NHL First Round Preview

As promised, here is my preview of the first round of the greatest postseason there is.

Eastern Conference

1 Pittsburgh vs 8 NY Islanders

According to many "experts", the Islanders are the unlucky ones, drawing the unstoppable juggernaut known as the Pittsburgh Penguins. I, for one, don't see it that way. This simply means the Penguins will not run away with this series. First of all, they still don't have their captain, Sidney Crosby. Second, their goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury, must prove that his awful first round performance against the Flyers was simply a blip on the radar screen. Third, the Islanders have enough scoring to match Pittsburgh's big guns. John Tavares may be the Hart Trophy winner this season, and he has finally hit the big stage. The Islanders are playing with house money, and all the pressure is on the Pens to win the Cup this year. This all said, the Penguins simply have too much, and with their battle tested veterans, will find a way to get it done. But don't be shocked if this series goes much longer than expected.
Penguins in 6

2 Montreal vs 7 Ottawa

The Habs were one of the surprise teams in the league this season, riding grit, top-notch defense, and the goaltending of Carey Price to a Northeast division crown. But they run into my dark horse for this postseason, the Ottawa Senators. The Sens are a team that fought through injuries that would debilitate most teams. And they got their best player, Erik Karlsson, back right on time. This no-excuses mentality will make the Sens dangerous. And I, for one, see it pushing this underrated team to an upset.
Senators in 7

3 Washington vs 6 NY Rangers

A matchup of arguably the two hottest teams in the NHL right now. And these two know each other very well. This will be the fourth time in the last five years these two have met in the playoffs, with the Rangers winning an epic 7 game Eastern semifinal last season. This Washington team is different from last year's, however. Alex Ovechkin became Alex Ovechkin again this year. Their power play is by far the best in the league. Some say they are a much more mature team than ever, ready for the 2 month playoff grind. Well, the Rangers are, too. A month ago, it appeared they may not make the tournament. But after trading underachieving sniper Marian Gaborik to Columbus for Derick Brassard, John Moore, and Derek Dorsett, the Rangers have their identity back at the right time. They will grind you and defend you to death. And with Rick Nash in the fold, coupled with a breakout year by Derek Stepan, the Rangers appear to have enough depth to make a deeper playoff run. The key to this series will be special teams. The Rangers MUST stay out of the box and not take needless penalties. They also need Ryane Clowe and Marc Staal to come back healthy. If they do, they can shut down Ovechkin and the Power Play. Oh, and who wouldn't take Henrik Lundqvist over Braden Holtby in goal?
Rangers in 7

4 Boston vs 5 Toronto

Boston enters the postseason as arguably the coldest team in the league right now. They have not played well in the month of April, and show no signs of improvement right now. How will Tuukka Rask fare in his first postseason as featured goaltender? Toronto makes it's first postseason appearance since 2004. No one expected big things from them this year. But with James van Riemsdyk adding a larger scoring touch, and James Reimer assuming duties as a number one goalie, the Leafs rode this surprise all the way to a number 5 seed. The only concern I have is whether or not Toronto can match the Bruins' physicality for a full seven games. They certainly have enough scoring to get by, and that is key in any postseason series. Fortunately for them, they face an ice cold team right now, but they also face a team playing for a heartbroken city. This series is a tossup, but I have to bet against the cold team.
Leafs in 7

Western Conference

1 Chicago vs 8 Minnesota

The Hawks, after going half the season undefeated in regulation, enter the playoffs as Cup favorites. This team has it all: scoring, ultra-tight defense, special teams, and top-flight goaltending, albeit in a platoon situation. Minnesota barely squeaked in to the playoffs, but did they really deserve it, especially after getting destroyed 6-1 by Edmonton in the second to last game of the season? Zach Parise and Ryan Suter may have made this team better, but they are still overmatched by Chicago. Also, as I type this, their goaltender, Niklas Backstrom, who played brilliantly down the stretch, was  injured prior to game one. His absence kills any chance the Wild had.
Blackhawks in 5

2 Anaheim vs 7 Detroit

The classic trap series for a 2 seed. For a short time, it appeared the Ducks would overtake the Blackhawks for the number one seed in the West. Now, after a mediocre April, they face probably the hottest team in the Western Conference, the Red Wings. Detroit had to win 4 straight games to simply make the playoffs. Now that they are in, especially with a confident goalie in Jimmy Howard, they are dangerous. Very dangerous. The Ducks must get the absolute best from their top line of Getzlaf-Perry-Ryan to counter. The X-factor here will be the absence of Nick Lidstrom on the power play. Will Detroit be able to duplicate his production?
Ducks in 7

3 Vancouver vs 6 San Jose

Another classic toss-up series, this team because neither team really impresses or stands out all that much. Vancouver is compromised this season with an uncertain goaltender situation, and especially with the absence of Ryan Kesler. As good as the Sedins are, Kesler makes them better. The championship window is closing for this Canucks team, and they are riding more uncertainty than ever into the playoffs. Antii Niemi has been great in net for the Sharks, but can Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton step it up in a big spot, as they have failed to do in the past?
Canucks in 6

4 St. Louis vs 5 Los Angeles

For my money, this is the best and most intriguing first round series. As the Kings proved last season, anything can happen, regardless of seeding. After sweeping the Blues in last year's Western semifinal, St. Louis is out for revenge. And they may be even better than last year. Goalie Brian Elliott has had the proverbial see-saw season. He started off slowly, got demoted to the AHL, but came back up and went 11-2-0 with a 1.28 GAA to close the season. Jonathan Quick will have to channel last year's Conn Smythe Trophy winning form for the Kings to have a chance to repeat. Both teams are very physical and evenly matched. This series will come down to who makes the biggest mistake. Another toss-up series, but I have to go with experience.
Kings in 6

Revisiting my NHL Predictions

In the blink of an eye, the abbreviated 48 game NHL season ends tonight. The greatest postseason in all sports, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, will begin Tuesday.

So, as I did with the end of the NFL season, it's time to revisit my late January regular season predictions and see how much of a genius or idiot I am.

Atlantic
NYR (1)
PIT (4)
PHI (5)
NJ (7)
NYI

Well, the Rangers didn't quite reach the regular season heights they did last year, but they still get in as the 6 seed and will face a rejuvenated Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals. Again. They have played much better since the Marian Gaborik trade, but as is every year, they will go as far as Henrik Lundqvist takes them.

Everyone knew the Penguins would be good, but not THIS good. Even with Sidney Crosby missing a month, they don't miss a beat. Oh, and they added Jarome Iginla, Douglas Murray, and Brendan Morrow at the trade deadline. They are built to win now.

The Devils and Flyers didn't come close to a playoff berth. The Devils missed because the loss of Ilya Kovalchuk to injury sent the team on an April swoon in which they never recovered. I predicted the goaltending of Ilya Bryzgalov would be the Flyers' fatal flaw, and it was. However, they did not supplement this lack of goaltending with enough scoring firepower from Giroux, Hartnell, Briere, Simmonds, et al.

And as for the Islanders, they are the surprise team in the NHL according to many "experts". However, as I cautioned in my predictions, their young talent could squeak them into the playoffs. And it did. John Tavares may be the Hart Trophy winner. If they get Pittsburgh in Round 1, how much fun of  a series will that be to watch?

Northeast
BOS (2)
OTT (6)
BUF
MTL
TOR

Boston did their part, and can win the Northeast with a win over Ottawa tonight.

As for Ottawa, Paul Maclean is my choice as Jack Adams award winner. How he managed this team through injuries that would have decimated other teams is remarkable. They missed their goalie, Craig Anderson, for half the season. Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek have missed a lot of time. Their best player, Erik Karlsson, tore his Achilles after getting spiked by Matt Cooke. And they still made the playoffs. And Karlsson is back. If he is healthy, the Sens will be ultra-dangerous in the playoffs.

The end of an era occurred in Buffalo Friday night, as goaltender Ryan Miller may have played his final game as a Sabre. This team underachieved once again.

As for Montreal and Toronto, I predicted them to be the two worst teams in the conference. Boy, do I look stupid. Montreal can still win the Northeast, and Toronto is the 5 seed. Crow eaten.

Southeast
WAS (3)
TB (8)
CAR
FLA
WPG

Dead on with the Capitals pick, but for the longest time it didn't appear that way. Until Alex Ovechkin became Alex Ovechkin again, and the team came together under first year head coach Adam Oates. They are ready for the playoffs this time.

Tampa Bay boggles my mind. They probably the best player in the game, Steven Stamkos, and an ageless wonder in Martin St. Louis, who may be the league's leading point getter this year. Yet they can never seem to put it all together. Just proves that talent alone doesn't win in the NHL.

Carolina's playoff chances died with the injury to goalie Cam Ward. They never recovered.

I said Florida overachieved mightily last year. Yes, they battled a myriad of injuries this year, but were still the worst team in the league point wise. They do have a stud goaltender in Jakob Markstrom, though, so they'll be back.

Winnipeg made a very nice run, but fell just short. Now that they will be in a more geographically-friendly division next season, I expect them to make the playoffs next year.

Central
CHI (3)
DET (4)
STL (6)
NSH
CBJ

Chicago was projected to be good, but not THIS good. For half the season, it appeared they would go undefeated in regulation. Sports Illustrated even ran an asinine cover story about how the Hawks' streak saved hockey. Please.  They didn't save hockey, but they are the Cup favorites. The goaltending platoon of Corey Crawford and Ray Emery was nearly flawless. Jonathan Toews is a hart candidate. They aren't guaranteed a Cup like two months ago, but they are built to win it.

Detroit's playoff fate came down to the final day of the regular season, but they are in. Again. Never underestimate this franchise. Ever.

The Blues got the 4 seed, and proved last year was no fluke. Their reward is a first round date with the defending champs.

Even though they broke the bank to bring back Shea Weber, the Preds' lack of scoring doomed them this year, as predicted.

I thought Columbus would win single digit games. They came one tiebreaker away from making the playoffs. I guess all those former Rangers inspired them to overachieve! Oh, and Sergei Bobrovsky playing like a potential Vezina Trophy winner doesn't hurt, either.

Northwest

VAN (2)
EDM (7)
MIN (8)
COL
CGY

Vancouver pretty much did its part in winning the Northwest. But they need to prove they are not mentally unstable in big spots before I predict them to go far in the playoffs.

Edmonton's young supertalents didn't spark them to a playoff berth this year, as predicted. But watch out for them the next couple of years.

Dead on with my Minnesota pick. But only because of Parise and Suter.

Colorado massively underachieved again, and it cost coach Joe Sacco his job today. But hey, at least Ranger immortal John Mitchell broke out for them this year!

And another dead on prediction with Calgary: no playoffs, and Jarome Iginla was traded to a contender. Let the rebuilding begin.

Pacific

LA (1)
PHX (5)
ANA
SJ
DAL

Like the Rangers, the Kings didn't have the greatest regular season. But as they proved last season, it doesn't matter how you finish the regular season, as long as you get in the playoffs. I expect them to make noise again.

The one team I didn't think overachieved, Phoenix, massively underachieved this season. But don't worry, Coyotes fans, Gary Bettman will make sure your team sticks around.

Wow, was I dead wrong about Anaheim. What a season they had. For a short time, it appeared they would overtake Chicago in the West. But that top line of Getzlaf-Perry-Ryan will make this team a very difficult out in this postseason.

San Jose found their way in, but I'm still not convinced with them. They draw Vancouver in Round 1.

And let the rebuilding begin in Dallas, too.


So, all in all, the majority of my predictions panned out as expected, except for a few putrid ones (MTL, TOR, ANA).

Before Tuesday, I will give you my first round predictions, with a full preview of the Rangers' first round series vs Washington!

The Rangers Are In, But They MUST Play Better.

I was prepared to post an epic tirade destroying the New York Rangers franchise from top to bottom, especially after blowing a 2-0 first intermission lead and promptly allowing Carolina to take the lead in the first minute of the third period.

But a lucky bounce on a Brad Richards slap shot on a late power play tied the game at 3, and the captain, Ryan Callahan, punched the Rangers' ticket to the postseason with the overtime winner.

So, the Rangers are in. And as the LA Kings proved last year, that's all that matters. Anything can happen in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

That being said, the Rangers need to step up their game a few notches. The last couple of games have been disturbing.

The Rangers have had a habit all year long of playing down to the level of their competition. They displayed it in a disappointing loss Tuesday in Florida, and nearly blew tonight's game.

At times, they've looked indecisive, nonchalant, and have frankly displayed a questionable hockey IQ.

Brad Richards has struggled mightily. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi have had off years. They all need to step up.

The Power Play and Penalty Kill are not effective enough right now for playoff hockey. This MUST change.

Rick Nash hasn't been himself the last few games. Can he raise his game to the elite level we expect? This is what the Rangers got him for.

They can get away with mediocre hockey against Carolina. But they will not against Pittsburgh, Boston, Washington, or Montreal.

We'll see what happens next week. For now, enjoy this one!

The Revis Trade Means One Thing: The Jets Are Not Committed to Winning.

According to reports, our long national nightmare is over.

The best cornerback in the NFL, and the Jets' best player, Darrelle Revis, has been traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for draft picks, including the 13th overall selection in Thursday's draft. The deal is pending a physical.

This trade leaves the Jets with only two star-caliber players: CB Antonio Cromartie, and WR Santonio Holmes.

And no, I'm not counting Tim Tebow.

Yes, it is risky for the Jets to commit another huge contract to Revis, coming off a major ACL injury. Who knows if he will be the same player?

However, for a franchise that hasn't won a Super Bowl in over 40 years, and is two years removed from back-to-back AFC title game appearances, this long-suffering fanbase deserves better.

Yes, the Jets are nowhere close to winning a Super Bowl any time soon, despite coach Rex Ryan's constant declarations. Mark Sanchez is still their starting quarterback.

However, despite the ACL injury, doesn't it make sense for the Jets to rebuild around one of the great defensive players of this era? Jet fans need hope, not more losing seasons. This trade, while it could benefit the team in the long run, demonstrates a lack of desire to win.

What this comes down to is money. Owner Woody Johnson is not willing to shell out the money for Revis, despite charging a second mortgage for PSLs to the loyal, long suffering Jet fans. It is simply a matter of being cheap and dishonest.

It also puts pressure on new general manager John Idzik to have arguably the best draft in Jets history, now considering they have the 9th and 13th overall picks.

Perhaps these picks will turn out to be stars. In the long run, the Jets may be better off without Revis.

But for right now, Woody Johnson will be content not only to not pay Revis, but to charge five figures to Jet fans for PSLs so they can watch Mark Sanchez throw interceptions.

RIP, Winter Classic.

Gary Bettman has done it again.

He killed one NHL season, and nearly killed two others. He created the shootout, secured a TV deal with OLN, and overexpanded his league.

Now, he has destroyed the mystique and aura of his league's showcase event.

Yesterday, the NHL announced the 2013-14 season will feature six, yes SIX outdoor games. The Winter Classic between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs at the Big House will be played on New Year's Day. After that, the Ducks and Kings will play at Dodger Stadium, the Rangers will host both the Devils and Islanders at Yankee Stadium. After the Olympics, the Blackhawks will host the Penguins at Soldier Field, and the Canucks will host the Senators at BC Place.

Hello, overkill.

Prior to the latest lockout, the NHL Winter Classic had arguably become the biggest sporting event on New Year's Day, even bigger than the College Bowl games. It was the event that not only the diehard fan, but even the casual sports fan circled on their calendars. It has produced some of the highest American television ratings for hockey in history. The NHL took a great risk staging an annual outdoor game, and it succeeded with flying colors, and then some.

In some ways, the Winter Classic, which in essence is just one regular season game, was bigger than the Stanley Cup Finals.

Now, the Winter Classic is just another outdoor game.

Yes, the demand for many cities to host outdoor games is enormous. Yes, these games will generate a ton of revenue for the NHL, and probably astronomical ratings. I, as a Rangers fan, will make every attempt to attend one of the Yankee Stadium games. I'm excited about it.

But the greatest fear we all have about the outdoor hockey game is overkill. And it appears it has happened.

Perhaps the NHL outdoor series will be a greater success than the Winter Classic. Only time will tell.

However, most hockey fans salivate over that one outdoor game that showcases the sport they love to a larger audience. The Winter Classic was something special, something their sport can be proud of.

Now, with several games, the casual fan will become bored, and eventually, disinterested.

The NHL did not miss a beat after the lockout. The fans returned in droves.

Hockey doesn't need more diehard fans, but an increase in outdoor games may not draw the casual fan as the league hopes. They will just be mid-season games, nothing more. Eventually, the outdoor game may outlive its usefulness and profitability.

Especially if the NHL chooses to stage an outdoor game in Phoenix in the near future.

Once again, the NHL shoots itself in the foot.

The Rangers are Getting Their Identity Back, But Is It Enough?

Well, it's time for me to eat some Clowe! Well, kind of.

But in all seriousness, the Rangers' trade deadline moves have inspired the team to play with the same grit, toughness, and resolve that defined last year's division winners.

Ryane Clowe, Derick Brassard, and John Moore paid immediate dividends in their first game on Broadway. They brought a mental toughness that the Rangers had been searching for.

It carried into each game after that, despite tough losses in Pittsburgh and Toronto. They took three out of a possible four points against a Crosby-less Penguins team, a feat thought unthinkable a few weeks ago.

They got behind 3-1 in Toronto last Monday night. They fought back to tie the game at 3, but ultimately faltered. A month ago, this Rangers team may have quit after going down 2 goals. But they didn't.

In tonight's back end of a home and home against Toronto, they got up 2-1 at the second intermission. Phil Kessel scores on a two-on-one to knot the game at 2. The team from a month ago may have cracked under the pressure. But this new team didn't.

Of course, they are getting a lot of help from the best goaltender on the planet, Henrik Lundqvist. Maybe sometimes too much help.

While it is wonderful for the Rangers to be flashing their identity again, is the onus, as it seems to be year after year, on their all-world goalie too much?

He stole another game tonight, making two spectacular saves in overtime, then going 3 for 3 in the shootout. They may need it again Saturday night in the biggest Rangers-Islanders tilt in years.

I believe the Rangers will make the playoffs. But they need to display their newfound grit every single night, not just selectively.

And Henrik will have to be Henrik.

It's going to be a fun last two weeks.

Rebranding

Hey everyone, I have decided to change this page to a blog specifically focusing on New York sports. Originally, this blog was based on my own personal sports tastes, but I decided to expand the focus of my posts to all New York sports teams.

I will be creating a Twitter and Facebook page for this blog; stay tuned for more info!

Thank you!

Torts Gets His Wish.

If there was any lingering doubt that the New York Rangers cannot be molded into the type of team coach John Tortorella wants, the trading deadline gave you your answer.

This is his team, and it's his way or the highway.

Just ask Marian Gaborik.

The Rangers made two major trades in the last two days. The first was a trade of a second round draft pick plus a conditional third rounder to San Jose for grinding enforcer Ryane Clowe.

The second was a bombshell, but not totally unexpected: Two-time 40 goal scorer Marian Gaborik was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for center Derick Brassard, defensemen John Moore, and injured forward Derek Dorsett.

With these moves, the Rangers gave up a star player that didn't get along with his coach. He was also a man that is an elite scorer in the NHL going through a slump. What they got in return were grinding forwards. Forwards unafraid to defend and block shots, the two hallmarks of the 2011-12 Atlantic Division Championship team. Hallmarks severely lacking from the 2013 version.

The players general manager Glen Sather acquired appear to perfectly fit Tortorella's vision. Gaborik obviously did not buy in, and Torts did not hesitate to let him know about it.

Will the Rangers miss him? Yes. But as I type this, the newcomers have already paid dividends. The Rangers lead Pittsburgh 3-0 after the first period of tonight's game. They have dominated all phases of the game. They are hustling. They are hitting. And most importantly, they are defending and blocking shots. Oh, and Ryane Clowe has three points, including his first goal of the season.

It's only one period, so it's foolish to get too excited. We'll see if this shakeup sparks the Rangers to the playoffs and a long run.

But for now, so far so good, for the team John Tortorella wants on the ice.

If it fails, though, it's his job.