It has been playoff time for a week now, and so far, we have seen some great games. San Jose and Nashville has a real snarl to it, and I have enjoyed the Detroit and Calgary series. In the East I have watched the beloved Penguins go down 3-1 to the Senators, and I have been watching the Rangers series as well. This is the best time of the year to be a hockey fan. The NCAA’s just wrapped up (Heart breaker for BC) the local High School Tourneys are wrapped up, and the NHL and AHL playoffs have begun. Below are 10 observations, ramblings, if you will on the Playoffs so far.
1. San Jose and Nashville really don’t like each other.
This has been the old time hockey special from the start. There have been nasty hits from behind, brawls, and a general chippiness I like. The series represents the old guard, and has been my favorite so far.
2. I don’t like Buffalo.
All fucking Winter I have had to listen to Buffalo fans piss and moan on XM about how they came this close, and they were the better team last year, and if this happened, that would have happened…..enough already! Now they are taking the whole playoffs lightly. The Isle may not be good enough to make them pay for it, but I’d love to see them bump off the Sabres and their mouthy fans.
3. I really like Sean Avery
He has been the ultimate playoff player. He’s been a real shit disturber, and has taken Atlanta off their game, while playing a big role in his own team’s success. I would love to see him in the Black and Gold.
4. So far, no one is stopping Detroit.
Those guys are scary good. Calgary has tried to push them around, and it hasn’t worked out. I think the series is going back to the Joe tied because Calgary is a force at home, but they can’t win on the road. Eventually it will be the Flames undoing.
5. Tampa Bay is going to win their series.
The Bolts have forced the Devils to play un Devil like hockey, and it will be their undoing.
6. I have not seen one second of the Ducks series.
Let me clarify. I did see some of it, but I was wasted. Um. Go Ducks?
7. I am a sick man.
I watched a very good deal of the bazillion OT game Dallas and Vancouver played on opening night. I looked up at 1 AM and realized, hey, WTF? I am not from Vancouver, or Dallas. What the hell am I doing? Oh yeah, and I was out of beer.
8. Ding Dong. I’ll get it.
Hit of the playoffs so far? Armstrong on Eaves. Good clean hockey play and I love it.
9. I hate to say it.
I think the Rangers are going to win the East. Goaltending is hot right now, and the team is playing well in front of him. Having Shanny in the room will help.
10. Early favorite.
Wings. I really don’t see anyone stopping them. Calgary has tried to push them around, and they have not let that happen. Goaltending has been good, and they have been scoring a lot of goals. Add that to the experience in the room, and I give you the ’07 Champs, the Detroit Red Wings.
Oh, I guess there was a brawl in the Ducks game last night? Stupid Time Zones.
Comment by Chris — April 19, 2007 @ 5:44 am
hey when do the Bruins play…oh yah October
Comment by The Hammer — April 19, 2007 @ 7:40 am
If not the B’s, I go with the original six, Rangers or Wings.
Comment by Red Thunder — April 19, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
I disagree Red, you gotta go with the Sharks. They are what the Bruins could have been if the B’s did not pull off the worst trade in NHL history. Don’t forget they got McLaren as well as Jumbo Joe.
Did you guys know Killer was an enforcers in college on the Lax field? He protected me for four years and helped me become one of our schools all time leading scorers. Thanks Killer.
Comment by KSpecial — April 19, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
Ok…I have ripped Versus plenty this year but I must say I am enjoying Joe Beninati while I watch the Ottawa vs. Penguins game. He has some great passion for the game and gets all fired up for either team. That is how you call a game. Keep up the solid work Joe. BTW, I hate Ottawa, still!
Comment by Killer — April 20, 2007 @ 5:53 am
what the hell is going on?! first little jon and the thrasher, and now it’s snoop dogg at the honda center cheering for his “mighty ducks”?! wrong advertising NHL! pffffft…
Comment by stefan — April 20, 2007 @ 9:06 am
Stefan, Where you headed now? A Klan meeting? Little Jon is a huge Atlanta fan. Has been dating back to the Flames days. In fact, his kid plays youth hockey in the Atlanta area. And Snoop was in a video years ago wearing a North Dakota Jersey. Having two mega rap stars like that seen at NHL games can only help.
Comment by Chris — April 20, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
Ottawa sucks! Missed the game last night. I was at F1 Boston for a team night. Looks like the Sens dominated though. Killer, have you noticed a bunch of the Bruins staff are working Versus? Bob Beers, Jack Edwards and Brick are all on the payroll. I really like Brick as a color man.
Comment by Chris — April 20, 2007 @ 7:22 pm
chris, well ok maybe it really is good news (since it can’t get much worse anyway) and i was a bit overreacting. i just hope hiphop-culture won’t have that much influence on the NHL like it had (and still has) on the NBA.
take care,
stefan
Comment by stefan — April 20, 2007 @ 11:07 pm
Stefan, what about Zamboni’s with hydrolic lifts bouncing to Jay Z as they clear the ice?
Word up Yo
Comment by Killer — April 20, 2007 @ 11:55 pm
I dig what you’re saying Stefan. Not exactly the demo you think of when you think NHL.
Comment by Chris — April 21, 2007 @ 12:11 am
Unless they start to allow the enforcers to carry 9mm
Comment by Red Thunder — April 21, 2007 @ 12:51 am
Looks like I was wrong. Devils beat Tampa. I am an idiot.
Comment by Chris — April 23, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
Are my blogs working yet?
Comment by KSpecial — April 24, 2007 @ 8:50 pm
There you are! I asked what the deal was with your comments not showing, and I got a nerdy answer that made me want to pass out. Looks like whatever the issue was is fixed.
Comment by Chris — April 24, 2007 @ 9:32 pm
Yes I am finally back and I want to say this Wings/Sharks series is going to be awesome. There is a extremely high level of talent and tempers in the series. Sharks in 7.
Comment by KSpecial — April 25, 2007 @ 12:25 am
That’s a bold statement. I really like the Wings this year. I do think it’s going 7, but I am saying Detroit.
Comment by Chris — April 25, 2007 @ 12:31 am
Like I said, original six,Red (Thunder) Wings
Comment by Red Thunder — April 25, 2007 @ 3:45 am