Playoff Hockey

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

So the first night of the NHL playoffs is almost in the books - the Anaheim/Calgary game is scoreless after the first period. I haven't changed my mind on my series picks; even with Edmonton and San Jose losing their first game on the road.

SenaTards over Tampa in four (maybe five) games - Ottawa is just better than Tampa in every facet. Ottawa has a shut down defence pairing that can effectively neutralize Lecavalier, Prospal and Richards - Tampa doesn't. Ottawa has a few role players that can chip in with a goal here and there - again Tampa doesn't...throw in the fact that Martin St. Louis has not been a factor this season, Ottawa has a big advantage up front.

John Grahame would have to come up with a miracle to win this series - I don't see it...and judging by tonight's game, neither do the Lightning. I get the notion of tight "playoff hockey", but by doing this Tampa is playing into Ottawa's hands - letting the SenaTards attack them.

Edmonton over Detroit in six games - I can't get over the fact that the Wings stockpiled 21 wins against Chicago, St. Louis and Columbus; I think they are counterfeit. Edmonton has the size and speed to really take it to Detroit and pound those older bodies. Detroit has the advantage between the pipes - but Legace is a loose cannon and can be taken off his game. If Roloson can come up big in a few games - Edmonton should be able to use their size and speed to wear Detroit down. It sounds so cliche but - special teams could be the determining factor; especially if Edmonton uses their speed to draw penalties.

San Jose over Nashville in six games - Nashville goes into the playoffs with an unproven goalie - San Jose has two decent options in Toskala and Nabokov (if needed). San Jose's one-two punch of Thornton and Marleau down the middle will make it very difficult for Nashville to look for defensive matchups. What is comes down to is two teams that are quite comparable - the determining factor will be San Jose's goaltending options, and the fact that they have two of the league's better centers. Thornton is on a mission this year...bad news for Nashville.

Anaheim over Calgary in six games - The Flames will once again rely on Kiprusoff to get them through the playoffs - the difference this time is that Iginla doesn't have a good center to get him the puck. Calgary has the best goalie/defence combination in the league - but at some point you have to score goals...and I don't think they have enough in them to win this series. Anaheim can't compare with Calgary's goaltending and defence - but playing Niedermeyer 27 - 30 mins a game helps bridge the gap. Advantage up front goes to Anaheim...and with it the series.

Quick MLB hits

Red Sox blow a four run lead to the Blue Jays and waste Manny's first two HR game of the season. I guess Hazel didn't make the trip...reverse Hazel Karma???? things that make you go hmmmm

Baltimore beats the Yankees...surprise surprise, A-Rod chokes in the 9th innning with they tying and go ahead runs on base.

I don't know who to hate more tonight - Andruw Jones for doing nothing against Washington or Alfonso Soriano for hitting 2 HRs tonight? Either way...another Pro-Line ticket down the drain.

Can someone tell me what happened to Johan Santana? He's getting it handed to him every time on he steps on the mound this year.

Renee's team sits over mine in the yahoo pool - but she still won't name her price for a bet...again, things that make you go hmmmmmm

I've got to get back to the game now - Calgary actually scored a goal. Check back Saturday for the other playoff matchups. I'm going with Dallas and Buffalo...and leaning towards Montreal and the Rangers.

Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world...even if you didn't head home to the Rogers Centre.

Song of the Night on Hazelspeeps - just because

Smoke Baby - Hawksley Workman

Peesth Out!