Although I didn't predict any series scores correctly in the first round, I think my 6-2 record warrants my second round picks, don't you?
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins
Boston will make Carolina feel like a gentle breeze
While the Canes shocked many, including the New Jersey Devils, it's time for the Bruins to give them a wake up call. No disrespect to Eric Stall and company, but Boston swept the season series 4-0 and have too much size and depth for Carolina to handle. The only way I can see an upset happening is if Cam Ward pulls a repeat which earned Carolina it's only Stanley Cup in 2006.
Bruins wins series 4 games to 1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Don't blink for a second
This is the series that will have NHL drooling for more. Three of the league's top scorers, Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby will be trying to outdo each other in what should be the most exciting series this post-season. Aside form the three mentioned players, this series will feature a slew of offensively skilled and exciting players. Additionally, some bad blood between Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin and Alexander Semin should make this series not just a spectacular display of offensive skills, but a physical series as well. On top of all the skillful players, this series boasts what looks to be a great goaltending match-up. Both netminders are playing exceptionally well thus far. Varmalov will have to continue his incredible rookie post-season if the Caps are to make it to the third round.
Capitals wins series 4 games to 3
Western Conference
Detroit Redwings vs. Anaheim Ducks
The Duck stops here.
The defending Stanley Cup Champs are too big and too deep for Anaheim to handle. I know I said pretty much the same thing about San Jose, but Detroit was the highest scoring team in the regular season, with a load of offense coming from the defense. Plus, the way Detroit handled Columbus in the first round, I don't see Anaheim making it to the third round.
Redwings wins series 4 games to 3
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Luongo will frustrate Hawks top guns
As the trite expression goes, offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. Chicago played really good hockey against the Flames, but Calgary didn't have Roberto Luongo in net. Mika Kiprousoff played below average, and I don't see Luongo having that same problem.
Canucks wins series 4 games to 3
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
2008-09 Free NHL Playoffs Picks
NHL 2008-09 FREE PLAYOFFS PICKS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bruins Too Much For Habs, This Time
With a heavy heart, I believe the Boston Bruins are ready to exact revenge on the team I have cheered on since 1986. One of the things that differentiates this series from the last three times the Canadiens ousted the Bruins in the first round is the absence of Andrei Markov. The second highest point getting defenceman is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. The only way the blue, blanc and rougue will stand a chance of beating the team with the best plus minus goals differential is to get number 79 back in the lineup soon. The Bruins just have too much depth and size for the Habs. Boston was the only team this year to finish with seven 20+ goal scorers.
Bruins win series 4 games to 1
Caps Offense Will Mesmerize The Offensively Anemic Rangers
I’m familiar with the trite expression that a good defense will beat a good offense any day. Unfortunately for the New York Rangers, that will not be the case against the potent offense of the Washington Capitals. Although the Rangers had the leagues best penalty kill during the regular season, and Henrik Lundquist earned another 30plus wins, the Capitals become the first team since 1996 to boast four players who finished the regular season recording at least a point per game. If Jose Theodore can be even just average in this series, the league’s top goal scorer and the Capitals should have its way with New York. The only chance the Rangers have of winning this series is if Lundquist shines beyond belief.
Washington wins series 4 games to 0.
Eric Stall and Cam Ward Are Shining At The Right Time
I’m not making my first upset based on the Hurricanes winning the season series against New Jersey 3-1. I’m picking Carolina because its gone 13-5 since March. As well, Eric Stall and Cam Ward are playing the kind of inspired hockey that won the franchise its first ever Stanley Cup in 2004. Martin Brodeur has not been marginal since returning from an injury that kept him out of most of this past season. And although this Devils team boasts a potent offence, which the franchise is not known for, including the fourth leading scorer in Zack Parise, I don’t think the Jersey can get enough offense from its defense, whereas Anton Babchuck and Joe Corvo have been playing quite well for the Canes as of late.
Carolina wins series 4 games to 2
Philadelphia’s offense won’t be enough to topple the Penguins
Ever since making a coaching change, the Penguins have really turned this season around. Getting the veteran leadership of Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz near the trading deadline didn’t hurt, either. I think this series will come down to goaltending. And although Philadelphia netminder, Martin Biron, got a monkey off his back last season, advancing to the third round of the playoffs, Fleury was the difference maker then, and he will be the same this series. Both teams have loads of offensive talent, but the Flyers can’t get it done defensively. I know Philadelphia allowed one fewer goal than the Penguins this year, but the Pens have been a different team since removing former coach Michelle Therien. Getting back one of the leagues’ best defenseman in Sergei Gonchan didn’t hurt much, either.
Pittsburgh wins series 4 games to 3
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Could This Be The Year The Sharks Finally Makes Some Waves?
Corny pun aside, San Jose is poised to make it deep in the playoffs this year. Many a Presidents’ Trophy winner has disappointed, San Jose looks to me like they can at least get past the first round. No disrespect to the Ducks who have a load of experience and talent, Anaheim just can’t seem to find its’ stride this year. Joe Thornton is another year older and experienced, Patrick Marleau has had a huge turnaround year and San Jose has an incredibly deep team. Additionally, the Sharks is solid on defence and can play a physical game, too.
San Jose wins series 4 games to 3
Detroit Squeaks By The Pesky Blue Jackets
I don’t think it will be easy for Detroit, but a load of depth and experience should advance the defending Stanley Cup champs into the second round. Rookie goaltender Steve Mason has had an outstanding year for Columbus and Rick Nash keeps growing into a top NHL star. However, Detroit had the most goals of any team this year and has 2 of the top centres in Pavel Datsyuk. Additionally, the defending champs has 169 points between its’ top 3 defencemen. I don’t know why Chris Osgood keeps getting mentioned as a key to Detroit repeating. Hasn’t he proven himself already?
The Blues’ Run Stops Here
Congratulations to St. Louis for making its’ first post season appearance since 2004. I’m not saying they don’t deserve to be here; quite the opposite. The Blues surprised everybody by playing well enough down the stretch to secure a playoff spot. But, the Vancouver Canucks has played exceptionally well having won 23 of its’ last 32 games after losing 8 straight in January. I think like in many series, this one will come down to goaltending with the Vancouver captain getting my nod.
Vancouver wins series 4 games to 1
Experience And Grit Too Much For Chicago To Handle
Although the Blackhawks swept the season series 4-0, have home ice and the leagues’ 4th most potent offence, I think the Flames, who have been inconsistent all season, will show up. On top of leadership, grit and offence, Flames captain Jerome Iginla has a supporting cast that includes a breakout year from Mike Cammalleri, I think the one key factor to the Flames success will be Ollie Jokinen. Jokinen is making his first post season appearance after playing 799 regular season games. I think his desire and enthusiasm in knowing that he finally made it to the playoffs will be contagious. It doesn’t hurt that he can score a goal or two. Chicago is loaded with talent and is fun to watch, but it’s not their time yet.
Calgary wins series 4 games to 2
My Early Stanley Cup Prediction:
Detroit over Boston 4 games to 2
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bruins Too Much For Habs, This Time
With a heavy heart, I believe the Boston Bruins are ready to exact revenge on the team I have cheered on since 1986. One of the things that differentiates this series from the last three times the Canadiens ousted the Bruins in the first round is the absence of Andrei Markov. The second highest point getting defenceman is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. The only way the blue, blanc and rougue will stand a chance of beating the team with the best plus minus goals differential is to get number 79 back in the lineup soon. The Bruins just have too much depth and size for the Habs. Boston was the only team this year to finish with seven 20+ goal scorers.
Bruins win series 4 games to 1
Caps Offense Will Mesmerize The Offensively Anemic Rangers
I’m familiar with the trite expression that a good defense will beat a good offense any day. Unfortunately for the New York Rangers, that will not be the case against the potent offense of the Washington Capitals. Although the Rangers had the leagues best penalty kill during the regular season, and Henrik Lundquist earned another 30plus wins, the Capitals become the first team since 1996 to boast four players who finished the regular season recording at least a point per game. If Jose Theodore can be even just average in this series, the league’s top goal scorer and the Capitals should have its way with New York. The only chance the Rangers have of winning this series is if Lundquist shines beyond belief.
Washington wins series 4 games to 0.
Eric Stall and Cam Ward Are Shining At The Right Time
I’m not making my first upset based on the Hurricanes winning the season series against New Jersey 3-1. I’m picking Carolina because its gone 13-5 since March. As well, Eric Stall and Cam Ward are playing the kind of inspired hockey that won the franchise its first ever Stanley Cup in 2004. Martin Brodeur has not been marginal since returning from an injury that kept him out of most of this past season. And although this Devils team boasts a potent offence, which the franchise is not known for, including the fourth leading scorer in Zack Parise, I don’t think the Jersey can get enough offense from its defense, whereas Anton Babchuck and Joe Corvo have been playing quite well for the Canes as of late.
Carolina wins series 4 games to 2
Philadelphia’s offense won’t be enough to topple the Penguins
Ever since making a coaching change, the Penguins have really turned this season around. Getting the veteran leadership of Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz near the trading deadline didn’t hurt, either. I think this series will come down to goaltending. And although Philadelphia netminder, Martin Biron, got a monkey off his back last season, advancing to the third round of the playoffs, Fleury was the difference maker then, and he will be the same this series. Both teams have loads of offensive talent, but the Flyers can’t get it done defensively. I know Philadelphia allowed one fewer goal than the Penguins this year, but the Pens have been a different team since removing former coach Michelle Therien. Getting back one of the leagues’ best defenseman in Sergei Gonchan didn’t hurt much, either.
Pittsburgh wins series 4 games to 3
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Could This Be The Year The Sharks Finally Makes Some Waves?
Corny pun aside, San Jose is poised to make it deep in the playoffs this year. Many a Presidents’ Trophy winner has disappointed, San Jose looks to me like they can at least get past the first round. No disrespect to the Ducks who have a load of experience and talent, Anaheim just can’t seem to find its’ stride this year. Joe Thornton is another year older and experienced, Patrick Marleau has had a huge turnaround year and San Jose has an incredibly deep team. Additionally, the Sharks is solid on defence and can play a physical game, too.
San Jose wins series 4 games to 3
Detroit Squeaks By The Pesky Blue Jackets
I don’t think it will be easy for Detroit, but a load of depth and experience should advance the defending Stanley Cup champs into the second round. Rookie goaltender Steve Mason has had an outstanding year for Columbus and Rick Nash keeps growing into a top NHL star. However, Detroit had the most goals of any team this year and has 2 of the top centres in Pavel Datsyuk. Additionally, the defending champs has 169 points between its’ top 3 defencemen. I don’t know why Chris Osgood keeps getting mentioned as a key to Detroit repeating. Hasn’t he proven himself already?
The Blues’ Run Stops Here
Congratulations to St. Louis for making its’ first post season appearance since 2004. I’m not saying they don’t deserve to be here; quite the opposite. The Blues surprised everybody by playing well enough down the stretch to secure a playoff spot. But, the Vancouver Canucks has played exceptionally well having won 23 of its’ last 32 games after losing 8 straight in January. I think like in many series, this one will come down to goaltending with the Vancouver captain getting my nod.
Vancouver wins series 4 games to 1
Experience And Grit Too Much For Chicago To Handle
Although the Blackhawks swept the season series 4-0, have home ice and the leagues’ 4th most potent offence, I think the Flames, who have been inconsistent all season, will show up. On top of leadership, grit and offence, Flames captain Jerome Iginla has a supporting cast that includes a breakout year from Mike Cammalleri, I think the one key factor to the Flames success will be Ollie Jokinen. Jokinen is making his first post season appearance after playing 799 regular season games. I think his desire and enthusiasm in knowing that he finally made it to the playoffs will be contagious. It doesn’t hurt that he can score a goal or two. Chicago is loaded with talent and is fun to watch, but it’s not their time yet.
Calgary wins series 4 games to 2
My Early Stanley Cup Prediction:
Detroit over Boston 4 games to 2
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
University students: too soon?
A friend of mine recently e-mailed me an article about the maturity level of University students I would like to elaborate on. During my 4 years at
It’s bad enough when people chit-chat in movie theatres and waste my 5 dollars.
I find it perplexing that University enrollment requirements have gone up in recent years, with many students needing to receive at least an 80% average to be considered for post secondary admittance. Wouldn’t it stand to reason that these students would be mature enough to have the willpower to not verbally socialize for an hour or so? Although most of them went about whispering their intellectually profound conversations, what I think they failed to realize is that it’s still distracting. While I’d rather have someone humming in my ear quietly than loudly, both are distracting if I’m trying to pay attention to the person at the front of the room speaking.
I was also surprised at how many educators were either hard of hearing or didn’t care to say anything. I can understand possibly feeling that since each student has paid his or her tuition that they might feel awkward speaking up. However, to the students that don’t waste other people’s time in class, the teacher does a disservice. Go outside and talk where you can converse without the limitations of having to whisper.
Although this is never going to happen, I propose that high school graduates are required to work for at least a couple of years before enrolling in a post-secondary institution. This way, maybe they can have some empathy for those of us who juggle occupational and educational responsibilities simultaneously.
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