Can the Avs' low ebb get any lower?

Yes, we've got the Oilers on Wednesday. Sharks tomorrow and they aren't going to let us win, though it would help us greatly. Likewise for the Canucks on Tuesday. Good to see that we're playing better hockey, but we've run into hot clubs at the wrong time. Maybe we'll get some bounces going our way and perhaps players like Duchene and Stewart will start scoring goals again?

Oh well, there's always some great positives to take out of this year and the guys have played hard, possibly burning themselves out too quickly this year. They'll get themselves sorted and we will be a serious team next year.

At 4/3/10 06:42 AM, Coop83 wrote: Can the Avs' low ebb get any lower?

I hope so and take the Flames with you too so Dallas can squeak in. In all likelihood, the Stars' season is done since they are trailing the Avs by 5 points and they don't face them with 4 games left.

I haven't been paying attention, how good are the Blackhawks? Are they going to make a deep run in the playoffs?

At 4/3/10 07:24 AM, reverend wrote: I haven't been paying attention, how good are the Blackhawks? Are they going to make a deep run in the playoffs?

Well, it depends on the goaltending at the moment. Niemi has been making a strong case for his inclusion, so he could be the one at the moment, but never rule out Huet.

We will have to wait and see.

At 4/3/10 09:40 AM, Coop83 wrote: Well, it depends on the goaltending at the moment. Niemi has been making a strong case for his inclusion, so he could be the one at the moment, but never rule out Huet.

We will have to wait and see.

I just wasn't sure how good there were; if they were the same team that made it to the Conference Finals or not. I guess the city is pretty confident because some one had the bright idea to make a mural with the Stanley Cup on it for them.

Oh yeah, if you think the Avs have it bad check out the Flyers. They are just barely hanging on with their loss to the Canadiens last night.

At 4/3/10 10:00 PM, ChopstickClock wrote: I'll join, New Jersey and Phoenix are my two favourite teams at the moment (don't judge me)

I'll judge you if you're a fair weather supporter. Don't go changing horses if Ilya Kovalchuk doesn't re-sign with the Devils and the Coyotes re-hire Gretzky :P

At 4/4/10 06:29 AM, reverend wrote: I just wasn't sure how good there were; if they were the same team that made it to the Conference Finals or not. I guess the city is pretty confident because some one had the bright idea to make a mural with the Stanley Cup on it for them.

And a pig nose for Pat Kane. Stylish.

Ever heard of tempting providence? That might be a lesson learned from a city that has the Cubs in town :P

Oh yeah, if you think the Avs have it bad check out the Flyers. They are just barely hanging on with their loss to the Canadiens last night.

Both the Avs and Flyers won last night, easing their worries. Kyle Quincey out of the box, in the net. Beautiful. Peter Mueller, what an acquisition from the 'yotes. 20 points in 15 games and he gave us 2 goals yesterday. Now he's injured and we might feel his presence missing on Tuesday against the Canucks.

Still, on Wednesday, we've got the Oilers, which could hopefully be a good time for us to pick up another valuable 2 points.

Plus beating a potential 1st round opponent is always a good thing ;)

At 4/5/10 06:14 AM, Coop83 wrote:

At 4/3/10 10:00 PM, ChopstickClock wrote: I'll join, New Jersey and Phoenix are my two favourite teams at the moment (don't judge me)

I'll judge you if you're a fair weather supporter. Don't go changing horses if Ilya Kovalchuk doesn't re-sign with the Devils and the Coyotes re-hire Gretzky :P

Never liked the Devils because the epic cup between the Devils and Avs. Ever since then, it's been a rivalry to me. I have a favorite team that I root for every year in most sports, but I do support the feel good stories like the Coyotes this year as they come and go. Not fair-weather fanning, but rooting for the underdog. Of course, the Coyotes look a lot better than us this year, so I guess we're more of an underdog than them. :p

At 4/4/10 06:29 AM, reverend wrote: I just wasn't sure how good there were; if they were the same team that made it to the Conference Finals or not. I guess the city is pretty confident because some one had the bright idea to make a mural with the Stanley Cup on it for them.

And a pig nose for Pat Kane. Stylish.

Did it include the entire team throwing rocks at Niemi and Huet with a scoreboard in the background that says Columbus 8, Chicago 3? Those dudes are going to throw it away for the Hawks. Don't see it happening this year.

Both the Avs and Flyers won last night, easing their worries.

Easing, but I want some straight up relief. Haha.

Peter Mueller, what an acquisition from the 'yotes. 20 points in 15 games and he gave us 2 goals yesterday. Now he's injured and we might feel his presence missing on Tuesday against the Canucks.

Definitely will be. I'm hoping he keeps playing at the level he's playing through the playoffs (knock on wood) and starts off next season hot, because he really is playing at an elite level right now. Not bad considering we got rid of Wolski for him.

Still, on Wednesday, we've got the Oilers, which could hopefully be a good time for us to pick up another valuable 2 points.

Must win. Everyone else we play in the remainder of the season is tough as nails. Can't afford to slip one up against a scrub team looking for some glory in knocking a team out of the playoffs. The Canucks scare me because they always seem to play a little better against us.

Regardless of what happens Coop, remember where we were at the beginning of the year? We've been through this whole season in this club, from the first rankings when we were dead last, to being a few games from the end of the season holding down the last playoff spot. Couldn't be more proud of how a bunch of young kids played their hearts out all season under a rookie coach. Here's to a bright future buddy. :)

Relief never felt so good. We've got Chicago in the first round. Lets get shit done.

At 3/27/10 10:41 AM, EternitySpent wrote: I don't think Colorado will be able to hold off the Red Wings for 7th place, but by the same token Chicago might overtake San Jose for first in the west, so it could likely be the same matchup - different seeding.

^Just saying.

I'm about as excited as you can be for the playoffs, considering my team isn't in it. Though the first round is shaping up to be a little lackluster, a bunch of inexperienced teams in the west (LA, Phoenix, Colorado) and 6-8 in the East almost don't deserve to be there. Other than Detroit over Phoenix, I'd be very surprised if any of the top seeds got knocked off, although you can't underestimate San Jose's ability to lose in the first round, I'd think the same of Washington if Boston/Rangers weren't playing such horrible hockey.

At 4/8/10 08:37 PM, EternitySpent wrote: Other than Detroit over Phoenix, I'd be very surprised if any of the top seeds got knocked off

Two words. Huet and Niemi. I don't see Colorado going any further than the second round, but I do feel a LOT better about facing Chicago than San Jose. On any given night they can lose 8-2 simply because of sloppy play from their goalies. We might see those two buckle under the playoff pressure.

At 4/8/10 10:31 PM, michelinman wrote: Two words. Huet and Niemi. I don't see Colorado going any further than the second round, but I do feel a LOT better about facing Chicago than San Jose. On any given night they can lose 8-2 simply because of sloppy play from their goalies. We might see those two buckle under the playoff pressure.

Ha. I love the optimism, but I think it's completely unfounded and you're grossly underestimating one of the best teams in the league. Chicago were a couple games from the Stanley cup last year and are a better team this year.

Everyone makes such a big deal about their goaltending, but I think it's fine. Crystal-balls is terrible yes, but Niemi's save percentage is .913 with a 2.23 GAA and 7 shutouts - compare that to Anderson in Colorado: .916 with a 2.65 GAA and also 7 shutouts. I don't see much of a glaring difference statistically. Admittedly, Niemi is an undrafted rookie, so he is relatively unproven, but it's not like Anderson has seen a plethora of post-season action himself. Plus you don't have to go too far back to find examples of teams riding hot rookie goaltenders to playoff success; Varlamov and Cam Ward for example, so it certainly can be done. Is Neimi, Cam Ward? No, but he doesn't have to be. Chicago is such a strong puck possession team that some nights they could have a cardboard cutout in net and still win.

Even if goaltending does prove to be an issue, Chicago has enough straight up firepower to overcome it and still make it out of the first round, though it might kill them later.

At 4/8/10 03:18 PM, michelinman wrote: Relief never felt so good. We've got Chicago in the first round. Lets get shit done.

Looks like San Jose at the moment. Technically, we have our own destiny in our hands at present, since SJ is leading the way and if we beat Chicago, we'll probably face the Sharks in round 1.

Either way is good for me, I'm just happy to be playing an 86+ game season now :P

At 4/8/10 08:37 PM, EternitySpent wrote: Though the first round is shaping up to be a little lackluster, a bunch of inexperienced teams in the west (LA, Phoenix, Colorado) and 6-8 in the East almost don't deserve to be there.

As soon as the matchups are finalised, I'll write a quick piece detailing my feelings on all playoff bound teams and the matchups.

Other than Detroit over Phoenix, I'd be very surprised if any of the top seeds got knocked off,

Well, Phoenix currently have LA and Detroit go to Vancouver, who must be shitting bricks at present. The Avs can help their division rivals a bunch by beating LA on Sunday ;)

although you can't underestimate San Jose's ability to lose in the first round, I'd think the same of Washington if Boston/Rangers weren't playing such horrible hockey.

Well, there remains a lot to be seen. Once the variables have been removed as much as possible (CHI starting goalie :P) we'll have the discussions begin in earnest.

At 4/8/10 10:31 PM, michelinman wrote: Two words. Huet and Niemi. I don't see Colorado going any further than the second round, but I do feel a LOT better about facing Chicago than San Jose.

You make it sound like a done deal. Theoretically, we can still finish 5th in the conference, so any of 4 teams could be our opponents (SJ; CHI; VAN or PHX) I doubt we'll get that high, so it's looking like SJ or CHI.

Every day that passes gives us a clearer picture of the playoffs. Also, a clearer picture of the guy holding the Rocket Richard trophy - Sid at the moment, from AO and Stamkos by a goal.

As EternitySpent has said, it's Chicago's goaltending that has been in question for some time, but can the Avs step up another knotch? The rookies are looking tired (Stewart has gone cold, Duchene has 1 goal in has past 14 games) They are unproven and while it only seems natural to get Duchene on the biggest stage, it will be good to see how he copes with it.

Still, building for the future, it will be good to get the kids some experience there - no-one said that Anderson could do what he did this year and he started 70 games for us. Whether he wins or not remains to be seen, but we're making a very good step or two towards the future.

Next season, when Jones and Mueller are back, we'll have a very good team that has a lot of goal scoring talent and a very highly touted starting goalie.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2010

So, we come to the most exciting part of the Hockey Calendar - after a final Sunday that saw Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos tie for 51 Goals, just edging out Alex Ovechkin's 50 for the Maurice Richard Trophy.

Eastern Conference

Washington (1) Vs Montreal (8)
Some raw stats to start with: Washington scored 101 more goals than Montreal, but conceded 10 more. Washington taking their foot off the gas in games where it's a blowout? Possibly. Is it really any surprise that the Caps have five of the top seven players in +/-?

Montreal have ridden the Red Hot goaltending of Jaroslav Halak down the stretch to prepare for this matchup, but can it really prepare you for a playoff series with the most lethal offence in the entire NHL? Halak only has three playoff games experience under his belt and as a result, his career record is 0-1-0. Ovechkin showed that he is capable of big things in the playoffs last year and now he has to deliver, along with the rest of the Washington pack. Keep an eye on Backstrom, as he is shaping up to being Washington's answer to Evgeni Malkin. 101 points is a very admirable total

Not that I'm totally writing Montreal off, but they need to get to Theodore and often, if they are going to avoid being one of the earlier casualties this year. If Theodore gets into a groove, you're not going to stop him. He's not showing the form that he showed in net for the Habs in '01-'04, but he's a pretty good net minder, having put together his second straight 30+ win season for the first time in his career (4 seasons with 30+ wins). Only one shutout might show that he is not the prime goalie that he once was, but he appears to be the number one goalie for the Capitals, heading into the playoff series.

Coop's verdict: Capitals in 5... maybe six if Plekanec steps up his game, but I'm not expecting it.

New Jersey (2) Vs Philadelphia (7)
Marty and Kovy suit up against a team that won three of their last four to narrowly squeak into the playoffs, denying the Rangers in the process. This matchup presents the most one sided regular season pairing, with Philly having taken 5 of 6 (5-1-0) from New Jersey, with only one tilt going to overtime. Could this be an upset? That remains to be seen.

Having some 'celebrity firepower' helps and Kovalchuk certainly provides that, with a point per game in the regular season. Can he translate this to playoff glory? We will have to see, as he only has 4 games playoff experience, so there are variables out there. Zach Parise now has some help with his own scoring, so there is a chance for the Devils to lend Brodeur to add to his 98 playoff wins and 23 playoff shutouts. Perhaps even a Stanley Cup...

But let's not forget the Flyers. After all, they make up half of this matchup and most of the wins this season from the pair.

Richards. Carter. Briere. A good start. Scoring is reasonable easy to come by in Philadelphia (3rd most goals in the East, 10th in the NHL) but then again, there is a massive question mark over the starting goalie(s). Leighton has no playoff experience, Boucher has nothing much for 10 years and Emery is a loose cannon, who blows very hot and cold.

Expecting Boucher to start, we can expect to see quite a series here, that I think could very well go all the way, setting a stage for a gritty team that might have an outside chance of going deep into this year's playoff mix.

Coop's Verdict: Flyers in 7. Expect the Devils to up their game, but key contributions from a deeper Flyers means points from all lines, while Jersey rely on star power.

Buffalo (3) Vs. Boston (6)
The lowest point gainers of the six division winners (100), plus the lowest goal difference (+28) means that Buffalo haven't had too much to cheer this year, their second after the stars pretty much left town wholesale. Only Ryan Miller and Derek Roy remain and Roy's numbers show, by a loss of 10-12 points on his career best. They still miss Briere and Drury (and I think that though Drury will miss the playoffs, he will cry all the way to the bank over that!) The career year for Miller in Wins (41); GAA (2.22) and Sv% (.929) means that Buffalo still have more than a chance against a somewhat beleaguered opponent.

Boston fans are still wanting for the results, after GM Peter Chiarelli traded Phil Kessell for a first round pick. For talented players, even Atlanta got players back when they parted with Kovalchuk, but I digress.

I say beleaguered, as Boston only have two players to limp across the 50 point marker this year (Bergeron; Krejci) and Marco Sturm was the only player with 20+ goals. I know that injuries have taken their toll in Boston this year, but there have been some good points. Tukka Rask was second amongst Rookie Goalies (Jimmie Howard, DET) in wins, with 22. Handy numbers, but will Tim Thomas be making the playoff starts? If he doesn't, expect him to be shown the door in the off season.

Coop's Verdict: Sabres in 5. 2 misfiring offences, but Buffalo has better stats across the board, despite being 2-2-2 against the Bruins this season in regulation. It's Miller time.

Pittsburgh (4) Vs. Ottawa (5)
The pieces have fallen into place again. Is it going to be the Pens' year? Crosby winning a share of the Maurice Richard Trophy and Malkin is back at the right time, to play foil for his teammate. Useful contributions from Ponikarovsky; Gonchar; Staal and Guerin will all be called upon to assist them through this matchup. Fleury may not be as sharp as he had once been, but he is still up there with the better goalies of the NHL. I'll expect his teammates above to spare his blushes with points a plenty.

Ottawa - the perennial under achievers from the Eastern Conference, come April. They always score good points in the regular season and let themselves down badly when it comes to playoff time. Sadly for them, I feel that there isn't much they can do to stop the Pens. They have a reasonable amount of goal scoring ability, with four players to get into the 20+ goal plateau, but it looks like Pascal LeClaire is out of sorts away from Columbus, leaving Brian Elliott to be the probably untested playoff goalie. In either case, neither has been proven, so I feel that both have a point to prove (both may yet get the chance), but the chance will be fleeting.

As we know from February, Crosby is a big game player and he wants another cup, after all. I think that this will be an entertaining series to watch, but at the end of the day, there can only be one winner.

Coop's Verdict: Penguins in 4. Crosby and Malkin will be keeping themselves ticking over nicely en-route to the next round and a more challenging opponent. Prove me wrong, Ottawa, though I think if you do manage this, you will deserve to win the cup. One win and you leave proud, considering who your opponents are.

At 4/12/10 01:57 PM, Coop83 wrote: after a final Sunday that saw Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos tie for 51 Goals, just edging out Alex Ovechkin's 50 for the Maurice Richard Trophy.

An excellent performance by both players, even though Stamkos had the EN for #51 :P

Eastern Conference

Washington (1) Vs Montreal (8)
Is it really any surprise that the Caps have five of the top seven players in +/-?

Yes and No, but considering they have great chemistry around each other to make it possible, how could you say no? Everyone helps each other out ultimately; it's what leads to championships.

Montreal have ridden the Red Hot goaltending of Jaroslav Halak down the stretch to prepare for this matchup, but can it really prepare you for a playoff series with the most lethal offence in the entire NHL?

Halak has been above average for the Montreal Canadiens, if not better. His team efforts for Slovakia in the Olympics almost resulted in a upset over Canada, and it's only time when he'll personally ignite. Down the series, it's going to get interesting, even if Halak can't stop one of the best front lines in the NHL, but he'll be more spectacular then he's ever been.

If Theodore gets into a groove, you're not going to stop him.

And if not, there's always the Varlamov we know and like, who's experience from last year's playoffs could pay off in this year's playoffs. Washington's goaltending is pretty mixed, and they shouldn't have to worry if Theodore loses his game. You're right, his stats don't lie, he WILL do good, but on off nights if any, consider Simeon for a few games, or possibly the rest of their run.

Coop's verdict: Capitals in 5... maybe six if Plekanec steps up his game, but I'm not expecting it.

I'll take you on that, I will also say Washington in Five, but my gut says Seven. Reality check for me, I guess I have to go with five.

New Jersey (2) Vs Philadelphia (7)
This matchup presents the most one sided regular season pairing, with Philly having taken 5 of 6 (5-1-0) from New Jersey, with only one tilt going to overtime. Could this be an upset? That remains to be seen.

You could say that it's an upset... if you're the Philadelphia Flyers, who have taken the most games, so to say New Jersey can win is slim, but still exists.

Having some 'celebrity firepower' helps and Kovalchuk certainly provides that, with a point per game in the regular season. Can he translate this to playoff glory? We will have to see, as he only has 4 games playoff experience, so there are variables out there.

I think Kovalchuk can amount, but how much is up for debate. The Devils acquired him to score, and he has done that certainly; however, we can't really figure out with just four games. For sure, in four games, Kovy will provide, that's all I can say.

but then again, there is a massive question mark over the starting goalie(s). Leighton has no playoff experience, Boucher has nothing much for 10 years and Emery is a loose cannon, who blows very hot and cold.

Expecting Boucher to start, we can expect to see quite a series here, that I think could very well go all the way, setting a stage for a gritty team that might have an outside chance of going deep into this year's playoff mix.

It's tough to consider Philly a series-winning team if you look at their goaltending. Boucher will most likely get the starts, but it won't be pretty. Likewise, their offense is what ultimately gets it done.

Looking forward to next season, look for Philly to make a trade for a better goaltender obviously if this doesn't work out. Calgary has finance issues and Kipprusoff, so perhaps they can settle a deal to send a center and/or a right wing for Iginla's assistance (finally). But I'm getting off track, this is now.

Coop's Verdict: Flyers in 7. Expect the Devils to up their game, but key contributions from a deeper Flyers means points from all lines, while Jersey rely on star power.

Flyers win, I agree, but one less game for me. Philadelphia in Six.

Buffalo (3) Vs. Boston (6)

Coop's Verdict: Sabres in 5. 2 misfiring offences, but Buffalo has better stats across the board, despite being 2-2-2 against the Bruins this season in regulation. It's Miller time.

I'm at a loss for this series because I'm not sure I see Buffalo winning this series. The stats are there, Boston's injury-prone, but I still think the Bruins might pull it off. I'm not a professional, but in my opinion, Boston wins in Six for me. I don't have anything to back it up only that it's my personal, if not, gut-wrenching opinion. Don't judge me :(

Pittsburgh (4) Vs. Ottawa (5)

As we know from February, Crosby is a big game player and he wants another cup, after all. I think that this will be an entertaining series to watch, but at the end of the day, there can only be one winner.

No argument here. Crosby can lead, and his desire for another cup will ultimately be granted if all the pieces of the puzzle can fit together like last year.

Coop's Verdict: Penguins in 4. ...Prove me wrong, Ottawa, though I think if you do manage this, you will deserve to win the cup. One win and you leave proud, considering who your opponents are.

Exactly. I believe Ottawa has it in them to wina game, but not the series. Pittsburgh's just too ultimate of a team, albeit there have been upsets out there; Anaheim in 2003 comes to mind. But those were the Mighty Ducks. When push comes to shove, reality sets in: for me, Pittsburgh wins in Five over Ottawa.

Also, here's my thought on the Western Conference, series-wise:

(1)San Jose wins in Four/Five against (8)Colorado (hard to decide)
(2)Chicago wins in Five against (7)Nashville
(3)Vancouver wins in Six against (6)Los Angeles
(4)Phoenix wins in Seven against (5)Detroit (again, either way)

More predictions:

First Round:
EAST:

(1)Washington 4 vs. (8)Montreal 1
(2)New Jersey 2 vs. (7)Philadelphia 4
(3)Buffalo 2 vs. (6)Boston 4
(4)Pittsburgh 4 vs. (5)Ottawa 1

WEST:
(1)San Jose 4 vs. (8)Colorado 0
(2)Chicago 4 vs. (7)Nashville 2
(3)Vancouver 4 vs. (6)Los Angeles 2
(4)Phoenix 4 vs. (5)Detroit 3

Second Round:
EAST:

(1)Washington 4 vs. (7)Philadelphia 2
(4)Pittsburgh 4 vs. (6)Boston 0

WEST:
(1)San Jose 2 vs. (4)Phoenix 4
(2)Chicago 4 vs. (3)Vancouver 3

Conference Final:

EAST/WEST:
(1)Washington 4 vs. (4)Pittsburgh 2
(2)Chicago 3 vs. (4)Phoenix 4

Stanley Cup Final 2010:
(1)Washington 4 vs. (4)Phoenix 0

Discuss.

First Round Predictions.

EASTSIDE

Washington in 6. Montreal will probably play one really solid game, and get another fluke win somewhere, but not enough to take the series.

New Jersey in 5. Philadelphia really? With Emery they might stand a chance. With Leighton maybe an outside shot. But Boucher has been downright terrible. Ilya Kovalchuck people, come on.

Buffalo in 6. Boston's offense is a joke, and Miller doesn't let in too many easy ones.

Pittsburgh in 4. Ottawa, lol.

WESTSIDE

San Jose in 5. I don't believe in Colorado, San Jose finally wins a playoff series.

Chicago in 6. Nashville is no joke, but I think Chicago is just that good.

Los Angeles in 7. I always feel compelled to pick at least one upset, so here goes.

Detroit in 5. Phoenix made the playoffs, good for them. Unfortunately they got the Wings in the first round. As much as I hate the D I find it hard to believe the Coyotes will be the ones to put them out, though I would love to see it.

At 4/12/10 10:18 PM, TOEZ wrote: Stanley Cup Final 2010:
(1)Washington 4 vs. (4)Phoenix 0

Discuss.

So in your scenario hell is going to freeze over in late May?

I like Buffalo to win it all... as a fan

But their chances are slim unless the Caps get knocked out before the championship

I think the Sabres can beat the Penguins with defense

At 4/12/10 10:24 PM, EternitySpent wrote: First Round Predictions.

EASTSIDE

Washington in 6. Montreal will probably play one really solid game, and get another fluke win somewhere, but not enough to take the series.

I would think Washington in 5. Anyways.. all the Montreal fans I know, know their chance of winning the 1st round was over when they found out they had to face Washington.

San Jose in 5. I don't believe in Colorado, San Jose finally wins a playoff series.

lol, yay!

Western Conference

San Jose (1) Vs. Colorado (8)
Despite the naysayers from day one writing off the Avalanche, this plucky bunch of youngsters kept coming back and winning matches. A real credit to the team building skills of Greg Sherman and the never say die attitude of new head coach Joe Sacco. Close season acquisitions Craig Anderson, Kyle Quincey, Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly have made a real impact where it was needed, as have the rookies Colorado lead the league with rookie points (166) and coupled with a breakout season for Chris Stewart (28g / 64p) have left them in decent stead.

San Jose, on the other hand were on the receiving end of the new look Colorado on opening night, leaving Denver after losing 5-2. They have rebounded from that and have made a good season from these beginnings. Patrick Marleau finished 4th in goals, with 44 and Evgeni Nabakov should get his 300th career win next term. Thornton, Marleau and Dany Heatley (who appears to have found a home in San Jose, after wandering the NHL wilderness) have all finished with 80+ points and will be expected to up their game for this series.

Will this affect the Avs? They've been told they can't do this all year, so don't expect them to change their game plan. Rookies and inexperienced young players they may be, but if they get a good start in the Shark Tank, this could be one of the most frantic matchups in the first round.

The Sharks have had 12 seasons in the playoffs and have been knocked out in round 1 four times; Round 2 seven times and the finals once. They could be considered an Ottawa Senators of the West, but that might be a little harsh this year.

Though, as an Avalanche fan, I'm just glad to be back in the party.

Coop's Verdict: Sharks in 5 or 6. So long as we win a game, I'll be happy. If we win the series, I'll be over the moon, but I'm not expecting it... this year.

Chicago (2) Vs. Nashville (7)
Riding the trail that has been blazed in the windy city by rising stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, the Blackhawks look to have sorted their woes offensively. They may find that life becomes a little more difficult, without all-star defenceman Brian Campbell, from here on in, but when fellow blue-liner Duncan Keith is second on the team in scoring, they might have some support. Kim Johnsson and Brent Seabrook will log more ice time as a result of the void left by Campbell.

As with various Eastern conference teams, Goaltending is a real question. I'm expecting Antti Niemi to get the nod over Huet, with his play of 5-0-1 through April. His worst streak was 2 losses in a row towards the end of March, but not too much to worry about.

Nashville isn't a surprising sight to see in the playoffs any more, making their fifth appearance of the last six eligible seasons. Pekka Rinne is untested as a number one starter, but should be able to keep his team in the matchup, as he is capable of dealing shutouts (14 in 2 seasons). The main question here is over the offensive capabilities - The Predators only have two 50+ point scorers on their team this year and while injuries may have cost them a few more players at this milestone, in the highly competitive Western Conference, these stats look decidedly average.

The best hope that the Predators have is for the veteran playoff players, such as Arnott and Sullivan to lead the team through into a good style of hockey and hope that sophomore Patrick Hornqvist continues with his breakout play that has helped them this season.

Coop's Verdict: Chicago in 5. I cannot see Rinne holding shut the floodgates for long and the youngsters in Chicago look hungry for the cup. A good strong series should settle their early nerves.

Vancouver (3) Vs. Los Angeles (6)
Gold medal winning goaltender Roberto Luongo will have a lot to say in this series, as will a pretty deep offensive club, which looks very at home with the Sedin twins combining on the final goal of the season for them, as Daniel Sedin made a beautiful little play through his own legs and flicked up over the pad of Miikka Kiprusoff. A fun brand of hockey is being played in Vancouver at present. Don't expect this to change.

Alex Burrows has built upon his scoring from last season and playing alongside Art Ross Trophy winner Henrik and his identical twin Daniel can only help a guy's play with the knowledge of where each other will be on the ice most of the time, they just seem to click. Daniel broke out in '03-'04, while Henrik did one year later. Can we say that he's taken the next step, by adding another 30 points to his career best? Yes. Will this translate to a good playoffs? We shall see - their career bests are only 10 points (4g; 6a) each in 10 games last postseason.

Most playoff teams would kill for a first line centre that could score 75 points, but Ryan Kessler has done it largely from the second line, so there is a depth that makes even players in Pittsburgh and possibly Washington envious. Look out for them

Los Angeles are a team that has had a good season, with some nice surprises from various corners, not least of whom was Jon Quick, with 39 wins and a 2.54 GAA in 72 games with LA. Will the heavy workload of the season, coupled with a lack of playoff experience count against him? In the 3 games so far, Quick is 0-2-1 against the Canucks and it's hard to see how they could make it easier for him in the playoffs. No playoff experience could mean a very hard, but short stint for the young man, but we have seen surprises before and he has shouldered the workload in LA well.

Coop's Verdict: Vancouver in 4 Quick's record means too much pressure on LA forwards to beat arguably one of the best goalies in the NHL at present.

Phoenix (4) Vs. Detroit (5)
Arguable Phoenix's worst nightmare comes true, as a resurgent Red Wings team stormed emphatically into the playoffs on the back of yet another sensational young goalie. Jimmie Howard has been pretty damned good, in spite of the early season woes that Detroit suffered due to a plethora of injuries to their star players.

That said, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg only combined to miss 10 games this season and finished with admirable, albeit low scoring seasons by their own standards. These young men know what it takes to play playoff hockey and no doubt will be wanting to get their hands on the Cup for the second time in their careers. If Howard fails in net, Chris Osgood knows a thing or two about what needs to be done to earn a Cup, after all.

Could it be classed as an upset if Phoenix loses this series to Detroit? Of course, as Phoenix has been the biggest surprise package this season. (Though the Avs made them work for it early on!) Their play has been good and Don Maloney certainly wheeled and dealt his way to a highly productive trade deadline day.

The main problem that the Coyotes have is that Phoenix have so little playoff experience. Those that already visited the playoffs have failed to perform to any degree of standard and as a result, there is so little there to focus on as positive. But that's not the Phoenix way! Get the crowd behind them and this group of young men will come in and at least give Detroit a good run for their money.

Ilya Bryzgalov represents the most playoff experience for the team and his was two short cameos in '06 and '07 (Combined record 9-5) The interesting statistic is that he boasts 3 shutouts among those nine wins and with 8 on the regular season, he appears to be up for the fight. He raised the bar by 16 wins for his new career high and so the meter moves back in favour of Phoenix...

Coop's Verdict: Detroit in 7... Or perhaps Phoenix in 7. After all, stranger things have happened. There are many variables in this series and as a result, I will look forward to seeing who comes out on top. One side has a lot of playoff experience except the goalie, while one has a never say die attitude and the only player with playoff experience is the goalie thus making them polar opposites. You can never write off Detroit, but with home ice advantage being in Arizona, we could see a different result.

Craig Anderson: 51 saves, 1.000 Save Percentage. Avs up 2-1 thanks to Dan Boyle, who I feel definitely should have been one of the three stars for the lulz. :p Next game on Tuesday. I'm not getting overly hyped yet because it's still early, but if we somehow sneak another one over next game and go up 3-1, I'm gonna freak out. :)

At 4/19/10 01:25 AM, michelinman wrote: Craig Anderson: 51 saves, 1.000 Save Percentage. Avs up 2-1 thanks to Dan Boyle, who I feel definitely should have been one of the three stars for the lulz. :p Next game on Tuesday. I'm not getting overly hyped yet because it's still early, but if we somehow sneak another one over next game and go up 3-1, I'm gonna freak out. :)

I just can't believe how dominated we are by San Jose on the shot count. That's not even counting the number of blocked shots we have. If we pull this off it's because of Anderson. Even if he got 6 goals against him last game he still played terrific, but tonight's performance was just insane. I'm pretty sure 51 saves without a goal in a playoff game is a record.

At 4/19/10 01:25 AM, michelinman wrote: Craig Anderson: 51 saves, 1.000 Save Percentage. Avs up 2-1 thanks to Dan Boyle, who I feel definitely should have been one of the three stars for the lulz. :p Next game on Tuesday. I'm not getting overly hyped yet because it's still early, but if we somehow sneak another one over next game and go up 3-1, I'm gonna freak out. :)

One step at a time. We won the first game in San Jose and the only reason we didn't win Game 2, was because we couldn't kill off San Jose with a 2 goal lead. Still, never mind, we just need to stay in shape for Game 4. Hejduk looks like he could be the only worry at present.

One thing that's going to make the playoffs interesting - the ice surface at Denver is going to be quite choppy, due to it having a basketball court laid over the top of it half of the time while the Nuggets are in town with their own playoffs quest. They play tonight against the Jazz, before we play game 4 on Tuesday night.

Anderson stood on his head last night, but Nabokov only stopped 17 shots. We need to shoot more, which is how we could have won game 2. Shots on net in the 2nd period - 4. We scored 3 goals. Take another three or four shots and it makes for a more interesting period of hockey and possibly even a pulled goalie. That's got to demoralise him and weaken him for the rest of the series.

I feel a little bad for San Jose, it's like watching just to see what new and creative way they will find to lose the series and generally embarrass the franchise.

52 shots and the only goal they score is on their own net, that's a new one.

But respect to Anderson, I honestly didn't think he had it in him. The last time I saw a team get dominated like that in the playoffs and still win, Joseph was in net.

Other than that, this has the potential to be one of the best playoffs in recent history, with all 8 series starting out tied at 1-1. I really get the feeling that all 16 teams legitimately have a shot of getting to the semi's, which really isn't true after almost a week of play most years. So much for lackluster I guess.

ROFL @ all the (1)(2)(3)(4) seed predictions that have turned out to look ridiculously misinformed

It very well could be Spiffy. That's a LOT of damn saves without letting up a single one. The thing I love about that is with the game going the way it did, with them outshooting us over 2-1, they would have won that game 9 times out of 10. They put up 51 shots, and not one went in. They gave us everything, EVERYTHING that they had, and we shut it all down. There's not much more things in sports that are more demoralizing than throwing everything you have at the opponent and not getting dick out of it. PLUS you were beaten by a slip up on your own end. You couldn't beat your opponent, then you beat yourself. I'm betting a lot of heads were hanging in the San Jose locker room after the game. For instance:

"We didn't beat their goalie," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "We found a way to beat ours."

That's a big thing they're going to have to overcome to try and come back in this series. It's gonna be even harder with the next game in Denver. This next game is the most important one of this series, so watch closely kiddos. :p

At 4/19/10 08:31 AM, Coop83 wrote: One step at a time. We won the first game in San Jose and the only reason we didn't win Game 2, was because we couldn't kill off San Jose with a 2 goal lead. Still, never mind, we just need to stay in shape for Game 4. Hejduk looks like he could be the only worry at present.

Yeah, Hejduk being out hurts. Stastny and Stewart are leading the team in points right now with 3 apiece. Not very much considering a lot of players are at 5+ points already. I'm hoping Mueller starts breaking out again soon. I still love the move and prefer Mueller on the team, but Wolski has 4 points for Pheonix so far this offseason, but then again, they're playing a less aggressive Detroit team, and they've had the opportunity to score more goals. We're relying on Anderson more than anything against San Jose, because they're a balls to the wall offensive team. He's answered the call so far though. Lets hope he can continue to raise the bar on Tuesday. Maybe that choppy ice will help slow down San Jose's attack on Tuesday.

I never knew that about the Pepsi Center though. Probably because when the Avs were really in their winning ways and were contenders every year, the Nuggets were the worst team in basketball. :p So they just lay the wood down on top of the ice? It definitely makes things interesting. Regardless of how this series ends, it's been an entertaining one this far for sure.

Anderson stood on his head last night, but Nabokov only stopped 17 shots. We need to shoot more, which is how we could have won game 2. Shots on net in the 2nd period - 4. We scored 3 goals. Take another three or four shots and it makes for a more interesting period of hockey and possibly even a pulled goalie. That's got to demoralise him and weaken him for the rest of the series.

The best defense is a good offense. San Jose has done an outstanding job keeping the puck in our zone and not allowing us shit for opportunities. The good news is that the only other teams in the NHL that can bring that level of offense are Pittsburgh and Washington, and the earliest we could see them is in the Stanley Cup Finals, which is thinking WAY WAY WAY too far ahead, so we really don't need to worry about getting absolutely lit up by an offense again after this series. Any other teams in our conference playoffs, I feel comfortable with our abilities to take over games against them with our offense instead of just relying on Anderson.

We could afford to push our offensive game more, but the downside of that it will give the Sharks more breakaway opportunities if we're in their zone more, and give them higher percentage shots against Anderson. So in all honesty, I'm not sure which direction our strategy should go or will go. I have faith in Sacco to have the team coming out and doing what they need to do to win though. This next game is just so unpredictable. Can't wait. :)

At 4/19/10 01:52 AM, SpiffyMasta wrote: I'm pretty sure 51 saves without a goal in a playoff game is a record.

Not quite: "April 24, 1994 - Dominik Hasek of the Buffalo Sabres stops all 70 shots produced by the New Jersey Devils as Dave Hannan scores the lone goal over a sprawling Martin Brodeur at 5:43 of the 4th OT in game 6 of the 1st round matchup."

Also I was watching the game on Hockey night in Canada and apparently the record for most saves all time in a playoff game was set by Kelly Hrudey, currently an analyst on HNIC, so he had a big shit eating grin when his record remained intact at 73.

At 4/19/10 03:05 PM, michelinman wrote: Any other teams in our conference playoffs, I feel comfortable with our abilities to take over games against them with our offense instead of just relying on Anderson.

Chicago's offense is every bit as good as the sharks, particularly sans Heatley. Detroit and LA can still really light it up too, providing they escape their extremely tight first round matchups.

At 4/19/10 06:11 PM, EternitySpent wrote:

At 4/19/10 01:52 AM, SpiffyMasta wrote: I'm pretty sure 51 saves without a goal in a playoff game is a record.

Not quite: "April 24, 1994 - Dominik Hasek of the Buffalo Sabres stops all 70 shots produced by the New Jersey Devils as Dave Hannan scores the lone goal over a sprawling Martin Brodeur at 5:43 of the 4th OT in game 6 of the 1st round matchup."

Hasek with the Sabres. Back when they had Afinogenov. That team was the shit. I used to love watching them.

apparently the record for most saves all time in a playoff game was set by Kelly Hrudey, currently an analyst on HNIC

Quite a coincidence. I'm sure he brings that up in every playoff game at some point.

Chicago's offense is every bit as good as the sharks, particularly sans Heatley. Detroit and LA can still really light it up too, providing they escape their extremely tight first round matchups.

Chicago is, yes. Numberwise, Vancouver is up there too. But I feel comfortable against both of them, because it's a lot easier to get momentum against them and get a goal or two for some breathing room. San Jose has a way of just taking over the ice. 4 Olympic gold medalists in the same line. When they get hot, they put the puck in your zone, and it takes an act of god just to get it cleared back to theirs. Chicago has that ability too, but the defense and the goalies allow breakaway goals a lot more. The numbers don't really show much difference, but Washington, San Jose, and Pittsburghs ability to take over 10-15 minute stretches of a game and outshoot teams 20-3 in a period scares me. At least with Chicago, 2 out of the 3 shots you get are going in thanks to Niemi. :p

San Jose apparently has a hard time bringing that dominance to the playoffs though, shown by them getting knocked out in the first round over and over. I think Washington and Pittsburgh are the two most dangerous teams in the playoffs right now. I'd be extremely surprised if one of them didn't make the cup. I'm not sure how the bracket is set up in the NHL, but I know I'd love to see those two in the Eastern Conference finals. Hell of a series. Right now, my picks are the winner of Washington/Pittsburgh taking the cup over Pheonix. Hard to count anyone out though. Every team in the playoffs has won a game already. A lot of directions it could go.

At 4/19/10 11:38 AM, EternitySpent wrote: I feel a little bad for San Jose, it's like watching just to see what new and creative way they will find to lose the series and generally embarrass the franchise.

52 shots and the only goal they score is on their own net, that's a new one.

Well, that was the freakiest ending to a game that I've ever seen

But respect to Anderson, I honestly didn't think he had it in him. The last time I saw a team get dominated like that in the playoffs and still win, Joseph was in net.

It's just a case that if you're not going to block shots, you let your goalie have a clear view and by and large, this happened. Asking him to do this all the time is asking for trouble, though.

Other than that, this has the potential to be one of the best playoffs in recent history, with all 8 series starting out tied at 1-1. I really get the feeling that all 16 teams legitimately have a shot of getting to the semi's, which really isn't true after almost a week of play most years. So much for lackluster I guess.

Oh yeah, this is what we like to see - a gut busting first series for all eight matchups, allowing all players to get some experience of it and giving those of us with a lot of interest in it a decent insight to next year's fantasy teams :P

At 4/19/10 03:05 PM, michelinman wrote: "We didn't beat their goalie," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "We found a way to beat ours."

That's a big thing they're going to have to overcome to try and come back in this series. It's gonna be even harder with the next game in Denver. This next game is the most important one of this series, so watch closely kiddos. :p

We have the crowd behind us - can we do what San Jose did and win the second game of the home stand? We need this if we're going to get the crowd out of the equation at the HP. If the Avs win tonight, there's a golden opportunity to dump the Sharks at the first hurdle. This team continues to surprise.

At 4/19/10 08:31 AM, Coop83 wrote: One step at a time. We won the first game in San Jose and the only reason we didn't win Game 2, was because we couldn't kill off San Jose with a 2 goal lead. Still, never mind, we just need to stay in shape for Game 4. Hejduk looks like he could be the only worry at present.

Yeah, Hejduk being out hurts. Stastny and Stewart are leading the team in points right now with 3 apiece. Not very much considering a lot of players are at 5+ points already. I'm hoping Mueller starts breaking out again soon.

Mueller isn't going anywhere - he's out with a concussion. David Jones is the other long term injury, with the ACL injury, but I haven't heard much from that lately. Nothing coming out of Avalanche HQ to say that he will be playing, but I'm not ruling out his reappearance just yet. Personally, I think that I'd like to keep him back for next year - 10 goals in 23 games was a pretty good record, which could have him on pace for a 30+ goal campaign if he can recreate it and avoid the knee troubles.

I never knew that about the Pepsi Center though.

Yeah, ever since 1999, when the building was opened - the Avs and Nuggets previously shared McNichols Sports Arena, which was torn down to become parking for Invesco Field

Probably because when the Avs were really in their winning ways and were contenders every year, the Nuggets were the worst team in basketball. :p

Melo has made them pretty good lately :P

So they just lay the wood down on top of the ice? It definitely makes things interesting. Regardless of how this series ends, it's been an entertaining one this far for sure.

Lots of buildings do it (Maddison Square Garden, NY; Staples Centre, LA, for example) This provides more revenue and you don't need to have two stadia in the city for two different sports. Plus, you can do other things in there, like concerts, boxing matches, exhibitions and the like.

At 4/19/10 06:11 PM, EternitySpent wrote:

At 4/19/10 01:52 AM, SpiffyMasta wrote: I'm pretty sure 51 saves without a goal in a playoff game is a record.

Not quite: "April 24, 1994 - Dominik Hasek of the Buffalo Sabres stops all 70 shots produced by the New Jersey Devils as Dave Hannan scores the lone goal over a sprawling Martin Brodeur at 5:43 of the 4th OT in game 6 of the 1st round matchup."

50 saves, no goals conceded is a record for regulation, established by Anderson.

At 4/19/10 03:05 PM, michelinman wrote: Any other teams in our conference playoffs, I feel comfortable with our abilities to take over games against them with our offense instead of just relying on Anderson.

Chicago's offense is every bit as good as the sharks, particularly sans Heatley. Detroit and LA can still really light it up too, providing they escape their extremely tight first round matchups.

I don't want to look past the first round yet, we're no closer to knowing any team in the second round as it stands.

Going into overtime tied at 1. This shit has been so back and forth it's retarded. Game link.

FUCK JOE PAVELSKI. That is all.