Have you been following tweets from JayRCallahan (aka John R Callahan)? His Twitter updates are highly entertaining and worth checking out http://twitter.com/#!/jayrcallahan Seems John R was curious about a couple of topics last week. One was what percentage of the male population that actually tuned into Oprah's show. The second was fear of a Vancouver versus Tampa Bay Stanley Cup Final and its effect on TV ratings. While I don't have the answer on Oprah's male viewers, I can say this, FEAR NOT JOHN R AND VERSUS, THE BRUINS ARE GOING TO THE FINALS!
I am actually a bit perplexed that former Pond Meadow and Faxon Park pond hockey legend John R had any doubt about the Bruins winning game seven. I am pleased to report he is doing well, in fact on Saturday morning my cell phone rang, it was the legend blaring the Bruins WSBK-TV38 theme song from the Dropkick Murphys into my ear. All is well in Pond Meadow and Faxon Park.
It's been 21 years and the Boston Bruins are finally going to the Stanley Cup Finals. This will be an interesting match up. First the Vancouver Canucks are favored and their media is lacking no confidence. The Vancouver Sun sports section actually seemed pleased the Canucks will play the Bruins and predicted the Canucks will win. I believe this series will be a closer one than most people think.
Goaltending. Tim Thomas will rise to the occasion. Roberto Luongo is no slouch, however, I give the goal tending edge to the Bruins.
Defense. Zdeno Chiaro and Dennis Siedenberg will log lots of minutes. Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ference are solid and Thomas Kaberle will have to deliver on the power play. I like the Bruin defense despite Vancouver's Kevin Bieksa, Alexander Edler, and Dan Hamhuis all being solid two-way defensemen. The Bruins are stronger here.
Forwards. It's really easy to figure this one out, the Bruins cannot take penalties. If they get sloppy, this will be a short series. The potent Vancouver forwards led by the Sedin twins, Ryan Kessler and the return of Manny Malholtra (possibly), are outstanding. Bruins forwards are winning faceoffs and transition well. The Canucks forwards (and special teams) are just better.
Bruins in six.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Last Four Standing
I believe the four remaining teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs clearly are the four best teams in the league. This will make for an exciting semifinal round.
San Jose versus Vancouver
Vancouver only has three players that have previously advanced to the final round. Vancouver offense is solid albeit in need of a bigger contribution from the Sedin twins. Ryan Kessler cannot carry the water alone. San Jose is getting solid performances from Joe Thornton, Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski but will need Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau to show up. I like the San Jose forwards. As for defense, I give the edge to Vancouver. San Jose has Dan Boyle but there is little depth after him. Vancouver, led by Kevin Bieksa and Alan Edler, are just more talented defensively. San Jose goal tending is a bit stronger. Anti Niemi is coming off a strong series with Detriot. Roberto Luongo is highly capable, but can he deliver when it counts?
This series will be close, I am picking San Jose.
Boston versus Tampa Bay
From the minute the puck drops, expect the Bruins to be physical. The Tampa Bay forwards are more talented than the Bruins. The B's will need to rough up Tampa Bay from the outset, if they don't its going to be a short series. Zdeno Chara leads the Bruin defense and he is well rested and ready to go. Chara gets solid supporting help from Dennis Seidenberg. The Bruin's defense is superior to injury laden Tampa Bay's. Tim Thomas needs to continue building momentum from his strong regular season and early-round playoff performance. Another solid series, with the Bruins advancing, and he becomes part of the Conn Smythe conversation. Duane Roloson is playing terrific and will be well rested - I still give the goal tending advantage to the Bruins.
Barring the unforeseen, the Bruins should take this series.
Miscellaneous.....is it any wonder the Edmonton Oilers are in the cellar for the past couple of years? You have to wonder how they judge talent? They decided not to renew Colin McDonald's contract during the summer of 2010, so what does McDonald do? He goes out and leads the AHL in scoring. McDonald would be a good acquisition in June for an NHL team needing a solid defensive minded forward.
San Jose versus Vancouver
Vancouver only has three players that have previously advanced to the final round. Vancouver offense is solid albeit in need of a bigger contribution from the Sedin twins. Ryan Kessler cannot carry the water alone. San Jose is getting solid performances from Joe Thornton, Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski but will need Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau to show up. I like the San Jose forwards. As for defense, I give the edge to Vancouver. San Jose has Dan Boyle but there is little depth after him. Vancouver, led by Kevin Bieksa and Alan Edler, are just more talented defensively. San Jose goal tending is a bit stronger. Anti Niemi is coming off a strong series with Detriot. Roberto Luongo is highly capable, but can he deliver when it counts?
This series will be close, I am picking San Jose.
Boston versus Tampa Bay
From the minute the puck drops, expect the Bruins to be physical. The Tampa Bay forwards are more talented than the Bruins. The B's will need to rough up Tampa Bay from the outset, if they don't its going to be a short series. Zdeno Chara leads the Bruin defense and he is well rested and ready to go. Chara gets solid supporting help from Dennis Seidenberg. The Bruin's defense is superior to injury laden Tampa Bay's. Tim Thomas needs to continue building momentum from his strong regular season and early-round playoff performance. Another solid series, with the Bruins advancing, and he becomes part of the Conn Smythe conversation. Duane Roloson is playing terrific and will be well rested - I still give the goal tending advantage to the Bruins.
Barring the unforeseen, the Bruins should take this series.
Miscellaneous.....is it any wonder the Edmonton Oilers are in the cellar for the past couple of years? You have to wonder how they judge talent? They decided not to renew Colin McDonald's contract during the summer of 2010, so what does McDonald do? He goes out and leads the AHL in scoring. McDonald would be a good acquisition in June for an NHL team needing a solid defensive minded forward.
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