The Finals

Ha!

2-0 through the third round. Me and the monkey seem to be the only two to get it right.

Interestingly enough, Maggie the Monkey went a perfect 2-0 with picks EDM and CAR, while the other three bonehead analysts Bob McKenzie, Bill Berg, and Pierre McGuire went a 0-2 with ANA and BUF picks.

That makes maggie 9-5 overall! The worst she can do is a 9-6 to finish the playoffs, the best Bob McKenzie (currently has the 2nd best record) can do is 8-7. Therefore, Maggie has beat all the other analysts, and finished with her best record yet.


My overall record is now 8-6.

Without further adieu, my pick as the Stanley Cup winner is the Carolina Hurricanes.

I think Carolina starts this one off 2-0 in the series, and it's too much for the Oil to overcome. Carolina rolls in off the momentum of a huge game seven win over the Sabres.

As much as I would love to see a Canadian team finally hoist the cup, I think Canada will come within inches for two seasons in a row, and Edmonton does what Calgary did last season.

You can go on about heart on the Edmonton team, but Carolina matches it. Brind'amour, Ward, Hedican, Stillman... the list goes on.

Carolina takes this one in 5. They win the first two, split in Edmonton, and finish them off at home in game five.

The Opinion Blog of NTR

Round Three

I ended up with a terrible 1-3 record in the second round, which puts my overall record at an even 6-6. On the other hand, Maggie the Macaque from TSN ended up with an amazing 3-1 after the 2nd round, which beat the 3 other analysts who are supposed to know the game of hockey. That goes to show how unpredictable the 2nd round was. She is currently tied for the lead with Bob McKenzie at 7-5. Every human analyst went with Anaheim and Buffalo for the conference finals, while it was Maggie going the complete opposite direction with Edmonton and Carolina.

Edmonton vs Anaheim

Who really knows in the end. If Edmonton pulls one out of Anaheim I think they take this series. This is highly possible after the Ducks had their long break because of their sweep over the Avs. Or, this may be mostly because I want Edmonton to win and I hate Brian Burke. Edmonton in 6, because they fail to lose a home game in this series.

Carolina vs Buffalo

Again, completely up in the air for me. Two teams with great offense will clash again here, it will most likely come down to the battle between the pipes with youngsters Ryan Miller and Cam Ward. I'm going to join Maggie and go with Carolina in this one. I think they take the two at home then it's too much for the Sabres to overcome. Then again could it just be because I only have three players remaining in my playoff pool and they all happen to be Canes? Either way, Hurricanes in 6.

Or not.

The Opinion Blog of NTR

Round Two

Last round results:

5 Correct (Ottawa, Carolina, Buffalo, Colorado, New Jersey)
3 Incorrect (Nashville, Detroit, Calgary)

2 Direct Calls: Carolina in 6, Ottawa in 5.

Round Two::

East:

Ottawa vs the Buffalo Sabres

This is bound to be a very high scoring series. Two teams with a lot of speed and offensive skill. However Ottawa has a much more stellar defensive unit, especially with the recent play of Wade Redden, as well as too many dangerous forwards for Buffalo's defense. Ottawa in 6.

New Jersey vs the Carolina Hurricanes
Who knows when New Jersey is finally going to lose. Martin Brodeur is well in form, Patrick Elias, Brian Gionta, and Scott Gomez on fire up front, and Rafalski getting the job done on the blueline. I still don't see this team losing. Carolina showed moments of extreme weakness in the previous series versus the Canadiens. They are riding a 4 game winning streak however, so I will give them 2 games. New Jersey in 6.

The West:

San Jose vs the Edmonton Oilers
San Jose's offense was clicking, especially centerman atrick Marleau, and their defense showed the capability of completely shutting down a teams offense as they did in game 5 against Nashville. Edmonton pulled an upset against Detroit, but it won't go any further than that. San Jose in 5.

Anaheim vs the Colorado Avalanche
Anaheim showed their ability to shut down teams in game seven of the Calgary series. Also, that they take advantage of their scoring opportunities. I think the Ducks of 03 may be back. Anaheim in 6.

The Opinion Blog of NTR

Round One Predictions

It has to be noted that this year was easily the most difficult to pick the winners in both conferences, specifically the East. Maggie the Monkey has as good chance as anyone at picking the appropriate winners in such match-ups as the Rangers-Devils series, the Sabres-Flyers, the Lightning-Sens, Predators-Sharks, and Ducks-Flames. It was a year that a point was seemingly given out for just showing up to play the game. The teams just outside of the playoff picture have point totals that last season would've landed them a spot no problem, and that being as it is, the playoff-bound teams are truly the best of the best, and make this years choices as tough as they are.

The East:

Ottawa versus the Tampa Bay Lightning
Ottawa in 5.

I'll give one game to Tampa Bay at home. Other than that, Tampa Bay's questionable goaltending combined with Ottawa's ability to put the puck in the net will overwhelm the Lightning.

Carolina vs the Montreal Canadiens.
Carolina in 6.

Carolina has a very speedy and high-scoring group of forwards, led by youngster Eric Staal. The leadership and playoff experience of Mark Recchi up front should benefit the Canes greatly. Montreal will take a few at home.

New Jersey vs the New York Rangers
New Jersey in 6.

New Jersey has been on fire as of late, and timed it perfectly. A stellar defense and a smart tactical coach in Lou Lamoriello will be enough to keep Jagr relatively quiet, especially with an experienced playoff goaltender in Martin Brodeur. At the other end is rookie Henrik Lundqvist, and we are yet to discover how he will fair in the playoffs. Goaltending will be huge in this series, and you got to give the edge to Brodeur.

Buffalo vs the Philadelphia Flyers
Buffalo in 7

Many have been going with the Flyers in this one. However, the speed of Afinogenov, Briere, Connolly up front will have Hatcher, Rathje and co with their knickers in a knot. Who knows how Esche performs, despite his stellar performances in the 04 playoffs.

The West:

Detroit vs the Edmonton Oilers
Detroit in 5

Give Edmonton one at home. Detroit had an dominate record this season, and you can't expect a playoff choke after you've seen many of these Wings perform at the best of levels in the post-season in the past. A wiley group of vets who know how to get the job done will overwhelm the Oil. Detroit's goaltending situation seems more stellar than Edmonton's.. Roloson has been shaky since his acquisiton at the trading deadline.

Dallas vs the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado in 7

Recently changed my opinion on this one. This will be the battles of all battles in the first round of the 2006 playoffs. Too many are forgetting the offensive arsenal of the Avalanche. Alex Tanguay, Milan Hejduk, Marek Svatos, and more, all lead by captain Super Joe Sakic. The goaltending sure is questionable on the Avalanche, but Theodore's best play in the past has come in playoff hockey.

Calgary vs the Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Calgary in 5.

The Flames will be very hungry after being so near to the Cup last year of play.. the goaltending is incredibly reliable and strong, the very opposite of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Jarome Iginla has proven he picks up his play in the playoffs, and now with Tony Amonte, they may just finish their unfinished business of the 04 playoffs. Expect some good production out of Langkow as well. I'm pushing it to even give Anaheim a game.

Nashville vs San Jose
Nashville in 7

Easily the hardest to call so far. Many have been riding San Jose's explosive play as of late in their predictions. However, they're forgetting what kind of talent that lies in Nashville. Speedy and skilled, and well, small, is the theme in Nashville, and it works under the new rules. Paul Kariya will be immense for the Preds.

The Opinion Blog of NTR

Why Does Stajan Stay?

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Pat Quinn have done nothing but disrespect young Matt Stajan.

For a while, Stajan was playing great. And all he needed was a few linemates to help him along.

But Quinn, with his total lack of eye for talent, stuck him down on the fourth line with the likes of Domi, Czerkawski, and O'Neill. Stajan's only opportunities have been with players currently in Quinn's doghouse, or with grinders and ex-tough guys.

Stajan has never been the same. He is playing with lack of confidence, and looks deflated. I, as well with many other Leafs and hockey fans, see this youngster as one of the very few bright spots in the Leafs organization. But Patty Quinn has got him riding the checking lines, while players like Darcy Tucker are up playing with the Leafs "elite" in Sundin and Steen.

As much as I understand that Stajan likely sees playing for the Leafs as his life-long dream and ambition, for whats best for his career, Matt Stajan should say he's had enough. He should demand a trade.

This could only result in one of two things. First, it could end up that Quinn gives him the opportunity he needs and deserves. If so, great. I am sure Stajan can live up to the task. OR, Stajan's request is met. He ends up playing for, say, the Calgary Flames. A team where their coach, Daryl Sutter, respects young talent and treats it properly.

Then, myself and fellow Leafs fans can sit and watch as Stajan succeeds with the Flames, and say "oh no, we've let another one go."

The Opinion Blog of NTR

Crushing day for Canadian Hockey Fans

Canada will go home medal-less.

So we'll get right to it. What was Canada's problem? As much as you can say about lack of luck in today's game, some cheap calls, and just a lack of scoring, you have to look at the selections before and throughout the tournament. And frankly, a lack of professionalism.

First off, I'll tell you why the Russian's won today. They went with young, quick legs, in Ovechkin and Malkin, and they were ideal for big-ice hockey. Canada, on the other hand, did the very opposite.

Lack of professionalism I say. First, notice that Bertuzzi's best game of the tournament was before the news of the law suit involving Moore and his parents. From there, he went downhill. There was no doubt in my mind Bertuzzi was distracted. A professional at this point, would go "sorry Wayne, I don't feel I'm contributing to the best of my ability. I'll check out." You wouldn't have to be unprofessional about it and make up an injury. A perfectly true and honest reason, Bertuzzi was having personal issues, and will report back to North America.

Next, is Chris Pronger. I understand you want to participate for your country. But regardless of that, you have to be a professional about it. You cannot play with a broken foot. Dan Boyle was up in the stands eating popcorn while he wobbled around and took pointless penalties and made ridiculous give-aways.

Also- Dany Heatley was dreadful. With a team already struggling with chemistry, he decides he'll solve all problems and gently stick-handle at their defenseman until he loses the puck. Thanks for your contribution, Dany.

The Opinion Blog of NTR

Strachan's view on Leafs deadline, Post-Canada game thoughts

A big question for Leafs fans, and hockey fans in general, is whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs will buy or sell on deadline day. Strachan had a few very good points when he was addressing the issue in a Toronto Sun article. Strachan said that Ferguson would like to start building "his" team, and sell on deadline day, but if he did so, he would be putting his own job in jeopardy. There is enough pressure on Ferguson with the Leafs currently out of a playoff position, and personally I doubt Ferguson makes his move.

As for today's Canadian game. They came out appropriately, with tons of drive, opened up with a very strong first period and a 3-nothing lead. However, they seemed to forget the power of the Czechs, which almost cost them the game. Fortunately, they will be going into the quarters tomorrow with some confidence. Because we know it'll take a hell of a performance to beat the quick and talented Russians tomorrow.

The Opinion Blog of NTR