As expected, the New York Rangers have named former Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault as the successor to John Tortorella. The Rangers gave him a 5 year, $10 million deal to try to lead the Rangers to the promised land.
Out of all candidates, this is the right choice for the Rangers.
This bloggers' personal candidate, Islanders assistant Doug Weight, was never consideration.
Lindy Ruff's defensive style would not have flown with Henrik Lundqvist and a group looking for greater offensive production.
The only other candidate interviewed was Mark Messier. The Messiah was the sentimental favorite. However, the reality is that he has zero coaching experience. Although no one will ever question his leadership skills, being a great leader on the ice does not necessary translate to great leadership behind the bench.
Vigneault is the right man at the right time for the Rangers. The players got their wish when GM Glen Sather fired the abrasive, dictatorial Tortorella, feeling his style was holding them back from fully utilizing their talents.
AV will allow the talents of Nash, Stepan, and the youngers such as Kreider and Miller develop to their skills. He will also allow the players to police themselves in the clubhouse and on the ice, as opposed to being screamed at 24/7.
AV is the safe hire for the Rangers, and the right hire, too. They are going with a man with the experience and the respect to guide a team ready to win now.
However, before we crown him as the perfect coach, Ranger fans, remember this.
This is also a coach that presided over the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals collapse in Vancouver, coupled with quick first round exits in 2012 and 2013.
This is also a man whose coaching style may be conducive to undisciplined hockey, perhaps in the most critical moments.
Therefore, Ranger fans, the second you see undisciplined play, a lack of backchecking, shot blocking, or overall soft defensive coverage, do not be screaming you want Torts back. Most of you wanted him gone. Don't come crying to anyone when you don't see a blue collar effort.
This all said, AV dealt with a lack of mentally tough players in Vancouver, coupled with bad goaltending. He will be coaching a group of high-character men and the best goaltender in the business.
We'll see if it produces a Stanley Cup. The players got Torts fired. Now it's on them to prove AV is the right fit.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Review of Torts' Firing
Well, this post was supposed to be the 2013 New York Rangers post-mortem. Who should stay, who should go, and defusing the panic over the Henrik Lundqvist contract situation.
All that changes today.
The Rangers fired head coach John Tortorella today, a shocking move considering he was two years removed from an Eastern Conference final appearance and a trip to the second round this past season.
It is a shock considering tumultuous circumstances such as a lack of a training camp, a 48-game schedule, and a huge roster turnover.
Many fans and pundits became weary of Torts' defense first, shot blocking, sacrifice offense for defensive assignments system. Others were weary of his confrontational attitude toward the media and his players.
Despite all this, the consensus was that he at least deserved one more season to get the Rangers to a Stanley Cup.
Now, he is gone.
Why the sudden departure? It's simple.
Henrik Lundqvist is a free agent after next season. He is undoubtedly the Rangers' superstar and most important and valuable player. After the season, he made disturbing comments about his future with the Rangers, declining to say he wanted to stay in New York. Throughout the season, Lundqvist made backhanded comments to the press regarding the Rangers' lack of offense and absolute ineptitude on the power play.
At 31, Lundqvist will be past his prime in a few years, and is desperate to win a Stanley Cup. He isn't getting any younger.
These disturbing comments, and the specter of father time most likely scared the pants off General Manager Glen Sather. He cannot afford to let Lundqvist walk away. He has to make him happy, and if it meant changing the coach, and the system, so be it.
It is possible the other star players on the roster, such as Rick Nash, Ryan Callahan, and Brad Richards, echoed Lundqvist's sentiments. A prevailing thought in the media and social media universe was that Tortorella lost the locker room this year. That is entirely possible, too.
Whatever the reason, one has to believe the main purpose of this move is to keep their superstar goaltender happy. The Rangers cannot afford to lose him. If they do, you can bet the Rangers will return to the dark years of 1998-2004.
If Henrik disapproved of Torts' system and tactics, a change needed to be made. Immediately.
Step one of keeping King Henrik happy is complete. Step two is working on a contract extension. Step three is hiring the right coach to replace Torts.
Conventional wisdom dictates the Rangers should pursue an offensive-minded coach, especially to help with the Power Play. Names such as former Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault comes to mind. If the Rangers want to go for the big name, Vigneault is the most logical choice.
Other names that come to mind are former Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff, Ranger immortal Mark Messier, or the Rangers' AHL coach, Ken Gernander. However, Ruff is a defensive-minded coach and is not the best fit. Messier has never coached at any level. And Gernander is not NHL-tested.
One dark horse many have failed to mention is Islanders assistant coach Doug Weight. Weight is a former Ranger draft pick that started his career on Broadway. As Isles assistant, he turned their power play into a dangerous force that gave the Pittsburgh Penguins fits in the first round of the playoffs. He is articulate, well-spoken, and is an excellent communicator. The Ranger players would love him, and he could potentially fix the Rangers' broken power play.
Most of all, this offensive mindset will allow youngsters like Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller to flourish, stars like Rick Nash to play his game, and to even fix Brad Richards, assuming he isn't bought out.
Most of all, it will make their franchise goaltender happy.
It's unfortunate the Tortorella era had to end this way. He probably didn't deserve his dismissal.
But in the long run, it may have been necessary.
The Rangers' offseason is off to a bang.
All that changes today.
The Rangers fired head coach John Tortorella today, a shocking move considering he was two years removed from an Eastern Conference final appearance and a trip to the second round this past season.
It is a shock considering tumultuous circumstances such as a lack of a training camp, a 48-game schedule, and a huge roster turnover.
Many fans and pundits became weary of Torts' defense first, shot blocking, sacrifice offense for defensive assignments system. Others were weary of his confrontational attitude toward the media and his players.
Despite all this, the consensus was that he at least deserved one more season to get the Rangers to a Stanley Cup.
Now, he is gone.
Why the sudden departure? It's simple.
Henrik Lundqvist is a free agent after next season. He is undoubtedly the Rangers' superstar and most important and valuable player. After the season, he made disturbing comments about his future with the Rangers, declining to say he wanted to stay in New York. Throughout the season, Lundqvist made backhanded comments to the press regarding the Rangers' lack of offense and absolute ineptitude on the power play.
At 31, Lundqvist will be past his prime in a few years, and is desperate to win a Stanley Cup. He isn't getting any younger.
These disturbing comments, and the specter of father time most likely scared the pants off General Manager Glen Sather. He cannot afford to let Lundqvist walk away. He has to make him happy, and if it meant changing the coach, and the system, so be it.
It is possible the other star players on the roster, such as Rick Nash, Ryan Callahan, and Brad Richards, echoed Lundqvist's sentiments. A prevailing thought in the media and social media universe was that Tortorella lost the locker room this year. That is entirely possible, too.
Whatever the reason, one has to believe the main purpose of this move is to keep their superstar goaltender happy. The Rangers cannot afford to lose him. If they do, you can bet the Rangers will return to the dark years of 1998-2004.
If Henrik disapproved of Torts' system and tactics, a change needed to be made. Immediately.
Step one of keeping King Henrik happy is complete. Step two is working on a contract extension. Step three is hiring the right coach to replace Torts.
Conventional wisdom dictates the Rangers should pursue an offensive-minded coach, especially to help with the Power Play. Names such as former Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault comes to mind. If the Rangers want to go for the big name, Vigneault is the most logical choice.
Other names that come to mind are former Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff, Ranger immortal Mark Messier, or the Rangers' AHL coach, Ken Gernander. However, Ruff is a defensive-minded coach and is not the best fit. Messier has never coached at any level. And Gernander is not NHL-tested.
One dark horse many have failed to mention is Islanders assistant coach Doug Weight. Weight is a former Ranger draft pick that started his career on Broadway. As Isles assistant, he turned their power play into a dangerous force that gave the Pittsburgh Penguins fits in the first round of the playoffs. He is articulate, well-spoken, and is an excellent communicator. The Ranger players would love him, and he could potentially fix the Rangers' broken power play.
Most of all, this offensive mindset will allow youngsters like Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller to flourish, stars like Rick Nash to play his game, and to even fix Brad Richards, assuming he isn't bought out.
Most of all, it will make their franchise goaltender happy.
It's unfortunate the Tortorella era had to end this way. He probably didn't deserve his dismissal.
But in the long run, it may have been necessary.
The Rangers' offseason is off to a bang.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Annual "Vent at the Continuing Failures of the Rangers" Tirade
If you don't want to believe I am a rabid, die-hard, pour my heart into my team New York Ranger fan, then don't bother reading this post.
But I consider myself an objective man, and the truth must be told.
The Rangers deserve to be swept by the Boston Bruins.
In the biggest game of the season, the Rangers sleepwalked. Like many games over the last decade, they have prayed that Henrik Lundqvist would bail them out.
One screened goal and one unlucky bounce later, he couldn't. Why? Because the Rangers simply can't score. They lose, 2-1.
And now, they are down three games to none.
Can they come back and win four in a row? Of course! The city of Boston has been on both ends of 3-0 comebacks. They know.
But if the Rangers want to show their fans any signs that it can be done again, their effort MUST change. Now.
Tonight was an embarrassment. A disgrace. They displayed no energy, little fight, and frankly, their body language suggests they are concerned about setting their tee times.
From the puck drop on, the intensity on the ice and in the crowd suggested both teams were playing a throwaway game on a Sunday night in early November.
Even when Ryan McDonagh gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead on a shot from the point, you still felt uneasy. You still felt uninspired.
The Bruins should have scored at least three, maybe four goals in the first period.
They should have scored more in the last ten minutes of the second.
When they got bounces going their way, you knew the Rangers were doomed.
Every single year, the most passionate fanbase in hockey experiences these disappointments. I can list them all off the top of my head. But that's a story for another day.
Tonight, this Rangers team played like it wanted to go home for the summer. Ranger fans don't deserve this. Not at all. And when your team wins only one Stanley Cup in 73 years, you get pretty damn frustrated.
And that is me right now. I, for one, have had enough of the constant mediocrity and disappointment. Is it so much to ask that we get a dynasty, or at least one more Cup?
EVERY. DAMN. YEAR. It's the same crap. This franchise should be the Yankees, not the Mets. I'm sure Mr. Lundqvist agrees.
Ok, I'm done venting.
I will be in front of the TV cheering on my team as I always do for Game 4 Thursday night. But we'd all better see a passionate effort.
My next Ranger-related post will either be the offseason game plan, or celebrating the fourth comeback from a 3-0 deficit in NHL history.
But I consider myself an objective man, and the truth must be told.
The Rangers deserve to be swept by the Boston Bruins.
In the biggest game of the season, the Rangers sleepwalked. Like many games over the last decade, they have prayed that Henrik Lundqvist would bail them out.
One screened goal and one unlucky bounce later, he couldn't. Why? Because the Rangers simply can't score. They lose, 2-1.
And now, they are down three games to none.
Can they come back and win four in a row? Of course! The city of Boston has been on both ends of 3-0 comebacks. They know.
But if the Rangers want to show their fans any signs that it can be done again, their effort MUST change. Now.
Tonight was an embarrassment. A disgrace. They displayed no energy, little fight, and frankly, their body language suggests they are concerned about setting their tee times.
From the puck drop on, the intensity on the ice and in the crowd suggested both teams were playing a throwaway game on a Sunday night in early November.
Even when Ryan McDonagh gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead on a shot from the point, you still felt uneasy. You still felt uninspired.
The Bruins should have scored at least three, maybe four goals in the first period.
They should have scored more in the last ten minutes of the second.
When they got bounces going their way, you knew the Rangers were doomed.
Every single year, the most passionate fanbase in hockey experiences these disappointments. I can list them all off the top of my head. But that's a story for another day.
Tonight, this Rangers team played like it wanted to go home for the summer. Ranger fans don't deserve this. Not at all. And when your team wins only one Stanley Cup in 73 years, you get pretty damn frustrated.
And that is me right now. I, for one, have had enough of the constant mediocrity and disappointment. Is it so much to ask that we get a dynasty, or at least one more Cup?
EVERY. DAMN. YEAR. It's the same crap. This franchise should be the Yankees, not the Mets. I'm sure Mr. Lundqvist agrees.
Ok, I'm done venting.
I will be in front of the TV cheering on my team as I always do for Game 4 Thursday night. But we'd all better see a passionate effort.
My next Ranger-related post will either be the offseason game plan, or celebrating the fourth comeback from a 3-0 deficit in NHL history.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
NHL Second Round Preview
Even though I am posting this a day late, here is the full preview for the NHL's conference semifinals.
NY Rangers vs Boston
Both teams arrive here following epic comebacks. Boston rallied from down 4-1 in Game 7 against the Maple Leafs with less than ten minutes remaining to tie the game in the final minute of regulation. A Patrice Bergeron goal won it for the Bruins in overtime. The Rangers rallied from series deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 against the Washington Capitals, winning both Games 6 and 7 with Henrik Lundqvist shutouts. Both teams are on an emotional high right now.
In reality, these two teams couldn't be more evenly matched. Both play a physical, in-your-face style, which suggests the series will come down to a battle of attrition. Both teams are banged up right now. The Rangers are still missing physical forward Ryane Clowe and top defenseman Marc Staal. Boston's Dennis Seidenberg was lost in a collision during Game 7, and his status for the series is questionable. This would be a huge loss for Boston. The Rangers' top defensive pair of Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh were beaten up by Washington's relentless physical play. If Staal can't come back healthy, how will both survive against a much more physical and larger team?
Aside from which team is more physical, the series will come down to special teams. The Rangers must get their power play going, and quickly. That will be a tall order against the Boston penalty kill, ranked 4th in the league during the regular season. The Rangers also need to get Rick Nash going. He went goalless in the Washington series. Imagine if he gets going.
And of course, the X factor in the series is goaltending. The Bruins have a young stud in Tuukka Rask. The Rangers have Lundqvist, the best in the world. He is also on the top of his game right now. As much as the Rangers have been inconsistent offensively, they can always rely on the man they call Hank to steal a game or two.
In a series like this, you need to go with the better (and hotter) goalie.
Rangers in 6.
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa
The New York Islanders gave the uber-team known as the Penguins fits in Round 1. It prompted a goaltender change. Tomas Vokoun is now tending goal in relief of the underachieving Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Ottawa has the red-hot Craig Anderson in goal and is brimming with confidence after dispatching of the second-seeded Montreal Canadiens in 5 games. The Senators are not afraid of Crosby, Malkin, and their band of stars. They can light it up on the scoreboard like the Penguins can, and can intimidate and get under the skin of their opponents. Just ask more than half the Montreal roster.
Anderson is more than capable of stealing games against Pittsburgh's high-powered offense and special teams. If Erik Karlsson is on his game, he can also carry the team. The Islanders proved the Penguins are beatable. I think the Senators pull it off.
Senators in 7.
Chicago vs Detroit
Detroit, like their original 6 counterparts in New York and Boston, showed resiliency and pride by coming back to defeat the Anaheim Ducks in 7 games, winning 3 of 4 games in overtime. Now, they run into their archrival, a Chicago team that is more complete than Anaheim. The Hawks do it all; they get good goaltending when needed, have excellent special teams, and have a very deep roster. The Wings have gotten what they needed from their top players: forwards Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, and goalie Jimmy Howard. It won't be enough against the Hawks, who get contributions from new heroes every single night. The Wings will display the pride and guts factor again, but will run out of gas.
Blackhawks in 7.
Los Angeles vs San Jose
The Kings proved their championship mettle in Round 1. They rallied from a 2-0 deficit against the St. Louis Blues, winning in 6. They also survived a fatal goaltending error from Jonathan Quick in overtime of Game 1. They are proving last year was no fluke. The Sharks, however, have ridden the hot goaltending of Antii Niemi to this point, sweeping a soft Vancouver team in Round 1. They'll need the Vezina nominee to play like one again if the expect to beat the champs. The Sharks also come in well-rested, while the Kings survived a very physical series with St. Louis. This series will come down to the goaltending; will Quick or Niemi make the fatal mistake or the key save? In theory, that would make the series a toss-up. However, you have to go with the more experienced team with the championship pedigree.
Kings in 6.
NY Rangers vs Boston
Both teams arrive here following epic comebacks. Boston rallied from down 4-1 in Game 7 against the Maple Leafs with less than ten minutes remaining to tie the game in the final minute of regulation. A Patrice Bergeron goal won it for the Bruins in overtime. The Rangers rallied from series deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 against the Washington Capitals, winning both Games 6 and 7 with Henrik Lundqvist shutouts. Both teams are on an emotional high right now.
In reality, these two teams couldn't be more evenly matched. Both play a physical, in-your-face style, which suggests the series will come down to a battle of attrition. Both teams are banged up right now. The Rangers are still missing physical forward Ryane Clowe and top defenseman Marc Staal. Boston's Dennis Seidenberg was lost in a collision during Game 7, and his status for the series is questionable. This would be a huge loss for Boston. The Rangers' top defensive pair of Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh were beaten up by Washington's relentless physical play. If Staal can't come back healthy, how will both survive against a much more physical and larger team?
Aside from which team is more physical, the series will come down to special teams. The Rangers must get their power play going, and quickly. That will be a tall order against the Boston penalty kill, ranked 4th in the league during the regular season. The Rangers also need to get Rick Nash going. He went goalless in the Washington series. Imagine if he gets going.
And of course, the X factor in the series is goaltending. The Bruins have a young stud in Tuukka Rask. The Rangers have Lundqvist, the best in the world. He is also on the top of his game right now. As much as the Rangers have been inconsistent offensively, they can always rely on the man they call Hank to steal a game or two.
In a series like this, you need to go with the better (and hotter) goalie.
Rangers in 6.
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa
The New York Islanders gave the uber-team known as the Penguins fits in Round 1. It prompted a goaltender change. Tomas Vokoun is now tending goal in relief of the underachieving Marc-Andre Fleury for Pittsburgh. Ottawa has the red-hot Craig Anderson in goal and is brimming with confidence after dispatching of the second-seeded Montreal Canadiens in 5 games. The Senators are not afraid of Crosby, Malkin, and their band of stars. They can light it up on the scoreboard like the Penguins can, and can intimidate and get under the skin of their opponents. Just ask more than half the Montreal roster.
Anderson is more than capable of stealing games against Pittsburgh's high-powered offense and special teams. If Erik Karlsson is on his game, he can also carry the team. The Islanders proved the Penguins are beatable. I think the Senators pull it off.
Senators in 7.
Chicago vs Detroit
Detroit, like their original 6 counterparts in New York and Boston, showed resiliency and pride by coming back to defeat the Anaheim Ducks in 7 games, winning 3 of 4 games in overtime. Now, they run into their archrival, a Chicago team that is more complete than Anaheim. The Hawks do it all; they get good goaltending when needed, have excellent special teams, and have a very deep roster. The Wings have gotten what they needed from their top players: forwards Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, and goalie Jimmy Howard. It won't be enough against the Hawks, who get contributions from new heroes every single night. The Wings will display the pride and guts factor again, but will run out of gas.
Blackhawks in 7.
Los Angeles vs San Jose
The Kings proved their championship mettle in Round 1. They rallied from a 2-0 deficit against the St. Louis Blues, winning in 6. They also survived a fatal goaltending error from Jonathan Quick in overtime of Game 1. They are proving last year was no fluke. The Sharks, however, have ridden the hot goaltending of Antii Niemi to this point, sweeping a soft Vancouver team in Round 1. They'll need the Vezina nominee to play like one again if the expect to beat the champs. The Sharks also come in well-rested, while the Kings survived a very physical series with St. Louis. This series will come down to the goaltending; will Quick or Niemi make the fatal mistake or the key save? In theory, that would make the series a toss-up. However, you have to go with the more experienced team with the championship pedigree.
Kings in 6.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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
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
Sunday, April 28, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
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!
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!
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