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.