{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 ;)
Showing posts with label sharks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sharks. Show all posts
Monday, 30 May 2011
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | WCF Game 5 | May 25th, 2011
And here I thought the Bruins-Bolts game was weird. This one was even wilder. Crazy bouncing pucks, amazing saves, last-second heroics, double OT ... they should turn it into a movie ;)
[Sharks-Nucks] 2-3. Nucks clinch series 4-1. Well done Nucks! Maybe not your best ever game, but certainly one of the more memorable and I am sure some of it will be replayed often for years to come!
♦ I am not sure which is the more amazing moment of the game. Kesler's last minute score or Bieksa's winner. I think I will go with Kesler's last minute goal. Without it, the rest would not have happened. This really is the stuff movies are made of. A not entirely fit Kesler, battling till the very last minute of regulation, to score a cool and collected goal with just 14 seconds left on the clock! I just hope he will be good to go for the Finals. Or not lol ... I want an Eastern Conference winner. No, I mean yes, I want an EC winner, but they should still earn it fair and square and that requires beating a guy like Kesler! If you have read earlier posts you might recall that Kesler is a favourite NHL athlete of mine eventhough I have little interest in the Nucks. But some athletes just deserve the admiration ;) ... and he had me worried when he limped off the ice in the second period and did not return for the remainder of the period. Quote: "No, I'll play on one leg, I don't care ... it's all about the team right now."
♦ Goalscoring ... not much of it considering they spent 90 minutes on the ice ;) ... but no matter. Burrows was first to score (first period) for the Nucks after some magic passing between the Sedins. In the second period Marleau scored the equaliser on a PP. Just seconds into the third, Setoguchi scored for what for the longest time seemed to be the game-winner. But yeah ... then Ryan Kesler happened and we had ourselves an OT game. First OT morphed into second OT and the clock said 10:18 when Bieksa scored the winner
♦ Shots on goal action: Nucks had 34, Sharks had 56! The Sharks had 15 in the first period and 16 in a frenzied first OT. A lot of work for Luongo ;)
♦ Goaltending. A save percentage of 0.912 for Niemi, not bad at all, but Luongo saved 54 out of 56 shots, giving him an average of 0.964. No choking for him this game!
♦ OK, Bieksa time. I watched this over and over and over and over and it just boggled my mind. I just could not figure out what happened there. Everyone, Sharks and Nucks alike, agree on one thing: Bieksa is the only one who knew where the puck went. While the rest was looking back and forth trying to locate the puck, he saw it and went for a one-timer! Took this video however to make me understand what happened:
What a game!
[Sharks-Nucks] 2-3. Nucks clinch series 4-1. Well done Nucks! Maybe not your best ever game, but certainly one of the more memorable and I am sure some of it will be replayed often for years to come!
♦ I am not sure which is the more amazing moment of the game. Kesler's last minute score or Bieksa's winner. I think I will go with Kesler's last minute goal. Without it, the rest would not have happened. This really is the stuff movies are made of. A not entirely fit Kesler, battling till the very last minute of regulation, to score a cool and collected goal with just 14 seconds left on the clock! I just hope he will be good to go for the Finals. Or not lol ... I want an Eastern Conference winner. No, I mean yes, I want an EC winner, but they should still earn it fair and square and that requires beating a guy like Kesler! If you have read earlier posts you might recall that Kesler is a favourite NHL athlete of mine eventhough I have little interest in the Nucks. But some athletes just deserve the admiration ;) ... and he had me worried when he limped off the ice in the second period and did not return for the remainder of the period. Quote: "No, I'll play on one leg, I don't care ... it's all about the team right now."
♦ Goalscoring ... not much of it considering they spent 90 minutes on the ice ;) ... but no matter. Burrows was first to score (first period) for the Nucks after some magic passing between the Sedins. In the second period Marleau scored the equaliser on a PP. Just seconds into the third, Setoguchi scored for what for the longest time seemed to be the game-winner. But yeah ... then Ryan Kesler happened and we had ourselves an OT game. First OT morphed into second OT and the clock said 10:18 when Bieksa scored the winner
♦ Shots on goal action: Nucks had 34, Sharks had 56! The Sharks had 15 in the first period and 16 in a frenzied first OT. A lot of work for Luongo ;)
♦ Goaltending. A save percentage of 0.912 for Niemi, not bad at all, but Luongo saved 54 out of 56 shots, giving him an average of 0.964. No choking for him this game!
♦ OK, Bieksa time. I watched this over and over and over and over and it just boggled my mind. I just could not figure out what happened there. Everyone, Sharks and Nucks alike, agree on one thing: Bieksa is the only one who knew where the puck went. While the rest was looking back and forth trying to locate the puck, he saw it and went for a one-timer! Took this video however to make me understand what happened:
What a game!
Monday, 23 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | WCF Game 4 | May 23rd, 2011
The fans were psyched for this game, but as a neutral party for me this Game 4 started out rather dull. I found first intermission more entertaining than the first period ;) ... but it got better though and eventually pulled me in and made for a fun hockey night.
[Nucks-Sharks] 4-2. Nucks lead series 3-1. It took Kesler's 5-on-3 goal in the second period to wake me up.
♦ Then it really got embarrassing for the Sharks. Two more 5-on-3 goals followed in quick succesion, both scored by Salo. I did not expect PPs to play such a large role really, not with PKs being so effective in the last couple of months. In the east anyways, maybe it was different in the west
♦ Third period was really exciting. It was definitely fast-paced but both teams lacked control. At least it made for better watching and then came that wonderfully executed goal by the Burrows, making it a 4-0. Henrik Sedin set Burrows up nicely for this one!
♦ A budy wrote 'They're done'. Guess he nearly jinxed the Nucks as a second later the Sharks finally got rid off the zero on the scoreboard. They kept us guessing for a while as the goal went on review (possible highsticking) but in the end it was a good hockey goal. The goal generated a little momentum shift to the advantage of the Sharks and their hard work paid off with another goal. You could definitely see the pressure building, but in the end they ran out of time
♦ Low-light of the game: Torres' hit on Thornton. It was brutal and I was annoyed even more when I found out Thornton may not be good to go tomorrow
And damn, still those stupid orange and teal spandex-clad men in the crowd. Stop it! It is obnoxious!
{update: Thorton will be ready to play - phew}
[Nucks-Sharks] 4-2. Nucks lead series 3-1. It took Kesler's 5-on-3 goal in the second period to wake me up.
♦ Then it really got embarrassing for the Sharks. Two more 5-on-3 goals followed in quick succesion, both scored by Salo. I did not expect PPs to play such a large role really, not with PKs being so effective in the last couple of months. In the east anyways, maybe it was different in the west
♦ Third period was really exciting. It was definitely fast-paced but both teams lacked control. At least it made for better watching and then came that wonderfully executed goal by the Burrows, making it a 4-0. Henrik Sedin set Burrows up nicely for this one!
♦ A budy wrote 'They're done'. Guess he nearly jinxed the Nucks as a second later the Sharks finally got rid off the zero on the scoreboard. They kept us guessing for a while as the goal went on review (possible highsticking) but in the end it was a good hockey goal. The goal generated a little momentum shift to the advantage of the Sharks and their hard work paid off with another goal. You could definitely see the pressure building, but in the end they ran out of time
♦ Low-light of the game: Torres' hit on Thornton. It was brutal and I was annoyed even more when I found out Thornton may not be good to go tomorrow
And damn, still those stupid orange and teal spandex-clad men in the crowd. Stop it! It is obnoxious!
{update: Thorton will be ready to play - phew}
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | WCF Game 3 | May 21st, 2011
Short one today, spent much of the day sitting in the sun during a marketing communications industry football (aka soccer in some regions of the world) tournament where my company had a team playing. Cheering was fun and I have got a bit of sunburn going. Anyways, managed to catch the rerun of last night's game and the Sharks are back in the series. Here a quick write-up before the start of the Bruins game!
[Nucks-Sharks] 3-4. Nucks lead series 2-1. Nowhere near as electric as Game 2 and as I am just not so interested in either team it was back to being a bit indifferent who wins. At least for a while. The three goal lead the Sharks accomplished in the first period did not sit wel with me at all. But the Sharks just played a disciplined game and looked pretty good the first two periods. The final period was a bit off for them and they were really doing all they could to keep the 4-3 lead after the Nucks managed to score twice on the PP in the third. A few more minutes and we might have gone into OT, the Nucks were exerting some massive pressure. But it was all a bit too late.
♦ Sometimes it looks as if teams can no longer score on the PP. This game had five PPGs! Take notes teams!
♦ At the same time, the Nucks failed to score on two 5 on 3 advantages. Did that lose them the game? It is usually their forte ...
♦ A game riddled by penalties. Undisciplined much?
♦ Meanest hit: Jamie McGinn on Rome. The guys on NHL On The Fly said it was not such a bad hit, but looked horrible enough to me and it left Rome breathless and lying on the floor for quite some time. I have no idea what the guys on OTF were thinking, but that was some serious boarding right there
♦ Oh man, as if it was not enough to have those Green Men prancing around in spandex, the Sharks now have their very own Orange Men. Can these guys just leave the spandex at home? It is obnoxious!
OK, with Game 3 out of the way, I hope the Nucks can dominate in Game 4. Time for the Sharks to go home. I think I have made my mind up about these series.
[Nucks-Sharks] 3-4. Nucks lead series 2-1. Nowhere near as electric as Game 2 and as I am just not so interested in either team it was back to being a bit indifferent who wins. At least for a while. The three goal lead the Sharks accomplished in the first period did not sit wel with me at all. But the Sharks just played a disciplined game and looked pretty good the first two periods. The final period was a bit off for them and they were really doing all they could to keep the 4-3 lead after the Nucks managed to score twice on the PP in the third. A few more minutes and we might have gone into OT, the Nucks were exerting some massive pressure. But it was all a bit too late.
♦ Sometimes it looks as if teams can no longer score on the PP. This game had five PPGs! Take notes teams!
♦ At the same time, the Nucks failed to score on two 5 on 3 advantages. Did that lose them the game? It is usually their forte ...
♦ A game riddled by penalties. Undisciplined much?
♦ Meanest hit: Jamie McGinn on Rome. The guys on NHL On The Fly said it was not such a bad hit, but looked horrible enough to me and it left Rome breathless and lying on the floor for quite some time. I have no idea what the guys on OTF were thinking, but that was some serious boarding right there
♦ Oh man, as if it was not enough to have those Green Men prancing around in spandex, the Sharks now have their very own Orange Men. Can these guys just leave the spandex at home? It is obnoxious!
OK, with Game 3 out of the way, I hope the Nucks can dominate in Game 4. Time for the Sharks to go home. I think I have made my mind up about these series.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Playoffs Daily | WCF Game 2 | May 19th, 2011
Two high-score games in a row. Even this series got exciting! And there was some added excitement that got my FB and Twitter buzzing ;) ... I actually worried that that was all there was to this game. So when I checked the highlights this morning and read up on reports I was happy I DVR'ed this game. So I got home, had dinner and cranked up the game and in parts it lived up to it's promise.
[Sharks-Nucks] 7-3. Nucks lead series 2-0. By no means a flying start to this game, unless you count the quick PP goal Couture scored two and a half minute into the game. It reminded me of a statistical fact a buddy of mine shared the other day. I think he said that of all teams who score first, 78% also goes on to win the game. What a nutty stat. Anyways, let me continue with the notable moments:
♦ For a while it was a very even first period and in fact, also a bit boring. Then Daniel Sedin scored on the PP and that sparked some energy and within the next minute, the Nucks scored again. Then another PP and somehow a Marleau shot confused Luongo and trickled across the line. 2-2 was a good score, considering neither team excelled in the first period. Both teams had 13 shots on goal, further confirming the equality
♦ So not sure what you lot thought about the second period but apart from the Nucks goal it was dull. It lacked a certain energy although the Nucks did have the edge there with puck possession and some good shots on goal. At least the goal woke up the audience ... and there was the Bieksa-Marleau fight. Which got Clowe to start chirping Kesler. As for shots on goal, the Nucks had 14, the Sharks just 9
♦ And then came the third period! It started innocent enough, but it soon became grittier. Lots of little mean checks that went unnoticed and of course the more apparent fouls, many committed by Ben Eager. The Nucks went on to score four more times, twice on PP! And in the final ten seconds of the game the Sharks lost what little composure they had left and went for a brawl. Of course Eager was at the centre of it. But if we look beyond the hits, the fouls, the brawl, we saw the Nucks skating better, creating chances, taking shots on goal (11 versus the Sharks' 9) & capitalising on PPs. Kudos to them for keeping their cool, whilst the Sharks lost it
♦ I often joke about Timmie flopping around like a fish, but damn, Luongo is not much better. Thankfully his team mates scored so often, I was not impressed at all by him
♦ Clowe was particularly pesky I found, but Eager takes first place for being an all-round idiot
♦ Bieksa got a Gordie Howe hat trick. Cool!
♦ Interesting fact: five of the ten goals scored were PP goals
So in case you missed it, all that Twitter buzzing I mentioned before also involved Eager. And the penalty box. And with the Green Men banned, it did not involve them. But it did involve a crazy female Canucks fan, flashing Eager whilst he sat out the roughing penalty in the third period ;) ... not sure if this type of taunting is actual taunting ... could have been a request for a date ;) ... I would post the pic in question, but I like to keep things clean here lol. Oh fuck it, here a link to a twitpic posted by @CountBettman. If you are offended, drop me a line :p
[Sharks-Nucks] 7-3. Nucks lead series 2-0. By no means a flying start to this game, unless you count the quick PP goal Couture scored two and a half minute into the game. It reminded me of a statistical fact a buddy of mine shared the other day. I think he said that of all teams who score first, 78% also goes on to win the game. What a nutty stat. Anyways, let me continue with the notable moments:
♦ For a while it was a very even first period and in fact, also a bit boring. Then Daniel Sedin scored on the PP and that sparked some energy and within the next minute, the Nucks scored again. Then another PP and somehow a Marleau shot confused Luongo and trickled across the line. 2-2 was a good score, considering neither team excelled in the first period. Both teams had 13 shots on goal, further confirming the equality
♦ So not sure what you lot thought about the second period but apart from the Nucks goal it was dull. It lacked a certain energy although the Nucks did have the edge there with puck possession and some good shots on goal. At least the goal woke up the audience ... and there was the Bieksa-Marleau fight. Which got Clowe to start chirping Kesler. As for shots on goal, the Nucks had 14, the Sharks just 9
♦ And then came the third period! It started innocent enough, but it soon became grittier. Lots of little mean checks that went unnoticed and of course the more apparent fouls, many committed by Ben Eager. The Nucks went on to score four more times, twice on PP! And in the final ten seconds of the game the Sharks lost what little composure they had left and went for a brawl. Of course Eager was at the centre of it. But if we look beyond the hits, the fouls, the brawl, we saw the Nucks skating better, creating chances, taking shots on goal (11 versus the Sharks' 9) & capitalising on PPs. Kudos to them for keeping their cool, whilst the Sharks lost it
♦ I often joke about Timmie flopping around like a fish, but damn, Luongo is not much better. Thankfully his team mates scored so often, I was not impressed at all by him
♦ Clowe was particularly pesky I found, but Eager takes first place for being an all-round idiot
♦ Bieksa got a Gordie Howe hat trick. Cool!
♦ Interesting fact: five of the ten goals scored were PP goals
So in case you missed it, all that Twitter buzzing I mentioned before also involved Eager. And the penalty box. And with the Green Men banned, it did not involve them. But it did involve a crazy female Canucks fan, flashing Eager whilst he sat out the roughing penalty in the third period ;) ... not sure if this type of taunting is actual taunting ... could have been a request for a date ;) ... I would post the pic in question, but I like to keep things clean here lol. Oh fuck it, here a link to a twitpic posted by @CountBettman. If you are offended, drop me a line :p
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Playoffs 2011 Predictions | Witchcrafting Part Trois | May 15th, 2011
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions - New & Improved Once Again
My post-QF predictions were horrible lol ... only got one right, so here my new predictions for the Conference Finals and the SC Finals.
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
[Bolts vs Bruins]
I thought the Caps would beat the Bolts but I think the Hockey Gods were sending me a message when I posted my previous predictions. As I hit the 'publish post'-button, huge thunder bolts lit up the sky. So let me have a look outside ... it is dark and a bit windy, but no thunder & lightning in sight. I will go with the Bruins *keeps an eye on the sky whilst posting*. 4-2 Bruins.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
[Nucks vs Sharks]
How much I would have loved to see a Nucks - Red Wings match up. But no, the Sharks made it this far instead. I want the Sharks out. Enough is enough. Nucks will get this one. Just no idea how tough it will be. I think I will go to The Coins for help, eventhough they did not help me much with my Flyers-Bruins prediction. Damn. The Coins disagree with me. They say it will be a seven-games series and the Sharks will ultimately win. OK. 4-3 Sharks.
STANLEY CUP FINALS
[Bruins vs Sharks]
This does not even look close to my dream in which the Flyers meet the Red Wings and the Flyers bring the Cup to Philadelphia ... but I am all in for a Eastern Conference win, so goooooooo Bruins! They win the Cup in six games. 4-2 Bruins.
My post-QF predictions were horrible lol ... only got one right, so here my new predictions for the Conference Finals and the SC Finals.
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
[Bolts vs Bruins]
I thought the Caps would beat the Bolts but I think the Hockey Gods were sending me a message when I posted my previous predictions. As I hit the 'publish post'-button, huge thunder bolts lit up the sky. So let me have a look outside ... it is dark and a bit windy, but no thunder & lightning in sight. I will go with the Bruins *keeps an eye on the sky whilst posting*. 4-2 Bruins.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
[Nucks vs Sharks]
How much I would have loved to see a Nucks - Red Wings match up. But no, the Sharks made it this far instead. I want the Sharks out. Enough is enough. Nucks will get this one. Just no idea how tough it will be. I think I will go to The Coins for help, eventhough they did not help me much with my Flyers-Bruins prediction. Damn. The Coins disagree with me. They say it will be a seven-games series and the Sharks will ultimately win. OK. 4-3 Sharks.
STANLEY CUP FINALS
[Bruins vs Sharks]
This does not even look close to my dream in which the Flyers meet the Red Wings and the Flyers bring the Cup to Philadelphia ... but I am all in for a Eastern Conference win, so goooooooo Bruins! They win the Cup in six games. 4-2 Bruins.
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? ;)
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!!
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Playoffs Daily | QF Game 6 | April 26th, 2011
Just two games last night. Too late for me to watch live, but as per usual I have recorded both games and I will be watching them when I get home. For now I just go with what I know based on the recaps and reviews.
[Pens-Bolts] 2-4. Series tied at 3-3. Whoa, another tighter than expected series. Although both teams are not surprised at all. Apparently both teams knew it was going to take seven games and perhaps a triple OT to settle the winner of this series. That is what Malone said anyways. Prediction-wise I would like to see the Pens win, but emotionally speaking: WAY TO GO BOLTS! lol
[Sharks-LA Kings]: 4-3. Sharks win series 4-2. Ha. For this series' prediction I literally flipped coins, because I just had no idea and frankly, did not care much either. The Coins predicted the Sharks would win the series 4-1. So The Coins were not perfect in their prediction, but they got the winning team right. I will be redoing my predictions after the first round, and might use The Coins :D
Some other musings ...
- Tonight my Flyers play their Game 7 and I feel very confident about this one. I just know they can do it
- Ha, according to a Facebook buddy, Leights was not at practice yesterday, Sergei was. Sounds like good news to me and I hope to see Sergei on the bench for Game 7
- I was psyched when the Steegster moved from my Leafs to my Flyers ... I thought he would fit in better with the Flyers. But after a while this feeling that I was wrong crept up on me. Until Game 6. He worked hard and looked pretty awesome. Typical Playoffs guy? Or did things finally click?
If you care to, check my original Whimsical Playoffs Predictions here:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions
[Pens-Bolts] 2-4. Series tied at 3-3. Whoa, another tighter than expected series. Although both teams are not surprised at all. Apparently both teams knew it was going to take seven games and perhaps a triple OT to settle the winner of this series. That is what Malone said anyways. Prediction-wise I would like to see the Pens win, but emotionally speaking: WAY TO GO BOLTS! lol
[Sharks-LA Kings]: 4-3. Sharks win series 4-2. Ha. For this series' prediction I literally flipped coins, because I just had no idea and frankly, did not care much either. The Coins predicted the Sharks would win the series 4-1. So The Coins were not perfect in their prediction, but they got the winning team right. I will be redoing my predictions after the first round, and might use The Coins :D
Some other musings ...
- Tonight my Flyers play their Game 7 and I feel very confident about this one. I just know they can do it
- Ha, according to a Facebook buddy, Leights was not at practice yesterday, Sergei was. Sounds like good news to me and I hope to see Sergei on the bench for Game 7
- I was psyched when the Steegster moved from my Leafs to my Flyers ... I thought he would fit in better with the Flyers. But after a while this feeling that I was wrong crept up on me. Until Game 6. He worked hard and looked pretty awesome. Typical Playoffs guy? Or did things finally click?
If you care to, check my original Whimsical Playoffs Predictions here:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Playoffs Daily | QF Game 5 | April 24th, 2011
Guys, Summer has arrived early in the Netherlands! Easter Weekend is proving to be perfect weather-wise and my weekend could have been even more perfect if I could get my hockey fix! I am however staying at my parents' place and they do not have ESPN America. Which makes sense because they do not care about American Sports at all ;) ... so instead of watching a few fun games last night, I had to follow the games through the NHL BlackBerry applet. But that is OK, at least I knew what was going on and I have DVR'ed all the games ESPN aired yesterday for future viewing. So what happened last night?
[Bolts-Pens] 8-2. Pens still lead series 3-2. So I could not watch this game, but watching the score go up and up and up for the Bolts on the NHL BlackBerry applet was wild enough. At 5-0 I thought OK, good going Bolts. At 7-0 I started to feel sorry for the Pens. Can you believe it? For my predictions I still need the Pens to win, but cannot help feeling joy seeing them lose to the Bolts like this ;)
[Rangers-Caps] 1-3. Caps clinch series win with an excellent 4-1 result. Caps did what they had to do and rather deftly disposed of the Rags. Feel like I can stop calling them Rangers ;) Only glitch: why did the Caps allow a goal in the final seconds? By the way, I just impressed myself. I predicted a 4-1 Caps series win lol ... at least got one right in terms of numbers ;) ... Oh yeah. BYE BYE RAGS! Hahah, glad you are gone!
[Habs-Bruins] 1-2. Bruins now lead series 3-2. Timmmeeeeeeh! The Vezina Trophy is yours buddy! I have yet to see the game and believe me, I am happy it is waiting for me on my DVR. But the NHL report, the tweets and the FB posts all point in one direction: one hell of a memorable game! Will probably add an {edit} once I have seen it. I love a good hockey game (ok, who does not?) and even more so if it leads to a Habs defeat ;)
[Kings-Sharks] 3-1. Sharks lead series 3-2. OK, The Coins were predicting this one perfectly till this game. The predicted 4-1 is out of the window now, but The Coins are still in the running for predicting the series winner and if they get that right I might use the coins to redo my Semi Finals predictions ;)
Tonight my Flyers are playing to stay in the running. And the Ducklings are in the same situation. The Nucks. Hmm. What do you guys think? Will they pick up speed again, or will they let the Hawks smother them and tie the series?
If you care, check my original Whimsical Playoffs Predictions here:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions
[Bolts-Pens] 8-2. Pens still lead series 3-2. So I could not watch this game, but watching the score go up and up and up for the Bolts on the NHL BlackBerry applet was wild enough. At 5-0 I thought OK, good going Bolts. At 7-0 I started to feel sorry for the Pens. Can you believe it? For my predictions I still need the Pens to win, but cannot help feeling joy seeing them lose to the Bolts like this ;)
[Rangers-Caps] 1-3. Caps clinch series win with an excellent 4-1 result. Caps did what they had to do and rather deftly disposed of the Rags. Feel like I can stop calling them Rangers ;) Only glitch: why did the Caps allow a goal in the final seconds? By the way, I just impressed myself. I predicted a 4-1 Caps series win lol ... at least got one right in terms of numbers ;) ... Oh yeah. BYE BYE RAGS! Hahah, glad you are gone!
[Habs-Bruins] 1-2. Bruins now lead series 3-2. Timmmeeeeeeh! The Vezina Trophy is yours buddy! I have yet to see the game and believe me, I am happy it is waiting for me on my DVR. But the NHL report, the tweets and the FB posts all point in one direction: one hell of a memorable game! Will probably add an {edit} once I have seen it. I love a good hockey game (ok, who does not?) and even more so if it leads to a Habs defeat ;)
[Kings-Sharks] 3-1. Sharks lead series 3-2. OK, The Coins were predicting this one perfectly till this game. The predicted 4-1 is out of the window now, but The Coins are still in the running for predicting the series winner and if they get that right I might use the coins to redo my Semi Finals predictions ;)
Tonight my Flyers are playing to stay in the running. And the Ducklings are in the same situation. The Nucks. Hmm. What do you guys think? Will they pick up speed again, or will they let the Hawks smother them and tie the series?
If you care, check my original Whimsical Playoffs Predictions here:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions
Friday, 22 April 2011
Playoffs Daily | QF Game 4 & 5 | April 22nd, 2011
Hmm ... *frowns* ... what are the Nucks up to? Not that I care for the Nucks, but I do hate the Hawks so I want them out. I do not want them to think they might actually still win this series. The Nucks are allowed to choke, but they need to wait for the Semi Finals!
[Bruins-Habs] 5-4. Series tied at 2-2. Thanks Bruins for believing it. And thanks for the intensity and some interesting moments. Yeah you know what I am talking about. I will add a picture of course ;)
[Blackhawks-Nucks] 5-0. Nucks still lead series 3-2. All is well still. But a 5-0 shut-out is not very inspiring. Well it might inspire the Hawks, but I certainly hope not.
[Sharks-Kings] 6-3. Sharks lead series 3-1. So far The Coins who helped me predict this particular series' outcome are on the money *hahah pun intended, I know it is bad lol* Never paid much attention to either team, but have seen a few of their games now and I must admit they do look good on the ice.
OK, with my short overview out of the way, time for some hockey fun. Ference of the Bruins first:
Oh yes. Ference flipped off the entire Bell Centre. He claims he did not, his teammates claim he did not and never would do such a thing. Equipment malfunction has been brought up as an excuse too. Everyone is 'shocked' and apologetic. I understand that. They can hardly go about telling everyone that "Yeah, Ference gave them the bird." It would be a public relations fiasco! And Ference himself seemed so suitably shocked at his own behaviour that I am willing to accept he did not mean to do it lol ... Having said all that:
Thanks Ference for doing what everyone else playing the Habs and facing their horrible fans would like to do.
And the next one is just fun and very comforting. A stumbling Tim Thomas (courtesy of NHL.com). It is cute!
Tumbling Tim
And saunter over here to see my complete Whimsical Playoffs Predictions:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions
[Bruins-Habs] 5-4. Series tied at 2-2. Thanks Bruins for believing it. And thanks for the intensity and some interesting moments. Yeah you know what I am talking about. I will add a picture of course ;)
[Blackhawks-Nucks] 5-0. Nucks still lead series 3-2. All is well still. But a 5-0 shut-out is not very inspiring. Well it might inspire the Hawks, but I certainly hope not.
[Sharks-Kings] 6-3. Sharks lead series 3-1. So far The Coins who helped me predict this particular series' outcome are on the money *hahah pun intended, I know it is bad lol* Never paid much attention to either team, but have seen a few of their games now and I must admit they do look good on the ice.
OK, with my short overview out of the way, time for some hockey fun. Ference of the Bruins first:
Oh yes. Ference flipped off the entire Bell Centre. He claims he did not, his teammates claim he did not and never would do such a thing. Equipment malfunction has been brought up as an excuse too. Everyone is 'shocked' and apologetic. I understand that. They can hardly go about telling everyone that "Yeah, Ference gave them the bird." It would be a public relations fiasco! And Ference himself seemed so suitably shocked at his own behaviour that I am willing to accept he did not mean to do it lol ... Having said all that:
Thanks Ference for doing what everyone else playing the Habs and facing their horrible fans would like to do.
And the next one is just fun and very comforting. A stumbling Tim Thomas (courtesy of NHL.com). It is cute!
Tumbling Tim
And saunter over here to see my complete Whimsical Playoffs Predictions:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Playoffs Daily | QF Game 3 & 4 | April 20th, 2011
I was fairly positive that I would wake up to a Nucks win. So seeing them being kicked in the nuts with a 7-2 Hawks win is hardly what I expected or wished for. But at least the Sharks are doing the right thing.
[Nucks-Hawks] 2-7. Wow. That has got to hurt! Really? 2-7? The Nucks better get to form in the next game.
[Sharks-Kings] 6-5. Whoa. Now I do not really care about either team, but the game recap tells me this was a wild game and I will watch the rerun tonight. I am sure that the Kings thought they had the game in their pocket once they got to the 4-0 lead. I doubt the Sharks can repeat such a feat again, so I think they used up their Playoffs luck. Not saying they can't move ahead in the Playoffs, just meaning to say they better not allow such deficits in the games to come ;)
Yesterday after work I watched the Bruins and Wings reruns. And I liked the way that the Bruins played in the first two periods. Thety should keep up that energy for the full 60. And they were a bit lucky that Thomas picked up his game in the third. But a blast to see the Habs lose :D
Should you care to see my Whimsical Playoffs Predictions, you can find those here:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions
{edit} I just watched the Sharks game and that was a WILD second period, very entertaining!
[Nucks-Hawks] 2-7. Wow. That has got to hurt! Really? 2-7? The Nucks better get to form in the next game.
[Sharks-Kings] 6-5. Whoa. Now I do not really care about either team, but the game recap tells me this was a wild game and I will watch the rerun tonight. I am sure that the Kings thought they had the game in their pocket once they got to the 4-0 lead. I doubt the Sharks can repeat such a feat again, so I think they used up their Playoffs luck. Not saying they can't move ahead in the Playoffs, just meaning to say they better not allow such deficits in the games to come ;)
Yesterday after work I watched the Bruins and Wings reruns. And I liked the way that the Bruins played in the first two periods. Thety should keep up that energy for the full 60. And they were a bit lucky that Thomas picked up his game in the third. But a blast to see the Habs lose :D
Should you care to see my Whimsical Playoffs Predictions, you can find those here:
My Whimsical Playoffs Predictions
{edit} I just watched the Sharks game and that was a WILD second period, very entertaining!
Friday, 15 April 2011
Playoffs Daily | QF Game 1 | April 15th, 2011
Yes, nothing quite as fun as checking in on nhl.com and find your team has lost their first game. Right. And to top it off, the Bruins were not able to win their first game either. Habs! *sends evil looks all the way to Montréal*
[Habs-Bruins] 2-0. Say what? Hmm, this must be the 'by accident' Habs win I mentioned in my predictions. All is cool.
[Sabres-Flyers] 1-0. Oh boy, so much for my 'forecasted' sweep. Hmm, I am not sure why many of my fellow Flyers fans wanted to play the BKK (as I call them) ... they have been the nemesis for my Leafies much of the past few months, by beating a lot of teams on their way to 7th place. Grrrr. But Sergei looked solid for his first ever playoff game! Good vibes for the games to come :D
[Kings-Sharks] 2-3. Sharks might be listening to The Coins.
For my complete predictions, have a look at my previous scribblings:
My Whimsical Playoffs Forecast
Also, if you have not read my forecast yet, stuff like 'listening to The Coins' will suddenly make sense to you ;)
[Habs-Bruins] 2-0. Say what? Hmm, this must be the 'by accident' Habs win I mentioned in my predictions. All is cool.
[Sabres-Flyers] 1-0. Oh boy, so much for my 'forecasted' sweep. Hmm, I am not sure why many of my fellow Flyers fans wanted to play the BKK (as I call them) ... they have been the nemesis for my Leafies much of the past few months, by beating a lot of teams on their way to 7th place. Grrrr. But Sergei looked solid for his first ever playoff game! Good vibes for the games to come :D
[Kings-Sharks] 2-3. Sharks might be listening to The Coins.
For my complete predictions, have a look at my previous scribblings:
My Whimsical Playoffs Forecast
Also, if you have not read my forecast yet, stuff like 'listening to The Coins' will suddenly make sense to you ;)
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