Stanley Cup Rematch

Anyone else feeling déjà vu? It's like I'm Bill Murray waking up to watch the same finals over again, but this time Marian Hossa is wearing a different jersey. So, we have the same match up for the Cup that we had last season; the Penguins claim they have learned from their losing experience last year, and the defending champs are trying to become the first repeat champions since the Red Wings, who did it in 1997 and 1998.

Speaking of back-to-back, everyone has been making mention of this being the first Stanley Cup rematch since the 1984 Cup Finals when the upstart Edmonton Oilers ended the dynasty run of the New York Islanders and started their own. It's hard not to compare the Oilers of that age to the Penguins of now. Both are lead by the dominant saviors of the NHL (Gretzky and Crosby) and a great sidekick (Messier and Malkin).
It is also hard not to think that the busy schedule will help the younger and seemingly healthy players. Overall, it will challenge the depth of the Red Wings since they are missing two big pieces in Captain Nicklas Lidstrom and leading scorer Pavel Datsyuk. Though, if the end of the Blackhawks series has shown us anything, it's that those players are overrated considering they won without them. Just kidding. These players, if out for most of the series, will be tough to replace over the long haul.

It's also the first time games will be played on consecutive days since 1955, which goes to show you how powerful an influence television is on professional sports. Because NBC wanted to have their summer series “I’m a celebrity … Get me out of here” on its regular Monday/Tuesday night timeslots, the Penguins and Red Wings were forced to play back to back on Saturday and Sunday. Evidently, we need to see more of Spencer and his creepy flesh covered beard rather than Crosby and Hossa.
Both teams possess a deep forward core with the Penguins top two scorers on a complete tear right now. Crosby and Malkin have combined for 56 points and 26 goals. Two more goals and they tie a postseason record for most goals by a teammate since the NHL moved to the current playoff system in 1994. On the other side Marian Hossa has a lot to prove, but I will have more on the turncoat later.
Johan Franzen has continued his postseason success with an amazing 23 goals in this two-postseason span. Three more and “The Mule” ties Joe Sakic for most goals in consecutive playoffs since 1994. The depth has been most apparent with the current injury situation with Dan Cleary scoring 8 goals and Darren Helm, who has yet to score a regular season goal, chipped in his 5th postseason goal in the series clincher vs. the Blackhawks.

Defensively Brad Stuart has emerged to play big time minutes in the absence of Nicklas Lidstrom, but the Red Wings need a healthy Lidstrom to match up against the big time forwards the Penguins bring to the table. The Penguins have been dressing 7 defensemen because of the unknown health of Sergei Gonchar and it seemed to have rejuvenated the Penguins best all around defensemen. But, as in most series, it will come down to the men who protect the net. Marc-Andre Fleury will be tested in this series as the Red Wings lead the playoffs in shots per game (39.5). Don’t forget he did make 55 saves in a Game 5 road win in last year’s final too. Fleury has showed in these playoff’s that he can take over and win games on his own, and will need to be up for the challenge against such a dominant offensive force. On the other side of the rink lies the Rodney Dangerfield of goaltenders, Chris Osgood. He can’t get the respect he deserves. With all the questions coming into the playoffs, all the three-time Stanley Cup winner has done is continue to win and do it in an impressive fashion. The 36-year-old netminder is second in the league in GAA (2.06) and the second best GAA in Stanley Cup Final history (1.55 in 11 games). If Osgood leads another team to a championship he has to get some serious concession for the Hall-of-Fame.

That finally brings me to Marian Hossa, the man who turned down a more lucrative contract to sign a one year deal with the Red Wings because he felt he had a “better” chance of winning a Cup with the Red Wings. My opinion on this matter is that Hossa earned the right to become an UFA and chose to join the defending Cup champions because they did and still do have the best chance of winning a Cup for the Slovakian. This will not add any fuel to the fire for the Penguins... just for their fans and for the media. My question is, though, what will happen if the Penguins win the Cup? Will Hossa, then a UFA, sign back with the Penguins for a one year deal because it will give him the best chance to win the cup? If nothing else, this is a great side story to an already great cup matchup.

Now for the fearless prediction (and, please, no one keep track of my record. It is as good as the Washington Nationals first month): I think the Penguins have learned from the experience last year. They did not score a goal until Game 3, and just looked overwhelmed in last year’s Cup Finals and this will not happen this year. The injuries, schedule, and the pure high that Crosby and Malkin are on will give us a new champion as I predict the Penguins will win the Cup in 5 games

The Hat Trick

After a weekend of weddings and sun, it's time to bet back to the pucks. But first I have to give congratulations to Kris Allen, this year's American Idol. I think it was good Fox hardly told the 17-year old girls that he was married or it might have turned out differently. All in all, I do wish him and Adam Lambert a good singing career. Now, off to the Hat Trick, the top three things I am looking forward to this week.

1) Stanley Cup Finals re-match: Will this rare feat happen this week? Since the NHL took control of the Stanley Cup in 1926, a rematch of the previous year's Cup finals has only happened 8 times: 1948 – 1949 Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings, 1954 – 1955 Red Wings vs. Canadiens, 1957 – 1958 Canadiens vs. Bruins, 1959 – 1960 Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs, 1963 – 1964 Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings, 1968 – 1969 Canadiens vs. Blues, 1977- 1978 Canadiens vs. Bruins, 1983-1984 Islanders vs. Oilers. For this to not happen for 25 years shows us how rare it is, and we couldn't have two better teams with better storylines than we do this year. I will have a full preview when the match up is set, but I am looking forward to seeing if this unusual instance will happen this week.

2) Hossa Gate: I know it is not set in stone yet, and yes the Blackhawks and Cardiac Canes could make a heroic comeback and my Hat Trick looks silly this week, but how can you not be looking forward to Hossa Gate. Leave a team you make it to the Stanley Cup Finals with for a ONE YEAR deal and then face the team you left behind in the next year’s finals, what a story.

3) Down on the farm: First of all congrats to the Windsor Spitfires becoming the first team to win both the tie-breaker game and the Championship Final after starting the Memorial Cup 0-2. Another congratulations is due to Tyler Hall of the Spitfires, who helped his 2010 number one overall pick status by being named by the Smythe Memorial Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Memorial Cup. Down in the AHL I am looking forward to the Finals with the Hershey Bears and Manitoba Moose on the brink of securing their spots in the Calder Cup Finals.

American Idol

Both series had great first games the other night, though, people seem to be more excited about the big American Idol finale. I am going with the favorite Adam Lambert, of course, but predict Kris Allen to have a good career.

Back to the action. Cam Ward and Marc-Andre Fleury both played out of their minds in Game 1, and I expect a nice tight series because these goalies are on top of their games. Fleury always feels he has something to prove being the number 1 overall pick ahead of his opponent Eric Staal. Cam Ward, the best goalie left in this postseason, did his best to keep his team in the game, and I expect him to come back huge in Game 2.

In the other series, Detroit just seems to be able to turn it on whenever they want. I'm impressed with the way the Franzen-Zetterberg-Clearly line has played with the Hossa-Datsyuk line struggling during playoffs. This line just poses an impossible matchup for any team trying to defend them with a nice mix of size, speed and strength, not to mention they play great two-way hockey. I am glad to see Toews score some big goals for this team, he is such a great hard nose hockey player.

My Top Shelf this week, or scorer I am keeping an eye out for, sends me down to the Final 4 in the AHL for the Manitoba Moose, Cody Hodgson. Already named the OHL's most outstanding player and Hockey News #2 rated prospect, this hot shot prospect moves to the next step in his pursuit of the Calder Cup. Like most highly rated prospects that move to the A, they are asked to play a role, and boy has he fit in already. In 3 games played he already has a goal and an assist. Granted, goalie Cory Schneider is a big reason they are up 3-0 on the Houston Aeros in the Western Conference Finals, but it will be fun to watch Hodgson play with the big boys in a pressure situation.

Conference Finals Preview

The Final Four is set, the teams have half the victories needed to win the ultimate prize, and if there is any indication from last round this one should be fun to watch. Now let’s get to the previews of both Conference Finals.

#1 Detroit Red Wings vs. #4 Chicago Blackhawks: The favorites vs. the dark horse is the theme in this Original 6 matchup. No team has repeated as Stanley Cup Champions since, well the Red Wings did it back in 1997 and 1998. The Red Wings are the first defending Stanley Cup champion to advance past 1st round since Colorado did 7 years ago. All these facts show you; number one how hard it is to repeat, and number two how talented this Detroit team is. Even with two of their top scorers Pavel Datsyuk and Marian Hossa (5 goals between them) struggling they have shown they have the offensive depth to match up with anyone. Led this postseason by clutch performer Johan Franzen, who has 33 points in his last 27 playoff game, the Wings will rely heavily on this depth matching up against the speedy Blackhawks, who sit right behind them in goals per game for the playoffs (3.67 to 3.64), and ahead of them in total goals (45 to 40)

The Red Wings took 4 out of the 6 match ups this season, including a memorable matchup at Wrigley Field on New Years, with the two Blackhawks wins coming in the last week of the season with Nikolai Khabibulin shutting them out in the last game of the season, and winning me my fantasy hockey league. With so much offense in this series it is hard not to overlook the goaltenders. Considering three of the four goalies left all have won a Stanley Cup in the past, both of the net minders have the talent to take their team to the promise land. Osgood was under much scrutiny for having a sub par regular season but has quiet skeptics by lowering his GAA by more than a goal per game (2.06 playoffs to 3.09 regular season). On the other side “The Bulin Wall” is still showing get him in a contract year and he can carry your team to the Conference Finals.

The Red Wings on defense are lead by the captain Nicklas Lidstrom, who has been a point per game player in these playoffs, and the return of his partner Brian Rafalski from injury has solidified the shut down pairing that will be needed for the Blackhawks, whose top line of Kane, Sharp, and Toewes have scored 17 of Chicago's 44 goals this postseason. Overall, I think the Blackhawks speed and power play will give the Red Wings trouble down low, but the depth of the Champs will matter more in another long physical series for these teams. The tandem of Datsyuk and Hossa has a lot to prove in this series as the Red Wings win in 6 games.

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #6 Carolina Hurricanes: The East two hottest teams down the stretch meat up in unlikely matchup. Not unlikely because of their talents but the way they got to this series. The Hurricanes have been living on their last thread all postseason, from scoring two goals in 48 seconds to eliminate the Devils, and after relinquishing a 3-1 series lead disposed of the top seeded Bruins in overtime by a villain scoring his first career playoff goal. The Penguins have rode the coat tales of Sidney Crosby, who leads the team and NHL in goals (12) and points (21), and their MVP candidate Evgeni Malkin is third in the league in scoring with 19 point. Though not a star studded as the Capitals Penguins matchup this one has it share of good young talent on both sides.

When Eric Staal scores the Hurricanes win, this is shown by their 7-1 postseason record when the big man scores a goal or a point (1-5 when he doesn't). Staal 41 career points in postseason, has already broken Ron Francis' franchise record (39), and his 9 goals these playoffs is only behind Crosby and Ovechkin, did we also mention he has something Crosby and Ovechkin do not have, a Stanley Cup ring.

This also is a matchup of two coaches who took over during the season, with Dan Bylsma the Penguins used their offensive talent more and with Paul Maurice the Canes played a more defensive grind it out style. This style is shown in that Carolina’s 5 of 8 playoff wins have been by 1 goal. In these tight games they rely heavily on Cam Ward to make the big save, and if I were the Penguins I would hope this does not make it to Game 7, for Ward is a perfect 4-0 in Game 7, no other goalie in NHL history can say that.

The return of Segei Gonchar from injury not only saved the Penguins during the regular season but it also saved them in the postseason, when he returned from a knee injury to have an assists in Game 7 vs. Capitals. Beyond Gonchar, both teams have obscured no names defenseman that just fit roles on the ice. So with that fact Gonchar’s health and performance means that much more in this matchup. I have to mention Jussi Jokinen in this preview, what a story it has been for this guy who was put on waivers twice by one of the worst teams in the NHL, Tampa Bay, to scoring 6 goals this postseason. It has also been the timing of his goals that has made him a standout. Overall, both these teams have shown the resilience needed to win a Stanley Cup and both have Staal’s on the ice, sorry had to make the brother’s reference in the preview like everyone else, but I believe the Penguins are riding the hotter player in Crosby and Penguins will win in 6 games.

The Final Four

So, the final four is set and none of the top seeds survived in the East. Only the Red Wings, of the top 3 seeds, advanced. I believe this is because of the parody in the league right now. Every team is so close during the regular season and then deadline moves closes the gap between the haves and have-nots.

So, let’s rewind to the trade deadline, and see if the deadline worked for the final four. The Red Wings made their big move in the off season acquiring Marian Hossa from the Penguins. All Hossa went on to do was finish third in the team in scoring (71 points), and lead the team in goals (40), and play solid two way hockey for this already stacked team. The other semi-finalist, the Chicago Blackhawks, made some great moves to solidify the checking line and experience by acquiring Stanley Cup winner Samuel Pahlsson, even though they had to give up solid defenseman prospect James Wisniewski. Another solid move just to fill a role for an already offensively stacked team, Pahlsson has averaged 3:00 of penalty kill time in the playoffs, most of Blackhawks forwards.

The teams in the East benefited more from deadline moves. The Carolina Hurricanes were in 9th place the day of the NHL trade deadline, then made the move to bring back hard nose winger Erik Cole from the Edmonton Oilers for often injured Justin Williams. Cole had 13 points in 17 games for the Canes, and reunited with power forward Eric Staal to form a dominant combination. Staal benefited the most scoring 12 goals in the last 17 games as the Canes vaulted up the standings to clinch a playoff berth. The Penguins were the biggest winners of these four at the deadline; they acquired much needed scoring for the Sidney Crosby line. Like the Canes, the Pens were only the 7th seed at the deadline, and were missing the secondary scoring past Malkin and Crosby, in step Chris Kunitz from the Ducks, and Bill Guerin from the Islanders. Kunitz finished with 18 points in 20 games, and Guerin 12 points in 17 games even better Crosby had 30 points in the last 20 games. Where would this team be without these two players? Probably out in the first round.

Towson Tigers

Another quick blog for I am visiting my sister in beautiful Towson, Maryland for the next two days, and catching the Phillies-Nationals game Friday. I must first say congratulations to Alex Ovechkin, what a one man wrecking crew he was in this playoffs, I am truly impressed. Also, congratulation to Sidney Crosby who the last couple of years has been overshadowed by his Russian teammate, but showed in this series he has the skills and determination to take over a series. I know I keep teasing the readers on a full “what this meant to the NHL” blog, but I want to do my research on the numbers and let it set in, so keep on reading and you will read one man’s opinion about that topic. For now let’s all enjoy two more Game 7 tonight.

I have stated that only one road team will win a Game 7, so looks like it already happen. The Hurricanes blew it, and the way Boston sports are going they can do no wrong. Also watch out if the game gets out of hand for retribution towards Scott Walker. The Ducks have gone farther than anyone has expected, and much has been because of their young goaltender. I apologize to my favorite Jonas Brother, I said here expect to see Jiggy in this series, boy was I wrong. The kid has been amazing; he has faced the most shots in the playoffs (484) and leads all goaltenders in save percentage (.946%). I would say with that kind of goaltending you have a shot, but can’t go back on my Stanley Cup pick already so go with the Wings. Sorry for the short entry today, but puck heads enjoy some amazing Game 7s tonight!

Game 7 Heaven

First, I want to apologize to Bruins fans. I was wrong. Man that was tough to say, because I thought there was no way the Bruins would come out and beat the Hurricanes at home. So, now the pressure lies on a man that has come up big in every Game 7 he has played. Cam Ward will put his 3-0 career Game 7 record on the line. No goalie has ever reached a perfect 4-0 or better in game 7’s, but really how does will this team bounce back from blowing a 3-1 deficit? As for the other game Tuesday night, I predicted right, Getzlaf is a beast! He is dominating like Joan Rivers on Celebrity Apprentice.

So the stage is set for three Game 7. It’s time for the most grueling, exciting, heart-racing, toe-numbing, jaw-dropping, head-shaking, earth-quaking time for these players and fans. There have been 125 Game 7s in NHL history. The home teams are no lock, winning just over 63 % of the time. So, which road warrior will come out on top as the dust settles? Well, I am no soothsayer, but if I had to guess it would be the Penguins. I have said it here numerous times, but they will bounce back and take advantage of a goalie starting to show signs of fatigue.

With so much being made about the Scott Walker – Aaron Ward sucker punch, I have to throw the NHL discipline committee into the Penalty Box. This is a quote from the TSN article; "Based on what was said on the ice as I was dropping my gloves, it was my understanding that I was engaged in an altercation," Scott Walker said in a statement issued by the team. I mean come one! Look, I understand in an NHL fight you have to be ready for the other person to throw a punch at anytime, but a one game suspension would have been sufficient. The NHL is making no sense with these suspensions for the playoffs. I am all for the physical part of the game, but there has been a double standard throughout the playoffs about suspensions. So, for that, the NHL discipline committee gets put in the Penalty Box.

How Bout Them Playoff's

Oh, what a night! The NHL, and fans not from Pittsburgh, are very happy and excited for Tuesday night in the nation’s capital. The big players played there heart out and I am impressed with the resilience these Capitals have shown in the last two playoff series. An outcome of this game that was maybe not so good, was it gave big game goalie Marc-Andre Fleury his first career playoff OT loss. I guess it had to happen at some point in his career, but surprisingly against a team that had lost its last seven previous overtime games. It should be an amazing scene in downtown D.C. I just wish this series didn’t have to end, and that it doesn’t fatigue the winning team so much that they have nothing left for the next round.

The other game was up and down and all around, as Kane and Toews vaulted the upstart Blackhawks into the Western Conference Finals. Now, I don’t want to say I told you so, but… I told you that this team was the dark horse that no one was talking about! I am happy for this once proud organization, and now Cubs fans have something else to be distracted by for a little more time.

As we move forward to the Memorial Cup in this week’s Top Shelf (scorers I am keeping an eye on), I want to salute all of the MVP’s of the CHL tournaments. First the WHL, where the Kelowa Rockets captured the Ed Chynoweth Cup and Sabres 2008 draft pick Tyler Myers was named Tournament MVP. Myers, a 6-8 defenseman, had 20 points in 22 playoff games after compiling a career-high 42 points in the regular season, and has already signed an entry level contract for the Sabres.
In the OHL, the Wayne Gretzky "99" Award as the Most Valuable Player of the 2009 OHL Playoffs went to the young Tyler Hall. Hall has already been slated to be the top pick of the 2010 NHL Draft finishing with an amazing 36 points in 20 playoff games, after posting a 90 point campaign. Now he just has to stay focused with still another year in the OHL.
In the QMJH, Shawinigan and Drummondville will play a Game 7 Tuesday night, but it will be hard not to give it to Yannick Riendeau of Drummondville. Riendeau has 49 points in 18 games including 27 goals. The non-drafted Bruins property, Riendeau finished the 2008-2009 regular season as the league leader in goals, assists, points, power play goals and game-winning goals.
I hope all “Pucking Awesome” Blog Fans enjoy the Memorial Cup coming up May 15th!

The Hat Trick

First of all, I want to take the time out in my blog to congratulate Erica and Will on a wonderful wedding this weekend in North Carolina. I hope their lives are filled with as much happiness and love as I saw this weekend. Also, I can’t forget the mothers out there and hope they had a Happy Mother’s Day.

Oh, what a weekend! The Penguins came back from the dead in back-to-back wins and took control of the series. The Red Wings finally wake up and show there true offensive talent vs. the Jonas Brother. The Blackhawks shock the world and win on the road, and continue to win without Toews scoring goals. The Hurricanes dominate the two home games and then decide they want to win the series at home so they don’t show up on Sunday. That brings me to the weekly Hat Trick, or, the three things I am watching for this week.

1.) Who will show their ability to bounce back this week? The theme above was teams that had control and then lost it this weekend. I am not surprised about the Capitals losing three straight. As I have stated here before, the Penguins are the most resilient team left in the playoffs and continue to show that. I am very shocked, however, by the Canucks. This is a team that has held leads in every game in this series, but has only won 2 games. That, my friends, is what we call a bad trend. So who will show their ability to bounce back this week and force a Game 7? Sorry Boston fans, not you, you are done, so that brings me to the Ducks. Will they win this series? Probably not, but I just feel the miracle 8th seed Ducks have one more game in them and will give their home fans a show. Don’t forget that 6 out of 9 meetings this season between the Wings and Ducks have been decided by one goal (including Game 1, 2 and 3). I see another close game and Getzlaf willing his team to one more victory.

2.) Did Ovechkin vs. Crosby live up the hype? I will delve more into this series and its impact on the league later but, as the series comes closer to the end, I am looking to see if this superstar series actually lives up to the hype. I think it has so far. How can you not be excited about the league with Ovechkin vaulting his way to the top of the league’s playoff scoring with an amazing 7 goals in this series? Crosby hasn’t disappointed either, both scoring 5 goals and adding 3 assists in the series. I am very interested to see the discussions nationally about how this series impacted the league around the country.

3.) Who will win Capitals vs. Penguins Part 2? Not very often do the big clubs and the minor league teams match up in both the NHL and AHL playoffs. So, it is great to see which organization is better at their core. The Hershey Bears and Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins are scheduled for a Game 7 on Tuesday night. How they got there sounds pretty familiar. The Bears won the first two games, only to loose the next three, and then force a pivotal Game 7 at home with a 3-0 shutout of the Baby Pens on Sunday night. The first time they have been shutout all year. Should be a fun night at the Giant Center, and here’s to hoping the big clubs match them.

On Site

So just a quick blog since I am on a mini vacation down south in North Carolina. Even though I was in the Charlotte, I heard the big roar out of Raleigh as the Hurricanes took a commanding 3-1 lead over the Bruins. I did predict the Canes to win this series, but I sure though the Bruins would of had more fight in them.

In the other series just what the doctor ordered as the Penguins got some home cooking and even up the series. Even though the Bear, Varlamov, looked human tonight, can you really go back to sleepy Theodore? One can only hope for a 7 game series cause this has been amazing to watch.

The Penalty Box

Since my latest entries and pretty much all the media attention has been about the Penguins – Capitals big series, this will be the only mention of this matchup in today’s blog. Now onto the other Eastern Conference Semi-final matchup as the series shifts to ruckus Raleigh tied 1-1, I believe we have found the unheralded playoff performer in this series. Chad LaRose, who did have career high 19 goals in the regular season, has followed it with a big game performance in the playoffs (8 points). This unrestricted free agent to be has made some money for himself as an energy second to third line player that can kill penalties and play some power play. His relentless pressure on the penalty kill was a huge part of the Hurricanes winning Game 2 and getting back into the series. This one time 61 goal scorer in the OHL has come onto the scene and stepped up in big spots for the Hurricanes.

Another big topic around the hockey world has to do with the financial troubles of the Phoenix Coyotes. The league wants to keep this team in an American market and has made that clear by holding up Jim Balsillie's $212.5 million offer to save the team finances, because Balsillie’s offer is on the condition that the team relocates to southern Ontario. The legal battle will now resume as the Blackberry king who has been nothing but persistent to move an American team to Canada will have his day in court; watch out this will get messy. The team cracked the top 20 in attendance only once in the last eight years and has been ranked 29th four times in that eight year span. This team needs a change, but I would be more interested in seeing this team move to Kansas City, where they already have a new arena, or even Las Vegas, where someday a professional team will be located. I say why not be innovative and jump the gun before the NBA, if your prerogative is to keep the team in the US to keep the TV market then take a risk with the sin city.

Finally my penalty box has been empty lately and then referee Brad Watson goes and ruins a great playoff game. With 1:09 remaining in the game, Marian Hossa seemed to have tied the game on a beautiful diving goal in front, but the idiot Brad Watson decided to blow the play dead with the puck just sitting in plain site for all to see, except for him. This was the explanation given by NHL’s E.J. McGuire, series manager and spokesman for officials:, “On a replay, it’s easy to make the correct call. The official was down along the goal line. He was moving forward toward the net to try to get a look at where the puck was. When he couldn't see the puck, all referees' instructions are to blow the whistle and blow the play dead. A combination of the black puck and the black pants may have been a factor. But when he didn't see the puck, he blew the whistle.” My question to him and the officials committee was why he was so quick to blow the whistle, I have watched the play over and over again; slow, fast, forward and back, and I still don’t see why he blew the whistle. He was on the side of the net when he blew it, and I know the turnover by Niedermayer happen so quickly, but why didn’t he wait until he could see the play from his normal position behind the net, a place he also would of seen the puck in clear site not covered. This was an awful call and Brad Watson deserves to be put in my penalty box.

The Bear

How fitting on the day the most over hyped athlete wins his first NBA MVP, I am talking to you LeBron James, we were witness to a great back and forth battle of two of the biggest stars in the NHL. Both mega stars notched their first post-season hat trick, Ovechkin’s third goal also the game winner, as the Capitals for once in the last two seasons have an early lead in a playoff series. What a special night for the NHL in fact this has only happen four other times in playoff history.

The other budding star in this series is Simeon Varlamov, who has now played more playoff games in his career than regular season games. This Russian rookie has been making spectacular save after spectacular save, and I am official calling him “The Bear”. People feel free to use this nickname, named after half of his mask being the Hershey Bear, and flat out that he takes up the net like a big grizzly bear. The kid has been the best thing to happen to D.C. sports since MJ un-retired for the 100th time to play for the Wizards. Monday was The Bear’s 5th straight win and he kept the Caps in the game long enough to allow his countryman to win it for them. How can you not be pumped for the next game in this series, one can only hope the Pens win both in Pittsburgh so we can have a long and fun series.

I have not given my timeout in a while, and I would love to give Malkin a timeout, but my blog has been all about that series, so I am going to head west and throw Ryan Getzlaf in for a timeout. Not for the reason I normally give a person a timeout, but I need to talk about this guy. Getzlaf leads the league in points headed into action Tuesday night, but has also been physically dominant in both series. Joe Thornton thought he was pumping up his team in both Game 5 and 6, when he went after The Franchise, but it did not work as the 8th seed Ducks upset the Sharks. Now Getzlaf has 5 multi-point games and the Ducks have a legit chance against the Juggernaut Wings. Ice time has become a topic of discussion with Getzlaf, for he has already played 67 minutes in two games, I think this won’t affect his scoring touch, but will take away his physical presence which would hurt the Ducks chances big time. This is why I want to give Getzlaf the timeout, so he doesn’t have to play all these minutes for the Ducks and we can continue to be amazed by his skills and strength.

The Hat Trick

What a great first week of the second round, we had two of the most amazing stick saves I have ever seen, a triple-OT thriller and two tied series. So let’s get right to the Hat Trick, or the top three things I am looking forward to this week.

1) Ovechkin vs. Crosby Part 2: I mean how can you not be excited about these games this week, it has caught the national attention and the first game was exhilarating as running with the bulls. Both superstars scored goals and were the best players on the ice for their respective teams. So what I want to see is Mr. Malkin, Mr. Hart Trophy candidate, have more than 2 shots, have more of a physical presence, and have a game where he takes over playing against the other teams 2nd line. Maybe even score a power play goal Geno, as the Penguins were 0 for 5 in Game 1, and are now 0 for last 17 man advantages. For Alexander the Great, who got a glorious gift from King James this week, he has to not get too distracted from all this attention. He is a rock star and loves the spotlight, but he has to remain focused on the task at hand and try, for once, to not let his team get down 3 games to 1 in a series.

2) Can Hiller keep this up? He looked slow to the puck in Game 2, at times I thought he was injured because he would stay on his knees instead of stand up. Maybe it had to do with the 99 shots against already in the first two games, but I am interested to see if this 27-year old missing Jonas brother can continue to face this many shots and keep the Ducks in a series against an all-world offense.

3) Sorry Boston and Caniacs, but my last shot from the point comes from the windy city. Two games in and we have seen the Canucks blow leads in both games, obviously that is a BAD trend to have in a playoff series. Roberto Luongo has looked human, and that is another another not so good sign for the Canucks. Now word out of the great northwest is that Sami Salo stayed in the mountains and did not travel with the team. Salo scored the first goal in Game 2 and the game winning goal in Game 1, playing over 20 minutes a game, this would be a huge loss for Vancouver. On the other side of match up, Nikolai Khabibulin finally exercised the demons and beat the Canucks for the first time since 1998 (0-10-1). Contract years seem to motivate the Bulin Wall, like Arlen Spector towards the Democratic Party to gain re-election, and this one has been no different for the free agent to be. With Luongo looking human, his calming nature and big game experience has to be a factor in this series, cause don’t forget the Blackhawks still have a $5 million goalie sitting on the bench ready for the call.

TGIF

Great start to the playoff action last night, though wish it was a bit more low scoring since I have both goalies in my hockey pool. I think the rust caught up to the Canucks in the third period because they were not able to sustain their momentum, but I was impressed to see them come back and win the game that seemed to slip their grasps. The Blackhawks should take pride in their Mickey Rourke sized comeback, especially against such a great goaltender. What they have to do now is use that moral victory going forward, into what I always say is the most important game in the series, the second game.



As we hear more and more player’s line up for the surgery table as more and more teams get eliminated it makes me think of how much hockey players sacrifice for the cup. Playing hurt is part of the un-written code passed on from player to player, from broken bones to bruised bodies, it is amazing to hear the stories what these men go through. In the age of sports, where the NFL and NBA injuries are needed to be known for gambling purposes, it is fresh to hear the disclosure. Please puck heads don’t forget what these pure warriors go through.


Lastly, the Top Shelf, or what sniper I am looking forward to this weekend. The rich get richer, as Justin Abdelkader continues to tear up the AHL playoff’s for Detroit farm team Gran Rapids Griffins. This second round pick of the 2005 from Muskegon, Michigan leads the league with 6 goals in the first round start the second round this weekend vs. the Manitoba Moose. The Moose feature one of the top goalie prospects, who one day has to be traded because he is stuck behind Roberto Luongo, Cory Schneider, and it will be fascinating matchup for this top line talent. The Michigan State alum six goals against Hamilton set a franchise record for a single playoff round. This won’t be the first time Abdelkader has face AHL goalie of the year Schneider, as he scored the game-winning goal for Michigan State in the 2007 NCAA championship game against Schneider’s Boston College, with 18.9 seconds left.