Wednesday, June 27, 2012
How I picture this Nash thing ending. It ain't pretty!
July 1st, 2012
03:24 AM
9 hours 36 minutes until FA deadline
Columbus, OH
All the GM's except Scott Howson, GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets, are sitting in a white empty room with no doors nor windows.
Lou Lamoriello (Devils): What the hell? Where are we?
Glen Sather (Rangers): I don't know.
Ray Shero (Pittsburgh): I don't know either, but I do know this is somehow Paul Holmgren's fault.
Paul Holmgren (Flyers): Oh go suck on Crosby's.... *twitch* My trade senses are tingling. Must... trade... away... our... best... backup... goalie.... for.. no... reason....
Mike Gillis (Vancouver): Does he always do that?
Ray Shero: constantly.
All of a sudden Scott Howson teleports into the front of the room. All the GMs look on in disbelief and fear.
Glen Sather: Oh god... *facepalm* I knew this would happen eventually.
Scott Howson: Gentlemen, I have called you here to discuss Rick Nash. And as you all can see there are no windows nor doors in this room. I know the way out. The only way you will learn the way out is if we can come to a fair and just decision on Rick Nash, the greatest player in the NHL since forever!
Dean Lombardi (Kings): Scotty, listen, we all want Nash on our team. But you're asking so much. I mean, he's great but... He's like... Not hockey Buddha! There are players better in the NHL tod-
Scott Howson: SILENCE!!! *Gets right in Lombardi's face* NASH FOR BROWN, QUICK, KOPITAR, RICHARDS, CARTER, AND 3 DRAFT PICKS!!!! AGREED!?
Dean Lombardi: ...*puzzled look* no?
Howson pulls out a .45 and shoots Lombardi in the leg
Bob Murray (Anaheim): hahahaha!
Dean Lobardi: WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?
Scott Howson: I grow tired! AGREE! That trade is fair and just!!!
Dean Lombardi: Listen. Scotty, you and I have been good friends this year. Remember?
Howson shoots Lombardi in the head
Scott Howson: Don't EVER doubt the will of Rick Nash!!!!! WHO'S NEXT!? How about you Glen!?
Glen Sather: Oh Jesus!
Scott Howson: Rick Nash... For Kreider, Gaborik, Del Zotto, Richards, and Lundqvist!
Glen Sather: Why would I do that I don't even have a backup goalie signed yet?
Howson points the gun in between Sather's eyes
Lou Lamoriello: Howson don't you think this has gone on long enough?
Scott Howson: NO! I wouldn't trade with YOU anyway! WHY WOULD I TRADE WITH A GM WHO DOESN'T EVEN BELIEVE IN TWITTER!?
Lou Lamoriello: I will give you David Clarkson, Marek Zidlicky, the rights to Ryan Carter, and the 4th round pick. For Rick Nash, and a 5th round pick next year.
Howson walks over to Lamoriello
Scott Howson: How dare you. You old fool! You expect me to trade away the greatest player in the world for a fool WHO CAN'T EVEN STAY ON HIS SKATES!? NO SIR!!
Scott Howson: Now Glen, what if I took off Lundqvist but you give me your 1st round picks for the next 3 years?
Glen Sather: No Scotty!
Scott Howson: very well. *Shoots him in the head* Now that we have exhausted the alternatives, I am now going to go down the list ABC order!
Bob Murray: I am not giving up Hiller or Getzlaf. Nor the rights to Selanne.
Scott Howson: what about Nash for Ryan, Hiller, and all your draft picks next year. I'll even throw in a draft pick of my own. The 7th round pick of the 2045 NHL entry draft. Agree? *points gun at his head* And I would agree. Because I loooove Duck hunting.
Bob Murray: I'm so tired of that jo-
Howson shoots him in the head, looks down the list, decides no team in the East is to his liking so he kills every Eastern GM except for Lamoriello, Shero, and Holmgren.
Scott Howson: I like you Atlantic Division folk. I'm saving you till the end. Sather is dead because he tested my patience to it's limit. Rick Nash is the greatest player in NHL history. And to not be jumping on the idea of having him is insane.
Ray Shero: What about Snow?! He was an Atlantic Division GM too!
Scott Howson: It's the Islanders. They count less than anyone in the NHL.
Joe Nieuwendyk (Dallas): Scott, your team is the laughing stock of the NHL. And you're the reason. You have one good player who wants to leave, a goalie who fell apart after his rookie season, and that's about it. You kidnap us, tie us up in here, hold us at GUNPOINT, more than HALF of us are dead! And you expect us to negotiate a deal for Rick Nash? I speak for everyone left here when I say that Rick is a great player, but nowhere near the skill that you are asking for with these trades.
Scott Howson: *angered* Mr. Nieuwendyk, you are one of the youngest GMs in NHL history, you won 3 Cups in your lifetime with 3 different teams. One was with him *points at Lou*, but you didn't play in that Final did you Joey? Did you?!
Joe Nieuwendyk: No Scott I didn't. I was hurt.
Scott Howson: And when Brett Hull scored in 1999 OT. He was in the crease illegally correct? *points the gun at his head*
Joe Nieuwendyk: Some people claim he was, yes. I didn't get a good view of the goal so I don't know.
Scott Howson: Well, let me assure you. That when Rick Nash wins his 20 Cups, not one will be controversial for him. Now, Mike Ribiero for Rick Nash.
Joe Niewendyk: That's it? Just Mike Rib- *realizes he just traded him away a few days ago* Oh crap...
Howson shoots him in the head. He then kills every West GM except Ken Holland (Detroit)
Scott Howson: Kenny, our teams have been division rivals for over 25 years.
Ken Holland (Detroit): You guys have only been around for 12.
Scott Howson: No matter. You are the one that I am most wanting to trade with. And I-
Paul Holmgren: BRYZGALOV, GIROUX, AND SCHENN FOR PATRICK EAVES!!!!
Ken Holland: uhh sure *big smile*
Scott Howson shoots Holmgren in the head
Scott Howson: Well he's pointless now. Kenny, I'll come back to you later! Ray, let's make this quick and painless. I want Crosby, Malkin, and Fl-... On second thought, just Malkin and Crosby.
Ray Shero: I will give you Fleury, Martin, and next year's third round pick. For Rick Nash, James Wisniewski, and the 6th round pick of 2013.
Howson shoots him in the chest multiple times
Scott Howson: I said... Let's make this quick and painless!!! BUT YOU CHOSE THE WRONG WAY!!!
Ray Shero: *signals Lou to come in closer* You have to know.... *cough cough*... Tell Sidney.... I love him....... *dies*
Lou Lamoriello: Why have you not killed me yet?
Scott Howson: Because I'm saving you for last. Kenny I will give you-
Ken Holland: I will give you... uhh... *has an idea and smirks* Claude Giroux, Ilya Brygalov, Brayden Schenn, and uhhh Dan Cleary! AND uh uh... My 2nd round pick! For Rick Nash!!!
Scott Howson: *smiles* see how easy that was? You got yourself a deal! *shoots Lamoriello in the head*
Lou Lamoriello instantly wakes up in a pool of sweat
Lou Lamoriello: *panting* it was just a nightmare! *turns on the light*
Scott Howson is standing there with a knife over his bed
Scott Howson: GUESS AGAIN!!!
This was strictly satirical. I in no way, shape, or form feel that Scott Howson is murderous. I do however feel he is absolutely nuts to demand such a high price for Rick Nash. Obviously these trade requests are fake, not even Howson is stupid enough to try and get Crosby and Malkin for Nash. Don't ever take anything that I post seriously. I made a prediction that Cam Janssen would win the Conn Smythe for God sakes!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Sorry about the wait, folks!
Ok, sorry guys. It's been forever since I have posted. Main reason? Been busy with other things: vacations, parties, weddings, ect. Well, I want to give my 5 cents on the last two series matchups for the Devils. First let's start with the Rangers. I promise I won't go too deep into it since it's old news. But how sweet was it to have a little bit of retribution for '94? I thought it felt pretty damn good. The series itself was awesome. Every game was played like a game 7. New Jersey was flat out the better team game in and game out even in the games they lost. Lundqvist won those games for them.
Now, on to LA. This series went like this:
"Crap! eh, that sucks. But we'll get em next game." to
"Are you serious!? AGAIN IN OVERTIME!?" to
"Oh my God this game 3 is pathetic! I cannot believe they are about to be swept!" to
"Well our sweepless streak stays alive. But I'm forced to watch another game of this garbage!" to
"Uhhh, can we actually do this?" to
"Well that was fun while it lasted!"
Now, everyone has something to say about the hit by Bernier. Well, it was a dirty hit yes. But it shouldn't have even happened. We all know why. We all know what happened a few seconds prior to the hit. It's a story that's been beaten to death with "what if"s. "What if that penalty had been called on Stoll?" "What if the Devils had scored on that power play?" You can argue the "what if"s all day long (trust me, I have) but it still doesn't change the fact that it was called the way it was called and the game went the way it went. The penalty deflated us in that game. Our PK which was record breaking in the regular season was a disaster in the playoffs. Regardless of the 5 minute major, 3 goals on a major PP is just pathetic. The most lopsided Stanley Cup decider in 21 years since Pittsburgh tore through the North Stars.
Now on to business about the offseason: Marty, Zach, Draft, UFA, CBA, and financial trouble. Phew, where the hell do I begin?
Martin Brodeur: If he comes back for another year it will be very interesting to see how long and how much. He has openly stated he understands New Jersey's first priority is signing Parise to a long-term deal. I feel that Marty can be a fantastic mentor for Frazee or Kinkaid this upcoming season if he decides to resign with us. So yes, I will answer that question right now: Moose will not return to NJ next year. In my opinion of course. We'll miss him though.
Zach Parise: This is the story that's eating at our brains for the past calendar year. How are we going to afford such a superstar player on our budget? Well, here's 3 main reasons he will get signed by NJ within the next 10 days.
1. We have the money to do it. Yes, our team is in financial turmoil. But our cap space is high.
2. It's Lou Lamoriello we are talking about. The best GM in the East if not the entire NHL. He'll get it done!
and 3. He WANTS to stay.
Draft: Remember when I said Lou is the best GM in the NHL? (If you don't remember, well, you might want to get that checked out) Well, this is an instance where I look at this and say "what the hell were you thinking Lou?" We need to sacrifice a first round pick next year no matter what now. Instead of just sacrificing the 29th pick this year!!! Makes no sense to me!
Free Agents: We have a bunch we need to sign, not just Parise. Salvador is the big one other than Zach. Like I said we have some cap space to play with. As far as signing UFA other than our boys, I don;t see any major one happening. Devils might make a fight for Suter but it won't come through. In fact I think the Predators will keep a hold on him.
CBA: I have no comment. Don't screw me out of another season. That is all. Goodbye!
Financial difficulties: Ok, we are a young franchise. We really are. We come in with a dynasty in full swing. A team coming off it's glory years in Philly. And the Rangers have already established themselves as a historic team with 3 Cups. So of course some people will be reluctant to embrace a new team right smack dab in the middle of all of that. It's a shame though. Gary Bettman has said he will take control of the team if Jeff Vanderbeek wished. This will allow the Devils to stay intact until they found a new owner. That new owner can....... gulp... move the team anywhere he/she wants. (Which won't happen but that is the worst case scenario).
So, that was my longest post haha. But I was so far behind I needed to get this stuff out. More to come with signings and whatnot.
Now, on to LA. This series went like this:
"Crap! eh, that sucks. But we'll get em next game." to
"Are you serious!? AGAIN IN OVERTIME!?" to
"Oh my God this game 3 is pathetic! I cannot believe they are about to be swept!" to
"Well our sweepless streak stays alive. But I'm forced to watch another game of this garbage!" to
"Uhhh, can we actually do this?" to
"Well that was fun while it lasted!"
Now, everyone has something to say about the hit by Bernier. Well, it was a dirty hit yes. But it shouldn't have even happened. We all know why. We all know what happened a few seconds prior to the hit. It's a story that's been beaten to death with "what if"s. "What if that penalty had been called on Stoll?" "What if the Devils had scored on that power play?" You can argue the "what if"s all day long (trust me, I have) but it still doesn't change the fact that it was called the way it was called and the game went the way it went. The penalty deflated us in that game. Our PK which was record breaking in the regular season was a disaster in the playoffs. Regardless of the 5 minute major, 3 goals on a major PP is just pathetic. The most lopsided Stanley Cup decider in 21 years since Pittsburgh tore through the North Stars.
Now on to business about the offseason: Marty, Zach, Draft, UFA, CBA, and financial trouble. Phew, where the hell do I begin?
Martin Brodeur: If he comes back for another year it will be very interesting to see how long and how much. He has openly stated he understands New Jersey's first priority is signing Parise to a long-term deal. I feel that Marty can be a fantastic mentor for Frazee or Kinkaid this upcoming season if he decides to resign with us. So yes, I will answer that question right now: Moose will not return to NJ next year. In my opinion of course. We'll miss him though.
Zach Parise: This is the story that's eating at our brains for the past calendar year. How are we going to afford such a superstar player on our budget? Well, here's 3 main reasons he will get signed by NJ within the next 10 days.
1. We have the money to do it. Yes, our team is in financial turmoil. But our cap space is high.
2. It's Lou Lamoriello we are talking about. The best GM in the East if not the entire NHL. He'll get it done!
and 3. He WANTS to stay.
Draft: Remember when I said Lou is the best GM in the NHL? (If you don't remember, well, you might want to get that checked out) Well, this is an instance where I look at this and say "what the hell were you thinking Lou?" We need to sacrifice a first round pick next year no matter what now. Instead of just sacrificing the 29th pick this year!!! Makes no sense to me!
Free Agents: We have a bunch we need to sign, not just Parise. Salvador is the big one other than Zach. Like I said we have some cap space to play with. As far as signing UFA other than our boys, I don;t see any major one happening. Devils might make a fight for Suter but it won't come through. In fact I think the Predators will keep a hold on him.
CBA: I have no comment. Don't screw me out of another season. That is all. Goodbye!
Financial difficulties: Ok, we are a young franchise. We really are. We come in with a dynasty in full swing. A team coming off it's glory years in Philly. And the Rangers have already established themselves as a historic team with 3 Cups. So of course some people will be reluctant to embrace a new team right smack dab in the middle of all of that. It's a shame though. Gary Bettman has said he will take control of the team if Jeff Vanderbeek wished. This will allow the Devils to stay intact until they found a new owner. That new owner can....... gulp... move the team anywhere he/she wants. (Which won't happen but that is the worst case scenario).
So, that was my longest post haha. But I was so far behind I needed to get this stuff out. More to come with signings and whatnot.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
The rematch of a lifetime!!!
It was called the greatest conference final in NHL history. 1994. The year the Garden State forgot. The name Stephane Matteau is a name that sends chills of hate and frustration through our skulls. Every team has that one name. Red Sox have Bill Buckner. The Mets have Luis Castillo.
But let's take an honest look at these two upcoming series matchups.
#1 New York Rangers VS. #6 New Jersey Devils
Losing is not an option. In the case of Florida we just wanted to see the second round for once. The second round we didn't want the Flyers to beat us again. But this round is the big one. The rematch we've all been dreading. But I feel we can pull this one out if we continue our forecheck. The Rangers rely heavily on blocked shots. Hank doesn't do well with deflections. maybe we can use that to our advantage. The special teams favor us. The scoring favors us. So there is no reason we should be eliminated this series. But of course it will not be easy. At least 2 or more of these battles will need more than 60 minutes. This is going to be the most grueling 2 weeks of our lives as hockey fans. I say Devils win it in 7. A close fought, hard nosed, seven game series.
Game 1 in NY: Devils win
Game 2 in NY: Rangers win
Game 3 in NJ: Rangers win
Game 4 in NJ: Devils win
Game 5 in NY: Rangers win
Game 6 in NJ: Devils win
Game 7 in NY: Devils win
PLEASE!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!!!!
#3 Phoenix Coyotes VS #8 Los Angeles Kings
Kings are going to tear apart the desert. That's all I got to say. Whitney and Doan will score a few and Smith will make some key saves. But the Kings are too powerful on both ends. Doughty, Richards, and Brown are just too good. Not to mention Jonathan Quick playing crazy!
Game 1 in PHO: Kings win
Game 2 in PHO: Kings win
Game 3 in LA: Kings win
Game 4 in LA: Coyotes win
Game 5 in PHO: Kings win
But let's take an honest look at these two upcoming series matchups.
Losing is not an option. In the case of Florida we just wanted to see the second round for once. The second round we didn't want the Flyers to beat us again. But this round is the big one. The rematch we've all been dreading. But I feel we can pull this one out if we continue our forecheck. The Rangers rely heavily on blocked shots. Hank doesn't do well with deflections. maybe we can use that to our advantage. The special teams favor us. The scoring favors us. So there is no reason we should be eliminated this series. But of course it will not be easy. At least 2 or more of these battles will need more than 60 minutes. This is going to be the most grueling 2 weeks of our lives as hockey fans. I say Devils win it in 7. A close fought, hard nosed, seven game series.
Game 1 in NY: Devils win
Game 2 in NY: Rangers win
Game 3 in NJ: Rangers win
Game 4 in NJ: Devils win
Game 5 in NY: Rangers win
Game 6 in NJ: Devils win
Game 7 in NY: Devils win
PLEASE!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!!!!
#3 Phoenix Coyotes VS #8 Los Angeles Kings
Kings are going to tear apart the desert. That's all I got to say. Whitney and Doan will score a few and Smith will make some key saves. But the Kings are too powerful on both ends. Doughty, Richards, and Brown are just too good. Not to mention Jonathan Quick playing crazy!
Game 1 in PHO: Kings win
Game 2 in PHO: Kings win
Game 3 in LA: Kings win
Game 4 in LA: Coyotes win
Game 5 in PHO: Kings win
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
This Blog is Cursed I Guess!
Ya know, I decided to ease off on the posting during this series until at least game 4. I said to myself "I'm not posting on here until after game 4" because for some reason whenever I post they lose or at least play badly the following game. Leading me to believe (we all know superstition is a big part of the NHL playoffs) that this blog is cursed. Either that, or I was just too lazy. But when the Devils went up 3-1 I said I will wait to post until after the series is over. And now it is.
We can now look at this and think how we were one shot away from sweeping these guys. It was a breath of fresh air how we were able to rid these guys so quickly. Especially after the nail-biter of the first round against Florida.
The forecheck won the series for the Devils and I feel that they will play the same way against New York or Washington. Of course I'm pulling for the Caps, because we've had their number for years now and also it would be nice to be rid of the Rangers for good. However, a rematch of 1994 would certainly be an exciting series. Even if it were to be a sweep for either team it'd still be a crazy series just because of how strategically similar we are to NY.
We'll see who the Devils face and I will once again most likely not post at all during that series until it was over. At this point, the Cup seems a possible goal. But being in the final four after the atrocity that was the 2011 season preceded by three straight first round losses is still a great feat.
But let's talk about the series against Philly game by game.
Game 1: we should've won. Plain and simple. There was no reason why we let in two goals in OT by the same player. This is when the cockiness started of Flyer fans. They were riding so high on the Pens series that they felt themselves invincible. Their downfall!
Game 2: We were without Kovy. And you knew it, Pierre McGuire said it about 50 times every period. The Devils rallied behind that fact with their backs up against the wall. It was the 3rd time in the playoffs that they were down by a game and looked very comfortable in that position. They sustained pressure and were the much better team for 55 minutes of the game. And that's the word I've used most in these playoffs: sustain. Flyers just looked flat and Bryz was getting peppered. He let in three goals but he looked great. The forwards of Philly have no idea what to do in their defensive zone and it clearly showed. No back-checking at all. This is something New Jersey does better than anyone. Larsson finally found a dent in the armor of BryzgaLOLov and tied the game. Followed by the funniest Clarkson goal in history (Or so we thought was the funniest ever until last night). Even Salvador scored on an empty net.
Game 3: Once again the Devils were in control, but Bryz wasn't bad. His defense was. The Flyers just looked flat all game but were able to force OT. Then, the man I said would break out soon scored and we won. Alexei Ponikarovsky is this year's Alexander Mogliny for us. We got him for almost nothing and has been a tremendous part of our depth. Now on a line with Kovy and he has thrived there with his fellow Soviet. Now if only Zubrus was on a line with them. I'd call it the Red Army Line.
Game 4: When we went down 2-0 I knew they would come back. I just didn't know how. But even I didn't think it'd be that fast. The Flyers lead lasted only a few minutes. Then Zubrus scored. This goal marked the beginning of the dirty play by Philly. AFTER the puck was in Hartnell game a shove at Zubie. If it was Malkin, Crosby, or Neal, it would've been a scrum. This is when I realized that New Jersey wasn't going to play Broad Street hockey. The Flyers frustrations started to build until it all came to a head with none other than the "greatest player in the world" Claude Giroux. He was mad about not getting a call on Fayne so he turned his back to the play, screamed at the ref, pointed at the ref as he skated away as if to say "watch this", then cheap shots Zubrus late, smiling as he did it. I had so much respect for Giroux until that moment. This is when the Flyers started to really get frustrated and let their emotions which WON them a series against Pittsburgh get the better of them.
Game 5: No Giroux! No Giroux! The Flyers lost, but did I mention no Giroux? For the love of God shut up about Claude Giroux! I was so happy the way the Devils played. Forchecking was there, the consistency was there, and the goaltending was there. All things you need to win a Cup. Clarkson scored that goal and I ran around the house laughing my @$$ off. That was amazing! But it was because there was no Giroux! I love how the NBC Network made sure this game was alllll about A) Giroux being out. And B) The Flyers losing. It became more about how the Flyers lost than how the Devils won. Face it! The Devils outplayed Philly all series long including game 1. Pierre McGuire, you sir, are a joke!
We can now look at this and think how we were one shot away from sweeping these guys. It was a breath of fresh air how we were able to rid these guys so quickly. Especially after the nail-biter of the first round against Florida.
The forecheck won the series for the Devils and I feel that they will play the same way against New York or Washington. Of course I'm pulling for the Caps, because we've had their number for years now and also it would be nice to be rid of the Rangers for good. However, a rematch of 1994 would certainly be an exciting series. Even if it were to be a sweep for either team it'd still be a crazy series just because of how strategically similar we are to NY.
We'll see who the Devils face and I will once again most likely not post at all during that series until it was over. At this point, the Cup seems a possible goal. But being in the final four after the atrocity that was the 2011 season preceded by three straight first round losses is still a great feat.
But let's talk about the series against Philly game by game.
Game 1: we should've won. Plain and simple. There was no reason why we let in two goals in OT by the same player. This is when the cockiness started of Flyer fans. They were riding so high on the Pens series that they felt themselves invincible. Their downfall!
Game 2: We were without Kovy. And you knew it, Pierre McGuire said it about 50 times every period. The Devils rallied behind that fact with their backs up against the wall. It was the 3rd time in the playoffs that they were down by a game and looked very comfortable in that position. They sustained pressure and were the much better team for 55 minutes of the game. And that's the word I've used most in these playoffs: sustain. Flyers just looked flat and Bryz was getting peppered. He let in three goals but he looked great. The forwards of Philly have no idea what to do in their defensive zone and it clearly showed. No back-checking at all. This is something New Jersey does better than anyone. Larsson finally found a dent in the armor of BryzgaLOLov and tied the game. Followed by the funniest Clarkson goal in history (Or so we thought was the funniest ever until last night). Even Salvador scored on an empty net.
Game 3: Once again the Devils were in control, but Bryz wasn't bad. His defense was. The Flyers just looked flat all game but were able to force OT. Then, the man I said would break out soon scored and we won. Alexei Ponikarovsky is this year's Alexander Mogliny for us. We got him for almost nothing and has been a tremendous part of our depth. Now on a line with Kovy and he has thrived there with his fellow Soviet. Now if only Zubrus was on a line with them. I'd call it the Red Army Line.
Game 4: When we went down 2-0 I knew they would come back. I just didn't know how. But even I didn't think it'd be that fast. The Flyers lead lasted only a few minutes. Then Zubrus scored. This goal marked the beginning of the dirty play by Philly. AFTER the puck was in Hartnell game a shove at Zubie. If it was Malkin, Crosby, or Neal, it would've been a scrum. This is when I realized that New Jersey wasn't going to play Broad Street hockey. The Flyers frustrations started to build until it all came to a head with none other than the "greatest player in the world" Claude Giroux. He was mad about not getting a call on Fayne so he turned his back to the play, screamed at the ref, pointed at the ref as he skated away as if to say "watch this", then cheap shots Zubrus late, smiling as he did it. I had so much respect for Giroux until that moment. This is when the Flyers started to really get frustrated and let their emotions which WON them a series against Pittsburgh get the better of them.
Game 5: No Giroux! No Giroux! The Flyers lost, but did I mention no Giroux? For the love of God shut up about Claude Giroux! I was so happy the way the Devils played. Forchecking was there, the consistency was there, and the goaltending was there. All things you need to win a Cup. Clarkson scored that goal and I ran around the house laughing my @$$ off. That was amazing! But it was because there was no Giroux! I love how the NBC Network made sure this game was alllll about A) Giroux being out. And B) The Flyers losing. It became more about how the Flyers lost than how the Devils won. Face it! The Devils outplayed Philly all series long including game 1. Pierre McGuire, you sir, are a joke!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Cinco de Mayo 2007, Last May Hockey for NJ Until Now
Well we did it! The final 8!!! A quarter of the way there. After a dismal playoff-less season flanked by 3 straight 1st round exits, we finally can say we are playing May hockey. Henrique blew my mind wide open when that goal was scored to win the series. I actually felt sicker and sicker as the OT continued on. John Madden almost put us away but Marty was not getting beat.
Here are my predictions for round 2 which is MUCH more confusing than the 1st round. Just a quick side note. Has anyone else but me noticed that each team in the final 8 is a different seed number than the others? (1 is NYR, 2 is STL, 3 is PHX, ect.):
#1 NY Rangers VS. #7 Washington Capitals:
Game 1 is in progress and currently 1-0 NY in the second period. The Caps and Rangers playoff battle seems to be an annual event. Caps usually take it from NY and perhaps that might happen again. There is one major difference this time. The goalie for the Capitals is on fire. Brayden Holtby seemed to come out of nowhere. Well, maybe it's because he did. Saskatchewan to be exact. He has become a major part of the Capitals core and was able to eliminate Thomas the Tank Engine and his Bruins in round one. But where Thomas was great, Henry is even better. I think this one will go 7 with a win for the Rangers.
Game 1 in NY: Rangers win
Game 2 in NY: Rangers win
Game 3 in WSH: Capitals win
Game 4 in WSH: Capitals win
Game 5 in NY: Capitals win
Game 6 in WSH: Rangers win
Game 7 in NY: Rangers win
#5 Philadelphia Flyers VS. #6 New Jersey Devils
This is going to be either a REALLY easy series or a REALLY hard series. Giroux is dominating the playoff scoring BUT Bryzgalov is a sieve. If Marty, Bryce, and Greene can shut down Giroux and Jagr, we might have a good chance. But it won't come easy. A lot of Flyers' fans are overlooking NJ and already thinking about the Caps and Rangers. Let's give em a rude awakening. Don't underestimate the Devils! I am obligated to predict a Devils' victory in the series. But truth be told I'm not so sure. It depends on Marty, Bryz, Giroux, and Kovy. This series could really go either way. But I predict a Devils win in 6.
Game 1 in PHI: Devils win'
Game 2 in PHI: Flyers win
Game 3 in NJ: Devils win
Game 4 in NJ: Devils win
Game 5 in PHI: Flyers win
Game 6 in NJ: Devils win
#2 St Louis Blues VS #8 Los Angeles Kings
The Kings shocked the hockey world by eliminating the President's Trophy winners without much difficulty. We may have even seen our final game of Luongo in a Canuck jersey. As far as this series goes, I think LA will win this. Yes, I am going with the 8th place team. The goaltending of Jonathan Quick has been crazy. Yes Elliot is a great goalie but Quick is much better. I think this one will end in 5.
Game 1 in STL: Kings win
Game 2 in STL: Blues win
Game 3 in LA: Kings win
Game 4 in LA: Kings win
Game 5 in STL: King win
#3 Phoenix Coyotes VS #4 Nashville Predators
Phoenix has relied wayyyy too much on OT. I thought this series would be a simple sweep for the Predators. However last night the Coyotes won it in OT to take a lead 1-0. This changed my prediction. I think that since the Yotes are quite literally playing for their lives as a hockey team, they will be extra charged heading into this round. Coyotes in 7 in what is going to be a goaltending duel between Rinne and Smith.
Game 1 in PHX: Coyotes win
Game 2 in PHX: Predators win
Game 3 in NSH: Predators win
Game 4 in NSH: Coyotes win
Game 5 in PHX: Coyotes win
Game 6 in NSH: Predators win
Game 7 in PHX: Coyotes win
Here are my predictions for round 2 which is MUCH more confusing than the 1st round. Just a quick side note. Has anyone else but me noticed that each team in the final 8 is a different seed number than the others? (1 is NYR, 2 is STL, 3 is PHX, ect.):
#1 NY Rangers VS. #7 Washington Capitals:
Game 1 is in progress and currently 1-0 NY in the second period. The Caps and Rangers playoff battle seems to be an annual event. Caps usually take it from NY and perhaps that might happen again. There is one major difference this time. The goalie for the Capitals is on fire. Brayden Holtby seemed to come out of nowhere. Well, maybe it's because he did. Saskatchewan to be exact. He has become a major part of the Capitals core and was able to eliminate Thomas the Tank Engine and his Bruins in round one. But where Thomas was great, Henry is even better. I think this one will go 7 with a win for the Rangers.
Game 1 in NY: Rangers win
Game 2 in NY: Rangers win
Game 3 in WSH: Capitals win
Game 4 in WSH: Capitals win
Game 5 in NY: Capitals win
Game 6 in WSH: Rangers win
Game 7 in NY: Rangers win
#5 Philadelphia Flyers VS. #6 New Jersey Devils
This is going to be either a REALLY easy series or a REALLY hard series. Giroux is dominating the playoff scoring BUT Bryzgalov is a sieve. If Marty, Bryce, and Greene can shut down Giroux and Jagr, we might have a good chance. But it won't come easy. A lot of Flyers' fans are overlooking NJ and already thinking about the Caps and Rangers. Let's give em a rude awakening. Don't underestimate the Devils! I am obligated to predict a Devils' victory in the series. But truth be told I'm not so sure. It depends on Marty, Bryz, Giroux, and Kovy. This series could really go either way. But I predict a Devils win in 6.
Game 1 in PHI: Devils win'
Game 2 in PHI: Flyers win
Game 3 in NJ: Devils win
Game 4 in NJ: Devils win
Game 5 in PHI: Flyers win
Game 6 in NJ: Devils win
#2 St Louis Blues VS #8 Los Angeles Kings
The Kings shocked the hockey world by eliminating the President's Trophy winners without much difficulty. We may have even seen our final game of Luongo in a Canuck jersey. As far as this series goes, I think LA will win this. Yes, I am going with the 8th place team. The goaltending of Jonathan Quick has been crazy. Yes Elliot is a great goalie but Quick is much better. I think this one will end in 5.
Game 1 in STL: Kings win
Game 2 in STL: Blues win
Game 3 in LA: Kings win
Game 4 in LA: Kings win
Game 5 in STL: King win
#3 Phoenix Coyotes VS #4 Nashville Predators
Phoenix has relied wayyyy too much on OT. I thought this series would be a simple sweep for the Predators. However last night the Coyotes won it in OT to take a lead 1-0. This changed my prediction. I think that since the Yotes are quite literally playing for their lives as a hockey team, they will be extra charged heading into this round. Coyotes in 7 in what is going to be a goaltending duel between Rinne and Smith.
Game 1 in PHX: Coyotes win
Game 2 in PHX: Predators win
Game 3 in NSH: Predators win
Game 4 in NSH: Coyotes win
Game 5 in PHX: Coyotes win
Game 6 in NSH: Predators win
Game 7 in PHX: Coyotes win
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Time to Prove the Haters Wrong!
Game #7. We didn't WANT to be here a week and a half ago, but we are. Over the past 2 weeks the Panthers have become a rival. Both on the ice and off. A now famous Twitter war has sprung. Controversies concerning plastic rodentia have caused a spark amongst fans. And blind-side plays have caused post-whistle scrap after post-whistle scrap. And even a fellow Devils Twitterer (Tweeter? Twit? Tweeterian?) being ejected from the Rock. I will actually go out on a limb and say they have taken the place of those damn Hurricanes as our little thorns in our sides from down South.
The cockiness of the Panthers official Twitter have actually caused me to get angry. I mean, it's a minor complaint, but at least show a LITTLE bit of sportsmanship. "Things are getting chirpy. Note to the #NJDevils, if you go after Weiss, the #FlaPanthers might get feisty." Just things like that. Another interesting note on Twitter is this Michael Yormark thing. The President of the Panthers openly stated (he had a chance to revoke this... It's called the backspace button) it was Devils' fans who started throwing the rats during game 5. Wait... WHAT?! You simply ask, "how do you know?" or "Who said?" and Mikey gets all defensive apparently. A fellow Devils fan, Lauren, on Twitter learned that the hard way. She called him out on it and he made fun of how many Twitter followers she had............
..... I will repeat that.....
A man... A grown up man... Grown... Up.... Man.... played the Twitter follower card to a girl. I wish I was making this up. But, in an act of vengeance by fellow fans, Lauren then started to find her Twitter follower count rise. Until finally, just a few minutes ago, it surpassed Michael Yormark's follower count. There is poetic justice in the Devils world. Lauren, PF&HS salutes you!
Another person who has actually openly stated his hatred towards NJ in the past, Jeremy Roenick, had this to say. And I quote: "I have no problem saying that this is probably the least intriguing series of the playoffs, and probably the least exciting in terms of the fighting, the physicality and the speed.
However, it is exciting that Florida keeps battling back from deficits. The Panthers go down 3-0 and battle back to win Game 3. They're down 2-0 in Game 6 and battle back to tie it only to lose in overtime.
I just think it's the Panthers' turn. It's their year. They haven't won a series since 1996 and this team is resilient. But they have to play more intense and be more aggressive than they were in Game 6. They sat back. They tried to not make mistakes and it ended up burning them in the end.
Home-ice advantage will be huge for them and getting Jose Theodore back in net, if his injury is healed, is also big.
Scott Clemmensen played well in Game 6, but he wasn't tested much. A lot of the shots were from the outside, from the corner, pucks just thrown at the net. I don't think he was tested all but two or three times, and he let up a weak goal to Steve Bernier and probably could have had the winning goal by Travis Zajac. I guess all in all he played pretty sound, but if Jose can go, he should be in the net.
Dale Tallon has put together a team that might be able to get this done. It's a 51-49 shot for me and I'm going to the home ice. "
Ok, let's go through this step by step: 1. if you think a series is boring, you don't SAY it! You work for the NHL you idiot!!!! 2. "Scott Clemmensen played well in Game 6, but he wasn't tested much." Your brain can fight that allllllllll you want. But APPARENTLY 42 shots on goal, 39 saves.... is NOT BEING TESTED! Um OK! JR, take more than 5 minutes to write a post! I do for crying out loud! And I'm just starting out as a blogger.
I know I drifted off from what a I wanted to originally post about which WAS game 6. But so much has happened since that I can't keep up. Game 6 was a great hockey game if you were a fan or not. And Zajac left for a few minutes and his return was in doubt. He returned shortly thereafter and got a partial break. Then in OT he lit the lamp to send this series back to Sunrise, FL. My next post will either be one of joy, admiration, and ranting about the crying of the Panthers. Or of heartbreak. We will see.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
What the hell is going on?
I was going to post a new post after each series. I mean, it IS the Panthers we are dealing with. It's not Philly, Pittsburgh, or New York. It's the Florida Panthers. But that raises the question. What are the Devils doing out there as we stare down on elimination in a series none of us even thought would go past game 4? I decided to try to put into perspective 5 things that have been wrong with our team this series and what needs to be improved by Tuesday or we will once again pull out the shaving cream early on in the playoffs.
#5. The Officiating OK, the Devils have been known to be screwed over in the playoffs by refs before. '08 against NY that icing call during a PK that cost the Devils the series. '09 in Carolina we had that clear goalie interference call with 1 second to play which led to a Hurricane goal. But this is getting strange. Devils are getting called for simply checking guys while only blatant calls are being assessed to Florida. Since when was racing to prevent an icing call and checking the guy BEFORE the whistle a penalty? And it's starting to effect the way Florida plays. During game 2 or 3 a Panther got caught up in the legs of a Devil while the NJ player was on the ground. Instead of simply falling to get a penalty, the Panther player dove into the Devil slamming his head against the ice. If these refs don't stop suffering from what I call "Koharski Syndrome" we are in trouble.
#4. Sean Bergenheim When we came into this series we were told that one line was our biggest fear: Weiss, Versteeg, and Fleischmann. But Sean Bergenheim has been a force in this series. But don't take MY word for it. Chico Resche has made a point to mention him every 3 minutes at least. So while I agree he needs to be contained, I'm going to spare you all. Let Chico talk about how amazing he is.
#3 The lack of shots to the net and forechecking We need to shoot the puck at the net. But instead we are going for these stupid deflection plays that do work... when they actually get deflected to the net! We gain the zone for a small point shot or a shanked shot from the slot if we are lucky. After that, Florida's defense has been stripping the puck away with ease. Start hitting without taking stupid penalties. You can do it! Hitting IS allowed!!! Stop playing too careful and get some pucks in their zone and sustain pressure. And that's the key word here, sustain! Aside from game 4, they haven't been able to sustain pressure for a full 60 minutes.
#2 Pussification of the coaching staff Listen, when you're losing a series 3-2, a loss away from elimination to a team that int he mind of most hockey fans shouldn't even exist, don't talk to the press like "ohhhh well we had some trouble todayyyy". No, you deny comment to the press, get your ass into that locker room and scream at them. It works! And don't even tell me Petey that you aren't the "angry" type. Larry Robinson, Mr. Smiles, walked into that locker room after going down 3-1 to Philly, and basically beat the crap out of that locker room. And guess what, we came back and won the series and then the freaking Cup! 1980, Herb Brooks yelled at college kids every day for a year, and we all know what happened there! So please someone other that Oates (because I can see he's actually trying to be a hard coach like he should be) man up, harden up, and whip this team (literally if you have to) into shape!
#1 Penalty Kill uhhhhh, what the hell happened here?! We broke the RECORD for best PK in NHL history! Now, the playoffs begin and we suck on the PK. What happened in the course of a week?! Not much I can say about this one except, fix it!
Facing elimination sucks, but we aren't done yet, so let's fight Tuesday to stay alive. This is Florida's series to lose now. Let's make those little kitties pay.
#5. The Officiating OK, the Devils have been known to be screwed over in the playoffs by refs before. '08 against NY that icing call during a PK that cost the Devils the series. '09 in Carolina we had that clear goalie interference call with 1 second to play which led to a Hurricane goal. But this is getting strange. Devils are getting called for simply checking guys while only blatant calls are being assessed to Florida. Since when was racing to prevent an icing call and checking the guy BEFORE the whistle a penalty? And it's starting to effect the way Florida plays. During game 2 or 3 a Panther got caught up in the legs of a Devil while the NJ player was on the ground. Instead of simply falling to get a penalty, the Panther player dove into the Devil slamming his head against the ice. If these refs don't stop suffering from what I call "Koharski Syndrome" we are in trouble.
#4. Sean Bergenheim When we came into this series we were told that one line was our biggest fear: Weiss, Versteeg, and Fleischmann. But Sean Bergenheim has been a force in this series. But don't take MY word for it. Chico Resche has made a point to mention him every 3 minutes at least. So while I agree he needs to be contained, I'm going to spare you all. Let Chico talk about how amazing he is.
#3 The lack of shots to the net and forechecking We need to shoot the puck at the net. But instead we are going for these stupid deflection plays that do work... when they actually get deflected to the net! We gain the zone for a small point shot or a shanked shot from the slot if we are lucky. After that, Florida's defense has been stripping the puck away with ease. Start hitting without taking stupid penalties. You can do it! Hitting IS allowed!!! Stop playing too careful and get some pucks in their zone and sustain pressure. And that's the key word here, sustain! Aside from game 4, they haven't been able to sustain pressure for a full 60 minutes.
#2 Pussification of the coaching staff Listen, when you're losing a series 3-2, a loss away from elimination to a team that int he mind of most hockey fans shouldn't even exist, don't talk to the press like "ohhhh well we had some trouble todayyyy". No, you deny comment to the press, get your ass into that locker room and scream at them. It works! And don't even tell me Petey that you aren't the "angry" type. Larry Robinson, Mr. Smiles, walked into that locker room after going down 3-1 to Philly, and basically beat the crap out of that locker room. And guess what, we came back and won the series and then the freaking Cup! 1980, Herb Brooks yelled at college kids every day for a year, and we all know what happened there! So please someone other that Oates (because I can see he's actually trying to be a hard coach like he should be) man up, harden up, and whip this team (literally if you have to) into shape!
#1 Penalty Kill uhhhhh, what the hell happened here?! We broke the RECORD for best PK in NHL history! Now, the playoffs begin and we suck on the PK. What happened in the course of a week?! Not much I can say about this one except, fix it!
Facing elimination sucks, but we aren't done yet, so let's fight Tuesday to stay alive. This is Florida's series to lose now. Let's make those little kitties pay.
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