Hockey Playoff Update

The Stanley Cup playoffs are a funny thing. You take all the stats and records from the regular season, go over them with a fine tooth comb, then throw them all out. They don't mean a thing in the post season. Teams take it to another level, and coaches are able to really concentrate on how to play against 1 team. Some teams thrive in the playoffs, others seem to have a weight on their shoulders that drag them down. So, how have my predictions fared?

Not much to say, but so far I've been pretty bad with the predictions. Sharks will need at least 6 to close out their series after that terrible first period they couldn't overcome last night. The good news is they didn't look horrible after that, and had us hoping for another comeback like the stunning one in game 3. Game 6 is Monday in LA. Beat LA! The Blackhawks have shown some resiliency against the Canucks, and the Canucks haven't really performed. Maybe there is a President's Trophy curse. I don't know if Detroit broke a sweat in dispensing Phoenix in 4, and the Ducks are the only team in the West that could fulfill my predictions, though they face elimination down 3 games to 2 against the Predators.

In the East the Capitals took a game less than I thought to beat the Rangers. Alex Ovechkin really shined in that last game yesterday. The Flyers are having goalie problems against the Sabres and are facing elimination today. My Boston Bruins had a great game yesterday and are looking to fulfill my prediction to win their series in 6 on Monday. And, to round up the prediction failures, the Penguins look to finish off Tampa tomorrow.

Do I care that I was really wrong? No, not really. I enjoy watching good hockey and this year's playoffs have provided some epic games, and as the commercials go, history will be made. And on that note, I leave you with my favorite history will be made commercial, though I might be biased.

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