*macchiato done, cookies collected, time to write*
Ah, just when you thought I would never post again, I raise from the Ashes. Probably not for long. This blogging is so timeconsuming for me, that since late November, I have found zero time to write something. But how could I not return for my favourite pastime of the season: utterly and completely misreading the stars and other omens and failing in predicting the winner of the Stanley Cup!
But the Witch is back! And as last year, you can feast your eyes on a mix of wishful thinking, absurdity, hoping, runewatching, coin-flipping and crystal-ballery!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
[Senators #8 vs Rangers #1]
Last year the Rangers fought with all their might to make it to #8 ahead of the Canes. What a difference a year can make. This year they had several great runs and at times I had to admit they looked strong. Definitely stronger than I like seeing them. And they have King Henrik. Oh boy. But they also provided me with some fun moments and although I have no love for this squad at all, Torts definitely made my day the other week when he so openly dissed the Pens Prima Donnas. Nice. The Sens, ugh. So unless the Rangers decide to fail again in the first round, I can see them win this one quite easily. 4-2 Rags, I mean Rangers.
[Caps #7 vs Bruins #2]
Oh no. I hate this match-up this early in the Playoffs *wince*. Once the Flyers had 'left the building' last year, I totally jumped on the Bruins bandwagon. They were playing the game the way I had expected to see my Flyers play. But I have a soft spot for the Caps too. And correct me if I'm wrong, but there were some sparks in those last few games ... *ponders deeply* ... I can't think of bad things to say about the Bruins, such a complete team. And the Caps, do they even have a goalie?! But a little voice in my head is telling me to expect the perhaps unexpected and that maybe the Caps won't choke this time around. I am going to upset my buddy Sven with this and myself a bit too to be honest. 4-3 Caps.
[Devils #6 vs Panthers #3]
I have no particular interest in this match-up. Hate the Devils though, Panthers are so-so. So this is easy to decide on. The series score has nothing to do with me thinking the Panthers are THAT good, no, it's just a reflection of my dislike of the Debs. 4-0 Panthers.
[Flyers #5 vs Pens #4]
Oh boy. Really? In the first round? *sigh* Look. After the crazy trades that happened after the post-season I was really worried about how things would pan out for my Flyers this season. But I must admit, I am quite pleased. The season hasn't been perfect, but I had good hopes for a good Playoffs run. Hmm, well, if nothing else, I expect fireworks between the two. No love lost there! I don't mind seeing another bout of Lavvy trying to climb the boarding in order to give Bylsma a good talking to :D ... but the Pens, if they keep a healthy team, are quite formidable. Vomitted a bit in my mouth there :S ... so I am going for a mix of hoping and love for my Flyboys. 4-3 Flyers.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
[Kings #8 vs Nucks #1]
I just don't like the Nucks. Well, maybe Ryan Kessler, but that's it. The Kings have Anze! And Richie! And oh no, Carter, but I won't hold it against them. So simply because I hate the Nucks. I say. 4-2 Kings.
[Sharks #7 vs Blues #2]
Eh the Sharks made it again, eh? And the Blues too this time. What a lousy series, both are just such non-entities for me. So I am going to consult The Coins! Tail is Sharks. *flips a coin
several times* Oh, The Coins like a full series! 4-3 Blues. Whatever.
[Blackhawks #6 vs Yotes #3]
What is that? The Hawks are still here? I blotted them out last year. So pesky of them to return again ... *continues pretending the Hawks do not exist* ... guess that's a by for the Yotes. Lucky bastards. 4-0 - as they had no opponents - Yotes.
[Red Wings #5 vs Predators #4]
Red Wings, my fave Western team. So, easy for me. Wings of course win. Don't want them to get too tired. 4-2 Wings.
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS & FINALS
[Rangers vs Caps]
Ohhhh, with the Sens out of the way it is time for the Rangers to say bye bye. Come on Caps! 4-3 Caps.
[Panthers vs Flyers]
Yeah no rocket science required to figure out what I am going to predict here ;) ... 4-1 Flyers.
[Caps vs Flyers]
Caps, I love you guys, but my Flyers will get stronger with each series. 4-2 Flyers.
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS & FINALS
[Kings vs Blues]
As The Coins helped me out during the first round, let me consult them again. Kings are tails. Oooooh nice, I would have gone with the Kings here. And The Coins agree strongly. 4-1 Kings.
[Yotes - Red Wings]
No contest. Red Wings march through and quite easily too with lots of Datsyukian dekes. 4-1 Wings.
[Kings vs Red Wings]
You may know I am an Eastern Conference girl myself, but this is a sexy Western Conference Finals match-up. Delish! My Western faves have to win this one though, would love to see them in the SC Finals! But the Kings won't just give it up and will take it all the way to game seven, before gracefully bowing out. 4-3 Wings.
STANLEY CUP FINALS
[Flyers vs Red Wings]
Hahah, this is the exact same final series I predicted last year. My my, how wrong I was. But hey, a mix of wishful thinking, absurdity, hoping, runewatching, coin-flipping and crystal-ballery can be very potent and maybe this year that dream really will come true xD ... last year I predicted a 4-2 Flyers win and I see no reason why it should be different in this SC dream. So yeah. 4-2 Flyers. And I will be in Hockey Heaven!
So what do you think?
Showing posts with label detroit red wings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label detroit red wings. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Monday, 30 May 2011
Playoffs 2011 | Witchcrafting Revisited - Post SF | May 5th, 2011
{edit: totally forgot to post this one on May 5th, adding it now for future reference ;)}
After the Quarter Finals I had to redo part of my initial predictions. And had fun with those too. But I did not do to well! The Semi Finals were definitely a torture to watch! So how did I do?
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
[Caps vs Bolts] Yeah, did not see that one coming at all. Nor did Ovi. Never seen someone look so sad in a post-game interview. I felt like crying. But I think the Hockey Gods new. As I was writing my Whimsical Playoffs Predictions | Part Deux on April 28th, just as I posted the articled, huge thunder bolts lit up the sky and I edited the post back then, wondering I was wrong ... and boy was I ever!
My prediction: 4-2 Caps
Reality: 4-0 Bolts
[Flyers vs Bruins] - Not going to relive this one. I have written all I want to say at this stage the day after. We lost. Bruins swept us ... *sigh* ... I knew it would be a tough series ... but I was not ready for what really happened :) and The Coins were wrong on this one too.
My prediction: 4-2 Flyers
Reality: 4-0 Bruins
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
[Nuck vs Preds] - Yeah, this one exactly the way I predicted, cool.
My prediction: 4-2 Nucks
Reality: 4-2 Nucks
[Sharks vs Red Wings] - This one hurt, as much, or maybe even a bit more than the Flyers loss.
My prediction: 4-1
Reality: 4-3
The result:
I called one right. But when I am right, I really am right ... called the number of games correctly as well ;)
After the Quarter Finals I had to redo part of my initial predictions. And had fun with those too. But I did not do to well! The Semi Finals were definitely a torture to watch! So how did I do?
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
[Caps vs Bolts] Yeah, did not see that one coming at all. Nor did Ovi. Never seen someone look so sad in a post-game interview. I felt like crying. But I think the Hockey Gods new. As I was writing my Whimsical Playoffs Predictions | Part Deux on April 28th, just as I posted the articled, huge thunder bolts lit up the sky and I edited the post back then, wondering I was wrong ... and boy was I ever!
My prediction: 4-2 Caps
Reality: 4-0 Bolts
[Flyers vs Bruins] - Not going to relive this one. I have written all I want to say at this stage the day after. We lost. Bruins swept us ... *sigh* ... I knew it would be a tough series ... but I was not ready for what really happened :) and The Coins were wrong on this one too.
My prediction: 4-2 Flyers
Reality: 4-0 Bruins
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
[Nuck vs Preds] - Yeah, this one exactly the way I predicted, cool.
My prediction: 4-2 Nucks
Reality: 4-2 Nucks
[Sharks vs Red Wings] - This one hurt, as much, or maybe even a bit more than the Flyers loss.
My prediction: 4-1
Reality: 4-3
The result:
I called one right. But when I am right, I really am right ... called the number of games correctly as well ;)
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | SF Game 6 | May 11th, 2011
I just have to post this article, eventhough it is very baren. Just have the need to say WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
[Sharks-Red Wings] 1-3. Series tied at 3-3. I am so on the edge of my seat for this series. To me it is just amazing how the Wings rebounded after that 3-0 series deficit. Yes yes, veteran team, talented players etc etc, but a 3-0 is not something you just recover from. I am going to watch this game as soon as I get home and if time permits rewrite this post with additional insights.
In the mean time, CLICK HERE to see how Gordie Howe stuns Jimmy Howard. It was really cute! lol
{edit} Watched the game! What an energetic first period! It almost felt like watching a continuous hectic OT. The Red Wings were really offensive and I must say that Niemi bailed the Sharks out on numerous occasions. Not that the Sharks were without good opportunities, but much of the game took place in front of the Sharks' goal. Niemi had eighteen saves, Howard six in this period. No goals though. Which was amazing considering the chances. Second period continued in much the same vein. Red Wing Cleary had one of the more prolific chances as he broke away and put one past Niemi. At least everyone in the arena including the commentator thought so. It hit the goal post, but it sure was close. The game continued in a rather hectic manner and both the Sharks and Wings were chasing the puck all over the ice. Main difference was that the Wings were skating better and had more puck-time. A goalless, but very entertaining second period. Especially as in the final second we saw Holmstrom make a summersault as he tried to score a goal. Oh yeah. Let me add a pic.
And then came the third period. Slightly less energetic and I must say that despite knowing the outcome, I was a bit down after the Sharks scored. The Wings had so many opportunities so it was harsh to see this happen. But the Wings just did not give up. They kept creating opportunities and again some instances where Niemi had to do some crazy contortionistic moves to keep the zero up on the board for the Wings. But then the Wings soared, that Zetterberg/Kronwall/Filippula goal was awesome! Filippula then got the second goal with help from Datsyuk and Helm secured the win with an emptynetter. What a great game and again, Datsyuk was splendid! But then again so was everyone else on the squad! I am already nervous for Game 7!
[Sharks-Red Wings] 1-3. Series tied at 3-3. I am so on the edge of my seat for this series. To me it is just amazing how the Wings rebounded after that 3-0 series deficit. Yes yes, veteran team, talented players etc etc, but a 3-0 is not something you just recover from. I am going to watch this game as soon as I get home and if time permits rewrite this post with additional insights.
In the mean time, CLICK HERE to see how Gordie Howe stuns Jimmy Howard. It was really cute! lol
{edit} Watched the game! What an energetic first period! It almost felt like watching a continuous hectic OT. The Red Wings were really offensive and I must say that Niemi bailed the Sharks out on numerous occasions. Not that the Sharks were without good opportunities, but much of the game took place in front of the Sharks' goal. Niemi had eighteen saves, Howard six in this period. No goals though. Which was amazing considering the chances. Second period continued in much the same vein. Red Wing Cleary had one of the more prolific chances as he broke away and put one past Niemi. At least everyone in the arena including the commentator thought so. It hit the goal post, but it sure was close. The game continued in a rather hectic manner and both the Sharks and Wings were chasing the puck all over the ice. Main difference was that the Wings were skating better and had more puck-time. A goalless, but very entertaining second period. Especially as in the final second we saw Holmstrom make a summersault as he tried to score a goal. Oh yeah. Let me add a pic.
 |
| Hockey + Summersault = Fun |
Monday, 9 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | SF Game 5 | May 9th, 2011
We are getting dangled as much as the next puck that comes in touch with Datsyuk! Awesome news for me when I woke up this morning!
[Red Wings-Sharks] 4-3. Sharks lead series 3-2. The Wings live another game! Watched the highlights, read a bunch of reports, checked out all the post-game interviews and I think I will like what I see when I get back home to watch the game. Hahah, especially as my fave team won, I admit ;) ... based on the various interviews I watched the Wings have not necessarily played their best game and the Sharks may have had the edge at some point in the game. But you cannot deny that working hard can be the decisive factor in tight games and most kudos seem to go to Datsyuk - who played despite a wrist injury. Click this sentence to see yet another awesome Datsyuk move that leads to a goal! And turning a 3-1 deficit to a 4-3 win ... do not tell me that is luck ;) that is stamina and determination. Next stop: series tied! I truly, truly hope so.
Speaking of a tied series. Wonder if the Preds will tie their series tonight or if the Nucks will finally close this one out!
[Red Wings-Sharks] 4-3. Sharks lead series 3-2. The Wings live another game! Watched the highlights, read a bunch of reports, checked out all the post-game interviews and I think I will like what I see when I get back home to watch the game. Hahah, especially as my fave team won, I admit ;) ... based on the various interviews I watched the Wings have not necessarily played their best game and the Sharks may have had the edge at some point in the game. But you cannot deny that working hard can be the decisive factor in tight games and most kudos seem to go to Datsyuk - who played despite a wrist injury. Click this sentence to see yet another awesome Datsyuk move that leads to a goal! And turning a 3-1 deficit to a 4-3 win ... do not tell me that is luck ;) that is stamina and determination. Next stop: series tied! I truly, truly hope so.
Speaking of a tied series. Wonder if the Preds will tie their series tonight or if the Nucks will finally close this one out!
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | SF Game 4 | May 7th, 2011
Where to start? First of all, 7pm EST is 1am my time and I was not planning on watching the games last night. Was a busy week at work so a girl needs to recuperate right? But both the Flyers and Red Wings game kept me preoccupied and I could not fall asleep and I was constantly grabbing my BlackBerry to check the NHL applet. At one point I gave up this torture and got up and tuned in to ESPN America to watch the final period of the Sharks-Red Wings game which ESPN followed up with the third period of the Flyers-Bruins game. By the time I went to sleep it was past 5am and I was a mixed bag of emotions and sleep deprivation lol
[Sharks-Red Wings] 3-4. Sharks lead series 3-1. My favourite Western Conference team lives to play another game! I liked how they quickly got to the 3-0 lead and liked it less when I saw it dwindle to 3-3 on the applet. At which point I decided to give up on this 'trying to sleep'-thing and got up to watch the rest of the third period. And it was very exciting. The Wings kept hunting for a winner and the Sharks were pretty much doing the same. It went back and forth and then Helm scored the fourth goal just as I was thinking 'Oh no, we're up for another OT'. I was on the edge of my seat for the last seconds of the game and never did time go so slowly. And I probably should not but I have admit to something very girly here. As the seconds ran out I was overwhelmed by it all and I found myself crying a bit lol ... I was so happy at least one of my faves evaded a sweep ...
[Flyers-Bruins] 1-5. Boston sweep series 4-0. Yes you probably heard about it ... my Flyers got SWEPT! Oh stop smirking at me like that! Two were emptynetters ok? But yeah, it all went downhill after game two and they never recovered. During the last two games at times I would see the Flyers that dominated the first half of the season, but all in all they were nothing but a ghost of their 'former' self. As if it was ages ago. But how else to describe it? Lines that once clicked perfectly and linemates that once found eachother blindly failed to generate goals. During the last period I saw things I have never seen before: shots on goal from the red line?! Sure, always try to take a shot, but that was just ridiculous. Bad stick-handling. Nervous undirected and even completely missed shots. Do not even get me going on the Playoffs goaltending situation. Sergei was in my opinion the saving grace in this final game. Do not blame him at all. And Lavi, who was such a rock for us seemed to have lost his coaching skills and confidence-inspiring coolness. And the Bruins were awesome the entire series. Credit where credit is due! Having said all that, I did see my guys give all the energy they had in them, but it was not enough to pull them through.
This series will be analysed to death and much better too, so I will not even attempt it, but in short this is what I think.
As for the Bruins, I like these guys. Chara, Bergeron, Kaberle (yeah the Leafs were right about shipping him out, but I still like the guy), Ference (my hero eversince he flipped off the Habs fans), Lucic, Timmie ... awesome players. And the Bruins played the kind of game I was used to seeing my Flyers play. Physical to the max and dominating. So yeah, as I finally went to bed after 5am I was pissed off and ready to hate them. But with a few hours of sleep behind me and a really sunny day ahead the little bit of hate has gone and well, might even cheer for them to win the next series. What can I say, I am not a sore loser and we all deal with loss differently right? ;)
[Sharks-Red Wings] 3-4. Sharks lead series 3-1. My favourite Western Conference team lives to play another game! I liked how they quickly got to the 3-0 lead and liked it less when I saw it dwindle to 3-3 on the applet. At which point I decided to give up on this 'trying to sleep'-thing and got up to watch the rest of the third period. And it was very exciting. The Wings kept hunting for a winner and the Sharks were pretty much doing the same. It went back and forth and then Helm scored the fourth goal just as I was thinking 'Oh no, we're up for another OT'. I was on the edge of my seat for the last seconds of the game and never did time go so slowly. And I probably should not but I have admit to something very girly here. As the seconds ran out I was overwhelmed by it all and I found myself crying a bit lol ... I was so happy at least one of my faves evaded a sweep ...
[Flyers-Bruins] 1-5. Boston sweep series 4-0. Yes you probably heard about it ... my Flyers got SWEPT! Oh stop smirking at me like that! Two were emptynetters ok? But yeah, it all went downhill after game two and they never recovered. During the last two games at times I would see the Flyers that dominated the first half of the season, but all in all they were nothing but a ghost of their 'former' self. As if it was ages ago. But how else to describe it? Lines that once clicked perfectly and linemates that once found eachother blindly failed to generate goals. During the last period I saw things I have never seen before: shots on goal from the red line?! Sure, always try to take a shot, but that was just ridiculous. Bad stick-handling. Nervous undirected and even completely missed shots. Do not even get me going on the Playoffs goaltending situation. Sergei was in my opinion the saving grace in this final game. Do not blame him at all. And Lavi, who was such a rock for us seemed to have lost his coaching skills and confidence-inspiring coolness. And the Bruins were awesome the entire series. Credit where credit is due! Having said all that, I did see my guys give all the energy they had in them, but it was not enough to pull them through.
This series will be analysed to death and much better too, so I will not even attempt it, but in short this is what I think.
- Things went downhill after the ASG and got worse with the addition of Versteeg. Lines were messed up.
- The biggest WTF fuck moment of this season was when they called Leights back up for the Playoffs. Now I know our goalies were not the best, but to call up Leights? Great confidence booster for Sergei and Boosh *rolls eyes* ... that was just plain stupid and should not have happened. Not allowing Sergei back in net for Game 2 was the worst mistake. Sergei may have had the occasional bad game, but he always bounced back the next one.
- Lavi. Something is not right there. And the bad spell must have created locker-room issues. I am waiting for post-season fall-out!
As for the Bruins, I like these guys. Chara, Bergeron, Kaberle (yeah the Leafs were right about shipping him out, but I still like the guy), Ference (my hero eversince he flipped off the Habs fans), Lucic, Timmie ... awesome players. And the Bruins played the kind of game I was used to seeing my Flyers play. Physical to the max and dominating. So yeah, as I finally went to bed after 5am I was pissed off and ready to hate them. But with a few hours of sleep behind me and a really sunny day ahead the little bit of hate has gone and well, might even cheer for them to win the next series. What can I say, I am not a sore loser and we all deal with loss differently right? ;)
Friday, 6 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | SF Game 4 | May 6th, 2011
Just one game last night, giving me some time to recuperate. Finally a series that performs a bit according to my predictions, but I have no emotional ties to either team so it does not really help me fight off my upcoming Playoffs Round 2 depression ;)
[Nucks-Preds] 4-2. Nucks lead series 3-1. A few notable things:
- Kesler makes scoring look so easy ...
- A Sedin Twin finally scores. An empty-netter. But this far into the Playoffs I bet Henrik does not care. Any goal is appreciated by now lol ... interesting enough in my original predictions I did mention the Sedin twins would not perform that great. Maybe I do have some psychic abilities lol
- Suter loses his temper big time. Quite out of character I read all over the place. Kesler does some acting and plays the innocent party. Suter is annoyed and tells the journos that Kesler hit Mike Fisher in the face and that all he wanted to do was to make sure that Kesler knew that was unacceptable. But grabbing someone by the head and shoulders and chuck them on the ice hardly sounds like the proper thing to do. At least Suter owned up to it and said he should not have done it
Tonight's games are already making me feel nervous, both my Flyers and the Red Wings face losing their respective series 4-0. SWEEP! I hope not ... but I am very worried. Very, very worried.
Oh, and here my predictions. Not looking good at all lol
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions - New & Improved
PS ... No, Keith Urban + Nicole Kidman + Annoying Green Men are NOT notable imho ;)
[Nucks-Preds] 4-2. Nucks lead series 3-1. A few notable things:
- Kesler makes scoring look so easy ...
- Suter loses his temper big time. Quite out of character I read all over the place. Kesler does some acting and plays the innocent party. Suter is annoyed and tells the journos that Kesler hit Mike Fisher in the face and that all he wanted to do was to make sure that Kesler knew that was unacceptable. But grabbing someone by the head and shoulders and chuck them on the ice hardly sounds like the proper thing to do. At least Suter owned up to it and said he should not have done it
Tonight's games are already making me feel nervous, both my Flyers and the Red Wings face losing their respective series 4-0. SWEEP! I hope not ... but I am very worried. Very, very worried.
Oh, and here my predictions. Not looking good at all lol
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions - New & Improved
PS ... No, Keith Urban + Nicole Kidman + Annoying Green Men are NOT notable imho ;)
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | SF Game 3 & 4 | May 5th, 2011
If I had a less sunny disposition I would be very depressed this morning! I did not sleep well in general and waking up to a bunch of losses - from my point of view anyways - hardly gave me the morning start I was looking for ;) ... where to start? My first thought: What The Hell Is Going On?!?!
[Caps-Bolts] 3-5. Bolts sweep the series with 4-0. Wow, I never expected this. I dig the Bolts and I know they are a tough team to play but a 4-0 sweep is just amazing. Expected them to make things difficult for the Caps, but definitely had the Caps pegged as series winner. Looking at the games the Bolts did not even outplay the Caps, but somehow they managed to keep the edge and just win. Excellent result for them and their seventh win in a row these Playoffs. Can they keep it up in the Conference Finals? Let me close the chapter on the Caps with a long Ovi-quote: "I don't think we miss something. We have unbelievable team, great locker room, great atmosphere … but we just miss one opportunity to win one game and didn't bounce back. Again, it happened and we're going to see what is going to happen. This locker room is unbelievable. Everybody supports everybody. I hope this same team is going to be here next year." Yes, there is always next year! ;)
[Flyers-Bruins] 1-5. Bruins lead series 3-0. Well, I could totally cry over this result. But lets not go that far hahah. I watched the first fifteen minutes of this game, then I really had to get some sleep, but those two early goals were awesome from a Bruins perspective, but I was thinking "Lavi, chatting with Boosh is not going to save this game". Although admittedly Boosh did look a bit better after the chat - for the rest of the period anyways. And even the rest of my guys looked a bit less ruffled. But that lightning fast Bruins start put a dent in my confidence in the outcome of this game for sure. I tell you, waking up during the night, checking the NHL app nervously, seeing your team is behind 4-1, is not a lot of fun. Seeing the end result was 'only' 5-1 actually felt good :p ... I have DVR'ed this game and I will watch any Flyers game, a loss or not, but I might just skip this one. What do you guys think? Can someone please tell me if Sergei looked half-decent in goal? I hope that the powers that be will finally decide on an experienced and accomplished starter for next year. I am a total Sergei fan and I am positive he will continue to grow as a goalie next year and will be awesome for the Flyers ... but until he reaches that potential it would be great to have someone in net who is NOT Boosh and certainly not Leights. But it is unfair to blame the goalies for everything. I was not impressed by the rest either during the first period. Now, we know that last year we got back from that 3-0 series deficit, but can be do the same this year? I fear Game 4. If my guys show the sheer brilliance I know they possess I will be inclined to still believe. And for the love of all that is good, guys, do not allow the Bruins a full sweep! *worried*
[Sharks-Red Wings] 4-3. Sharks lead series 3-0. An OT win for the Sharks. The various reports I read are fuzzy about this one, I will have to see for myself to make any assumptions I suppose. But having Zetterberg and Datsyuk in the Three Star Selection to me reeks of an awesome game by the Wings, but somehow they just failed to win this one. If I manage to watch this game today I might add a bit more insights, but this it for now.
Hahah, writing this up is actually a bit of a downer for me.
*eats an apple and starts musing about the next round*
[Caps-Bolts] 3-5. Bolts sweep the series with 4-0. Wow, I never expected this. I dig the Bolts and I know they are a tough team to play but a 4-0 sweep is just amazing. Expected them to make things difficult for the Caps, but definitely had the Caps pegged as series winner. Looking at the games the Bolts did not even outplay the Caps, but somehow they managed to keep the edge and just win. Excellent result for them and their seventh win in a row these Playoffs. Can they keep it up in the Conference Finals? Let me close the chapter on the Caps with a long Ovi-quote: "I don't think we miss something. We have unbelievable team, great locker room, great atmosphere … but we just miss one opportunity to win one game and didn't bounce back. Again, it happened and we're going to see what is going to happen. This locker room is unbelievable. Everybody supports everybody. I hope this same team is going to be here next year." Yes, there is always next year! ;)
[Flyers-Bruins] 1-5. Bruins lead series 3-0. Well, I could totally cry over this result. But lets not go that far hahah. I watched the first fifteen minutes of this game, then I really had to get some sleep, but those two early goals were awesome from a Bruins perspective, but I was thinking "Lavi, chatting with Boosh is not going to save this game". Although admittedly Boosh did look a bit better after the chat - for the rest of the period anyways. And even the rest of my guys looked a bit less ruffled. But that lightning fast Bruins start put a dent in my confidence in the outcome of this game for sure. I tell you, waking up during the night, checking the NHL app nervously, seeing your team is behind 4-1, is not a lot of fun. Seeing the end result was 'only' 5-1 actually felt good :p ... I have DVR'ed this game and I will watch any Flyers game, a loss or not, but I might just skip this one. What do you guys think? Can someone please tell me if Sergei looked half-decent in goal? I hope that the powers that be will finally decide on an experienced and accomplished starter for next year. I am a total Sergei fan and I am positive he will continue to grow as a goalie next year and will be awesome for the Flyers ... but until he reaches that potential it would be great to have someone in net who is NOT Boosh and certainly not Leights. But it is unfair to blame the goalies for everything. I was not impressed by the rest either during the first period. Now, we know that last year we got back from that 3-0 series deficit, but can be do the same this year? I fear Game 4. If my guys show the sheer brilliance I know they possess I will be inclined to still believe. And for the love of all that is good, guys, do not allow the Bruins a full sweep! *worried*
[Sharks-Red Wings] 4-3. Sharks lead series 3-0. An OT win for the Sharks. The various reports I read are fuzzy about this one, I will have to see for myself to make any assumptions I suppose. But having Zetterberg and Datsyuk in the Three Star Selection to me reeks of an awesome game by the Wings, but somehow they just failed to win this one. If I manage to watch this game today I might add a bit more insights, but this it for now.
Hahah, writing this up is actually a bit of a downer for me.
*eats an apple and starts musing about the next round*
Monday, 2 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | SF Game 2 | May 2nd, 2011
Hmm. What the hell is going on?! Both my series faves have failed to win and are now 2-0 behind in their respective series. Add to that that horrible Flyers game (for me anyways hahah) and my hockey weekend was not so great ;)
[Red Wings-Sharks] 2-1. Sharks lead series 2-0. Watched the second and third period and somehow the game did not pull me in. At least the Wings played better than in Game 1. And Datsyuk dazzled me a few times :D ... let me see. The Wings PPs were far from great again and the game was very even in many respects. I think the difference can be found in the Sharks' D ... look at the three stars: Niemi, White and Whallin. A goalie and 2 D-guys :)
[Bolts-Caps] 3-2. Bolts lead series 2-0. I was actually watching the rerun of this game as I was writing this up. It was a fun game to watch, but the Caps just were not not sharp enough in front of the Bolts' net and like so many other teams did not manage to capitalise on PP situations. But the same can be said for the Bolts. They did however make it 2-1 in the third and as the minutes were winding down I was ready to write this down as a 2-1 loss for the Caps. But leave it to Ovi to pull a stunt so it was awesome to see him score with just 68 seconds left on the clock! He is just such a beast out there on the ice! So it was OT time and it was a pitty that some asinine line changes by the Caps gave the Bolts the edge. But the Bolts' celebration when Lecavalier scored the OT goal was fun to watch. I just cannot hate the Bolts, they are a fun team :)
But boy, so far the Game 1s and 2s have wreaked havoc on my predictions. Hurry over to this place to see those:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions - New & Improved
And feel free to leave your own predictions in the comments :D
[Red Wings-Sharks] 2-1. Sharks lead series 2-0. Watched the second and third period and somehow the game did not pull me in. At least the Wings played better than in Game 1. And Datsyuk dazzled me a few times :D ... let me see. The Wings PPs were far from great again and the game was very even in many respects. I think the difference can be found in the Sharks' D ... look at the three stars: Niemi, White and Whallin. A goalie and 2 D-guys :)
[Bolts-Caps] 3-2. Bolts lead series 2-0. I was actually watching the rerun of this game as I was writing this up. It was a fun game to watch, but the Caps just were not not sharp enough in front of the Bolts' net and like so many other teams did not manage to capitalise on PP situations. But the same can be said for the Bolts. They did however make it 2-1 in the third and as the minutes were winding down I was ready to write this down as a 2-1 loss for the Caps. But leave it to Ovi to pull a stunt so it was awesome to see him score with just 68 seconds left on the clock! He is just such a beast out there on the ice! So it was OT time and it was a pitty that some asinine line changes by the Caps gave the Bolts the edge. But the Bolts' celebration when Lecavalier scored the OT goal was fun to watch. I just cannot hate the Bolts, they are a fun team :)
But boy, so far the Game 1s and 2s have wreaked havoc on my predictions. Hurry over to this place to see those:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions - New & Improved
And feel free to leave your own predictions in the comments :D
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Playoffs Tidbit | Shark Bites Wing | April 30th, 2011
Normally I do not like any type of costume set up during sports games. Not even mascots! It's not Halloween, it's not a costume party, it's a sports game!!
But even I must admit this is awesome lol
But even I must admit this is awesome lol
Playoffs Daily | SF Game 1 | April 30th, 2011
Last night we had Game 1 of the Semi-Finals for the Caps vs Bolts and Preds vs Wings. The good news is I finally caught some live Playoffs action again. The bad news is that I fell asleep during the second period of the Caps game lol.
[Bolts-Caps] 4-2. Bolts lead series 1-0. Well, I managed to watch some of it at least. It was enjoyable enough with two goals by the Caps and one by the Bolts. Only one of the Caps' goals got denied, so into first intermission the score was 1-1. I struggled through intermission and managed to watch a bit of the second period, even saw Eric Fehr score to really make it 2-1. All was good. But when I woke up the table had been turned and the Bolts had won. Good on them, but I really want the Caps to move on. Ovi made me laugh a bit during his post-game interview. He looked a bit down and said: "We didn't play our game. We, I think, played too cute (!!) and we take lots of penalties. And that cost us. Again, you know, it is over and we have to get ready for the next game." Cute!
[Red Wings-Sharks] 1-2. Sharks lead series 1-0. I woke up to see the Wings lead 1-0. Convinced they would win it, I went back to sleeping, but I just found out they lost. Coach Babcock said it all. He thought the Sharks were better and that they skated very well. He then went on to say that he thought the first period would be their worst, but alas, it was not the case. The Sharks dominated, the Wings took way too many penalties and as the coach put it: "You can't be in the penalty box and expect to survive." Very honest analysis, like it. But the way he was talking you would think nothing went right ;) ... it did take the Sharks an OT goal to win! Well hey, the Wings will reclaim their awesomeness in the next game.
And I need to spend some time on the topic of Sidney Crosby. I just came across an article on NHL.com and I was sad to read that he has had a bit of a setback and that it is unclear when he will return. He hopes to be back for the next season. Listen, Sid was for a long time my favourite guy to hate, but eversince he had the concussion and is struggling so hard to get back, I just cannot hate him. I feel sorry for him and I genuinly wish he will return quickly. We can list his annoying traits but in the end he is an amazing hockey player and I want to see him do his thing again. I can go back to hating on him when he gets back :)
For that full article you can visit the NHL page!
Crosby: Symptoms recurrent
Hurry over to this place to read my updated predictions:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions - New & Improved
[Bolts-Caps] 4-2. Bolts lead series 1-0. Well, I managed to watch some of it at least. It was enjoyable enough with two goals by the Caps and one by the Bolts. Only one of the Caps' goals got denied, so into first intermission the score was 1-1. I struggled through intermission and managed to watch a bit of the second period, even saw Eric Fehr score to really make it 2-1. All was good. But when I woke up the table had been turned and the Bolts had won. Good on them, but I really want the Caps to move on. Ovi made me laugh a bit during his post-game interview. He looked a bit down and said: "We didn't play our game. We, I think, played too cute (!!) and we take lots of penalties. And that cost us. Again, you know, it is over and we have to get ready for the next game." Cute!
[Red Wings-Sharks] 1-2. Sharks lead series 1-0. I woke up to see the Wings lead 1-0. Convinced they would win it, I went back to sleeping, but I just found out they lost. Coach Babcock said it all. He thought the Sharks were better and that they skated very well. He then went on to say that he thought the first period would be their worst, but alas, it was not the case. The Sharks dominated, the Wings took way too many penalties and as the coach put it: "You can't be in the penalty box and expect to survive." Very honest analysis, like it. But the way he was talking you would think nothing went right ;) ... it did take the Sharks an OT goal to win! Well hey, the Wings will reclaim their awesomeness in the next game.
And I need to spend some time on the topic of Sidney Crosby. I just came across an article on NHL.com and I was sad to read that he has had a bit of a setback and that it is unclear when he will return. He hopes to be back for the next season. Listen, Sid was for a long time my favourite guy to hate, but eversince he had the concussion and is struggling so hard to get back, I just cannot hate him. I feel sorry for him and I genuinly wish he will return quickly. We can list his annoying traits but in the end he is an amazing hockey player and I want to see him do his thing again. I can go back to hating on him when he gets back :)
For that full article you can visit the NHL page!
Crosby: Symptoms recurrent
Hurry over to this place to read my updated predictions:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions - New & Improved
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Playoffs 2011 Predictions | Witchcrafting Part Deux | April 28th, 2011
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions - New & Improved
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS & FINALS
[Caps vs Bolts]
I had Caps versus Pens, but alas, the Pens got booted out. I like this match-up. I think we might be in for a few good games. But the Caps will get this one. 4-2 Caps. {edit: as I posted this, some huge thunder bolts lit up the sky, maybe I am wrong ...}
[Flyers vs Bruins]
I predicted this match-up, so no changes here. In my original predictions I said Sergei Bobrovksy would settle in nicely and beat Thomas. Since then we have seen Leighton and Boosh in net. We have seen Sergei in the press box. I am glad that mistake has been corrected. So Leights is apparently injured, I hope he stays the hell away from our goal. He has no business there. I can live with Boosh being the starter and I am happy Sergei is once again on the bench. Whew. With that out of the way, let me see. It will be the most physical series. Both teams have a similar style and I think that at the end of the series someone should post a video with all the hits. It might make a fine movie! Flyers are on a roll now I think and it will not be easy, but my guys will win 4-2.
[Caps vs Flyers]
Caps, I love you guys, but my Flyers will sail right past you. I just do not want to say 4-2 again. I think I will consult The Coins. Well, at least they agree with me the Flyers will win, but it will take a game more: 4-3 Flyers.
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS & FINALS
[Nucks vs Preds]
Had the Ducks here first. But the Preds ate my Duckling and are now in the Semi-Finals. I do not like it much. Yeah, I think the Nucks will make it. I just honestly do not think the Preds are a match for these guys. But as the Nucks like to make things tough on themselves I am going to say they are headed for another seven game series. 4-3 Nucks. No, I just cannot believe it. Not against the Preds. 4-2 Nucks.
[Sharks vs Red Wings]
Got this one right. Still no contest. Red Wings march through and quite easily too with lots of Datsyukian dekes. 4-1 Wings.
[Nucks vs Red Wings]
Ha! And now the Playoffs really are over for the Nucks. They are tired and the Wings will beat them in five games! Yeah! 4-1 Wings.
STANLEY CUP FINALS
[Flyers vs Red Wings]
My dream comes true. My Flyboys totally dominate and even Datsyuk cannot save the Wings. But good effort there! 4-2 FLYERS!!
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS & FINALS
[Caps vs Bolts]
I had Caps versus Pens, but alas, the Pens got booted out. I like this match-up. I think we might be in for a few good games. But the Caps will get this one. 4-2 Caps. {edit: as I posted this, some huge thunder bolts lit up the sky, maybe I am wrong ...}
[Flyers vs Bruins]
I predicted this match-up, so no changes here. In my original predictions I said Sergei Bobrovksy would settle in nicely and beat Thomas. Since then we have seen Leighton and Boosh in net. We have seen Sergei in the press box. I am glad that mistake has been corrected. So Leights is apparently injured, I hope he stays the hell away from our goal. He has no business there. I can live with Boosh being the starter and I am happy Sergei is once again on the bench. Whew. With that out of the way, let me see. It will be the most physical series. Both teams have a similar style and I think that at the end of the series someone should post a video with all the hits. It might make a fine movie! Flyers are on a roll now I think and it will not be easy, but my guys will win 4-2.
[Caps vs Flyers]
Caps, I love you guys, but my Flyers will sail right past you. I just do not want to say 4-2 again. I think I will consult The Coins. Well, at least they agree with me the Flyers will win, but it will take a game more: 4-3 Flyers.
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS & FINALS
[Nucks vs Preds]
Had the Ducks here first. But the Preds ate my Duckling and are now in the Semi-Finals. I do not like it much. Yeah, I think the Nucks will make it. I just honestly do not think the Preds are a match for these guys. But as the Nucks like to make things tough on themselves I am going to say they are headed for another seven game series. 4-3 Nucks. No, I just cannot believe it. Not against the Preds. 4-2 Nucks.
[Sharks vs Red Wings]
Got this one right. Still no contest. Red Wings march through and quite easily too with lots of Datsyukian dekes. 4-1 Wings.
[Nucks vs Red Wings]
Ha! And now the Playoffs really are over for the Nucks. They are tired and the Wings will beat them in five games! Yeah! 4-1 Wings.
STANLEY CUP FINALS
[Flyers vs Red Wings]
My dream comes true. My Flyboys totally dominate and even Datsyuk cannot save the Wings. But good effort there! 4-2 FLYERS!!
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Playoffs Tidbit | Datsyukian Deke
Thanks NHL *highfive* for uploading this vid. This move was so awesome that I want to share it with everyone and keep it archived in my blog for eternal viewing lol
Datsyukian Deke | Game 2
Click it! If you have seen it you know how awesome it is. If not, prepare yourself for some cool stuff!
Datsyukian Deke | Game 2
Click it! If you have seen it you know how awesome it is. If not, prepare yourself for some cool stuff!
Playoffs Daily | QF Game 2 | April 17th, 2011
At last! I got to watch a few games rather than only getting to read about them the next day. Which also gives me much more to write about ;)
I got home just in time to see the Wings score their second goal and even better, I was in time to see Datsyuk perform one of his famous moves.
Luca Caputi said it best per Twitter:
I got home just in time to see the Wings score their second goal and even better, I was in time to see Datsyuk perform one of his famous moves.
Luca Caputi said it best per Twitter:
Luca Caputi
Monday, 11 April 2011
Stars, Stars, Stars ... forgot to reach for the stars | April 11th 2011
ESPN America was very gracious yesterday and showed two early games so I had a hockey-filled Sunday evening! The Flyers and Leafs played their last games on Saturday (will post a short message later) so I thought I would have a nice tension-free hockey evening.
Two games: Red Wings vs Blackhawks and Penguins vs Thrashers. If you have read any of my previous posts, you will recall that the only team I like out of these four are the Wings. The Pens & Thrashers are on my hate-list and the Blackhawks ... I just really do not like them. Hmm, odd, I thought I hated the Pens & Habs most, but at least I *love* to hate them. Blackhawks, I do not even want to think about them really, I just pretend they do not exist lol
OK the games.
Pens-Thrashers >> 5-2
- A rather boring game. I was definitely not on the edge of my seat
- But memorable because after all the games had been played, the Pens confirmed their penalty killing grandness, 86.1% ... have to give them props for that!
Wings-Blackhawks >> 4-3
- Hell yeah! That was exciting. I was definitely on the edge of my seat for this one!
- I wanted the Blackhawks to lose this one, because then the Stars would have the chance to clinch the 8th spot in the Western Conference and boot the Hawks out of contention!
- So you can imagine my chagrin when just 5 minutes into the game the Hawks scored. And you could see they had momentum. How different it was just a few minutes later. The Wings managed to reclaim momentum really quickly there! First Holmstrom scored and a minute later my man Datsyuk scored one too (he was also awarded the 1st star)
- And from there on the Wings did not give up the lead although the Hawks kept hunting. Both teams played a high-octane game and after three periods I was tired just from watching ;)
And that brings me to the title of this article. The Dallas Stars were in control of their own destiny. All they had to do was beat the Wild. But they did not. Instead they fell, hit Earth atmosphere and fizzled out in the atmosphere not even reaching the surface. I have not watched the game so cannot offer my view on how that went, but it's a pitty they failed to win this one. I am sure they agree ;)
[edit April 12th] Watched a rerun of the Dallas-Wild game yesterday and cannot say I was surprised at the outcome, Stars were not shining
Two games: Red Wings vs Blackhawks and Penguins vs Thrashers. If you have read any of my previous posts, you will recall that the only team I like out of these four are the Wings. The Pens & Thrashers are on my hate-list and the Blackhawks ... I just really do not like them. Hmm, odd, I thought I hated the Pens & Habs most, but at least I *love* to hate them. Blackhawks, I do not even want to think about them really, I just pretend they do not exist lol
OK the games.
Pens-Thrashers >> 5-2
- A rather boring game. I was definitely not on the edge of my seat
- But memorable because after all the games had been played, the Pens confirmed their penalty killing grandness, 86.1% ... have to give them props for that!
Wings-Blackhawks >> 4-3
- Hell yeah! That was exciting. I was definitely on the edge of my seat for this one!
- I wanted the Blackhawks to lose this one, because then the Stars would have the chance to clinch the 8th spot in the Western Conference and boot the Hawks out of contention!
- So you can imagine my chagrin when just 5 minutes into the game the Hawks scored. And you could see they had momentum. How different it was just a few minutes later. The Wings managed to reclaim momentum really quickly there! First Holmstrom scored and a minute later my man Datsyuk scored one too (he was also awarded the 1st star)
- And from there on the Wings did not give up the lead although the Hawks kept hunting. Both teams played a high-octane game and after three periods I was tired just from watching ;)
And that brings me to the title of this article. The Dallas Stars were in control of their own destiny. All they had to do was beat the Wild. But they did not. Instead they fell, hit Earth atmosphere and fizzled out in the atmosphere not even reaching the surface. I have not watched the game so cannot offer my view on how that went, but it's a pitty they failed to win this one. I am sure they agree ;)
[edit April 12th] Watched a rerun of the Dallas-Wild game yesterday and cannot say I was surprised at the outcome, Stars were not shining
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