The Sports Talk Pool is proud to publish it annual edition of predictions about the 2010-11 season.
The last thing we saw in the 2009-2010 hockey season,
was Patty Kane scoring the Stanley Cup winning goal in OT (didn't we all do that on the pond, or in the driveway, once or twice, growing up).
The 'Hawks proved to be the class of the league and really weren't tested. The biggest test they faced was the salary cap, once the season ended.
So what's in store for 2010-2011? Let's look into the enormous crystal ball and see. Using my patented Guru's Giv'er 800%™ method for determining each team's playoff odds:
Eastern Conference
Washington Capitals 100% New Jersey Devils 95% Pittsburgh Penguins 90% Philadelphia Flyers 80% Buffalo Sabres 70% Boston Bruins 70% Ottawa Senators 50% New York Rangers 50% Tampa Bay Lightning 49% Atlanta Thrashers 40% New York Islanders 40% Montreal Canadiens 30% Toronto Maple Leafs 25% Florida Panthers 10% Carolina Hurricanes 1%
Western Conference
Chicago Blackhawks 100% San Jose Sharks 100% Vancouver Canucks 100% Detroit Red Wings 90% Los Angeles Kings 70% Phoenix Coyotes 60% St.Louis Blues 55% Colorado Avalanche 45% Columbus Blue Jackets 45% Nashville Predators 30% Anaheim Ducks 30% Calgary Flames 30% Edmonton Oilers 25% Dallas Stars 15% Minnesota Wild 5%
Conference Finals
Pittsburgh vs. Washington Chicago vs. San Jose
Stanley Cup Finals
San Jose over Washington
Okay, not my best work. For some reason, the start to this season is just not capturing my full attention. The enormous crystal ball has been gathering dust for months. It's late, and the millions of visitors to this site demand a prediction, so there it is.
She just read this great story on the STP Blog - (STP - the worldwide leader in sports blogs .... well at least sports blogs co-authored by the Hockey Guru).
The Chicago Gay Hockey Association (the Blackwolves) on a whim sent an invitation to the Chicago Blackhawks requesting the Stanley Cup to be available to march in the Gay Pride Parade in Chicago on Sunday June 27.
With the NHL draft on the 26th - the Stanley Cup will be in Los Angeles - which alone provided the perfect "excuse" to decline the request.
However, the Hawks are making sure the Cup is flown back to Chicago in time to be part of the celebration. Not only will the Cup be present - Brent Sopel volunteered to represent the team and participate in the parade.
Perhaps like the Guru, your reaction was - wow, Brent Sopel has some balls to come out and march in the parade. Well he has balls and he will be marching in the parade - but he's not gay. His story is pretty remarkable - he and his wife adopted 4 children 3 years ago - after those children lost both parents within a 6-month span.
In addition to bringing down barriers and allowing eveyone in the City and community to share in the joy of the Stnaley Cup - Sopel is marching in honor of Brendan Burke, the son of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. Just in case a reminder is necessary - Brendan was killed in a car accident last fall - two months after coming out late last year.
"When Brendan came out, Brian stood by him, and his whole family stood by him, like every family should," said Sopel. "We teach our kids about accepting everybody. Tolerate everybody, to understand where everyone is coming from."
Just a great story and one that the Hockey Guru wanted included in the history of STP Blogs.
Great job by Chicago, Brent Sopel and hockey in general. Once again proving that hockey is the greatest sport in the world.
Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock and Taylor Swift all fully support this effort.
Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews was awarded the Conn Smythe Award last night - and there's no arguing how important he was to the Stanley Cup Championship. The key face-off wins, the penalty killing and defensive play just don't show up statistically but how much did reputation come into play as he captures this latest award?
Surely, he really doesn't care too much about the individual award right now - and there's no doubt he deserved consideration - but should the award have been given out to one of the other candidates? The Hockey Guru will attempt to answer that question here - and will start by running through the list of candidates and the arguments for each (listed alphabetically).
Dave Bolland - Maybe a reach for inclusion as a candidate - but on the path to the Stanley Cup - his contributions can not be overlooked. He was responsible for shutting down the league's leading scorer and his twin brother in Vancouver and then the "best line" in the world (the line which went to Vancouver in the Olympics as a unit on the Gold Medal Winning Canadian team). In addition to killing penalties throughout the playoffs - he contributed two huge short-handed goals - the back-breaker in the series finale against Vancouver and thethird goal of the game in Game One of the finals.
Final stats for the playoffs: Minutes Played: 410 Goals: 8 (1 Game winner) Assists: 8 Shots: 35 Penalty Minutes: 30
Dustin Byfuglien - The Big Buff had a HUGE playoff run this year. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville noted: "Buff, he seems really to come to the forefront in the playoffs. He was a big presence last year, influenced a couple series. " In 82 games this year he tallied 34 points (about .4 ppg). In the playoffs - he put up 16 points in 22 games - nearly doubling his ppg production.
In the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Big Buff scored 11 times - the most on the team and third behind Daniel Briere and Michael Cammalleri. Of his 11 goals - 5 were game winners. Big Game, Big Goal Big Buff had an amazing playoff run and without players like him stepping up - teams do not win the Stanley Cup.
When not scoring - Big Buff could and did wear out opponents. The Canucks defense fell victim to Big Buff and Mike Richards just didn't seem the same in the finals after trying to run the Buff in game one. Oh, and there's the memorable hit in Game Five on Chris Pronger.
Final stats for the playoffs: Minutes Played: 366 Goals: 11 (5 Game winners) Assists: 5 Shots: 46 Penalty Minutes: 20
Patrick Kane - 10 Goals, 18 Assists, 64 shots on goal and of course there's this.
In watching Patty Kane in the Stanley Cup playoffs last year against Vancouver - it became obvious that he had "it". He has the ability to raise his game when the stakes are highest and simply score big goals. Fulfilling the dream of every player that ever laced 'em up - scoring the Stanley Cup winning OT goal - he proved again he is a BIG-TIME clutch performer. His heroics in game 5 against Nashville may have saved that series and the Blackhawks Stanley Cup run.
Duncan Keith - The love for Chris Pronger had no bounds in the media. There was talk about potentially being the Conn Smythe winner even with Philadelphia losing. Everything Pronger did - Keith did. Keith averaged 52 seconds less ice than Pronger throughout the playoffs and had one less point. However Keith's opponents were slightly more talented offensively than the Bruins and Canadiens. While competing against the "best" in the west of San Jose and Vancouver as well as Nashville and Philadelphia - Keith was able to do all that and only take a mere 5 minor penalties. Pronger was cited for 12 minor - 4 in the Stanley Cup Finals - 3 in the final two games with 2 leading to Hawk goals.
The amazing contribution by Duncan Keith is historic and his Conn Smythe candidacy may have been overlooked.
Final stats for the playoffs: Minutes Played: 620 Goals: 2 Assists: 15 Shots: 61 Penalty Minutes: 10
Antii Niemi - 16 Wins are needed to win the Stanley Cup and Niemi put up that most important stat. In a season where goaltending was the question mark on the Hawks - Niemi proved to be a Stanley Cup Winning Goaltender. In the opening round, Nashville had the Hawks in a bit of trouble (leading the series 1-0 and 2-1) - and both times Niemi responded with shutouts (his only two of the playoffs). Vancouver was left scratching their head more than a few times with Niemi in their series. Against San Jose he was exceptional. And in the finals - while not making all the saves - he has made many timely saves that were significant in the Hawks Stanley Cup run and cannot be overlooked.
Final Stats for the Playoffs: Record 16-6 Save Percentage .910 Goals Against Average 2.63
Jonathan Toews -
The Captain logged the most ice time of any forward on the Hawks. He killed penalties, he finished hits and he scored goals. There's nothing he didn't do and certainly lived up to expectations. Teams don't win the Stanley Cup when their leaders don't lead.
Well there are some good arguments for the "leading candidates" from Chicago for the Conn Smythe. After reviewing the case for each - here are the results:
Fifth Runner-up: David Bolland - great contributions throughout but was a couple performances away from really standing out as the most outstanding and most valuable impact on the Stanley Cup run.
Fourth Runner-up: Patrick Kane -the clinching goal deserves to be re-dubbed so the announcers can give it all the excitement and drama that it merits. Maybe there's an added specialness to the shot that just disappeared into the net and the world simply stopped - the moment was frozen in time and didn't need anything added to it - it was simply "unbelieveable." That goal would have moved Kane at least close to the top if only he had a couple other game winners games of shear dominance.
Third Runner-up: Jonathan Toews - A tremendous leader and proved to be a worthy captain to lead his team to become Stanley Cup Champions. His games three and four in Vancouver were awesome. He did it all - scoring, penalty killing, face-offs...
Second Runner-up: Antii Niemi - reviewing the whole body of work - particularly the first round series against Nashville and the key shutouts - he certainly moved up in the Guru's voting. The last thing we saw was a wild Stanley Cup Finals - where goals were going in fast and furious - we cannot forget that he put up the most important of all goaltending stats - the WIN. With 16 career playoff wins (all this year) - he now has more playoff wins than Henrik Lundqvist and is one behind Roberto Luongo. The point being - winning in the playoffs is hard and going 16-6 should not be discounted because of a wide open Stanley Cup Finals.
The two remaining candidates on the Guru's ballot - Duncan Keith and Dustin Byfuglien. Putting their 2010 Stanley Cup Playoff performances in context:
All-Time, Single Playoff Season Game Winning Goal Leaders (GWG started being tracked for 1967 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
Year
GWGs
Goals
Shots
Conn Smythe Winner?
Brad Richards
2004
7
12
88
Yes
Joe Sakic
1996
6
18
98
Yes
Joe Nieuwendyk
1999
6
11
72
Yes
Mario Lemieux
1992
5
16
69
Yes
Mike Bossy*
1983
5
17
No
Jari Kurri**
1987
5
15
No
Fernando Pisani#
2006
5
14
49
No
Johan Franzen##
2008
5
13
70
No
Bobby Smith###
1991
5
8
60
No
Dustin Byfuglien
2010
5
11
45
No
* 1982 - Islanders lost to the Oilers in the Finals and Mark Messier was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy ** 1987 - Wayne Gretzky was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy # 2006 - Oilers lost to Carolina in the Finals and Cam Ward was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy ## 2008 - Henrk Zetterberg was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy ### 1991 - Minnesota North Stars lost 4 games to 2 in the finals to Pittsburgh- Mario Lemieux was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy
Conn Smythe Winning Defenseman (Since 1970)
Year
G-A=Pt
Avg TOI
PIM
Bobby Orr
1970 1972
9-11=20 5-19=24
NA
14 19
Larry Robinson
1978
4-17=21
NA
6
Al MacInnis
1989
7-24=31
NA
46
Brian Leetch
1994
11-23=34
NA
6
Scott Stevens
2000
3-8=11
25:25
6
Nicklas Lidstrom
2002
5-11=16
31:10
2
Scott Niedermayer
2007
3-8=11
29:50
26
Duncan Keith*
2010
2-15=17
28:11
10
* Did not win Conn Smythe
Jarri Kurri is the precedent that scoring 5 GWG for the winning Stanley Cup Champion does not assure the Conn Smythe. Of course, the Conn Smythe was awarded to Wayne Gretzky (his second in 1987) - who happened to lead the league with 34 playoff points in 21 games (9 more than Kurri). Coincidentally the Flyers were the Stanley Cup Finalists in that year.
Johan Franzen is the only other Stanley Cup winner with at least 5 GWGs in the playoffs that didn't receive the Conn Smythe. Henrik Zetterberg, the winner in 2008 had one less (4 GWGs) and tied Franzen for the playoff goal scoring lead with 13. However, Zetterberg had 14 assists to go along with his goals and tied Sidney Crosby for the playoff scoring title. Zetterberg was the deserving Conn Smythe having potted 2 short handed goals as well.
While this year Toews finished second in playoff scoring - he was fourth on the Hawks in goals with 7 compared to Sharp and Byfuglien's 11 and Kane's 10. The 3 GWGs and the all-around play not withstanding - the Guru believes that Dustin Byfuglien's 2010 playoff performance deserves the Conn Smythe over Toews. Without Big Buff's physical presence - the Guru doesn't believe that Chicago wins the Cup. (Even if Byfuglien is an American and only 4 non-Canadians have ever received the award (Brian Leetch '94, Evgeni Malkin '09, Nicklas Lidstrom '02 and Zetterberg '08)).
However, Byfuglien still would not win the 2010 Conn Smythe Award - according the the Guru. The award should have gone to a Canadian yet again (not that nationality matters to anyone outside of the Canadian border) - but not to the Olympic's Best Forward - but to Duncan Keith. Keith's ability to play monster minutes and be so effective not only defensively but in the transition game, jumping into the offense and special teams play should have earned him this year's Conn Smythe. His performance in these playoffs compares favorably (at least in the Guru's mind) to Scott Neidermeyer's, Nicklas Lidstrom and Scott Stevens' Conn Smythe campaigns.
There's no need for a recount, re-vote or any further controversy - the individual awards really don't matter much right now - in fact, being a Stanley Cup Champion is the only award anybody on Chicago or any other NHL roster really care about. Remove anybody from that roster - and perhaps they don't win the Cup - it takes a team to win the Cup - and that is what makes it the hardest trophy in sports to win.
Congratulations Chicago Blackhawks - Our 2010 Stanley Cup Champions!
Now what'll happened next - check back after Labor Day for Carnac's 2010-11 season predictions - will Pittsburgh get back on track to being the NHL "dynasty" or is Chicago starting their own "dynasty?"
And for the runner-up - his prize will be the series of History Will be Made Videos...
Post Script: Jonathan Toews is the Conn Smythe Winner - but what are the defining moments, memories and plays from the Stanley Cup run for him specifically and the Blackhawks in general? Clearly Byfuglien and Kane have some key goals and big moments. Marian Hossa had the big game 5 OT winner against Nashville (as well as the big "hit from behind"). Finding highlights for Toews and Keith were not as easy nor do individual specific plays stand out. As always STP is always interested in your comments.
The stage is set - Mike Bolt has on the white gloves, Gary Bettman has polished his dome and the champagne is on ice - all that's left is for Chicago to win game 6.
Of course, Philadelphia has been on written off before .... well written off by others - not the Guru (who alluded to the possibility of an 0-3 comeback against Boston in Game 2 of that series) - so is tonight actually the end of the 2009-2010 NHL Season?
First, the more important question needs to be addreessed - Where was Carnac for Games 3, 4 and 5? Well, let's just say that after the amazing run put together during these playoffs and with the millions of followers putting the expertise to work for them - a few fine gentleman invited the Guru for a lovely evening of dinner at Satriele's and some entertainment at the Bada Bing.
It seems that it was in everyone's best interest to take a few days off from predictions. Fortunately, an arrangement in everyone's best interest was made.
Over the course of that dinner - it was interesting to discuss how after the first two games of this year's Stanley Cup Finals - with record-breaking ratings - it would be in the best interest of NBC and the NHL to see this series extended as far as possible.
A couple guests at that dinner suggested that perhaps a certain interpretation of the rules might create a better opportunity for the series to be extended. Interestingly enough, Philly wins the next two games in the series - squaring things up at 2 games each and ensuring a minimum of 6 games for the series.
While the Guru waivered and was actually swayed in Game One - the crystal ball continues to show that the Blackhawks can win in any type of game. Tonight - the prediction of the Hawks out-scoring the Flyers will continue - final prediction 4-1 Chicago. (It would have been too easy to predict 4-3 or 4-2 - so the Guru is erring thinking that the under may come in as there may be more focus on defensive responsibility early - a lot of dumping and chasing, a lot of hitting and perimeter opportunities that will be stopped. The prediction is that there minimal powerplays (maybe 1 each in the first period - more likely no penalties in the first) and that the game is tight defensively for a while.
The best thing about predicting Chicago in Game 6 - is that there's a 75% chance that Guru ends the season correctly ('cause if he's wrong -there's the 50-50 chance to be right in game 7)!
Why? Why go back on Chicago? The men-against-boys argument sounded good. The experience in the Philly lineup seemed good. The Flyers depth looked good.
(I blame my bookie, who wouldn't take my last-minute bet I tried phoning in from the airport).
But Chicago is really good. They may be young, but they're just really, really good. They do whatever they need to to win. Throughout Game One it seemed that if they needed a goal, they simply went out and got it.
Brian Boucher looked like an injured goalie. The Game Winning Goal was scored when he failed to extend his leg out when down in the butterfly - a move that simply seemed too painful to execute. If the Flyers need him again, they're toast.
Michael Leighton was a Chicago Blackhawk draft pick and player. It would seem that not only does the organization know him very well, but likely many of the players were in camps and on teams with him. (Okay lazy research, but the Guru gave the Research Department a day off today, for the holiday).
Fortunately for us fans, both teams believe that trading scoring chances will work to their favor. De-fense is merely de wall in the backyard that keeps the dog in. Expect another high scoring game tonight and another Chicago win. And tonight, Chicago gets a few Power Plays, especially towards the end of a relatively lopsided and chippy game.
Well STP has got some You Tube Goodness to get you fired up - or Flyered up - for the Stanley Cup Finals.
First, let's take a look at the underdog Philadelphia Flyers and their journey to the Stanley Cup Finals:
On their journey, Shawn the Dancing Flyer Fan grew out his playoff beard and performed moves as special as those performed on the ice by Mike Richards and Danny Briere.
In keeping with this year's playoff theme what if...
On a serious note - let's take a look back at the Flyers Road to the Cup:
Now, it's time to introduce the 2009-2010 Chicago Blackhawks
These Hawks are looking to recapture some of the glory of the past and bring Lord Stanley's Cup back to Chitown for the first time in forty years. Here's a look back at some of the history of the Chicago Blackhawks:
Philadelphia is also looking to recapture a little of the magic from their glory days. Rather than include the entire HBO Special on the Broad Street Bullies - hopefully this clip will suffice:
If you're interested in the words to Here Come the Hawks, or just want to hear that version again:
Or, for a humorous version, in 2008, the Blackhawk players attempted to sing the song themselves, with many of the players involved in this Stanley Cup Final - perhaps you might find this next clip entertaining
Should that have entertained you, this surely will bring some amusement:
It seems that Chicago is not only known for its jazz - but for its musical connections to its sports teams. Everyone has to remember this classic:
So of course, the updating of "Here Come the Hawks" through rap had to be put together:
Last year in the play-offs, the fantastic re-make of Vanilla Ice wasn't enough to inspire the Hawks through to the finals:
So perhaps, this year's playoff song will be a bit more magical:
Regardless of those songs, we surely will be hearing this next one - typically accompanied with crowds cheering following Blackhawk goals and wins:
Had enough of the musical tribute to Chicago - itching for some hockey action - well here's a tribute on the Hawks 2009-2010 season
Excited for the start of this series yet? With both buildings there'll be historic, inspirational and moving renditions of the American National Anthem and God Bless America. Here's a taste of what those will be like:
Maybe the forecast of a Philadelphia and Chicago Stanley Cup Final was predictable as far back as last September, but the paths the two teams took to arrive here certainly were enjoyable and anything but predictable. [Editor's Note: I disagree on that last point, since I actually did predict almost the exact road - that the Blackhawks would come out of the 2nd seed, and that the Flyers would come out of the 8th seed]
The latest Cardiac Kids - these Philadelphia Flyers - may be the poster child for the latest wave of 0-3 series comebacks, but Chicago seems to be a well-oiled machine, destined to hoist the Cup in the next two weeks. What does the Guru's crystal ball foresee?
The data going in shows that the Hawks defeated Nashville, Vancouver and San Jose en route to their SCF appearance. Meanwhile the Flyers eliminated New Jersey, Boston and Montreal to arrive on the grand stage.
According to the Crystal Ball - San Jose and Vancouver would come out on top of each of the teams eliminated by Philadelphia - going a combined 6-0 in those matchups (the closest being New Jersey-Vancouver which would have gone 7 games).
This matchup, at first glance would appear to be a BCS school vs non-BCS school in a National Championship game. Sure, it would be a great story for Boise State to knock of Alabama - but realisticly - it's just not going to happen.
However, on the ice, one thing that can not be overlooked is the parity in the NHL. The fact that the Flyers only made it to the playoffs following a shoot-out victory is proof enough. The Flyers are mentally tough - as coming back from an 0-3 hole proves - and they have a deep and talented team.
The Hawks had their hands full with Nashville. 6'5" Goaltender Pekka Rinne and the great-skating defense of Nashville caused a lot of concern and with a couple bounces - the Hawks were nearly bounced from the play-offs. (Well by nearly, they weren't even pushed to an elimination game).
The Hawks were built and designed to overcome the Detroit Red Wings machine - one which "invented" the left-wing lock which is employed by Philadelphia. The Hawks will be soaring and will break through against Philadelphia much the way they did against San Jose and Vancouver. They will be able to raise their game when needed to win.
The series prediction from the Guru is the Hawks in 5 games.
Game One prediction: Fast, physical first period. Hawks scoring at least one PP goal and leading 2-0 or 2-1 after the first. Game settling down a bit in the second, but another Hawks "victory" in the second period with the Hawks wrapping up Game One with a decisive 6-3 victory.
[Update: It's currently 7:19 PM ET on Saturday, May 29th, or about an hour before puck drop for Game One.]
The 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been unpredictable - although the Hockey Guru has been right much more often than not - the Hockey Guru, himself has proven to be unpredictable.
Tonight marks the first 180-degree turn around on a prediction - prior to anything else changing.
The Guru contemplated the prediction of the Hawks in five - and one thing kept coming back to him - this is a series of men against boys.
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are boys. They say the right things - but they really don't believe that this may be their only chance at a Stanley Cup. The Flyers have more veterans - more career players that will be leaving everything they have on the ice. The Flyers have a great coach and this series will be much more difficult than the original Hawks in Five prediction.
The depth of the Flyers is probably more impressive than the depth of the Hawks (particularly if going on merit and not reputation). Marian Hossa hasn't produced yet - what would make the crystal ball predict otherwise? The Flyers will get the jump on the series tonight and might even get up 2-0. Chicago will not be swept (although there are some experts that have consulted with the Guru with just that predictiion)!
The Guru is not quite prepared to change the series pick from Chicago - just he believes that Chicago will have to step up their game in this series and have little to no margin for error.
The way this first game unfolds may be as telling as game one in the Eastern Conference Finals or may leave the Guru continuing to be on the fence.
Tonight's revised Game One prediction: Philadelphia 4 - Chicago 3
The clock is ticking down to the drop of the puck in Game 1.
Time to cram for/in one Final Exam, to be graded over the course of the series to determine the final fantasy hockey championship of the 2009-2010 season. (Don't forget the 2010 NHL Player Entry Draft Fantasy Draft will be upon us shortly).
Will the Shithawks ride the Blackhawks to as much success in the Finals Exam, as he did in the current Sports Talk Playoff Pool or even the STP fantasy league? Will there be more or less entries for this Exam pool than the usual suspects?
Prepare for the Exam and submit your entries via e-mail at cbsbaseball2002@yahoo.com
Final prizes will be determined based on total entries and dependent on how much sponsorship is pledged. It is expected that these will be the best prizes to date.
So to enhance your personal enjoyment of the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, put yourself into the action and build the Cup-winning roster that amasses the highest point total, by answering these 20 questions:
2) Chris Pronger, Kimmo Timonen, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook
3) Matt Carle, Braydon Coburn, Brian Campbell, Brent Sopel
4) Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews
5) Danny Briere, Simon Gagne, Claude Giroux, Dustin Byfuglien, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa
6) Ville Leino, Scott Hartnell, Aaron Asham, James van Riemsdyk, Ian Laperriere, Kris Versteeg, Dave Bolland, Troy Brower, John Madden, Ben Eager
7) Will there be an overtime game in Chicago? (10 Pts)
8) Will there be an overtime game in Philadelphia? (10 Pts)
9) How many games does the series last? (10 Pts for exact answer only)
10) How many total goals will be scored in the series? (10 Pts for the closest answer)
11) Will there be any fighting majors? (10 Pts)
12) How many empty-net goals will be scored in the series? Over or under 2.5? (10 Pts)
13) Will the team that wins Game 1 go on to win the series? (10 Pts)
14) How many 5-on-3 goals will be scored in the series? Over or under 1.5? (10 Pts)
15) Will Philadelphia be shutout in any of the games? (10 Pts)
16) Will Chicago be shutout in any of the games? (10 Pts)
17) Will any player from questions 1-4 end up missing a game in the series? (10 Pts)
18) Which player not mentioned on this exam will score the most Goals + Assists? (20 Pts for exact answer only)
19) If Philadelphia wins the series, who does Mike Richards hand the Cup to first? If Chicago wins, who does Jonathan Toews hand the Cup to first? (20 Pts)
Having revised his prediction for this series to the Flyers in 5, the Guru sees no reason to deviate now. Everything that has taken place to this point indicates that Montreal's defense will not be able to shut down the Flyers.
There will be a desperation in Philadelphia tonight, but surprisingly, much of it will be sweating out of (and wicking away from, thanks to RBK) the orange uniforms.
Montreal, having lived through two previous comebacks and going 5-0 in elimination games, will create a fear for the Flyers that losing tonight would be like losing the series.
With that desperation, the Flyers will win a close game, by a 2-1 score.
Both of the Conference Finals series this year will prove to be short (and sweet for fans of the 'Hawks and Flyers).
I can't believe the news today. I can't close my eyes and make it go away. How long must we sing this song?
[For those who might prefer a different version to listen to, while reading:]
It's hard to believe the Western Conference Finals could be over today. Certainly the San Jose Sharks and their fans must really be living the opening lines to this song. It's unbelievable that the same old song for San Jose - as sung by the fat lady - is here once more. Their season is coming up short of the Stanley Cup Finals .... again.
San Jose has not played poorly. Maybe an argument could be made that Evgeni Nabokov played poorly in Games 1 & 2, but the end result in the latter would not have been any different either way. San Jose could have won Game 1 - and obviously, an OT game could go either way.
But watching these games, it just seems that Chicago has not been forced to put the pedal to the metal; that they have not really been pushed. Antti Niemi is looking more and more like a Stanley Cup winning goaltender, answering all the questions about goaltending being the weakness on Chicago's team.
Short of a series of Blackhawk injuries, the Magic 8-ball just does not foresee a good outlook for San Jose. While that may not be much of a fearless forecast, what do you want from me? This series is already over.
But San Jose isn't playing for the series today. They are playing for pride. They are sick and tired of the criticism, the questions about their heart and their toughness, based on past playoff failures. They will put desperation to a new level in Game 4 that may well end up in a parade to the penalty box if this game starts to get away from them. The Joe Thornton slash on Dave Bolland in Game 2 may end up looking like a love tap when all is said and done. What seems to follow desperation - once things start going the wrong way - is invariably, frustration. The frustration was there in Game 3. Even in a tie game, it seemed that Sharks players were looking to point fingers. The Guru seems to have noticed a chemistry issue brewing in San Jose.
This Chicago team is expected to play a similar game to their Game 3 effort, which included patience, allowing San Jose to slow the pace while they wait for their own opportunities. Those opportunities will come and Chicago will take advantage. If San Jose can remain focused and disciplined, this game will stay close and could even reach overtime again. Perhaps even allow us an opportunity to see a little more hockey in this series.
However, there is blood in the water, and when a Shark smells blood, it attacks and goes into a frenzy. Unfortunately, it is the Sharks themselves that are bleeding and their frenzy will lead to a lack of discipline. By the end of the 2nd period, frustration will take over and Chicago will put up a couple of power play goals and carry at least a 3-goal lead into the final 5 minutes.
Final score Chicago 6 - San Jose 2.
It will be another Madhouse on Madison as the Hawks punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals.
