With the 1st round over and since it has been a while since my last post, I'd figured it would be an appropriate time to write this piece on the 1st round.
Starting in the Eastern conference, the only real shock had to have been the Hurricanes over the Devils in seven games. I say this because of the fact that the Devils had goalie Martin Brodeur back and he is always a crunch time goaltender. However, in game 7, he did let up two soft goals that gave the 'Canes the eventual victory to move on. Carolina's offense did answer many questions on whether they can solve Brodeur and had no problem scoring.
Boston had no problem with Montreal sweeping them in four games. They basically just had to play four games because Montreal was non-existent. Goalie Tim Thomas was great and the B's offense was all it was along with their D. Montreal goalie Carey Price looked vulnerable in all four games and could be a reason why the Canadians got swept. He received a fake cheer after he stopped the puck so it was obvious to even their fans that he did not play well.
Washington and New York was a great series because it had everything. Great goaltending, highlight goals, and big saves. However, goalie King Henrik for the New York Rangers played poorly in game 5 and 6 that may have caused the New York Rangers to lose this series. The Rangers however did not show up for those two games as well.
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia was an OK series. Pittsburgh came back to win in the final game to take the series in 6. Philly's offense looked lack-lustered and did not show up for the series. Pittsburgh looked like the team they did last year and could be a threat to move on.
The Western conference was the most exciting conference to watch. A number 8 upset a number 1 and the Chicago vs. Calgary series was great to watch.
Anaheim beat the number 1 seed San Jose Sharks in 6. San Jose should be the Harry Houdini of the playoffs because they disappear when it comes to the playoffs. Anaheim has hot goaltender Hiller who took the series over and could be the new J-S Giguere.
Detroit had no problem with Columbus and no one thought other wise. This could of been a chance for rookie goalie Steve Mason to shine but he did all season so there should be no blame his way. Detroit is just too good.
Vancouver also had no problem with St. Louis. I thought the Blues would have given the Canucks a harder series but Vancouver has goalie Roberto Luongo who is going to take over this playoffs.
The most exciting series to me was Chicago vs. Calgary. Each game was exciting to watch because every game was up in the air. Chicago did take the series in 6 and I think their young offense and goalie Khabibulin can carry them far.
Check back tomorrow to se my prediction for Round 2.
The Nuch
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...AND WHO IS NOT...
ReplyDeleteIt’s pretty long list of individuals who are, in my opinion, underachieved, underplayed, underworked etc. Significant stronger performance was expected by such players as Caps Mike Green, Sharks Patrick Marleau and Eugene Nabokov, Columbus Rick Nash etc. But for me this unpleasant number 1 position of this round is belonged to San Jose Sharks’ Joe Thornton. He finished the regulations with +16 and 18.0% goals/shots numbers. Now, look his playoffs stats: -3 and 5.9% accordingly. It says a lot. He was able to shake his team and has shown some lack of leadership abilities.
So which team has brought the main disappointment to us? The answer is closed to the previous paragraph. San Jose Sharks. President Trophy winner was completely overplayed by Conference 8 placed team in contrary to the most predictions, my own included. The Sharks official website has posted the pool “Is this the toughest playoff loss in Sharks history?” The 86% of the Sharks fans answered “Yes”. I don’t think whatever has to be added to it.
WHO IS HOT...
ReplyDeleteSo who was hot during the first round of the 2009 Stanley Cup? It’s the question of your test. Let me just mention such names as Alex Semin and Eugene Malikin, Ray Whitney and Roberto Luongo, Bobby Ryan and Sergey Gonchar, Marian Hossa and Henrik Lundqvist etc, etc... But my choice is coming to the Caps youngster Simeon Varlamov. The Washington goaltender is the main reason for Caps comeback from 1-3 deficit against New York Rangers. Now everyone can understand why Bruce Boudreau has his goalies switched after just the first game when Jose Theodore did not play well enough. “The team has great confidence in this kid” he said to the media. And next 6 games have proved he was right. I think he is the one who kept Washington alive during the game 7 first period when he played literally alone against much better played Rangers. It supposed to be tremendously difficult to step up after the home defeat and to play like this kid did. 21 years old, without playoffs experience with close to nothing NHL games played...WOW!
And what is it about the “hottest” team? Can I give you two of them? Thank you. These are Ducks and Hurricanes. Ducks dominated against the President Trophy winner San Jose Sharks. They have my prediction beaten completely (I said 4-0 to Sharks). Yes, I am ashamed, but not me only. It’s not so easy task now to predict Detroit vs. Anaheim result. Isn’t it?
Hurricanes have shown unbelievable spirit even for playoffs. The game winning goal they scored 0.2 sec to play and unprecedented comeback during last 80 seconds of game 7 is still beyond of my believe. And on the top of all – it was done against the Devils and Martin Brodeur! Enough, no more coments...