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!

There is a rumor Spring is coming....

Spring means the trade deadline - just a day or so away. I'm not a big fan of the deadline and all the hubbaloo about it. Honestly, I'm worried about some players I like moving and that sorta upsets me. Screw families relocating and friendships, certain players shouldn't move because I said so! Ok, ending my Vercua moment. And for your random thought of the day - verruca is "is part of the hpv viruses with some types causing cervical dysplasia." Thanks Wiki!

Will JayBo go? (hope so) Will the Wings stand pat? (hope not) Will Vinny go to the Habs? (not sure I care one way or the other) I'm sure we'll have more details as the next few days go on. But please for the love of GOD, will someone trade for Billy Guerin? I'm sick to death of hearing the Billy watch. Suicide watch would be more entertaining right now. Ok maybe I'm just sick.

The hockey gods are not smiling much on a few of my teams currently. Sure, the Guins are rocking the win column without The Kid, but the Slugs are not doing so hot. They will get Tommy Vanek back on Wednesday and they might have the services of Max AfinsomethingRussianov if he's not been traded. I'm not saying he should go, but please, a bag of pucks would be worth more than Max right now.

Is there any team sadder than the Colorado Avalanche right now? It is actually painful to watch them (and not just because they were on Versus either). A major shake up is needed but only a few people really know if that's gonna happen. As much as I've enjoyed seeing Raycroft this year, he's not the answer. Their hot mess of a defense hasn't found an identity (are they a shut down D or are they mobile puck carriers - most nights, they can't figure it out.) and their forwards are no where near consistent. Come Thursday morning, that could be a very different team. Hopefully for the better.

Hard to say what Pittsburgh will do. I do like the pick up of Kunitz but think they need just a tweek more. Do I think Armstrong is the answer? Probably not, but if it kicks number 87 into gear, I'm all for it. USSGill is probably gone. Too bad, I like him a lot (but maybe not since Whitney was moved). This is why I'm not a GM; I'd go with my heart more than my head.

Tonight on Versus (barf) the Guins play the Ning. To be honest, I'm sorta glad it's on Versus (barf) because as much as I complain, I really don't like the Tampa announcers and I could use a break from the Pens guys (I wanna put a cork in Bob most nights).

Interesting little bit over at Puck Daddy about the Don Cherry/Ovechkin celebration comments. I'm not a fan of Ovechkin's (nor of Cherry's either) and I think a valid point is being made. Keeping in mind I'm of the old school thought of 'act like you've been there before' Barry Sanders (remember him?) scoring motion, there is nothing wrong with celebrating your goals, but really a little goes a long way. Hug the boys and get to the bench or center ice.

Also on that point, if Steve Ott, Chris Neil, Sean Avery or any other of the leagues douchebags were to take runs at player like Ovechkin does, they would be out games.

Moving on to better things. It appears that Ethan Moreau will not require surgery to repair his damaged eye. While I did not see the game where he was injured, I saw replays of it and part of me gets angry. Even the trainer admits that a visor would have probably prevented this injury. When are the players going to look past the 'only pansies wear visors' theory and start protecting themselves? They wore face protection in juniors or college and they are required to wear certain protective equipment now, so why not visors? I don't understand it (and spare me the argument that they players can't see with them on - many of the top goal scorers in the league wear 'em so that doesn't float).

Just checked - no trades yet. Stay tuned.

one day off, one day on, one day off....

Hopefully Amy is feeling better and back at work today because I'm home. A combination of too little sleep, too much stress, and fighting off the drek for too long has finally caught up with me. So home I sit.

Buffalo won a nice game last night. I missed the first part (hurrah for DVR) but hear that Ryan Miller kept them in it at the start. I'm not shy about admitting how much I've grown to adore him (this is a man who in his blog said Besides, this a blog written by a professional athlete and I don't want to undermine the stereotype that we are all dumb jocks... We worked hard for that stigma so that when people underestimate our intelligence we can make them look really stupid. It is one of the perks... That and naps. We nap a lot. Nap are a big perk. This after saying he'd like to keep politics out of his blog. The fact that he even is AWARE there is a political landscape out there is big. It's also no secret that smart guys are instantly more attractive/interesting to me anyway). I'll have to watch that today and see how well he really did. That and the puck seems to keep finding Stafford. I'm all for that!

Interesting news out of Montreal. When you tell the player who has been one of your top scorers to stay home on your roadtrip without him being injured, that's a big sign of trouble. Calling him ineffective to the press just tosses a whole can of lighter fluid onto the fire. Gotta think he's not long for Montreal. I bet I could think of some takers. Also in the Habs world - the players are partying too much. Like this is a shock to anyone? Find me some young men who make lots of money who don't party (other than Sidney Crosby I mean)? There is a big deal about seeing Carey Price smoking....wasn't there a photo of Kiprusoff chain smoking with some ladies of .... lets just say, most likely, "negotiable affection" a few years back? Chalk that up to saying boys will be boys.

The kitties are at it again. Playing the devils and coming out with two points is big - bigger when the devils don't get any. Nicely played.

Going to dip into the west pool again and talk about two guys. First up, John-Michael Liles. Seems that he's got some sort of hand/wrist injury that will keep him out for the next few days. Man the hits just keep coming for that team. Hopefully he'll be back before we know it.

PattyMarleau (you just gotta say that in a sing song voice PaaaatyMARleau) is on fire. This pleases me a lot. Seeing him damn near broken and talk of trade rumors and hearing how he wasn't a good captain really ..well, hurt. I like Patty a whole bunch and think there are 29 other teams out there who wouldn't drool for a chance to have him on their roster. I'm sorta rooting for them to win it all this year just so I can hear The Count say "Patrick Marleau, come get the Stanley Cup" and know that somewhere Ron Wilson is seething.

Mike Green won't give his record setting stick to the Hall of Fame. A douchebag move? Color me shocked. Reason number 9,862,621 to dislike the Craps? Boudreau, who appeared as an extra in “Slap Shot,” was happy to learn that a studio is planning a remake of the 1977 classic hockey movie. Sorry Bruce, you don't remake that sort of movie. Tool.

Oh one more thing: