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Friday, January 6, 2012
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 06:25 PM.


Western Conference Semi-Finals Set

(1)
San Jose Sharks - (49 - 27 - 6 -- 104)
(7)

Anaheim Ducks - (39 - 34 - 9 -- 87)

(3)
Vancouver Canucks - (42 - 32 - 8 -- 92)
(4)
Chicago Blackhawks - (46 - 29 - 7 -- 99)

RECAPS


Posted on January 6, 2012 at 06:25 PM.


Eastern Conference Semi-Finals Set

(1)
Carolina Hurricanes - (53 - 25 - 4 -- 110
(4)

Washington Capitals - (49 - 27 - 6 -- 104)

(2)
Pittsburgh Penguins - (49 - 25 - 8 -- 106)
(3)
Toronto Maple Leafs - (47 - 28 - 7 -- 101)

RECAPS


Posted on January 6, 2012 at 12:33 AM.


(1)
San Jose Sharks - (49 - 27 - 6 -- 104)
(7)
Anaheim Ducks - (39 - 34 - 9 -- 87)


(3)

Vancouver Canucks - (42 - 32 - 8 -- 92)
(4)

Chicago Blackhawks - (46 - 29 - 7 -- 99)
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 12:27 AM.



(1)
Carolina Hurricanes - (53 - 25 - 4 -- 110)
(4)

Washington Capitals - (49 - 27 - 6 -- 104)

(2)
Pittsburgh Penguins - (49 - 25 - 8 -- 106)
(3)
Toronto Maple Leafs - (47 - 28 - 7 -- 101)
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 12:17 AM.


(4)
Chicago Blackhawks - (46 - 29 - 7 -- 99)

(5)
Dallas Stars - (47 - 30 - 5 -- 99)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

Where to start, a lot of things came together early for the Hawks in the season, the middle part of the year was horrible, and the end was very good. What happens now, the Hawks are still very young, and now a little inexperienced on the blue line, which could end up hurting them, but based on this season's numbers they held their own. A big reason was Crawford, who was scuffling all year until the last month or so when he really turned it on big time. The issue this year for the Hawks was the power play which was a surprise as it has never been outside the top 10, let alone almost last in the league. If that doesn't click in the playoffs, and the defense shows it's age, then the outcome might not be favorable for the Hawks. A lot of intrigue around this club this year, as opposed to last year going into the playoffs with a real shot at the Cup, maybe things click, if they don't it could be an early exit.
Prediction - Hawks in 7

RECAP


Holy balls, what an exhausting series. The as if the first two games going to OT weren't enough the back and forth nearly killed me between game 5 and 7. In game 7 Hawks trailed 3-1 going to the third period, and put up 5 goals in that period. An effort that will not be forgotten, another thing that will not be forgotten is Trevor Daley boarding Ritchie with 2 second left in the game to earn a 5 minute game misconduct. The Hawks will find a time and place for retribution, but it won't be this year as the Stars are going home. Onward to the second round!
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 12:11 AM.


(3)
Vancouver Canucks - (42 - 32 - 8 -- 92)

(6)
Los Angeles Kings - (42 - 30 - 10 -- 94)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

One word comes to mind about this series, blah. Both teams seem on paper to be much better then they actually are. Nothing stands out for either team, defense, offense, goaltending, all of it seems mediocre for both teams. The real intrigue here is will Luongo remain in net for the postseason, Schneider put up better numbers this year, but Luongo has been the Canucks guy for awhile (sorry Johnny). The Kings have a younger goalie, but still unproven in Jonathan Quick. I'm going to say that it comes down to special teams, neither of which are really special for either team, but the Kings Power Play does alright at times, so mild upset here, even though Kings have more points.
Prediction - Kings in 7

RECAP

Thursday, January 5, 2012
Posted on January 5, 2012 at 11:50 PM.


(2)
Nashville Predators - (49 - 29 - 4 -- 102)

(7)
Anaheim Ducks - (39 - 34 - 9 -- 87)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

No, that is not a typo, the Nashville Predators are 2nd in the NHL in scoring. Either Barry Trotz has retired, or just opened up the offense, because something is working. The offense isn't coming at the expense of defense either, because as usual the Preds are top 10 in goals against. It's the perfect storm in Smashville and it has resulted in a Central Division championship and a great shot at the Cup. The Ducks, much like the Flames are a product of the three point games, as they lost 9 different times in a SO or OT. This is another series that seems like a no brainer, Hiller might be able to steal one, but I don't think it makes a difference. The only issue I can see is if the Nashville offense goes back to it's old ways, and I don't think that will happen.
Prediction - Predators in 6

RECAP


Oh no, how does that happen??
Posted on January 5, 2012 at 11:24 PM.


(1)
San Jose Sharks - (49 - 27 - 6 -- 104)

(8)
Calgary Flames - (37 - 33 - 12 -- 86)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

If there is a better case against the three point game I would like to see one. The Flames managed to get to OT and lose 12 different times this year, because of this they get into the playoffs. I don't see how the Flames can beat the Sharks. The Flames have trouble scoring goals (see Stajan as the leading scorer), and the Sharks excel at keeping the puck out of their net. A possible sign that the Sharks are not only going to win this series, but have a shot to finally break the stretch of great regular seasons followed by Stanley Cup-less exits, is the scoring depth. Clowe leads the team in points with 80, which is odd for the Sharks, it's usually someone else, and it's usually higher. But, this might mean that they are deeper, and thus, a more dangerous team, ready to take home the cup.
Prediction - Sharks in 5

RECAP

Posted on January 5, 2012 at 10:03 PM.


(4)
Washington Capitals - (49 - 27 - 6 -- 104)

(5)
Buffalo Sabres - (46 - 29 - 7 -- 99)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

Four - Five match ups are usually pretty tight, but this one could be special because of how different these teams win. The Capitals try and are usually successful in outscoring teams, without regard for defense. The Sabres win by not allowing their opponents to score, somethings gotta give. Usually in the playoffs, goaltending and defense is what wins, and I don't think it's any different here. The Sabres hold the edge defensively and in the net, and because of that I think they take the series. By no means will this be a walk in the park, as the Sabres will be tasked with stopping Ovechkin and Backstrom who both put up 100 points this year. The Sabres are also no slouch when it comes to offense, as they boast a deep scoring lineup, rather than having the high popping numbers, should be a great series.
Prediction - Sabres in 6

RECAP

Posted on January 5, 2012 at 07:03 PM.


(3)
Toronto Maple Leafs - (47 - 28 - 7 -- 101)

(6)
New York Rangers - (44 - 27 - 11 -- 99)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

Clash of the titans here, well, at least goalie titans. This is one impressive goaltender match up and I think that's what it will all come down to. Reimer is relatively inexperienced when it comes to the playoffs, while Lundqvist has plenty of experience. The other thing to look at here is how good each team is at home, and how bad the Leafs are on the road. It's hard to get into the playoffs winning only 16 of the 41 road games on the season but that's exactly what the Leafs did. Winning the division was huge for the Leafs because I think home ice is what decides this one, with the home team winning each game. Unless Reimer is assaulted by Dynasty or Bthomp after a game 4 loss in New York to even the series at two.
Prediction - Maple Leafs in 7

RECAP

Posted on January 5, 2012 at 06:19 PM.


(2)
Pittsburgh Penguins - (49 - 25 - 8 -- 106)

(7)
New York Islanders - (44 - 28 - 10 -- 98)

Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

I don't see anyway that the Islanders can beat the Pens. Usually I give some chance to each team entering the playoffs, because after all, anything can happen. I just don't see how the Isles can keep up with the scoring of the Pens, or stop the Pens from scoring consistently enough to win the series. Not to mention their fate lies in the hands (or whatever is next to get hurt) of Rick DiPietro. The Isles strength is their defense, but the Pens defense on the surface looks just as good. As a result, I see no way the Pens don't get into the next round.
Prediction - Penguins in 5

RECAP

Posted on January 5, 2012 at 02:23 PM.


(1)
Carolina Hurricanes - (53 - 25 - 4 -- 110)

(8)
Florida Panthers - (45 - 32 - 5 -- 95)

Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

The key to success is simple for Florida, executing it may be a little more difficult. Cam Ward is unbeatable this year, he enters the playoffs with ridiculous numbers, and as the Hawks saw last year he is a guy that can carry a team to the cup. The Panthers do have their share of firepower in the lineup. If the Panthers somehow find a way to beat Ward consistently, they have a chance, but they also have to worry about stopping the dynamic duo of Staal and Skinner. Staal leads the team in points, but Skinner potted 50 goals this year, and is as dangerous as they come, it's a tall task for Markstrom, he may be a year or two away from being able to handle this one.
Prediction - Hurricanes in 5

RECAP

Wednesday, January 4, 2012


(4)
Chicago Blackhawks - (46 - 29 - 7 -- 99)

(5)
Dallas Stars - (47 - 30 - 5 -- 99)



What you Need to Know
----------------------------------------------------------------
(NHL RANK)

Goals For Per Game - 2.85 (#9)
Goals Against Per Game - 2.55 (#6)
Power Play % - 14.8% (#29)
Penalty Killing % - 84.6
% (#4)

Home Record - (25 - 14 - 2)
Road Record - (21 - 15 - 5)

Leading Scorer - Patrick Kane (35 goals / 49 assists - 84 pts)
Who's in Net? - Corey Crawford (42 wins / Save % .922 / GAA - 2.25)


(NHL RANK)

Goals For Per Game - 2.78 (#13)
Goals Against Per Game - 2.57 (#7)
Power Play % - 16.7% (#21)
Penalty Killing % - 82.9%
(#10)

Home Record - (22 - 17 - 5)
Road Record - (25 - 13 - 3)

Leading Scorer - George Cotugno** (43 goals / 43 assists - 86 pts)
Who's in Net? - Kari Lehtonen (37 wins / Save % .918 / GAA - 2.45)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

Where to start, a lot of things came together early for the Hawks in the season, the middle part of the year was horrible, and the end was very good. What happens now, the Hawks are still very young, and now a little inexperienced on the blue line, which could end up hurting them, but based on this season's numbers they held their own. A big reason was Crawford, who was scuffling all year until the last month or so when he really turned it on big time. The issue this year for the Hawks was the power play which was a surprise as it has never been outside the top 10, let alone almost last in the league. If that doesn't click in the playoffs, and the defense shows it's age, then the outcome might not be favorable for the Hawks. A lot of intrigue around this club this year, as opposed to last year going into the playoffs with a real shot at the Cup, maybe things click, if they don't it could be an early exit.
Prediction - Hawks in 7
** Funny story, I'll explain this now, way back when I bought the game (when it came out) I created myself for what I thought was for the Be a Pro, but what I was really doing was creating a player for the game... ooops. I thought I deleted him, but I didn't so I was an FA when my dynasty started, and apparently I'm awesome.


(3)
Vancouver Canucks - (42 - 32 - 8 -- 92)

(6)
Los Angeles Kings - (42 - 30 - 10 -- 94)



What you Need to Know
----------------------------------------------------------------
(NHL RANK)

Goals For Per Game - 2.73 (#16)
Goals Against Per Game - 2.61 (#10)
Power Play % - 16.3% (#25)
Penalty Killing % - 81.9
% (#14)

Home Record - (22 - 17 - 2)
Road Record - (20 - 15 - 6)

Leading Scorer - Henrik Sedin (19 goals / 54 assists - 73 pts)
Who's in Net? - Roberto Luongo (30 wins / Save % .916 / GAA - 2.48)


(NHL RANK)

Goals For Per Game - 2.71 (#19)
Goals Against Per Game - 2.59 (#8)
Power Play % - 18.2% (#15)
Penalty Killing % - 82.1%
(#13)

Home Record - (22 - 14 - 5)
Road Record - (20 - 16 - 5)

Leading Scorer - Anze Kopitar (31 goals / 56 assists - 87 pts)
Who's in Net? - Jonathan Quick (33 wins / Save % .916 / GAA - 2.45)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

One word comes to mind about this series, blah. Both teams seem on paper to be much better then they actually are. Nothing stands out for either team, defense, offense, goaltending, all of it seems mediocre for both teams. The real intrigue here is will Luongo remain in net for the postseason, Schneider put up better numbers this year, but Luongo has been the Canucks guy for awhile (sorry Johnny). The Kings have a younger goalie, but still unproven in Jonathan Quick. I'm going to say that it comes down to special teams, neither of which are really special for either team, but the Kings Power Play does alright at times, so mild upset here, even though Kings have more points.
Prediction - Kings in 7


(2)
Nashville Predators - (49 - 29 - 4 -- 102)

(7)
Anaheim Ducks - (39 - 34 - 9 -- 87)



What you Need to Know
----------------------------------------------------------------
(NHL RANK)

Goals For Per Game - 3.21 (#2)
Goals Against Per Game - 2.60 (#9)
Power Play % - 21.3% (#5)
Penalty Killing % - 83.4
% (#8)

Home Record - (27 - 13 - 1)
Road Record - (22 - 16 - 3)

Leading Scorer - Colin Wilson (41 goals / 38 assists - 79 pts)
Who's in Net? - Anders Lindback (38 wins / Save % .919 / GAA - 2.28)


(NHL RANK)

Goals For Per Game - 2.80 (#12)
Goals Against Per Game - 2.77 (#18)
Power Play % - 19.5% (#9)
Penalty Killing % - 83.7%
(#7)

Home Record - (20 - 17 - 4)
Road Record - (19 - 17 - 5)

Leading Scorer - Ryan Getzlaf (29 goals / 52 assists - 81 pts)
Who's in Net? - Jonas Hiller (32 wins / Save % .914 / GAA - 2.44)


Analysis and Prediction
----------------------------------------------------------------

No, that is not a typo, the Nashville Predators are 2nd in the NHL in scoring. Either Barry Trotz has retired, or just opened up the offense, because something is working. The offense isn't coming at the expense of defense either, because as usual the Preds are top 10 in goals against. It's the perfect storm in Smashville and it has resulted in a Central Division championship and a great shot at the Cup. The Ducks, much like the Flames are a product of the three point games, as they lost 9 different times in a SO or OT. This is another series that seems like a no brainer, Hiller might be able to steal one, but I don't think it makes a difference. The only issue I can see is if the Nashville offense goes back to it's old ways, and I don't think that will happen.
Prediction - Predators in 6

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