Well it comes down to this: the Vancouver Canucks vs the Boston Bruins for Lord Stanley's coveted mug.
Arguably the best team in the NHL vs. the Big Bad Bruins.
I can't tell you how much I want Boston to win this series. It makes me sad to think that Vancouver could be raising the Cup in less than a couple of weeks. It makes me want to vomit to tell you the truth.
I, along with Bryan "The Rev" Wright, would like to make it clear that we are NOT cheering for the Canucks because they are simply from Canada. That argument is quite possibly the stupidest EVER created and thus we, along with what I hope to be a lot more Flames fans, will be vehemently cheering against the orca clad men from Vancouver.
ABV (Anybody but Vancouver). In this case, it's the Boston Bruins.
I am this close to going out and buying a Bruins jersey...but alas a big sign might have to suffice.
So without further ado, our predictions...with no emotion attached to them whatsoever.
NEWMAN
Bruins in 4 outscoring the Canucks 35-0 in the process forcing Roberto Luongo to call the Bruins his daddy.
Ok, to be realistic, if the Bruins can hit the Canucks and be really hard on the forecheck and get the Sedins off their game, then they might have a hope. Also, Thomas has to play the series of his life and the PP has to be better than the 8.2% clip it is currently running at. If that happens, then the Bruins might win...might.
You can understand why I am scared. Vancouver is such a well rounded team and they have Malhotra and Ehrhoff likely returning making them even stronger. If Vancouver doesn't win I will be shocked. I may also never want to come in contact with another Canucks fan for as long as I live.
What I think will happen: Canucks will win the Cup in 5...barf
THE REV
For once, Newman and I are in total agreement. The only thing that might infuriate me more than a Canucks Stanley Cup, would be the Leafs winning. That would a whole new level of anger.
But I digress. While I admit Vancouver is probably the better team, I don't think they run away with it. The key to a Bruins victory will be their ability to shut down the Vancouver offence, and the play of Tim Thomas. If Thomas can continue to play well, very well actually, then the Bruins have a chance to steal this series.
I'll take the Bruins in 7.
JERSEY FOULS!
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Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Flames sign Glencross and make Feaster GM
This officially marks the beginning of the Jay Feaster era in Calgary.
First off: the Glencross signing. I was on record as saying that anything over $2.3 million a season for Glencross would be a bad signing for two reasons. One: I truly believed he would test he free agent market and receive well over that and I was worried the Flames would try and match some ridiculous offer to keep him and subsequently get trapped in another bad contract. And two, because I really didn’t think the Flames could actually afford anything over that number given their strenuous cap situation.
I guess I was a little off in my assumptions.
The deal also includes a no-movement clause – something the Flames give out like mini Twix bars on all hallows eve, or so it would seem.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Washington Capitals
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| Coutesy cbc.ca |
This is my sentiment when talking about the Washington Capitals.
I have never been so wrong so many times.
I picked them to get beat in the first round and they win in five games. I then change my mind on them, something I should not have done, and they get steamrolled by Tampa Bay.
So here is where I admit my failure, but for a team that went through the changes this team went through it was hard to predict anything they might do, let alone who they might beat.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Craig Conroy: Common Denominator for Tanguay and Glencross
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| Might be high fiving in different uniforms next fall... |
Tanguay had a huge bounce back season, while Glencross had a career breakout season.
In thinking about these two players, I think there is a player who recently retired who might be able to give these two players some wise counsel.
I’m talking about Craig Conroy.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Round Two 2011 NHL Playoff Predictions
So after the opening round eight teams remain.
To recap Newman went 5 for 8 hitting the nail on head with the Preds in 6 and the Sharks in 6.
The Rev was one better going 6 for 8 and hit the bullseye picking the Lightning in 7.
So the second round begins tonight. Here are our thoughts:
The West:
VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS
NEWMAN: The Canucks win over the Hawks was huge in so many ways for this franchise. It boosted Luongo's confidence which is key for any future success of this team. Don't underestimate the Preds though as they are one of the hardest working teams in the league and won't just lie down on the tracks and wait for the train to come. Still think the Canucks prevail...as much as it pains me to say it.
Canucks in 6.
THE REV: Vancouver showed some of their weaknesses in their first round series; mostly their heads. They should have rolled over the Blackhawks and didn't. I have no reason to think they'll be able to roll over Nashville, another team they should beat with ease. Having said that, they're still a much better team than Nashville, who's defensive core will be overmatched by the Sisters et al.
Predators in 6. (Again, I cannot pick the Vancouver Canucks; I hate them.)
SAN JOSE SHARKS VS DETROIT RED WINGS
NEWMAN: This is going to be a great series, that's all I know. Niemi will have to find his game if the Sharks intend on winning this series. Instead of the good game bad game streak, he will have to have a couple solid ones in a row against a much more powerful Wings offence. With the return of Zetterberg, the Wings might have the edge here, but it's a coin flip in my mind and I'm sticking with the initial predictions I made at the start of the playoffs.
Sharks in 7.
THE REV: I was confident in Detroit's veteran team in the first round and I'll stick with that against the Sharks. San Jose has a history of coming up short in the playoffs, and playing a very well rested Red Wing team isn't going to change that. The return of Zetterberg only helps. Detroit won't coast as they did against the Coyotes, but they'll be able to make chum out of the Sharks before going to a game 7.
Red Wings in 6.
The East:
WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
NEWMAN: Ok so I was wrong about the Rangers upsetting the Caps. It was closer than the 5 games it ended in though. Anyways, the Caps are a different team this time around, that much is obvious. They aren't that offensive powerhouse they once were and instead play a defensive style of play that might actually help them win a championship. Neuvirth played great in the Ranger series and will have to continue playing well if he hopes to stop the high powered Lightning attack. The Lightning, or Ning for short, had probably the quietest playoff comeback in league history. With everyone focusing on the other series, especially out west, no one paid much attention to their triumphant comeback. Roloson is playing well and has brought an underdog team far in the playoffs before. This is the Caps series and possibly playoffs to lose though now.
Capitals in 6.
THE REV: I didn't realize the Capitals were still in the playoffs. To be honest I didn't really follow their series against the Rangers after Newman's 'UPSET ALERT' saying New York would prevail. I see he's changed his tune. The Capitals have changed from a run n' gun to a more complete style of play, and it'll carry them deep into the playoffs. While the Lighnting were able to fend off a weakened Penguins team, they don't have enough in them to take down a much stronger Washington team. Fred Brathwaite's old back up won't have enough to fend off the Capitals; he's simply over matched in this one. The Capitals will have a good week off while they wait for Boston and Philly to duke it out.
Capitals in 5.
BOSTON BRUINS VS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
NEWMAN: Both teams played grueling seven game series in the first round. The Bruins will be looking to exact some revenge on a Flyer team that did what only two other teams in history have ever done and that's come back from 3-0 down in the series (not to mention down 3-0 in Game 7 as well). The Flyers have Pronger back who will make a big impact and help the shaky goaltending they have become known for. I think the Bruins will pull this one out though.
Bruins in 7.
THE REV: I see this one being the closest series of the all. Both teams had hard fought victories in the first round and both will be looking to end this series a little earlier. This time, I think goaltending will be the difference. Boston has it, Philadelphia doesn't. Ryan Miller was almost able to stop the Flyers, Tim Thomas will be able to. Add Andrew Ference's hot finger(s) and the Bruins pull this one out in the end.
Bruins in 6.
CHECK OUT TSR JERSEY FOULS AND IF YOU SEE ANY AT THE PLAYOFF GAMES YOU ARE ATTEDNING, WE WOULD LOVE TO SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD
Think we are crazy? Throw your two cents into the mix by commenting below!
twitter.com/TSRNewman
twitter.com/TheRevBW
thesportsroundup@gmail.com
Agree? Disagree? We want to hear from you! Click below to comment
To recap Newman went 5 for 8 hitting the nail on head with the Preds in 6 and the Sharks in 6.
The Rev was one better going 6 for 8 and hit the bullseye picking the Lightning in 7.
So the second round begins tonight. Here are our thoughts:
The West:
VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS
NEWMAN: The Canucks win over the Hawks was huge in so many ways for this franchise. It boosted Luongo's confidence which is key for any future success of this team. Don't underestimate the Preds though as they are one of the hardest working teams in the league and won't just lie down on the tracks and wait for the train to come. Still think the Canucks prevail...as much as it pains me to say it.
Canucks in 6.
THE REV: Vancouver showed some of their weaknesses in their first round series; mostly their heads. They should have rolled over the Blackhawks and didn't. I have no reason to think they'll be able to roll over Nashville, another team they should beat with ease. Having said that, they're still a much better team than Nashville, who's defensive core will be overmatched by the Sisters et al.
Predators in 6. (Again, I cannot pick the Vancouver Canucks; I hate them.)
SAN JOSE SHARKS VS DETROIT RED WINGS
NEWMAN: This is going to be a great series, that's all I know. Niemi will have to find his game if the Sharks intend on winning this series. Instead of the good game bad game streak, he will have to have a couple solid ones in a row against a much more powerful Wings offence. With the return of Zetterberg, the Wings might have the edge here, but it's a coin flip in my mind and I'm sticking with the initial predictions I made at the start of the playoffs.
Sharks in 7.
THE REV: I was confident in Detroit's veteran team in the first round and I'll stick with that against the Sharks. San Jose has a history of coming up short in the playoffs, and playing a very well rested Red Wing team isn't going to change that. The return of Zetterberg only helps. Detroit won't coast as they did against the Coyotes, but they'll be able to make chum out of the Sharks before going to a game 7.
Red Wings in 6.
The East:
WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
NEWMAN: Ok so I was wrong about the Rangers upsetting the Caps. It was closer than the 5 games it ended in though. Anyways, the Caps are a different team this time around, that much is obvious. They aren't that offensive powerhouse they once were and instead play a defensive style of play that might actually help them win a championship. Neuvirth played great in the Ranger series and will have to continue playing well if he hopes to stop the high powered Lightning attack. The Lightning, or Ning for short, had probably the quietest playoff comeback in league history. With everyone focusing on the other series, especially out west, no one paid much attention to their triumphant comeback. Roloson is playing well and has brought an underdog team far in the playoffs before. This is the Caps series and possibly playoffs to lose though now.
Capitals in 6.
THE REV: I didn't realize the Capitals were still in the playoffs. To be honest I didn't really follow their series against the Rangers after Newman's 'UPSET ALERT' saying New York would prevail. I see he's changed his tune. The Capitals have changed from a run n' gun to a more complete style of play, and it'll carry them deep into the playoffs. While the Lighnting were able to fend off a weakened Penguins team, they don't have enough in them to take down a much stronger Washington team. Fred Brathwaite's old back up won't have enough to fend off the Capitals; he's simply over matched in this one. The Capitals will have a good week off while they wait for Boston and Philly to duke it out.
Capitals in 5.
BOSTON BRUINS VS PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
NEWMAN: Both teams played grueling seven game series in the first round. The Bruins will be looking to exact some revenge on a Flyer team that did what only two other teams in history have ever done and that's come back from 3-0 down in the series (not to mention down 3-0 in Game 7 as well). The Flyers have Pronger back who will make a big impact and help the shaky goaltending they have become known for. I think the Bruins will pull this one out though.
Bruins in 7.
THE REV: I see this one being the closest series of the all. Both teams had hard fought victories in the first round and both will be looking to end this series a little earlier. This time, I think goaltending will be the difference. Boston has it, Philadelphia doesn't. Ryan Miller was almost able to stop the Flyers, Tim Thomas will be able to. Add Andrew Ference's hot finger(s) and the Bruins pull this one out in the end.
Bruins in 6.
CHECK OUT TSR JERSEY FOULS AND IF YOU SEE ANY AT THE PLAYOFF GAMES YOU ARE ATTEDNING, WE WOULD LOVE TO SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD
Think we are crazy? Throw your two cents into the mix by commenting below!
twitter.com/TSRNewman
twitter.com/TheRevBW
thesportsroundup@gmail.com
Agree? Disagree? We want to hear from you! Click below to comment
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