Early Thoughts on The Second Round (And Balsillie)

This second round of the playoffs is turning out great.  Four good, and hard series being played now, but all eyes are on the Washington Pittsburgh series, and for good reason.  This series is turning into an epic battle between the two best players in the game.  Crosby and Ovechkin are going toe to toe in almost every category.  I noted before that perhaps this series can give some leverage in the Ovechkin, Crosby argument, but it seems like the argument won’t be solved this round.  Now the third best player in the game (Malkin) has been invisible this series he needs to step it up at home for The Pens to have a shot here, otherwise itl be an early exit for The Pens

On The West side of things the Vancouver Chicago series is turning into a good ‘greasy’ battle (As Bieksa would put it), these two teams are fighting hard and it will go a long way.  Byfuglien has been working hard in front of Luongo and he might start to be in the goaltenders head, we will see how game 4 plays out.

The Wings series is turning out to be the series with, maybe the most buzz.  First off we have to discuss game one and the antics that took place there.  The Brown hit on Hudler is the most talked about item of that game.  In my opinion it was a dirty hit, but the refs called it right on the ice.  It was a head shot, that was late.  Even though there was no elbow it was a blow to the head, and specifically the type of hit we want out of the game.  Also Brown jumped off the ice to hit the much smaller, and more skilled Hudler.  The emergence of Ericsson has been amazing.  This rookie is playing more minutes a game than the best defensemen in the league (Lidstrom), this will most likely change when Rafalski gets back, but it is nice to see Ericsson play at this level, and even fight with Perry (and win).

Game two saw Rafalski sit out again, and the Wings need him their power play isnt as efficient and they are playing worse.  I always like the long overtime games, and this one wasn’t any different. Some people are arguing that these overtime game lack in substance, but they are amazing the watch, and also the way the games in the playoffs should be decided.  Even though the Wings lost this one, it was a good game to watch and Hiller deserved the win for the way he played.

Game 3 is where everything spins out of control.  First off the Ducks second goal was interference by Niedermayer.  You can’t jump on the goalie when he is trying to make a save.  This ticks me off, and surely every Wings fan out there.  Holmstrom gets within an inch of the goalie and gets called for interference, but Niedermayer can jump on the goalie to prevent Osgood from making a goal stopping save?  I fail to see the logic in that.  Now at the end of the game the puck clearly went in before the whistle, but it is intent to blow the whistle that matter, not the actual sound.  Brad Watson  the referee in question was in a horrible position, all the way in the corner when the play was at the net, but Bob Mckenzie said it best on tsn.  Stating that human error will happen by the officials as long as their are human officials and not everything is reviewable.  Now this one will get blow up because of the time, but their is nothing we can do about it now.  The Wings need to forget about this and move to game 4.  Datsyuk, and Hossa really need to start scoring, or Babcock has to mix up the lines but losing game 4 would be horrible for the Wings chances.  Now, game aside hopefully Wisnieski has a speedy recovery, taking off on a strecher is scary, and their is no u pdate on what happend to him, other then he is in stable condition

A quick note on the Pheonix situation.  Balsillie made a bid to buy the team with a clause that they would be moved to Southern Ontario.  This is great for hockey, while I do support all teams, these lower market teams (Nashville, Pheonix, Florida etc.. ) are losing money and it makes sense to move them to a place where they make money.  In the past we have seen some teams get revitalized such as Chicago, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Tampa after they won the cup.  Saying that it’s best to weigh all the option, but the bottom line is Pheonix has fallen under and their is a dedicated owner willing to buy them and move them to a great market.  Balsillie learnt from his previous outings and used the bankruptcy court this time.  He is putting all the power in the courts hands, and the question is does the bankruptcy court have the right to dictate a move by an nhl franchise?  This situation will unfold thrusday as all parties are meeting to start discussions.

Round 2 Predictions (East)

Pits Vs. Washington

This is the series everyone wants to see.  The classic showdown Crosby and Malkin against Ovechkin.  This series will most likely silence the critics, and ultimately pick who is the better player.  Also this series might play heavily into the Hart Trophy voting

Washington came back from a 3-1 deficit in round one to wrap up the series in 7 games.  Although this may seem as a feat it is not much.  The Rangers got lucky to push Washington that far.  In this series we need to see Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, and Green all play better.  Other then Ovechkins wonderful goal these 4 weren’t the difference makers they need to be to win this series.  Varlemov has to keep up his stellar play in this round, because the Caps got no other options in goal.

Crosby and Malkin have been firing on all cylinders, and are leading their team going into this second round.  Jordan Stall and Gonchar need to up the ante here.  Staal got a new contract but he needs to play like hes earned that new contract.  Also Gonchar was not playing as good as he can, while Letang was playing better then expected.  It seems Washington has the edge in goal, but don’t count out Fleury he has been here before and Varlemov hasent faced a real offence yet.

Prediction is Pens in 6 I think Varlemov will cave under the Pens offence, and Fleury will pick up his game

Boston Vs. Carolina

Little to say here I think Boston is the clear favorite,  Carolina spoiled New Jerseys party last round.  This in my opinion was a little bit of a fluke but Staal and Whitney arent enough to take down the Boston’s depth Chart.

Boston in 5