Waking from the Summer lull

We're backkkkkkkkkk,

It has been a really long time, but you know how things are in the summer. So here is a few quick hits about the summer that was, and the upcoming weeks.

- Dear Mr. Kovalchuk.....I don't know what to say except that even after all of that trouble, you still won't win a cup in New Jersey.

- Washington didn't re-sign any of its' character guys and doesn't have a goalie. Yes, that is the smell of another presidents trophy winner going out in the first round.

- Despite not grabbing Kovie, is this the year of the Kings?

- Chicago blew themselves up, but I still see them as a threat to repeat if everything goes well (We're looking at you Turco)

- Calgary, followed by laughter. Enough said.

- Steve Yzerman is about to become a God in Tampa Bay. If he gets Stamkos to stay, people in Tampa might actually forget about the Buccaneers come October. 

- Kris Versteeg and Colby Armstrong; do they make the leafs a playoff team?

- I'm pumped to see Dale Tallon blow up Florida the right way.

Another year of hockey begins 3 weeks tomorrow, so the usual team previews and picks will be up coming starting this week, one division at a time. 

3 Days and Counting til Doomsday.

For what has been called the "deepest draft in years", the GM's of the NHL sure did put us through a real snooze fest this weekend. Sure, I understand the excitement of prospects and the anticipation of Tyler .vs. Taylor, but personally I was really hoping the Draft would be dominated by blockbuster trades! And I was rewarded with a couple small deals with Keith Ballard being the biggest name dealt. Great....

So here we find ourselves, 3 days until July 1st and the opening of free agency in the NHL. So here is what we have to look forward to over the next 2 weeks:

- Let's start at the top, Kovalchuk. The writing has been on the wall for a while with the Russian winger that the Kings were going to take a serious run at him. The only question remains if Los Angeles is the "hockey market" Ilya is going for (I thought he hated the spot light?), because if not, there are still people crazy enough to imagine Kovalchuk as a Leaf. Sure, Toronto has the cap space, but I don't see a dressing room with Kovalchuk and Phaneuf going well, and apparently Brian Burke agrees with me. But speaking of the Leafs, if Kovalchuk does not sign in Los Angeles, they may be interested in Kaberle (If Kopitar is coming the other way, I AM DOWN!). 

- Dan Hamhuis has become everyone's favourite hot potato recently. Being dealt from Nashville to Philly, and now again to Pittsburgh, everyone seems to want a shot at Hamhuis. The unfortunate part to this story seems that Hamhuis seems pretty intent on hitting the open market July 1st. Hamhuis seemed like a replacement for Sergei Gonchar, who seems to also be hitting the road for greener pastures. If the Penguins are unable to sign either of these players, the Penguins could be looking very thin on the back end, which would add another team looking into Tomas Kaberle's services. 

- Now for the goalies. Due to their inability to sign Hamhuis, the Flyers will use their extra cap space for their obvious weakness in goal (and no it's not you Michael Leighton!). Rumors have Evgeni Nabokov coming to the city of Brotherly Love to the tune of $6 million/year. I'm not sure, but something about that signing makes me feel a little uneasy. Maybe it's the fact that Nabokov can't win the big game. Oh wait, yeah, that is it. 

- Other major goalies in play include Chris Mason, Marty Turco, and apparently now Tim Thomas. Turco apparently has already turned down the Flyers, leaving a  "Goodness knows where" feel to the future destination of the former Dallas keeper. On the other hand, both Chris Mason and Tim Thomas have been speculated to possibly be heading to Tampa Bay, where Steve Yzerman needs a goalie and will probably take one of the two. Mason seems like the most likely as the trade price seems too high for Tampa to draw in Thomas. But speaking of Boston.....

- Marc Savard. The Bruins centre has apparently said he will waive his no trade to go to either Ottawa or Toronto. The rumor of the Kaberle for Savard deal has been running 24/7 for the last week in Toronto, and I hate to ruin the story, but it's not happening. If Savard is coming to Toronto, Kaberle will not be going the other way. Injury fears about Savard have turned this deal into a kind of salary dump for the Bruins. Meaning if this deal does happen, names like Beauchemin or Grabovski will be going to Boston. 

- Speaking of our good friend Kaberle, he's still here. If Brian Burke plays his cards right he can make the Savard deal and leave Kaberle open for another trade for a top 6 forward. Now where to depends on the next few weeks. In Los Angeles, if the Kings don't pick up Ilya Kovalchuk, they would definitely be interested in Kaberle. While in Pittsburgh, if the Hamhuis and Gonchar negotiations go wrong, the Penguins will definitely need a #1 defender, and a name like Jordan Staal coming back in return might seem fair. The only problem with Pittsburgh is that past their centres (Staal), they don't have much to offer anyone (Except Malkin), and if the Leafs make a deal to get Savard, the log jam in the middle begins.

The bottom line remains that the next 2 weeks will shape next season, but as a Leaf fan, Brian Burke has some options. If I were Mr.Burke, dealing for Marc Savard for a bucket of pucks (Grabovski/Beauchemin?) is the first step. If that is succesful, Tomas Kaberle can be dealt for a winger, leaving pay open for even Ilya Kovalchuk. I know it seems a little ridiculous, and another recipe for Leaf disaster, BUT if Burke was able to get Giguere for our 2 worst players, it could work out. 

Building Up to the Draft

So as we near Fridays' entry draft and July 1st, the dominoes are slowly falling into place as deals and signings break. Here is a little break down of the deals that have happened so far:

Deal #1.

To Philadelphia: D-Dan Hamhuis and a conditional draft pick

To Nashville: D-Ryan Parent

For Philadelphia, if they can sign Hamhuis, their defence becomes almost too good. Their top 4 D-men carried the Flyers to the Cup Finals this year, and throwing Hamhuis into the mix creates an incredible amount of depth on the back end. Only problem is that once Hamhuis is signed, Philly will be pretty close to the cap with some character guys (Asham/Carcillo for example) left to resign. So the question comes, spend the money on your 3rd/4th line guys or trust Brian Boucher with the goaltending duties?

For Nashville, this opens up a very interesting whole on the back end. One I really hope will be filled by Ryan Ellis. The prospect moves the puck like no one else, and imagine Ellis to Shea Weber on the powerplay? Yeah I just thought about Weber burning a whole in the net at the olympics too. 

Deal #2

To New Jersey:  F-Jason Arnott

To Nashville: F-Matt Halischuk and a 2nd round pick in 2011

For New Jersey, bringing some obvious size and experience back into the line-up will be a definite plus for the Devils. But between the Kovalchuk deal and now this, New Jersey seems a little too eager to trade away their future. Along with the fact that Paul Martin may not come back, and Marty Brodeur isn't getting any younger, and dark days could be ahead for the Devils. But Arnott back in town does make one a little nostalgic of 10 years ago. Wonder what Scott Stevens is doing lately?

For Nashville, losing cap and getting younger. Sounds like the plan up front, cause with guys like Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, and Ryan Ellis on the back end, with Renne in goal. The Predators are a few forwards away from being a contender. 

Deal #3

To Florida: D-Dennis Wideman and 1st Round pick (15th overall)

To Boston: F-Nathan Horton and F-Gregory Campbell

For Florida, Dale Tallon has come into the sunshine state and declared FIRESALE!!!! and teams are taking notice. Obviously looking to rebuild with the same formula he used in Chicago, the Panthers now own the #3 and #15 overall picks this year. Oh did we mention how bad the Panthers will be this year? Good luck Vokoun.

For Boston, the only thing keeping the Bruins from winning the east this year was goal scoring. Rask is a future vezina winner and led by Chara, they are solid on the back end. With the addition of a 25 goal man in Horton, the Bruins are solving that problem, oh and did we mention they draft #2 overall on Friday? Can I say Philly/Boston East final in 2011?

It has definitely been an interesting past few days, with the next 2 weeks being the busiest movement days of the offseason. Another look at the rumors floating around:

- Jason Spezza would "not be opposed" to a trade. If the Sens can get rid of him, I'll be impressed. Nobody wants that mess.

- The removal of Dennis Wideman in Boston has created an small hole in the Boston defence. The Bruins really like Kaberle. Names like Blake Wheeler and Michael Ryder are floating around. As a Leaf fan, unless this deal involves Marc Savard, Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron, or the #2 overall pick, I'm not listening. 

- Kovalchuk to Los Angeles? That's what everyone is telling me.

- Andrew Ladd could be a cap space casualty in Chicago. Vancouver is apparently there to clean up the mess. 

- Tomas Plekanec re-signs in Montreal for 5 years $30 million. Leaves the Habs with about $7 million left in cap space without a goalie under contract. Pierre Gauthier is not making himself any fans in Montreal. 

I'm going to be on this pretty much everyday for the next 2 weeks, or until the usual off-season moves die down. Stay tuned, because we haven't even seen what is happening with guys like Marleau, Nabokov, and Mason.  

Jaroslav Halak: Mayor of Montreal to hockey obscurity

Today I was texted by a friend who works all summer at a rather remote location asking "Hey man, any update about NHL rumblings?" My reply went something like "not really man, it's all just kind of speculation til the draft next Friday." About an hour later, news of this trade broke:

To Montreal: Prospects Lars Eller and Ian Schultz

To St. Louis: Jaroslav Halak

I'll take that sound as your jaw hitting the floor.

A month ago, Halak was God in Montreal, literally. His playoff performance was being compared to Dryden and Roy, no small feet. Today he finds himself dealt into hockey obscurity, but possibly the franchise goalie for a team on the rise. In return Montreal receives Eller, a 20 year old from Denmark, who is playing decently in the AHL, and Ian Schultz, who for lack of a better word is a goon. So we could go on and on all day about how bad of a deal this is for Montreal, but let's look how this is going to change things going forward:

1.) For Montreal: Apparently they believe in Carey Price. Well let me tell you one thing, Canadiens fans don't! OR is Montreal simply clearing house in the goalie department and Halak is just the first domino to fall? Because with open cap space, Montreal could be looking at Nabokov? Or even Mason? Heck, this could be Montreal trying to silently rebuild, cause they can't be crazy enough to rely on Price, can they?

2.) For St. Louis: Goodbye Chris Mason. Hello playoffs. As great as Mason has been, needless to say, his play at this years World Championships was brutal. But with the team we see in St. Louis with the addition of Halak could be a legitimate playoff team in the West. But what about Chris Mason? This certainly looks like he won't be back in a Blues uniform, and means places like Philly, Tampa, and Dallas will be calling come July 1st. 

This deal really is as bad as it looks, but who knows what Montreal can work in the next month, cause this deal really hurts them. How do you say "I will not make the playoffs!" in french?

Other quick updates:

-Derek Boogard won't return to Minnesota. The heavyweight champ is looking for a new home, Montreal just got rid of Laraque? (Wait, no, I just had a vision of him beating the stuffing out of Colton Orr)

- The Coyotes Ownership Saga continues: Ice Edge Holdings, as the lone remaining group looking to keep the Coyotes in Glendale have until tomorrow to show they have the funds to buy the team and keep in in Arizona, if they do not, the city goes back to the drawing board and has a year to find a potential buyer. Basically here is the less complicated break down: The Coyotes will be in Pheonix next year, if Ice Edge falls through, Winnipeg here we come!

Keep those fingers crossed Jets fans. There is hope in this. 

NHL 2009/2010- The Year of the Others

So here we are ladies and gents, another year of NHL hockey in the books, and what a year it was. From the highs to the lows, it was a year of fantastic hockey. From the beginnings in october, to the incredible olympics, to Chicago's Stanley Cup win last week, it truly has been a treat. 

There has been one thing that has characterized this year though, and that can be described as The Others. Our past few seasons have been dominated by the usual Crosby/Ovechkin dominance, and names like Brodeur, Luongo, Lidstrom, and Niedermayer, but something was different about 09/10. Henrik Sedin was the king of the scoring race, Steven Stamkos tied Crosby for the most goals, and on the back end, names like Keith, Doughty, and Weber dominated. Other names like Toews, Richards, and Cammalleri began to over shadow the usual stars. Even the franchises like Pheonix and Los Angeles showed some signs of life for the future. It was a year where the underrated superstars came out to be shown just how great they are going to be. We now see a future where the young names of Toews, Stamkos, Doughty, and Weber can be discussed in the same importance as Crosby and Ovechkin, and I love that sound. 

For me personally, the highlight of this year definitely had to be the olympic tournament. Some of the best hockey I have ever seen was played and it's only every 4 years that you get to see a checking line with the names Nash, Toews, and Richards on it. The tournament had everything you want to see from hockey in speed, skill, physicality, and fantastic story lines with underdog Slovakian and American teams, the realization just how good Drew Doughty actually is, and seeing Rick Nash show just how complete as player he is (Oh, and the Russian flop was great too!). To top it all off, an overtime winner in the gold medal game by arguably the best player in the world for the most hockey mad place on the planet, you don't write those kind of endings. 

As we look forward to the always interesting summer, I want to make my personal picks for the NHL's yearly awards:

Hart (MVP): Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)

Vezina (Best Goalie): Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)

Norris (Best Defenceman): Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)

Calder (Best Rookie): Matt Duchene (Colorado Avalanche)

Lady Byng (Sportsmanship): Martin St.Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Selke (Defensive Forward): Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks)

Jack Adams (Best Coach): Dave Tippett (Pheonix Coyotes)

Well we've had ourselves a good run, check out other posts for summer speculation and we will keep you up to date leading up to the draft and free agency. Here's to a great year!

So close to looking forward

So 5 games into this Stanley Cup Final, and we have been on a roller coaster ride. The first four games saw domination by the home side, but with the visitors still keeping the game interesting. But then came Game #5, and Chicago grabbed this series by the balls. Pronger had his worst game of his career (literally though), Leighton looks like he is out to lunch, and Chicago's big men have woken up. Kane is back, Byufglien is in Prongers' head (yeah, I said it), and even though he only had an assist, Toews has his jump back. As much as I don't want Chicago to win a cup on the road, Philly let Chicago up off the mat.

Series over.

As the Finals come to an end we look forward to what will be a very interesting off season. Here is what we are looking forward to:

- Let's start with the draft: Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin? Who will go #1 (I'm picking the guy who rhymes with Tay gin)

- Speaking of the draft, what happens with Mr. Kaberle in Toronto? 3 possible ideas cross my mind. #1) New Jersey desperately wants Kaberle, too bad they have no one to send back. #2) Buffalo? Coming back is Zach Kassian and their 1st round pick (23rd overall). Rumour has Drew Stafford in that package as well. #3) Kaberle to Columbus for the #4 pick which will probably turn into Brett Connoly (hmmm interesting).

- Continuing with the Toronto trend. The other 2 questions come in the form of will Kulemin re-sign and for how much? Also, the talks about Patrick Sharp/Kris Versteeg or Bobby Ryan wearing the blue and white next season are real possibilities. Considering the Anaheim need for defence. But Bobby Ryan means that Burke makes the Leafs look like more of an American national team.

- In Montreal, Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak? Easy decision, expect Halak to get big money and Price to be dealt or see him sign a deal somewhere else. Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Philadelphia are all looking for serious #1 goaltenders. If there is ever going to be a time when Steve Yzerman can move Lecavalier's contract, this is it. Lecavalier to Montreal for Price and Gomez? I would make that deal with Halak set as #1.

- The decline of previous great teams. Baring a bounce back, The Red Wings, Devils, and Flames are all looking old and thin. Without a major re-tooling of these teams they will all end up in the cellar.

- Anton Volchenkov= Out of Ottawa to Washington. Also the Capitals aren't re-signing character guys like Joe Corvo and Scott Walker. So wait, letting go of character and paying Volchenkov $5 million a year? Sounds like another Russian type thing to do. (Prediction #1 for 2010-2011: Washington will not go deep in the playoffs.)

- There are interesting RFA's available all over the league. As you can see here:

http://www.sportscity.com/nhl/2010-nhl-restricted-free-agents-by-team/

- Biggest Question: If you are Doug Wilson, do you blow up the San Jose Sharks? Because I do! Nabokov and Marleau are UFA's and Joe Thornton will be next year. Here are my instructions to Doug Wilson: #1). Get a grenade #2.) Walk into the dressing room #3.) Pull the pin, watch it all go up in smoke, rebuild.

- The saga that is the Pheonix Coyotes and their ownership scenario. Today the group led by Jerry Reinsdorf officially pulled out of the running to own the team. Meaning only one thing, it's Ice Edge or bust when it comes to keeping the Coyotes in Arizona. The NHL supposedly also has an alternative schedule made for a team in Winnipeg, operating in the Northwest division. The Northwest is a PERFECT division to throw Winnipeg into, imagine a 5 team division with 4 Canadian teams (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg) with hockey crazy Minnesota added in? Now that's what we like to see! The move apparently moves Colorado into the Pacific with San Jose, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Dallas. Colorado traveling to these places 20 times a year sounds a lot easier than traveling above the 48th parallel. I call a win-win for everyone. (except Pheonix and Gary Bettman)

- Finally, going forward (maybe too far forward to talk about), what does the future hold for sites like Quebec City, Hamilton/Southern Ontario, even Hartford? If it weren't for revenue sharing of the current CBA, franchises like Atlanta, Nashville, and Florida could be moving back to places once holding teams. Because let's be honest, Southern Ontario could hold more than just the Leafs. The hot bed for hockey IN THE WORLD (Sorry Quebec) could hold AT LEAST 2 NHL franchises, if not 3.

End of Year Review after the finals!

The Finals

Here we are ladies and gentlemen, down to just two. After 3 rounds I find myself at a stellar 10-4 record in picks and I'm expecting a very entertaining series between Chicago and Philly. The team of destiny versus a power house, both looking to break long Stanley Cup droughts. A key in this series for Philadelphia will be their play on the road against Chicago. We have all seen how well Chicago has played on the road in these playoffs, and if Philly finds themselves down 2-0 going into Game #3, there might not be a Game #5 back in Chicago. So here's the break down:

Stanley Cup Finals

#2 Chicago Blackhawks .vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards: When you look at these group of forwards on paper, they seem almost identical in terms of skill, grit, and speed. Names like Toews and Sharp match up very well against names like Richards and Gagne. Unlikely heros like Versteeg and Bolland run along the same lines as Briere and Giroux. The only advantage found in this battle is Chicago's experience and their ability to play a tough 4th line with Ben Eager and Adam Burish and not pay for it (Fans of Dan Carcillo won't see the dirt squirrel in the playoffs). I give Chicago the edge.

Defence: Philly has the star power, but Chicago has the group to match. Chris Pronger is going to spend the whole series tied up with Dustin Byugflien, which bodes very well for Toews and Kane. While the Keith/Seabrook pairing can be easily backed up by the Campbell/Hjalmarsson paring. The ability of the Chicago defence to jump into the rush is an x-factor in this series as well. Advantage=Chicago

Goaltending: I'm going with Philly on this one. The play of Antti Niemi has been great for Chicago, but I feel that Leighton and Boucher can hold the fort with more poise than the Finnish rookie. Advantage=Philly

X-Factor: Battle of the Captains. Can Chris Pronger shut down Jonathon Toews? Can Dave Bolland knock Mike Richards off his game? The captains will decide this series, and it's going to be a great one.

Pick: The Flyers do have a great team, but Chicago is a team that was built to win the Cup this year. Chicago in 5.

Other league news/rumours:

- The Coyotes ownership saga has been surprisingly quiet, with no real info coming out about negotiations

- This summers #1 free agent Ilya Kovalchuk has been offered contracts in the $10 million/year range by 3 different teams in the KHL. I see him jumping, but rumours have him staying in New Jersey

- Steve Yzerman in Tampa Bay as GM. BRILLIANT! He still might have no goalie and the Lecavalier contract to deal with, but in a year from now when Steven Stamkos and Martin St.Louis decide to stick around, Yzerman will be the only reason. 

- Anton Volchenkov won't be an Ottawa Senator next year. Word has it that he will be in Washington next year, which grows my theory about Washington just wanting to create a Russian national team. Also means that Washington will actually have 1 decent defender, and the Senators are screwed.

- Watch the goaltending scenario in Montreal. Reason #1: How much they have to pay Halak after this playoff run. Reason #2: Where will Carey Price will end up? (Trade him to Dallas for Brad Richards? Will Dallas bite?) 

- Lidstrom retiring? Detroit on the decline? More about this after the finals

- Will the Leafs resign Kulemin already!?!?!

- This year has a very interesting class of restricted free agents. Name like Bobby Ryan and Milan Lucic stick out and will be available if teams are willing to pay the price.

Round #3

And then there was four...

The absolute shock that has been the East, and the expected match up in the West create two series with a ton of story lines. In the West, can the Sharks finally win the big one? Or will a Blackhawks team that was built to win a cup come up big? And which team of destiny will come out in the East? (Honestly #7 vs #8, thats ridiculous) Now through 2 rounds, I find myself with a solid 8-4 record in picks (Dammit Montreal and Philly), so here's what we are thinking for the conference finals.

Eastern Conference Final

#7 Philadelphia Flyers vs #8 Montreal Canadiens

The Lowdown- Crap, how did we get here? The fact that a #7 seed has home ice advantage in a conference final is mind boggling at best, but the only one of these two teams of destiny will advance to the finals. On one side, you find the small, tight checking Canadiens who have rode Jaroslav Halak through 2 rounds, and on the other, the big, tough, flyers coming off one of the greatest comebacks of a generation. The edge in this series will be found in size, as the Canadiens have yet to face a team with a legitimate group of tough defencemen. The small Montreal forwards have had their way against the weaker defence corps in Washington and Pittsburgh, but expect Chris Pronger to make sure that doesn't happen. Look for Pronger to throw Mike Cammalleri into the stands at one point in this series.

Pick: Philadelphia in 6

Western Conference Final

#1 San Jose Sharks vs #2 Chicago Blackhawks

The Lowdown: So now that the Sharks have made it this far, the question still rises: Do they have the guts to make the finals? Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski seem to think so, but the question remains to be seen if they can go it against a very deep Chicago backend. When you look at the line ups for these two clubs, you find 2 very comparable teams in the top two lines, but a serious advantage for Chicago in depth. Chicago's third line has Kris Versteeg, San Jose answers with......Manny Malholtra? The only way San Jose wins this series is if Evgeni Nabokov is super human, and it's been a long time since we've seen him that good.

Pick: Chicago in 6

Interesting story lines continue in the Pheonix Coyote ownership saga, rumour has it that the NHL has already created a back up schedule for if the team moves to Winnipeg. Let's GO JETS!

Round 2

3 weeks after the beginning of the playoffs, we are down to 8 teams, and I found myself 6-2 on my picks in the first round, so needless to say we are off to a good start. Round #1 found all the obvious story lines like the ridiculous number of too many men on the ice calls, san jose finding a way to win, and the top 3 seeds in the East falling surprisingly quick (Holy Crap Halak). Now as we look to Round #2, things are fairly calm in the West with all the expected winners advancing, but the East is now a crapshoot. Who thought a #6 seed would have home ice advantage in the 2nd round? Hell, a #7 seed could have home ice in the conference finals. So here's what we're thinking:

East Conference Semi Finals

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins .vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens

The Lowdown- Entering the playoffs as a number 4 seed, Pittsburgh now finds themselves in the drivers seat in the East. Jaroslav Halak pulled his best Patrick Roy impression in Round #1, but I don't see it happening in against the Penguins. Crosby has been unreal so far in these playoffs and expect that to continue. Sorry Montreal, beating Washington was an accomplishment, but the miracle run is over.

Pick: Pittsburgh in 6

#6 Boston Bruins .vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers

The Lowdown- If you thought the Boston/Buffalo series was physical, you are in for something on a completely different level in Round 2. I cannot express this more ladies and gents, THIS WILL BE WAR. If you like good, old school, fast and physical hockey this series is for you. The Broad Street Bullies versus the Big Bad Bruins. Boston has been finding a way to win, and Miroslav Satan looks like a younger version of himself, the return of Marc Savard and the play of Tuuka Rask only helps. Oh, and yes, there is a serious chance that Boston could win the east(Yup, I called it now).

Pick: Boston in 6

Western Conference Semi Finals

#1 San Jose Sharks vs #4 Detroit Red Wings

The Lowdown- This is an interesting series. On one side you find the Sharks looking to kill their playoff demons, and on the other, a team who has found great success in previous years, but barely got through the first round. For San Jose to win, the Big 3 need to step up, cause Joe Pavelski can't carry the Sharks against the experienced Detroit. But let's be honest here, the Red Wings look like they are just out of gas.

Pick: San Jose in 6

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs #3 Vancouver Canucks

The Lowdown- If there is one thing that breeds rivalry in professional sport, it's repeated playoff series against similar opponents. This means that Chicago vs Vancouver is developing into something great. In my opinion, the two best teams in the West, along with the hatred left from last years 2nd round series, and this one is going to be fun. Vancouver might have the edge in goaltending, but Chicago has too much depth up front and on defence. Expect a long, fast, shoot out kind of series, but the bottom line is. Whoever wins this series, is my cup pick.

Pick: Chicago in 7

Early playoff thoughts: Americans don't know hockey

Ok, I'm going to start with this because it is beyond ridiculous. The NHL needs to do 3 things quickly:

#1. Get rid of Bettman (self explanatory) 

#2. Get rid of the shootout

#3. STOP HAVING AMERICANS WRITE ON THEIR SITE!

The brilliant report you are about to see is by one John Dellapina, stating that these playoffs so far are better than the olympics, and might be the best hockey of all time....

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=526183

You are saying to me that Canada vs Russia is not as entertaining as Washington vs Montreal, or New Jersey vs Philadelphia!? You would rather watch Washington play zero defence, give away the puck like it is their job and then win on their forwards instead of a Sidney Crosby overtime winner!?! You want to see a 4th line of Moen, Metropolit, and Gorges in Montreal when Canada's 4th line is Morrow, Perry, and Getzlaf!?! This guy is pretty much the Glen Beck of hockey, who let this guy on here!?

But enough complaining, Americans will be always ruining hockey until global warming takes our ponds from us. But what about these playoff series?

Eastern Conference

#1 Washington vs #8 Montreal (Series tied 1-1)

What we've learned: Halak is actually pretty good and Theodore sucks. Wait, we already knew that. Oh, and Washington can't defend? Yup, knew that too. The only thing we have learnt from this series is just how WEAK the east is, cause Washington has some SERIOUS wholes. Expect these two to split in Montreal, past that who knows.

#2 New Jersey vs #7 Philadelphia (Philadelphia leads 2-1)

What We've Learned: Kovalchuk is obviously a cancer in the dressing room. He leaves Atlanta, they start to win, comes to New Jersey, and they start to lose. I still think New Jersey has the horses to win this series, count on it in 7.

#3 Buffalo vs #6 Boston (Series tied 1-1)

What We've Learned: One of the most entertaining series so far if you like the physicality of the playoffs. But Buffalo minus Thomas Vanek could mean a quicker than expected exit. Boston has a serious advantage.

#4 Pittsburgh vs #5 Ottawa (Pittsburgh leads 2-1)

What We've Learned: Pittsburgh can be beaten too, but not again by Ottawa. No Michalek, and Spezza being booed at home? That equation means Senators fans have seen the last victory of the year for their team. (But hey, at least they got one?)

Western Conference

#1 San Jose vs #8 Colorado (Colorado leads 2-1)

What We've Learned: 3 things sum up the first 3 games of this series. Craig Anderson, Dan Boyle, Choke. If that game 3 winner isn't a sign that Colorado is going to win this series, I have no idea what is.

#2 Chicago vs #7 Nashville (Series tied 1-1)

What We've Learned: Pekke Rinne is massively underrated, but he doesn't have consistant enough scoring to win this series. Kane grows a dirty mullet.

#3 Vancouver vs #6 Los Angeles (Series tied 1-1)

What We've Learned: The Kings are for real, and so is Henrik Sedin! Problem is, Jonathan Quick is seeing EVERYTHING, if Vancouver can get more traffic in front of him, this series is over soon.

#4 Pheonix vs #5 Detroit (Pheonix leads 2-1)

What We've Learned: This one will go back and forth til Game 7. But no Shane Doan probably means no Coyotes victory. 

In other fun news....

#1. Looks like the Coyotes are staying in Pheonix, as Jerry Moyes looks like the likely buyer. BUT Nashville has said they will be in the city til 2012, where after? (There is still hope Winnipeg)

#2. Martin St.Louis has mentioned that if Tampa Bay doesn't win next year, he could go elsewhere. (And yes, I already have a Toronto Maple Leafs Martin St.Louis jersey. Why do you ask?)

#3. (Note this is not a joke) At the end of their final home game, the Florida Panthers released confetti onto the ice. Celebrating what you might ask? Well 13th in the East sounds about good, a lottery pick maybe? Because at #4 in the draft, they are probably picking a defender. All hail hockey in south Florida!

Now for some videos....

Andy Sutton: Biggest hit I've ever seen? Check. (No pun intended)

Our Green friends in Vancouver 

Alright Pheonix, this was nice

Playoffs!? We're talking about playoffs!?

Well its that time of year again everybody, 82 games down, 16 teams left, and the hockey bonanza that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs starts wednesday. The NHL's second season is an interesting one, without a true clear favourite to win this year. Hockey win more intensity, physical play, and just all out hatred is what we have got in store for the next two months. Personally, I'm just pumped about continuous OT as my hatred for the shootout has grown to an all time high after yesterdays Philadelphia, New York game. The fact that a playoff spot was determined by a skills competition between three skaters and a goalie is garbage (and if you think I'm pissed, ask a Rangers fan), bottom line, in special circumstances like a game on the last day of the season, a continuous OT should be played to decide the outcome of the TEAM sport. I mean realistically, last night Claude Giroux beat Henrik Lundqvist, the Philadelphia Flyers didn't beat the New York Rangers.

All complaining aside, we have out playoff picks for the first round. If I have to go with a pick for either conference right now, I'll go with Washington in the East and an undecided between Chicago and Vancouver in the west. Here's what we are thinking for the first round:

Eastern Conference Quarter Finals

#1 Washington Capitals vs #8 Montreal Canadiens 

The Lowdown- Ok let's be honest here, the Presidents trophy winning Caps against the hot and cold, very small, Montreal Canadiens is a mismatch to say the least. Superior firepower versus Jarovlav Halak. Only way Montreal wins a game is if Halak stands on his head and the Capitals weak goaltending rears its' ugly head. The Capitals biggest weakness won't be called on until the 2nd round.

Pick: Washington in 5

#2 New Jersey Devils vs #7 Philadelphia Flyers

The Lowdown- Get ready for war ladies and gents. Division rivals who have an extreme amount of hatred for each other, count on fights, cheap shots, and little gatherings after almost every whistle. But once the brawls are done with, the Devils take over. Superior at almost every position, watch for Ilya Kovalchuk to break out. The Flyers have had a good run, and will compete with New Jersey, but take the devils in a long series.

Pick: New Jersey in 7

#3 Buffalo Sabres vs #6 Boston Bruins

The Lowdown- If you are a fan of goal scoring, don't watch this series. 2 of the lowest scoring teams in the NHL versus the goalies with the two lowest GAA (Rask and Miller). That is even without mentioning Tim Thomas (last years Vezina winner) backing up Rask. This one is going to be physical too, expect Zdeno Chara to do everything in his power to end Thomas Vanek's life, and for Ryan Miller to get a series long view of Milan Lucic's backside. Boston knows the only way to beat Ryan Miller is to get pressure and traffic on net, so expect Lucic to park himself in front of the net on his first shift and not move until a team wins 4 games. I just don't feel the Sabres will be able to keep up with the Bruins physical onslaught. UPSET ALERT!

Pick: Bruins in 7

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs #5 Ottawa Senators

The Lowdown- Ottawa Senator fans have a small voice in the back of their heads' these days, and it is quietly saying SWEEEEEEEEEEP! Which is very realistic against the defending Stanley Cup Champs. Either than their 13 game winning streak in January, Ottawa has been a .500 hockey club, and now with Alex Kovalev out, this ship is sinking. FAST!

Pick- Pittsburgh in 4

Western Conference Quarter Finals

#1 San Jose Sharks vs #8 Colorado Avalanche

The Lowdown- Playoff choke artists (and they are damn good at it too) versus the kids. Colorado pretty much backed into the playoffs on account that Calgary sucks, and San Jose has had its' own troubles this year too, but in this series, Colorado is severely outclassed. Colorado may be the future in the West, and its a major accomplishment to even make it this far, but let's be honest, the Sharks have too much fire power.

Pick: San Jose in 5

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs #7 Nashville Predators

The Lowdown- I'm still not sure how the Predators do it every year. You look down their roster and outside the name Shea Weber, no one sticks out as a true star, but every year Nashville is somehow in the playoffs. Unfortunately this one will be a quick trip to the dance, cause Chicago is too good. Toews and co. will be all over the Predators like the Oilers were on losing this year (But we do love you Pat Quinn). Superior at pretty much every position, Chicago should cruise through this round, cause there are only so many times Shea Weber can put a puck through the net.

Pick: Chicago in 5

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs #6 Los Angeles Kings

The Lowdown- This is going to be a good one. The Sedin twins and Luongo versus Doughty, Smyth and Kopitar is going to make for some great hockey. The Kings goaltending issues will nab them in the end (The Kings are a goalie away from competing for the Cup), but expect a long, close, entertaining series.

Pick: Vancouver in 7

#4 Pheonix Coyotes vs #5 Detroit Red Wings

The Lowdown- Ok Pheonix, the party stops here. You have had you cinderella run (built off 20 shootout wins) but the shootout is gone and Adrian Aucoin is nothing more than a 3rd or 4th defenceman. Cause now you have to face a veteran Red Wings team who is just catching their stride. If Jimmy Howard plays well, the Red Wings could do some serious damage in these playoffs. Oh and, Pheonix, it's nothing personal, you are just overrated, I will cheer for you when you are back in Winnipeg. LET'S GO JETS!!

Pick: Detroit in 6

Goals, Fights, and a little extra

Final day of the regular season, still a few spots/seedings to be worked out in the playoff race. In the West, with a win over Detroit, Chicago can clinch the #1 seed, also with a Detroit and a Los Angeles win, the Kings can move up in the #5 seed in the conference. 

While in the East, two very intriguing games will determine playoff matches. First off, the win and your in game between Philadelphia and New York is going to be a war, especially if the Flyers win, they will jump into 7th, leaving Montreal with the privilege (or burden) of playing Washington in the first round. Now who will Philly play if they get in? Well that depends on the Buffalo/New Jersey game today. Simple script, Buffalo wins in regulation time, they finish 2nd and New Jersey gets #3. Any other result gives New Jersey #2. 

But here's what you all came for, a couple little tributes

#1 Steven Stamkos, 50 goals for the man who's contract ends next season (Show of hands for who thinks he would look good in Maple Leaf blue)

#2 Henrik and Daniel Sedin- Daniel for scoring and Henrik for setting him up to win the Art Ross (GIVE HIM THE HART!)

#3 To Mr. Evander Kane. The 4th overall pick a year ago, giving a little justice to Matt Cooke.

Playoff picks and preview this week!

Way to be Pierre

Some more amazing playoff commercial parodies

This one is too good to pass up..

Bill Guerin, who do you think you are?

Just a few things going into the last week of the regular season

1. Despite their minor collapse, don't count on Colorado falling out of the playoffs, Calgary just doesn't have the guts to get it done right now (aka Iginla is slumping, Kiprusoff has been brutal since the olympics, and Bouwmeester has silently been TERRIBLE!) 

2. Of the three spots left in the East, count Montreal as #6 and Boston at #7. Philadelphia and New York will come down to their home and home weekend, but I'm counting on the Flyers.

3. Marty Turco will not be resigning in Dallas this offseason, adding an interesting player to the free agent pool. I have a feeling he will end up in Tampa Bay or Philadelphia.

This one goes out to Bill Guerin, who at age 62 beat the crap out of Jim Slater

So the parodies of the NHL's playoff commercials (which are pretty awesome) keep coming. Along with the "What if Fraser wasn't blind" as seen below, we have a new entry

And Dennis Wideman gives me slight hope that I could still make the NHL as a shootout specialist

The Future of Everything Blue and White

So I can't lie, I was one of the people who got excited at the beginning of the year. I was one of those individuals yelling "LEAFS WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS!" after a great preseason.

Oh how times have changed....

We can stand here and point the finger in a million different ways, whether it be Vesa Toskala, Jason Blake or any other of the million things that went wrong for the Leafs, but let's just move on past that. Then came, January 31st, and the two deals that Brian Burke pulled off had much of the hockey world asking "Wait, they're actually going to agree with that?" Both deals were absolute shenanigans, with Anaheim and Calgary giving away key parts of their team for a bucket of pucks and maybe a few Mcdonalds coupons in return. 

The Leafs very quickly found themselves with a possible future captain in Dion Phaneuf, a penalty kill specialist in Fredrik Sjostrom, a Conn Smythe winning goalie in J.S. Giguere, and a blue chip prospect in Keith Aulie (Did we mention he is 6'6'). So where does this leave the Leafs now?

Well for any fans who are just getting used to the players on their team (David Aird), get ready for a massive mix up. The Bozak, Kessel, Kulemin line will stay in tact, but you know Brian Burke will be doing work this summer. With no real draft picks and a free agent pool that the Leafs will not be dipping into, the trade looks like the only option Burke has. But who is available? Well here are a few rumours running around lately.

#1- Patrick Sharp or Kris Versteeg. Everyone knows that Chicago has MAJOR cap issues, and will be looking to offload this offseason. Sharp and his $3.5 million cap hit seems like the most likely candidate, but I wouldn't mind Versteeg either. Speculation even had a deal for Sharp coming to Toronto back in December, but nothing came of it. The only problem with that deal is that Toronto only has defensemen to offer in a deal, and Chicago is pretty heavy on those already. Unless we are going to offer another first round pick.....

#2- Restricted Free Agents- Two names really stick out in this category that would fit into Brian Burke's philosophy: Bobby Ryan and Milan Lucic. Apparently Ryan is much more available than Lucic, as he isn't happy in Anaheim and wants to step out of the shadow of Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, and Anaheim only has 2 defensemen under contract next year. The Leafs happen to have lots of extra defenders (coincidence?)

#3- Tomas Kaberle- He could end up pretty much anywhere near draft time. Rumour has him going to Washington for Tomas Fleischmann, prospect Karl Alzner, and a draft pick. I think we can do better than that.

The bottom line is that the Leafs will be again much different going into next year, the who is going to be very interesting to follow. As for the rest of the NHL, their offseason will be very influenced by their playoffs or finish to the season. Only 2 things seem to be obvious..

#1- Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak will be traded from Montreal. Where you might ask? Philadelphia is pretty much a given, cause they haven't had a true #1 goalie since.....1997?

#2- Ilya Kovalchuk- Won't be going to Calgary as everyone seems to think he will be. Why? People actually watch hockey in Calgary. Kovalchuk apparently hates the media pressure of a hockey crazy market, so expect him to go to a franchise struggling for money and looking for a boost to their franchise. (What's up Florida, Tampa Bay, and Dallas?)

Kerry Fraser...

Paying tribute to the worst referee of all time, Mr. Kerry Fraser.

Also to my fellow Leaf Fans, let's be honest here, we wouldn't have beaten Montreal in the finals. Roy was too good that year.

Rick Nash... enough said

Here goes nothing....

So here we go, what is a hockey obsession has turned into a blog and a little bit of extra info for those that want it. My nickname of Pierre McGuire can just grow a little bit for those that know me. If I can get some more people contributing, this might extend to a few more sports. 

So what is up with hockey right now? Besides my beloved Leafs just playing out the string with a few signs of life for next year, not very much interesting is going on. In one of the most boring playoff races I've seen in years, all 16 teams seem to be set for the upcoming playoffs. The only teams that seemed to be making a push have completely choked (way to be Calgary, if the Phaneuf trade wasn't a white flag to this season, I don't know what is) and let's be honest, Atlanta in the playoffs sounds like the punch line of a really bad joke. Just a few things to watch out for going into the playoffs.

#1- How easily Washington wins the east. This is going to be a cake walk

#2- How the former powerhouses in the West pull together come playoff time (Get your act together Chicago/San Jose)

#3- The Phoenix Coyotes. Are they for real? (I don't think so)

#4- The Detroit Red Wings. Been to the last 2 cup finals, if they get the goaltending from Jimmy Howard, look out!

#5- The Vancouver Canucks. All Canadian olympic fans know how good Luongo can be, now can he carry a team that has quietly been VERY good

One other thing to note, I saw on yahoo that Bill Daly, Deputy Commissioner of the NHL (Idiot #2) has stated that a deal has been reached in principle with a Toronto based investor Dave Thompson to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and move them back to Winnipeg if a deal is not reached to keep the team in Glendale. Let's GO JETS!!!!

Going to leave you with a wicked little video of the Sedin twins. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvzvWGTz0kk

Talk the (very busy) future of the Leafs and the Playoffs soon