No matter how you say it, it's only a matter of time. Let's hope it's tonight.
Bills 2026 Do Not Draft List and Needs
4 months ago
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Non-Death Wish
by Ryan
This above is something we are used to seeing around here. The start of something big, a building just off the fringe of Toronto's Air Canada Centre. But the difference between this construction project and the ones we are used to is the end result. See for yourself:
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have their own building. No, not their own venue, every team has one of those; the Leafs and MLSE are spending $500 million to make two 54-story buildings next to their home arena.
Now, when in your life has this ever seemed remotely possible in Buffalo? This would be like Ralph Wilson constructing a nice little condo just off of One Bills Drive, or the Sabres putting a shopping center/office building on the waterfront. Has any of that ever, ever even crossed your mind?
This is the sad reality of the Bills playing in Toronto, and while my snap reaction is one of anger, I'm well aware of the reality of the situation. There is an amazing force in Toronto that just isn't in surplus around Western New York: money. And so while the GTA expands and the skyline morphs by the year, not much is changing around these parts.
The decision to go North makes sense fiscally, and while it seems like such a cruel, cruel betrayal, the former is all that really matters to the people who make these decisions. No matter how many Buffalonians hate it, and no matter how many Argos fans fight it, there is enough money and enough interest to make it work. People are going to show up to these games and they will make a lot of money over the next five years.
It will work, and I suppose I've made amends with that. Yeah, I'm going to hate it the whole way, but it is going to be a "rousing success" and I've almost gotten over it. Okay, that's a freaking lie, but you just can't be blind to this whole thing anymore. This is reality, and since when has reality been kind to those in the Queen City?
Excelsior, I guess.
This above is something we are used to seeing around here. The start of something big, a building just off the fringe of Toronto's Air Canada Centre. But the difference between this construction project and the ones we are used to is the end result. See for yourself:
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have their own building. No, not their own venue, every team has one of those; the Leafs and MLSE are spending $500 million to make two 54-story buildings next to their home arena.
Now, when in your life has this ever seemed remotely possible in Buffalo? This would be like Ralph Wilson constructing a nice little condo just off of One Bills Drive, or the Sabres putting a shopping center/office building on the waterfront. Has any of that ever, ever even crossed your mind?
This is the sad reality of the Bills playing in Toronto, and while my snap reaction is one of anger, I'm well aware of the reality of the situation. There is an amazing force in Toronto that just isn't in surplus around Western New York: money. And so while the GTA expands and the skyline morphs by the year, not much is changing around these parts.
The decision to go North makes sense fiscally, and while it seems like such a cruel, cruel betrayal, the former is all that really matters to the people who make these decisions. No matter how many Buffalonians hate it, and no matter how many Argos fans fight it, there is enough money and enough interest to make it work. People are going to show up to these games and they will make a lot of money over the next five years.
It will work, and I suppose I've made amends with that. Yeah, I'm going to hate it the whole way, but it is going to be a "rousing success" and I've almost gotten over it. Okay, that's a freaking lie, but you just can't be blind to this whole thing anymore. This is reality, and since when has reality been kind to those in the Queen City?
Excelsior, I guess.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Inches on Ice
by Ryan
The Minnesota Wild just won in overtime. If you haven't been watching, both teams have been playing some good hockey tonight and have been pretty equal overall in this series. It's no coincidence that they have gone to overtime in all three games so far.
However, the difference in this series was a single bounce. Minnesota's Defensemen dumped the puck in deep and it looks like an icing is coming. However, the puck bounces off the end boards, off the side of the net, and inches from Brian Rolston. Rolston recovers, makes the pass to Bouchard, and he buries it.
After all that hockey, after three games and over 10 periods, the single decision of which side of the net to go around is the difference in that series. That's playoff hockey, and when it's not a blowout, it's the simplest of things that matter.
Ottawa can bring back anyone they want, there is no way they are beating Pittsburgh. Tonight was the kitchen sink game and they came up short. Sid and Hossa showed us that the Pens can shift into another gear if they need it, something that not many teams have done so far this postseason. With Montreal's struggles the last two games it looks like Crosby and Co. are the clear favorites in the East so far.
It's funny, in the off season Hasek is all over a scene like that.
Nice Phantoms uni, kid.
The Minnesota Wild just won in overtime. If you haven't been watching, both teams have been playing some good hockey tonight and have been pretty equal overall in this series. It's no coincidence that they have gone to overtime in all three games so far.
However, the difference in this series was a single bounce. Minnesota's Defensemen dumped the puck in deep and it looks like an icing is coming. However, the puck bounces off the end boards, off the side of the net, and inches from Brian Rolston. Rolston recovers, makes the pass to Bouchard, and he buries it.
After all that hockey, after three games and over 10 periods, the single decision of which side of the net to go around is the difference in that series. That's playoff hockey, and when it's not a blowout, it's the simplest of things that matter.
Ottawa can bring back anyone they want, there is no way they are beating Pittsburgh. Tonight was the kitchen sink game and they came up short. Sid and Hossa showed us that the Pens can shift into another gear if they need it, something that not many teams have done so far this postseason. With Montreal's struggles the last two games it looks like Crosby and Co. are the clear favorites in the East so far.
It's funny, in the off season Hasek is all over a scene like that.
Nice Phantoms uni, kid.
In Defense of Number 51
By Jon
I could have written this post in mid-February at the trade deadline. I'm sure I could write it in a month-and-a-half or so, when free agency opens open and he signs a whopping contract. But with the latest batch of Brian Campbell bashing hot off the presses, I figured it was time to break my silence.
All season long, Brian Campbell has been under the proverbial microscope as much as any player in the league. I could link to dozens of posts that have criticized a Soupy giveaway, his alleged lack of composure, a quote in the media, or even his drinking habits (about a quarter of the way down the post.) There has been an incredible backlash against Campbell in the Buffalo blogosphere, and it's something that I have a very hard time understanding.
From the end of the lockout until his trade, Campbell was a valuable part of this team. He played more minutes than anyone else. He anchored our power-play (surely it wasn't a coincidence that the PP went to hell after he left). He was a rather personable fellow that was a fan favorite with the mainstream media and the non-blogging contingent of WNY. He stayed healthy, which was a rarity for anyone in our defense corps the last few years. Yet, he has gotten ripped apart over the past few months by several of my blogging contemporaries. It doesn't add up.
As far as I can tell, the anti-Soupy movement started with the weeks before the deadline. The trade/contract talks obviously got to him. You could see it in his play: His production dropped, he was giving the puck away more, and he looked as if he were playing scared. You could hear it in his voice when he spoke to the media. He let non-hockey issues affect him. But is that the source of the contempt against him?
More recently, a couple of quotes from Campbell have offended some bloggers. The first one came when asked to compare the Sharks to the 05-06 Sabres of the past few years:
Can't we all agree that the trade/contract talks were annoying? Didn't we all let out a collective sigh of relief when he finally was traded, not because we lost him, but because the whole ordeal was finally over? Again, I think that if anyone took offense from that quote, they were looking for something to pick Campbell apart for.
Brian Campbell is hardly a defensive stalwart. As a player who is widely considered an offensive defenseman, people seem to criticize every defensive misstep that he makes. He isn't a player who is going to be matched up against the oppositions top line (although SJ seems to be experimenting with that and admittedly, it's not going so well.) He's a guy who will skate the puck up the ice, man the point on the power-play, and start a rush from the back end. He will step up when needed, and has a knack for setting up his teammates. There isn't anyone on the current team or the free agent market that can replace what he brought to the team from an offensive standpoint, and that's why the negativity toward him makes no sense to me.
No, Campbell is not going to be worth the contract he signs this summer. From a financial standpoint, he is a bit overrated. But the fact of the matter remains: Brian Campbell brought something to this team that no one else on the current roster can, and the Sabres are far worse off without him.
I could have written this post in mid-February at the trade deadline. I'm sure I could write it in a month-and-a-half or so, when free agency opens open and he signs a whopping contract. But with the latest batch of Brian Campbell bashing hot off the presses, I figured it was time to break my silence.
All season long, Brian Campbell has been under the proverbial microscope as much as any player in the league. I could link to dozens of posts that have criticized a Soupy giveaway, his alleged lack of composure, a quote in the media, or even his drinking habits (about a quarter of the way down the post.) There has been an incredible backlash against Campbell in the Buffalo blogosphere, and it's something that I have a very hard time understanding.
From the end of the lockout until his trade, Campbell was a valuable part of this team. He played more minutes than anyone else. He anchored our power-play (surely it wasn't a coincidence that the PP went to hell after he left). He was a rather personable fellow that was a fan favorite with the mainstream media and the non-blogging contingent of WNY. He stayed healthy, which was a rarity for anyone in our defense corps the last few years. Yet, he has gotten ripped apart over the past few months by several of my blogging contemporaries. It doesn't add up.
As far as I can tell, the anti-Soupy movement started with the weeks before the deadline. The trade/contract talks obviously got to him. You could see it in his play: His production dropped, he was giving the puck away more, and he looked as if he were playing scared. You could hear it in his voice when he spoke to the media. He let non-hockey issues affect him. But is that the source of the contempt against him?
More recently, a couple of quotes from Campbell have offended some bloggers. The first one came when asked to compare the Sharks to the 05-06 Sabres of the past few years:
Sorry folks, I find it pretty hard to milk something negative out of that quote. There are tons of similarities between the two teams, and Campbell correctly paid homage to the vets on both squads. It was hardly a slap on the face to anyone on the 05-06 team; They were young (Soupy included. Remember that he was enjoying his breakout year, of sorts), and those four guys were leading the way. A pretty harmless comment that should be viewed as complimentary to the Sabres, if anything. Moving on....
Back in Buffalo we had a good mix of young and veteran guys who we weren't going to let down. I said back in Buffalo I wasn't going to let guys down like Chris Drury, Mike Grier, Daniel Briere, or Teppo Numminen. In this locker room it's the same thing. I have too much respect for guys like Jeremy Roenick, Joe Thornton, and again, Mike Grier.
I'm definitely enjoying my time here. The guys in the locker room have been great. The organization has been great. I had to deal with (trade talks and upcoming free agency) all year. It kind of got annoying. It's just fun to go out there and play hockey again.
Can't we all agree that the trade/contract talks were annoying? Didn't we all let out a collective sigh of relief when he finally was traded, not because we lost him, but because the whole ordeal was finally over? Again, I think that if anyone took offense from that quote, they were looking for something to pick Campbell apart for.
Brian Campbell is hardly a defensive stalwart. As a player who is widely considered an offensive defenseman, people seem to criticize every defensive misstep that he makes. He isn't a player who is going to be matched up against the oppositions top line (although SJ seems to be experimenting with that and admittedly, it's not going so well.) He's a guy who will skate the puck up the ice, man the point on the power-play, and start a rush from the back end. He will step up when needed, and has a knack for setting up his teammates. There isn't anyone on the current team or the free agent market that can replace what he brought to the team from an offensive standpoint, and that's why the negativity toward him makes no sense to me.
No, Campbell is not going to be worth the contract he signs this summer. From a financial standpoint, he is a bit overrated. But the fact of the matter remains: Brian Campbell brought something to this team that no one else on the current roster can, and the Sabres are far worse off without him.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Bettman Does Not Approve
Bettman: Yikes, did you just see that?
Guy: Yeah, what a jerk. That's a completely unnecessary spin-o-rama by Campbell there. It was a lose-lose situation that only makes him look like a show off if it works, which it didn't. What a turn of events it would have been if that forechecker scored.
Still, it ended any chance of a late push up ice by the Sharks, as well as exposed Campbell's antics as a bit overrated to say the least. Instead of making the smart pass to one of five teammates he made a careless move just to hear an impressed cheer from the Calgary crowd. Not a good showing from Brian so far this postseason. Do you think it will hurt his signing bonus come July, Gary?
Bettman: Wha-What? I was just wondering if you saw that kid with the Aquaman t-shirt behind the penalty box.
Guy: Oh... yeah, I did. I wonder what his problem was?
Bettman: Yeah, what a loser.
Why I Love the Postseason
Because things like this are suddenly completely heterosexual.
In other news, Sean Avery is still a massive douchebag. (Now with evidence!)
Way To Sum Things Up...
If that picture doesn't tell you what Boston is all about I don't know what does. That defense is what overcomes the goal differential you hear so much about, and is what got them to the playoffs.
What will keep them in it is if they start scoring goals and stop taking stupid penalties. Yes, even the imaginary ones. Stop looking so guilty, Reich!
Game three is tonight at 7pm from the Garden. Versus will have the Rangers/Devils game (for once...) but Yahoo Sports will have it live if you feel like it.
The big game starts in about 15 minutes, with Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitols taking on Richards and the Flyers at the Phone Booth. Friday's Game One was one of the better playoff games I've seen in a while, and you'd be crazy not to catch this one.
Maybe games like this will give the NHL the ratings they want from NBC...
Call a Cop!
by Ryan
Seriously, someone put out an Amber Alert for J.P Dumont. In two games he's a -4 with 4PMS and just three shots. The guy has been nowhere so far this postseason, and today obviously showed us that's his evil twin brother P.J out there.
Since when does he work the corners, let alone on a power play? That's one of the stupidest penalties I've seen in a while, especially in that situation. It was among a laundry list of stupid mistakes made by a normally solid player.
Get your head in the game, J.P, you're starting to make Ales Kotalik look good...
Seriously, someone put out an Amber Alert for J.P Dumont. In two games he's a -4 with 4PMS and just three shots. The guy has been nowhere so far this postseason, and today obviously showed us that's his evil twin brother P.J out there.
Since when does he work the corners, let alone on a power play? That's one of the stupidest penalties I've seen in a while, especially in that situation. It was among a laundry list of stupid mistakes made by a normally solid player.
Get your head in the game, J.P, you're starting to make Ales Kotalik look good...
Obligitory Nathan Gerbe Post
If anything, I was just excited that hockey was on the Four Letter again.
In case you weren't aware of him, Nathan Gerbe is going to be good. The four of us saw him at rookie camp last year and I for one was pretty impressed with how he handled himself on the ice. It's not that he plays bigger then he is, but rather that his size doesn't stop him from playing the game the way he wants to. He went to the front of the net to against very big defensemen like Funk and Weber and wasn't afraid to get hit (and he did).
It's very early to say what he does and where he ends up come fall (Buffalo, Maine, Oregon, San Juan, The Former Yugoslavia...), but it is good to see the players "in the system" show us that we do pick them well. Now about holding onto him...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
100,000 People...
...want the chance to help knock the first domino over.
It's funny, because I know at least a few thousand that wouldn't mind knocking over the guy playing with the set.
The sad thing is that his limbs are probably in correct proportion to his body.
I would share with you what I said while in Toronto last week, but let me just say his demise, while knocking another domino down, wouldn't cut me all that deep.
It's funny, because I know at least a few thousand that wouldn't mind knocking over the guy playing with the set.
The sad thing is that his limbs are probably in correct proportion to his body.
I would share with you what I said while in Toronto last week, but let me just say his demise, while knocking another domino down, wouldn't cut me all that deep.
Extended Play
by Ryan
The "Sunless Tanner" post never really felt complete to me, and so when I wanted to respond to the comments the rest of what I wanted to say just sort of came out. Hey, it's late and it's sort of Saturday, why not make it a post? Just imagine me as the fish, you the busy office worker, and your friends doing things other then reading blogs... or something.
This was the quote that was mentioned by both Dani and Heather B. Here's the response:
It's not the change in philosophy that is startling as much as it is the velocity of the swing. This was a team coming out of the lockout that was "ahead of the curve" in both style of play and management.
Fast forward to last summer and suddenly they are exposed as missing the beat and claiming they "didn't know the market would act that way." In terms of how they have handled potential free agents, the window of opportunity has gone from July 1st (Danny and Drury) to February 26th (Campbell) to... October 5th? In terms of contract negotiations that's a huge shift in a very short ten month span.
It's great that they've learned their lesson and I agree that is the case. However, the time frame of all this puts some serious doubt in my feelings towards Darcy and Co. Just how "in the loop" are they with how the market will shift this summer? What, aside from a change in time frame, has changed with how they will operate?
My big question is Dan Paille, but I'll get to that another time. I just get... antsy when I think about how the warm months will shake out. And after the last few decisions, I can't say it's in a good way.
The "Sunless Tanner" post never really felt complete to me, and so when I wanted to respond to the comments the rest of what I wanted to say just sort of came out. Hey, it's late and it's sort of Saturday, why not make it a post? Just imagine me as the fish, you the busy office worker, and your friends doing things other then reading blogs... or something.
"...but when less than 10 months ago you were stressing "no negotiations in season" it seems like quite the leap in philosophy, doesn't it?"
This was the quote that was mentioned by both Dani and Heather B. Here's the response:
It's not the change in philosophy that is startling as much as it is the velocity of the swing. This was a team coming out of the lockout that was "ahead of the curve" in both style of play and management.
Fast forward to last summer and suddenly they are exposed as missing the beat and claiming they "didn't know the market would act that way." In terms of how they have handled potential free agents, the window of opportunity has gone from July 1st (Danny and Drury) to February 26th (Campbell) to... October 5th? In terms of contract negotiations that's a huge shift in a very short ten month span.
It's great that they've learned their lesson and I agree that is the case. However, the time frame of all this puts some serious doubt in my feelings towards Darcy and Co. Just how "in the loop" are they with how the market will shift this summer? What, aside from a change in time frame, has changed with how they will operate?
My big question is Dan Paille, but I'll get to that another time. I just get... antsy when I think about how the warm months will shake out. And after the last few decisions, I can't say it's in a good way.
Friday, April 11, 2008
There is No Hype
Alexander Ovechkin is everything you hear about and more. What a play to beat the Flyers tonight. The video:
That's a fantastic forecheck. If great players do the little things well, AO is the definition of spectacular.
MVP indeed.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Some Sun-Less Tanner Will Do
by Ryan
SABRES TOP PRIORITIES INCLUDE RE-SIGNING MILLER, POMINVILLE
Am I the only one that looks at that headline and goes, "That's it?" Perhaps it is a bit unrealistic to say that and really mean it, but I do. It's not that I'm unsatisfied with the logic, I just have a few problems with the presentation.
First of all, I'm freaking sick of press conferences with the Doobie Brothers Darcy and Larry at the helm. I don't need to be told how important re-signing Pominville and Miller is, anyone with a crash course in Salary Cap-ology knows how the market works these days. The thing is, I've come to ignore press conferences from the Twin Peaks of Prevarication after episodes such as "July 1st Damage Control" and "We are not trading Brian Campbell". Do we really need to hold these mission statement meetings to tide over the confused Sabres fans who think the the salary cap is sponsored by New Era?
Secondly, what does it say about your off season strategy when your main goal is to get two players who are under contract for a full calender year to sign new deals? I understand the proactive nature of all this, but when less than 10 months ago you were stressing "no negotiations in season" it seems like quite the leap in philosophy, doesn't it?
Of course hindsight is a critic's best friend, but how misguided do the post-lockout dealings look with this new policy in place? Not to put on my Bucky Gleason mask here, but how badly does it appear the front office botched the post lockout world? From misjudging market value to underestimating the power of RFA offer sheets, Darcy sure did appear to be downright baffled by the past few summers, and now he may be operating with the safety on in order to not get fooled again.
Finally, what does this say about the team's willingness to go after free agents? Does this mean the Sabres will not be "making a splash" come July 1st? Conventional wisdom already pointed to no, but focusing the bulk of your summer to getting players already on the team to stay doesn't bode well for us getting any fresh, crisp bodies in come October.
In the public swimming pool that is NHL free agency, the Sabres are the anemic kid who's allergic to chlorine. Even the biggest off season signing of last summer ended up with a boo boo. Jocelyn Thibault at $.760 mill. Leaping off the diving board and onto the concrete, still twitching from the blunt force trauma.
Boy, I can't wait for summer.
SABRES TOP PRIORITIES INCLUDE RE-SIGNING MILLER, POMINVILLE
Am I the only one that looks at that headline and goes, "That's it?" Perhaps it is a bit unrealistic to say that and really mean it, but I do. It's not that I'm unsatisfied with the logic, I just have a few problems with the presentation.
First of all, I'm freaking sick of press conferences with the Doobie Brothers Darcy and Larry at the helm. I don't need to be told how important re-signing Pominville and Miller is, anyone with a crash course in Salary Cap-ology knows how the market works these days. The thing is, I've come to ignore press conferences from the Twin Peaks of Prevarication after episodes such as "July 1st Damage Control" and "We are not trading Brian Campbell". Do we really need to hold these mission statement meetings to tide over the confused Sabres fans who think the the salary cap is sponsored by New Era?
Secondly, what does it say about your off season strategy when your main goal is to get two players who are under contract for a full calender year to sign new deals? I understand the proactive nature of all this, but when less than 10 months ago you were stressing "no negotiations in season" it seems like quite the leap in philosophy, doesn't it?
Of course hindsight is a critic's best friend, but how misguided do the post-lockout dealings look with this new policy in place? Not to put on my Bucky Gleason mask here, but how badly does it appear the front office botched the post lockout world? From misjudging market value to underestimating the power of RFA offer sheets, Darcy sure did appear to be downright baffled by the past few summers, and now he may be operating with the safety on in order to not get fooled again.
Finally, what does this say about the team's willingness to go after free agents? Does this mean the Sabres will not be "making a splash" come July 1st? Conventional wisdom already pointed to no, but focusing the bulk of your summer to getting players already on the team to stay doesn't bode well for us getting any fresh, crisp bodies in come October.
In the public swimming pool that is NHL free agency, the Sabres are the anemic kid who's allergic to chlorine. Even the biggest off season signing of last summer ended up with a boo boo. Jocelyn Thibault at $.760 mill. Leaping off the diving board and onto the concrete, still twitching from the blunt force trauma.
Boy, I can't wait for summer.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
People of San Jose, Brian Campbell is Not a Ginger God
That smile is just after a
Brief transcript of the broadcast tonight:
OHMYGODBRIANCAMPBELLISAMAZINGWHATAPASSYOUJUSTCANTGIVEAWAYPUCKSLIKETHATUNLESSYOUREBRIANCAMPBELL!GOODGODWHATWASTHAT?ASPINORAMAIVENEVERSEENTHATBEFOREITSCOMPLETELYNEWHESTHESECNDCOMINGOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD
That's just a rough sketch, I didn't have time to record it all. However, that was one smooth Popsicle stick when they got done.
For the record, this was Campbell's line: 27:07TOI, 1A, 2SOG. Solid.
I hope he makes $9 mill next year. That way he will be worth exactly half his contract.
It's funny, CBC was talking about how he was nervous tonight and that's what postseason hockey does to you. Did anyone north of the border catch his last few weeks in a Sabres uniform? Didn't look very different to me.
Gary Roberts 1, "Purse Swingers" 0
What a game for the old guy. Second game back since Tim Connolly broke his leg, and he scores 68 seconds into the playoffs. Gary Roberts is a player I would kill for.
That picture is what it is all about. God I miss that.
Not to overlook Game Two, but the first game in Kanata will determine if this series is over with or if Ottawa even has a chance. They had absolutely nothing for Pittsburgh tonight, and I doubt it will be much different in Mellon on Friday.
Not that I'm complaining. Shuck it, Murrahth.
Some Things You'd Like to Know
by Ryan
I've been posting a lot today, because, as you can see, I'm excited about the playoffs. Some things you may like to have handy, as well as some picks:
Playoff Schedule
List of Officials for Playoffs (Screw you, Van Massenhoven!)
NHL.com Playoffs Channel
CBC's Match Up Pages
Unfortunately it doesn't look like Comcast or Yahoo Sports will have any games online. I guess you will have to resort to illegal methods or pay the money for Center Ice. Bummer.
You didn't get this from us. This isn't a way to see games online. Ignore this link. Nope, nothing to see there...
Now for some picks. It is a tired game, I know, everyone in their brother picks games and expects people to read exactly how they feel about a particular series. I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'll put a sentence or two of my logic behind the pick and leave it at that. The other Roosters will have their picks up as well.
Ryan
Canadiens in 6- The Habs are as a very good team. The Bruins are built for postseason play. The difference will be Carey Price, who will be this spring's version of 05-06 Cam Ward. He's the real deal, and so is Montreal.
Penguins in 5- Ottawa is a sinking ship that still wants to talk a big game. I'll let Gary Roberts do the talking for me:
"I really have no comment. He has an opinion, that's fine. We know that we didn't go out there to throw the hockey game. I've never put my skates on in my career where I've gone out hoping to lose or wanting to lose."
Gary Roberts is a beast. I still can't believe Timmy broke him in December. He's the type of leader this team just didn't have this year. If they lose to Ottawa I would be downright shocked.
Washington in 6- I really, really doubt Philly's D will have any success holding Ovechkin down. I can't wait to see the Verizon center filled with Red, waiting for AO to explode when that goal light goes on. Mike Richards has stepped up big down the stretch, but I don't think it will be enough. For once the Southeast holds strong in the three seed.
Rangers in 7- This will either be the most boring or the most exciting match up of the first round. No in between. Lundquvist is as shutdown as they come in the playoffs, and so is Brodeur. Expect overtimes, and expect a certain number 23 to make his money.
Nashville in 6- Taking a chance here, but I like how the Preds have played Detroit this year. Red Wings are known for struggling in the postseason in recent times, and although the goaltending of Mason and whatshisname in the Music City worries me, let's throw JP a bone here.
San Jose in 7- This is not the Brian Campbell pick that it appears to be. I love Calgary's style and fans, but the Sharks are just too good. It will be harder than most seem to think, but I think San Jose and Anaheim are destined for a Battle of California to win the west.
Minnesota in 6- I like everything about Minnesota, but they are battling some injuries on the Defensive front (sound familiar?). Colorado has some star power with Sakic, Smyth, and Foppa, but I think the Wild will manage to take this one behind Backstrom's solid goaltending.
Anahiem in 5- The Ducks are built for the postseason. I've slobbered all over Brian Burke before, so why back down now? They will defend the Cup deep into the postseason, as expected.
Jon
Montreal in 5
Pittsburgh in 6
Rangers in 7
Washington in 7
Detroit in 5
San Jose in 6
Colorado in 7
Anaheim in 7
Rich
Montreal in 5
Penguins in 5
Washington in 7
Devils in 6
Detroit in 6
San Jose in 6
Colorado in 5
Dallas in 6
Chris
Habs in 4. Habs can score, Bruins can't.
Pens in 6. I don't like Ottawa's goaltending and with Alfie out, the Sens are going to struggle.
Caps in 7. Go CAPS!
Rangers in 7. Rags have more firepower than NJ. Lundqvist will need to steal at least one.
Red Wings in 5. I'll be rooting for Dumont and the boys but it doesn't look prosperous.
Sharks in 6. Going in, I planned on rooting for the Sharks and Flames out west. Now I have to choose, so because I picked the Sharks are going to win the Cup, I'm sticking with the teal.
Avs in 6. The Wild have too many injuries on the blue line and don't open things up enough.
Ducks in 5. I see Anaheim's defense and forecheck shutting down Dallas' shallow attack.
And Ryan's making us all look bad with that deep analysis of his.
If you've like to play along with us, put your picks in the comments. We'll figure out a way to score them once things get going. The winner will get... something fantastic, I'm sure.
I've been posting a lot today, because, as you can see, I'm excited about the playoffs. Some things you may like to have handy, as well as some picks:
Playoff Schedule
List of Officials for Playoffs (Screw you, Van Massenhoven!)
NHL.com Playoffs Channel
CBC's Match Up Pages
You didn't get this from us. This isn't a way to see games online. Ignore this link. Nope, nothing to see there...
Now for some picks. It is a tired game, I know, everyone in their brother picks games and expects people to read exactly how they feel about a particular series. I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'll put a sentence or two of my logic behind the pick and leave it at that. The other Roosters will have their picks up as well.
Ryan
Canadiens in 6- The Habs are as a very good team. The Bruins are built for postseason play. The difference will be Carey Price, who will be this spring's version of 05-06 Cam Ward. He's the real deal, and so is Montreal.
Penguins in 5- Ottawa is a sinking ship that still wants to talk a big game. I'll let Gary Roberts do the talking for me:
"I really have no comment. He has an opinion, that's fine. We know that we didn't go out there to throw the hockey game. I've never put my skates on in my career where I've gone out hoping to lose or wanting to lose."
Gary Roberts is a beast. I still can't believe Timmy broke him in December. He's the type of leader this team just didn't have this year. If they lose to Ottawa I would be downright shocked.
Washington in 6- I really, really doubt Philly's D will have any success holding Ovechkin down. I can't wait to see the Verizon center filled with Red, waiting for AO to explode when that goal light goes on. Mike Richards has stepped up big down the stretch, but I don't think it will be enough. For once the Southeast holds strong in the three seed.
Rangers in 7- This will either be the most boring or the most exciting match up of the first round. No in between. Lundquvist is as shutdown as they come in the playoffs, and so is Brodeur. Expect overtimes, and expect a certain number 23 to make his money.
Nashville in 6- Taking a chance here, but I like how the Preds have played Detroit this year. Red Wings are known for struggling in the postseason in recent times, and although the goaltending of Mason and whatshisname in the Music City worries me, let's throw JP a bone here.
San Jose in 7- This is not the Brian Campbell pick that it appears to be. I love Calgary's style and fans, but the Sharks are just too good. It will be harder than most seem to think, but I think San Jose and Anaheim are destined for a Battle of California to win the west.
Minnesota in 6- I like everything about Minnesota, but they are battling some injuries on the Defensive front (sound familiar?). Colorado has some star power with Sakic, Smyth, and Foppa, but I think the Wild will manage to take this one behind Backstrom's solid goaltending.
Anahiem in 5- The Ducks are built for the postseason. I've slobbered all over Brian Burke before, so why back down now? They will defend the Cup deep into the postseason, as expected.
Jon
Montreal in 5
Pittsburgh in 6
Rangers in 7
Washington in 7
Detroit in 5
San Jose in 6
Colorado in 7
Anaheim in 7
Rich
Montreal in 5
Penguins in 5
Washington in 7
Devils in 6
Detroit in 6
San Jose in 6
Colorado in 5
Dallas in 6
Chris
Habs in 4. Habs can score, Bruins can't.
Pens in 6. I don't like Ottawa's goaltending and with Alfie out, the Sens are going to struggle.
Caps in 7. Go CAPS!
Rangers in 7. Rags have more firepower than NJ. Lundqvist will need to steal at least one.
Red Wings in 5. I'll be rooting for Dumont and the boys but it doesn't look prosperous.
Sharks in 6. Going in, I planned on rooting for the Sharks and Flames out west. Now I have to choose, so because I picked the Sharks are going to win the Cup, I'm sticking with the teal.
Avs in 6. The Wild have too many injuries on the blue line and don't open things up enough.
Ducks in 5. I see Anaheim's defense and forecheck shutting down Dallas' shallow attack.
And Ryan's making us all look bad with that deep analysis of his.
If you've like to play along with us, put your picks in the comments. We'll figure out a way to score them once things get going. The winner will get... something fantastic, I'm sure.
Hockeygasm
by Ryan
No matter how you look at it, today is a very, very fun day. The first day of the playoffs gives you that feeling of excitement you know but can't quite describe. Even when your team is not involved, we all know what is at stake when a seven game series opens up and just how intense the ride gets.
Think of the ups and downs of a regular season. Then cram all of those nerves and pressure into 7 games in under two weeks. Add in overtime hockey and the most intense hatred for an opponent you can imagine and you're almost there. For this round, multiply it all by eight.
That's playoff hockey, and if that's something you would be interested in I would recommend you stick around for a while.
Of course, this year is going to sting a bit. For the first time since the Lockout the Sabres won't be involved in the postseason, and for some newer fans this will be an interesting feeling. However, even with the hometown team out you simply can't ignore playoff hockey. Watching these games, the ones that really count, will tell you more about yourself then you would think.
Watching a game you don't have any particular rooting interest in does wonders for your perspective on the sport of hockey itself. The best byproduct of this is that you will really learn to love the game itself. When you watch good hockey you notice the little things, the passes you don't always see, the elegance of a rush up ice. Having a "side" in games sometimes blinds you to good plays, shaky calls, and nice saves you would otherwise miss with your perception muddled in worry and bias.
It sounds a bit silly, but playoff hockey is truly the best of the best, and you can't really know hockey until you've seen the postseason. How can you talk of fatigue if you've never seen a triple overtime game on opening night? How does a fan better grasp the highs and lows of a season without watching others cope with emotions you've felt so many times before? What better place to find your definition of "clutch" then where it matters most?
The playoffs are, well, awesome. "The spectacular grind", if you will. So even today when I wake up knowing my team is long gone, I can't help but get that nervous bit of excitement in the pit of my stomach. The playoffs are here, and no matter who's playing for the next two months, I doubt I'll be able to look away.
No matter how you look at it, today is a very, very fun day. The first day of the playoffs gives you that feeling of excitement you know but can't quite describe. Even when your team is not involved, we all know what is at stake when a seven game series opens up and just how intense the ride gets.
Think of the ups and downs of a regular season. Then cram all of those nerves and pressure into 7 games in under two weeks. Add in overtime hockey and the most intense hatred for an opponent you can imagine and you're almost there. For this round, multiply it all by eight.
That's playoff hockey, and if that's something you would be interested in I would recommend you stick around for a while.
Of course, this year is going to sting a bit. For the first time since the Lockout the Sabres won't be involved in the postseason, and for some newer fans this will be an interesting feeling. However, even with the hometown team out you simply can't ignore playoff hockey. Watching these games, the ones that really count, will tell you more about yourself then you would think.
Watching a game you don't have any particular rooting interest in does wonders for your perspective on the sport of hockey itself. The best byproduct of this is that you will really learn to love the game itself. When you watch good hockey you notice the little things, the passes you don't always see, the elegance of a rush up ice. Having a "side" in games sometimes blinds you to good plays, shaky calls, and nice saves you would otherwise miss with your perception muddled in worry and bias.
It sounds a bit silly, but playoff hockey is truly the best of the best, and you can't really know hockey until you've seen the postseason. How can you talk of fatigue if you've never seen a triple overtime game on opening night? How does a fan better grasp the highs and lows of a season without watching others cope with emotions you've felt so many times before? What better place to find your definition of "clutch" then where it matters most?
The playoffs are, well, awesome. "The spectacular grind", if you will. So even today when I wake up knowing my team is long gone, I can't help but get that nervous bit of excitement in the pit of my stomach. The playoffs are here, and no matter who's playing for the next two months, I doubt I'll be able to look away.
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