Stanley Cup: What to look for (West)

Yesterday I covered the four Eastern Conference match-ups. Today I will breakdown what to look for when watching the Western teams chase their Stanley Cup dreams! With four teams having already played game one, we can analyze the good and bad from last night. 

Nashville Predators #4 vs. Detroit Red Wings #5

Nashville already won the first game of this series, but don't look for last night's game to be a 100% accurate predictor for the remainder of this match-up. The Predators took a series lead in a game plagued by penalties and controversy. The story that most are talking about today is Shea Weber's hit on Henrik Zetterberg as time ran out in the third. Anyone who saw the hit has to be asking what Weber was thinking. The hit that can be compared to a WWE wrestling move was met with a $2,500 fine by the league today. It will be interesting to see how Weber carries himself in game two. Overshadowed by the Weber incident was the stellar play of Pekka Rinne in net. The Wings will need to find a way shake up Rinne or he will be the difference maker in this series. 

Detroit was on the wrong side of a 3-2 final last night. But all things considered, the Red Wings will not be hitting the panic button anytime soon. They were able to create chances on the road, and if not for the fantastic goaltending of Rinne, Detroit could easily be looking at a 1-0 lead in this series. Like the Predators, the Red Wings will be looking to cut down on the penalties and find ways to be more effective with the extra man. Questions still remain about the team's overall health and age, but don't count on the Red Wings to ever roll over in the playoffs. 

Vancouver Canucks #1 vs. Los Angeles Kings #8

Vancouver dropped game one last night 4-2. Despite the urge to panic many Canucks fans are feeling, there were actually many positives from last night - starting with solid play between the pipes by Roberto Luongo. Even with the loss, nobody can place the blame on the man in net, and for Vancouver, that is a good sign in the playoffs. The Canucks found themselves down two men several times throughout the game. The Kings capitalized twice on the power play, and that was the difference. Vancouver is a team built to win. If they keep to what they do best, there is no reason Western Canada's hope can't even the series in game two. 

Los Angeles came into game one with a plan and executed it to perfection. With Jonathan Quick in goal, the Kings were able to stun the number one seed. What to look for in game two? Goal scoring is a good place to focus. The Kings have a number of guys who can score goals, but have gone through periods this season where a post-season trip seemed out of reach because of lack of scoring. They will need to make sure the scoring does not dry up at any point if they hope to move on past Vancouver. Being effective on the power play is one way to assure that the goals keep coming. Los Angeles will look to build on their two extra-man goals from game one for the rest of this series. 

St. Louis Blues #2 vs. San Jose Sharks #7

The Blues dominated San Jose in the regular season. They will hope that the trend continues when they drop the puck in St. Louis tonight. The focus will be in goal tonight; Jaroslav Halak will be called on as Brian Elliott is day-to-day with injury. St. Louis has enjoyed solid play from both netminders all season, so will be very comfortable with Halak in net. The bigger question will be if the Blues will be able to translate an impressive season into playoff success. Head coach Ken Hitchcock, who was hired mid-season, will need to prepare his team for the expectations that will be placed on them. The fans in St. Louis have waited several seasons to see their team in a position to make noise come post-season. Failure to move past the first round erases everything they have accomplished in the first 82 games. 

For the Sharks, this post-season can be looked at as a last chance for the current roster of players. A team that has disappointed as a top seed year after year, they look to take advantage of less pressure heading into this year's playoffs. Matched up against a young St. Louis team with little playoff experience, San Jose will look to put the pressure on the top seed early. The questionable playoff leadership of Joe Thornton will be key to the series again. One has to wonder if this is finally the year the long-time captain breaks out and leads the Sharks to their first cup. 

Phoenix Coyotes #3 vs. Chicago Blackhawks #6

Most can not remember the last time the Coyotes organization won a playoff series. The fans in Phoenix will also be happy to not see Detroit in the first round again. If the Coyotes look to finally move past round one, they will need to keep up their solid defense. Adrian Aucoin continues to clock massive minutes per game on the blue line. He will need to lead the Yotes throughout this series - as will goaltender Mike Smith. One of the better stories this season, Mike Smith has had a breakout year in net. He will need to be on form to keep the high-scoring Blackhawks off the scoreboard. 

Chicago will benefit from the return of Jonathan Toews just in time for the playoffs. If the Hawks look to roll past Phoenix, Toews and company will need to score often. Defense and goaltending are also questionable in the windy city. Blackhawks' hockey has had a score-first-defend-later philosophy all season. On any given night, Chicago can win, but as we have seen with lengthy losing streaks, the Blackhawks struggle with consistency. Second-round hockey will depend on whether the Hawks are able to score and stay in games throughout the quarterfinals. 

Predictions:

Phoenix Coyotes #3 vs. Chicago Blackhawks #6:

Chicago played in the better division all year, and at times looked like one of the best teams in hockey. Other times, however, they looked like they were going to crash out of a playoff spot. Phoenix struggled to win the Pacific Division and have been without owners for over a year. But in the playoffs, consistency is everything, and the Coyotes have it. Phoenix in 6. 

St. Louis Blues #2 vs. San Jose Sharks #7:

The Sharks look to capitalize on their playoff experience to beat the Blues in round one. St. Louis will look to build on the season series that saw them dominate San Jose. Who comes out on top? Blues win in 5. 

Nashville Predators #4 vs. Detroit Red Wings #5:

Nashville has a one-game lead to build on, but it was a close first game. Detroit will be tough to defeat at home, so game two is more important to the Preds. When it comes down to which team can outlast the other, injuries may be the key factor. For this reason: Nashville in 7.

Vancouver Canucks #1 vs. Los Angelo's Kings #8:

Like Nashville, the Kings carry a 1-0 series lead. Despite a solid game last night, Vancouver is still the favorite to win this series. As much as I like the Kings' abilities, I just can't seem them holding off the Canucks over seven games. Vancouver in 7. 

Stanley Cup Playoffs: What to follow

For fans of hockey, tonight marks the best time of the year. The Stanley Cup playoffs kick off with some of the most compelling first round match-ups we have seen in years. For the normal NHL fan base, the quarter finals will be an added bonus to what has already been a season full of excitement and drama. During the regular season we saw Tampa Bay forward Steven Stamkos score 60 goals; the NHL crack down on hits from behind and to the head; several mid-season coaching changes; Minnesota and Toronto have their excellent first half form erased by impressive collapses; playoff races come down to the final few days of the season; and of course the return, loss, and return again of Sidney Crosby. 

Hockey's "second season" will have even more drama to follow than witnessed in the 82 games that preceded it. This is the time of the year when the NHL core fan base is joined by the causal hockey fan for the 2-3 months of chasing the cup. So to bring the playoff watchers of hockey up to speed, I will break down each first round match-up (starting with the East today and the West tomorrow), with some stories to follow over the next 4-7 games for each of the lucky 16 teams that earned a playoff berth. 

And yes, I will put myself out on a limb and offer my quarter final predictions at the end.

Pittsburgh Penguins #4 vs. Philadelphia Flyers #5 

You will not find a better first round grudge match than the 4-vs.-5 eastern conference quarterfinal. Two teams with a history of hatred for one another have produced one of the most bitter rivalries in hockey. Each team's focus will be to knock the other team around as much as possible, with the last team standing moving on. It is a match-up that promises to quench the thirst of the blue-collared, fight-first-play-later hockey fan.  

What to follow:

For the Pittsburgh Penguins, the story is focused on their star players. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal will be under the microscope from the moment the puck drops tonight. Malkin has had an MVP-worthy season, recording 50 goals and 59 assists. The Penguins will look (and need) for him to continue his stellar year in the playoffs. Staal will also be relied on for his often overlooked leadership qualities. When Malkin and Crosby are in the spotlight, it is Staal's second level of leadership that makes the Penguins stand out above so many other teams in the league. As always, though, Crosby will be the headliner that everyone turns to in this series. After making a return in early December, Crosby went on a tear, seemingly scoring every time he saw the puck. Unfortunately, he was forced back onto the IR for another lengthy period, and, since returning, has slowly worked toward becoming the show-stopping player to whom we are accustomed. This team is good enough to win games, and this series, without the hot hands of Crosby, but if they look to make a long run into June, they will need Crosby to be 100%. If that Sidney Crosby shows up, there is no team in the league better than the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

The Philadelphia Flyers are more than happy to see Pittsburgh in the first round, and why shouldn't they be? The Flyers have dominated the season series, winning 4 of 6. Top that off with five wins and one loss at the Consol Energy Center, the Flyers will feel just at home when this series starts. The story in Philly is again focused on goaltending. Despite making a move to bring in Ilya Bryzgalov before the season began, the problems in net that have plagued the Flyers for over a decade remain at the forefront. Pressure will be at an all-time high for the Flyers goalie after he posted a less than convincing regular season. Bryzgalov will look to ride solid form at the end of the season as a stepping-stone into the playoffs. However, the fact remains that if he is not at his best, the Flyers can't win. Other than the normal goaltending issues, Philadelphia will also be focused on defense. With Chris Pronger out for the year, Philly lost a key piece of their defensive puzzle. Without him in the line-up others have had to step up to fill the void, and so far have done a decent job of it. The question remains if they will be able to hold up for an entire series of Crosby and company knocking on the door. 

Florida Panthers #3 vs. New Jersey Devils #6

The Devils seemed more than content with a possible first round match-up with the Florida Panthers. They will get their wish. The Panthers will make their first appearance in over a decade this post season. It came down to the wire after Washington made a late charge, but this time around Florida did just enough (two wins in their last ten) to hold onto the division title and earn the 3 seed in the east. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils come in as one of the hottest teams entering the playoffs. Coming off a six-game win streak, New Jersey looks to move past the first round for the first time since 2006, and to avoid another disappointment to a southeast team.  

What to follow:

The Florida Panthers are a team worth following for the simple fact that nobody expects anything from them. Even head coach Kevin Dineen has called Florida the team of "misfits." This team is filled with players practically no other team in the league wanted, most notably Brian Campbell and Jose Theodore. Campbell is no stranger to the playoffs; he won the cup with Chicago just a few seasons back. His huge contract made him an unpopular signing for most teams, but the Panthers took a chance and it has paid off. He has been nothing short of fantastic on the blue line for the Cats. Giving them solid play night in and night out, Florida has been able to rely heavily on Campbell and the many minutes a game he plays. Jose Theodore has also been a great story in net. Rising his game a level, he has been the backstop Florida needed him to be all season. Coming back from injury just in time for the playoffs, he will be integral to the Panthers' proving everyone wrong. 

The New Jersey Devils ride into the playoffs on the momentum of a six-game winning streak. It is hard not to ask where this team would be if they didn't play in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division. So with a team as hot as the Devils, what do we focus on? Let's start in net with Martin Brodeur. He has played a significantly less amount of games this season than the last few. The hope is that this will keep him fresh for a long post-season run. But does Marty have enough steam to carry a team to 16 wins? If he does, the Devils could be a team to watch to make a long run. The other element of the Devils to follow is their ability to score goals. They have found ways to score with a team that was not expected to have success finding the back of the net. Opposition will need to find ways to stop Kolvalchuck, Parise and (yes) David Clarkson. 

Boston Bruins #2 vs. Washington Capitals #7

It is truly amazing that the defending Stanley Cup champions were able to enter the playoffs as quietly as they did. On the other side of this match-up, the Capitals made a lot of noise to end their season, falling just short of the Southeast Division title, beating the top seeded NewYork Rangers on the final day of the regular season, and looking like the Caps of old. That should make for an interesting first few games of this series. 

What to follow:

Are the Capitals for real now? Several years in a row, Washington has entered as the top seed in the East only to be colossal failures in the post-season. One has to wonder if they may have been sandbagging during the first 82 games. Capitals fans will hope that is the case.  It's hard not to start with Ovi as the story to follow. After a multi-season drop-off in points and goals, the "great 8" has turned it around with a solid year, scoring 38 goals and 27 assists. He will need to bring his best every night to give the hard-hitting Bruins anything to worry about, though. The other key for the Caps is the return of Nicklas Backstrom. Without him in the lineup, most would agree that Washington doesn't have a real chance against the defending cup champs. Finally, focus will be on young goaltender Braden Holtby. Injuries to the top two netminders have placed the burden of playoff hockey square on the shoulders of the 22-year-old. He will need to be prepared for Bruins players crashing into the net on a regular basis. 

The Boston Bruins have been toward the top of the standings all season. They have all the pieces of a team that can repeat as champions:  super goaltending from Tim Thomas, solid D from Chara and company, and players who can find the back of the net on a regular basis. They are going to make it hard for opposing teams every night with their hard-nosed style. The Capitals can expect to be bruised after every game in this series. The only question that remains is:  do the Bruins have the gas and drive to make another run into June? If they do, the Bruins will be one of the favorites to come out of the East. 

New York Rangers #1 vs. Ottawa Senators #8

Both teams in this match-up exceeded preseason expectations by a country mile. The New York Rangers have had an impressive year that has seen them at the top of the standings all season. The Ottawa Senators have found ways to win games despite practically everyone writing them off at the start of the season. Now both teams will go from exceeding expectations to having an enormous amount of expectations placed on them. 

What to follow:

The Ottawa Senators will carry the weight of Canada on their backs (along with Vancouver) heading into the post-season. With only 2 of the 7 teams north of the border making it in, Ottawa will be counted on to represent the nation that places hockey above all else. The upside is that Ottawa has many positive qualities going for them. Winning the season series 3 games to 1 over the Rangers is a good place to start. The Sens will look to build on their regular season success against the East's number one team. Young players scoring big goals have also been a nice addition to the surprising Sens, and the top line has been far better than anyone could have foreseen at season's start. Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson have returned this season to put up excellent numbers. Does the long-time captain have one last run in him? 

The New York Rangers enter the playoffs in unfamiliar territory. Unlike seasons past, where the Rangers have crawled into the first round as a lower seeded team, New York find themselves as the top team in the East. It will be interesting to see how this team handles the pressure that comes with being the best. In a New York market, anything less than success as a top seed will not be tolerated. What to follow? The man in net. Lundqvist has been hands-down the best goaltender this season. However, his playoff record leaves much to be desired. He will need to continue being the best player on the ice for New York to have the long run that is expected of them. Power play will also be followed closely. The Rangers had one of the weakest power plays in the league. As we witnessed last year with the Boston Bruins, this stat does not mean the Rangers are not capable of winning the cup. The trouble is that New York has gone through significant parts of the season where they struggled to score goals. If the Rangers look to be taken seriously as a cup contender, they will need to score early and often throughout the post-season. 

Predictions:

New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators:

Ottawa will look to score early in games and make the Rangers uncomfortable from the start. New York will look to get an early lead and hold it with their excellent work ethic in the offensive zone. Most of Canada believes the Senators are not only capable of, but will, upset New York in the first round. I don't share their faith in the Sens. Rangers win in 5. 

Florida Panthers vs. New Jersey Devils:

It's hard not to root for a team like Florida to succeed in the Playoffs. But they will have an uphill battle even with home ice against the surging Devils. Considering both teams' offense, defense and goaltending, the Devils are just a little better than the Panthers in every aspect of the game. Add that on with Florida's lack of playoff experience, and the hill becomes unsurmountable. Devils win in 4.

Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals:

Washington is looking much improved since the start of the season. They can outscore anyone on any given night. For that reason, look for them to win some games this series. However, the Bruins are the better team. On the nights the Capitals aren't perfect, Boston will steamroll them. Bruins take it in 6.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers:

This is easily the hardest series to predict. The Penguins are the more talented team, but that does not always translate into playoff success. Philly will try hard to dominate the physical play and keep the Pens' stars off the scoreboard. So it comes down to which team forces the other one to play their game. If the series is about talent, Pens take it. If it comes down to who can outlast the other in a war, Philly is looking good. So who wins? Penguins, in 7. 

The Reason

Over the years I have spent much of my time reading, posting and living a second life on internet forums and chats. I get a sense of pleasure when I am proven correct about whatever the day's debate is, and I get to a level of anger where I want to pull my hair out when I can't convince a fellow poster that he or she is wrong. The reason: sports. 

It is sports that evoke this emotion in me and lead me into these online battles and debates. When I watch a sport or read about something sports related I have a need talk about it. Even with the inevitable argument that will often make my blood boil, I find myself right back at it the next day. The reason: I love sports. 

It is not just one sport or sports team either. I love all sports - baseball, hockey, football, curling, soccer, golf - you name it, and I will have an opinion on it. If it is a sport or competition, I will watch. The reason: there is something special about sports.

There is a feeling that I get when I watch sports. Perhaps you know it. That feeling that sports are not just another game or event to pass the time. That there is something more happening. To me sports bring out the best and worst in people (both players and fans). It is because to many of us sports represent hope, magic and a sense of success and failure that nothing else can really imitate on a daily basis. The reason: imagination. 

I can place myself into the moment of a game. When it is on the line I am not just watching, I am imagining being the key player or manager that will decide what the history books say the next day. Who hasn't put themselves in the shoes of the pitcher facing a ninth inning save in the playoffs? Who has not seen themselves as the goalie getting ready to face a penalty shot in overtime of a game seven? Imagination is why we follow sports as closely now as we did when we were kids. Sports keep us always needing more. The reason: sports writers. 

It is not enough to just watch sports. For the true diehard fan, a game or competition a week is not going to fulfill our needs. I know that I need to read about sports, listen to sports talk shows on the radio, and watch shows about sports every chance I get. The reason: I respect sports writers and analysts.

Of course, it does't mean I always agree with their points of view or even like what they are writing. Rather, I respect that they share my enthusiasm for sports. I respect that, each week, they give me something else to post comments about and debate. Like many others, I can't resist having my say. The reason: we all have something to offer. 

The obsessive following of online articles about sports has given me a unique perspective. This blog allows me to present my ideas in a structured and well organized format. It does not matter if you agree with my points of view or believe me to be wrong through and through. What matters is that I am passionate enough about sports to have made a blog to get my thoughts out there. My hope is that I can offer a different opinion or angle to a subject or event that the reader has not read yet. If this blog accomplishes that or not really will depend on each reader to decide. Ultimately, this is yet another person with an opinion, but if you are anything like me, you won't be able to resist reading just one more article about the wonderful world of sports. And that is The Reason.