2011 NHL playoffs first round predictions
The NHL playoffs are set to begin tomorrow, so now’s the time to pony up your thoughts and predictions on the eight matchups in the first round.
But first, for those who were asking about the “secret project” Audra Martin and I were discussing the other day, here it is. She produced this fine video about Dan Snyder and the award named in his memory. Bryan Little was honored with this award as the team unsung hero this season.
Nicely done, Audra.
Now…let’s just dive right in to our predictions, shall we?
Eastern Conference
#1 Washington vs. #8 NY Rangers: Season series won by the Rangers 3-1-0.
The Caps are coming off their fourth straight Southeastern Division championship. However, they so far have but one series win following the previous three. This year is a little different, as they seem to have discovered how to play a little defense. That, plus I think Bruce Boudreau and the Caps will come into this postseason with a bit of a chip on their shoulder looking to erase previous playoff disappointments.
Your Pick
- Capitals (82%, 294 Votes)
- Rangers (18%, 65 Votes)
Total Voters: 359
Loading ...A rested and healthy Alex Ovechkin can do nothing but help the Caps cause as well.
The Rangers are making their first postseason appearance since 2009, when they were defeated in seven games during the first round by these same Washington Capitals. Chris Drury’s return after knee surgery will certainly mean a lot to their chances.
New York made it into the playoffs regardless of the great help the Atlanta Thrashers provided to the Carolina Hurricanes last week. After beating the New Jersey Devils Saturday afternoon, they had to wait for the Lightning to finally settle things between the two, defeating Carolina 6-2.
Ah, if only the Hurricanes could have played the Thrashers just a few more times.
Anyway, methinks the Rangers wild ride comes to a halt here.
My pick: Capitals in six.
#2 Philadelphia vs. #7 Buffalo: Season series won by Flyers 2-1-1.
Down the stretch the Flyers lost their top seeding in the east to Washington, then they darn near lost the top spot in the Atlantic Division to a surging Penguins team. In fact, Pittsburgh did catch them in points, (106), and finished with more wins, (49 to 47), but lost out due to the ROW stat.
Your Pick
- Flyers (54%, 193 Votes)
- Sabres (46%, 163 Votes)
Total Voters: 356
Loading ...The Flyers look to be going with rookie Sergei Bobrovsky in goal with Brian Boucher backing up. For added depth in goal, Philly has recalled Michael Leighton from the AHL and have added him to their playoff roster. Defenseman Chris Pronger, who has missed 16 games with a hand injury, would help matters if he is able to return.
Buffalo on the other hand, the Sabres rode their 8-2 beat down of the Thrashers last month to a 9-1-2 finish. They also have a healthy Ryan Miller ready to go after missing time to an upper body injury. They are led in scoring by Thomas Vanek with 32 goals and 41 assists. Drew Stafford and Jason Pominville each finished with 52 overall points, Stafford was also a +13.
The Sabres are looking to advance to the second round for the first time since 2007.
I’m going to go with Buffalo in this series, if for no other reason than I feel compelled to pick at least one upset of a division winner.
My pick: Sabres in six.
#3 Boston vs. #6 Montreal: Season series won by Canadiens 4-2-0.
This matchup of original six teams is sure to pack quite a punch. Certainly there was quite a bit of punching dished out between the two during their regular season meetings. Probably the only people who hate each other more than the players here…are the fans.
Your Pick
- Bruins (74%, 251 Votes)
- Canadiens (26%, 90 Votes)
Total Voters: 341
Loading ...This could be a dandy series to watch. Heck, it may be worth it just to see the fans respond to Zdeno Chara’s return to the Bell Centre for game three.
Of all the teams that qualified for this spring’s Great Hunt for Lord Stanley’s Cup, Montreal scored the fewest goals in doing so, 216. But at least they don’t give up a great deal either, allowing only 209 goals against.
Boston comes to this fight with Tim Thomas and his incredible .938 SV% and sparkling 2.00 GAA. As a team, they only allowed their opponents an average of 2.20 goals per game.
Carey Price is good enough to steam a couple of games for the Habs, but in the end the Broooooo’ns will outlast their rivals.
My pick: Bruins in six.
#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Tampa Bay: Season series split 2-2-0.
Here we have the makings of what could possibly be the most entertaining first round matchup of the eight, in my opinion. It’s the only one in which both teams notched 100+ points in the season, the Pens with 106 and the Bolts 103.
Your Pick
- Penguins (41%, 139 Votes)
- Lightning (59%, 197 Votes)
Total Voters: 336
Loading ...I have to admit I’m quite impressed with what Pittsburgh has done minus Crosby and Malkin. That’s a testament to their depth and overall organization. As of the posting of this blog, Crosby has yet to be cleared to practice and might very well miss the series.
Tampa Bay is making a return to the playoffs after missing three seasons. What they have accomplished this year has been quite impressive as well and stands to show what new, good ownership can do.
Oh, and that Steve Yzerman seems to know what he’s doing in the GM chair too.
I look for Marc-Andre Fleury to bring his A-game between the pipes for the Pens and the Bolts offense to test him for the entire seven games. In the end, I’m going with Tampa Bay …but I wouldn’t wager any money on it.
My pick: Lightning in seven.
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver vs. #8 Chicago: Season series won by Canucks 2-1-1.
No team scored more goals than Vancouver’s 262 and none allowed fewer than the 185 the Presidents’ Trophy winners gave up. Their 24.3% power play was the NHL’s best this season and only two teams killed off penalties at a higher efficiency than did the Canucks.
Your Pick
- Canucks (80%, 273 Votes)
- Blackhawks (20%, 70 Votes)
Total Voters: 343
Loading ...No Malhotra, no problem for these Canucks. After his season-ending eye injury on March 16, Vancouver still skated to a 7-3 record in the final 10 games of the season. This even after their top seeding was already a forgone conclusion.
That’s what having a couple of Swedish twins that go by the name of Sedin, Ryan Kessler and Roberto Luongo in goal will do for ya.
Like the Rangers, the Chicago Blackhawks had to bite their nails waiting for another team to lose on the final weekend to get their playoff tickets punched…even though they wound up with 97 points.
I’m not saying Vancouver will have an easy time with their old playoff nemesis of recent years, but I am saying they’ll advance to the second round.
My pick: Canucks in six.
#2 San Jose vs. #7 L.A. Kings: Season series won by Sharks 3-2-1.
Antti Niemi will be gunning for his second Stanley Cup in as many years as he leads the Sharks into this spring’s postseason. San Jose finished strong but will be trying to shake off it’s history of playoff letdowns if previous postseasons.
Your Pick
- Sharks (79%, 244 Votes)
- Kings (21%, 63 Votes)
Total Voters: 307
Loading ...They have seven players with 50+ points, five with 60 or more and two…Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau…with 70 or more.
Of the 219 goals scored all season for L.A., Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams netted 47 of them. But Kopitar was lost for the season with torn ligaments in his right ankle on March 26 and they’ve been without Williams’ services since March 21 with a dislocated shoulder. The Kings are hoping after today’s practice Williams will be cleared to play in the series.
I don’t like predicting sweeps. But if there is one I’d be tempted to make it would be this one. I’ll give L.A. one…just because.
My pick: Sharks in five.
#3 Detroit vs. #6 Phoenix: Season series won by Coyotes 2-0-2.
The Coyotes have qualified for the playoffs two straight years now, this despite their ownership issues. The Wings have played past 82 games now for two decades running and have earned 100+ points for 11 consecutive years.
Your Pick
- Red Wings (72%, 221 Votes)
- Coyotes (28%, 85 Votes)
Total Voters: 306
Loading ...Detroit is hoping Henrik Zetterberg’s knee will be healthy enough to start the series, which is a rematch from the first round last year when the Wings advanced in seven games.
The Yote’s only have one 20+ goal scorer, Shane Doan, as opposed to Detroit having four. Thus, it would appear that Phoenix’s hopes depend primarily on goalie Ilya Bryzgalov who was stellar between the Desert Dogs pipes. He finished the season with a 36-20-10 record, .921 SV%, 2.48 GAA and 7 shutouts.
I want to go with Phoenix here…and their record versus the Wings this season bodes well for their chances. But when we get to game number 83 and beyond, it goes against my better judgement to bet against the Big Red Borg.
My pick: Red Wings in six.
#4 Anaheim vs. #5 Nashville: Season series won by Predators 3-1-0.
Like the 4-5 matchup in the east, this one could prove to be a very entertaining series as well. These are a couple of gritty, hard-working teams that have earned every one of the 99 points both got in the regular season.
Your Pick
- Ducks (44%, 141 Votes)
- Predators (56%, 178 Votes)
Total Voters: 319
Loading ...Anaheim surged into the playoffs thanks largely to Cory Perry’s 19 goals during the final 16 games. They may need to rely on Dan Ellis in goal if Ray Emory hasn’t fully recovered from his lower-body injury. Jonas Hiller is still suffering from vertigo and hasn’t played since March 24th.
The Preds finished the season 9-2-1 and their best player arguably is the man between the pipes. Pekke Rinne finished the season with a 33-22-9 record, .930 SV%, 2.12 GAA with 6 shutouts. Since February 28 he’s gone 12-4-3 with a .935 SV%.
A hot goalie can make all the difference in a tight series.
A Nashville loss to St. Louis was the difference between having the home-ice advantage if the series goes seven games, which I think it will. But when it does, I’m siding with the away team in this contest and Nashville wins their first ever playoff series.
My pick: Predators in seven.
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117 comments Add your comment
ZAvalanche
April 12th, 2011
5:19 pm
Hope you are feeling better hockeymom! I like a lot of your picks. I really hope the Yotes do it, but I don’t think it will happen. I hope every series goes to 7 as I hate the “dark ages” from June to October when there is no hockey.
hockeymom92
April 12th, 2011
5:53 pm
ZAv – thanks for the wishes – I have determined that yard work is hazardous to one’s health. Totally agree about the dark ages – nothing much but baseball and dear heavens that’s the slowest game on the planet. Perhaps the Yotes will be the surprise of the series – one can only hope that “the machine” has a totally collapse.
Red Light
April 12th, 2011
6:14 pm
Vancouver over Chicago in Six
Vancouver won meaningless games down the stretch, which tells me that they are a team to be reckoned with this year. Chicago has had success against them, lots of it, and while that may certainly weigh on the Canucks psychologically, they are a much superior team to the Blackhawks depth wise, even without Maholtra. That doesn’t mean that Chicago can’t beat them, but even with history against them, the Canucks should win the series. Crawford has done great for the Hawks in goal after taking the job from Turco, but despite the fact Luongo hasn’t had success in the playoffs that doesn’t mean that he sucks. Of course you must respect the Hawks with Toews, Hossa, Kane, Sharp, Bolland, Keith and Seabrook, etc., and there is no question they will be a tough out. But, the Canucks will win the series, and Joe Friday can crawl back into his hole for another 49 years!
San Jose over LA in Five
Lessons learned or more failure Part Two? Like the Canucks, the Sharks have playoff demons in their closet, and if Kopitar and Williams were both healthy I surely would have sided with the Kings. But, something tells me losing your top center and having a sniper play hurt can’t help LA’s cause this year. They have depth, but I really believe the Sharks window of opportunity closes this season and won’t be opened again if they don’t advance to the conference or Cup Finals. I expect a huge effort from the Sharks in this series, but the longer it goes the more doubt that will creep in.
Nashville over Anaheim in Seven
Shut down the Ducks top line and the Preds win this series easily, particularly without a healthy Hiller in goal. But, the toughest series for Nashville to win will be the first one. Once they win one…look out! Took the lead on Chicago last year and Erat’s failed clear ended up costing them a game and the series. Hopefully, they all learned from that lesson. Preds MUST stay out of the box and a big series from Hornqvist couldn’t hurt. They have more balance than Anaheim and if they can eliminate big games by Perry, Selanne, Getzlaf and Ryan, they will win a hard-fought series.
Phoenix over Detroit in Six
Zetterberg is out for Game One. Detroit is deep but I’ll take Bryzgalov over Howard any day, and it’s high time Shane Doan won a series. The Wings never had their full complement of players this year, struggled down the stretch, and are older. They have a lot of weapons but the difference for the Yotes this season is Ray Whitney’s leadership and the belief they can win. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Wings swept the series, but I think Phoenix has something special going on this season, and finally, people will know who Taylor Pyatt and Lauri Korpikoski are. Sorry Alan R. The Winged Wheel loses another spoke this year.
OK Joe Friday, let me have it!
litz
April 12th, 2011
6:22 pm
“Mr Fred who took the sweet shot heard round the NHL by Evander Kane!”
Wasn’t that Matt Cooke (who took the shot) ?
Joe Friday
April 12th, 2011
6:26 pm
No problem, Red Light, just drop the puck and let’s roll!
But WBF, Hawks mediocre? Lamer, Toews, Hoss, Sharp, Keith, Seabeook et al? Come on, man!
BluelandBeliever
April 12th, 2011
6:36 pm
http://www.cuppick.com/user/index/1257191945
Tom Lysiak
April 12th, 2011
6:51 pm
Wow, Dallas fires Marc Crawford after a 95-point season. And, with another year left on his contract. And, without a real owner and the team being run by creditors. Very interesting.
This after Florida, Minnesota, and Ottawa already dismissed their head coaches. And, Lemaire decided to retire AGAIN in New Jersey. Only Florida and Ottawa finished with less points than us.
Brendan
April 12th, 2011
7:02 pm
Russ, I’m in your camp, again, this year. I honestly came up with nothing but the higher seeded teams, and trust me, I usually think there’s 3-5 upsets. I’m sure I’ll wind up, 4-4. Especially since I had a good year, last year, and my average is 8.6 wins to 6.4 losses.
Washington in 7. Caps find a way to let this series linger. Lundqvist must steal it for the Rangers. Ovechkin knows what’s on the line. Stop to think about that. No Crosby, No Malkin … untested starting goalie in Philly, TB not ready to make serious push, Boston is the true obstacle to a Capitals Cup. Perhaps the Sabres make a splash. For the Capitals, they really, truly run out of excuses, if they don’t win the East this year. Somebody had to say it.
Philly in 6. I think the Flyers have the depth. Ryan Miller or J. Enroth will have to steal it, for the Sabres. Should be a great series. I’m looking forward to it.
Boston in 7. I’m still not a Carey Price believer. Though, I was certainly wrong about him during the season. Great series.
Pittsburgh in 7. Honestly, I think the Bolts go up, 3-1, and fail to close out. Too much experience in the Penguins corner. I know they’re beat up, and without two Tier I stars, but they run a good ship, defensively. Say what you want about Fleury, he’s got an impressive resume. Good luck to TB. I hope they represent the SE division very well.
Vancouver over Chicago in 7. Oh, Vancouver will tease their fans and make them suffer in this series. Chicago goes up, 3-2, but the ‘Couv wins the last two, to survive.
San Jose over Los Angeles in 6. Kings should win a game or two. But SJ is for real, and their window is closing. Been knockin’ on the door for quite a while. Don’t know who to root for in this one. Aside from Heatley, I like the Sharks. I do also want LA to have some success. They’ve been patient!
Detroit over Phoenix in 6. I hope I’m wrong. I truly do. Phoenix is just a team that doesn’t have much luck. I hope the Yotes give them a decent series. Detroit has depth, coaching, and 17 years of experience in their corner. Red Wings will win the series.
Anaheim over Nashville in 7. Ugggh. I hope I’m wrong. I want Nashville to win a series, badly. Anaheim is a lot better team that people give them credit for. Cup winners in 2007, but that team doesn’t have a ton of holdover players. Jonas Hiller can do it. I like Pekka Rinne, too. For me, I think this shapes up as the BEST SERIES of the 1st round. Of course, it will only get limited coverage by ESPN, NHLTV, and the rest, because neither team has a following outside of their respective cities, and are in non-traditional markets. Go Preds!!! Please forgive me for not taking you!!
To recap, Washington, Philly, Boston, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, Detroit, SJ, and Vancouver. Total recipe for disaster, but it’s truly how I see it.
Fan from Carolina
April 12th, 2011
7:24 pm
Now this is hockey!! YES!! Bruins all the way to the Cup finals after last year’s meltdown. Yeah, we may have to endure some of those hometown Beantown announcers (Edwards and Brickley) in the process. Who will they face along the way? Have to go with the Lightning getting by the Pens and Philly advancing as well. The Caps will fall short yet again. I also think Crosby will play, at least until Ohlund knocks him into next week with one of his classic blue line jolts. There will be some serious screaming from Mario and the Pens fans
Fan from Carolina
April 12th, 2011
7:27 pm
Just one other thing about the Pens lack of malkin and perhaps Crosby. No Cooke! he is the type player that thrives in playoff action. he is OUT of the 1st round. Advantage: Lightning (watch Downie become the new playoff adversary that everyone hates).
Cliff Fletcher
April 12th, 2011
8:44 pm
not sure how buf/phl goes but if pronger isn’t back buffalo will be good. sabres hot down the stretch and philly couldn/t beat the thrashers. bob in nets can be a train wreck at times. not so for miller or enroth.
World Be Free
April 12th, 2011
8:52 pm
Joe Friday, OK mediocrity isn’t the Hawks, I guess I so thoroughly enjoyed last year’s team that i am having trouble warming to the current version. That being said, Keith and Seabrooke are the best pair in the league in my book. I like the Campoli pickup too, his being there may open up the opportunity to move Campbell this summer, maybe. Black Hawks’ red jersey is still the best jersey in sports.
Hawks/Canucks series will be very interesting. Nucks’ fans think they are going to steamroll the Hawks-I don’t think so.
Tom Lysiak
April 12th, 2011
8:57 pm
Well, I see we dropped down to the 7th spot in the draft. Figures.
World Be Free
April 12th, 2011
9:02 pm
I am not a Marc Croawford fan, but I think he got a bad deal in Dallas. The Stars are an average team with one star that is about to become a UFA. They have some good players, but to expect alot more from this group is not reasonable. Ownership instability for Dallas, they should have maintained stability behind the bench. I just think it is a bad move that will lead to stagnation; not that I want any team from Dallas to win.
Will Moose come back and if so, how do we move Mason? Smoothie had an idea with Ottawa and a good one. Still need a young goalie in the system.
glovesave29
April 12th, 2011
9:55 pm
WBF – Hawks red sweaters are great, but sure hard to to the yellow Duraflame Logs* with the deep orange and black “V” of the mid 80’s Canucks. The crest was on the arm. How great was that?**
* – Courtesy of Bill Clement
** – Sarcasm***
*** – Additional Sarcasm
injunjoe
April 12th, 2011
10:14 pm
Kudos Audra. You excelled on a fantastic endeavor! Memories, good memories, bring lots of smiles.
Brendan
April 12th, 2011
10:39 pm
So, it’s official. We’ll draft 7th, instead of 6th, because the Devils won the draft lottery. What was their percentage? 1.5 percent, or something like this. So, New Jersey will draft 4th, instead of 8th. That pushes the NYI from 4th to 5th, Ottawa from 5th to 6th, and Atlana from 6th to 7th, and so forth.
Duffie utterly ruined any of the ceremony and surprise of this event. The whole idea is … to let Bill Daly open the envelopes … to show the winners. Instead, we heard the answers before we heard the questions. Even Bill Daly was like, “WTF, Duffie? Why am I opening these envelopes, if you’re telling everyone what they contain.”
Brendan
April 12th, 2011
10:43 pm
WBF, I also think Crawford got a raw deal in Dallas. 1996 continues to be a distant memory for him. I still think he can coach in this league. But the ink on that Cup win is not fresh. Mike Keenan kept getting hired, as if his 1994 Stanley Cup win were recent.
Kirk P
April 12th, 2011
10:45 pm
Rawhide—The Wings have made the playoffs for 20 straight years, not 11.
LAC
April 12th, 2011
11:13 pm
Been saying that for years and AGAIN I agree with Smoothie !!!
Time this franchise commits to DEFENSE. I look forward to watching DUD dudley screw this draft up, He $UCKS he has NO idea about being a GM. I wonder what new depths he will lead us into next season, which will most likely be the last in Atlanta… Just awful… Where is LIAR waddell hiding these days ????? New 5 year plan next year ? Are we better than Philadelphis yet LIAR don ???? To those out there who say we have a good young core, NOT. We have zip, I bet we don’t get 75 points next season. BIG Franchise changes need to made here, NEW GOALIES, NEW DEFENSEMEN, Championships are WON from the GOAL out, these past 3 seasons have shown how this run and gun is a Disaster !
Twisted Wrister
April 13th, 2011
1:49 am
I smell a rat in the lottery hat.
Sharon
April 13th, 2011
2:50 am
Capitals (6)
Sabres (7)
Bruins (6)
Lightning (7)
Canucks (5)
Sharks (5)
Wings (6)
Predators (7)
Go Wings!
World Be Free
April 13th, 2011
7:27 am
Glovesave-Canucks lead the league in the number of bad jerseys, followed by the Wild. Minnesota finally got it right with the all-green jerseys they introduced last season. But I have to agree with you on the Canucks and those UGLY jerseys. As much as I like the Black Hawks’ red, I really do not like their retor 3rd jersey at all. Just keep the red and be happy!
Brendan-it’s hard for me to say anything good about Crawford with all the ugly incidents that have followed him in his coaching career. I just don’t see the point of getting rid of an established coach that did a good job at a time when the team has so much uncertainy surrounding it with the ownership situation. new owner, new coahing staff, how you going to retain and attract UFAs? Bad move.
World Be Free
April 13th, 2011
7:31 am
LAC-I give Dudley a B as a GM so far or maybe even a B-. But he had little to work with when he got here. It is hard to build a farm system and a parent club when you do not have the money to spend. Money aside, I am a little disappointed at what I see as a lack of vision.
Totally agree on the commitment to defense, especially when the team lacks goal scorers on lines 2 and 3. You commit to offense when you have offense to burn, we do not. The team needs to be tougher too. Versteeg would have helped, but we missed the boat on that former Black Hawk.
AudraM
April 13th, 2011
8:19 am
Thank you injunjoe !! Very much appreciated!
World Be Free
April 13th, 2011
8:31 am
LAC-right on
Run and gun worked in the USFL, ABA and WHA-none of which can be considered major sports leagues. If we want the run and gun, we need to hire Mouse Davis!
Rawhide
April 13th, 2011
8:50 am
Krik P – You are correct. It’s been 2 decades running for the Wings. What they have done for 11 years straight is earn at least 100 points. I’ve corrected the post above, thanks.
Ya know…shrugs…it’s just our luck that the lottery pingpong balls wouldn’t fall in favor of the Thrashers.
Oh well…whatchagonnado?
World Be Free
April 13th, 2011
9:01 am
# 6 vs #7
Only an issue if there are only 6 blue chip prospects in the draft
j nes
April 13th, 2011
10:59 am
Does anyone else want to see the Atlanta Hawks get swept in the first round–just out of spite?
Red Light
April 13th, 2011
11:09 am
Remember that the NHL fined the Devils for the Kovalchuk contract and they lose their third-round pick this season and a first-rounder in one of the next four drafts? But, by winning the draft lottery (they had a 3.6 percent chance of winning it) they moved up from 8th to 4th and this will be the Devils’ highest pick since they selected defenseman Scott Niedemayer third overall in 1991.
It seems ironic that they moved up ahead of Columbus, Ottawa and particularly Atlanta, three teams that could sorely use the help. My prediction is that Lou deals the No. 4 pick in the draft along with one of his bigger contracts (Elias, Zubrus or Rolston), which will help him free up cap space for Zach Parise’s extension, and then move lower into the draft.
ZAvalanche
April 13th, 2011
11:17 am
I know this is a bit preemptive, but Mr. Landeskog, welcome to CO! Brendan, a heart-felt thank you for the additional 1st round pick
Atl got screwed and somehow I can’t help but feel like the draft order is rigged. From what I have read, sounds like Nugent-Hopkins will go #1, Landeskog #2 and Larsson #3. Hopkins needs to put on some lbs though, he is a stick at 6 foot and almost 170 lbs but all of the scouts think he is the next 99.
Match-ups tonight:
If Vancouver thinks Chi will be a push over, they are going to lose. However, I don’t think they are coming into the game thinking like that. Vancouver 4, Chicago 2.
Common Lundqvist, steal the first game. If he plays well this one is going to OT. NYR 3, WASH 2 in OT.
Yotes, I am so going for you but I just don’t see it. Detroit 4, Yotes 1.
I would like to see Nashville take down Anaheim, and I think they can do it. Nash 3, Anaheim 1.
Tampa can do it as well, though I am impressed as to how well Pitt has done down the stretch without their two powerhouse players. Tampa 4, Pitt 3.
Cliff Fletcher
April 13th, 2011
12:24 pm
j nes///
the irony with the hawks is they haven’t achieved much of anything, despite all the $$$ tossed their way compared to the thrashers’ budgets. give dudley that kind of budget.
World Be Free
April 13th, 2011
2:09 pm
Red Light-I would take Lou up on his offer for one of those guys, even if it would help NJ in the long term. Elias would bring a new attitute to a team that needs it!
Red Light
April 13th, 2011
2:38 pm
Agree. I like Elias and would love to see him play with Kane and Little. He had 62 points this season and had his first minus-rating since 1997 when he played in only 17 games. Imagine having 12 straight seasons with a plus rating and a career mark of +194 in 961 games? AMAZING!
Today is his 35th birthday. He is one of few 35 year olds I would advocate paying $6 million for, but of course, it’s just a pipedream.
World Be Free
April 13th, 2011
3:27 pm
Elias is a money player- time to get him to the warm weather, a place for all those close to retirement.
kracker
April 13th, 2011
3:29 pm
Crap!! They now have blocked capgeek here at work! grrrrr But I can still get on thehockeygm site
World Be Free
April 13th, 2011
3:30 pm
Zavs-Hopkins makes Burmistrov look fat!
That worries me a little bit, how will his body take to putting on the 20#+ lbs he will need to make it in the NHL? Will he lose his speed?
ZAvalanche
April 13th, 2011
4:38 pm
WBF – good question. I think it needs to go to his legs and core. At his current weight he is going to get pushed around fairly badly. I can’t believe how big Landeskog is for his age, but there isn’t a player in the draft that has Hopkins’ skills and weight can be added. It will be interesting to see how he turns out.
ZAvalanche
April 13th, 2011
4:43 pm
If Edmonton takes Landeskog I want Colorado to take Larssen, not Hopkins.
World Be Free
April 13th, 2011
5:18 pm
Zavs-the big thing about this draft is that there is no clear-cut number 1. We will see which direction each team goes here. Should be fun.
goose
April 13th, 2011
6:14 pm
Interesting thing I just noticed that Hainsey was the only defense man to finish with a + rating at +3.
I think that the Devils will draft Couturier hes a big centerman and led the Q in scouring. Does anybody know anything about Dougie Hamilton, seems like the best blue line prospect after Larsson. Dudely will probably draft Ryan Strome though I really hope he does not that guy is tiny and there probably be better options too.
ZAvalanche
April 13th, 2011
6:21 pm
WBF, I totally agree. Only thing that makes me think that Edmonton will go with Hopkins is how their GM spoke about him.
ZAvalanche
April 13th, 2011
7:00 pm
Nice article here, http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/michael_farber/04/13/canucks.stanley.cup.playoffs/index.html?xid=cnnbin&hpt=Sbin , by Mike Farber on the ‘Nucks. Obviously not the quality of the Blog Master, but still a good read. Game 1 starting, Go Yotes!
ZAvalanche
April 13th, 2011
8:56 pm
6 lb 8 oz baby Jesus has blessed me with some great playoff hockey already!
LAC
April 13th, 2011
9:20 pm
WBF, Right. Just LOOK at Washington, went from a system very much like Atlanta and Stopped playing it. They cut their goals by about 40 this season. Where would Atlanta be playing tonight if WE lowered out GA by 40-50 ??????
We have played this damn system for THREE years, IT DOES NOT WORK ???????
Can the people in CHARGE, GM/Coach NOT see or understand this ????
We really need a NEW Coach, Ramsey is a nice guy and good teacher, But this is Professional Sports, This is The NHL, The Best League in the World, Being Nice and teaching DO NOT WIN
Games or get into the playoffs, Just look at us.
I also would grade DUD dudley a D at the very best. Just out of his league, like the Idiot before him was !
Lastly, we have no core of young players, maybe other than Kane. Enstron’s contract ends next season, I believe and he will be a UFA, I doubt he will stay, because staying in Atlanta means LOSING and no hope of winning, thanks to Lying owners and a poor GM and a Soft coach.
ZAvalanche
April 13th, 2011
9:31 pm
Lundqvist is stealing it – you rock man. Can’t believe the Wings are taking so many penalties.
hockeygoon79
April 13th, 2011
9:47 pm
LAC, We’ll have Toby for at least 2 more years. He’s signed through the 2012-13 season then will become a UFA.
Brendan
April 13th, 2011
10:28 pm
Rangers looked content to settle for the pity point, allowing this Caps game to go to overtime.
(Pause.)
C’mon, someone say it!! “Thank God the playoffs are here, so no more ‘pity points!’”
Penguins with a very professional 3-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Red Wings, likewise, handled matters rather judiciously. Chicago vs. Vancouver should be underway now. Versus is carrying the OT of the NYR vs. Washington.
It was a huuuuuge and UGLY goal by Ovechkin that got the game tied.
I love overtime.
Hokie P. Clisters
April 13th, 2011
10:35 pm
I’ll take the Thrashers in 7 – Oh my bad, I was thinking about draft order. Now back to the playoffs. Elrod likes those stinking wings but I’m going with the Canucks.
BTW – what the heck is a canuck? Is that some slang term used for Canadians? If so, then my pick for the SC is the Vernacular Canucks in 5.
Brendan
April 13th, 2011
10:40 pm
Rawhide, who should feel WORSE about missing the playoffs: Dallas or Carolina? I’ll say Dallas, since their loss to Minnesota was against a non-playoff bound team. But really, Dallas lost by a goal, I think. Carolina lost by four goals, by the time the empty-netters went in.
I know I’m not supposed to say so, but I do feel for Carolina missing out. It’s not like they had a tremendous year, and it’s travesty that they missed the dance. But, they certainly had the door swing wide open for them. How much will ‘Canes fans hate the Bolts now??? Next year … has got to be about revenge, if you’re Carolina.
Red Light, your Rangers are looking good, in Game One. Washington is out of excuses, if they fail this year. They must reach the Finals. I don’t even think CF is good enough for Washington. This is a watered down Eastern Conference. It’s right there for the taking. Boston is probably the biggest obstacle for a Capitals berth into the SCF.