Yes the long waited predictions are here:
Final Standings in East:
1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Boston
4. Philadelphia
5. Tampa Bay
6. Montreal
7. Buffalo
8. Toronto
Final Standings in West:
1. Vancouver
2. San Jose
3. Detroit
4. Chicago
5. Phoenix
6. Los Angeles
7. Calgary
8. Nashville
I will wait for the actual playoff match ups by round for specific predictions, but I will make my Stanley Cup Final and Champion Predictions:
Stanley Cup Finals: Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Champions: Chicago Blackhawks
They have the offensive firepower to make a deep playoff run (Toews, Kane, Sharp and Hossa) and are peaking at the right time. They are also 2nd in the NHL in goals scored (227). They are 7-1-2 in the last 10 games and are showing the same signs they did last year of a deep playoff run. They are a physical team and Corey Crawford is a solid goaltender. I like their chances to repeat.
Why Vancouver and Detroit won't make the finals:
Vancouver has been a solid team all year, but their weakness always seems to be that hunger and fire in the playoffs. Kesler has had an amazing year and he may be a spark plug in the playoffs. I just do not see them winning this year. I think they are the new San Jose who dominates the regular season, but struggles in the playoffs. I really do believe if they do not win this year they will never do it. They had a good of a year as you can have. A good sign however is that they have only given up 79 goals all year. Luongo is a solid goaltender that could lead them to a run.
The Red Wings won't make the finals for a few reasons. I think they will lose in the 2nd or 3rd round. They are getting over injuries they had earlier in the year. Rafalski coming back will be a huge addition for them. I think that they have been weak offensively even though the numbers don't bare that out. Franzen leads the wings with 27 goals. With all the talent on that team to not have a goal scorer in the 30s is unacceptable. Franzen and Zetterberg should both have over 30 by now. I also believe that Howard lets in too many fluky goals with the defense they have. He has a 2.77 gaa and in my opinion that is not good enough to get it done in the postseason. With the defense they have to have a 2.77 gaa is absolutely ridiculous and inexcusable. He had a 2.26 gaa last year which is night and day with his numbers this year. If wings get a better goalie I like their chances next year to make a cup run.
Why Washington will make the finals:
I do believe this is Washington's year to make a run. Pittsburgh has finally been weakened to the point where Washington is the heavy favorite. Without Crosby and Malkin Pittsburgh doesn't have much of a chance. Crosby may come back, but what kind of condition will he be in? Ovechkin is really starting to play again and Backstrom is as solid of a player you will ever get. Ovechkin has 11 points in the last 8 games. Their defense has improved and they only have 83 goals against all year which is the 5th best in the league. I like their chances to make the cup. Philly is slumping and will not get it done in the postseason. With Pittsburgh weakened no team will beat Washington in the East.
In a few weeks I will make my first round predictions when the match ups are announced. Stay tuned...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Daily Dose 3.16.11
It has been a few days...
Not a whole lot has happened. The Japanese situation is pretty severe and it is unclear how devastating the effects of this nuclear leak will be. It is unbelievable that so many have died. It is shocking with the technological capability of the Japanese that more warnings were not given and people didn't evacuate more inland. I feel that the United States is still ill equipped to dealing with a possible tsunami. I think nuclear power has some benefits, but the problem is that when something goes wrong the effects could be catastrophic. With oil there can be leaks that can be cleaned up, but a nuclear meltdown can cause great damage. America should continue to do everything it can to help them and to be quite honest our president should not be making NCAA picks and playing golf while all of these terrible world events are happening. When you take the oath to become president it should be a full time job. That's just my opinion.
I still can't believe what is going on with Libya. I am embarrassed at the leadership of this country. I've read a lot of comments about "minding our own business". I agree that Iraq and to a large extent Afghanistan have been complete disasters, but those saying never sending troops anywhere are dead wrong. Our country cannot stick its head in the sand every time. The people of Libya may appreciate us helping. We should not do this alone and the Arab League and the EU should go along. Gadhafi continues to attack and kill rebels using tanks and air attacks. We seem to be sitting around doing nothing. I am not a big believer in using force to solve problems, but it is obvious we should be doing things to help the people of Libya and prevent this carnage. I think the leadership in this country is dreadful right now. I think Bush was a terrible president, but what I am seeing right now is not much better. You can't sit back and let a dictator murder people like this. Something is terribly wrong about it.
That is all for today
Not a whole lot has happened. The Japanese situation is pretty severe and it is unclear how devastating the effects of this nuclear leak will be. It is unbelievable that so many have died. It is shocking with the technological capability of the Japanese that more warnings were not given and people didn't evacuate more inland. I feel that the United States is still ill equipped to dealing with a possible tsunami. I think nuclear power has some benefits, but the problem is that when something goes wrong the effects could be catastrophic. With oil there can be leaks that can be cleaned up, but a nuclear meltdown can cause great damage. America should continue to do everything it can to help them and to be quite honest our president should not be making NCAA picks and playing golf while all of these terrible world events are happening. When you take the oath to become president it should be a full time job. That's just my opinion.
I still can't believe what is going on with Libya. I am embarrassed at the leadership of this country. I've read a lot of comments about "minding our own business". I agree that Iraq and to a large extent Afghanistan have been complete disasters, but those saying never sending troops anywhere are dead wrong. Our country cannot stick its head in the sand every time. The people of Libya may appreciate us helping. We should not do this alone and the Arab League and the EU should go along. Gadhafi continues to attack and kill rebels using tanks and air attacks. We seem to be sitting around doing nothing. I am not a big believer in using force to solve problems, but it is obvious we should be doing things to help the people of Libya and prevent this carnage. I think the leadership in this country is dreadful right now. I think Bush was a terrible president, but what I am seeing right now is not much better. You can't sit back and let a dictator murder people like this. Something is terribly wrong about it.
That is all for today
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