East has been picked, and now it's time to look at the crystal ball for the West. Again, I'll be brief, since I have some suspicion that I have to return for some corrections later. Enjoy!
First round in the West. Canucks will take down the Kings, but it will take six games. They have too much firepower for LA and the goalies match evenly. Blues will carry on with their respectable regular season and shut down the Sharks in five. San Jose's inconsistency and exhaustion from the fight for the last playoff spots pave the way. Blackhawks will overpower the Coyotes in five games. These teams are quite similar, but Chicago is a bit better pretty much everywhere. Mike Smith is the best goaltender in this match up but it will not carry the team. Nashville Predators have the perfect opportunity to avenge all the losses in the hands of Detroit Red Wings. And that they will do, beating the banged up and tired Wings in straight four. Pekka Rinne will shut the door and let the four lines grind away the victories.
Second round in the West. Canucks will see their second Presidents' Trophy season end in vain too, this time in the hands of St. Louis Blues. The tight defensive system of the Blues combined with some below the expectations play by the Canucks will result in a Blues victory in six games. Predators will outlast the Blackhawks in seven games. Preds win the defensive games, Hawks will take a few guns blazing. In the end it all comes down to massive difference in goal and Rinne will carry the team to West finals.
Third round in the West. Nashville Predators has ended up with a dream team for their style of play this season. They will fight against somewhat similar style of the Blues and will emerge victorious in six games. They go for the ultimate finals in search for the Stanley Cup but also with a lot on line in regards of keeping their lineup together for the following seasons.
2012/04/11
Way to the finals in the East
Finally, the playoffs are here and it's game time! It's also a time to throw in a bold prediction on how the whole show will unwrap. These have reached some legendary levels of missing the mark, so why wouldn't I give a go?
Let's not waste any more time here. In depth analysis can be left for explaining the unexpected. But now, the Eastern Conference.
First round in the East. Rangers will beat Senators in five. Regardless of regular season struggles they just have way more in the tank. Bruins will crush the Capitals in straight four. Despite the return of Niklas Bäckström, the Caps can't get their act together this season. Panthers will be wiped out in clean fashion by Devils, in five games. Way more playoff experience in New Jersey and Panthers are just happy to reach the postseason. Penguins will have rough time with Flyers, but now that they have the full lineup, they'll take the victory in six. Banged and bruised.
Second round in the East. Rangers will handle the neighbors from New Jersey in six. These two know each other really well, but Rangers have a slight edge after a confidence boosting regular season. Bruins will upset the Cup favorite Penguins. They had all the time to recover and prepare after first round and Penguins arrive exhausted and hurt. Maybe even without a key player or two. With an easier route, the Penguins could have taken it, but battling the two toughest teams in the league in a row just wasn't fair.
Third round in the East. Bruins have the mental edge over Rangers after last season's Cup victory. They don't have to squeeze the stick and the media hasn't put as much pressure on them for a repeat. In the end it's the black and gold, standing tall and waiting for a date from the West.
Let's not waste any more time here. In depth analysis can be left for explaining the unexpected. But now, the Eastern Conference.
First round in the East. Rangers will beat Senators in five. Regardless of regular season struggles they just have way more in the tank. Bruins will crush the Capitals in straight four. Despite the return of Niklas Bäckström, the Caps can't get their act together this season. Panthers will be wiped out in clean fashion by Devils, in five games. Way more playoff experience in New Jersey and Panthers are just happy to reach the postseason. Penguins will have rough time with Flyers, but now that they have the full lineup, they'll take the victory in six. Banged and bruised.
Second round in the East. Rangers will handle the neighbors from New Jersey in six. These two know each other really well, but Rangers have a slight edge after a confidence boosting regular season. Bruins will upset the Cup favorite Penguins. They had all the time to recover and prepare after first round and Penguins arrive exhausted and hurt. Maybe even without a key player or two. With an easier route, the Penguins could have taken it, but battling the two toughest teams in the league in a row just wasn't fair.
Third round in the East. Bruins have the mental edge over Rangers after last season's Cup victory. They don't have to squeeze the stick and the media hasn't put as much pressure on them for a repeat. In the end it's the black and gold, standing tall and waiting for a date from the West.
2012/04/08
Playoff race - Apr 8 - Final shuffle
Okay, it's over. The regular season 2011-2012 and this series of daily updates. The last night of play was action packed. Some teams played at ease, just for fun, when they either were locked for a certain spot in the playoffs or heading for summer vacations.
A lot of moves within the playoff setup still happened last night. Ottawa Senators had another loss to end the regular season in a rough fashion. That took them down all the way to the eighth spot and booked a date in the first round with conference best New York Rangers. While Washington Capitals ended their regular season with a high note, beating the same Rangers, they earned a seventh spot and first round match up with defending cup champions Boston Bruins. I wouldn't be so sure that they actually gained here. Rangers seem to have lost some momentum and Bruins have gotten bigger and tougher in the light of playoffs. Either or, the pressure is on the top seeds anyway. Caps must be just thrilled to end up in the playoffs after a horrible season and loads of critique.
Rangers' loss combined with Vancouver Canucks' win over Edmonton returned the Presidents' Trophy to Vancouver for second year in a row. The last stretch by last seasons runner ups paints the picture for another lengthy run in the playoffs.
In the Western conference race there was Pacific division that provided the most excitement. In the end it was workmanlike Phoenix Coyotes that took the ultimate prize of division crown and third seed with home ice. Seeds seven and eight were divided between San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings in the last game between the two. It had to be done all the way in the overtime, the Sharks taking the win and a higher seed.
A lot of moves within the playoff setup still happened last night. Ottawa Senators had another loss to end the regular season in a rough fashion. That took them down all the way to the eighth spot and booked a date in the first round with conference best New York Rangers. While Washington Capitals ended their regular season with a high note, beating the same Rangers, they earned a seventh spot and first round match up with defending cup champions Boston Bruins. I wouldn't be so sure that they actually gained here. Rangers seem to have lost some momentum and Bruins have gotten bigger and tougher in the light of playoffs. Either or, the pressure is on the top seeds anyway. Caps must be just thrilled to end up in the playoffs after a horrible season and loads of critique.
Rangers' loss combined with Vancouver Canucks' win over Edmonton returned the Presidents' Trophy to Vancouver for second year in a row. The last stretch by last seasons runner ups paints the picture for another lengthy run in the playoffs.
In the Western conference race there was Pacific division that provided the most excitement. In the end it was workmanlike Phoenix Coyotes that took the ultimate prize of division crown and third seed with home ice. Seeds seven and eight were divided between San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings in the last game between the two. It had to be done all the way in the overtime, the Sharks taking the win and a higher seed.
2012/04/07
Playoff race - Apr 7 - Sneaky Coyotes and unknown presidents
Okay, one round to go in regular season and then the playoff more truly switches on. Friday's round had only one game, where Phoenix Coyotes took advantage of St. Louis Blues' lack of urgency and slipped over LA and San Jose to take over the Pacific division lead and third seed in the West. They have one more game, against Minnesota Wild team playing only for their pride, to wrap the season with a fantastic result and home ice advantage. Kings and Sharks can only hope for an upset by Wild and then duel for the main prize between them. Sure looks like Coyotes are going to take it in the end though.
There's more on the line for the last round. The league's best team is not yet clear, and the Presidents' Trophy is up for grabs for Rangers and Canucks. With victories for both, the trophy ends up in New York. Important message and a piece of history to be made.
There's also still room for some shuffling of the playoff first round matchups, so teams are not yet clear who they'll meet. Not much room for tactics, when almost any game's result may change the order slightly. One thing is for sure, the sighs of relief have been exhaled already, since the playoff bound teams got settled on Thursday evening. No matter who's the foe in the first round, it's always a thrill to be playing there.
There's more on the line for the last round. The league's best team is not yet clear, and the Presidents' Trophy is up for grabs for Rangers and Canucks. With victories for both, the trophy ends up in New York. Important message and a piece of history to be made.
There's also still room for some shuffling of the playoff first round matchups, so teams are not yet clear who they'll meet. Not much room for tactics, when almost any game's result may change the order slightly. One thing is for sure, the sighs of relief have been exhaled already, since the playoff bound teams got settled on Thursday evening. No matter who's the foe in the first round, it's always a thrill to be playing there.
2012/04/06
Playoff race - Apr 6 - Suddenly, it's all over
Second to last round of regulation for most teams. Lots of hopefuls entering the games. And in the end, no more playoff spots to reach. It's all over in regards of making the playoffs or not. The games played the way that separated the sighs of relief from sighs of disappointment. What is left for the last round of play, are some positions within the playoff bound.
Thursday night's games ended with Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars all out of playoffs this season. At the same time it helped even more teams clinch the playoff spot. Kings, Sharks, Coyotes, Panthers and Capitals, to be exact.
The biggest remaining battles are for home ice. Washington could overtake Florida with a win and regulation loss respectively for Southeast crown and third seed in the East. San Jose and Los Angeles duel out the last game and winner takes a hold of the Pacific crown and third seed in the West. Phoenix Coyotes could take over both of them with four points in the remaining two games. There's St. Louis Blues in their way tonight, which makes it a tough task. Third race for home ice is between Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings. If both win their last games, it's Nashville, if they end up even in points, it's Red Wings. Despite the outcome, these two will face each others in the first round for an epic battle.
Thursday night's games ended with Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars all out of playoffs this season. At the same time it helped even more teams clinch the playoff spot. Kings, Sharks, Coyotes, Panthers and Capitals, to be exact.
The biggest remaining battles are for home ice. Washington could overtake Florida with a win and regulation loss respectively for Southeast crown and third seed in the East. San Jose and Los Angeles duel out the last game and winner takes a hold of the Pacific crown and third seed in the West. Phoenix Coyotes could take over both of them with four points in the remaining two games. There's St. Louis Blues in their way tonight, which makes it a tough task. Third race for home ice is between Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings. If both win their last games, it's Nashville, if they end up even in points, it's Red Wings. Despite the outcome, these two will face each others in the first round for an epic battle.
2012/04/05
Playoff race - Apr 5 - Calm before the storm
Wednesday night in NHL was quiet in NHL. Only two games and out of them, only one had teams that will continue to the postseason. Detroit Red Wings took the two points in a shootout win over division leading St. Louis Blues. This takes the Wings back to home ice. The battle for Western fourth place continues until the end with the Nashville Predators.
While Wednesday was calm, the storm will break loose on Thursday. This is a straightforward day for many teams. Winning is the only option for survival. Playoff chances are on the line for Dallas and Colorado, who are already beyond having the control to themselves. A win today may postpone the inevitable, and keep the slight hopes for miracles alive.
There's big clashes on both conferences. Washington will meet Florida in the Southeast division battle. One point for the Panthers will give them the crown and a long sought after playoff berth. A loss here keeps them wondering. Both teams need to peek at the scoreboards for happenings in Philadelphia, where Buffalo Sabres continue their desperate push to overtake either of the teams.
At the same time in the West, San Jose and Los Angeles will duel the first part of home and home to finish off the season. Winner there will take over the Pacific lead and third seed in the West.
The rest of the teams who are already destined for playoffs have interesting matchups, setting the tone and sending the final messages for the potential playoff foes. A good round of hockey!
While Wednesday was calm, the storm will break loose on Thursday. This is a straightforward day for many teams. Winning is the only option for survival. Playoff chances are on the line for Dallas and Colorado, who are already beyond having the control to themselves. A win today may postpone the inevitable, and keep the slight hopes for miracles alive.
There's big clashes on both conferences. Washington will meet Florida in the Southeast division battle. One point for the Panthers will give them the crown and a long sought after playoff berth. A loss here keeps them wondering. Both teams need to peek at the scoreboards for happenings in Philadelphia, where Buffalo Sabres continue their desperate push to overtake either of the teams.
At the same time in the West, San Jose and Los Angeles will duel the first part of home and home to finish off the season. Winner there will take over the Pacific lead and third seed in the West.
The rest of the teams who are already destined for playoffs have interesting matchups, setting the tone and sending the final messages for the potential playoff foes. A good round of hockey!
2012/04/04
Playoff race - Apr 4 - Taking control of your destiny
At this time of the regular season, it's nice to be already locked for the playoffs. However, there's still a bunch of teams fighting for their lives in the postseason. Some teams control their own destiny, and will reach the playoffs if they win the remaining games. Others look for the momentary lapse of those and try to sneak in in the final stretch.
The Florida Panthers managed to salvage yet another point in an overtime loss to already fallen Winnipeg Jets. This brings them to the edge of clinching the division crown and a sure playoff spot. There's still a chance that they'll fall out of the playoffs but that would require them losing the remaining two in regulation and both Capitals and Sabres taking four points in their final two. All the signs point to Florida making it's first playoff appearance in a long time. The more interesting question is that can the Capitals fight off the final push of Buffalo Sabres or will they bend under pressure and fall out? The prize for the winner is a series against league best NY Rangers. An obvious underdog chance for a major upset.
In the West it was San Jose Sharks who took matters to their own hands (fins?) by beating Pacific rivals Dallas Stars. They can now hold on to the playoff spot by winning last two games. To make matters interesting, these games will be against Pacific leaders, Los Angeles Kings, who sit one point ahead of the Sharks. This battle may well decide the home ice of the division champion. Of course there's Phoenix Coyotes, who have two detached games of their own and can overtake both of the Californian teams with a proper spread of points.
Dallas may just have lost their season on this game against the Sharks. They now need to take all four remaining points and hope Sharks or Coyotes don't pick up any. One point for Sharks would also hand the last playoff spot to Stars on a tiebreaker if they win the last two.
The Florida Panthers managed to salvage yet another point in an overtime loss to already fallen Winnipeg Jets. This brings them to the edge of clinching the division crown and a sure playoff spot. There's still a chance that they'll fall out of the playoffs but that would require them losing the remaining two in regulation and both Capitals and Sabres taking four points in their final two. All the signs point to Florida making it's first playoff appearance in a long time. The more interesting question is that can the Capitals fight off the final push of Buffalo Sabres or will they bend under pressure and fall out? The prize for the winner is a series against league best NY Rangers. An obvious underdog chance for a major upset.
In the West it was San Jose Sharks who took matters to their own hands (fins?) by beating Pacific rivals Dallas Stars. They can now hold on to the playoff spot by winning last two games. To make matters interesting, these games will be against Pacific leaders, Los Angeles Kings, who sit one point ahead of the Sharks. This battle may well decide the home ice of the division champion. Of course there's Phoenix Coyotes, who have two detached games of their own and can overtake both of the Californian teams with a proper spread of points.
Dallas may just have lost their season on this game against the Sharks. They now need to take all four remaining points and hope Sharks or Coyotes don't pick up any. One point for Sharks would also hand the last playoff spot to Stars on a tiebreaker if they win the last two.
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