The Top Ten List: Songs Containing an NHL City

By Chris Barrymore


St. Louis Blues, William Handy (1914) - This popular American song has been performed by numerous artists, such as Guy Lombardo, Glenn Miller, and the Boston Pops Orchestra. The Bessie Smith/Louis Armstrong version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1993, while the version by Armstrong and his orchestra was inducted in 2008. And of course, the actual NHL team was named after the song. And I'm not even kidding.

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Nashville Rebel, Waylon Jennings (from Nashville Rebel, 1966) - The late singer actually had two songs on this record name dropping Nashville, the other being Nashville Bum. Personally, I think Nashville Rebels would be a better name than Nashville Predators. Maybe the name “Rebels” has too many negative connotations, but how many wildlife predators are actually lurking within the city of Nashville?

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Carolina in My Mind, James Taylor (from James Taylor, 1968) - So, Carolina isn’t exactly a city. It’s not even a state without a North or a South attached. But if the NHL can cheat in its attempt to regionalize its marketing campaigns for the southeast, then I can cheat and include it here. And why do the Florida Panthers get to claim the entire Sunshine State when the Tampa Bay Lightning also play within the same state borders. No wonder the Lightning hate the Panthers so much. And then you have the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche, who are doubly cheating by not only using their home state instead of a city, but also using a non plural team name. Makes me sick. What’s next, the Winnipeg Windchill? How about the Quebec Electricity?

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L.A. Woman, The Doors (from L.A. Woman, 1971) - This is the final record that Jim Morrison recorded before his still mysterious and debated death in a Paris hotel room’s bathtub. Morrison was also called The Lizard King. Lizard King. Los Angeles Kings. Need I say more?

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Jesus Just Left Chicago, ZZ Top (from Tres Hombres, 1973) - And if the Blackhawks keep playing like they have been, then Jesus will be carrying the NHL’s Holy Grail, The Stanley Cup, with him on his way out of town. The Hawks currently sit in 11th place, 4 points out of the 8th seed.

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Philadelphia Freedom, Elton John (single release, 1975) - Eventually reaching #1 on the music charts in several countries, this song is actually inspired by the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team. However, numerous hockey references are available if you’re willing to swallow the red pill and see the world in its true light. The Philadelphia Flyers were founded in 1967. The songwriting partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin was founded in 1967. Philadelphia Freedom came out in 1975. The Flyers won the Stanley Cup in 1975. Besides all that, PF are the initials of both the song and the team. Mind = blown.

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Detroit Rock City, KISS (from Destroyer, 1976) - With one of the best home ice records in the league over the past couple of decades, the Red Wings often rock their opponents. Corny, I know, but true. Besides, I don’t see anyone else trying these lists, so shut up. A connection could also be made by pointing out that KISS is one of music’s top merchandisers, with everything from coffee to condoms to coffins, while the Red Wings are one of the league’s leaders in merchandise sales. Although I doubt we’ll see Red Wings condoms or coffins anytime soon.

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New York State of Mind, Billy Joel (from Turnstiles, 1976) - There are a couple of interesting things about this one. The running time is 5 minutes 58 seconds. That is also the over/under on how long it will take for the first player ejection when the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins meet again on April 8, 2011. And 1976 is also the over/under on penalty minutes for that same game. I can’t wait to see Mario Lemieux in the front row in Uniondale, banging on the glass, cheering on his Penguins.

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Buffalo Stance, Neneh Cherry (from Raw Like Sushi, 1988) - Neneh Cherry (no relation to Don Cherry, or Cherry Blasts for that matter) offered this tune on her debut record in the late 80s. She would achieve international success with this record and song, before fading into pop culture history like so many others. Some inside sources have said this was originally titled “Bison Stance” but was changed at the very last minute. Whew - close one!

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Our Love is as Tall as the Calgary Tower, Woodpigeon (from Die Stadt Muzikanten, 2010) - No hockey related list would be complete without at least one Canadian inclusion. I know nothing about this band, or if they are any good. But by including an NHL city in one of their song titles, they’re in. Congrats, Woodpigeon.

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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 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: What We Need? The Perfect Pair

By Hockey Guru


One up, one down last night as Philadelphia did in fact get their first lead of the series a mere 152 seconds into the game. However, the second goal never came and the Boston Bruins Mo-Jo is still rising - is there something magical unfolding ala the 2006 Edmonton Oilers?

This Cinderella story can't continue all the way to the Cup, can it? The Krejci injury certainly has sped up the clock - which is fast approaching midnight. More on this series tomorrow...

The winner from last night was the very confident selection of the Chicago Blackhawks. But no need to dwell on the Dustin Byfuglien show.

So the Guru will look to get back to picking another perfect pair in tonight's game 4's:



Montreal doesn't have the depth or firepower to beat Pittsburgh in a wide open game. Their formula for success remains the same: tight defense, build a human wall in the slot, frustrate Pittsburgh, create some turnovers and capatilize on the few opportunities that will arise.

Pittsburgh defeated Montreal in game 3 in the low scoring defensive game Montreal wanted.
Pittsburgh knows it can win that style of game. In fact, it seems they may have uncovered a plan to defeat Montreal in the following statistics and want to play that style of game:

• Jaroslav Halak's record when facing 35 or more shots this season is 15-1-2 and
  
• When facing 40 or more shots, it's 10-0-1.
  
• When facing less than 35 shots - his record: 11- 14-0.

The Penguins will take the ER approach to this game (props to long-time reader Grossman for the terminology) - meaning that the Penguins will use "sick patience" in this game. They will not be throwing pucks to the net left and right, but picking their spots to get shots off one-timers and getting Halak moving side to side and creating shots prior to his getting set.

This is expected to be a low scoring affair - another shut-out by Fleury would not be a surprise to the Guru - but the predicion will be 3-1 Pittsburgh (with a chance to really open up the lead toward the end of the game).

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"Detroit has too much pride to get swept." "Detriot won't go down without a fight." Phrases like these are surely be thrown around by talking and blogging heads everywhere.

Of course, Detroit hasn't played badly to go down 3-0 in the series. They wanted to win each of the first three games as badly as they want to win this fourth game to continue their quest for the Cup.

However, the Guru's gut tells him there's no reason to expect a different result tonight than we've seen in the first three games. If anything, San Jose may not have to come back in game 4 - they may get ahead and keep on rolling. The depth players on San Jose are much more dangerous than the depth players on Detroit. The top 6 players on San Jose are fresher, bigger and stronger than the top 6 on Detroit.

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.

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Carnac the Guru: Like Swami, But to the Extreme

By Hockey Guru


Milan Lucic scored with 2:57 remaining to upset the prediction of a 3-2 Flyers victory in game 2. The Flyers prediction to win the series stands - which means they will indeed win 4 of the next 5 games. However, if the Bruins win a couple more games - that prediction will need to change.

Patrick Kane did score a "big goal" - well an empty netter to seal the game 2 victory for Chicago. While not the 2-1 (OT) final that was predicted - the masses are amazed at the correct prediction for a Chicago victory.

Onto tonight's games.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens



The Canadiens have shown so much so far in the playoffs. Their victory in game 2 was the perfect formula for their success:

• Timely "big" saves from Jaroslav Halak
  
• Bury their limited offensive opportunities
  
• Survive
  

The reason that the playoffs are 7-game series is so the "best" team can advance. Over the course of 7 games - more often than not Montreal will not be able to hold down Pittsburgh's offense. The Penguins will likely have 4 or 5 scoring chances to each one for Montreal. In at least 2 of the upcoming games - the Guru can see Pittsburgh by 2 or more goals. There will be one or two games that Montreal will have a chance to "steal" -but the previous prediction is not changing - Pitts wins 3 in a row in this series (maybe 3 of 4).

Tonight - despite the atmosphere - the Penguins win 4-1.

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San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings

The Sharks-Wings game tonight is a tough read. Detroit has for so long been able to elevate their game when necessary. However, tonight, the Sharks are able to play a bit faster and bit looser - but the fear of losing this game looms. The Sharks have lost 4 in a row after a 2 game lead and won't be taking their foot of the gas.

San Jose takes game 3, and a 3-0 lead on the way to a possible sweep, 6-3.

The final may be a bit extreme but in the spirit of Chris Berman's version of the SWAMI - the Guru is going extreme tonight. To go further out on the limb and open himself up for criticism - Jimmy Howard doesn't finish the game tonight in net!

Note: Jimmy Howard is virtually assured a shut-out tonight and the Wings will likely prevail 4-0.

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My Enormous Crystal Balls: NHL 2010 Quarterfinals

By Hockey Guru



After a stunning set of Round 1 Predictions - which were never published - and in response to the incredible pre-season predictions revisited - The Guru has smashed his crystal ball. However, even without a crystal ball, day-to-day predictions on the Stanley Cup Playoffs can be expected by the millions of clamoring STP followers.

At the time of publishing this post, the Penguins and Canadiens are even at 1 game apiece. San Jose has a 2-0 series lead over Detroit, and Boston & Vancouver each hold a 1-0 lead over Philadelphia and Vancouver, respectively.




The Boston-Philadelphia Series

Boston's defense is thin. Zdeno Chara is a beast - but the minutes that are being required from Johnny Boychuk (33:29 in game 1), Andrew Ference, Matt Hunwick, Dennis Wideman and Adam McQuaid will prove problematic for the black and gold.

Whereas Buffalo's injuries toward the end of the year led to a lineup of smurfs - Philadelphia, should be able to wear out the Bruins defense and create plenty of offensive opportunities for Danny Briere and Mike Richards.

The Bruins' struggle to score goals will return in the series and the Flyers will prevail.


The Pittsburgh-Montreal Series

Mike Cammalleri is clutch and clutch is everything. Some players have the ability to elevate their games and PRODUCE when needed - and he is one of those players. Unfortunately for him and Habs fans - so is Sidney Crosby.

The Penguins will not make the same mistake the Capitals made and simply play a series of one-games. The Penguins have begun their series attack on Montreal - from Cooke's hit on Markov to the major-misconduct by Adams - the Penguins are looking to punish Montreal's defenseman and will wear down the Canadiens in the series.

Jaroslav Halak has been solid if not spectacular in the Olympics and in the Playoffs - but Pittsburgh will move through in 5 or 6 games.


The Chicago-Vancouver Series

Prior to the series opening, the Guru was waffling on the winner of this series. After game one - it would be very hard to predict Chicago wining 4 of the next 6. Vancouver appears much more focused from the goal out.

However, Chicago's defense (Campbell in particular) will improve throughout the series. Adjusting from the series against Nashville and forgetting about last year's series victory over Vancouver may have proven difficult in game 1.

Even as this is being typed - the broken crystal ball shows both teams emerging.

Going into Game 1 - I believe that Chicago didn't respect Roberto Luongo enough. I believe they came into the game believing that they would prevail in a run-and-gun style game. They may still believe that. However, in Game 2, I expect the Hawks to come out much more conservatively and with more attention to defense. While sacrificing some potential transition-game offense, Game 2 will be low scoring and Patrick Kane has the clutch-ness to score a key goal and tie up this series.

In this first "draft" prediction for the series, the coin toss landed on heads - actually an Indian head - but the more confident prediction is that the prediction of Blackhawks in 7 will change.


The San Jose-Detroit Series

San Jose has a 2-0 lead. Now Detroit needs to win 4 of 5 to advance. However, it has been said that a team is never in trouble until it loses on home ice. Well, if Detroit isn't in trouble yet - I'm going to be getting a big check in the mail for this post.

The Wings are a great dynasty - but this year is San Jose's year. The depth players will be the difference - San Jose is just deeper and better. San Jose will get through this series (bold prediction, being up 2-0 already). Since today is not a game day, I'll revisit this series tomorrow, but I think San Jose wins Game 3, Detroit rallies for Game 4 and San Jose closes out Detroit in 5 or 6. Again, that is the "early" prediction (if a prediction 2 games into a series can be considered early).


Tonight (Monday), Guru's Gut Sez:


Philadelphia 3 - Boston 2

Chicago 2- Vancouver 1 (OT)

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The Guru Report: Video Killed the Literacy Star

by Hockey Guru

Sorry about the technical difficulties yesterday. I should have realized that there might have been some of you out there in the Guru Nation, who might make Jacques Demers look like an Honours English major. In stead, I expected you to read the actual script for the previous episode of The Guru Report.

Now that I have located the master tape [thanks, Spezzal Teams], you can now view the episode in its full HiDef glory, the way it was meant to be broadcast. So grab yourself some popcorn and curl up with your loved ones because...

It's time for the Guru Report:

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The Guru Report: So Osgood Isn't Manhandled Now?

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Detroit Red Wings

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Game 5

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Saturday, June 6th, 8:00 PM ET

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by Hockey Guru


How quickly we forget. It's amazing how the last impression we get sticks with us.

Going into the playoffs, Chris Osgood looked like an obvious flaw in Detroit's Perfect Machine. It was like the hot chick at the bar, who turns around to reveal a nose like Gonzo the Muppet - so close to perfection, but just not going to work out. Osgood was a glaring problem to experts like me, in Detroit's attempted Cup run this year. And not subtly, like Seinfeld's issue with "Man Hands".

But as the Wings rolled into the Cup Finals, and through Games 1 & 2, we changed our collective tune to:

"Osgood is the most underappreciated goalie ... Ozzie is the greatest clutch goalie ... "

Going back a few days, however, to immediately after Games 1 & 2 (which could have clearly gone either way ... a couple posts, a covered puck in the crease called for a penalty shot, a different bounce off the end boards, and this series could've been a Pittsburgh sweep), all of the experts, the Guru included (note the capital G - someone's a little full of themselves) were saying:

"Detroit is simply awesome ... this is over ... there's no way Pittsburgh or anyone could win 4 of 5 from Detroit ... too bad for hockey ... this had the makings of a great series ... imagine that Detroit is doing this without Datsyuk ... "

It was OVER.

Then, a tremendous second period effort by Fleury and Pittsburgh found themselves tied up midway through the third period in game 3. Capitalizing on their powerplay, Pittsburgh pulls out Game 3 and maybe, just MAYBE the experts again felt that this could become a series.

After a second consecutive 4-2 victory on Thursday night, Pittsburgh squares the series. Now all the experts jump from one bandwagon to the other:

"Detroit is just getting old ... Pittsburgh has all the momentum now ... Osgood is vulnerable ... "

Well, let the Guru now also re-align his own thoughts.

Pittsburgh was down 2-0 to Washington and roared back to a 3-2 lead and eventually blew Washington out in Game 7.

Pittsburgh seems healthy, particularly up front. I LOVE what Dan Bylsma is doing, playing Crosby and Malkin a ton (something that the Bruins failed to do, as their goal was to simply roll 4 lines, no matter what, in case the series contained 17 overtime periods, I guess). Now is the opportunity for star players to seize the moment. With Malkin and/or Crosby on the ice for two-thirds of the game, there is constant pressure applied to the opponent.

Detroit has focused so much on the matchups and awareness of those two, that they've lost a bit of focus on their own game. They've become reactive while Pittsburgh is being proactive. That's the difference in the series, right now.

Going into this Best-of-Three for the hardest trophy to win in all of sports, here's my current breakdown:

• Crosby and Malkin are close and they want it WAY more than anyone on Detroit.
  
  
• Detroit has drank from the Cup a lot and can't match the drive the leaders of Pittsburgh have right now.
  
  
• Fleury is more able to steal a game than Osgood, at this point. Although, we've learned never to write Ozzie off, this seems like a pretty clear advantage for Fleury.
  
  
• The Guru is leaning toward Pittsburgh (of course, his rooting interest in this series has been there all along and he may be getting carried away with the short memory syndrome).
  
  
• Pavel Datsyuk is a wild card - what kind of impact will he bring tonight?
  
  
• Will the home ice and line-matching ability make it easier for Detroit to get the matchups they want and focus on their own game more?
  
  
• Which way will the puck bounce tonight?
  
  
• Aren't we due for an overtime in this series soon?
  
  
• The schedule from here on out may favor Detroit a bit with the multiple days off between games the rest of the way
  

Peace to all those who read this post. Your comments, reactions and criticisms are wanted!

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The Guru Report: These Stanley Cup Finals Rock

by Hockey Guru


We are currently in the midst of the first Stanley Cup Finals in a number of years, that is clearly undecided, through the first four games. It's time for the Hockey Guru to post a few comments / random thoughts:

Is there really justice in the NHL? The suspension issues mentioned in several previous installments of The NHL Needs a Fix, prove the league's consistent inconsistency. That is, suspensions continue to be given not given in a bizarre, haphhazard manner.

While I am in agreement with the overturning of Malkin's suspension, how was Lucic's suspension justifiable? Moreso, how could Scott Walker not only avoid a suspension, but avoid an "automatic" suspension that required the league to overturn it? Lucic was suspended for the same infraction. It's foolish.

The Stanley Cup Finals may be teaching a lesson to the league offices. Let the players sort things out on the ice. The more the off ice officials back away, the more the game takes care of itself.

The on-ice officiating has been great. Not calling every ticky-tack "interference" allows the game to have some flow and not evolve into half-court basketball, with alternating powerplays rather than alternating possessions.

In Thursday night's Game 4, after Staal's shortie, The Igloo was ROCKING and play was fast and frantic. Have a look for yourself:



I commented to a friend that someone was going to score. It could have easily been Detroit, but play opened up and culminated in Sid's goal.

The action in this final series has been great. Unfortunately, there are only two or three games left.

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The Guru Report: Montreal Guts Out a Gut Goal

by Hockey Guru


Boston-Montreal

Great start by the Bruins and when Krejci put the B’s ahead 2-0 – Hockey Guru thought – here we go with another boat race.

But Montreal scored the first “gut goal” of the playoffs. “Gut goals” are the goals that teams score mostly because of desperation, determination and grit. There weren’t too many scoring chances to that point but Montreal desperately needed to answer back and Christopher Higgins scored the third goal of the game. Remarkably it was done 2 minutes after that 2 goal lead was held.

This series will be close and the score will likely be tied or a 1-goal game at all times. It’s how the hockey gods want it to be. It’s Montreal-Boston. It’s awesome!

Whether this series goes 4, 5, 6 or 7 games – these are must-see games.


Detroit-Columbus

With the Bruins-Canadiens game competing for the Hockey Guru’s attention – the occasional flip to check-in on this game showed what the Guru knew. Detroit is an amazing team.

When they have to – they can take their game up a level. They have the skill, they have the experience and they have the heart. They have been champions for a reason.

RJ Umberger is trying to prove he isn’t another John Druce or 1-year playoff wonder – he scores big goals in big games.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect from the box score is that Detroit held Columbus to 2 shots in the third period. At a time when a team is desperately trying to get back into a game – that’s IMPRESSIVE.


Chicago-Calgary

The Hockey Guru did not Tivo the game – so when watching the third period and 12 seconds of overtime – the feelings of regret about missing most of the first two periods eroding the enjoyment of this game.

The Chicago crowd was tremendous and this was an awesome game but there’s not much insight for the Guru to impart.

San Jose-Anaheim

Anaheim has captured the home ice in the series!!!

Many of the readers of that know how the Guru feels about that phrase. But Anaheim winning the first game of this series demonstrates how difficult the Stanley Cup is to win.

Having the best record in the NFL – your team doesn’t even have to play in the first round of the playoffs. Then, you get to face the lowest seeded remaining team at home when you’re rested and they’ve gone through a playoff game the week before.

Losing that first game is a major upset in the NFL.

But in the NHL – the disparity between the 1 and the 8 seed is not the disparity between the 1 and 8 seed in the NCAA tournament.

As a long time fan of Jumbo Joe and defender of his – this year there are no excuses. With San Jose’s regular season – he should be rested, healthy and primed for a run.

Game 1 saw 1 shot on net from Big Joe – and he was a non-factor on most of his 28 shifts. Through the Guru’s eyes (yes they were a bit heavy during this game – and distracted with a teething baby) – San Jose didn’t generate too many quality scoring chances. For the offensive juggernaut they had been – they certainly weren’t in game 1. Credit Anaheim’s defense, credit Randy Carlyle – or blame Joe Thornton.

1 game is not a series – but the questions and the pressure are going to make it harder and harder for San Jose in this series.

It’s often said that until a team loses on its home ice – a “series” hasn’t begun – well then this series has begun – and if San Jose doesn’t respond in game 2 – it could be on its way to being over.



The Guru’s forecast for tonight’s game is put on sunblock for the Philly-Penguins game as the red light should be lit often.

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My Enormous Crystal Balls: NHL 2009 (Western)

by Hockey Guru, Will-He-M and Spezzal Teams Playa


After spending all of our time debating the Eastern Conference, we barely have time to scratch the surface out West. Without further ado:


Anaheim (8) at San Jose (1)



Guru: Can't wait for this series. The good news is that it will assure us of doubleheaders, rather than all the games going early. It will be worth staying up late for, but Anaheim doesn't have the goaltending to match Nabokov. And Joe Thorton is a clutch playoff performer (you heard it here first! This will be the year that he proves to be Conn Smythe worthy). Prediction: San Jose advances.

Will: I don't know why but I'm not interested in this series. Anaheim has no business being here and they're going to show it. Sharks will go through this series quickly. Prediction: Sharks in 4.

Spezzal Teams Playa: Somebody’s been eating MY porridge. I mean, this series isn’t too hard or too soft or too hot or too cold. It’s jusssst right. Or maybe this Sens fan simply wants to see the most graphic duck hunt possible – with sharks as the hunters. I guess the image of a shark devouring anything is cool, so a duck really isn’t the most graphically gruesome image imaginable (think shark vs. flame, or shark vs. lightning bolt). Nevertheless, these Ducks are as out-matched as the imagery would suggest. Prediction: San Jose in 5 games.


Columbus (7) at Detroit (2)



Guru: Steve Mason proves yet again that a rookie goalie can't win in the playoffs. Never happened before, won't happen now. Will can confirm this. The Habs have seen promising rookie goalies fall apart under the pressure of the playoffs. Rick Nash is scary good, but Detroit is loaded (except that goalie thing). Detroit can take it up a level, and will. Nash could be helping Team Canada soon. Prediction: Detroit moves on.

Will: A rookie goalie can't win in the playoffs? There are so many things wrong with that statement. Here's a free hockey lesson, Guru. These are the rookie goalies who have led their teams to the Finals, since 1950: Gerry McNeil (Mtl 1950-51), Jacques Plante (Mtl 1953-54), Glenn Hall (Det 1955-56), Don Simmons (Bos 1956-57), Roger Crozier (Det 1965-66, Won Conn Smythe), Ken Dryden (Mtl 1970-71, Won Cup & Conn Smythe), Pete Peters (Phl 1979-80), Andy Moog (Edm 1982-83), Patrick Roy (Mtl 1985-86, Won Cup & Conn Smythe), Mike Vernon (Cgy 1985-86), Ron Hextall (Phl 1986-87, Won Conn Smythe), Cam Ward (Car 2005-06, Won Cup & Conn Smythe). I digress. Now just when I was looking forward to the Jackets playing the Flames, they get passed in the standings. Steve Mason has been on fire all season, pretty much guaranteeing himself the Calder, and making a serious run at the Vezina. The Jackets have a superior man between the pipes and by the time Babcock realizes Osgood shouldn't be in there, the series will be over. Prediction: Jackets in 6.

Spezzal Teams Playa: To be fair to all of the veteran goalies out there, a list of twelve rookies to make the Finals in almost 60 years (or almost 120 goalies in the Finals) might seem like a lot, but how big would the list of rookie goalies that didn’t make the Finals be? Working backwards, you’d have Rinne, Elliott, Quick, Ramo, and Danis. Then you’d have Price, MacDonald, Ellis….The point is, with 4-6 rookies each season, the odds that one of them makes the Finals isn’t that remote. Steve Mason will not be the 13th guy to do it this year, but that’s OK. He’ll do the next best thing. Prediction: Columbus in 6 games.


St. Louis (6) at Vancouver (3)



Guru: Great run St. Louis, (try not to take a step backwards next year), but Roberto Luongo and Mats Sundin will find a way to get Vancouver into Round 2.

Will: I am so keen for this series. The two hottest teams in the NHL going head-to-head. This one is going to be great. I'm not sold on Sundin, as he's been nothing more then a bust in Van-city, recording the worst season of his Hall of Fame career (he posted his worst ever points-per-game and goals-per-game totals). I’m damn glad that he chose not to go to Montreal, but I will admit that I wanted him on the Habs all summer. The only thing that'll keep the Canucks in this series is the phenomenal goaltending that Bobby Lu is sure to provide. I just can't see the Sedins being able to carry the team on their backs. Prediction: Blues in 7.

Spezzal Teams Playa: Back at the All-Star Game, I pointed out to my Avs-lovin’ friends how tightly packed the West had become. They were all lamenting the fact that their team found themselves in 14th place, even after I reminded them of the incredible 1981 turnaround that their franchise had experienced in the second half. Still not impressed, I was forced to bring out the big guns. After Colorado had pulled off back-to-back victories against the two hottest teams at the time (Calgary and Dallas), I boldly offered to wager that the only team below the Avs would, in fact, sneak into 8th place. Whether they thought I wasn’t being serious or if they were concerned about what kind of odds they’d have to give me, the fact that nobody was willing to take my action came as a bit of a relief. Now, these same people refuse to admit that I called St. Louis to leapfrog over six Western teams in two months, when they actually passed 8 teams to grab the 6th seed. All this to say that I have been a big fan of the Blues since I was driving that wagon solo, but now I’m ringing the bell to disembark. Prediction: Vancouver in 5 games.


Calgary (5) at Chicago (4)



Guru: Calgary is not the team it was early in the year. Kiprusoff is not the goalie he was. Chicago is ready now to win. And will. (Way to go out on a limb and predict ZERO upsets in the West).

Will: This series is very reminiscent of the Pens-Sens series, from last year. On the one hand, you have a very young and solid group of players with 2 number one goalies. On the other hand, you have a struggling team since the Trade Deadline (8-11-0), who have an over-worked goalie. I just don't see the Flames being able to compete against the Hawks. Prediction: Hawks in 5.

Spezzal Teams Playa: To those who remember my dust-up with Mother Puckers a few months ago, they can attest to my lack of patience. But how many of you remember the time I locked the Calgary Hitmen from posting messages, for his repeated attempts to get my goad via his insults of Denis Savard and his Hawks? If you can forgive yet another thinly-veiled, self-congratulatory blast from the past, you’ll afford me the opportunity to proclaim another of my early predictions, when I said a year and a half ago that the Hawks would compete for the Cup this Spring. Prediction: Blackhawks in 5 games.


So there you have it people. 24 predictions from the three biggest loudmouths you’ll meet in this league. We also made our picks for each of the subsequent Rounds, which I’ll post shortly. With almost half of the Game 1’s wrapped up as we speak, I thought I should publish this list right away. I have certainly never shied away from long essays, but mapping the layouts has been eating up all of my time this evening. I had hoped to have about ten articles up by now, but I guess I’ll just go ahead and post the Matchups for our pool before getting into the Official Rules, which have basically been laid out already. I just saw New Jersey score, but I assure you I had them all along, so don’t go saying that I only picked them after seeing Game 1. I’ve been wasting spending so much time on this site the past two hours, that I barely even saw any of the games. Now, I’m going to go have a smoke and catch the tail end of tonight’s action.

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