threats of 4 scoring lines, and a team that held the best rookies in the leauge off the board in the first round. If the Devils win this series it will be becasue Brodeur outplayed Emery, but I don't think Brodeur can do enough.
Ottawa in 6
Western Conference Semifinals
#1 Detroit v. #5 San Jose
So Detroit outlasted Calgary in 2 ots to win game six and send the flames home for the summer, despite being beat up. The Sharks are 3 lines deep and made good work of the Predators. However, this is not the Matchup the Sharks wanted, they were certainly rooting to get Vancouver or Anaheim (had a lower seed than them advanced). However the Red Wings got bead up pretty good in their series, and the Sharks boast a great offense and good goaltending.
Sharks in 6
#2 Anaheim v. #3 Vancouver
Two teams I hate, the Ducks just userped the 'nucks for the top spot on the teams I hate board. But the Ducks play great defense which will spell disaster for a Vancouver offense that went missing for two games in the Stars series. Unless the refs give Vancouver the same kind of treatment the Ducks got in their opening round, this will be over pretty quick for Vancouver, I'm not holding my breath for them.
Ducks in 5.
Stanley Cup Playoff Pool - Conference Semifinals and Standings
Okay sorry I was away this weekend and there's little time to make your picks, so here are the round 2 matchups, leave a comment on this post to make your selections
Eastern Conference
I: #1 Buffalo v. #6 New York Rangers
J: #2 New Jersey v. #4 Ottawa
Western Conference
K: #1 Detroit v. #5 San Jose
L: #2 Anaheim v. #3 Vancouver
Selections are due at 5:30pm CT, as the rounds first game, NY Rangers at Buffalo is tonight at 6pm. Each game the selected team wins earns 3 points and a 3 point bonus if the selected team wins there series, so there's a total of 60 possible in this round, good luck. (note: look for my preview and picks at about 3:00pm).
Here are the final Round 1 Standings
(Rnk>, player, Total, A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H)
1> (f) Justin, (72,10+10+10+10+10+2+10+10)
2> (f) Matt, (64, 10+10+10+10+10+2+10+2)
3> (f) Jen, (58, 10+10+10+10+4+2+10+2)
4> (b) Mom, (56, 10+10+10+2+10+2+10+2)
5> (f) Jered, (46, 10+10+0+2+10+2+10+2)
Eastern Conference
I: #1 Buffalo v. #6 New York Rangers
J: #2 New Jersey v. #4 Ottawa
Western Conference
K: #1 Detroit v. #5 San Jose
L: #2 Anaheim v. #3 Vancouver
Selections are due at 5:30pm CT, as the rounds first game, NY Rangers at Buffalo is tonight at 6pm. Each game the selected team wins earns 3 points and a 3 point bonus if the selected team wins there series, so there's a total of 60 possible in this round, good luck. (note: look for my preview and picks at about 3:00pm).
Here are the final Round 1 Standings
(Rnk>, player, Total, A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H)
1> (f) Justin, (72,10+10+10+10+10+2+10+10)
2> (f) Matt, (64, 10+10+10+10+10+2+10+2)
3> (f) Jen, (58, 10+10+10+10+4+2+10+2)
4> (b) Mom, (56, 10+10+10+2+10+2+10+2)
5> (f) Jered, (46, 10+10+0+2+10+2+10+2)
16 April 2007
Pool Results (through Su, 15 Apr 07)
Okay here are the first standings, I will try and update the standings following games on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the playoffs.
Series A: BUF v. NYI- Tied 1-1
Series B: NJ v. TBY - Tied 1-1
Series C: ATL v. NYR - NYR 2-0
Series D: OTW v. PIT - OTW 2-1
Series E: DET v. CGY - DET 2-0
Series F: ANA v. MIN - ANA 3-0
Series G: VAN v. DAL - DAL 2-1
Series H: NSH v. SJ - Tied 1-1
(f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H)
(f) T1> Justin (20, 2+2+4+4+4+0+2+2)
(f) T1> Matt (20, 2+2+4+4+4+0+2+2)
(b) 3> Mom (18, 2+2+4+2+4+0+2+2)
(f) 4> Jen (16, 2+2+4+4+0+0+2+2)
(f) 5> Jered (14, 2+2+0+2+4+0+2+2)
All right I will try and do the next update after Wednesdays results.
Series A: BUF v. NYI- Tied 1-1
Series B: NJ v. TBY - Tied 1-1
Series C: ATL v. NYR - NYR 2-0
Series D: OTW v. PIT - OTW 2-1
Series E: DET v. CGY - DET 2-0
Series F: ANA v. MIN - ANA 3-0
Series G: VAN v. DAL - DAL 2-1
Series H: NSH v. SJ - Tied 1-1
(f)-facebook entry, (b)- blogspot entry
Rnk> Player: (Tot, A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H)
(f) T1> Justin (20, 2+2+4+4+4+0+2+2)
(f) T1> Matt (20, 2+2+4+4+4+0+2+2)
(b) 3> Mom (18, 2+2+4+2+4+0+2+2)
(f) 4> Jen (16, 2+2+4+4+0+0+2+2)
(f) 5> Jered (14, 2+2+0+2+4+0+2+2)
All right I will try and do the next update after Wednesdays results.
11 April 2007
NHL Playoffs Preview... Conf. Quarters...
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(#1) Buffalo v. (#8) New York Islanders
The big question mark for the Islanders is how far can they go without Goaltender Rick DiPietro. They have won their last 4 games for their dramatic playoff push (beating Toronto by 1 point for the final spot). The Sabres didn't end their season that great, but they had the first seed in the East locked up. I think Buffalo is the pick to win the Stanley Cup, and I think that they're depth and speed is eventually going to overwhelm the Isles. But I've got a feeling the boys from Uniondale aren't going to go down too easily.
Buffalo in 6
(#2) New Jersey v. (#7) Tampa Bay
The Bolts are not even a shadow of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2004. New Jersey boasts the best defense in the Eastern Conference and until further notice, the best goaltender in the league in Martin Brodeur. Now a lot of people believe that the Devils are due for some bad Karma after firing Julien in the last week of the season for his Atlantic division championship effort this season. Regardless of who's behind the bench, the Devs are destined to beat the Bolts. Tampa Bay simply can't generate the offense it'll take to down the Devils, and mistakes in their own end will probably tip them out. There will be some close games, but Jersey will win 4 of them pretty quick.
New Jersey in 5
(#3) Atlanta v. (#6) New York Rangers
Congratulations to Atlanta on their first playoff appearance in their 9 seasons of existence. However, I have to believe the experience of the New York Rangers is going to win out here. The Thrash did add Keith Thachuck after the St. Louis fire sale, but for veterans, they just can't compare to the Broadway Blueshirts Jager, Avery, and others. King Henrik is still young between the posts, but we know what he's capable holding teams to very few goals, I think the Rangers are still motivated by their late seasons collapse last year and they realize a minor upset of the Thrash is within reach.
New York Rangers in 6
(#4) Ottawa v. (#5) Pittsburgh
This is going to be the most competitive of the 8 series. The Senators have not had any playoff sucess since losing that tough eastern conference final to the Devils in 2003. But Sens are a deep team and they've been every bit as hot as the Penguins. The Penguins have a ton of firepower and boast scoring champion Sidney Crosby in just his sophomore season. However there are indeed questions on the back end for the Penguins and I think the youth of this team is going to show more than the desiders of the media that want the Pens to go deep. The Pens will be a condentder for many years to come, but they drew an unfortunate first round matchup with the Sens.
Ottawa in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(#1) Detroit v. (#8) Calgary
To say the Red Wings have been succesful in the post season in recent years is quite an overstatement. They have not one a playoff series since lifting the cup in 2002, and they've been favorites in each instance. However, the Red Wings have drawn the one team that has no shot of winning the Western Conference. The two chances the Flames have are if age catches up with the Red Wings yet again, and if they have troubles between the net (Hasek's injury and Osgood's inconsistency) but aside from that, the Red Wings play very well as a team in both ends. This is the year they do away with the first round choke-monster.
Detroit in 5
(#2) Anaheim v. (#7) Minnesota
HOMER ALERT! We know who I'm gonna take here, so I'm just going focus on making the rather unlikley case. This series will also be close, almost as close as the Ottawa-Pittsburgh tilt. The teams split 2-2 in the regular season. It was in Anaheim where Marian Gaborik got hurt, and that has somewhat been attributed to their poor ice conditions. So that's a little scary. However the Wild are the only team in the playoffs that boast 3 legitamate scoring lines, which will play off toward the end of this series. The biggest caveat is if the Wild will face the Jean-Sebastian Giguere (expected to return from his family medical issues) that just the team out for 3 straight games in 2003. However the Ducks have more waddled into the playoffs, and have had trouble winning games that were important to their Pacific Division title (however, they did finally beat Columbus to get there). On the Other hand the Wild have won their last three straight (albiet against Edmonton and St. Louis who aren't going to the playoffs) I think the Wild have the depth to beat Ducks, though this is Goaltenter Niklas Backstrom's first Stanley Cup playoffs, he doesn't seem to have the fragile mindset that dooms other young goaltenders in their first series'.
Minnesota in 6
(#3) Vancouver v. (#6) Dallas
The Vancouver Canucks should thank the Florida Panthers for Goaltender Roberto Luango. Bertuzzi for Luango is the most lopsided trade since Boston sent Joe Thorton to San Jose for....who?...I forgot. Luango has carried this team to the Northwest crown with stellar play. On the other side, Dallas Goaltender Marty Turco has been marrred by playoff woes. In the end I think the Canucks play better defensivly, and whether it's Turco's fault or not, the Stars are probably going down.
Vancouver in 6
(#4) Nashville v. (#5) San Jose
This is also going to be a very tight series. The I did dub the Sharks the most improved team at the trade deadline. Their acquisition of Bill Guerin (also from the aformentioned Blues Firesale), and made them extremly deep in terms of forwards (almost as much as the Wild). If they get good goaltending from Evgeni Nabokov or Vesa Toskala, they will be tough to beat. Nashville made headlines at the deadline by acquiring Petr Forsberg from the Flyers. It remains to be seen how much impact he's really going to have. The Preds gave up a lot for him (in fact they did most of the Flyers rebuilding work for them in this deal). I just have to like the Sharks here.
San Jose in 6.
REST OF BRACKET (subject to change for the purposes of my pool)...
WESTERN CONFERENCE
*Minnesota over Detroit (in 6)
*San Jose over Vancouver (in 4)
San Jose over Minnesota (in 6)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
*Buffalo over New York Rangers (in 5)
*Ottawa over New Jersey (in 7)
Buffalo over ottawa (in 7)
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Buffalo over San Jose (in 5)
*Note: The top seed remaining after the conference quarterfinal is always paired with the bottom seed remaining in the conference semifinals. And the other two teams are paired in the other Semifinal
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Editor's note: This blog was posted at about 8pm ct, 2 hours after the start of the Buffalo and Ottawa game, however I assure this was completed earlier in the afternoon about 3pm. -J
(#1) Buffalo v. (#8) New York Islanders
The big question mark for the Islanders is how far can they go without Goaltender Rick DiPietro. They have won their last 4 games for their dramatic playoff push (beating Toronto by 1 point for the final spot). The Sabres didn't end their season that great, but they had the first seed in the East locked up. I think Buffalo is the pick to win the Stanley Cup, and I think that they're depth and speed is eventually going to overwhelm the Isles. But I've got a feeling the boys from Uniondale aren't going to go down too easily.
Buffalo in 6
(#2) New Jersey v. (#7) Tampa Bay
The Bolts are not even a shadow of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2004. New Jersey boasts the best defense in the Eastern Conference and until further notice, the best goaltender in the league in Martin Brodeur. Now a lot of people believe that the Devils are due for some bad Karma after firing Julien in the last week of the season for his Atlantic division championship effort this season. Regardless of who's behind the bench, the Devs are destined to beat the Bolts. Tampa Bay simply can't generate the offense it'll take to down the Devils, and mistakes in their own end will probably tip them out. There will be some close games, but Jersey will win 4 of them pretty quick.
New Jersey in 5
(#3) Atlanta v. (#6) New York Rangers
Congratulations to Atlanta on their first playoff appearance in their 9 seasons of existence. However, I have to believe the experience of the New York Rangers is going to win out here. The Thrash did add Keith Thachuck after the St. Louis fire sale, but for veterans, they just can't compare to the Broadway Blueshirts Jager, Avery, and others. King Henrik is still young between the posts, but we know what he's capable holding teams to very few goals, I think the Rangers are still motivated by their late seasons collapse last year and they realize a minor upset of the Thrash is within reach.
New York Rangers in 6
(#4) Ottawa v. (#5) Pittsburgh
This is going to be the most competitive of the 8 series. The Senators have not had any playoff sucess since losing that tough eastern conference final to the Devils in 2003. But Sens are a deep team and they've been every bit as hot as the Penguins. The Penguins have a ton of firepower and boast scoring champion Sidney Crosby in just his sophomore season. However there are indeed questions on the back end for the Penguins and I think the youth of this team is going to show more than the desiders of the media that want the Pens to go deep. The Pens will be a condentder for many years to come, but they drew an unfortunate first round matchup with the Sens.
Ottawa in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(#1) Detroit v. (#8) Calgary
To say the Red Wings have been succesful in the post season in recent years is quite an overstatement. They have not one a playoff series since lifting the cup in 2002, and they've been favorites in each instance. However, the Red Wings have drawn the one team that has no shot of winning the Western Conference. The two chances the Flames have are if age catches up with the Red Wings yet again, and if they have troubles between the net (Hasek's injury and Osgood's inconsistency) but aside from that, the Red Wings play very well as a team in both ends. This is the year they do away with the first round choke-monster.
Detroit in 5
(#2) Anaheim v. (#7) Minnesota
HOMER ALERT! We know who I'm gonna take here, so I'm just going focus on making the rather unlikley case. This series will also be close, almost as close as the Ottawa-Pittsburgh tilt. The teams split 2-2 in the regular season. It was in Anaheim where Marian Gaborik got hurt, and that has somewhat been attributed to their poor ice conditions. So that's a little scary. However the Wild are the only team in the playoffs that boast 3 legitamate scoring lines, which will play off toward the end of this series. The biggest caveat is if the Wild will face the Jean-Sebastian Giguere (expected to return from his family medical issues) that just the team out for 3 straight games in 2003. However the Ducks have more waddled into the playoffs, and have had trouble winning games that were important to their Pacific Division title (however, they did finally beat Columbus to get there). On the Other hand the Wild have won their last three straight (albiet against Edmonton and St. Louis who aren't going to the playoffs) I think the Wild have the depth to beat Ducks, though this is Goaltenter Niklas Backstrom's first Stanley Cup playoffs, he doesn't seem to have the fragile mindset that dooms other young goaltenders in their first series'.
Minnesota in 6
(#3) Vancouver v. (#6) Dallas
The Vancouver Canucks should thank the Florida Panthers for Goaltender Roberto Luango. Bertuzzi for Luango is the most lopsided trade since Boston sent Joe Thorton to San Jose for....who?...I forgot. Luango has carried this team to the Northwest crown with stellar play. On the other side, Dallas Goaltender Marty Turco has been marrred by playoff woes. In the end I think the Canucks play better defensivly, and whether it's Turco's fault or not, the Stars are probably going down.
Vancouver in 6
(#4) Nashville v. (#5) San Jose
This is also going to be a very tight series. The I did dub the Sharks the most improved team at the trade deadline. Their acquisition of Bill Guerin (also from the aformentioned Blues Firesale), and made them extremly deep in terms of forwards (almost as much as the Wild). If they get good goaltending from Evgeni Nabokov or Vesa Toskala, they will be tough to beat. Nashville made headlines at the deadline by acquiring Petr Forsberg from the Flyers. It remains to be seen how much impact he's really going to have. The Preds gave up a lot for him (in fact they did most of the Flyers rebuilding work for them in this deal). I just have to like the Sharks here.
San Jose in 6.
REST OF BRACKET (subject to change for the purposes of my pool)...
WESTERN CONFERENCE
*Minnesota over Detroit (in 6)
*San Jose over Vancouver (in 4)
San Jose over Minnesota (in 6)
EASTERN CONFERENCE
*Buffalo over New York Rangers (in 5)
*Ottawa over New Jersey (in 7)
Buffalo over ottawa (in 7)
STANLEY CUP FINALS
Buffalo over San Jose (in 5)
*Note: The top seed remaining after the conference quarterfinal is always paired with the bottom seed remaining in the conference semifinals. And the other two teams are paired in the other Semifinal
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Editor's note: This blog was posted at about 8pm ct, 2 hours after the start of the Buffalo and Ottawa game, however I assure this was completed earlier in the afternoon about 3pm. -J
09 April 2007
Justin's Stanley Cup Playoff Pool
Okay the playoffs start Wednesday, make your picks for who will win each of the 8 playoff series'. For each game your teams win you will get 2 points, if your team wins the series you will get a 2 point bonus for a total of 10. There are 8 series so 80 points are possible, leave your picks in the comments section.
Eastern Conference:
#1 Buffalo v. #8 New York Islanders
#2 New Jersey v. #7 Tampa Bay
#3 Atlanta v. #6 New York Rangers
#4 Ottawa v. #5 Pittsburgh
Western Conference:
#1 Detroit v. #8 Calgary
#2 Anaheim v. #7 Minnesota
#3 Vancouver v. #6 Dallas
#4 Nashville v. #5 San Jose
Picks are due by 5:30pm CT on Wed, 11 April (30 minutes prior to the start of the first game between Ottawa and Pittsburgh, For the full playoff schedule: http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=298698)
Future rounds (Per game, series possible, total round possible)
Conference Semifinals (3, 15, 60)
Conference Finals (5, 25, 50)
Stanley Cup Finals (10, 50, 50)
Overall Total Possible: 240
Also look for my series predictions on Wednesday.
Eastern Conference:
#1 Buffalo v. #8 New York Islanders
#2 New Jersey v. #7 Tampa Bay
#3 Atlanta v. #6 New York Rangers
#4 Ottawa v. #5 Pittsburgh
Western Conference:
#1 Detroit v. #8 Calgary
#2 Anaheim v. #7 Minnesota
#3 Vancouver v. #6 Dallas
#4 Nashville v. #5 San Jose
Picks are due by 5:30pm CT on Wed, 11 April (30 minutes prior to the start of the first game between Ottawa and Pittsburgh, For the full playoff schedule: http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=298698)
Future rounds (Per game, series possible, total round possible)
Conference Semifinals (3, 15, 60)
Conference Finals (5, 25, 50)
Stanley Cup Finals (10, 50, 50)
Overall Total Possible: 240
Also look for my series predictions on Wednesday.
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