As you all know by now, the NHL season has wrapped up, two Canadian teams have made it in to the post season, while the other four had a decent battle towards the end but came up short. So the eastern conference is set with Washington taking on the NY Rangers, Philly gets Buffalo, Boston takes on Montreal in an original six match up, and Pittsburgh takes on the Lightning. The West, well the west is crazy, Vancouver takes on defending Stanley Cup Champs Chicago, San Jose takes on the Kings, Detroit faces the Coyotes, and Anaheim takes on the Preds. Suffice to say, the playoffs will be full of great hockey, and I'm sure more than a few highlight reel plays, saves, and hits.
Later in the week after the first games have been played, we'll discuss which teams will win their respective series' and which teams, though a loss may have happened, will rally back for a series win. And as always your comments are always welcome.
Over the next few days we'll also look at some teams burdened by injury, that though they've made the post-season may or may not move past the first round.
Something else we'll be watching for are hits to the head, one of the biggest issues in the NHL this season, we'll see if any of the precautions, new head shot mandates, and the players themselves have changed the amount of head shots we see. What are your thoughts? add your comments below.
Finally, which teams do you have taking home the Cup? My prediction, and someone please take note of this, Stanley Cup finals, Vancouver in the west, takes on the high flying Pittsburgh Penguins... I know I know, someone out there is saying "hey he's a Pens fan that's not a prediction..." well, yes I am a pens fan, it's still my prediction, as I think they'll take the Lightning down in 6 games, and in within the first few games of the second series, they'll get Captain Crosby back and he'll light the lamp and show the world why he's number 87 on the score card, and number one in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.
So with that I'll say good day, enjoy the playoffs, support your team to the end, don't give up hope, always set your sights high, and dream big.
Don't forget to support the Beard-a-thon, I don't know if any oher teams are doing this but I know the penguins are, go to http://goo.gl/3E0gR for more info, to join, or support this amazing cause.
Just putting it out there.
Scott W
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Post Season Upon Us. The Season thus far.
The Post Season is upon us, there are approx 5 games left for many teams in the league to play. While the leafs have just 4 games, and are sitting 5 points back of a playoff spot. Now it is still mathematically possible for the leafs to make the post season, there are only a handful of things that need to happen in order for it to actually occur, but it could mathematically happen non the less. As it stands tonight, if the Canadiens lose all of their next 4 games, and the New York Rangers follow suit, then we have ourselves the makings of a miracle.
Now don't just assume that I'm ridiculous thinking that it could happen, because it has happened. Yes that's right it has happened, yes it was 52 years ago, but it happened. There is a great article in the Star today about it, http://goo.gl/Ud4Cw read the article.
But all I can do now is quote one of my favourite sci-fi shows... It has happened before it all happened before and it will all happen again.
But just so everyone is clear, as our hopes and dreams lay in the balance we should all just focus on one thing, The Vancouver Canucks are the Presidents Trophy winners this year, a fantastic accomplishment with Luongo backstopping the club to an amazing feat. Great to see a cup contending team in Canada.
When all is said and done this season, who is going to be in the running for the cup? will we see as amazing a playoff run as we did last year with 7th place philly heading to the Stanley Cup finals.
All that there is to say is that despite the outcome of the 2010/2011 regular season, it's been an amazing run, and best of all, moves have been made by the league to curb one of the major issues looming over the NHL for years, yes hits to the head, and this evenings games had a few, now the main issue are the hits to the head that are extraordinarily malicious. Trying to take someone out of the game for any reason is intolerable.
Now don't just assume that I'm ridiculous thinking that it could happen, because it has happened. Yes that's right it has happened, yes it was 52 years ago, but it happened. There is a great article in the Star today about it, http://goo.gl/Ud4Cw read the article.
But all I can do now is quote one of my favourite sci-fi shows... It has happened before it all happened before and it will all happen again.
But just so everyone is clear, as our hopes and dreams lay in the balance we should all just focus on one thing, The Vancouver Canucks are the Presidents Trophy winners this year, a fantastic accomplishment with Luongo backstopping the club to an amazing feat. Great to see a cup contending team in Canada.
When all is said and done this season, who is going to be in the running for the cup? will we see as amazing a playoff run as we did last year with 7th place philly heading to the Stanley Cup finals.
All that there is to say is that despite the outcome of the 2010/2011 regular season, it's been an amazing run, and best of all, moves have been made by the league to curb one of the major issues looming over the NHL for years, yes hits to the head, and this evenings games had a few, now the main issue are the hits to the head that are extraordinarily malicious. Trying to take someone out of the game for any reason is intolerable.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Hits to the Head and GM Meeting
I'm sure by now you have all seen the Chara hit on Max Pacioretty, if you're like the many Montreal Canadiens fans out there, you saw the hit and expected a suspension to Chara. Well as you know this did not occur, however, what did happen was the NHL General Managers held a meeting in Florida to discuss what could be done to curb the amount of head injuries that occur in the NHL and subsequently how to handle one when and if it does occur. Personally I'm with the larger percentage of the GMs and the hockey analysts out there that feel this was just a hockey play gone bad. Now, there's no way to know for certain if it was premeditated, but for now, let's presume that NHL players have respect for one another, and that in no way could this hit be seen as intentional. Moving on, since I think there has been way too much coverage of the incident. I'm not saying that it should be forgotten about, I'm saying, focus on Pacioretty getting better, and not what caused his injuries... The GM meetings that recently took place, have made tremendous effort to curb the amount of hits to the head with new standards, that include, revision of equipment, new disciplinary actions such as penalties levied to the player and team. The biggest, and best of the Bettman's 5 point plan, having a Doctor, not the team trainer, examine a player in a quiet area, to best determine if a concussion has been sustained. In my opinion this seems to be one of those, "We should have done this years ago" things. I'm very happy to see that this will be put in place, though if it could have only been implemented mere months ago maybe some of todays top stars wouldn't be out of their respective lineups for immeasurable amounts of time while trying to get better. Baseball fans know that Justin Morneau had been sidelined with a concussion since early July of last year.
These issues seem to be the forefront of hockey these days and though without them taking centre stage changes may not have come, but my question is, why did it need to take so long, why are we just now figuring out how and when to diagnose potential concussions, why only now are physicians diagnosing players?
Here's to the GMs of the NHL and Gary Bettman.
Just putting it out there.
Scott
These issues seem to be the forefront of hockey these days and though without them taking centre stage changes may not have come, but my question is, why did it need to take so long, why are we just now figuring out how and when to diagnose potential concussions, why only now are physicians diagnosing players?
Here's to the GMs of the NHL and Gary Bettman.
Just putting it out there.
Scott
Saturday, March 5, 2011
A full out sprint to the post season
It's coming... The post NHL season, the run for the cup, 16 wins. Currently the post season race is heating up, with both the east and the west conferences being divided by only a few points between 8th and 12th in the west and a matter of 4 points separating 8 and 10th in the east. While 7th is just one point ahead of 8th.
This is by far my favourite time of year, and I know it is Marks as well. What I enjoy most of all is the effort that some teams give this time of year, for them it's win or go home and non of the players want to fast track themselves to the golf course. This year we're seeing something we haven't seen in a long time; teams pulling out wins and going at it full steam ahead all vying for that lucrative 8th spot. As we saw last year 8th isn't always a bad spot, montreal was 8th going into the finals last year and they made it all the way to the eastern conference finals, as well, with the race being so close this year it's pretty much an "anything could happen" year. Keep your eyes on the west though cause the battle for post season positioning is on fire and the games are amazing to watch. For all the leafs fans out there I would say one thing, let's keep it going, we're right where we want to be, yes for now that's on the outside looking in, but the team is starting to play like one, the guys look comfortable with each-other, they know their role and they are playing some inspired hockey. Tell us what you think post a comment, like us on Facebook tell your friends.
Scott
This is by far my favourite time of year, and I know it is Marks as well. What I enjoy most of all is the effort that some teams give this time of year, for them it's win or go home and non of the players want to fast track themselves to the golf course. This year we're seeing something we haven't seen in a long time; teams pulling out wins and going at it full steam ahead all vying for that lucrative 8th spot. As we saw last year 8th isn't always a bad spot, montreal was 8th going into the finals last year and they made it all the way to the eastern conference finals, as well, with the race being so close this year it's pretty much an "anything could happen" year. Keep your eyes on the west though cause the battle for post season positioning is on fire and the games are amazing to watch. For all the leafs fans out there I would say one thing, let's keep it going, we're right where we want to be, yes for now that's on the outside looking in, but the team is starting to play like one, the guys look comfortable with each-other, they know their role and they are playing some inspired hockey. Tell us what you think post a comment, like us on Facebook tell your friends.
Scott
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Is The Trade Deadline Over-Hyped?
On Monday, February 28, 2011, the NHL trade deadline came and went and like many deadlines before it, it seemed to be a bit of a let down. The reason I think the deadline seemed to be so dull this year, as it has been many times before, is because that's exactly what it is: a deadline, nothing more. Most of the real trades and moves that were newsworthy happened well in advance of the deadline which, for sports networks across North America, made Deadline Day a bit of a dud. For you statistics nuts out there, take this into consideration: the past 8 Stanley Cup winners have made a combined 10 moves at the trade deadline and believe me, none of them were blockbuster/game-changer moves. For me, the best way to think of the trade deadline is to think of it as someone who goes to watch a NASCAR race just to see someone crash; you want to see something unexpected and extraordinary to break the monotony of the regular season. I'm not a big fan of the trade deadline; I personally think it's over-hyped and I'm glad it's finally over. I'm glad it's over because now we can all focus our attention back to the real action: the Western Conference Playoff Race and for me personally, to see if the Leafs can make it into the Playoffs. If you agree with me, let me know. If you don't agree with me, well, you're wrong, but let me know anyways. Happy Playoff Race everybody!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Trade Deadline vs. Playoff Race
As the trade deadline approaches and many of us are being diagnosed with spring fever, the battle between the trade deadline and the playoff race continues. The trade deadline is on February 28th; the last day of February and the day that decides what teams really want that final playoff spot and what teams are trying to rebuild for the future. The playoff race; with playoffs beginning this April, is already heating up, with an unbelievably close Western Conference and an equally exciting Eastern Conference. Personally, this is my favourite time of the regular season. As I am from Toronto, I am naturally a Toronto Maple Leafs Fan. Therefore, I was rightfully thrown off by their first few games in which it seemed as if they were the returning Stanley Cup Champions. The beginning of the season usually starts off with a bang but really doesn't hold any significance for the remainder of the season. This part of the season; before the trade deadline and at the beginning of the playoff race, is really the time to pay attention and place your bets. This is the time where you find out which teams are legitimately making a run for the playoffs and which teams should be looking to make some improvements for next year. For a team like New Jersey; arguably the hottest team in the NHL, the playoff hunt may have come too late for them, but for other teams, like much of the Western Conference and a handful of teams in the Eastern Conference, the playoff hunt has only just begun. I hope, like me, you are all obnoxiously checking your Blackberrys at all times for the latest trade and playoff updates, but unlike me, let's just hope you aren't getting in as much trouble as I am. Have a Happy Deadline everyone!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Fighting in Hockey
Fighting in the NHL,
According to a very good song, Saturday night is alright for fighting, however, the New York Islanders decided that they wanted to make Friday night fight night. With over 300 minutes in penalties Friday was by far the most fight filled night in hockey I have ever seen. Now I probably wouldn't have minded so many fights during the game, but it was the fact that these weren't fights, nope they were attacks, vicious attacks. The NHL has fined the New York Islanders $100,000 for the incident and suspended Trevor Gillies and Matt Martin, for the events. Now in my mind the fact that Gillies' attack on Eric Tangradi resulted in a concussion, I feel that a simple suspension isn't good enough, and I'm not alone in those feelings, Mario Lemieux, co-owner of the Penguins, let loose a torrent of scornful remarks to the point where he doesn't know if he wants to be part of the NHL any further. Now maybe that's going a little far, but the only way to create change is to threaten something that would hurt the NHL more than no action at all. And losing the Super Mario would be the worst thing to happen to hockey since the incidents leading to the lockout. Any how, if I continue about this it might get out of hand, and my point may not be clear, and to be clear, my point is, that yes there is a place for fighting in hockey, it adds to the excitement and emotion of the game, but when you attack a fellow player, because you still hold a grudge from previous contests, you need to stand back and think for a minute take a look from outside your box and see what others will, might, could, see and then make a decision. if it still leads to "i'm gonna go out there, and at the first chance I get, I'm gonna knock him out" stay in the dressing room, because you shouldn't be out there, what the league needs is a little more mutual respect between players.
Just putting it out there.
Scott W
According to a very good song, Saturday night is alright for fighting, however, the New York Islanders decided that they wanted to make Friday night fight night. With over 300 minutes in penalties Friday was by far the most fight filled night in hockey I have ever seen. Now I probably wouldn't have minded so many fights during the game, but it was the fact that these weren't fights, nope they were attacks, vicious attacks. The NHL has fined the New York Islanders $100,000 for the incident and suspended Trevor Gillies and Matt Martin, for the events. Now in my mind the fact that Gillies' attack on Eric Tangradi resulted in a concussion, I feel that a simple suspension isn't good enough, and I'm not alone in those feelings, Mario Lemieux, co-owner of the Penguins, let loose a torrent of scornful remarks to the point where he doesn't know if he wants to be part of the NHL any further. Now maybe that's going a little far, but the only way to create change is to threaten something that would hurt the NHL more than no action at all. And losing the Super Mario would be the worst thing to happen to hockey since the incidents leading to the lockout. Any how, if I continue about this it might get out of hand, and my point may not be clear, and to be clear, my point is, that yes there is a place for fighting in hockey, it adds to the excitement and emotion of the game, but when you attack a fellow player, because you still hold a grudge from previous contests, you need to stand back and think for a minute take a look from outside your box and see what others will, might, could, see and then make a decision. if it still leads to "i'm gonna go out there, and at the first chance I get, I'm gonna knock him out" stay in the dressing room, because you shouldn't be out there, what the league needs is a little more mutual respect between players.
Just putting it out there.
Scott W
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