Rangers' Avery Out For The Balance...

Sean Avery is out for the balance of the New York Rangers existence in the 2008 NHL playoffs. He was taken to the hospital after last night's game with a lacerated spleen and was rumoured to have been in cardiac arrest. That was proven to be untrue, Avery was driven to the hospital in a Towncar. http://rangers.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=362098

Not the first time a professional athlete has been taken to the hospital with an injured spleen after a physical game. Chris Simms had a ruptured spleen after his game against the Carolina Panthers. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2601555

Simms was out for a year following the spleen's removal.

What's the Deal?

After three series going to 7 games and another 3 going to 6 games in the first round, it's a little baffling that three series in the second round of the 2008 playoffs have teams down 0-3.

So far, Pittsburgh is dominating the New York Rangers and lead the series 3-0. They've now gone an incredible 7-0 in this year's playoffs. The last time a team did that was in 1994, when the New York Rangers went on to win Lord Stanley's Cup. In fact, 7 of the last 8 teams that have gone 7-0 to start the playoffs have gone on to win the Championship trophy. The Penguins are in good company and are a tough team to beat.

Dallas is up 3-0 in their series against the San Jose Sharks. I don't think San Jose has the drive and determination to pull off a Boston Red Sox-like resurgance to come back and claim the series.

Detroit leads Colorado in their series 3-0 that lacks the emotion I thought would be shown. These two teams have had epic battles in the past, but Detroit is simply overpowering the Avalanche right now. Kindof a bummer.

Montreal and Philly are keeping their series interesting with Philidelphia gunning for the upset as they lead 2-1.

Usually, when the teams reach the second round of the playoffs, the competition gets tougher, teams are more tired and more hungry, and that usually leads to series being a lot closer. Right now, the opposite is proving true. Anything's possible, but I don't see any of these teams that are down 3-0 coming back to win the series. Perhaps this is setting up a great round 3? Hope so!

"A ballplayer, not just a Canadian!"

NHL Playoffs, Round 2:Update

EASTERN CONFERENCE
MTL vs PHIFlyers lead series 2-1
PIT vs NYRPenguins lead series 2-0

WESTERN CONFERENCE
DET vs COL Red Wings lead series 2-0
SJ vs DALStars lead series 2-0

Crosby's Earned A Reputation!

Sidney Crosby is the most touted young player in the NHL today. He came in tabbed as "the Next One," referring to him as being the next Wayne Gretzky. He's an incredibly skilled player who is living up to the hype, for the most part. He's already the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, making him the youngest in NHL history. He's certainly no slouch, and he's definitely not a bust.

He has, however, made a name for himself in a way that the real Great One never had. Crosby's been tagged as a diver! This means that he embellishes when he gets hit in order to get a call. Apparently, the refs have been falling for it.

During Sunday's game against the Rangers, Sid "the Kid" fell a little too easy after being hit behind the net by Fedor Tyutin, resulting in a penalty against the Rangers. According to those within listening distance, Jaromir Jagr (another NHL scoring great) skated over to Crosby after the penalty and told him to stop diving and to stay on his feet. The Penguins won the game to take a 2-0 series lead.

This isn't the first time Sidney's been called out for diving. While he's justly recieved accolades for his on-ice skills, his reputation for diving is hurting his image. Hockey players, fans, and coaches don't like players who dive. It's a trend that's increasing among younger players. Eric Staal and Eric Cole of the Carolina Hurricanes are two other young players who have been tabbed as divers. Hopefully this is something that will quickly be nipped in the bud.

Wayne Gretzky was called the "Great One" because he truly was a great player. He set records that will probably never be broken. He wasn't a diver!

It has nothing to do with hockey!

It's just funny!

Poor kid.

Interesting Second Round Info

Thanks to the Panthers best beat writer George Richards for this snippet:

-- Bonus stuff on Detroit-Colorado: Colorado's Adam Foote and Joe Sakic have played in all 30 playoff games between the Avs and Wings, Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom and Darren McCarty have also played in all 30. Peter Forsberg, Kris Draper and Chris Chelios have played in 29 of the games.

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanthers/2008/04/hockey-talk.html

Should be a great, hard-fought series!

Time For Round 2!

I went 4 for 4 in Round 1, let's see how I do in Round 2. How'd you do with your picks?

MTL vs PHI-I think this one will be a great series. Philly's a tough team who should give Montreal a tough time. I'm going to call Montreal.

PIT vs NYR-Another good series. Avery will be looking to get under Crosby, Malkin, and Hossa's skin, but he's going to have to answer to the mighty Georges Laraque for any of his actions. Avery's not dumb enough to drop 'em with the NHL's top heavyweight, but Pittsburgh's got a few tough guys that will help keep Avery under control. Some great stars in this series, I'm calling the Penguins for the win.

DET vs COL-Yet another great series matchup. These 2 teams hate each other and it goes back about a decade. Detroit won the season series 4-0, but Colorado has Forsberg and Foote both playing well. Again, going to be a great series. I'll go with Detroit on this one, though, I wouldn't be surprised to see Colorado take it.

SJ vs DAL-OK, so, they're all great mach-ups. These two are also rivals and Dallas has been playing well enough to eek out the win from San Jose. It's all going to depend on how hungry the Sharks are. I'm calling Dallas.

What're your picks?

Top Hockey Movies:

Agree or disagree, vote here: http://www.sportsinmovies.com/best-movies/hockey.asp

1. Miracle (2004) - 9.08
2. Slap Shot (1977) - 8.99
3. Rocket, The (2005) - 8.82
4. Youngblood (1986) - 8.53
5. Net Worth (1995) - 8.39
6. Love Guru, The (2008) - 8.00
7. Mighty Ducks, The (1992) - 7.84
8. Mystery, Alaska (1999) - 7.49
9. D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996) - 7.14
10 .Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story (2005) - 6.50
11. D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994) - 6.36
12. MVP: Most Valuable Primate (2000) - 5.90
13. Sudden Death (1995) - 5.82
14. Rhino Brothers, The (1995) - 5.39
15. Boys, Les (1997) - 5.34
16. Slap Shot 2: Breaking the Ice (2002) - 3.94

Dissed

It's not secret that Martin Broduer and Sean Avery hate each other. That was made more apparent with Avery's antics earlier in the series. Avery gets under everyone's skin, even All-Star 3-time Cup winning goaltenders.

As the Rangers won the best-of-seven series and the opposing players passed each other for the traditional handshake, Broduer comepletely ignored Avery as he passed by. As Avery put his hand out ready to shake Broduer's hand, Marty looked past him and did nothing to acknowledge Avery.

Can't say I blame Broduer.

Re-Visiting My Round 1 Playoff Predictions:

Predictions:
MON vs BOS-Montreal.
DET vs NSH-Detroit, though they didn't play well during the season against Nashville.
PIT vs OTT-Pittsburgh
SJ vs CGY-San Jose
WSH vs PHI-Washington, this one should be close
MIN vs COL-Minnesota, but should be close, too.
SJ vs NYR-Not sure on this one. Rangers won the first game, but I'm callin Jersey.
ANA vs DAL-Anaheim

Current standings and eliminations:

MTL vs BOSSeries tied 3-3
DET vs NSHRed Wings win series 4-2
PIT vs OTTPenguins win series 4-0
SJ vs CGYSeries tied 3-3
WSH vs PHIFlyers lead series 3-2
MIN vs COLAvalanche win series 4-2
NJ vs NYRRangers win series 4-1
ANA vs DALStars win series 4-2

I was right about Pittsburgh and Detroit. Wrong on Annaheim, Jersey, and Colorado. Washington, San Jose, and Montreal are going to game 7. (I hope I'm wrong about Montreal, would love to see them out of it!)

Thanks to TSN.ca

NHL 2008 Playoff Update:

Thans again to TSN.ca

MTL vs BOSCanadiens lead series 3-1
DET vs NSHSeries tied 2-2
PIT vs OTTPenguins win series 4-0
SJ vs CGYSeries tied 2-2
WSH vs PHIFlyers lead series 2-1
MIN vs COLSeries tied 2-2
NJ vs NYRRangers lead series 3-1
ANA vs DALStars lead series 2-1

Senators Swept as Pittsburgh Returns the Favor.

Last year, the Senators made short work of Pittsburgh on their march to the Finals by eliminating them in 5 games. This year, the Pens returned the favor by eliminating the Senators in 4.

The Senators went from first place in the East and dominating the competition, to 7th place going into the playoffs. Injuries played a big part, they fired their coach, and Bryan Murray took over behind the bench while also staying the team GM. Much like he was unable to do with the Panthers, Murray has done little to really improve the Ottawa Senators. Much like the Panthers did years ago, it's probably time the Senators part ways with this guy. Ottawa has a ton of talent on their team, but lack in the goaltending department and don't seem to be very motivated.

The Penguins, on the other hand, are loaded with talent and are rolling. With Crosby, Malkin, Hossa, Staal, Fluery, Whitney, and Roberts to help lead the way, the Penguins are a major force to be reckoned with. It remains to be seen if they have enough in them to go to the Finals and win the Cup, but they're certainly a team with enough skill to make it there.

The Pittsburh Penguins are a great team to watch, it will be fun to see how far they can go.

The Ottawa Senators? Well, it should be an interesting off-season.

Really cute and cool...or creepy?

Let's go Panthers...Let's go Panthers...

Why all the fanfare for a team isn't in the playoffs and hasn't been in a dog's a...OK, longer than dog's age? Well, I'll tell ya!

For a decade, the Panthers have had a ridiculous revolving door in management positions. They've gone through so many GMs and coaches over that span, it's no wonder this team is such a mess. From Luongo being traded for a lot less than what he's worth to the hodge podge of different GMs' ideas and plans, any GM who comes in is left with quite a challenge. However, Jacques Martin has done a good job in this position over the last 2 years.

He's cleaned up the Luongo trade by bringing in Tomas Vokoun with some of the picks he got in trades, acquired a young stud in Matthias, drafted well, has been patient with the young prospects and hasn't rushed them in, has locked up the core long term, and hasn't been pushed around by other GMs by trading good players for less than they're worth.

Martin served duel roles with the Panthers. He wasn't just the GM, he was also the head coach. Last week he was relieved of his position as head coach, but asked to stay as the GM. Thankfully, Panthers owner Alan Cohen has seen the great job that Martin has done as general manager and has recognized the plan he's put in place.

Today, Martin has decided he'll stay on as the team GM and will continue to implement his plan and will pick the head coach he feels will best work with the players he's brought in. Patience now is the key. Martin can now squarely focus on the GM position, and we'll have a coach who can squarely focus on that position as well.

Good stuff!

Avery's a tool

This is ridiculous. He's a pro athlete. This guy is a chronic blackeye on the NHL. From being kicked out of LA for being such a bad teammate to hurling racial insults, Avery isn't just a pest, he's a childish clown.

Playoff update:

Thanks to TSN.ca...

MON vs BOS
Canadiens lead series 2-0
DET vs NSH
Red Wings lead series 2-0PIT vs OTT
Penguins lead series 2-0
SJ vs CGY
Series tied 1-1WSH vs PHI
Capitals lead series 1-0
MIN vs COL
Series tied 1-1NJ vs NYR
Rangers lead series 2-0
ANA vs DAL
Stars lead series 2-0

LOOK OUT!

A couple of hard checks...





It's a rough sport!

The Fight For the Cup Starts Tonight!

Since they were little kids barely able to skate, they've dreamed of lifting Lord Stanley's Cup. Today, 16 teams start the fight to be able to do just that.

Here are the matchups for round 1, and who I expect to win:

MON vs BOS-Montreal.
DET vs NSH-Detroit, though they didn't play well during the season against Nashville.
PIT vs OTT-Pittsburgh

SJ vs CGY-San Jose
WSH vs PHI-Washington, this one should be close
MIN vs COL-Minnesota, but should be close, too.

SJ vs NYR-Not sure on this one. Rangers won the first game, but I'm callin Jersey.

ANA vs DAL-Anaheim

Some of the best hockey of the year...coming up!

*What're your playoff predictions?*

The Lightning win the Stamkos race.

The Lightning won the draft lottery yesterday. They now have the first chance of drafting Steven Stamkos. This kid's a stud!





He'll be up there with the top young talents in the game. Crosby, Ovechkin, Toews...Stamkos.

-Lots of videos lately. I love what they add.

Poetic Justce?

I'd have rather seen the Hurricanes in the playoffs than the Flyers, but I'm very glad the Caps are in. My favorite team when I was a kid. Can't wait to see Ovechkin in the playoffs!

However, revenge seems to be a dish best served cold, eh Panther fans?

"Tiger, Tiger where are you?"

A little more Ovechkin love. This is the first time he's played! Guy's got skills!

I've seen a lot of things in my life, but that...was...AWESOME!

This is a couple years old now, but it's still so much fun to watch!