As a Rangers fan, I am saddened at my team's premature dismissal from the playoffs this weekend. I did cry - I get emotional about my team - after they mounted a stupendous comeback with flashes of brilliance. But it wasn't enough...
So as a hockey fan, I have to collect myself and take stock of the remaining teams. We have in the East seeds 2 and 6 playing eachother, and they would be the two Pennsylvania teams duking it out for conference champs. I'm at a loss as to who I will support in this one.
In the West, we have seeds 1 and 5 going head to head for their conference title. Just by sheer numbers, I have to lean toward Detroit. As it's been said, they are a machine, but Dallas is a formidable opponent. Should be one helluva series.
In any case, I will be praying to the hockey gods that someone other than Mikes Emerick and/or Milbury will be announcing the games. I can only take so much.
So - what are your predictions from this point on?
Showing posts with label predictions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label predictions. Show all posts
Monday, May 05, 2008
Round 2 Over and Done
Monday, April 07, 2008
2008 Playoffs: Make Your Predictions!!
I get really excited about the playoffs every year. When the Kings aren't competing for Stanley I usually pick one team as "my team". It's usally the Red Wings because I always like their lineup. Sure their wagon is HUGE but it doesn't always mean they're going to win the Cup. I love Niklas Lidstrom. He's probably my favorite player in the playoffs. And how can you not like Hank Zetterberg? The Wings even have McCarty back in the lineup! And, of course, let's not forget about Kirk Maltby and Brad Stuart.
Normally I don't care too much about the East, unless there's one team that I adore and want to see succeed. Last year it was the Buffalo Sabres and I was a bit disappointed with their lackluster effort through the playoffs. They had a great team but for some reason, with the exception of a couple games, it seemed like the team won on luck alone. This year I don't have an Eastern team that I'm rooting for. I think Washington is on an unbelievable streak and it would be a sight to see if they advance to the Finals. Hands down that team is the underdog.
My predictions are after the jump. But don't forget to make your predictions (in the comments or in your blog) so we can compare!
Eastern Conference
(1) Montreal Canadiens v. (8) Boston Bruins
I don't know much about the Canadiens except that they have a rookie in net. The team went 8-1-1 in the last 10 games and it always seems like the hot teams do well in the playoffs. I know even less about the Boston Bruins and I'm still trying to figure out how the team made the playoffs. I'm sticking with the hot team.
Montreal in 5.
(2) Pittsburgh Penguins v. (7) Ottawa Senators
Rematch from last year except now Pittsburgh is the home team. Last year I always enjoyed reading the post game notes by Five for Smiting; he's relentless in his mockery of Gary Roberts and Sidney Crosby. I want Ottawa to win this series but I doubt it will happen. The team has imploded and Malkin has the entire state of Pennsylvania on his shoulders and he's still racking up the points. Maybe the bunny will work...but I'm not holding my breath.
Pittsburgh in 6.
(3) Washington Capitals v. (6) Philadelphia Flyers
Like I said earlier, the Capitals look unstoppable. Now that Ovie broke Luc's record, I am in full support of him scoring as many goals as humanly possible. If the Caps make it to the Finals, he could very easily win the MVP award. And honestly, I want the Caps to make it that far because that means I get to watch Ovie play more in the next couple months than I have in the past three years. In the first half of the season it looked like Philly was going to easily slide into the playoffs. Now, I'm not sure they can hold off the streaking Caps. I am in complete shock that Jaroslav Modry went from a +2 on the Kings to a -13 on the Flyers...how is that even possible? Ovie all the way.
Caps in 6.
(4) New Jersey Devils v. (5) New York Rangers
I'm sorry -ookies, Kerry and Lucky 13, but I don't care about this series. And I'm sure Devils fans are less than thrilled to be playing the Rangers and vice versa. Actually, I do care about Sean Avery. So...I guess I'm rooting for the Rangers. But I think Marty will carry the Devils to the second round.
Devils in a painful 7.
Western Conference
(1) Detroit Red Wings v. (8) Nashville Predators
Unless the entire Red Wings roster gets injured and/or everyone becomes super cocky, Detroit's winning this series. For the record, I do not like Hasek.
Detroit in 5.
(2) San Jose Sharks v. (7) Calgary Flames
It's the JR curse.
Flames in 6.
(3) Minnesota Wild v. (6) Colorado Avalanche
This is going to be a good series if Forsberg plays in every game. I wish I could watch every game in this series. I have no idea who will win this one. I guess I'll just have to go with my girl Kirsten.
Wild in 7.
(4) Anaheim Ducks v. (5) Dallas Stars
I cannot believe Zubov is out. However, I still have faith that Dallas can knock out Anaheim.
Dallas in 7.
Mirtle has a poll where you can vote for the 4 teams you think will advance in each Conf. Check out what a bunch of readers think will happen.
After reading Kirsten's predictions I decided I should try my hand at predicting all of the rounds. I initially wanted to propose a Playoff Prediction Game at HLOG similar to the NCAA Final Four brackets, but reseeding makes it more difficult to create a "bracket" and I just don't care that much to actually make it and send it to everyone. Rather, hopefully my (and Kirsten's) predictions will entice others to make predictions as well.
With the predictions I made above for the We/Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, here are my predictions for the remaining playoff rounds:
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(1) Montreal v. (4) New Jersey Devils
Rookie v. Vet. Kind of like Ward v. Brodeur. If this series occurred in the next round then Price would have the opportunity of outdueling Brodeur on his birthday just like Ward did two seasons ago.
Montreal in 5.
(2) Pittsburgh v. (3) Washington Capitals
Everyone in NHL broadcasting will cream themselves if this series comes to fruition. Crosby v. Ovechkin! Da-du-DAH! Poor Malkin...do you think if he's selfish enough that when it comes time for him to be a UFA he won't re-sign with the Pens just so he can go to a team and not be overshadowed by Cindy? Caps are running on endorphins alone. (I can't believe I just typed 'endorphins'...I'm such a dork)
Caps in 7.
Western Conference Semifinals
(1) Detroit v. (7) Calgary
I picked Calgary to win it all...but now they're up against Detroit. Rematch of last year's first round. I think Calgary could dethrone Detroit but it'll take a lot of discipline.Even though Detroit is my playoff team, I think Calgary could succeed with the upset. After looking at my initial prediction for the Western Finals, I think Detroit will win.
Calgary in 6. Detroit in 6.
(3) Minnesota Wild v. (5) Dallas Stars
(holy hell, I'm out of it today. First I typed "Minnesota North" and then I corrected myself and typed "Minnesota Stars" and then I realized I was on crack and finally wrote down the correct team name.)
I just don't know much about the Wild other than Demitra is on the team.
Dallas in 6. Minny in 6.
Ea/Western Conference Finals
(1) Montreal v. (3) Washington Capitals
I can't believe I have Montreal and Washington in the Eastern Conf Finals...Now I really want Washington to make it. But I think Montreal will prevail.
Montreal in 6.
(5) Dallas Stars v. (7) Calgary Flames
(1) Detroit Red Wings v. (3) Minnesota Wild
I just don't see the #5 and #7 making it to the Finals...what was I thinking 3 minutes ago? Anyhoo, this will be a good series. If Minny can make it this far, I think they can make it to the Finals.
Minnesota in 7.
Stanley Cup Finals
(1) Montreal Canadiens v. (3)Minnesota Wild
Two major hockey markets. One smallish American market. Minnesota will win Game 1. Chris Simon will be called with an illegal stick in Game 2. Montreal will win Games 2-5. History can kind of repeat itself, right?
Montreal in 5.
Normally I don't care too much about the East, unless there's one team that I adore and want to see succeed. Last year it was the Buffalo Sabres and I was a bit disappointed with their lackluster effort through the playoffs. They had a great team but for some reason, with the exception of a couple games, it seemed like the team won on luck alone. This year I don't have an Eastern team that I'm rooting for. I think Washington is on an unbelievable streak and it would be a sight to see if they advance to the Finals. Hands down that team is the underdog.
My predictions are after the jump. But don't forget to make your predictions (in the comments or in your blog) so we can compare!
Eastern Conference
(1) Montreal Canadiens v. (8) Boston Bruins
I don't know much about the Canadiens except that they have a rookie in net. The team went 8-1-1 in the last 10 games and it always seems like the hot teams do well in the playoffs. I know even less about the Boston Bruins and I'm still trying to figure out how the team made the playoffs. I'm sticking with the hot team.
Montreal in 5.
(2) Pittsburgh Penguins v. (7) Ottawa Senators
Rematch from last year except now Pittsburgh is the home team. Last year I always enjoyed reading the post game notes by Five for Smiting; he's relentless in his mockery of Gary Roberts and Sidney Crosby. I want Ottawa to win this series but I doubt it will happen. The team has imploded and Malkin has the entire state of Pennsylvania on his shoulders and he's still racking up the points. Maybe the bunny will work...but I'm not holding my breath.
Pittsburgh in 6.
(3) Washington Capitals v. (6) Philadelphia Flyers
Like I said earlier, the Capitals look unstoppable. Now that Ovie broke Luc's record, I am in full support of him scoring as many goals as humanly possible. If the Caps make it to the Finals, he could very easily win the MVP award. And honestly, I want the Caps to make it that far because that means I get to watch Ovie play more in the next couple months than I have in the past three years. In the first half of the season it looked like Philly was going to easily slide into the playoffs. Now, I'm not sure they can hold off the streaking Caps. I am in complete shock that Jaroslav Modry went from a +2 on the Kings to a -13 on the Flyers...how is that even possible? Ovie all the way.
Caps in 6.
(4) New Jersey Devils v. (5) New York Rangers
I'm sorry -ookies, Kerry and Lucky 13, but I don't care about this series. And I'm sure Devils fans are less than thrilled to be playing the Rangers and vice versa. Actually, I do care about Sean Avery. So...I guess I'm rooting for the Rangers. But I think Marty will carry the Devils to the second round.
Devils in a painful 7.
Western Conference
(1) Detroit Red Wings v. (8) Nashville Predators
Unless the entire Red Wings roster gets injured and/or everyone becomes super cocky, Detroit's winning this series. For the record, I do not like Hasek.
Detroit in 5.
(2) San Jose Sharks v. (7) Calgary Flames
It's the JR curse.
Flames in 6.
(3) Minnesota Wild v. (6) Colorado Avalanche
This is going to be a good series if Forsberg plays in every game. I wish I could watch every game in this series. I have no idea who will win this one. I guess I'll just have to go with my girl Kirsten.
Wild in 7.
(4) Anaheim Ducks v. (5) Dallas Stars
I cannot believe Zubov is out. However, I still have faith that Dallas can knock out Anaheim.
Dallas in 7.
Mirtle has a poll where you can vote for the 4 teams you think will advance in each Conf. Check out what a bunch of readers think will happen.
After reading Kirsten's predictions I decided I should try my hand at predicting all of the rounds. I initially wanted to propose a Playoff Prediction Game at HLOG similar to the NCAA Final Four brackets, but reseeding makes it more difficult to create a "bracket" and I just don't care that much to actually make it and send it to everyone. Rather, hopefully my (and Kirsten's) predictions will entice others to make predictions as well.
With the predictions I made above for the We/Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, here are my predictions for the remaining playoff rounds:
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(1) Montreal v. (4) New Jersey Devils
Rookie v. Vet. Kind of like Ward v. Brodeur. If this series occurred in the next round then Price would have the opportunity of outdueling Brodeur on his birthday just like Ward did two seasons ago.
Montreal in 5.
(2) Pittsburgh v. (3) Washington Capitals
Everyone in NHL broadcasting will cream themselves if this series comes to fruition. Crosby v. Ovechkin! Da-du-DAH! Poor Malkin...do you think if he's selfish enough that when it comes time for him to be a UFA he won't re-sign with the Pens just so he can go to a team and not be overshadowed by Cindy? Caps are running on endorphins alone. (I can't believe I just typed 'endorphins'...I'm such a dork)
Caps in 7.
Western Conference Semifinals
(1) Detroit v. (7) Calgary
I picked Calgary to win it all...but now they're up against Detroit. Rematch of last year's first round. I think Calgary could dethrone Detroit but it'll take a lot of discipline.
(3) Minnesota Wild v. (5) Dallas Stars
(holy hell, I'm out of it today. First I typed "Minnesota North" and then I corrected myself and typed "Minnesota Stars" and then I realized I was on crack and finally wrote down the correct team name.)
I just don't know much about the Wild other than Demitra is on the team.
Ea/Western Conference Finals
(1) Montreal v. (3) Washington Capitals
I can't believe I have Montreal and Washington in the Eastern Conf Finals...Now I really want Washington to make it. But I think Montreal will prevail.
Montreal in 6.
(1) Detroit Red Wings v. (3) Minnesota Wild
I just don't see the #5 and #7 making it to the Finals...what was I thinking 3 minutes ago? Anyhoo, this will be a good series. If Minny can make it this far, I think they can make it to the Finals.
Minnesota in 7.
Stanley Cup Finals
(1) Montreal Canadiens v. (3)Minnesota Wild
Two major hockey markets. One smallish American market. Minnesota will win Game 1. Chris Simon will be called with an illegal stick in Game 2. Montreal will win Games 2-5. History can kind of repeat itself, right?
Montreal in 5.
(x-posted to Purple Crushed Velvet)
Read More......
Monday, February 11, 2008
DOUBLE FIST PUMP OF GREATNESS
I know I don't post much over here because I know most of the world could give less than a rat's hindquarters about the AHL, but this merits some internet-wide yelling.
Andrew Gordon is made of awesome. (and also the AHL player of the week)
For those of you who haven't been keeping up with the Bears/my life, Gordon has scored two hat tricks with me in attendance wearing his jersey. In my book, the kid could sneeze puppydogs and rainbows and not be more awesome than he already is. Mark it, if he doesn't make the Caps outright next year, he's gonna be the first callup from Hershey when they break a winger. And you can quote me on that. Read More......
Friday, September 21, 2007
kms2's 2007-2008 Predictions
Hey Ladies! Let's get some predictions out there for how we think each team will fair during the 2007-2008 season.
Last year I wrote a post about my predictions for each conference. The only reason I wrote it was to prove to the BF that making predictions before the season starts it ludicrous. I doubt I proved anything but my lack of ability to correctly predict the outcome of the season. Before the '06-'07 season began I was filled with rage because every hockey analyst had his head stuck so far up Anaheim's ass and all they could talk about was the Ducks winning the Cup. I wanted the Ducks to prove everyone wrong and they even told Detroit they were giving them the series but Detroit kept insisting they have enough Cups and that they no longer wanted to play. Detroit even proved their point by sending Liljas out on the ice who coughed up the puck to Selanne. "Utter bullshit!!" I yelled at the TV. "Isn't it obvious that Detroit is throwing the game!!" I tried to argue with no one else in the room. And then along came Ottawa. I thought for sure they would want to win the Cup. But for some reason they threw that series, too! I'm convinced that the entire hockey community was in on the secret; everyone had set bets at the beginning of the season, betting that Anaheim would win the Cup. With Niedermayer and Pronger to provide great defense, and Selanne and Giguere at the top of their games, the Ducks seemed like an easy pick at the beginning of the season and everyone wanted to reap the benefits. "But not this year!!!" I proclaim. A conspiracy can't possibly be successfully executed two years in a row, right??
Despite the loss of Pennersquee, Pahlsson's hernia surgery, Giguere's surgery, and the possible retirement of Selanne and Niedermeyer, Anaheim still seems to be the frontrunner in the minds of hockey analysts. But I think things will be much different this season. I don't think that any team has garnered much attention in the off-season to already be declared the 2008 Cup Champions. So who do I think will win the Cup this season?
For no real reason other than a gut feeling, Calgary is at the top of my list. I also like Carolina. It's like these teams speak to me and I have to listen. (Did anyone watch the Property Ladder or Flip This House episode where the Jamaican lady was flipping a house for the first time so that she could quit her desk job and pursue her dream to become a healer? She kept saying the house was speaking to her so she made all these stupid, unnecessary, and outlandish changes to the house that did nothing but put her in debt. That episode was awesome!) Carolina may seem like crazy pick but I think the team will bounce back from their disappointing season as defending Cup champions.
I also think that Pittsburgh has a good young team but goaltending could be their weakest position. Vancouver seems fairly solid, especially with Luongo bringing up the D. San Jose also seems like a solid team but they'll have to fight the JR curse. Also, I would just die if another California team won the Cup before the Kings. I really wanted to give explanations for why I placed teams to finish in certain positions but I just haven't had the energy to do the research and coherently explain my reasons. Alas, you're stuck with just lists and a couple sentences. Call me a retard, an idiot, or a dreamer. Whatever. I figure I should actually do a good job at the job I get paid to do and, therefore, my blog doesn't get nearly enough attention that I should give it.
Despite the loss of Pennersquee, Pahlsson's hernia surgery, Giguere's surgery, and the possible retirement of Selanne and Niedermeyer, Anaheim still seems to be the frontrunner in the minds of hockey analysts. But I think things will be much different this season. I don't think that any team has garnered much attention in the off-season to already be declared the 2008 Cup Champions. So who do I think will win the Cup this season?
For no real reason other than a gut feeling, Calgary is at the top of my list. I also like Carolina. It's like these teams speak to me and I have to listen. (Did anyone watch the Property Ladder or Flip This House episode where the Jamaican lady was flipping a house for the first time so that she could quit her desk job and pursue her dream to become a healer? She kept saying the house was speaking to her so she made all these stupid, unnecessary, and outlandish changes to the house that did nothing but put her in debt. That episode was awesome!) Carolina may seem like crazy pick but I think the team will bounce back from their disappointing season as defending Cup champions.
I also think that Pittsburgh has a good young team but goaltending could be their weakest position. Vancouver seems fairly solid, especially with Luongo bringing up the D. San Jose also seems like a solid team but they'll have to fight the JR curse. Also, I would just die if another California team won the Cup before the Kings. I really wanted to give explanations for why I placed teams to finish in certain positions but I just haven't had the energy to do the research and coherently explain my reasons. Alas, you're stuck with just lists and a couple sentences. Call me a retard, an idiot, or a dreamer. Whatever. I figure I should actually do a good job at the job I get paid to do and, therefore, my blog doesn't get nearly enough attention that I should give it.
Here are my predictions for how each team will rank at the end of the regular season within their respective Divisions and which teams I think will qualify for the playoffs.
Western Conference Predictions
Northwest
1. Calgary
2. Vancouver
3. Colorado
4. Minnesota
5. Edmonton
Central
1. Detroit
2. St. Louis
3. Chicago
4. Nashville
5. Columbus
Pacific
1. San Jose
2. Anaheim
3. Dallas
4. Los Angeles
5. Phoenix
Playoff Qualifiers (in no particular order):
Calgary
Vancouver
Colorado
Detroit
St. Louis
San Jose
Anaheim
Dallas
Eastern Conference Predictions
Atlantic
1.NY Rangers
2. Pittsburgh
3. New Jersey
4. Philadelphia
5. NY Islanders
Northeast
1. Ottawa
2. Toronto
3. Buffalo
4. Boston
5. Montreal
Southeast
1. Carolina
2. Tampa Bay
3. Atlanta
4. Washington
5. Florida
Playoff Qualifiers (in no particular order):
Carolina
Tampa Bay
Ottawa
Toronto
Buffalo
NY Rangers
Pittsburgh
New Jersey
Stanley Cup Finals:
Calgary Flames v. Carolina Hurricanes
2008 Cup Champions:
Calgary Flames
It pains me to leave the Kings off the playoff qualifying list but I just don't see Anaheim, San Jose, or Dallas sucking as bad as the Kings. I think it's fair to say that Edmonton will be the bottom feeders of the West. Like I said earlier, I like Calgary's team a lot. Once again, I apologize for my lack of explanations for why I picked these teams, but do your best to guess why I picked them and leave your hate mail in the comments.
What are your predictions?
x-posted to Purple Crushed Velvet Read More......
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