NHL Playoff 2009 Round 2 Predictions

ROUND 2 Predictions

Boston(1) vs. Carolina(6)

A maybe too well rested Boston squad faces off against Carolina, a team who should most probably be weary after knocking off the Devils in what I thought was a bit more than a slight upset. There are only two main hypotheses that come to mind in this case. Boston will take some time to get back into the rhythm of things while Carolina will struggle to keep up the pace as the series lengthens. On that fact alone, I’d have to give the series to Boston, but seeing as how it’s the eastern conference leading Bruins up against the Canes, I can’t see this going any farther than 5 games.

Prediction: Boston in 5

Washington(2) vs. Pittsburgh(4)

As much as I enjoyed the Washington comeback in the previous round, I doubt that run will continue into the second round. Pittsburgh simply won’t provide the Capitals with the same comeback opportunities that a weak Rangers team did in round one. The only way I could see the Capitals making it to the next round is with outstanding backing by Varlamov to counter a strong Penguins offense, which seems unlikely as they go further into the playoffs considering his lack of experience.

Prediction: Pittsburgh in 6

Detroit(2) vs. Anaheim(8)

I’m not saying that Anaheim’s victory in the first round was anything less than what it was, but I’m sure San Jose would have found a way to lose against any team they played. This seemed like a fairly straight-forward prediction in Detroit. Between the play-off experience and steady goaltending Detroit should be able to pull through without too many problems. That being said, I do expect a Detroit hick-up sometime this series. It just seems to happen almost every year. So with that and Hiller possibly stealing a game or two, I expect this series to make it to 6 games.

Prediction: Detroit in 6

Vancouver(3) vs. Chicago(4)

Hmmm…So here’s the tough decision. Do I go with a tough, emotional Canucks team who have a strong defensive presence centered around arguably, the best goaltender currently in the game, or do I go with a young, up and coming Hawks team with a lot of talent, who is quickly making a name for themselves this playoff season. For me this comes down directly between Chicago’s pipes. Will we see the “Bulin Wall”? I don’t think we will and that’s why I ultimately have to go with Vancouver. Either way, I think this is bound to be an exciting series which will most likely flip-flop in terms of wins.

Prediction: Vancouver in 7

Bet on Round 2 of NHL Playoffs

All of the lines for round 2 of the NHL playoffs are in at Bookmaker.com.

The Blackhawks vs Canucks series that starts tonight is supposed to be a close one.  The odds are as follows:

Blackhawks +120
Canucks -140

Bet the Blackhawks here.  The Hawks have at least a 50% chance to win the series, so get your money in with the good odds and hope for the best.

Not surprisingly, the Ducks vs Red Wings series has the biggest spread.

Ducks +250
Red Wings -300

Don’t bet on this series. The odds are pretty dead on in my opinion and it would be negative expected value to bet on either team with those odds.

The Bruins vs Canes series is a much small spread on Bookmaker.com than I was expecting.

Hurricanes +185
Bruins -215

Bet the Bruins in this series. In my opinion this series is the most one sided and since it’s not the most one sided in terms of the betting you should take advantage and bet on the Bruins.  I would be very surprised if the Bruins don’t win and I think you are getting a very good return on this almost sure bet.

Of course the closest series price is the Crosby vs Ovechkin show.

Penguins +100
Capitals -120

Bet the Penguins in this series. I am very surprised that the Pens are labeled as the underdog by the sports books.  Most people I have talked to say the Pens are sure to win.  I’d give the Pens about 60% to win and this percentage makes taking the Penguins here a good bet.

*If you don’t have an account at Bookmaker.com, sign up using Bookmaker.com bonus code “BMBONUS“.

Round 2 Predictions (West)

Anaheim Vs.  Detroit

I am highly biased in favor of the Wings, but I will do my best to be neutral in this one.  Anaheim’s got a hot goalie going into this round.  Hiller has played well agaisnt a powerful Sharks offence, the questions is can he keep this up against the Wings.  While the Sharks were a deep team, the Wings are deeper.  As brought out on Tsn last night Hudler and Holmstrom are two of the highest scoring players for their amount of ice time (16 Mins).  In the first round the elite players from the wings Datsyuk (2Pts), Zetterberg (4Pts), and Hossa (4Pts) barely shown what they could accomplish, watch for an emergence in this round.  On the back end Stuart and Kronwall have been playing like first tandum defensemen, while Lindstrom and Rafalski need to step it up.  The wild card in all this is Osgood, can he keep up the play that he has shown against Columbus or not.

Anaheim has spoiled Detroits playoff party in the past to avoid this , the ducks the trio of Getzlaf, Ryan, and Perry have been on fire and are going to have to be contained by the Wings.  Home ice advantage is key as Babcock can put Selke winner and nominee Datsyuk against the top line or go with Selke Nominee Zetterberg’s line.  Either way the Ducks will have to rely heavily on the presence of Pronger (If he could play disciplined) and Niedermayer.  It is also unfair to underestimate the importance of Beauchemain, and Whitney in this series.  Whitney was aquired for Kunitz at the trade deadline and needs to step up his game to show he was worth it.

Prediction Wings in 6. The Wings look too good and are too dominant to lose this series, I took them all the way to the cup so we will see how this plays out.

Chicago Vs. Vancouver

Lets not forget the history these two teams have.  A end of the season brawl in march  between these two teams saw over 80 minutes of penalties given out in one minute.  Leading the way was a good tilt between Bieksa and Eager.

People say that their is no fighting in the playoffs, well this year they are wrong.  This year the playoffs have had everything and don’t expect that to stop tonight when the puck drops in this series.

Vancover’s Luongo has had a stellar series against the Blues, but this series looks to be tougher with all of Chicagos line’s firing it will be a close goaltending battle between him and the Bulin Wall.  The Wall has the experiance and a ring so don’t put him behind Luongo in this series.  The forwards from the Canucks got off the first round easy.  The Sedins haven’t stepped up to this level yet so they need to be even better this round, also where have Sundin and Demitra been.  Sundin was  brought in halfway through the season and hasn’t done much, Demitra started off the season hot but has slowed down.  These two need to pick it up to win this round.  Seabrook and Keith have been the best defensive paring in these playoffs, Bieksa, Ohlund, and Salo will have to work hard to shut down all of the Blackhawks lines

I give the edge to Chicago in this one they will take it in 6. This series will be the most physical of the second round, expect fireworks

Eastern Conferance preview tommorow

Round One Recap

San Jose Vs. Anaheim

The best player in this series was no doubt Hiller, followed closely by Getzlaf.  The sharks have been favored for years to advance far into the stanley cup playoffs, nothing change this year.  After being out scored, out hit, and out goaltendended again in the playoffs Thorton and Marleau’s leadership abilities have come into question.  Their are even rumours swirling that Marleau and\or Thorton are on the out’s from San Jose.  Enough about San Jose, lets talk bout the winners.  The top line from the Ducks featuring Ryan, Getzlaf, and Perry played amazing, arguably one of the best in the first series.  Niedermayer led the way on defence, and Pronger had a great series.  We must not forget about hte efforts of Beauchemain, and Wisneski.  I Called San Jose in this series, but this is the last time I bank on San Jose

Detroit Vs. Columbus

Best player in the series was Osgood, showing why hes one of the best playoff goalies of our generation.  There isnt much to write about this series.  No one took Columbus as a threat and the Wings just mowed over the Blue Jackets.  I called this series correctly, but then again who didn’t.

Vancover Vs. St-Louis

Best player in this series was Luongo.  Once again no surprises here, even though the Blues were the hottest team going into the playoffs, Vancover was superior on paper, and that translated nicely onto the ice.  A physical series that didn’t last very long.  I called this series correctly.

Chicago Vs. Calgary

By far the best series in the west, with the best player being Seabrook.  Seabrook is now the highest scoring defensemen in the playoffs played a good shut-down role alongside Keith and really gave it to Igilna, who was mediocore, at best in this series.  This series has intense physical battles, Byfuglien, Burrish played their roles perfectly.  Byfuglien was a force all series even scoring goals, and being a good finess player (See his play in the last game where he circled Leopold).  Toews played great in his frist series, but Kane, Jokinen, and Cammaleri weren’t anything amazing but nevertheless fun to watch.  I took Chicago in this series.

Boston Vs. Montreal

Its hard to pick a best player in this Series I will give the award to Kessel, Savard, Chara, and Ryder.  It’s hard to say anything positive about this series Montreal centenial season was plagued with downs, and this series was another one of those downs.  Boston played a physical game and this took its toll on the Habs and threw them off their game. Like everyone else I took Boston in this series

Washington Vs. Rangers

Varlemov was probably the best player in this series, but facing a low scoring Rangers offence can make any goalie look good.  The star players from the Capitals didnt play particularily good, but luckily neither did the Ranger’s.  I tookl the Rangers to win this series for one reason.  I didnt think a team backstopped by Theodore could win a series, and I was technically right, but I know now to not overestimate the ranger.  Lundquist could steal a game or two b ut not 4.

New Jersey Vs. Carolina

You have to say Stall was the best player in this series.  What an end to game 7, kudos to the Canes for not quitting.  I expected alot more from the Devils after a terrific season without Brodeur, but I guess even Brodeur couldnt prevent Gleason from making that amazing play to keep the puck alive in the final minutes of game 7.  I took New Jersey in this series, but I would still do the same pick, and don’t regret it.

Pittsburg Vs. Philidelpia

The best players in this series was Crosby and Malkin.  Another tough chapter in the battle of Pensylvania once again the Pens come out as victors.  I would have liked to see more of Gonchar in this series, not just Gonchar, but also all of the Pittsburg defense squad wasent too engaged in the series.  The Flyers put up a good fight but their highest paid player in Briere wasn’t anywhere to be found.  Also, nice to see Giroux stand up and show how good of a player he actually is. I called Pittsburg to win this series.

Round Two Predictions to come

Who’s got Hart?

Today the final three nominees for this year’s Hart Trophy (aka MVP) award were announced. This award is meant to be awarded to the ”player adjudged most valuable to his team”. The three nominees are Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin, and Pavel Datsyuk. A case could easily be made for any of these three talented forwards.

Pavel Datsyuk

Datsyuk may not quite be at the top with Malkin and Ovechkin when it comes to points, but for the second year in a row, he is up for the Selke trophy (best defensive forward). Being as good as he is defensively may not put quite as many fans in the stands but it is very valuable to any successfuly team. On top of being one of the top forwards defensively, he also has undeniably amazing skills, and he did get 97 points which is notable on its own. The only downside to Datsyuk for the Hart is that he has an amazing team, therefore it is arguable that they could be good even without this all-around all-star.

Evgeni Malkin

This young star has been shadowed since his arrival by the presence of Crosby, but this year he has emerged and shown that he can be just as good if not better than Sid the Kid. He lead the league in points this year, and led his team back from a shaky start into the fourth spot in the Eastern conference and also past the Flyers in round 1. The problem that i see with giving Malkin the Hart is much the same one as giving it to Datsyuk, I mean he is on the same team as Sid, and either of these guys could easily be called the best in the game, so how do you say that they were the most valuable to any single team?

Alexander Ovechkin

Last but not least, Alex the Great. This guy is my personal nominee. Once again he has lead the league in goals scored in a season, only this time he missed the points title by 3. My arguments for both of the other players were the same, and you could say the same about Ovi and the Caps. Ovechkin had the help of Semin, Green, and Backstrom to get his team to 2nd place. I think the difference is that every year, the Caps exceed expectations, and I believe that Ovechkin has a lot to do with that. Who expected Washington to finish 2nd in the East? I sure didn’t. You can’t say the same for the likes of Detroit or Pittsburgh, both these teams won their conferences last year, and had minimal losses last offseason (except for Hossa going from one to the other). But the Caps exceeded expectations this season, and i think that is the deciding factor, Ovi did the most with the least.

Round 2 Predictions

Detroit vs. Anaheim

Wings in 7. Yes the ducks did just knock off this season’s arguable favourite for the cup, but let’s be real, how many years in a row has SJ been favoured? They have managed to disappoint every year which is why I am not surprised that they are already gone. The reason I am giving the Ducks enough respect to last until game 7 is because of their young tender Jonas Hiller. He managed to keep the Sharks, a team with 257 goals in 82 games during the reg season, down to 10 goals in 6 playoff games with a GAA of 1.64 and a sv% of .957. Although these numbers are impressive, we also witnessed the Red Wings put 18 goals in the net in only 4 games, and every goal went past probable rookie of the year and potential Vezina winner Steve Mason. This series may very well be over before game 7, but Anaheim has a very tough and young core that could potentially do some damage away from Jos Louis arena.

Vancouver vs. Chicago

Canucks in 6. This series is shaping up to be your classic gaoltender’s duel. On one side you have a goalie with a stanley cup in Khabibulin who seems to give his team a chance to win every night. On the other side you have arguably the league’s best goaltender in Luongo who also has the best GAA and sv% this postseason. Both these goalies could very well win this series for their respective teams, so i think the determining factor in the series will be the Canuck’s very tough defensive core matching up against the inexperienced and young offense of the ‘Hawks.

Boston vs. Carolina

Bruins in 5. This series is a strange one that is difficult for me to make any predictions on. I just cannot see how the Canes keep winning, I think that the stanley cup run they made back in 05/06 is the reason they keep surprising me. Their best player by far is Eric Staal, and Cam Ward has been solid in net as he has proven he can be in the past. After Staal and Ray Whitney there is a large drop-off in skilled offensive players. you could make cases for both Brind’Amour and Samsonov, but both seem to have reached their peak years ago. The Bruins have the perfect mix of veterans and skilled young’ns between Savard, Recchi, and Ryder, Krejci, Lucic, and Kessel. They also have a goalie that has proven through this season that he can be just as good if not better than Ward in Tim Thomas.

Washington vs. Pittsburgh

Pens in 7. The pens could easily end this series quickly, but i think it is more of a hope than an actual prediction for a game 7. This series has been a long time in the making, Sid the Kid vs. Alexander the Great. Who wouldn’t want this series to go to 7? Personally i am a big Ovechkin fan so I am rooting for the Caps, but i don’t see how they could beat the Pens. Pens win the tender battle hands down, and I won’t change my mind until Varlamov can prove himself. Fleury has been slightly unstable in the past, but for the most part has proven himself, including proving that he can bring the Pens to the cup finals. There is no reason why Fleury should fall apart when facing the Caps offense, he has faced offenses that are just as good if not better than the Caps in Philly this year and the Sens last year without giving in. If the Caps hope to surpass the Pens, they will need solid goaltending once again from Varlamov and they will need the core of their firepower, Ovi, Semin, Kozlov, Laich etc. to keep producing, and maybe even take it one step further.

Stanley Cup Winners: Detroit Red Wings. There are my predictions.

Round 1

Round 1 was an action-packed round full of everything from upsets (Anaheim over SJ) to expected sweeps (Boston over Habs) to 7 game series with unbelievable endings (Carolina over NJ), from coach-fan altercations (Tortorella) to fights between two all-stars (Thornton vs. Getzlaf). As a hockey fan I am thoroughly satisfied with round 1, i just hope round 2 can provide as much excitement.

Einzers predictions for Round 2

On Thursday the beginning of Round 2 of the Stanley cup playoffs is starting. Some pretty interesting matchups. Ofcourse all eyes are going to be on the Pit/Wsh series. Its the Crosby vs Ovechkin show. I should probably include Malkin, but I’m not going to. Why? It doesn’t seem to matter how much he does he does not get the respect and attention Crosby does. Kinda odd, but oh well.

Anyways here’s my predictions for the first round:

Detroit(2) vs Anaheim(8)

Alright, now this is going to be my upset for this round. Everyone is counting Anaheim out, so I’m going to take the underdog. Anaheims top line looked incredible against the sharks. Ryan, Perry, and Getzlaf do so many things right at both ends of the ice. In the offensive zone, they are going to have to tire out that Detroit defence that has’t looked as promising this year. They need to cycle it and keep the puck down low, and crash the net hard when they get opportunities. Osgood is by far the worst goalie left in these playoffs (he won his cups infront of an always amazing detroit team). As for Detroit, they just need to keep doing what they do. Try to keep puck possession and get screens infront of Hiller. Hiller is the real deal, and they are going to have to get some quality chances to score, he’s not letting any softies by. And with that I think if Anaheim gets they’re big line rolling, and gets a couple bounces their way, there is no reason why they can’t win this series.

Ducks in 7

Vancouver(3) vs Chicago(4)

A hot St. Louis team came into Vancouver thinking they had a chance. Luongo and the Canucks shut that thought down pretty quick. The hottest team the second half of the year was dominated by a bigger, better squad. The Nucks are all you can ask for in a team, they have speed, skill,grit,size and they all play with emotion. Did I mention Luongo? Vancouver needs to get their physical game right where it was in the first series. They need to be hammering guys like Toews, Kane, Sharp, and yes, Havlat! Havlat is probably the biggest threat to the Nucks. Shut him down and they will be fine. That hard hitting defence of Vancouver needs to be all over these guys. If the  Hawks want this series, they are going to need more of the production they have been getting from their defence. Barker has been incredible on the PP. He needs to keep it up.  Campbell is going to have to produce. The Chicago forwards are going to be in tough against the big Vancouver defence, and if Chicago doesn’t get some points from their D, they aren’t going to have a shot at this series. Chicago will steal a couple with their PP, but Van is going to take the series.

Nucks in 6

Boston(1) vs Carolina(6)

Carolina just wrapped up a nice series with the Devils. Probably my favorite series. The Canes pulled through, like I thought they would. As for the 2nd round, I think their little run has come to an end. Really the only thing keeping the Canes alive is the Staal/ Whitney line, and lets not forget Cam Ward. But you need more than 3 players to make it far in the playoffs. The Bruins just have too much firepore along with a great defence, and again, lets not forget Tim Thomas (Vezina candidate). Chara and friends will need to shut down that first line of Carolina, and they will be fine. Expect Lucic to have a big physical impact like always. With that Bruin offence, I see this series ending quickly. Bruins will be almost perfect!

Bruins in 5

Washington(2) vs Pittsburgh(4)

This is the series everyone was waiting for. Well here it is. Just about the 2 best powerplays (on paper) in the league. Washington had a lot of trouble with NYR in the first round, and I’m really not sure why? Theodore definetly blew a game, but other than that, they just had trouble beating Lundqvist. Even though Ovechkin finished with 7 points, he was not spectacular by any means. 2 of his goals were meaningless, as the scores were already 4-1 and 3-0. He did not come in the clutch. Ovechkin needs more discipline. He needs to get pucks deep instead of trying to bolt through the whole team himself(Yes that one goal against NYR was amazing but cmon).  He will need to be much better if they want a chance at beating Pit. As for the rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov, he is going to get tested much more against the highly skilled Pittsburgh offence. He will need to be on his game. The Penguins will need to keep getting contributions from the big 2. Aside from that, the team needs to play a good defensive game. With highly skilled guys like Ovy, Semin and Backstrom.. the Pit D are going to have their hands full. The forwards are going to have to be coming back hard to prevent odd man rushes. This is going to be the most exciting series because of the rivalries Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin, Semin had during the regular season. Definitly expect big ovy to be taking some runs at Crosby. This is going to go back and forth all series. Ovechkin will need to bring that high level on energy he has, but try not to get too hyped up. Sometimes he makes bad decisions when he’s on his tear. Look for Crosby to be the same composed, and highly competitive individual. On another note, it’s going to be interesting to see who outperforms who in the Gonchar/Green offensive-d man rivalry. I’m going to say with his experience, Gonchar, and with that, I think the Penguins will take it in 6.

Pens in 6

Alright well this should be an entertaining second round, so grab your beers and make your bets.

Cheers, Einz

Woohoo Round 2 Predictions

Round 1 is finished and round 2 is just around the corner.  This means it’s prediction time.  Last round I went 8 for 8 so listen up folks for some prediction gold.

Canucks (3) vs Blackhawks (4)

Me and Einz just made a bet on this series last night.  I have the Hawks in 6 and he has the Canucks in 6.  Bet gets doubled if the game guess is correct.

I may be slightly biased in this choice because the Blackhawks are my favourite team in the playoffs and Martin Havlat is my favourite player, but I truly believe that the Hawks will pull it out.  They are a solid team throughout.  When you look at the fact that Pahlsson and Byfuglien led the forwards in time on ice in the close out game against Calgary you see just how deep the Blackhawks are.  The question mark is of course goaltending.  Can the Hawks find a way to score on Luongo.  I think the answer is yes.  If Khabibulin can play a solid series the Hawks will win.

Blackhawks in 6

Red Wings (2) vs Ducks (8)

I took the Ducks over the Sharks in the first round, but I can’t see a repeat performance in the books.  I have a lot more respect for the Red Wings team and I feel they will easily be able to dispatch the Ducks.  Hiller isn’t going to be able to shut down all the Red Wing weapons.  The Ducks do have the edge in goal, but I feel that is their only edge and it’s not a big enough one to make a real difference in the series.  The Wings will just keep coming at Hiller hard and with more purpose in their shots than the ones he was facing against San Jose.

Red Wings in 5

Bruins (1) vs Hurricanes (6)

Carolina put together a great last minute in their series against New Jersey, scoring the tieing and winning goals a few minutes apart.  They will need to play like that all game everygame to beat Boston.  The Bruins are just heads and shoulders above everyone else in the East this year.  The WhatIf Sports simulation had the Bruins with an over 75% chance to make the conference finals.  I have to agree.  Ward may steal a game or two for the Canes, but it won’t be enough.

Bruins in 6

Capitals (2) vs Penguins (4)

The Capitals put together a valiant effort last round becoming the first team since the 2004 Montreal Canadiens to come back and win a series after being down 3-1.  Ok, let’s get serious, it wasn’t that impressive because the New York Rangers were not a solid team.  The Capitals did not look good in game 7 and Ovechkin has not been playing well at all.  The over the blueline shots Ovechkin is taking and trying to score on a 1 on 4 instead of just dumping the puck in is hurting the Capitals and unlike the Rangers, the Penguins actually have the firepower to make Ovechkin and the Caps play.  No doubt this will be the most exciting serious with the Ovechkin/Semin vs Malkin/Crosby rivalry sure to heat up.

Penguins in 7

So there are my predictions.  Also known as my hockey opinions.  Place your bets for the series’ at Bookmaker.com.  Use Bookmaker.com bonus code ‘BMBONUS’ when signing up to get a 100% matching bonus.

Playoffs: Rapping up the first round

After the first round there is not that much that can be said. How big of an upset was Anaheim beating San Jose? We all knew it could happen, we were just hoping for the Sharks to pull through this time. Atleast I was (My pools are in trouble). Washington had a scare, but most of us figured they would get through the first round.  Philly looked like they were going to turn the series around, but Crosby and Malkin weren’t going to let that happen. Without Reghyr, Chicago’s speedy forwards didn’t have to worry about being punished. As for Detroit, Vancouver, and Boston… well lets just say the series went the way everyone thought they would.  The only real catcher was the Carolina-New Jersey series. How amazing was that? One goal games back and forth (excluding game six).

The Sharks struck out bigtime again. How long is GM Doug Wilson going to let this happen? ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE. Who’s to go? Is it Thorton or Marleau.. or is one player just not the answer. The sharks have a solid foundation. There’s no need to restructure. I think it’s time Nabakov is given the boot. He’s been riding win after win playing infront of an amazing Sharks team. While him and Toskala were playing together the Sharks finished with 107 points. Any goalie playing infront of that team could get the credit that nabakov has. I think its time for the sharks to either trade for a true winner between the pipes, or draft a solid keeper. This way they will have a good shot at the cup in a couple of years. But now that theyre out of the playoffs, a minus on the scoreboard won’t look so bad.

As Pierre McGuire would say .. Staal, Whitney, and especially Cam Ward were MONSTERS in this series. Carolina looked like the old stanley cup champs in game 7. As me and my buddies were watching (just after exams so we were loaded) … we knew that the game wasn’t just over yet. In the last 5 minutes Carolina just kept pushing and pushing. Finally Jussi Jokinen (who is not just a shootout specialist anymore) came through in the clutch scoring a goal on a beautiful pass from Pitkanen to tie it up.  A minute later Staal put the icing on the series with a pretty weak goal.  But you can’t blame Brodeur.. He was phenomenal. I remember counting the shots from games 4-5-6.. it was 127!! Thats averaging over 42 shots per game.. which is just nuts. Brodeur was pooped. If you looked and Lundqvist in the NYR he was tired and didn’t even have close to that many shots. Carolina was just to strong and Paul Maurice had a good strategy in place.. GET PUCKS TO THE NET.  Well it worked.

Anyways its 340 in the morning and ive had a couple too many sodas…  So have a good night  ladies n gents

Einz

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