Post your Stanley Cup pick
Boopotts
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in Sports Talk
I'm taking the Devils. With respect to the West, I think Detroit's too lax defensively to win four consecutive series', and San Jose-- well, SJ has Jumbo Joe, which alone will take a team right out of Cup contention.
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Oops! Looks like you beat me to it!
edit for brain fart
<< <i>I'll take the Bruins just so I have someone to root for >>
A year or two from now though, it may be a different story.
Collecting: Topps 1952-79, Bowman 1952-55, OPC 1965-71, and Pre-War White Sox cards
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...yea, right. LOL
<< <i>Blue Jackets...I can hope right? In reality though, Osgood is a big liability for the Wings right now. I think Mason and the Jackets have a much better chance than anyone outside of Columbus believes. >>
Osgood has been playing better as of late. People thought he was not an option going into last years playoffs, but things seemed to work out for him. And Conklin was playing stellar for them until the last month where he struggled a little, so it's not like he can't step (skate) in if Ozzy struggles. To be honest, Detroit's biggest trouble over the last 10-12 years is making it out of the first round. As recent history has shown, three of their last four cup defenses have ended in a first round loss.
Columbus has a decent shot. Detroit has been playing terrible defense through much of this year, so the goalies aren't totally to blame. Detroit has had lots of players out during the year. They're basically healthy now, with the exception of Draper. He's not a big stat guy, but anybody who watches the Wings or knows hockey realizes how important this guy is to their third line which will often play against the other teams top line. He'll miss the first two games, so hopefully they can at least split them at the very worst. Mason is good, but still a rookie. He will see 30+ shots every game. Detroit is the best at getting players in front of the net to shield goalies. He will have his work cut out for him. Should be a good series and last at least 6. I would like my beloved Wings to win, but at the very least I'm hoping for a good, hard-fought series. Good luck to your Jackets.
<< <i>
<< <i>Blue Jackets...I can hope right? In reality though, Osgood is a big liability for the Wings right now. I think Mason and the Jackets have a much better chance than anyone outside of Columbus believes. >>
Osgood has been playing better as of late. People thought he was not an option going into last years playoffs, but things seemed to work out for him. And Conklin was playing stellar for them until the last month where he struggled a little, so it's not like he can't step (skate) in if Ozzy struggles. To be honest, Detroit's biggest trouble over the last 10-12 years is making it out of the first round. As recent history has shown, three of their last four cup defenses have ended in a first round loss.
Columbus has a decent shot. Detroit has been playing terrible defense through much of this year, so the goalies aren't totally to blame. Detroit has had lots of players out during the year. They're basically healthy now, with the exception of Draper. He's not a big stat guy, but anybody who watches the Wings or knows hockey realizes how important this guy is to their third line which will often play against the other teams top line. He'll miss the first two games, so hopefully they can at least split them at the very worst. Mason is good, but still a rookie. He will see 30+ shots every game. Detroit is the best at getting players in front of the net to shield goalies. He will have his work cut out for him. Should be a good series and last at least 6. I would like my beloved Wings to win, but at the very least I'm hoping for a good, hard-fought series. Good luck to your Jackets. >>
My issue with the Wings is that they've played too many games this year where they've won 6-4, and that's not going to cut it in the post season. We'll see what happens with Columbus, but this team feels a lot like the '03 and '06 teams to me, in the sense that they seem to lack that commitment to playing smart in their own zone. Too many bad clearing passes, lackadaisical backchecking, etc.
Hopefully, though, I'm wrong. I do think they beat SJ if both teams make it that far, since I'm not at all sold on the Sharks (particularly with that fraud Thornton. Am I the only one who thinks it's telling that he doesn't wear a 'C' on his sweater?). But Columbus will be tough I think, as will either Cal. or Chi if St.Lou can beat the Canucks.
<< <i>this year it is wide open. could it be the rangers? lundqvist in net is stellar, and they have the scorers. who knows right? >>
I like the Rangers too. I never thought I'd say this, but that's an under-rated squad. I definitely agree that they could make some noise this year. In the West, I think Chicago has a real chance as well.
<< <i>I'm rooting hard for the Wings and really hoping that Osgood has a terrific playoffs so that when he skates around the Joe with the Cup in one hand he can be flipping the bird with his other hand. Of course, he had his chance to do that last year and he handled it all with class, so I doubt he'd do it this year. >>
This year's a little different, though, because Ozzie has deserved to get bagged on for most of the year. The defense has been suspect, but he's let in a lot of cheapies. I usually agree that the Wings goalie (whoever it may be) is unfairly maligned (this goes back to at least Stefan, Hanlon, Chevy, etc.), but this year has been an exception since Ozzie honestly has sucked for most of the year.
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<< <i>Rangers stole Game 1, and though I relize their shot at upsetting the Caps without a bonafide goal scorer are slim, they have a shot with the advantage in net to pull it out...that's what I'm hoping! >>
I don't think it would even be much of an upset. Only 13 pts. separated the two teams in the regular season, and the NYR played in a much tougher division. There's plenty of AO kool-aid going around, which makes this series 'feel' lopsided, but in point of fact I think it should be very close and could really go either way.
Out West, I like Calgary, San Jose, Detroit and Vancouver in the first round. Then I look towards a Detroit/Calgary Western Final. The Flames could be the surprise team as long as Kiprusof holds up. They Brodeur'd him again this year, but there's enough fire power and defense there to press Osgood/Conklin and hold off the Wings forwards.
I'd love to see NJ/Calgary. First, as a Devils fan, I'd like their chances. Second, it would really piss off the networks. It would allow for Brodeur to finally get some recognition and a fourth Cup might actually garner the Devils the respect they've deserved for years as one of the most consistent and well run organizations in the league.
BTW, The Prudential Center (the Devils home arena) is incredible! If you're in the area, you've gotta check it out.
Oh, and Yankee Stadium is the bomb! Crappy parking situations right now, but incredible. The results stunk, but the Stadium still feels like the old Stadium.
I don't think it would even be much of an upset. Only 13 pts. separated the two teams in the regular season, and the NYR played in a much tougher division. There's plenty of AO kool-aid going around, which makes this series 'feel' lopsided, but in point of fact I think it should be very close and could really go either way.
I hope you're right, but disagree that this would not be a fairly significant upset...Caps Defenseman Green has more goals than anyone on the Rangers' roster and the Rangers did not have a single player in the top 20 in league scoring. The only real advanatge they have over the Caps in this series is in the net..the Caps also beat them 3 out of 4 in the regular season, too..I do think the Rangers actually match up better vs No. 1 seed Boston and would feel pretty good about their chances there should they get past Wasington.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i><< Rangers stole Game 1, and though I relize their shot at upsetting the Caps without a bonafide goal scorer are slim, they have a shot with the advantage in net to pull it out...that's what I'm hoping! >>
I don't think it would even be much of an upset. Only 13 pts. separated the two teams in the regular season, and the NYR played in a much tougher division. There's plenty of AO kool-aid going around, which makes this series 'feel' lopsided, but in point of fact I think it should be very close and could really go either way.
I hope you're right, but disagree that this would not be a fairly significant upset...Caps Defenseman Green has more goals than anyone on the Rangers' roster and the Rangers did not have a single player in the top 20 in league scoring. The only real advanatge they have over the Caps in this series is in the net..the Caps also beat them 3 out of 4 in the regular season, too.. >>
Yeah, I don't see it like that. Significant advantage for the blueshirts in net, and they're a more balanced team. They don't have a player like Green or AO, but then who does? Those two are unique talents. But again, look at the 82 game season; 13 pt. differential, and there's no question as to who had the tougher schedule.
I should also add that the markets agree with me. Right now, the Rangers are -110 to WIN the series. In other words, they're now favorites. I'm a little tired of the Caps act, and I've been a big Gomez guy for a while, so GO RANGERS!!
Edit to add: I didn't check before the series started, but it looks like the Rangers were about +230 when the series began, making them (roughly) a 70/30 underdog. So, looked at from that perspective they were a significant dog.
I should also add that the markets agree with me. Right now, the Rangers are -110 to WIN the series. In other words, they're now favorites. I'm a little tired of the Caps act, and I've been a big Gomez guy for a while, so GO RANGERS!!
I like the way that sounds...
Wow, what a difference one road win makes...the Blueshirts were +220 to win the series before last night...they have played almost flawlessly on home ice of late, so if they can somehow take Game 2 on Sat, I'd say they are (almost) a lock to win the series in 5...as I added to my post above, I also like the way they match up with Boston, and would be very pleased to see them get to the next round indeed!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>
<< <i>I'm rooting hard for the Wings and really hoping that Osgood has a terrific playoffs so that when he skates around the Joe with the Cup in one hand he can be flipping the bird with his other hand. Of course, he had his chance to do that last year and he handled it all with class, so I doubt he'd do it this year. >>
This year's a little different, though, because Ozzie has deserved to get bagged on for most of the year. The defense has been suspect, but he's let in a lot of cheapies. I usually agree that the Wings goalie (whoever it may be) is unfairly maligned (this goes back to at least Stefan, Hanlon, Chevy, etc.), but this year has been an exception since Ozzie honestly has sucked for most of the year. >>
This is very true Boo, but I still think the guy has earned the benefit of the doubt. Tonight was the best case scenario for him, hopefully he'll keep it up.
I see Jumbo Joe has, uh, zero shots on net through the first 2 1/2 in SJ-- nice work, Joe! Boston did itself a HUGE favor when they shipped that candy ass to the Bay area. Chicago/Calgary was a fantastic game tonight; lots of heavy hitting, and the Hawk fans were unbelievably loud. They reminded me a bit of the Buff. fans in that first round series against the Flyers a few years ago.
<< <i>CANUCKS ALL THE WAY >>
No team with both Sedin twins can win it all. Luongo will have to wait for a trade of some sort before he hoists the Cup.
<< <i>My issue with the Wings is that they've played too many games this year where they've won 6-4, and that's not going to cut it in the post season. We'll see what happens with Columbus, but this team feels a lot like the '03 and '06 teams to me, in the sense that they seem to lack that commitment to playing smart in their own zone. Too many bad clearing passes, lackadaisical backchecking, etc.
Hopefully, though, I'm wrong. I do think they beat SJ if both teams make it that far, since I'm not at all sold on the Sharks (particularly with that fraud Thornton. Am I the only one who thinks it's telling that he doesn't wear a 'C' on his sweater?). But Columbus will be tough I think, as will either Cal. or Chi if St.Lou can beat the Canucks. >>
I do agree that they don't seem committed to playing their best during the regular season, but hopefully that changes in the playoffs. Last night was a pretty decent effort. They made a few mistakes defensively, but Osgood came up big in 4-5 instances. They really only made 2 big mistakes in their zone. The play where they allowed the goal and the turnover by Stuart in the first I believe. Aside from that, they looked pretty solid. The offense was fortunate to get some deflections, but those are the bounces you get when you throw the puck at the net at nearly every opportunity. So far, so good for the Wings.
My wife got some free tickets to game 2 for Miller Lite to go in their Party Deck. That place is so fun. Free beer, tons of food, freedom to move around in the suite...
<< <i>Real men watch baseball. >>
Shouldn't you be off doing an appraisal on a lean-to in a swamp somewhere?
<< <i>Real men watch baseball. >>
No, just really old men who's heart can't take the excitement and speed of an exciting sport.
<< <i>No, just really old men who's heart can't take the excitement and speed of an exciting sport >>
I'm only 35 and my ticker is just fine. Brain has been pickled for a while, but heart is fine.
And still the question remains: Can Jumbo Joe and his band of merry frauds steal one from the eighth-seeded Ducks?? Stay tuned!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
I'm glad to see the Blackhawks finally make it back to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in like forever.
Go Hawks!
Collecting: Topps 1952-79, Bowman 1952-55, OPC 1965-71, and Pre-War White Sox cards