As soon as the horn sounded on the regular season finale between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, I sent a text message to a guy I used to work with, who happens to be a dedicated Penguins fan: "We just don't have the goaltending. Pens in 6." After calming down and looking a little further into it, I picked Pens in 7 on this blog. Even though it seems I was right about the Pens taking this series, it doesn't hurt any less to see a season with this much promise end the way it did. And it hurt even worse to see that goaltending wasn't the only problem, but heart.
Of the four Philadelphia major sports teams, in my eighteen years on this earth, if you asked me on the whole which franchise was the most dedicated to winning, working hard, and never quitting, I would say the Flyers. Few times in my life as a sports fan have I ever questioned the heart of the Philadelphia Flyers. Today is a rare exception. The first period ended with Philly up 3-0. In the beginning of the second, after Daniel Carcillo beat the living daylights out of Max Talbot, I thought I could safely watch the NFL draft for the remainder of the afternoon. But the Penguins used the fact that Talbot put his body on the line to drop the gloves and rallied behind it, because they wanted to go home with the series clinched. Why? How? Because that's what great teams do, and that's what teams with heart do. Love 'em or hate 'em, and its certainly the latter for me, the Pens have a deadly combination of dedication and talent. But today wasn't really about the Penguins overcoming the three goal lead, but about the Flyers blowing it.
To give up five unanswered goals in any game is embarassing, but in a postseason elimination game, after just scoring three goals and winning one of the most lopsided fights I've seen this season? That's utter humilation, for the players, coaches, and fans. So what's the next move? I think John Stevens is one of the last guys that can be blamed for this end-of-season flameout, but the consensus move in professional sports in this situation is to fire the coach. So I think Stevens is out, probably within the next few days. But that's not the real problem. The real problem is that Marty Biron and Antero Niittymaki are both free agents, and honestly, I don't think it makes sense to bring either of them back. Take that money and go get a stud goalie. I'd rather a stud goalie and a shaky backup than two mediocre players between the pipes. If there's one silver lining in this post, its that the Flyers are never afraid to go out and get that impact player.
But honestly, it's way too early to even think about it.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Rest in Peace, Harry Kalas
I don't have a whole lot to say. My friend Dan did about as good of a job honoring Harry Kalas as anybody could, and all the things he said hold true with how I feel too. Simply put, baseball will never sound the same.
Rest in peace, Harry Kalas.
Rest in peace, Harry Kalas.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Oops
I forgot I made a blog. It happens. But as fate would have it, I remembered that I had a blog on the same day that the NHL regular season concluded. Coincidence? Probably. Anyway, here are my picks for the NHL Playoffs this year.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
8. Anaheim Ducks vs. 1. San Jose Sharks
Not only are the Sharks a much better team than the Ducks, but I feel in most ecosystems that if a duck would swim over to where a shark who just had a bad day was lurking, the ensuing battle would be pretty one-sided. But seriously, I know the Sharks have been the top seed before, and it hasn't recently resulted in even an appearance in the Stanley Cup, but this is one they should win. The only concern is that the Ducks were able to muster two solid wins against the sharks, one of which in the Shark Tank, by a combined score of 9-2. But, I still like the Sharks. These guys have the pieces on offense, the leadership in Joe Thornton, and a freak in goal. No upset here.
SEASON SERIES: Sharks 4-2
THE PICK: Sharks in 4
7. Columbus Blue Jackets vs. 2. Detroit Red Wings
The defending champions have been questionable as of late, especially after losing two to Chicago in a home-and-home to close out the series. They are 3-6-1 in their last ten, and Chris Osgood continues to scare Hockeytown with his inconsistency. In addition, as dominant as it seems the Red Wings have been this year, the season series between the Wings and the Jackets is knotted at 3 apiece. The key is, though, that each team only surrendered one home game to the other during the season, and I think Detroit's home ice advantage is the deciding factor in this one. This will be closer than you think.
SEASON SERIES: Tied 3-3
THE PICK: Red Wings in 6
6. St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks
I'm officially on the Blues bandwagon. This team is surging and firing on all cylinders, gaining at least a point in 9 out of their last 10 contests. Brad Boyes and David Backes are quietly having good years with 30+ goal seasons. However, things could get tough with questionable goaltending for St. Louie and Mats Sundin's playoff experience could provide an x-factor for Vancouver that the Blues don't have an answer for. This one's gonna be as close as they come, but in the end, my gut feels like the Blues will pull off the upset.
SEASON SERIES: Tied 2-2
THE PICK: Blues in 7
5. Calgary Flames vs. 4. Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are finishing up Act 3 of their season. Act 1 was the first half of the season, where it seemed that they were truly "back" in all senses of the word, and so was their fanbase. They were free from one of the worst owners in professional sports history, and guys like Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews were so fun to watch. The next part of their season was a bit of a downnote, going 6-7-2 in the month of March. However, the Hawks have finished strong, gaining points in all 7 of their games in April, including two impressive victories over Detroit. Calgary's a perennial contender these days, and this is untrodden ground for Chicago, but lets not forget that Nikolai Khabibulin is the same goaltender that led the Lightning to a championship 5 years ago. And while he's not who he once was, his experience is invaluable. It is also impossible to ignore that Chicago swept the season series against Calgary, with an aggregate score of 19-7.
SEASON SERIES: Blackhawks 4-0
THE PICK: Blackhawks in 5
EASTERN CONFERENCE
8. Montreal Canadiens vs. 1. Boston Bruins
One of my favorite non-Philadelphia rivalries. This is a cool role-reversal from last year's playoffs where it took the top-seeded Habs 7 games to knock off Boston. I don't expect this one to be quite as close, especially considering the dysfunctional state of the Canadiens right now. After they fired Guy Carbonneau midseason, I even thought Florida or Buffalo would end up in the 8 spot over Montreal. Either way, if Tim Thomas and the Bruins get spoiled this year, it won't be by the Canadiens.
SEASON SERIES: Bruins 5-1
THE PICK: Bruins in 5
7. New York Rangers vs. 2. Washington Capitals
Rangers = new swagger, new attitude, and essentially a new team. I don't think Torts was the difference, but it seems to be a taboo subject to talk about the real difference maker on this team, Sean Avery. Love him or hate him, his attitude is exactly what a playoff team needs. As good as the Caps are, I don't see them built for a playoff run. Alex Ovechkin IS the best player in the NHL, and he LOVES the big stage, but I question the rest of the team. Is Theodore going to get it done in net against the likes of Dubinsky and Gomez? While I think the series will go the distance, my answer is no.
SEASON SERIES: Capitals 3-1
THE PICK: Rangers in 7
6. Carolina Hurricanes vs. 3. New Jersey Devils
For those that think this a cakewalk for Jersey, think harder. Not only is Carolina three years removed from a Championship, but the veteran leadership in Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, and Cam Ward make this team talented and experienced. Not to mention this team wasn't totally in the playoff picture until the last leg of the season, where they surged and were a victory away from a 4 seed in the East. And as good as New Jersey has been this season, the season series was 3-0 Carolina until the last game of the season where Jersey was able to avoid the season sweep. For those that will reference Jersey's perennial 'manning up' in the playoffs, it might surprise you to learn that this is the fourth time this decade that Jersey and the Canes met in the playoffs. So far, the series is 2-1 Carolina. However, the true telling stat is that in all three of those series, the team with the home ice advantage has come away victorious. Besides, Marty's a boss in net.
SEASON SERIES: Hurricanes 3-1
THE PICK: Devils in 6
5. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 4. Pittsburgh Penguins
This is the toughest series to pick in my opinion. When you get two division rivals that despise eachother, not to mention as a rematch of last year's East finals, anything can really happen. But, as much as it hurts me, I gotta pick the Pens here. I love this Flyers team, and this offense has honestly been the most fun to watch in recent memory for me, but the holes in defense and the question marks in goal are too much for me. Philly's goalscoring alone will get them 2-3 victories in this series, but I find it hard to believe that they'll win this series. I don't see a real answer for Staal and Malkin up the middle. Combined with Crosby's playmaking, this should mean an early exit for the Flyers. With the knowledge of last years defeat, and a much healthier squad, Philadelphia could rally behind Marty Biron if he takes that extra step this year as he did last year. But I wouldn't bet on it.
SEASON SERIES: Penguins 4-2
THE PICK: Penguins in 7
Just for kicks, here's my march madness style picks for the rest of the NHL postseason. I'll have more detailed selections each round.
WEST
SHARKS over Blues in 5
RED WINGS over Blackhawks in 6
RED WINGS over Sharks in 6
EAST
BRUINS over Rangers in 6
DEVILS over Penguins in 5
DEVILS over Bruins in 7
STANLEY CUP
DEVILS over Red Wings in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
8. Anaheim Ducks vs. 1. San Jose Sharks
Not only are the Sharks a much better team than the Ducks, but I feel in most ecosystems that if a duck would swim over to where a shark who just had a bad day was lurking, the ensuing battle would be pretty one-sided. But seriously, I know the Sharks have been the top seed before, and it hasn't recently resulted in even an appearance in the Stanley Cup, but this is one they should win. The only concern is that the Ducks were able to muster two solid wins against the sharks, one of which in the Shark Tank, by a combined score of 9-2. But, I still like the Sharks. These guys have the pieces on offense, the leadership in Joe Thornton, and a freak in goal. No upset here.
SEASON SERIES: Sharks 4-2
THE PICK: Sharks in 4
7. Columbus Blue Jackets vs. 2. Detroit Red Wings
The defending champions have been questionable as of late, especially after losing two to Chicago in a home-and-home to close out the series. They are 3-6-1 in their last ten, and Chris Osgood continues to scare Hockeytown with his inconsistency. In addition, as dominant as it seems the Red Wings have been this year, the season series between the Wings and the Jackets is knotted at 3 apiece. The key is, though, that each team only surrendered one home game to the other during the season, and I think Detroit's home ice advantage is the deciding factor in this one. This will be closer than you think.
SEASON SERIES: Tied 3-3
THE PICK: Red Wings in 6
6. St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks
I'm officially on the Blues bandwagon. This team is surging and firing on all cylinders, gaining at least a point in 9 out of their last 10 contests. Brad Boyes and David Backes are quietly having good years with 30+ goal seasons. However, things could get tough with questionable goaltending for St. Louie and Mats Sundin's playoff experience could provide an x-factor for Vancouver that the Blues don't have an answer for. This one's gonna be as close as they come, but in the end, my gut feels like the Blues will pull off the upset.
SEASON SERIES: Tied 2-2
THE PICK: Blues in 7
5. Calgary Flames vs. 4. Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are finishing up Act 3 of their season. Act 1 was the first half of the season, where it seemed that they were truly "back" in all senses of the word, and so was their fanbase. They were free from one of the worst owners in professional sports history, and guys like Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews were so fun to watch. The next part of their season was a bit of a downnote, going 6-7-2 in the month of March. However, the Hawks have finished strong, gaining points in all 7 of their games in April, including two impressive victories over Detroit. Calgary's a perennial contender these days, and this is untrodden ground for Chicago, but lets not forget that Nikolai Khabibulin is the same goaltender that led the Lightning to a championship 5 years ago. And while he's not who he once was, his experience is invaluable. It is also impossible to ignore that Chicago swept the season series against Calgary, with an aggregate score of 19-7.
SEASON SERIES: Blackhawks 4-0
THE PICK: Blackhawks in 5
EASTERN CONFERENCE
8. Montreal Canadiens vs. 1. Boston Bruins
One of my favorite non-Philadelphia rivalries. This is a cool role-reversal from last year's playoffs where it took the top-seeded Habs 7 games to knock off Boston. I don't expect this one to be quite as close, especially considering the dysfunctional state of the Canadiens right now. After they fired Guy Carbonneau midseason, I even thought Florida or Buffalo would end up in the 8 spot over Montreal. Either way, if Tim Thomas and the Bruins get spoiled this year, it won't be by the Canadiens.
SEASON SERIES: Bruins 5-1
THE PICK: Bruins in 5
7. New York Rangers vs. 2. Washington Capitals
Rangers = new swagger, new attitude, and essentially a new team. I don't think Torts was the difference, but it seems to be a taboo subject to talk about the real difference maker on this team, Sean Avery. Love him or hate him, his attitude is exactly what a playoff team needs. As good as the Caps are, I don't see them built for a playoff run. Alex Ovechkin IS the best player in the NHL, and he LOVES the big stage, but I question the rest of the team. Is Theodore going to get it done in net against the likes of Dubinsky and Gomez? While I think the series will go the distance, my answer is no.
SEASON SERIES: Capitals 3-1
THE PICK: Rangers in 7
6. Carolina Hurricanes vs. 3. New Jersey Devils
For those that think this a cakewalk for Jersey, think harder. Not only is Carolina three years removed from a Championship, but the veteran leadership in Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal, and Cam Ward make this team talented and experienced. Not to mention this team wasn't totally in the playoff picture until the last leg of the season, where they surged and were a victory away from a 4 seed in the East. And as good as New Jersey has been this season, the season series was 3-0 Carolina until the last game of the season where Jersey was able to avoid the season sweep. For those that will reference Jersey's perennial 'manning up' in the playoffs, it might surprise you to learn that this is the fourth time this decade that Jersey and the Canes met in the playoffs. So far, the series is 2-1 Carolina. However, the true telling stat is that in all three of those series, the team with the home ice advantage has come away victorious. Besides, Marty's a boss in net.
SEASON SERIES: Hurricanes 3-1
THE PICK: Devils in 6
5. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 4. Pittsburgh Penguins
This is the toughest series to pick in my opinion. When you get two division rivals that despise eachother, not to mention as a rematch of last year's East finals, anything can really happen. But, as much as it hurts me, I gotta pick the Pens here. I love this Flyers team, and this offense has honestly been the most fun to watch in recent memory for me, but the holes in defense and the question marks in goal are too much for me. Philly's goalscoring alone will get them 2-3 victories in this series, but I find it hard to believe that they'll win this series. I don't see a real answer for Staal and Malkin up the middle. Combined with Crosby's playmaking, this should mean an early exit for the Flyers. With the knowledge of last years defeat, and a much healthier squad, Philadelphia could rally behind Marty Biron if he takes that extra step this year as he did last year. But I wouldn't bet on it.
SEASON SERIES: Penguins 4-2
THE PICK: Penguins in 7
Just for kicks, here's my march madness style picks for the rest of the NHL postseason. I'll have more detailed selections each round.
WEST
SHARKS over Blues in 5
RED WINGS over Blackhawks in 6
RED WINGS over Sharks in 6
EAST
BRUINS over Rangers in 6
DEVILS over Penguins in 5
DEVILS over Bruins in 7
STANLEY CUP
DEVILS over Red Wings in 7
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