By Hockey Guru
Sometimes the predictions of the Guru need to be translated by the Bizarro Code - just go the exact opposite - and last night's predictions proved one of those times.
The rumours of Detroit's elimination were greatly exaggerated! Winning Game 4 not only kept them alive in their series with San Jose - it gave hope that if the team could so thoroughly dominate in that game - why won't they be able to win 3 more in a row? For answers to that question - tune in tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in Montreal, the Canadiens' game plan of playing possum for two periods, and "forcing" Pittsburgh to unleash 26 shots on net through the first two periods worked to perfection.
Knowing Pittsburgh could only take 8 shots in the third without triggering the Halak 35 shot threshhold proved genius. The Pens couldn't resist and ended up exactly with 35 shots and Halak went to 16-1-2 in games when facing at least 35 shots.
Tom Pyatt's goal was a thing of beauty and in the 93-second span in the third, the equivalent of a night of passion with OK Ya, provided all the offense needed for Montreal to even the series and actually change the format to a best of three series. Not literally, if it was changed to a best of 3 - Pittsburgh would have advanced since they won two of the first three games. So, the series is now a best of three - from this point forward! (Everyone knows that - but the Guru has some issues - especially with overused and overplayed terminology).
So with the Montreal-Pittsburgh series squared up at 2 games each - the magical journey for the Boston Bruins and their fans continues to take shape.
Watch out for the injury bug to appear in games 5-6-7 where at least two of: Malkin, Crosby, Fleury, Halak, Cammalleri, and Gionta will be lost for the playoffs.
Game 4 - does the Guru believe that the first game threes taught him a lesson and the Bruins are Destiny's child? Wait - destiny's child sang on the Men in Black Soundtrack - and Will Smith sang "Men in Black" - the Bruins wear black. "Men in black" was a remake of a 1982 hit. Miro Satan is a remake of a player of the same name that played for the Sabres in the 80's too...hmmmSo, why won't the Bruins streak continue? First, the Bruins wear black at home. Second Will Smith was born and raised in West Philadelphia and finally - Miroslav Satan played in the 90's for Buffalo and while he plays similar to the guy with the same name - he's not that player.
What does all that have to do with tonight's game? Nothing. Which is the same thing Philadelphia has been given by Boston and Tuuka Rask in this series. Desperate for a goal in game 3 - the Flyers couldn't muster any memorable great scoring opportunities.
With Simon Gagne getting set for a return, and the mounting injuries for Boston the Flyers could be better positioned to come all the way back in this series than Detroit against San Jose - but inconsistency, which has been a theme in Philly's season is sure to resurface.
The Bruins will go to the Eastern Conference Finals - and they get there tonight. Simply put, the Flyers just won't get enough offense against Boston to win.
Prediction: Boston 3-1
9:30 EDT Start time - makes for prime viewing opportunity for this MUST SEE series.
After setting the tone for the series for the first 4 periods - Vancouver probably can't believe they are in a 2-1 series hole.
The prediction tonight is that Vancouver is not able to regain their focus and composure - that they will be focusing on "missed calls" on what Big Buff is doing on the ice and the Blackhawks take the commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
The Blackhawks are in Bobby Lu's head and the Guru doesn't think he'll be able to step up his game as this series is getting away from the Canucks. Chicago scores big again tonight and wins 5-3 before heading back to Chitown with their opportunity to advance.
Enjoy the games and updates to come while the Guru hopes to avoid the dreaded Goose Egg again!
Best line of the article? "Will Smith was born and raised in West Philadelphia".
ReplyDeleteI also heard that he spent many, if not most of his days on the playgrounds of that neighborhood, until his mother became concerned about the level of violence that took place there. Also, Run DMC lookalikes may or may not have been involved ....
Looks like I picked the wrong night to get off the Flyers pick. It's 3-2 Flyers late 2nd right now.
ReplyDeleteIf Boston doesn't rally to win this game - each game will be harder to win - I really like Philly in games 6 and 7 - if they can survive tonight and game 5.
Love being wrong tonight - because if loving seeing more hockey is wrong - I don't want to be right. (It's even better when the key to personal victory was predicting the Bruins total only).
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, this may really get interesting as every 35 years or so a team comes back from 3-0 - and when did it last happen?
Did someone say something about Vancouver losing focus and composure?
ReplyDeleteWas there something mentioned about Chicago being in Bobby Lu's head?
I mighta heard that somewhere ... don't remember who wrote it ... all I know is that before I jinxed you with this comment, you nailed the 5-3 score.
ReplyDelete