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NHL Photo of the Day

Apr 3

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | No Comments

Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images

Despite a soon-to-be-forgettable season of missing the playoffs, Tampa Bay Lightning fans still have something to cheer about. Sniper Steven Stamkos notched his 57th & 58th goals last night against the Washington Capitals. Stamkos is 2 away from the mark of 60 with three games left to play. Furthermore, Stamkos is 10 goals ahead of second best goal scorer Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It is unfortunate such talent has gone to waste on a team not making the playoffs. General Manager Steve Yzerman has a lot of work to do in the off-season to make this team competitive again.

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Five NHL Playoff Matchups We Want to See

Apr 2

Posted by Chris in Soap Box | 1 Comment

With the playoffs less than a week away, matchups are beginning to take shape on both sides of the coast. While some first round matchups seem all but set, for the most part the standings continue to change on a daily basis with several teams still fighting on a nightly basis for highly contested points to keep their playoff hopes alive. With the stage set and time running out for many clubs, here are five playoff matchups we want to see during the 2011-12 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs:

5.) Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals

It’s been widely speculated that the team who wins the Southeast Division will be the only one to make the playoffs thanks to the NHL’s bracket structure where the division winner automatically receives one of the top three seeds. As it stands right now, the Florida Panthers currently occupy the division lead – and the third spot overall in the Eastern Conference – while the Washington Capitals are barely clinging to the 8th and final spot in the East. Since these two have been fighting for the division lead for a good portion of the season, what better way to seek supremacy than in a head-to-head, seven game series to determine who the better team really is this season?

Both teams are fairly evenly matched with Washington averaging slightly more goals scored per game at 2.64 while Florida averages 2.38. However, the teams are closer in goals allowed per game with Washington allowing 2.78 per game while Florida allows 2.63 on average. Florida has a slightly better power play conversion rate while Washington has the better penalty kill percentage.

Will We See It? Probably not. Even if both teams make the playoffs, they won’t meet in the first round and the likelihood that either team makes it past the first round is slim.

4.) Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers

This is one of those playoff matchups that always seem to elicit excitement because, frankly, these two just don’t like each other. As cross-state rivals, both have had good success over the past several years and playoff matchup between the two usually makes for entertaining hockey. Plus, looking at the statistics for each team, this would be an incredibly even matchup with both teams sporting very similar stats.

The Penguins and Flyers currently lead the NHL in goals for per game, with both averaging over three goals a game, and both are incredibly close in goals allowed per game as well. The Flyers have a slightly higher success rate on the power play with a 20.2 conversion rate while the Penguins are at 19.3 percent, but Pittsburgh has a better penalty kill percentage at 88.2 percent compared to Philadelphia’s 82.2 percent. Looking at how close both teams are in stats, this could make for one of the most exciting playoff matchups of the season and could go a long way in determining who represents the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Will We See It? You betcha. If the playoffs started today, this would be your first round matchup. Although a week is left in the season, it appears as if neither team really has wiggle room to fall or move up the standings, meaning this should be a first round matchup next week.

3.) Los Angeles Kings vs San Jose Sharks

The Pacific Division might be one of the closest playoff races in the NHL with four of the five teams separated by two points. Los Angeles currently occupies the division lead and the third overall spot in the Western Conference with 90 points while San Jose is battling hard to break into the 8th spot in the West. Both teams feature a lot of star power, although both teams have underachieved in similar fashion this season despite high expectations coming into this year.

San Jose holds the edge on goals scored per game, averaging 2.60 goals per game to Los Angeles’ 2.26, but LA hold the edge in goals allowed with s.04 per game compared to San Jose at 2.51. San Jose has a much better power play, converting on slightly better than 20 percent of their opportunities compared to 15.4 percent for LA, but the Kings have a better penalty kill at 86.7 percent compared to San Jose’s 78.2 percent.

Will We See It? No. This matchup largely depends on San Jose even making the playoffs in the first place. Beyond that, both teams would face a very tough uphill climb to advance in the playoffs and, like I said before, neither of these teams has exactly performed to expectations this season.

2.) Vancouver Canucks vs Detroit Red Wings

Over the past two years, The Canucks and Red Wings have consistently been two of the best teams in the Western Conference, along with the San Jose Sharks and occasionally the Chicago Blackhawks. While the Wings and Sharks have met in the playoffs the last two years, somehow these two teams have managed to avoid each other on the road to the Finals over the past few years.

However, during that time some bad blood has brewed between both clubs that only a playoff series could really push to the breaking point. Things escalated some this year when Vancouver forward Ryan Kesler was “Kronwalled” by Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall.  It was also the Canucks who ended Detroit’s record-breaking home winning streak when they defeated the Wings in the shootout several weeks ago and seemed to send the Wings on a bit of a downward spiral that they can’t seem to break out of.

Detroit and Vancouver are ranked fifth and sixth respectively in goals scored per game and rank fourth and seventh respectively in goals allowed per game. Detroit is better five-on-five, but Vancouver has a big edge on special teams where they rank third on the power play and sixth on the penalty kill. A matchup between these two would likely be a fun, high-scoring affair to watch.

Will We See It? If the standings stay the same, the only way we’ll see this matchup is if they meet in the Western Conference Finals. That would be a heck of a series though.

1.) Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Rangers

The Penguins and Rangers are two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference and a matchup between these two teams very well could determine the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions.

Offensively, the Penguins lead the league in goals scored per game while the Rangers sit 11th overall. Defensively, the rangers rank third in the league in goals allowed per game while the Penguins rank 17th. This is a series that could come down to goaltending. Rangers’ goalie Henrik Lundqvist has had a Vezina-caliber season with 38 wins, including eight shutouts, and a 1.92 goals against average along with a .932 save percentage. Lundqvist ranks in the top three in the league in all four of those categories. Marc-Andre Fleury, on the other hand, has 41 wins on the season with three shutouts and a 2.37 goals against average along with a .913 save percentage. Both goalies have started in over 60 games this season and their performance in a series between these two teams would be crucial to determining the potential winner.

Will We See It? There are two circumstances in which this matchup will happen – the top four seeds need to win each series in the East, setting up a first versus fourth seed matchup between the Penguins or Rangers, or else these two meet in the Conference Finals to determine who moves on to the Stanley Cup Finals. Personally, I’d prefer to see the latter happen to up the stakes and the intensity for both teams.

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NHL Photo of the Day

Mar 28

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | No Comments

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The Eastern Conference Playoff race continued to heat up last night with the Buffalo Sabres taking it to the Washington Capitals. The score, 5-1 in favor of the Sabres, saw them jump into 8th spot and go two points up on the Capitals. Sure, the stay may be temporary with the same amount of games remaining, but Buffalo fans need to be happy to have such an exciting finish coming down the stretch. Washington for that mater should also.

Sabres’ Ryan Miller picked up his 30th win while Drew Staford netted his 18th and 19th goals on the season. Alexander Semin had the lone goal for the Capitals.

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Backstrom Cleared to Practice

Mar 24

Posted by Eddie in News | No Comments

Nicklas Backstrom has missed 37 games in 2012 with a concussion. He could return as early as this week after being cleared to practice with no restrictions.

Washington Capitals fans can breathe a little easier. Forward Nicklas Backstrom surprised the team and the fan base this morning when he was cleared to return to practice without any restrictions. The skate this morning was optional as 14 of 24 players attended, and this means he could see game action before the start of the playoffs in a couple weeks. He said to CSN Washington: “It feels good to practice with the guys. I’ve been skating long, but it feels all right right now.”

Backstrom had been out of hockey for most of the 2012 calendar year when he reportedly suffered concussion-like symptoms January 5 after taking an elbow to the head from Rene Bourque, who played with the Calgary Flames at the time. Bourque’s current team- Montreal, will play against Washington next Saturday. It could be unlikely he will return to the ice by then but would be curious to see if he’s able to make his return at that game. Backstrom coming back is a huge help to the Capitals, as they currently sit in the eighth and final playoff spot- and tied with Buffalo with 82 points.

This isn’t the first long-term concussion situation the team has dealt with this season. Center Jay Beagle also sat out  over two months with the concussion symptoms he suffered after a fight with Pittsburgh’s Arron Asham on Oct. 13. Beagle needed two weeks of hard skating before he was cleared to play. Backstrom has been skating on his own since March 10 when he returned from Sweden after spending time with his family and said he’s made gradual progress while skating 11 of the past 12 days.

With Backstrom sitting out the past 37 games, the Capitals have gone 16-15-6 without him. When he was in the lineup they were 21-15-2 and he was leading the team with 42 points in 38 games.

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Eastern Conference Playoff Worries?

Mar 20

Posted by EB in Soap Box | No Comments

With under 10 games left in the season, some teams are fighting for a playoff shot while others are preparing for a long playoff push. For some of those Eastern Conference playoff teams showing abnormal decline in play leaves many fans wondering if they will even get out of the first round? Below is a list of current Eastern Conference teams slotted into the playoffs with their current standings while looking at their last 10 games played record and some of their potential concerns.

Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

New York Rangers – 1st Eastern Conference (4-5-1 in)

As typical, Ranger’sHead Coach John Tortorella has more drama than a Soap Opera. While Tortorella may be dodging blame and pointing fingers instead for his team’s recent fight filled game between the New Jersey Devils, he may wish to focus more on the quality of play he is getting form his guys. Winning just 4 games in their previous ten, one of which was last night to end a 2 game skid, the team is losing to quality, playoff teams. Sure they beat the Devils and the Boston Bruins in these last 10, but they have also lost another game to the Devils as well as the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Colorado Avalanche; all playoff teams. So, when

Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images

the Rangers actually play some tough teams come playoffs, will the team win the games or fold under pressure?

Ottawa Senators – 7th Eastern Conference (5-3-2)

The Senatorsare winning but also losing, not really gaining any ground. This may be a concern given they are only 4 points up on 8th seed. But is there a need to worry? Team leaders Jason Spezza and team Captain Daniel Alfredsson are both healthy. Considering they both have been plagues with injuries throughout their careers, Senators fans should be pretty darn happy. Furthermore, despite a culinary mishap by main netminder Craig Anderson, acquired Ben Bishop has filled in nicely, going 3-1-2 with a 2.10 goals against average. Fear not though, Anderson has participated in a full practice, and without any setbacks, should be back sooner than later. With an

Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images

honorable mention of Erik Karlsson’s record high 72 points to date, and yes, the Senators are looking to be just fine come playoffs under new Head Coach Paul MacLean.

Washington Capitals – 8th Eastern Conference (5-4-1)

A rough season for the Capitals who have seen a coaching change as well as some players come under scrutiny. They picked up a good win last night against the Detroit Red Wings where franchise player Alex Ovechkin scored two goals; looking like his old self. Will he ever return to a a 50 goal scorer, sure, but maybe not for a few years. The team has a work ethic problem or as some would much rather say, too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Nicklas Backstrom, who was on pace for 70+ points continues to be sidelined because of a concussion but has been symptom-free for a short while. Still no timetable for his return. The team also has three goalies with 2.53 plus goals against averages and a disappearing act greater than Houdini by defenseman Mike Green (7 points in 23 games). The team is not jelling and will not this year nor the playoffs. An early exit in the playoffs and a long off-season with some tough decisions.

 

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NHL Photo of the Day

Mar 12

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | No Comments

Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images

The Florida Panthers blanked the Carolina Hurricanes last night 2-0. Netminder Jose Theodore picked up his 19th win of the season and 33rd NHL career shutout. The Panthers are currently leading the Southeast Division, propelling them into a 3rd seed for the playoffs. If, however, the recently revived Washington Capitals can catch them, the Panthers could easily fall to the 8th seed. The Capitals have won 6 of their last 10 and are only 1 point out of the division lead, but also one game up on the Panthers. The southeast Division will be an interesting division to watch until the remainder of the season. Who do you think will win it?

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Mikhail Grabovski goal vs Montreal

Mar 4

Posted by Chris in Media | No Comments

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured two big points last night in a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens in their first game under new coach Randy Carlyle, who was hired as head coach on Friday after former coach Ron Wilson was fired. Unfortunately for the Leafs, Tampa Bay and Buffalo also won, giving each of them the edge over the Maple Leafs in the standings. The Leafs currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference with 67 points. Buffalo (68 points), Tampa Bay (68 points) and Washington (69 points) all stand between the Leafs and the 8th place Winnipeg Jets, who have 70 points on the season. Washington has a game in hand on Toronto, Tampa Bay and Buffalo, who have all played 65 games, and two in hand on Winnipeg, who has played 66.

Mikhail Grabovski snapped a 14-game goal drought by netting two for the Leafs, including the game winner on a snap shot from the slot off of a nifty little behind-the-back pass from Clarke McArthur mid-way through the third period, snapping the 1-1 tie. Toronto caught Montreal on a line change, allowing Grabovski to basically get into the slot uncontested with time to fire off the quick snapshot and beat Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.

Grabovski added his second goal of the night on a power-play in the waning minutes of the game, securing the victory, and two very important points, for the Leafs. Grabovski now has 20 goals on the season and is third on the team with 45 points. The Leafs now have three players with 20 or more goals on the season with a fourth, McArthur, only one shy.

Check out a video of McArthur’s dirty pass and Grabovski’s game-winning goal below:

The Maple Leafs face a very challenging schedule over the next week with back-to-back games against Boston and Pittsburgh on Tuesday and Wednesday and then another set of back-to-back games against Philadelphia and Washington Saturday and Sunday. Each of those teams ranks above Toronto in the standings, although the Washington matchup could provide the two most important points of the week as the Leafs look to gain ground on the Capitals in their run for the postseason. The Leafs will meet the Lightning and Sabres two more times a piece before the end of the season as well.

 

 

 

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Five storylines to follow in the remaining weeks of the 2011-12 NHL season

Mar 3

Posted by Chris in Soap Box | No Comments

With the NHL trade deadline now several days behind us, the focus again shifts back to the race for the playoffs over the final five of the season. With the standings so tight on both sides of the NHL, teams are either looking to hold their position as a playoff contender while others are fighting nightly for those highly coveted two points to put themselves into the postseason. Regardless where a team stands, a rough patch in the waning weeks of the season could lead to an extended summer vacation. With that in mind, here are five story lines to watch as we gear up for the final stretch of the regular season.

Crosby Watch 2012:

Seems like déjà vu, eh? Last year around this time, fans were eagerly awaiting news about Crosby, who had suffered concussions in early January that kept him sidelined for the remainder of the 2010-11 season and the first few months of the 2011-12 season. After an enthusiastic return, Crosby was again sidelined after only eight games with concussion-like symptoms again. So, fans again find themselves awaiting news on Crosby, who continues his on-ice workouts but has not been cleared for contact yet. Ideally, the Penguins would love to get Crosby back on the ice for a week or two of games to prepare him for the playoffs. But nobody can say for certain when he will be symptom free and ready to return to the ice, so the waiting game continues…

Art Ross & Rocket Richard Trophy Races:

Steven Stamkos leads the league with 45 goals, including eight in his last 10 games. Evgeni Malkin comes in second with 37 goals on the season while Phil Kessel is a distant third with 32, leaving primarily a two-player race for the Rocket Richard Trophy this year. Stamkos will also try for his second career 50-goal season while Malkin will shoot for his first.

However, when it comes to the Art Ross scoring race, Malkin leads the pack with a total of 79 points, but he has company with Stamkos right on his heels with 78 points and Claude Giroux and Jason Spezza close behind at 75 points and 72 points respectively. Will Malkin capture the scoring crown for the second time in his career or will Stamkos, Giroux or Spezza manage to eclipse Malkin in the remaining weeks of the regular season?

Trouble in Toronto:

Going 1-9-1 over their last 11games, the Leafs fell out of playoff contention and made a drastic move by firing head coach Ron Wilson and replaced him with former Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle (pictured). Wilson coached for the Leafs for nearly four seasons, finishing in last place in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10, and only had one winning season as head coach. With a little over a month left in the season, the Leafs likely need to play better than .500 hockey from here on out in order to make it to the postseason. Can Carlyle help turn around this struggling franchise?

Battle of the Southeast:

The Southeast Division, comprised of the Capitals, Lightning, Jets, Hurricanes and Panthers, could create one of the most exciting playoff races during the last leg of the season. The Panthers currently lead the division, giving them the third overall seed on the East thanks to preference seeding for divisional winners in the NHL. The Jets, currently second in the Southeast, are barely clinging to the 8th seed in the East with 70 points – one better than the Capitals. Florida, Winnipeg and Washington are all within three points of one another, with Tampa Bay another three behind them. It’s not a far stretch to believe that the winner of this division will be the only team in the division to make the playoffs, especially if Toronto can turn their season around and make a late push. Either that, or a second team from the Southeast will take the 8th seed, but with Winnipeg, Washington and Tampa Bay all fighting for that spot, this year’s finish in the Southeast could produce some exciting hockey.

How the West Was Won:

The Rangers have basically run away with the lead in the East, but in the West things are a little different with no clear-cut favorite to win the conference. The Vancouver Canucks currently lead the Western Conference with 90 points, but the Detroit Red Wings are right on their tail with 89 points and the St. Louis Blues aren’t far behind with 87. Nashville has the next highest point total with 81, basically meaning the Western Conference will be a three-team race right up to the end of the season. Can Vancouver keep the lead or will the Blues or Red Wings overtake them?

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NHL Photo of the Day

Feb 21

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | No Comments

Phil Ellsworth/NHLI via Getty Images

Justin Peters and the Carolina Hurricanes routed the Washington Capitals in a 5 – 0 victory last night. Peters, who has started only 20 games over 3 years, only 4 this year, notched his first NHL career shutout. Sure, 17 shots faced does not seem like a lot, it really is not, but it is tougher for most goalies when they have to keep their focus for so long without much action. Still in last place within the Eastern Conference and no hopes of making the playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes are spoilers and look to ruin the hopes of other teams; misery loves company.

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HWB Eastern Conference Playoff Spot Predictions

Feb 14

Posted by EB in Soap Box | No Comments

Nearing three quarters of the season played so far, here is a list of predictions for Eastern Conference teams to either make or not make the playoffs.

Atlantic Division

Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

Skimming right from the top, four of the five Atlantic division teams, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils will make the playoffs. The only team among the list that could be shaky is the Pittsburgh Penguins; yet with the return of star Sidney Crosby that some are guessing to be sooner than later, this will solidify their playoff spot.

The Rangers are a lock as they are currently and will lead the Eastern Conference at the end of the season. Marian Gaborik leads the charge while net minder Henrik Lundqvist continues to play solid in net. The only concern come playoff is the John Tortorella curse if they face the Washington Capitals.

Flyers have been struggling but the team has enough depth and grit to right the ship. Goalie woes continue to pile up but with a slight cushion of 7 points between them and 8th spot, the Flyers have some breathing room to work out the kinks. Jaromir Jagr has been a pleasant surprise in the beginning of the season; let’s hope he has enough juice come playoffs.

Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images

The Devils of new have transitioned form a defense first team to an offensive minded mentality. Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise and Patrik Elias are the top 3 point getters for the team, all of which are around the 50 point mark and should end up with at least 70 points per player. Veteran goalie Martin Brodeur is getting some rest, whether he likes it or not, that will aid in the team’s playoff chances of going far.

The Penguins on paper and on ice are one of the best teams in the league, which is of course if they are healthy. Star and Captain Sidney Crosby has gone through a whirlwind of media attention with his concussion filled season. Sources are expecting Crosby to return sooner than later; the return will ignite a fire under the team that could see them locking out 4th spot with ease.

Northeast Division

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

It is tough to rival the Atlantic Division, but early on the Northeast definitely put up a fight. Today however, the division is led by defending Stanley Cup Champions the Boston Bruins and followed up by a mash up of Canadian teams who string wins together as often as they string a bunch of losses. Then there is the Buffalo Sabres, who under new management promised the moon and the stars; one spot out of the last place in the Eastern Conference was as close as that promise has come.

Bruins in with only one more team from the Northeast to make it… the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Defending Champs Boston Bruins have showed they are not suffering from the Stanley Cup hangover. Having the best goals for a game average with 3.36 as well as fourth best goals against average with 2.24, the team is once again, a well balanced team. Playoff spot is without a doubt, and many would have them repeating last year’s success.

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

It was a toss-up between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both teams have had impressive seasons to date, both having good runs earlier in the season. The Senators however are beginning to show signs of fatigue, going 2-6-2 in their last ten; the decline is expected to continue. This is due largely in part by riding one goaltender, Craig Anderson, who to date has started 50 games. Sure, playoffs you need only 1 solid goalie, but you need to make the playoffs.

Toronto has surprised everyone, except those that are firm believers in General Manager Brian Burke. Burke is a God, never you forget that. While General Manager for the Vancouver Canucks, Burke drafted and signed Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler, all contributing to the successful team that they are today. He moved to the Anaheim Ducks and in his second season as General Manager, Burke won a Stanley Cup. Today he is working his magic on the Toronto Maple Leafs, a club who has not seen the light at the end of tunnel for some time; today that light is near. Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuff and two goalies competing hard for the number one spot, Jonas Gustavsson and James Reimer; the Leafs have a very talented team.

What is there to say about the Montreal Canadiens that has not already been said? The team from the top down needs a makeover. It is understood that your organization values a Head Coach that can speak French-Canadian, but have we forgotten that the goal of every team in the NHL is to win? If I had an option to have a coach that appeals to the fans or a coach that wins me games, I’m choosing the latter. The team is small, overpriced and lacks heart. Maybe once they stop looking into pressing legal charges against players and start focusing more on building a good team, maybe then they will be a competitor again. Save the argument of most Stanley Cup wins by a team, we live in today, and today they are currently a disgrace to an Original Six team.

Southeast Division

Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images

Two spots left and not a lot of talent to choose form. The Southeast is the dumping grounds of the Eastern Conference this year. Regardless, one team has to make it, Florida Panthers who are currently leading the division and will be at the end of the year, and the second will be the Washington Capitals.

The Florida Panthers have surprised many fans this year in not only having a winning record but leading a division with two powerhouse teams; the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning. They will make the playoffs but probably won’t go far as their goals for a game is lower than their goals against a game. How does that work with a 27-17-11 record?

Did you seriously think the “new” Winnipeg Jets would make the playoffs? The fact remains they still have the make-up of the Atlanta Thrashers without Ilya Kovalchuk. Moving to Canada does not turn you into a winning team; regardless of how much the fans want them to be. I’m happy for Jets fans to have a team again, but they are a few years out before making the playoffs.

In part the Tampa Bay Lightning deserves their own paragraph for merely being the Tampa Bay Lightning, but today they will share with the Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams have so much more potential than what they are putting forth. Steven Stamkos is leading all goal scorers with 37 this season and is on pace for 50 goals, one of the few if not the only one. But newer General Manager did not address the needs of a net minder and rode one trick pony Dwayne Roloson who needs to retire. Unfortunately Matthieu Garon has not filled the shoes of a number one goalie either. Speaking of goalies, Carolina Hurricanes have a solid one in Cam Ward, but lack the offense needed to help him out. Only 147 goals for a game this season is pretty bad. You could argue 175 goals against, but let’s be honest, if you’re facing a bunch of shots and your team cannot put any in, it’s tough to stay focused and keep everything out of the net. Eric Staal and teen heartthrob Jeff Skinner we expect more out of you.

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

So I picked the Washington Capitals to make it, yep, I’m drinking the Kool-Aid. The Capitals fired their Head Coach to be replaced by former player Dale Hunter. Hunter deserves it, but it really was not Bruce Boudreau’s fault. May we have a moment of swearing in his honor? The team has a real work ethic problem, superstaritis. Hunter seems to be working on that right now, benching the wrong players, but he is working on it. Going 3-4-3 in their last 10 will not help my cause of them making it, still, I have faith. If they make it they will most likely face the New York Rangers and hopefully knock them out of the playoffs who have done so the last two Ranger’s playoff appearances.

There you have it, my picks for the playoffs as well as a little bit of dissing on some Eastern Conference teams. Agree, disagree, and let me hear it. Minnesota Wild fans can save their comments for the second installment coming in a few days. Oh yeah, Minnesota will be a target of scrutiny.

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