Loser! Loser! Best baby in the WORLD!

Yes, it's a lovely day here at Chukker Central. Not only is it sun shining here in the great NW, but Round Two of the playoffs starts tonight with a battle of Bobby Lu and his Canucks versus Johnny Dakota and the Blackhawks.

As we did in the first round, Lisa and I have taken it upon ourselves to give our separate predictions, as we have a few differences of opinion. :)

Lisa's predictions:
Alright here we go. Round two of the big boys starts tonight with just one game on the docket but it could be the start of a very rough and tumble fight night sort of series.

Since it’s the game tonight and Amy’s favorite team, we’ll start in the West with the new second seed.

Vancouver v Chicago: Remember about a month or so ago when these two teams met in Chicago and it melted into a slug fest? These two teams really don’t like each other. It could come down to a battle of hot goaltenders. I think Vancouver will pull this one off in 6.

Detroit v Anaheim: Amy and I are gonna not hold our picks in this one against each other. Detroit will be rested (hopefully not rusty) and Anaheim had a long series against a good team (who granted, mailed a lot of that series in). I’m hoping Detroit doesn’t look past this round as they have been known to do, but I’m taking ‘em in 7.

In the east we’ve got two other series that should have some great hockey. I say should because you never know right?

Boston v Carolina: I’m tempted to pick Carolina just so the “Did you know that the Staals are brothers?” drinking game can stay alive (yeah, that’s a hint for the second pairing) but I don’t think the Canes can do it two rounds in a row. The Bruins have too many weapons to toss at you. You want a high scoring game, ok, the Bs can do that. You want a grinder? They can do that too. You get past the D? Hi there Mr. Thomas. Bruins in 5.

Washington D. C. v Pittsburgh: I wanna say Pens in 4 but I’m a realist. The Craps have a good team and a hot goaltender. But I think the Pens will pull this one out in 6 again.

And what so I say?

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston v Carolina: She pretty much said what I would say... Bruins in 5.

Washington D. C. v Pittsburgh: I hope that the Rangers wore out the Craps out; but they're young so I'm sure they'll bounce back. It's not going to quite as physical as the series with Philly; but there are going to be a lot of bumps, bruises and hopefully some free candy given out. :) Pens in 6.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit v Anaheim: It's a good thing we love each other because inevitably our two teams meet and it's really hard to talk hockey to each other when they do. So, what do I say? I know that you can never ever take the Wings lightly, but the series they had two years ago was a doozy. I'm going to have to go with my gut again as well as my heart and hold tight to my Ducks after the major jobbing they laid on the Sharks.... Ducks in 7.

Vancouver v Chicago: I think the Blackhawks have a lot of weapons that people forget about and they're going to match much better with the Canucks than with the Flames; but then the Canucks have all of their weapons on board unlike the boys from Alberta. It's gonna be a slugfest and I'm going to love every minute of it! I agree with Lisa about this one... Canucks in 6

And there is also some good stuff found on the web the last few days:

Lisa sent this clip with our good pal Cabbie on the street...


A fun piece about Sid in Rimouski that I stumbled upon this morning. The video and sound don't quite match up, but it's good anyway; and a big CaP favorite in Monsieur Lecavalier has a guest spot in here too...



And for those of you who are not able to see television from Canuckistan, I have some great commercials that you may or may not have seen...

First are the Molson Canadian hockey ads. I love love love the goalie with the Cheetos!...







and finally, the fabulous Mr. Bobby Orr and his Mastercard ad...

Give me an A.... an H.... an L!

Yes, my friends... the AHL is now into the second round of the playoffs, and I hope it's going to be as exciting as the first.

Atlantic Division Finals – Series “I” (best-of-7)
A2-Providence Bruins vs. A4-Worcester Sharks
Game 1 – Tue., Apr. 28 – Worcester at Providence, 3-2 P-Bruins in OT
Game 2 – Wed., May 6 – Providence at Worcester, 7:05
Game 3 – Fri., May 8 – Worcester at Providence, 7:05
Game 4 – Sat., May 9 – Providence at Worcester, 7:05
*Game 5 – Mon., May 11 – Worcester at Providence, 7:05
*Game 6 – Wed., May 13 – Providence at Worcester, 7:05
*Game 7 – Thu., May 14 – Worcester at Providence, 7:05

This one is hard for me to choose who to root for since there are a whole lot of WHL boys and former Tips on both teams; but I have to give my support to the P-Bruins since I know Zach Hamill a lot better.

East Division Finals – Series “J” (best-of-7)
E1-Hershey Bears vs. E3-Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Game 1 – Sat., May 2 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 7:00
Game 2 – Sun., May 3 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 5:00
Game 3 – Wed., May 6 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05
Game 4 – Fri., May 8 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05
*Game 5 – Sat., May 9 – Hershey at W-B/Scranton, 7:05
*Game 6 – Sun., May 10 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 5:00
*Game 7 – Tue., May 12 – W-B/Scranton at Hershey, 7:00

No question... have to go with Curry, Caputi, and all the rest of the baby Pens.

North Division Finals – Series “K” (best-of-7)
N1-Manitoba Moose vs. N3-Grand Rapids Griffins
Game 1 – Fri., May 1 – Grand Rapids at Manitoba, 8:30
Game 2 – Sat., May 2 – Grand Rapids at Manitoba, 8:30
Game 3 – Mon., May 4 – Manitoba at Grand Rapids, 7:00
Game 4 – Wed., May 6 – Manitoba at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*Game 5 – Fri., May 8 – Manitoba at Grand Rapids, 7:00
*Game 6 – Sun., May 10 – Grand Rapids at Manitoba, 8:30
*Game 7 – Tue., May 12 – Grand Rapids at Manitoba, 8:30

GO MOOSE GO! GO MOOSE GO! They're the baby Canucks and with our good pals Shaun Heshka, Taylor Ellington and Michael Grabner on the team as well as their crusty captain Mike Keane and fabulous goalie Cory Schneider, I'm going with the boys from the Peg.

West Division Finals – Series “L” (best-of-7)
W1-Milwaukee Admirals vs. W3-Houston Aeros
Game 1 – Thu., Apr. 30 – Houston at Milwaukee, 8:00
Game 2 – Sat., May 2 – Houston at Milwaukee, 8:00
Game 3 – Tue., May 5 – Milwaukee at Houston, 8:05
Game 4 – Thu., May 7 – Milwaukee at Houston, 8:05
*Game 5 – Fri. or Sat., May 8 or 9 – Milwaukee at Houston, 8:35
*Game 6 – Mon., May 11 – Houston at Milwaukee, 8:00
*Game 7 – Wed., May 13 – Houston at Milwaukee, 8:00

And last but not least is the West, and as good as Milwaukee is, I have to pick Houston. They might be a little tired from their long series with Peoria, but I think they're scrappy enough that they could pull this off.

But that is about all from me today. Lisa and I will getting together and posting our predictions for round 2 of the big boys; we did not do too bad on round one!

Round one recap

Yeah, yeah, I know, it's not over yet but close enough for government work and hand grenades.

Starting in the East:
Boston v Montreal. Wow, talk about manhandled? Montreal didn't even make this one close. Boston win in 4

Washington v Rangers. I hoped for a long bloody 7 game series. A little less blood for my liking, but it's going 7 at least. I thought the Craps coach had lost his mind when he replaces Jose, but that just goes to you why I'm not a coach.

New Jersey v Carolina. I think both Amy and I said this could go either way; sure enough, game 7 is also tonight.

Pittsburgh v Philly. Ha. Oh, sorry. I was worried after the Pens game 5 beat down and game 6 start going down 3-0, but they turned it around with a fight from Superstar Max Talbot. Nice work Max. Pens win this one in 6.

This little tidbit from one of the Pittsburgh papers about Sid made me laugh a bit.

"They hate him here," Penguins winger Pascal Dupuis said. "I mean, they really hate him — chanting that he (stinks) every time he's on the ice, and even when he's not.

"They started it during ('God Bless America') today, and I kept thinking, 'Keep going, keep it up and make him want this even more.'

Will the Flyers fans ever learn?

Things are a little more settled in the wild wild west.

San Jose v Anaheim. Holy upset, Batman (well except Amy called it). Not only does this kill my hockey brackets, it's gotta be hard for Detroit favorite Todd McLellan, but Anaheim just wanted it more. Hiller has officially stolen the job from Jiggy (and when ever I hear his name, I think I'm hearing Miller; so when they both play, it's nuts). Ducks win in 6.

Detroit v Columbus. This was a hard series for me to watch. As much as I love the Wings, I wanted Columbus to show up a little more than they did. Game 4 was great for them and their fans, but much like the Boston series, it wasn't even close. Wings win in 4.

Vancouver v Blues. This was also a sweep for the good boys north of the border. Amy and I talked about this, wondering if the Blues had to push so hard at the end of the season just to get into the playoffs, they were gassed in the end. Good on them though for bringing back the post season to a starved fan base. Nucks win in 4.

Chicago v Calgary. This one started out ugly and didn't disappoint! As much as it pains me to say this, I'm glad Chicago won. (I might have lost my pass to Wings Heaven for that one). There is just something I don't like about Calgary. Amy would say it's the coach but I think there is something else. Chicago takes it in 6.

We got some right and some wrong. We're not perfect :D But there has been some really good hockey played so we're all winners. Ok, end the super cheese section of the entry.

The bracket is almost set for round two and after tonight, we'll know who plays where.

Until next time, happy hockey.

Swiss, Swiss Baby!

Good morning from the Northwest corner of the country! We here at CaP are watching the progress of the NHL playoffs as well as the AHL and the ECHL; but we're both also big fans of the IIHF. As sad as it is when some of the teams don't get to make the playoffs or are dismissed early in the first round, it's always fun to see those boys who are chosen to play for their countries and a shiny medal instead of that big shiny cup.

The tournament is in the lovely country of Switzerland this year with round robin play in the two cities of Bern and Zurich, then from the quarter-finals on they will stay in Bern.

I personally love this tournament because we get to see hockey on that big sheet of ice and how much pride not only the players have; but how wonderfully crazy the fans get for their country. It's also cool how every year how hockey seems to be growing within Europe and how some of the old powers are getting caught up to by countries like Norway and Denmark and Hungary.

It's also nice to see some of the boys who used to be in the NHL as well as discover some new favorites who may some day cross the pond. It's like a mini Olympics in a way; but without all the pressure of the games to get in the way.

The IIHF tournament page is a wealth of information not only with the teams, the games and the locations.

The US squad won again today, 6-1, against Buffalo Sabre Thomas Vanek and the Austrians; and I leave you with a picture from this morning's game.

West Coast Story

As Lisa said, I have been following the Ducks and Sharks quite closely. In the three games played so far, it's been quite entertaining and the fans have definitely gotten their money's worth, especially those of Les Canards. To be quite honest, as much as I love the team I was a bit surprised that they were able to get out of the SharkTank with both wins; but considering how they stormed through the last few weeks of the season, I'm not totally shocked.

The best game of all has been game 3, which was the first one that the Sharks have won; but it was still a dog fight from the word go. It was also an amazing display of offense from defenseman who scored 5 of the 7 goals that night as well as 4 of the assists. Also scoring was PattyMarleau for the first time, which was nice to see, even as a Duck fan.

So tonight, they're back at the Pond for game 4, and I hope that the Ducks can take a 3-1 lead; but I have a feeling that even if they do lose the Sharkies won't go down easy.

Since Lisa talked about the rest of the NHL schedule for tonight, I'll go with the A. In the AHL tonight, three teams that have ties to the Silvertips are going for a third win and a lead in their series: Riley Armstrong and the Worchester Sharks, Zach Hamill and the Providence Bruins; and Taylor Ellington and Shaun Heshka with the Manitoba Moose.

There was a barn burner last night with the Peoria Rivermen and the Houston Aeros in game 5 with Mitch Love, John Lammers and the Aeros coming back from down two goals to win in overtime. Now they will go for the series win on Saturday night.

So, it's almost lunch time here in the NW corner of the country and I'll leave you with a few clips I have found...

Marty Broduer's hissy fit...


Mike Commodore not quite timing this hip check right...


and the handshake and interview with Alex Burrows from Tuesday night in St. Louis. Be sure to watch it in HD... it's lovely!

two series are over, will there be a third tonight?

The Boston Bruins and Amy's Vancouver Canucks are through to the second round with pretty tidy sweeps (no pun intended) of their first round opponents. I think the Blues just had to push so hard to get in, they were worn to the quick (and I think their injuries throughout the season finally caught up with them). I'm not gonna lie (Amy, cover your ears and eyes), I was rooting for the Blues. Not only because their captain is a favorite of CaP, but darn it all, they are/were a scrappy team fighting when no one game them an ounce of credit.

And as for the Habs...did anyone really think they'd win 4 against Boston?

I wish the things I said about the Blues could apply to the Blue Jackets. Even if they manage to get a win tonight, I think, as they say, you can put a fork in them. I just can't see them winning four straight right now. Not with Nash not scoring (or anyone not scoring for that matter) and Mason looking very much like the rookie he is (which on a side note, he was nominated for Rookie of the Year and if there is any justice he will get it).

That leaves us with some interesting series. Chicago and Calgary. Man, that one is getting down right dirty. I LOVE IT! It's great playoff hockey and I hope it goes 7 games. Not in the way I hope the Craps and the Ranger$ go seven games. I'm actually enjoying the Calgary/Chicago series. I could give a rat's ass about the Craps or Ranger$ and hope for bloody long triple overtime games to wear them out for round two.

But since I opened that door, I might as well walk through it. Henrik has been stellar, no surprise there. He seems to play better in the playoffs. Granted, I have no stats to back that up with... it's just a hunch. Avery took a stupid penalty? I'm shocked! SHOCKED. Ok, not really, but I am sorta surprised that combined, Ovechkin and Green have one goal. I mean come on, OV has 209,732 shots. Well fine, 35 but still, since he's the greatest player EVAR, I'd figure he'd have more to show for all that. In comparison, Malkin has 4 goals on 13 shots.

More open doors: Pittsburgh has looked really strong in most of their games against the Flyers. I think Sunday's game was an exception really and they'll get back on track tonight to hopefully close out the series. Philly could surprise me, but I'm hoping not.

I'll save the California series for Amy to chat up (since I've been bang on with my prediction of "too bad I will miss most of it being in the Eastern time zone"; she at least can stay awake to see the end of the games). And hopefully she'll have some fun new clips to share too (she's so much better at finding that stuff than I am!)

Oh, did you know we (Amy and I) are both on Facebook? She's been there a while and I'm just joining the cool kids and started yesterday. Hit us up!

Until next time, happy hockey!

Monday, Monday....

Good morning campers! It's a lovely day here at Chica Central NW; and it's been a very interesting weekend with all the good hockey games.

To catch up with all the series in case you haven't been watching:

Eastern Conference
Montreal VS Boston
BOS leads 2-0

New York VS Washington
NYR leads 2-0

Carolina VS New Jersey
NJD leads 2-1

Philadelphia VS Pittsburgh
PIT leads 2-1

Western Conference
Anaheim VS San Jose
ANA leads 2-0

Columbus VS Detroit
DET leads 2-0

St. Louis VS Vancouver
VAN leads 3-0

Calgary VS Chicago
CHI leads 2-0
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I want to give a shout out to one of my baby boys, Byron Froese. As part of the U-18 team for Team Canada, he had a great tournament at the U-18 Worlds. However, the boys with the leaf on their chest ran against the Americans then the Finns, and ended up 4th. Still, it was a great tournament for him and got a lot of good exposure with the draft folks and some scouts. Go Byron! :)

Anyway... not a whole lot of other stuff that I have time for today; but I love this article about one of our top favorites here at CAP, Rick Nash and his eating habits. The boy loves dairy it seems! :D

Have a good day and hope your team has a good game tonight if they're playing!

Is it 4 o'clock yet?

Happy Friday everyone! Lisa is entertaining one of our good pals this weekend; so I'm rolling solo today. Be kind and don't throw rotten produce!

So, we're done with game 1 of all 8 series and things are par for the course for the most part; but there have been two surprises so far.

The Rangers eeking out a win against the Craps was definitely not something I expected; and last night with the Ducks and Sharks was also one that I thought would turn out so different. That was one that I knew would be good, especially being at the Tank in San Jose; but I can tell you as a Duck fan and having been on the other end of the SJ attack, this shutout was a bit of a surprise.

The rest of the games from the last two days were won by the teams that were supposed to win, and that is good I suppose; but I am hoping for a few more upsets. I'm the girl who always seems to lost the basketball pools because I will choose the higher double digit seeds just in case they might squeak it out. lol But I can't wait for the rest of this round because it's gonna be good no matter who wins.

But anyway... for your viewing pleasure tonight:

Pens vs. Flyers, 7pm EDT/4pm PDT, showing on Versus and the Ceeb
Devils vs. Canes, 7:30 EDT/4:30 PDT, showing on Center Ice and TSN
and the night cap, Nucks vs. Boos, 10pm EDT/7pm PDT, showing on Versus and the Ceeb

And for a little viewing right now are a few little tidbits I've gleaned in the last few days.

A very happy Chris Kunitz after the game Wednesday night talking about his new baby Zachary James, who was born that morning...

http://penguins.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=19&id=39940

Bill Patrick calling the goal scorer for the Hawks/Flames before it happens...



and the best of all...Calgary TV doofus Roger Million drops a naughty phrase on live TV and I think the editor of this clip is going to be looking for work...



That's about it from me today... Oh, I do have one thing more. Mike Keenan? You evil piece of shit? Karma is coming to collect, it's from Trevor Linden and it's COD, bitch! Oh, and that goalie interference? Jordan Leopold bumped Ladd into Kipper... suck it!

Have a great day kids!

The Chuckers take on the playoffs, part 2

We looked at the Eastern Conference yesterday and today we'll look at the West. Shock and awe baby, shock and awe.

Amy's predictions:

Being 2 hours south of the Canadian border and due north from Los Angeles, it was only natural that I would gravitate not only to a Western Conference team; but also the Vancouver Canucks. What is odd about this is that I started out my hockey life as an Oiler fan since my first hockey boyfriends were from the Oilers. It wasn’t until 1989 that I really began to follow the Canucks and that was because of a skinny young man from Medicine Hat, Alberta who had been drafted as the second pick overall; and I’ve believed in Towel Power ever since.

Detroit Red Wings (112 Pts) 2nd Columbus Blue Jackets (92 Pts) 7th

Regular Season Series: Tied 3 - 3 Nov 28: at Detroit 5, Columbus 3 Jan 6: at Detroit 3, Columbus 0 Jan 27: at Columbus 3, Detroit 2 Feb 13: at Columbus 3, Detroit 2 Mar 7: Columbus 8, at Detroit 2 Mar 15: Detroit 4, at Columbus 0

This series is one of those where the winner cannot be chosen in any other way other than close your eyes and throw a dart. The season series was tied, but a majority of the games were won by three or more goals; so that isn’t really helping. Add to this as well are the Red Wings nearly winning the President’s Cup; but the BlueJackets storming down the last part of the season with some real purpose. And to top it all off, they’re division rivals and know the other well.

I’m gonna have to say it’s going to go long; but I feel that given a few bounces as well as having a couple of Cup winners and Cup finalists on their team, Ricky Nash and Co. can take it in 7.
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Chicago Blackhawks (104 Pts) 4th Calgary Flames (98 Pts) 5th

Regular Season Series: Chicago wins 4 - 0 Nov 9: at Chicago 6, Calgary 1 Dec 19: Chicago 3, at Calgary 2 Jan 4: at Chicago 5, Calgary 2 Feb 5: Chicago 5, at Calgary 2

No thought needed for this one…. The Flames got their asses handed to them this season by Johnny Dakota and PKane; and I would be so very excited for them to do it again, especially since I hate their coach with every fiber of my being. Hawks in 4.
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San Jose Sharks (117 Pts) 1st Anaheim Ducks (91 Pts) 8th

Regular Season Series: San Jose wins 4 - 2 Oct 9: at San Jose 4, Anaheim 1 Oct 17: at Anaheim 4, San Jose 0 Dec 11: at San Jose 2, Anaheim 0 Mar 15: San Jose 1, at Anaheim 0 Apr 4: Anaheim 5, at San Jose 2 Apr 5: San Jose 3, at Anaheim 2

Now we come to the first of the two series that mean something to me. I’ve been a Ducks fan for about 10 years and I’ve been with them all the way since then. One thing about being a Ducks fan is that you’ve done some crying in the playoffs: most of all in 2003 when they had no business being in the playoffs, let alone storming through to the Finals but were beat by a big and tough Devils team; then we cried with Teemu, Pronger and Robbie Nieds as they finally won that big shiny thing in ’07. I know there are guys on the Sharkies that have never won one either like Barfight Joe and PattyMarleau; but I have to go with my heart and say that I think the Ducks are coming together just at the right time to pull off this upset.

So, I say it’s going to be Les Canards in 7 long and hard fought games.
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Vancouver Canucks (100 Pts) 3rd St. Louis Blues (92 Pts) 6th

Regular Season Series: Tied 2 - 2 Jan 9: St. Louis 6, at Vancouver 4 Feb 10: Vancouver 6, at St. Louis 4 Mar 19: at Vancouver 3, St. Louis 0 Mar 26: at St. Louis 4, Vancouver 2

The #1 hockey loves of my life other than my baby boys, the boys on Robson Street, have had a really crazy season this year; and I’m still a little in awe of how they managed to get to this place. Not only are they in the playoffs, but they won their division and are the third seed. *squees* 3 months ago, this club was in the depths of a crazy bad slump and were slowly sinking into Horseshoe Bay; but, something miraculous happened. It’s sort of like finally finding that last corner of the 1000 piece puzzle; the boys in blue found out how to win and they kept winning. However, in the four games against the Boos, those boys either had a really good game or a really bad one; but at least they were able to actually win a couple this year.

So, to make a long story longer, even though the Boos have been playing out of their minds the last few weeks, so have the Canucks; and I think it’s going to catch up with St. Louie. I have to go with my head and my gut to pick the Canucks in 6.

Hmmm, she's got some interesting picks there.

Lisa's Predictions:

Detroit Red Wings v Columbus Blue Jackets

Ugh first up is the toughest for me. My Wings. My Team. But I really enjoy the Jackets play (not to mention hubba hubba Ricky Nash). It's tough. On paper, the Wings are probably the better team but the last time I checked, the games were not played on paper, but on ice and that's where anything can happen. There have been too many playoff years where the 'better' Detroit team was out in the first round.

The Jackets have a chance in this one - they bring a lot to the rink and could do some damage against another team. But I think that the Wings have a little too much experience and talent for the Jackets to overcome.

Wings in 6
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Chicago Blackhawks v Calgary Flames


I'm with Amy on this one but I think the Flames can win one at home with the crowd they have. Maybe not a sweep for the windy city boys but darn close.

Hawks in 5
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San Jose Sharks v Anaheim Ducks

This is gonna be the one to watch I think - too bad I will miss most of it being in the Eastern time zone. These two teams have played each other pretty tough and this could go long. In fact, I think it will. But Unlike Amy, I think the Sharks will pull it off.

Sharks in 7
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Vancouver Canucks v St. Louis Blues

I watched a lot of Blues games down the stretch (Thank you Center Ice) and really got a feel for 'em. They've lost a lot of key guys (including Chucker Favorite, Eric Brewer) for long stretches of time. Rumors of Paulie Kariya coming back only boost this young talented team.

But the thing is, they are going to be facing one of the best keepers in the league. It could be tough, but I'm gonna pitch this as my upset in the West.

Blues in 6

Again, rush off to Vegas with these picks! Just don't complain to us if you lose your shirt.

For a fun read, check out Empty Netters playoff beard preview. Good calls on all of 'em (especially Chuckers favs Mad Max and SuperDuper of the Pens).

It's raining here today which hardly feels like the eve of the playoffs, but the draft lottery is tonight. The Islanders lead the pack of the downtrodden with the best chance to get the number one pick. Personally? I'm hoping for Colorado to get it to pay off for their lousy season.

Until next time! Happy Hockey and enjoy the playoffs.

The Chuckers take on the playoffs

Yesterday was the last day of the regular season so Amy and I decided to lay out our predictions for the playoffs. Eastern Conference today and Western Conference tomorrow (or Wednesday...)

So here we go!

Amy's predictions:

Because I have always lived on the West Coast, I never really had a chance to see a lot of the teams in the East except when the Canucks played them or on Hockey Night in Canada every Saturday night; so I never really had any loyalties to any team. This was until the advent of more cable channels to watch the hockey on; as well as the Internet which opened up a whole new world. However, I still only follow one team in the East and that is because they have had a few of my old school favorites on there; as well as they’ve developed a whole new crop of handsome and talented boys on their team. Oh, and their owner is not only tall, dark and Frenchly handsome...he could play a little puck in his day too.

But here are my picks for the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals….


Montreal Canadiens (93 Pts) 8th Boston Bruins (116 Pts) 1st

Regular Season Series: Boston wins 5 - 1 Oct 15: at Montreal 4, Boston 3 Nov 13: at Boston 6, Montreal 1 Nov 22: Boston 3, at Montreal 2 Jan 13: at Boston 3, Montreal 1 Feb 1: Boston 3, at Montreal 1 Apr 9: at Boston 5, Montreal 4

This go one of two extreme ways: the first, with Boston winning 5 of 6 games in this series, it could be a 4 game sweep. With both of their goalies having had amazing years and all but one of their players healthy; the thought of going up against the Bruins has to be wicked scary for the Habs who have been shaky at best the last few weeks. However, since three of the games were decided by 1 goal and another two were 3-1 differences; it might be closer than the season record looks.

I hope that since last year’s series was so damn close and so horribly exciting, this one is the same; but I have to say Boston in 5.

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Washington Capitals (108 Pts) 2nd New York Rangers (95 Pts) 7th

Regular Season Series: Washington wins 3 - 1 Nov 8: at Washington 3, New York 1 Dec 23: Washington 5, at New York 4 Jan 3: at Washington 2, New York 1 Feb 11: at New York 5, Washington 4

I love this series if for no other reason than we might get to see Sean Avery bug the living shit out of Ovie and Semin then make Backstrom cry. The Craps do have a few guys that can try and keep him under control, but it won’t be easy. I also am curious to see how Jose handles the pressure of being the #1 in the playoffs after the not so great job he did last year in Denver.

I haven’t seen a lot of games with either team or against each other, but I’m going to have to go with my gut and say Craps in 5.

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New Jersey Devils (106 Pts) 3rd Carolina Hurricanes (97 Pts) 6th

Regular Season Series: Carolina wins 3 - 1 Jan 6: at Carolina 3, New Jersey 2 Mar 18: at Carolina 4, New Jersey 2 Mar 28: Carolina 2, at New Jersey 1 Apr 11: at New Jersey 3, Carolina 2

This one, I really don’t care about… truly. But, at first glance, I think that I want to see the Devils out. I still have a little bit of hate left from the 2003 Finals and I’m always tired of hearing about Marty; but having the Canes out means one less team to be a contestant in the Staal brothers drinking game.

Throwing a dart at this one along with loving their mascot, I have to sway towards the Canes in 6.

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Philadelphia Flyers (99 Pts) 5th Pittsburgh Penguins (99 Pts) 4th

Regular Season Series: Pittsburgh wins 4 - 2 Oct 14: at Pittsburgh 3, Philadelphia 2 Nov 13: at Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 4 Dec 13: at Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 3 Jan 13: Pittsburgh 4, at Philadelphia 2 Feb 21: Pittsburgh 5, at Philadelphia 4 Mar 22: Philadelphia 3, at Pittsburgh 1

Okay… so, this has to be the one series I am most excited about in the East. Not only do I love Captain Steve and the Penguins; but because if this series is as great as the games were during the regular season, it’s gonna be quite a show. All I can hope is that Geno Malkin gets a chance to not only get a FU shot on French Toast again; but that we can see Scott Hartnell get his ass whupped by just about anyone.

So, not only am I thinking with my heart; but with my head and taking the Pens in 5.

Ok, now that we've heard Amy's picks, it's my turn! I was originally gonna set up a play off series in my Backyard Hockey Nintendo game but until I get the hang of it a little more, I think I'm gonna go with my brain/gut/guesses rather than my skills at a video gamer.

Lisa's predictions

Montreal Canadiens v Boston Bruins

Amy gives the Habs a shot at winning a game in this series but I'm gonna say this is the only sweep of the first round in the East. Boston just looks too good with Timmy in net and that baby eater of a captain they have. I'd like to see Montreal show up, but I think that even if they do, they will be out gunned in all areas.

Boston in 4

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Washington Capitals v New York Rangers

In my heart of hearts, I want to see this series going to 7 games, all of which are double or triple overtime. I want bodies banged up and bruises that last a long time. Watching the Rangers play yesterday in a game that Philly really wanted to win, they looked good (even without their captain). I dunno, this could be a tight series. It may come down to goaltending and I think King Henrik might have it.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Rangers in 6.

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New Jersey Devils v Carolina Hurricanes

Has there been a hotter team than the Hurricanes in the last few weeks? The Staal brothers drinking game aside, this is the series I think could go either way. The Devils know how to win in the playoffs and might have their losing streak out of the way, but Carolina could buzzsaw through them like they've done to a lot of teams lately. Coin toss series. Carolina has a plus in that Friend of Chuckers is a huge fan (and her other team didn't make it in so I'm going with the Canes).

Carolina in 5

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Philadelphia Flyers v Pittsburgh Penguins

Oh boy. This one could get sticky. Biron can steal a game but as Friend of Chuckers Lisa pointed out, Biron can get rattled. A lot has been said about Crosby and Malkin against Richards and Carter. My takes is that this series will boil down to defense (as in which defense can stop who). Free Candy, Scuds and Gonch can shut down a lot of fellas and LeGame can score a few on the rush. Plus the Pens have the Frenchies of SuperDuper and MadMax on their side.

Going with my heart here (because I really don't like the Flyers and hope Biron is with another team next year).

Pens in 6

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Now if I were you, I'd go run off to Vegas with these picks and place your bets. Granted, you will probably lose a lot of money, but that's the rub with gambling. Only bet what you can afford to lose, right?

The schedule is out and Wednesday is the day. We'll be glued to the tv/computer and watching the games. Full reports will most likely follow.

So for now, that's all.
Happy hockey!

We're off to see the Wizard....

First I would like to give a big shout out to the Columbus Blue Jackets for capturing their very first trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Jackets and quite a few of their players are on the list of favorites here at Chica Central; and no one more than the captain, Mr. Richard Nash, who tied the game to give them that last point that they needed to clinch.

This is a picture I took of Ricky at the Draft two years ago when it was in CBJ; and Lisa and I drove down from MI so I could watch two of my Tips boys get drafted. It was big fun and if you're ever there, eat at Schmidt's Sausage Haus. Okay so it was the only restaurant that we ate at besides Waffle House, but I love German food and it was good. Anyway... here is Ricky...



Also going on this week is the last week of games for the AHL; as well as the ECHL will be opening up their quest for the Kelly Cup this weekend. Why is this important you ask? Well, there are a handful of former Tips are playing in the A and the E and we still love our boys here in Hooterville long after they're gone... just ask Mitch Love. :)

So tomorrow starts the series of Moises Guiterrez and the Elmira Jackals vs. the Trenton Devils; though our pal Mo is on the 30 day IR as of last week. I'm still trying to find out what happened, and hopefully he will be able to return soon. Then on Saturday is the Victoria Salmon Kings with Dan Gendur vs. the Idaho Steelheads. Danny's had a pretty good rookie season up in Victoria, which I'm sure is no doubt due to it being his hometown, and he probably gets to live at home with his mom taking care of him.

Then over in the AHL, it's still not quite decided yet for our pal Mitch, John Lammers and the Houston Aeros; but they have a good shot of getting in tomorrow night. They'll join Riley Armstrong and the Worcester Sharks, Zach Hamill and the Providence Bruins; and the favorite team here in Hooterville, the Manitoba Moose with Shaun Heshka and our good pal Taylor Ellington. Tay hasn't played yet for the Moose and may not in the playoffs, but it's good for him to be up there. The only former Tip that I know of that is playing in the A that won't be in the playoffs is Leland Irving. His Quad City boys have had a good run as of late, but they are just going to run out of time.

I love playoffs time... it's always fun when the playoff races are actually races; and you are rooting for teams to win that you'd cut your tongue out than admit you were rooting for, other than the fact that the team they're playing is neck and neck with YOUR team.

So, to bookend today's post with the Blue Jackets, I'll give you a little bit of funny with a former BlueJacket turned Atlanta Thrasher Ron Hainsey. Just watch it... it's funny. :) Have a good day kids!

Coffee with 8 creams

I was in line at McDees this morning and the person in front of me ordered a small coffee with 8 creams. The first thing that came to mind as I read the still lingering order on the screen when I pulled up was that I read it wrong. Then I asked the order taker if the order was really 8 creams she smiled and rolled her eyes. "Yup, every morning. Eight creams."

Then I thought, "what is the point of that?" A little coffee with your milk there?

That's gotta be what the Colorado Avalanche must be thinking this morning after taking the Sharks to a scoreless shootout last night. They eventually lost but holding the Sharks to no regulation/OT goals this year has been pretty tough. But since the Avalanche are in the basement of the Western Conference, that point gained probably doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot.

I hate to say it, but I think it's time to stick a fork in the Buffaslugs. They are in 10th and four points behind the kitties (in 9th) and 6 points behind the 8th seed (Ranger$). They have three games left (Toronto, a suddenly very good Carolina [and speaking of them can SOMEONE throw a wrench at them? - Sorry Jenni] and then Boston) but I don't see them getting three points out of that let alone 6. And I've said it before, I think it might be best to not make the playoffs rather than get embarrassed in the first round. Sigh. But maybe Crunchy will be chosen for the Worlds, wonky ankle and all (and yes, that was my question on NHL Live the other day, thanks for noticing!)

Speaking of the Worlds, I'm also hoping Crunchy's bff JM Liles will also make the team for USA. I think that'd be swell. Ron Wilson said this is sort of a tune up for the Olympics. Granted, a lot of guys who will be in Vancouver will still be playing in the playoffs but I think Ronny can get a good feel for what's out there. I'm thinking he can get a pretty good team built up.

Easter is coming and my mom called wondering if I wanted a chaffing dish. It's not like I entertain all that much and hell, where would I put it? She's a card. But Easter also brings on the end of the NHL regular season. It will be sad for yet another year to end, but that just means the playoffs are close at hand. Keep an eye out for Amy and my fearless and (and at least on my part) clueless playoff predictions. Hey you never know, I came in 3rd in a basketball pool and I don't even like that sport!

Until next time....happy hockey!

Flowers for Carly

It's another Monday here on the third rock from the sun, and it was an eventful weekend for both me and my hockey boys; but for no one more than the Vancouver Canucks. They should have been able to win both games Saturday and Sunday with ease, but they were not only missing a vital part of their second line; but they had lost a member of their family.

Early Friday morning Taylor Pyatt got a phone call that not only changed his life, but a whole lot of people around him. I can only imagine what he was and still is going through.

I know how I felt when my friend called to tell me that our pal and former Silvertip Jordan Mistelbacher was dead.... I almost thought she was kidding, but she wasn't. I spent the rest of the evening sobbing and most of the next few days in a fog of sorts. He wasn't even that close of a friend, he was just an acquaintance that I had known about 2 years; but even three months later I'm still not sure I believe that he's gone and I miss him.

Carly and Taylor had been together for 11 years... they were going to be married this summer... they had their whole lives planned out no doubt, or at least until Tay retires. Now, instead of helping get that last minute stuff done for the wedding, even if it would be over the phone; Taylor had to help plan a funeral and became a widower before he was ever a husband.

I guess my point with this ramble is how much being part of a hockey family, like the I'm part of with other Tips friends and fans, means to me and how this game and the people who are involved with it change your life. It gives us that anchor when things like Carly passing away or even Mickey Renaud and Alexei Cherepanov last year happen. You hope it never happens to you, but if it does like it did with Jordan's death, you know that you aren't alone in your grief.

Anyway, I just want to send some virtual flowers to the Pyatt and Bragnalo families; as well as the Canuck boys and their families. I hope they know their extended family in the hockey world is thinking of them.

MVP?

There has been a lot of talk around the league regarding the MVP. Ovechkin or Malkin? They seem to be the front runners right now. But I have another name to toss into the mix: Steve Mason, goalie for the Blue Jackets.

Hear me out - he leads the league in shutouts (ten shutouts backstopping the Jackets for crying out loud) and is a rookie. Watching him play on Sunday he was one turn over away from 11 shootouts. He's got a decent record, but what's more important to look at is how the team has done when he's not in net.

While I love Ricky and Rusty and the bunch, Steve has been their MVP and should, along with rookie of the year, get some serious looks come voting time.

But what do I know.

Meaningful games in April

In past years, April has been a time to fine tune their lineups for the playoffs: a tweak here, resting the key guys there, coasting until the second season starts. Boy that's been shot to hell this year. None of the standings are set and in both conferences there is wiggle room from top to bottom. Some divisions are secured, but other than that, nothing else is etched in stone just yet.

Buffalo: man, they lost a HUGE point last night to the Trashers (side note, I was watching a game on CBC or TSN and there was someone in the booth by his accent it was clear he was a Quebeccer and he kept pronouncing the Thrashers as the Trashers. I of course, loved it). They are not mathematically eliminated but the hill just got a few degrees steeper. Note to the Habs - stop frakin' winning.

Penguins: Very quietly they have tied for fourth place (as friend of Chuckers, Lisa, pointed out that Marty B was pulled for the Flyers last night - not a good night for goalies named Marty, eh?) with a shellacking of the Devils. Worlds Greatest Goaltender EVAR! ( /sarcasm) looked very human afterall. The devils owe their season to their third stringer goaltender AHL goalie, not Marty.

Again I can't remember where I heard this but it was said about the Wing: and their reward for finishing second is to play the Ducks. Yeah, no thank you. Once given up for dead, Les Canards are doing their best Phoenix (bird, not city) impression and making some noise. If things end up this way, I don't know if the Wings want that hot mess in round one. Come to think of it, no matter who the Wings get in the first round, they are going to face a scrapy team who are out to prove that they belong in the playoffs (the Blues, the Preds, heck, even the Oilers and Minny have a shot). This reminds me far too much of the year Edmonton went to the Final. Who did they beat? An over talented Wings team. Oh Jason Smith, how I miss you.

The Jackets decided to show up again. After having their collective asses handed to them by a charging St. Lou team, they bucked up and put down a Nashville team that's looking to do some damage. Turns out, the Preds are the ones who came out hurting. They lost yet another pretty key guy to their team. I don't think Stevie Sullivan can do it all boys. But this is the first time the BJs have had some purpose to play well in April (other than that usual response of "pride")

But you know, I've got one more thing. Watching the Guins game last night...it was 6-1 and Sid blocked a shot. He skated off in pain but didn't miss a shift. I gotta think had that been a lot of other 'super stars' that wouldn't be in that position but instead they would be trying to pad their stats.

That about sums up what's in my brain this morning. Until next time!