Well well well. Someone on the Canucks seems to have a short term memory.
In an incredibly short-sighted comment, Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo stated that the goal Maxim Lapierre scored on Tim Thomas would have been an easy save for him. Specifically, he feels that way because he plays in the paint, while Thomas is a more aggressive goaltender.
Obviously, Luongo did not watch the play because, if he did, he would have realized that Thomas was actually in the crease. He was not five to ten feet from the net, which is apparently where Luongo thinks that Thomas plays at all times. It was just a strange bounce off of Thomas' chest that went into the net. Sometimes, these goals happen.
Next, what business does Roberto Luongo have calling out any other goalie? At last check, Thomas has given up a TOTAL of six goals in the Stanley Cup Finals. Luongo gave up eight in one game. Thomas has given up two fewer goals in five total games than he gave up in one. In fact, two of Thomas' losses in the Finals are because the Boston offense forgot to get on the plane to Vancouver. Yes, Luongo has two shutouts, but if the puck is being fired directly into the goalies chest, even Betty White could make those saves.
Then there is the side effect of calling out Tim Thomas only makes him angry. And Vancouver won't like Thomas when he's angry. At this point in time, Thomas is making a case to be the MVP of the playoffs, regardless of whether or not the Bruins win. Now that he's been called out? All bets are off. Thomas has already taken his game to another level in the finals, but he will bring it for the next two games.
Yes, the Canucks have a 3-2 lead in the series, but this will be going back to Vancouver. Thomas has been called out by an inferior netminder who suddenly thinks that he's great again. We'll see how Luongo fares back in Boston.
In the meantime, shut up Roberto Luongo. You may have doomed the Canucks to another year without the Cup.
Showing posts with label Stanley Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stanley Cup. Show all posts
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Red Wings Comeback
Down 3-0 in their series to the Sharks, conventional wisdom would have said that the Red Wings were doomed. Yet, what was lost in the Sharks' fast start to the series was that all of the games had been decided by one goal. In fact, prior to the Red Wings winning Game 6 by a score of 3-1, every game in the series had been decided by one goal, with two of the games going to overtime. Any of the games in this series could have gone to either team.
What the Red Wings are doing is not unprecedented. This is the eighth time in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs that a team down 3-0 in the series has come back to force Game 7. In fact, this is the third time this has occurred in the past calendar year, with the Flyers doing so last year against the Bruins and the Black Hawks doing so against the Canucks this year.
Coming back from down 3-0 to win a series is considered a rare accomplishment, mainly because it has only happened once in any other American sport. However, in hockey, this has occurred in three of the previous seven times that a game seven was forced by the rallying opponent. Prior to the Flyers last year, the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs did so in 1975 and 1942, respectively.
While getting to this point is difficult in the NHL (this is only the eighth time in the 163 times a team trailed 3-0 in a series that a Game 7 was forced) these games really can go either way. Should Detroit win, it will be an exact 50-50 proposition for the team making the comeback to win out.
The Sharks do not exactly have a glowing record when it comes to playoff hockey either. They have consistently been a disappointment, going into the playoffs as a high seed, yet being upset early. While it appeared as though they may have exorcised the demons of playoffs past, the whispers and images of such disappointments have to be in their heads. If Detroit jumps out to a fast start in Game Seven, the Sharks are done.
This has been a great comeback by an experienced hockey team that knows how to win. Vancouver had better hope the Red Wings somehow lose in Game Seven.
What the Red Wings are doing is not unprecedented. This is the eighth time in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs that a team down 3-0 in the series has come back to force Game 7. In fact, this is the third time this has occurred in the past calendar year, with the Flyers doing so last year against the Bruins and the Black Hawks doing so against the Canucks this year.
Coming back from down 3-0 to win a series is considered a rare accomplishment, mainly because it has only happened once in any other American sport. However, in hockey, this has occurred in three of the previous seven times that a game seven was forced by the rallying opponent. Prior to the Flyers last year, the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs did so in 1975 and 1942, respectively.
While getting to this point is difficult in the NHL (this is only the eighth time in the 163 times a team trailed 3-0 in a series that a Game 7 was forced) these games really can go either way. Should Detroit win, it will be an exact 50-50 proposition for the team making the comeback to win out.
The Sharks do not exactly have a glowing record when it comes to playoff hockey either. They have consistently been a disappointment, going into the playoffs as a high seed, yet being upset early. While it appeared as though they may have exorcised the demons of playoffs past, the whispers and images of such disappointments have to be in their heads. If Detroit jumps out to a fast start in Game Seven, the Sharks are done.
This has been a great comeback by an experienced hockey team that knows how to win. Vancouver had better hope the Red Wings somehow lose in Game Seven.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Bruins Playoffs
All season, the Bruins were a team that seemed to shrink away from adversity. They had problems with teams that would take the game to them. They would follow extended winning streaks with losing streaks. Their coach, Claude Julien, looked completely clueless behind the bench, appearing as more of a thinner Alfred Hitchcock clone than an NHL coach. The powerplay was anemic at it's best.
This continued into the playoffs against Montreal. The Bruins lost the first two games in Boston, with Montreal goalie Carey Price looking dominant. The Bruins then won Game 3, but promptly fell behind 3-1 in Game 4. Then Claude Julien did something completely out of character - he did something. He called a timeout, and just told his team to look at the scoreboard. It worked. The Bruins would go on to win the game.
Then came Game 7 of the series. History was against the Bruins here, as they had not won a Game 7 in years. Tim Thomas had never won a game 7. Zdeno Chara had never won a game 7. Julien had won one - against the Bruins while he was the coach of the Canadiens, so that was roughly the equivalent of someone beating up Helen Keller. Montreal seemed ready.
The game would go into overtime, and it felt like the Bruins would be done. Given their past history, it would seem that they would tighten up, and inevitably lose the game. Then something strange happened for the Bruins - they won. Suddenly, all sorts of demons were slain.
This carried over into Game 1 of the Flyers series. Both teams were fresh off Game 7 victories, so they both should have been ready. The Bruins went into Philadelphia, and steamrolled the Flyers with a 7-3 victory. In Game 2, the Flyers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, and it became possibly that the Bruins victory was an aberration. The Bruins would fight back, and force overtime due to the unbelievable play of Tim Thomas, who stole that game for them. Then came Game 3, where the seeds of last year were attempted to be placed into the minds of the Bruins players. Their response - a dominating 5-1 victory.
These Bruins are different than they had been. They are playing with confidence and a swagger. They are not backing down, and are actually initiating the play instead of reacting to it. Julien has always been more of a reactive, defensive minded coach, but the reins appear to have been loosened on the offense. Game 4 in Montreal was the turning point, and it may actually go a long way.
While they may not win the Stanley Cup this year, they are definitely playing like a contender, moreso than in years past. A collapse such as what happened in the playoffs last year would be a total shock, given how well the Bruins have performed.
This continued into the playoffs against Montreal. The Bruins lost the first two games in Boston, with Montreal goalie Carey Price looking dominant. The Bruins then won Game 3, but promptly fell behind 3-1 in Game 4. Then Claude Julien did something completely out of character - he did something. He called a timeout, and just told his team to look at the scoreboard. It worked. The Bruins would go on to win the game.
Then came Game 7 of the series. History was against the Bruins here, as they had not won a Game 7 in years. Tim Thomas had never won a game 7. Zdeno Chara had never won a game 7. Julien had won one - against the Bruins while he was the coach of the Canadiens, so that was roughly the equivalent of someone beating up Helen Keller. Montreal seemed ready.
The game would go into overtime, and it felt like the Bruins would be done. Given their past history, it would seem that they would tighten up, and inevitably lose the game. Then something strange happened for the Bruins - they won. Suddenly, all sorts of demons were slain.
This carried over into Game 1 of the Flyers series. Both teams were fresh off Game 7 victories, so they both should have been ready. The Bruins went into Philadelphia, and steamrolled the Flyers with a 7-3 victory. In Game 2, the Flyers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, and it became possibly that the Bruins victory was an aberration. The Bruins would fight back, and force overtime due to the unbelievable play of Tim Thomas, who stole that game for them. Then came Game 3, where the seeds of last year were attempted to be placed into the minds of the Bruins players. Their response - a dominating 5-1 victory.
These Bruins are different than they had been. They are playing with confidence and a swagger. They are not backing down, and are actually initiating the play instead of reacting to it. Julien has always been more of a reactive, defensive minded coach, but the reins appear to have been loosened on the offense. Game 4 in Montreal was the turning point, and it may actually go a long way.
While they may not win the Stanley Cup this year, they are definitely playing like a contender, moreso than in years past. A collapse such as what happened in the playoffs last year would be a total shock, given how well the Bruins have performed.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Bruins Power Play
The Achilles heel for the Boston Bruins this season has been it's power play. Over the regular season, they only converted on 16.2% of power play opportunities, which ranked 20th in the NHL. Of the teams that made the playoffs, the Bruins rank 13th, ahead of the Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings.
At the trade deadline, the Bruins attempted to solve this problem by bringing in Tomas Kaberle. However, while Kaberle helps, he does not solve the problem at hand. The reason why the Bruins have not succeeded on the power play has nothing to do with the defensemen connecting on their passes - it is because they do not play in front of the net.
Teams that tend to be successful on the power play have players that are not afraid to screen the opposing goaltender, look for rebounds, and attempt to tip shots from the point. The bruins have one person that does that with any consistency - 43 year old Mark Recchi. Contrast this with a team like the Montreal Canadiens who thrive on the power play, and you will notice that they swarm the net. They always have bodies down in front of the goalie.
This further illustrates itself in this series. The Bruins have yet to score a power play goal, going 0-18 in the series thus far. Montreal, meanwhile, is 4-23. While this is not a great percentage, the four goal advantage can be huge. Case in point, the Canadiens won game 6 2-1 with two power play goals.
In order for Boston to improve, they need to get bodies in front of the goaltender. However, they have yet to show a desire to do so all season. Do not expect anything to change tonight.
At the trade deadline, the Bruins attempted to solve this problem by bringing in Tomas Kaberle. However, while Kaberle helps, he does not solve the problem at hand. The reason why the Bruins have not succeeded on the power play has nothing to do with the defensemen connecting on their passes - it is because they do not play in front of the net.
Teams that tend to be successful on the power play have players that are not afraid to screen the opposing goaltender, look for rebounds, and attempt to tip shots from the point. The bruins have one person that does that with any consistency - 43 year old Mark Recchi. Contrast this with a team like the Montreal Canadiens who thrive on the power play, and you will notice that they swarm the net. They always have bodies down in front of the goalie.
This further illustrates itself in this series. The Bruins have yet to score a power play goal, going 0-18 in the series thus far. Montreal, meanwhile, is 4-23. While this is not a great percentage, the four goal advantage can be huge. Case in point, the Canadiens won game 6 2-1 with two power play goals.
In order for Boston to improve, they need to get bodies in front of the goaltender. However, they have yet to show a desire to do so all season. Do not expect anything to change tonight.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Andrew Ference's $2500 Finger
For what he termed an 'inadvertant bird' after scoring a goal in Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens, yesterday Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference was fined $2500 by the NHL. Ference claimed that his glove got stuck, and that it was nothing more than an equipment malfunction. And the fact that he was looking right at the Montreal crowd while this happened was a bit of a coincidence, right?
Equipment and wardrobe malfunctions have been blamed for touchy situations since the infamous Janet Jackson Super Bowl halftime show. While her breast was briefly exposed, the only people that either wanted to see it or where excited by it happened to be her plastic surgeons. Whorish tops do not randomly rip on their own. And hockey gloves do not randomly have the middle finger get stuck, especially in situations such as that.
Now, looking at the crowd that received the 'accidental' middle finger, there is a potential reason for it. The Montreal crowd needs to have the team announcer list off the American players on the roster so that they do not boo the American National Anthem. These fans are the ones that called 911 to get Zdeno Chara arrested after putting a solid hit on Max Pacioretty. These fans are causing the Bruins to stay in Lake Placid, NY, and bus to Montreal for the games, because they would otherwise make it impossible for them to do anything outside of the hotel. These fans regard the Bruins as a gang of brutish thugs who have no business playing hockey, yet cheer for a team of diving pansies who react as though they got shot if an opponent so much as looks at them wrong. If any fanbase deserves the middle finger, it is the Canadiens fans.
So, good for you Andrew Ference. That may be the best $2500 ever spent.
Equipment and wardrobe malfunctions have been blamed for touchy situations since the infamous Janet Jackson Super Bowl halftime show. While her breast was briefly exposed, the only people that either wanted to see it or where excited by it happened to be her plastic surgeons. Whorish tops do not randomly rip on their own. And hockey gloves do not randomly have the middle finger get stuck, especially in situations such as that.
Now, looking at the crowd that received the 'accidental' middle finger, there is a potential reason for it. The Montreal crowd needs to have the team announcer list off the American players on the roster so that they do not boo the American National Anthem. These fans are the ones that called 911 to get Zdeno Chara arrested after putting a solid hit on Max Pacioretty. These fans are causing the Bruins to stay in Lake Placid, NY, and bus to Montreal for the games, because they would otherwise make it impossible for them to do anything outside of the hotel. These fans regard the Bruins as a gang of brutish thugs who have no business playing hockey, yet cheer for a team of diving pansies who react as though they got shot if an opponent so much as looks at them wrong. If any fanbase deserves the middle finger, it is the Canadiens fans.
So, good for you Andrew Ference. That may be the best $2500 ever spent.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
NHL Playoffs Round One Preview
As the NHL playoffs are about to get underway, it's time for some Round One analysis. Broken down by conference:
East
Washington Capitals (1) v. New York Rangers (8): The Rangers had to fight to get into the playoffs, while the Capitals were able to rest Alexander Ovechkin for the majority of their last ten games. Aside from goaltending, the Capitals are greatly superior to the Rangers. However, all it takes is a hot goalie to eliminate a team from the playoffs, and the Capitals did have that happen to them last year. Plus, when on, Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best in the game. While this series will be more difficult that some would think, expect the Capitals to learn from their experience last season. Capitals in 6.
Philadelphia Flyers (2) v. Buffalo Sabres (7): The Sabres were one of the hottest teams heading into the playoffs, while the Flyers went cold at the end of the regular season, although one could argue that they were attempting to set up the matchups for later in the playoffs. The risk of that strategy involves running into Ryan Miller, who is more than capable of stealing a playoff series on his own. Meanwhile, the Flyers have the same problem they have had since the days of Ron Hextall - goaltending. Last year, they made their run with journeymen and backups in goal. Don't expect a repeat this year if Sergei Bobrovsky implodes. While the Flyers are more talented, Miller will keep the Sabres in this one, and might be the difference. Sabres in 7.
Boston Bruins (3) v. Montreal Canadiens (6): This may be one of the best playoff matchups in round one, just because of how much these teams hate one another. Factor in the Zdeno Chara hit, and this series could get nasty. The Bruins combination of size, skill, toughness, and goaltending has been great for most of the year. Tim Thomas is one of the favorites for the Vezina, and Nathan Horton has rediscovered his goal scoring touch recently. Montreal is going to have to hope to dominate on special teams, and draw the Bruins into dumb penalties to have a chance in this series. Expect the Bruins not to fall into that trap. Bruins in 5.
Tampa Bay Lightning (4) v. Pittsburgh Penguins (5): Even though the Penguins will be without Sidney Crosby and Evegni Malkin, they have played very well down the stretch. Despite that, the Lightning have a definite edge in scoring with Vincent Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, and Martin St. Louis. Like Montreal, they dominate on the power play, and will need to draw the Penguins into penalties. However, the Penguins have a big advantage in net, with Marc-Andre Fleury against Dwayne Roloson. In fact, Mike Smith may actually be the better option for Tampa. This will be another matchup where goalies make the difference. Pittsburgh in 6.
West
Vancouver Canucks (1) v. Chicago Blackhawks (8): Vancouver has been one of the elite teams in the NHL all season. Boasting the Super Twins, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, they made opposing defenses seem pathetic. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks had to claw to get back into the playoffs to defend last year's championship. This year, the Hawks do not bear any resemblance to last season's team, as they needed to trade off quite a large chunk of the team due to cap issues. While the Blackhawks are still dangerous, they simply do not have the firepower to match up with Vancouver. Canucks in 5.
San Jose Sharks (2) v. Los Angeles Kings (7): Every year, the Sharks go into the playoffs looking like a contender. Seemingly every year, they get bounced in the first round. This year, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleua, and Dany Heatley are back in the top half of the bracket. Once again, they face off against a talented team in Los Angeles, which boasts a good young squad. While their playoff experience says the Sharks should win this, they just do not have the toughness needed to prevail in the playoffs. This year will not be any different. Kings in 6.
Detroit Red Wings (3) v. Phoenix Coyotes (6): These two teams are essentially even on offense, despite the Red Wings having the better known cast of players. As such, this matchup should come down to special teams, goaltending, and experience. The Coyotes have an advantage on the power play, and a superior goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov. However, the Red Wings are always in the playoffs, are battle tested, and just know how to win. For them, the regular season is just an extended preseason before the real games start. Experience will previal in this series, but it will be a good one to watch. Red Wings in 6.
Anaheim Ducks (4) v. Nashville Predators (5): This is going to be a matchup of good defense against a good offense. Corey Perry scored 50 goals this year, and teams up with Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne, Bobby Ryan and Lubomir Visnovsky to form one of the best scoring teams in the playoffs. Pekka Rinne will need to be unbelievable for the Predators to win this series, and while he is capable of stealing a couple of games, the Ducks are just too good. Ducks in 6.
East
Washington Capitals (1) v. New York Rangers (8): The Rangers had to fight to get into the playoffs, while the Capitals were able to rest Alexander Ovechkin for the majority of their last ten games. Aside from goaltending, the Capitals are greatly superior to the Rangers. However, all it takes is a hot goalie to eliminate a team from the playoffs, and the Capitals did have that happen to them last year. Plus, when on, Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best in the game. While this series will be more difficult that some would think, expect the Capitals to learn from their experience last season. Capitals in 6.
Philadelphia Flyers (2) v. Buffalo Sabres (7): The Sabres were one of the hottest teams heading into the playoffs, while the Flyers went cold at the end of the regular season, although one could argue that they were attempting to set up the matchups for later in the playoffs. The risk of that strategy involves running into Ryan Miller, who is more than capable of stealing a playoff series on his own. Meanwhile, the Flyers have the same problem they have had since the days of Ron Hextall - goaltending. Last year, they made their run with journeymen and backups in goal. Don't expect a repeat this year if Sergei Bobrovsky implodes. While the Flyers are more talented, Miller will keep the Sabres in this one, and might be the difference. Sabres in 7.
Boston Bruins (3) v. Montreal Canadiens (6): This may be one of the best playoff matchups in round one, just because of how much these teams hate one another. Factor in the Zdeno Chara hit, and this series could get nasty. The Bruins combination of size, skill, toughness, and goaltending has been great for most of the year. Tim Thomas is one of the favorites for the Vezina, and Nathan Horton has rediscovered his goal scoring touch recently. Montreal is going to have to hope to dominate on special teams, and draw the Bruins into dumb penalties to have a chance in this series. Expect the Bruins not to fall into that trap. Bruins in 5.
Tampa Bay Lightning (4) v. Pittsburgh Penguins (5): Even though the Penguins will be without Sidney Crosby and Evegni Malkin, they have played very well down the stretch. Despite that, the Lightning have a definite edge in scoring with Vincent Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, and Martin St. Louis. Like Montreal, they dominate on the power play, and will need to draw the Penguins into penalties. However, the Penguins have a big advantage in net, with Marc-Andre Fleury against Dwayne Roloson. In fact, Mike Smith may actually be the better option for Tampa. This will be another matchup where goalies make the difference. Pittsburgh in 6.
West
Vancouver Canucks (1) v. Chicago Blackhawks (8): Vancouver has been one of the elite teams in the NHL all season. Boasting the Super Twins, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, they made opposing defenses seem pathetic. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks had to claw to get back into the playoffs to defend last year's championship. This year, the Hawks do not bear any resemblance to last season's team, as they needed to trade off quite a large chunk of the team due to cap issues. While the Blackhawks are still dangerous, they simply do not have the firepower to match up with Vancouver. Canucks in 5.
San Jose Sharks (2) v. Los Angeles Kings (7): Every year, the Sharks go into the playoffs looking like a contender. Seemingly every year, they get bounced in the first round. This year, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleua, and Dany Heatley are back in the top half of the bracket. Once again, they face off against a talented team in Los Angeles, which boasts a good young squad. While their playoff experience says the Sharks should win this, they just do not have the toughness needed to prevail in the playoffs. This year will not be any different. Kings in 6.
Detroit Red Wings (3) v. Phoenix Coyotes (6): These two teams are essentially even on offense, despite the Red Wings having the better known cast of players. As such, this matchup should come down to special teams, goaltending, and experience. The Coyotes have an advantage on the power play, and a superior goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov. However, the Red Wings are always in the playoffs, are battle tested, and just know how to win. For them, the regular season is just an extended preseason before the real games start. Experience will previal in this series, but it will be a good one to watch. Red Wings in 6.
Anaheim Ducks (4) v. Nashville Predators (5): This is going to be a matchup of good defense against a good offense. Corey Perry scored 50 goals this year, and teams up with Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu Selanne, Bobby Ryan and Lubomir Visnovsky to form one of the best scoring teams in the playoffs. Pekka Rinne will need to be unbelievable for the Predators to win this series, and while he is capable of stealing a couple of games, the Ducks are just too good. Ducks in 6.
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