Carnac the Guru: Is This the End of Zombie Carnac

By Hockey Guru


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)!

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Carnac the Guru: Never Second Guess Guru's Gut

By Hockey Guru


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.

Final Score: Chicago 7 - Philadelphia 3

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Carnac the Guru: Talk About Predictable Outcomes

By Hockey Guru


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

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Carnac the Guru: I'll Make This Short and Sweet

By Hockey Guru


Eastern Conference Finals, Game 5:

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).

Let the Stanley Cup Finals begin!

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Carnac the Guru: SharkWeek's Sunday Bloody Sunday

By Hockey Guru


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.

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Carnac the Guru: A Big Thumbs Up & An Attaboy

By Hockey Guru

The Guru not only correctly predicted Chicago in Game 3, but by calling for the overtime, he earned a bonus from his editor. Not a financial bonus, mind you, but a hearty "Thumbs Up" and handwritten congratulatory note are just as good, sometimes. Aren't they?

Missing the correct final score (but still hitting the under) and the bold double-overtime prediction that fell short, must have been what cost the Guru the real cash bonus.

Anyhow, first some observations on last night's game (with double the YouTube Saturday linky goodness). The speed of Game 3 seemed to be much slower than it was in Games 1 & 2. The officiating got involved early and often, creating a hesitancy to the game and preventing a real flow from developing with the powerplays. The initial goaltender interference call on David Bolland just 1:16 into the game was called under a much different standard, as later Joe Pavelski (it was Joe, wasn't it?) essentially kicked Niemi and wasn't called. Additionally, the call on Hossa to create the 5-on-3 for San Jose was weak. If everything was called that tightly, there'd be almost continuous whistles and the game would be played at 4-on-4.

The pace of the game definitely favoured San Jose, who definitely played well. As mentioned in the post yesterday, a bounce, a break, a fluke and things could have been completely different. If Pavelski had managed to get his stick on the puck, and the first "no-goal" was allowed to count, everything would have been different. But the goal didn't count, and history was made - by Big Buff.

Chicago now has a 3-0 series lead and the Guru will have more to say about this series. But that will have to wait until tomorrow.

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GAME FOUR

We have ourselves a series. The truth rings loudly. How quickly things can change! The Canadiens showed their colours on Thursday and continue to make history.

Also. What if 13 wasn't so lucky, and his crosscheck/interference on Matt Carle had been called, just prior to the goal?

Well the Guru doesn't think it would have mattered. Montreal was simply too much for the Flyers in Game 3 and now look to even up the series tonight - err - this afternoon.

A nastiness, an animosity has crept into this series. The Josh Georges crosscheck to Simon Gagne's face led to an apology from Georges?!?!? There's no apologizing in hockey!

Today is a game as anticipated in these playoffs as any before it. The Guru expects a Game 7-like intensity. The Flyers recognize that this is their opportunity to "win" the series and Montreal fans will make sure the team knows the critical importance of getting even in this series today.

In the end, the Flyers will prevail in this game 3-2 and keep the Guru's "revised" prediction of a five-game series alive.

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Carnac the Guru: It's Hard Out Here for a Psychic

By Hockey Guru


When things aren't going right, many choose to simply disappear. Not the Hockey Guru.

And apparently not the Montreal Canadiens. After two consescutive shutout losses, the Canadiens showed up last night at the Bell Centre and not only showed that they won't be going away easily - they once again gave the Guru a face full of egg!

Well, being wrong in the playoffs has not kept the Guru from showing up and bringing forth his keen insight and analysis.

While the research is excruciating, the deadlines never ending, an editor that is never happy and always breathing down his neck - the Hockey Guru is dedicated to his ever-growing (and incresingly female) fan base, for whom he is wiping the egg off and offering once again to share the fruits of his enormous crystal balls.

For tonight's Game 3, the Guru is putting on the only suit in the world that Don Cherry wouldn't wear and is stepping out to pimp out his predictions for Game 3 in the Hawks / Sharks series.

Quoting Westfield State College Alum, Peter Laviolette, ".... in the playoffs, it's never about momentum, it's always about desperation .... desperate teams are tough teams". Montreal certainly proved that last night and tonight the San Jose Sharks find themselves in the same 0-2 hole. San Jose is not only desperate - they are talented. A league high eight Olympians, including the "top line" from the Gold Medal-winning Team Canada, come into the United Center with an absolute purpose tonight.

Meanwhile, Joel Quenneville has taken steps to keep Chicago "desperate" - keeping the team toegether at a Chicago hotel, as if they were still on the road (where they've won 7 consecutive games).

The Guru postulates that what looked to be a comfortable position for Philly has certainly taken a sharp U-turn, and that the Montreal victory may have indirectly created a greater sense of "desparation" in Chicago, realizing that their "comfortable" position today can change very quickly with a loss tonight at home. You can bet that the more mature members of this young team are contemplating the same thing at the hotel bar.

The first goal of the game tonight will be especially huge. Both teams will come out playing a "road game" - that is, chipping the puck out, getting the puck deep, being very defensively responsible. The track meet up and down the ice will commence - but with limited scoring opportunities. These teams will be using their speed, size, strength and skills primarily for defense making goals rarer than reader comments on this site.

Having gone what seems like an eternity without an overtime game, the Guru is forecasting a lengthy OT tonight - double OT or longer is very possible. In a game this close, a bounce, a fluke, a penalty could be the difference. If that bounce comes early, it could snowball and once again smear egg on the Guru, but the fearless forecaster is going with .... [drumroll please] ....

Chicago 2 - San Jose 1 (2OT)

Now that's pimping quite the fearless forecast. Oh, and don't forget ....

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Carnac the Guru: The Modern-Day Cinderella Men

By Hockey Guru


Outscored 9-0 in two games – down two games to zero – the “Cinderella story” Montreal Canadiens return home for Game 3.

“A team is never in trouble [in a series] until they lose a game on home ice.”

Assuming that cliché rings true, it is surely being tested in this series. Needing to win four of the next five games is no small task whatsoever for Montreal, and that fact has created a line-up to jump off the bandwagon.

As the Guru was one of the last ones on, he was one of the first ones off, as demonstrated by his change of prediction after Game 1.

If the series is to end in 5 games, Montreal would have to win one of them, and if they can win one, they can win four.

The Guru continues to shake his crystal ball, hoping for greater clarity. Will this actually become a sweep or will Montreal prevail in 6?

Tonight will prove one of those is not a possibility, and the Guru is standing by his predictions from Tuesday.

Or as they are fast becoming known, Guru's Two-4-Tuesday predictions. The near perfect predictions from Tuesday still have the hockey world all abuzz. The Guru's prognostications have led to increased traffic to the Sports Talk Pool blog, reaching record levels of readership in anticipation of the latest installment of Carnac the Guru, and nearly causing a crash to the server!

With the NHL schedule switching up to alternating nights for each Conference, the Guru must put all his eggs into one basket tonight - or more fittingly, all his pucks into one net. And it is extremely difficult to put a single puck into the net - just ask the Montreal Canadiens. After being shut-out so far in the series, the Canadiens are on a mission to find some answers to Michael Leighton and the Flyers' defence.

Rather than employ the same coaching strategies as Claude Julien from last year's playoffs - calling out players and giving them the day off - Jacques Martin spent considerable time constructing and explaining an offensive game plan, including new powerplay approaches, with his players.

That new game plan will surely include similar plans that both Pittsburgh and Washington attempted against Montreal - throw everything at the net. Shoot, shoot, shoot - from everywhere - bad angles, behind the net, the corner - then crash hard to the net. Hope for a bounce, a rebound. Pray for a goal.

That approach back-fired for Pittsburgh and Washington and will back-fire on Montreal. This year in the playoffs - the formula for beating Montreal is DO NOT PUT MORE THAN 35 SHOTS ON HALAK. More importantly, do not out-shoot Montreal. When being out-shot, Montreal is 8-3. When Montreal out-shoots its opponent, however, they are 0-5.

The crystal ball shows Montreal putting together a great effort tonight, out-playing Philadelphia for stretches, definitely out-shooting and out-chancing the Flyers, but not out-scoring them. As the Canadiens pour on the pressure, the Flyers will generate some opportunities on the counter-attack and be opportunistic enough to prevail 3-1 in Game 3.

The Flyers match up very well with Montreal (or conversely, the Canadiens don't match up well with Philly) and to expect a different result tonight doesn't compute according to the Hockey Guru and his enormous crystal ball.

Bonus prediction: Jeff Carter returns to the Flyers tonight.

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Hittin Da Lynx: The State of the League Address

By Spezzal Teams Playa


My fellow Canadians North Americans, the state of the Sports Talk Pool is good.

Never before in our nation's history have we seen so much activity, from so many sources. All 20 of us are routinely active in a league which requires finesse and attention to detail, if not everyday, then at least every Monday and every Thursday. Our sister league, the STP Baseball Dynasty, enjoys almost complete participation as well, with at least 19 teams playing daily.

But it is here, on this blog, where the fruits of that participation are felt most. Before the month is out, we are expected to pass the 100-story threshold, which is amazing when you consider that this season began with only 50 stories in the archives after the first eleven months of publishing. In fact, I felt that because so many articles have been published here lately, that I should put up a post that detailed those articles, in order to make them easier to locate. The sheer volume of material may have buried some of the features before they could be read by all, so think of this as one of those baseball cards called the Checklist. Got it? Got it. Need it, got it, got it ....

• First off, where would this blog be without the more than a dozen Carnac the Guru installments over the past two weeks. The most amazing edition has to be the one when Boston was leading their series, three games to one. <Carnac Predicts the Impossible>
  
  
• On top of those daily features, our friend the Hockey Guru has also provided daily updates to our playoff hockey pool, despite his own obvious lack of a hope in Hell. <Playoff Hockey Pool: May Madness>
  
  
• Will-He-M continued where he left off last season, when he started publishing a 30-part series that documented the histories of each MLB teams' top players. To those of you reading this while at work, no need to worry about nudity and swearing. And chances are your boss would engage in the discussion, even if he did catch you fornicating the dog. <All Time Well Wasted>
  
  
• Minnesota Chris (aka Hell Lions) would more accurately be described as the person to have picked up where Will-He-M left off, as Will had actually been publishing regular Top Ten Lists last season. If you're not a fan of Drew Barrymore, you can probably still find something interesting here, but for the rest of us, er, normal people, er, 90% of males, 10% of females, and roughly four-fifths of the gay & lesbian populations, grab some popcorn and prepare to get your Barrymore on. <The Top Ten Links to Click On>
  
  
• Some of you know him as Fowl Play, but I re-christened him Dive'r Down Dave when he agreed to periodically provide us with his recurring almanac feature. For those of you who fell asleep in history class, you'll enjoy the bullets as much as Eva Braun. <Where Were You, On This Day?>
  
  
• I've received a few trade offers lately that were, shall we say, not very flattering towards my intelligence. To those of you who have received a tersely worded rejection from me in the past week or so, allow me to say it more diplomatically. I loves ya but I ain't gonna be no fool. <YouTubey Goodness>
  
  
  
  
• If you want to call this here post an "article", then maybe I can get away with saying that I contributed multiple stories to the blog the past few weeks. If, on the other hand, you want to be honest, then call a spade a spade and chastise the author for producing only one solitary feature this month, and then whining for days about how hard he worked on it. <Lazy, Whining Pussy>
  
  
• Before ever donning the giant turban, and back in the days when the Muff Divers team thought they had a shot at winning the hockey pool, the Hockey Guru used his uncanny abilities to debunk myths, disspell notions and generally do his best to preserve the Queen's English. Despite its earlier vintage, I decided to place it here, in the Andy Rooney segment of this list. You know what I hate? When people don't click on these links. <This Is, The Guru Report>
  
  
• And finally, we leave you with something to ponder, whether you're a Bruins fan, or whether you had wanted to see the Bruins get eliminated by the Habs for the 100th time. <More YouTubitude>

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El Gurú Loco: ¿Estos Flip-Flop me Hace Ver "Phat"

By Hockey Guru


The Guru took some lumps on Sunday, as the high scoring shoot-out in San Jose never materialized - but Chicago did prevail 2-1. The prediction that Niemi would out perform Nabokov did materialize though, as the one "soft" goal was definitely a major difference in Game 1. Meanwhile in Philadelphia, it's not certain who looked worse, Montreal or the Guru. Philadelphia dominated in a game that pitted men against boys.

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After re-considering the Montreal team and putting them into a new perspective, and after digging up the crystal ball again, here's what the Guru sees in store for the masses tonight:

• Momentum is behind Philadelphia, as their five-game win streak and 6-0 victory demonstrate. While Jaroslav Halak will surely fare better in Game 2, it's impossible for the Guru to shake the images from Game 1 from his head.
  
• The Montreal defense is a great concern. Although Pittsburgh wasn't able to exploit the defense, for whatever reason, Philadelphia will continue to get opportunities and more importantly, to score goals.
  
• Montreal's offense has been so reliant on Mike Cammalleri, and his performance through two rounds was legendary, but Cammalleri is not going to be able to keep up the pace.
  

The Guru is revising his prediction for this series, as it is within the Laws of Carnac to do, and is now selecting Philadelphia in five games. The lone Montreal win will not be tonight. Tonight the Flyers will continue to play with the urgency that's been in their game since being down 0-3 to Boston, and will prevail tonight by a score of 3-1.

Recapping: Series prediction changed from Montreal in 6 games, to Philadelphia in 5 games

Game 2 final score prediction: Flyers 3, Canadiens 1

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San Jose is in the familiar position of being down 0-1 in a series and needing a big win in Game 2. Against Colorado, the miraculous comeback included a last minute goal by Little Joe to tie the game and then an overtime goal to even the series.

Chicago is starting to play its best hockey of the year and Marian Hossa is about to make his mark in these playoffs. The prediction of a track meet, or up-and-down action with thrilling scoring chances, may have actually been looking too far into the future. So tonight, the Guru will stick with the high scoring prediction from Game 1, and also stick with the Hawks to prevail. Final score: Blackhawks 5, San Jose 4.

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Carnac the Guru: ... And Then There Were Four

By Hockey Guru


The abbreviated 2nd Round saw the Guru correctly predict 3 of the 4 series winners, and go 11-7 on the 18 individual game predictions. This was, of course, based simply on picking the winners. The results which were based on total score predicted have not yet been calculated, but it appears that the Guru was approximately, oh, let's say .... 16-1. [Ed. Note: In the words of Scorsese actor, Griffin Dunne, "that's not enough numbers, but okay ...."]

Anyhow, with yesterday's off-day behind him, the Guru has geared up for the Conference Finals, which begin in about 45 minutes. Here now, are the new predictions.

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The Sharks must be "relieved" not to relive another post season nightmare. The Blackhawks are where they expected to be right along.

The Guru believes that the Blackhawks will look to push the pace of this series - to make it a track meet. The Sharks will comply with the up tempo game at least in Game 1 - and a very fast paced, action-filled game will take place. The speed of the Hawks and edge in goaltending in game one - will end in a 5-4 Chicago victory.

The series prediction (with limited time to be published - so the elaboration will come out as the series unfolds) is that the Hawks speed and goaltending will prevail in 6 games.

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The Philadelphia Flyers - the pre-season selection for the Stanley Cup Finals by the Hockey Guru - have home-ice advantage in the Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens. The paths to this unlikely series - even had they appeared in a crystal ball - would never have been published.

But these Flyers have overcome a ton of injuries and adversity and find themselves with a path to the Finals without having to knock off either Washington or Pittsburgh. Although Jeff Carter is done, the defense is healthy, Michael Leighton is back and their depth at forward as beginning to emerge.

Their opponent, le Club de hockey Canadien, eliminated both the expected Eastern Conference favourites - Washington and Pittsburgh. Those results sent the Guru back to his crystal ball to figure out how those results were missed. The error was in the data entered. The Montreal Canadiens are not the team that would be indicated by their record at the end of the regular season. Part of the record was the commitment to Carey Price as the starting goaltender. With Price in net, the Canadiens were 13-20-5. With Jaroslav Halak in between the pipes - the Canadiens were 26-13-5. If Halak's wining percentage carried over to all 82 games - the Canadiens would have finished with 106 points - fourth in the NHL and second in the Conference.

This is not the eight seed that they appeared to be, going into the playoffs.

Additionally, the Canadiens have their 100th anniversary team on the ice. (What's that - are people booing the Guru - saying their 100th anniversary was 2008-2009 - which it was based on calander years - however, with the 2004-05 lockout- there was a missing season). Therefore, this is in fact, the 100th season for the Montreal Canadiens - and their magical ride will not end until the Stanley Cup Finals.

Series prediction: Montreal wins in 6 (but 7 would be more fitting).

Game One Prediction: Montreal 3 - Philadelphia 1

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Carnac the Guru: Call This One Friday Night Lite

By Hockey Guru


Another Game 7 - another great night of hockey.

The last Game 7 went into Guru's Bizzaro world - and finished as the polar opposite of the prediciton. Rather than a tight game ending with a couple open net goals for a 5-2 Pittsburgh win, it was a one-sided affair and a 5-2 Montreal win.

The strength of the poles continues and the 7th versus 8th Eastern Conference Finals seems destined.

With all the talk about the history being made, in every post so far on the Bruins-Flyers series, how can the Guru not believe that the window to the Eastern Conference Finals will close on the Bruins tonight, as Briere, Richards and Gagne carry an advantage over the Bruins' top forwards, Savard, Recchi, Lucic and Bergeron? The top four on defense don't match up well either, and the home teams haven't fared too well in these playoffs - let alone in series-deciding games. Especially Game Sevens.

Well, the Guru has been burned before. That's why the Guru is hesitating, as Tuukka Rask will probably have a game for the ages tonight. But the Guru is nothing, if not stubborn, and will predict another Flyers 4 - Bruins 1 outcome.

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Carnac the Guru: And What Thrives at the Poles?

By Hockey Guru


Eight long hours until the drop of the puck. Man, this is gonna be awesome. The second round is winding down .... (cue the music) ....



What a great playoff season so far. With 10 of the 15 playoff series in the books already - and at least one other ending tonight - the action is slowing down. The upsets, the injuries, ths subplots, the unpredictability of these playoffs has been simply amazing. But not tonight. Tonight will be great action so let's get into trying to predict the outcomes of these games.

Before moving forward, let's pause and reflect on what has happened so far:

• Western Conference Quarterfinals - the 1, 2, 3 and 5 seed advance.
  
• Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - the 1, 2, 3, and 5 seed lose.

• Western Conference Finals are set with the 1 and 2 seeds.
  
• Does that mean the Eastern Conference Finals will be the 7 and 8 seeds? Will there by perfect mirror images from the two conferences?

If this prediction of the polar extremes of the conferences is to come true, it would mean that Montreal closes out Pittsburgh tonight and Philly would have to force a Game 7 in the other Conference Semi-Final. Well, going back and playing with his crystal ball, this is what the Guru foresees:

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The end is upon on us. The end of this series and the end of the season for one of these teams. The Canadiens are the better story - the heart, the overcoming of not just long odds, but of all the adversity they've faced. They are the overachieving underdog. The Penguins are the underachieving champions. Last year's Conn Smythe winner, Evgeni Malkin, has had a lesser role in this series than Maxim Lapierre. Or perhaps, his lack of production is a major role in this series.

This is going to be a very difficult game for Pittsburgh to win. It is expected that they will come out and play their best game of the playoffs tonight. With that said, they MUST be disciplined and NOT shoot the puck. Yeah, you heard right. They are stuck in the conundrum of having to score goals without shooting. If they get to 35+ shots on net, it is like playing too aggressively in pinball - the machine will tilt and you'll helplessly watch as your opportunity rolls down the drain.

The Guru loves good stories and loves the underdog, but in his gut he sees Pittsburgh finding a way to pull off a Game 7 victory and thereby potentially extending the career of one Wild Bill Guerin for at least another two weeks. His crystal ball foresees the Penguins throwing away the passive approach though - this will be an up tempo game. While players will be diving to block shots and getting back defensively on both sides, there will be mad speed and crazy shots. As Dan Bylsma recently said, "Game 7 feels like a flip of a coin."

The Guru flipped a coin and here was the result:



Final Score: Pittsburgh 5 - Montreal 2 (with two empty net goals to ice a close game)

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While not quite as big as a Game 7, the result could be exactly the same for Philadelphia - GAME OVER, if they lose. Of course, that was true about Games 4 and 5 and they survived through those games. Tonight's prediction won't catch any of the long-time Guru-maniacs off-guard, but just to be certain, let's play with the crystal ball again (any excuse to touch the ball).

Claude Julien proved something to the Guru last spring. The lesson the Guru took away from observing the Bruins flop against Carolina was that Julien couldn't make adjustments. When the Bruins found themselves down, he called the team out in the papers and gave them the day off to figure things out on their own. The inability to make any adjustments in that series cost them. Spewing out cliches such as focus, discipline and getting pucks to the net are great and all, but it appears that the Flyers have made the adjustments necessary to score on Rask and shut down the Bruins. And I'm not the only one who sees this as a problem.

Tuukka Rask gives the Bruins a legitimate shot to win. The Brian Boucher injury may not be as severe or grotesque as it first seemed, but he's still out. With Michael Leighton back in nets, however, the Flyers may have improved their goaltending a bit. Tonight's prediction is that the Flyers continue to make history as only the third ever comeback from a 3-0 series deficit continues to unfold. Final Score - Philadelphia 4 - Boston 1.

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Carnac the Guru: CBC Tuesday Night in Canada

By Hockey Guru


Montreal - really? Really! They have evened their series again and tomorrow night will they punch their tickets to the Eastern Conference Finals? Will this be the end of the Penguins title defense?

The Guru is stumped by the latest turn of events in Montreal and will be re-focusing on that series again tomorrow.

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Re-focusing is what Vancouver did well in Game 5, which is why we have some hockey to watch tonight. Can they maintain that focus and hold down the Blackhawks offense which has seen back-to-back hat tricks in Vancouver?

Tonight the crystal ball shows Chicago's advantage over Vancouver at defense being the difference. Where Keith, Seabrook and Campbell can skate with and defend the Vancouver attack, the Vancouver defense will be exploited by the speed of the Hawks forwards - particularly Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. The two stars will lead their team into the Western Conference Finals to face San Jose. The Hawks soar once more in Vancouver and close the series out.
Prediction: Chicago 4 Vancouver 2.

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Carnac the Guru: I Believe History Will Be Made

By Hockey Guru


I think Jerry Reed said it best, back in 1971, with:



The Guru's forecasting this weekend was outstanding!

But have no fear, through the magic of the internet, the method for performing the self-congratulatory action without injury has been found and these daily updates should continue uninterrupted through the awarding of the Lord Stanley's Cup.

The Eastern Conference Finals could be determined Monday night, if Boston and Pittsburgh can close out their series.

Will it happen?

The NHL's marketing theme in this year's playoffs is that History Will Be Made. That theme has worked itself into the Guru's subconscious, as you will see in this installment of Carnac the Guru.

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And what could be more historic than a comeback from a 3-0 series deficit?



Certainly nobody recalls the Red Sox rallying from that hole against the NY Yankees!

In reality, there have been over 220 times in the NHL, NBA and MLB combined where teams took the first three games of the series. Statistically, if every series were actually a coin-flip (or 50-50 chance for each team in every game) - the odds of a comeback and winning four in a row would show that the statistical probability of that comeback would be: 6.25% and with over 200 opportunities - there should be about 12 of these "historic" comebacks.

There aren't. In addition to the greatest comeback ever in 2004 - the other two times both happened in the NHL. The 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs came back against Detroit and the 1975 Islanders performed the feat against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

If the Flyers were to comeback against the Bruins this year and make history, their comeback wouldn't be as impressive as the Islanders' 1975 comeback - but it would be pretty similar.

In 1975, in losing the first 3 games, the Islanders did not have a lead EVER in the series. In fact Pittsburgh led for 85% of the time. (Only tied for a total of 26 minutes and 41 seconds). Elaboration on the "greatest comebacks" in history should be read and won't be rehashed here.

The NHL has assured us that this will be the year that history will be made. The Flyers are gaining momentum and the Bruins "luck" appears to be running out. The Bruins have been perfect on home ice winning all five games - if only by a total of 5 goals (2 in OT). The run at home ends tonight. The Flyers will take Game 5 with a 3-2 victory.

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Tonight the fans of hockey get screwed by the Boston-Montreal rivalry - as neither team was willing to change their start time to either 7:30 or 8:00 to allow for staggered viewing or at least an extra hour of hockey.

This is a night for DVR hockey - which means to DVR both games and alternate watching about 5 minutes of hockey from Boston then 5 minutes from Montreal. If more experienced, try about 2 minutes at a time to avoid unwanted updates. Alternatively, the dual television approach can work also.

Pittsburgh has the formula for beating Montreal - DON'T OUTSHOOT THEM - and don't get to 35 shots on net. Firing the pucks on Halak from everywhere is like getting a Mogwai wet or feeding a gremlin after midnight - you're asking for trouble!



The Penguins will play a defensive and opportunistic game forcing Montreal to carry the play and take advantage of the inevitable mistakes that will come. As expected by many - the underestimation of the Canadiens is happening again and the Guru predicts that the Penguins open up a close low-scoring game in the third period to finish with a 4-1 victory.

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Carnac the Guru: The Sweet Home, Chicago Edition

By Hockey Guru


The Showdown at Sundown. The one game tonight - Game 5 between Vancouver and Chicago - could end the series most predicted and expected would go seven games. Following up a great comeback in game 2 - Chicago convincingly took both games in Vancouver and head home to close the series out tonight.

Vancouver was at times completely out of control and unfocused. Now, with their backs against the wall - and their season on the brink - it is expected that they will regain the necessary focus and play a much more disciplined game tonight. The Blackhawks will continue the attack, but playing focused, it is expected that Vancouver will be able to hold off the Hawks enough to survive - at least for one more day.

Final score prediction: Vancouver 3 - Chicago 2

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Carnac the Guru: The April/May of the Penguins

By Hockey Guru


Beware of the Penguins. Much has and will be written about how punchless Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been in this series and their struggles to score to this point. The Guru won't rehash the same materials.

The Montreal formula for success has been laid out and it's almost impossible for teams not to get sucked into that "trap." In trying to close out their opening round series - Washington began to just throw everything at the net - it didn't work.

Sure, unloading a barrage of shots would seem to make sense - it would seem to give the greatest chance of scoring - and maybe it will. Maybe the dam will burst and Malkin, Crosby and the Pens can put up a big number and take game 5. It's ironic though, that the more a team "dominates" the Canadiens and carries the play - the less success the team has had.

The key to success is playing the same style the Canadiens want to play: be patient, focus on defense responsibility, look to attack in transition and capitalize on opportunities.

So as much as the Canadiens must Beware of the Penguins - the Pens best beware themselves. Beware of falling into the same trap the Capitals did - the trap of believing that merely firing shots at the net is the formula for success against these Habs.

The Guru has the a ton of respect and confidence in Penguins' coach Dan Bylsma - fully expecting him to recognize the best opportunity in this game is to remain patient and wait for their chances. That belief lead to the prediction of a low scoring game (but beware, the Penguins fire power could capitalize break this open),with the Penguins taking the lead back in this series. The broken crystal ball doesn't really have a final score - but since the fans of this site demand a prediction: Penguins 3 - Montreal 0. (How's that for going out on a limb).

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"The Sharks close this series out tonight and will look the part of Stanley Cup Favourite in the process. Prediction: San Jose 6 - Detroit 2."

Great call in game 4 - let me wipe that goose egg off my face.

The domination of that game - the other way makes game 5 a lot more difficult to predict. Detroit didn't have to exert every last ounce of energy to keep the series alive. They will be ready to come out in game 5 and may be re-energized by Franzen's game for the ages.

San Jose - particularly the fan base - has to have the shakiest confidence with a 3-1 lead ever. The momentum in this series could snowball and it isn't hard to envision a 7-game scenario and we all remember how well Detroit stepped up in game 7 against Phoenix.

The Sharks know fear. The past failures have fueled their fear of failing. The fear in this game is more in San Jose's room right now than in Detroit's. The Wings may feel they accomplished more than they actually did in game 4. They won one game - and nothing will carry over.

The Shark Tank will be rocking and this will be one of the memorable games available on the Sharks DVD if their run doesn't come up short this year. Tonight, they don't come up short. Tonight they end the season and possibly career for Hall of Famer Nick Lidstrom with a 4-2 victory.

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Carnac the Guru: Cracking Bizarro DaVinci Code

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.

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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...hmmm

So, 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

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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.

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Enjoy the games and updates to come while the Guru hopes to avoid the dreaded Goose Egg again!

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