Poll: Who will win the Cup?

Simple question. It comes down to game seven. Stanley Cup final. Will Marian Hossa be shut out again? Or will he lift the cup. Sixty minutes or more of hockey and we'll know who the kings of the ice are for 2009.
Personally I'm going for the Red Wings. Love me some Franzen.

Playoff Journal Part VI

Eastern Conference Champions Pittsburgh Penguins versus Western Conference Champions Detroit Red Wings
Wait a second, wasn't this the matchup last year for the Cup? And what's that Hossa guy doing wearing a Red Wings jersey this time around? A plethora of games have been played since last years Stanley Cup final between the Pens and the Wings, but they've led to the same result: a matchup featuring two high skilled teams who play a precise and exciting offensive style of hockey. This time around the Penguins are more experienced than last year, and more hungry than last year. However not much has changed since last year other than the Wings perhaps becoming even better with Hossa up front. Franzen has shown he is not just a one hit wonder as once again he is lighting it up. As well Dan Cleary has become a playoff monster this time around. Osgood has stepped up his game for the playoffs and has proven that he can make the big save when needed. With the Penguins, they have the same solid core as last year led by Crosby and Malkin up front. Both of them have been providing the big goals that would be expected of the two young stars.
So it has all the makings of a good final once again. Who wins? I'm going to go with a repeat here for the Wings mainly because I think their defense is superior to the Penguins.
Prediction: Red Wings in six

Playoff Journal Part V

I know, I know. Round 3 has already started. Not to worry, I made my predictions before the round started, and I'm sticking to it. No matter what the result of one full game and one full period may indicate. Ben and I accurately predicted that the Hawks, Wings, and Pens would win. And the Canes? Well neither one of us saw that coming. 

Eastern Final

4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 6. Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes just keep on blowing through their opponents in game sevens, beating the number one and number three seeds on way to the Eastern final. They've been able to win games thanks to monster performances by Eric Staal, rock solid goaltending from Cam Ward, and timely goals from heroes such as Jussi Jokinen. The Penguins meanwhile are coming off a seven game series with the offensive juggernaut known as the Washington Capitals, solving a hot rookie goaltender in Simeon Varlamaov, and having Crosby play better than Ovechkin. It would be easy to pick the Canes here, considering who they beat. However, I don't think that the Canes will be able to contain MVP nominee Evgeni Malkin or that other non-MVP nominee Crosby. Both teams had coaching changes in the middle of the season that paid immediate dividends. Both teams have goaltenders that have carried their team to the Cup Final. However Pittsburgh holds the edge in offensive depth as they have wave after wave of players who can score. The no-name defense of Carolina may have been able to handle the limited offenses of the Devils and Bruins, but Pittsburgh will be too much to handle. Pittsburgh doesn't exactly have a stellar defensive unit either, but they are effective.

Prediction: Penguins in seven

Western Final

2. Detroit Red Wings vs. 4. Chicago Blackhawks

A classic matchup featuring two original six teams. Earlier this season the two teams met in the outdoor winter classic. Now its May and the heat has been turned up as the winner gets to go to the big show. Chicago has proven this playoffs to be relentless. A 3-0 lead heading into the third is not safe with the young Hawks prowling. The Red Wings meanwhile ended up playing a series that was longer and closer than they would have liked. Both teams have fossils in nets who have put father time in their back pocket for now at least. This should be an entertaining series as Chicago has a stable full of young rising superstars while Detroit has a stable full of established superstars who have won it all before. Both teams feature strong defensive units that give their offenses a chance to play run and gun hockey. It will be entertaining to watch Byfuglien and Holmstrom in the same series as Byfuglien is starting to gain a reputation for being a Holmstrom like player. I'm giving the edge to the Hawks in this one. They have more youth, and the Wings are just coming out of a tight checking grueling matchup against the Ducks. If Hossa and Datsyuk wake up a little more things may be different, but until then...

Prediction: Blackhawks in seven

Prediction:

Playoff Journal Part IV

East
1. Boston Bruins vs. 6. Carolina Hurricanes Briggins says:
The Canes are coming right off an upset of the New Jersey Devils. They scored some huge goals including game winning goals with 0.2 seconds remaining in game four and 18.9 seconds left in game 7. Don't expect the same magic against the Bruins. The B's are well rested and ready to take on a Canes team that no doubt will be tired from a long seven game series. The usual playoff monster Rod Brind'Amour has been contained, being held to zero points in their series against the Devils. I imagine the Bruins have been watching the tapes and will also contain him. Boston is a team that capitalizes on every turnover and mistake by the opposition, making them too much to handle.
Prediction: Bruins in six

Ben says:
The Carolina Hurricanes Definitely sent a message in their first round series with the New Jersey Devils- they won’t be taken lightly. The Devils entered the series as clear favourites, but were shocked in the end by a young and determined Carolina team. However, Carolina could be in for a frustrating series against Tim Thomas. Their determination pushed them through into the second round but I don’t think that will be enough against a team as deep as the Bruins.
Prediction: Bruins in 5


2. Washington Capitals vs. 4. Pittsburgh Penguins
Briggins says:
This is a dream matchup for the NHL and fans alike. Superstars Ovechkin, Crosby, and Malkin go head to head in what should be a series full of highlight reel worthy plays. The Capitals rallied back from a 3-1 deficit against a Rangers team that was not nearly as strong as the Penguins. The Penguins meanwhile were inconsistent against Philly and will need to play solid all series if they hope to win. The Capitals also have to work on their consistency. Last series the Rangers were able to win games they shouldn't have. This series will go to whichever team is the most consistent. Who wants it more; Crosby or Ovechkin?
Prediction: Penguins in seven

Ben says:
This has potential to be one of the best series in the playoffs. Finally the two best Players in the world get to face off in the playoffs. Pittsburgh got a bad scare in the first round against the Flyers but rallied in game six and took the series. Washington, meanwhile, showed a lot of guts and determination coming back from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the New York Rangers. Washington will come out with a lot of speed. Alexander Ovechkin has the ability to completely take over a game offensively like no other player in the league. However, the longer the playoffs go on, the more important depth becomes, and Pittsburgh is a slightly deeper team that can get it done throughout the lineup.
Prediction: Penguins in 7

Playoff Journal Part III

Round 1 was here and now is gone. It featured some nasty matchups, a handful of suspensions, a handful of sweeps, playoff heroes, and playoff failures. The biggest surprise by far was the Ducks devouring the Sharks in six games. Who saw that one coming? Not I. For the Round 2 predictions I have brought on another unofficial hockey expert and enthusiast, my cousin Ben for our predictions in Round 2.

West
2. Detroit Red Wings vs. 8. Anaheim Ducks
Briggins Says:
It is rather surprising that the Red Wings are the highest seed remaining in the West. While Anaheim does have "dark horse" written all over their jerseys, they are coming off an emotionally tiring and physical series against the Sharks. The Red Wings on the other hand have only played four games so they are well rested and healthy. Jonas Hiller gives the Ducks a chance to win every night, and the rest of the team has heart and determination that makes up for some holes in their talent. But the Red Wings boast two of the most complete players in the NHL; Zetterberg and Datsyuk. And then their defense is anchored by seasoned veterns who know how to win. These players will not be locked down like Thornton, Marleau & Co. were in the battle of California. Players like Franzen and Holmstrom are the types that will prevent an upset from happening.
Prediction: Red Wings in six

Ben Says:
I think its safe to say that nobody expected the Ducks to beat the Sharks, Just like I don’t expect them to to beat the Wings in this series. Sure Ryan Getzlaf and goaltender Jonas Hiller are playing great, but in the end it won’t be enough to defeat the Red Wings. Detroit had the top powerplay in the league this year. Combine that with their suffocating defence and the Ducks will really have a lot on their plate in this round.
Prediction: Red Wings in 5

3. Vancouver Canucks vs. 4. Chicago Blackhawks
Briggins says:
Even though the Hawks were the number four seed, nobody seemed to give them the respect they deserved in the first round. A strong performance by the Bulin wall means this team has Stanley Cup potential. The defense is young, mobile, physical, and makes smart plays. Up front they have an exciting and youthful offense that is led by Jonathan Toews who looks like he could be one of these Joe Sackic/Steve Yzerman playoff monsters for the rest of his career. Good news for Blackhawks fans, and good news for Team Canada. The Canucks on the other hand also have very strong goaltending from Luongo, a rough and tumble defense that makes you pay the price physically, and a fairly deep and bruising offensive lineup. They are also well rested and will be ready to go. The Blackhawks will be a little more drained. And by the end of this matchup both teams will be drained as I'm predicting a long and physical series that comes down to goaltending. Prediction: Keith will not forget that Burrows pulled his hair earlier this season.
Prediction: Blackhawks in seven

Ben Says:
Feel free to discount 10% of what I say here because I’ve grown up as a die-hard Hawks fan. The fact is, the Canucks have a very good team. Roberto Luongo is quite possibly the best goaltender in the league and the team is not short on offensive weapons either with guys like the Sedin twins, as well as Ryan Kesler, Mats Sundin, and Alex Burrows. However, the Blackhawks are clearly the faster, tougher team as along with being incredibly dangerous up front. Vancouver will have their hands full physically against the likes of Adam Burish and Dustin Byfuglien not to mention budding superstars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Also, if vintage Nikolai Khabibulin shows up for this series like he did against Calgary, The Canucks could be in for a long series.
Prediction: Blackhawks in 6

2009 Playoff Journal Part 2

Western Conference Preview
1. San Jose Sharks vs. 8. Anaheim Ducks
Ah, the battle of California. Very fitting for an ice hockey playoff series. Unfortunately for the Ducks, it is going to be a short series. Sure the Sharks are the number one result when you google "lots of skill + choke + playoffs". But they won't have much to worry about in this one. First of all Anaheim has slowly been crumbling since their Cup win as they keep having to trade players in cap related moves. And the man who delivers the playoff magic for them (i.e. Giguere) has seen his play tail off and has been replaced by the more effective Jonas Hillier. The Sharks are superior in every single category. They won't choke this year because they are anchored by stud vetern defensemen who have won it all in the form of Rob Blake and Dan Boyle.
Prediction:Sharks in five

2. Detroit Red Wings vs. 7. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are one of the feel good stories of this season, finally reaching the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Steve Mason has stolen the show there, and will have the chance to strut his stuff against the defending champs. At the other end, the Red Wings goaltending can be downright scary at times, yet this team has been dominant all season once again. It helps when you have guys name Nick Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski anchoring your defense. And who wouldn't want Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Hossa, and Franzen filling nets? Columbus will put up a fight, and Mason may even steal a game or two. But the defending champs will simply be too much to handle.
Prediction: Red Wings in six

3. Vancouver Canucks vs. 6. St. Louis Blues
St. Louis? Really? And in sixth place? This team has risen out of the ashes of the leagues basement all the way into the 6th slot in the west. They have an exciting young team featuring the likes of Oshie, Berglund, Backes, and Boyes. Vetern Chris Mason has been playing the best of his career as well. *Ding* That was the sound of the clock striking midnight a.ka. the puck hitting Roberto Luongo. They are being picked by many as a darkhorse team, but they are no match for the Canucks nasty style anchored around the league's best goaltender in Luongo. The Nucks are built for the playoffs with character guys like Burrows and Mitchell who make life a nightmare for the opposition.
Prediction: Vancouver in six

4. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 5. Calgary Flames
Alright, so far I've picked the favourites in every matchup. Going out on a limb here eh? Well sorry to dissapoint, but I'm picking the Hawks in this one as well. Although it seems like nobody is even giving these guys a chance, saying they're too young and inexperienced. I beg to differ. First of all they have a goalie between the pipes who has absolutely owned the Flames in his career, including a Stanley Cup victory over them. The Hawks have a young exciting team, and I believe that they learned alot through there run towards the playoffs last season where they almost slipped in. Kanes and Toews know what it is like to win in high pressure situations (Kane with the Knights, Toews on team Canada in the World Juniors). The Flames meanwhile are wildly inconsistent all the way from Kiprusoff to their defense (Phaneuf having a down year) to their forwards (What have you done lately Mr. Jokinen?).
Prediction: Chicago in six

2009 Playoff Journal Part 1

East Preview
1. Boston Bruins vs. 8. Montreal Canadiens
These teams meet once again, this time with the Bruins in the top slot and the Habs in the eight slot. Last season the Habs dominated the Bruins in the regular season, but still forced a game seven. This season it was the Bruins who dominated the Habs. If the last game was an indication of anything, then expect a nasty physical season between a heated rivalry. The loss of Markov will hurt the Habs chance of an upset. They'll need strong and consistent goaltending from Price to compete. Boston has cooled off lately, but they have a strong mobile defense, and a heavy arsenal of young firepower.
Prediction: Bruins in six

2. Washington Capitals vs. 7.New York Rangers
In the two hockey pools I saw, Rangers were avoided like the plague. Big mistake. This series features too high powered offenses with exciting players, and their share of defensive holes. I'm predicting lots of goals and back and forth chances. Having Lundqvist in nets for the Rangers gives them a shot of a first round upset. Gomez and Drury always show up to play in the playoffs. Washington looks better than last year, and Mike Green has emerged as the top defenensive weapon in the league. My only worries are about the man between the pipes. Like Huet, there is a reason that the Habs got rid of Theodore (other than his massive salary and Hell's angels biker friends)
Prediction: Capitals in seven

3. New Jersey Devils vs. 6. Carolina Hurricanes
This is another series that could tip either way. The stormwaters in Carolina have been gaining momentum lately, and the Devils have cooled off. But as the ol' cliche says: the playoffs are a new season, anything could happen. Both teams have unheralded defenses, lacking big names. (Joe Corvo and Paul Martin aren't exactly household names. Well maybe Paul Martin, but not THAT Paul Martin). Both teams have goaltenders who have won it all and proved they can step it up a notch come playoff time. A well rested and rejuevenated Brodeur will be scary, and the new found firepower of the Devils will be overwhelming. This is one storm the Canes will not be able to weather.
Prediction: Devils in six

4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs 5. Philadalphea Flyers
First off I'd like to state how much I hate the Flyers. Now that I have that out of the way, this should be another intense round as the battle of Pennsylvania continues. The Flyers smash and bang there way into the win column while Pittsburgh does it with two hundred plus players in Malkin and Crosby. Both teams feature a plethora of young rising superstars. The Penguins have been phenomenal under new coach Dan Bylsma, and are better than their 5th place status may indicate. The Flyers on the other hand need somebody to step up and grab the starting job. While Nittymaki and Biron are figuring that out, the Pens will knock them out.
Prediction: Penguins in six