We’re almost there…almost time for the champs to raise the Cup and all its glory above their heads while letting out the biggest of their lives. Last year’s memories relentlessly creep into my already stressed out head while I watch other teams compete for the Silver Chalice. It’s hard to root for a team when your team is out. I can just relish the memories and await October while the Cup is being hoisted and taken around the world by a team with a different logo. Please…just don’t let Vancouver win it…!!!
The Conference semi-finals included 1 intriguing series, 1 “close” series, and 2 sweeps. As I wrote in my previous post, I was correct in predicting the San Jose series, but I had NO clue it would happen after a 3-0 San Jose series lead. This series was intense, with every game (besides Game 6 and an empty netter) being decided by 1 goal. The goalies showed up each night and played very well, but last year’s victor ended up being victorious yet again, in more ways than one (San Jose AND Niemi!). I was rooting for Niemi all the way, and he played very well. Bye Bye Detroit!! Is their reign of playoff dominance FINALLY over!?!? I hope so!
Vancouver/Nashville started bad but ended up being a very closely contested series. It seemed like one team would show up while the other wouldn’t. One team would have lots of shots while the other wouldn’t. One goalie would stand on his head while the other would let in a few here and there. I was not a fan of Vancouver’s overtime winner with Shea Weber being called for a bogus hold which could have gone either way against Ryan Kesler. If in doubt, especially in overtime, don’t call it! Anyways, Mike Gillis slept happily that night. What a joker. I hope his dreams are crushed in this next series. I can’t stand the guy. Nashville should be on the NHL radar now, especially Shea Weber and Pekka Rinner. They are two great players on a team from “nowhere”. I don’t buy Joel Ward yet though. His regular season inconsistency combined with his playoff performance seems odd.
Washington really laid an egg against Tampa Bay. Michael Neuvirth couldn’t make any game-saving saves, Alexander Semin couldn’t compete, and Niklas Backstrom was terrible. Their “D-First” mentality was put to the test by a spiffy Tampa offense, and Tampa won it in 4 straight games. Washington has some serious issues. They’re the new San Jose Sharks from a few years ago. Regular season means NOTHING when playoff time comes.
Boston and Philadelphia seemed like a good setup this season…if Philly would have had an actual goaltender in between the pipes. Philadelphia’s defense and goaltending was atrocious, making it a not-so-fun series to watch. Boston dominated and finally said “Good-Bye” to those nightmares of last year’s semi-finals. Welcome to the Conference Finals, Boston!
Ok, so, on to my predictions for who will get the chance to raise the Cup:
Tampa Bay vs. Boston – I know Game 1 has already been played (Tampa won 5-2), but this series will show which is better: Boston’s D and goaltending, OR Tampa’s offense and goaltending. Game 1 showed that Tampa took control early with some iffy play by Boston, but expect Boston to respond quickly and efficiently. They won’t stay quiet for long. Tim Thomas is Vezina-worthy, and he WILL show that in this series. Will Dwayne Roloson’s age creep up on him? If Rolly can stand on his head throughout the series though, Tampa will take it in 4-5 games. Still…I don’t believe that. Boston has been consistent all season while Tampa started fast and ended slow. BOSTON IN 6
Vancouver vs. San Jose – Ok…here we go…just like last season, the Conference finals include the 1 and 2 seeds in the West. Vancouver has been able to beat 2 teams so far without the Sedins being much of a factor. Will they show up in San Jose? If they do, and if Ryan Kesler is able to continue his solid play that showed up against Nashville, expect Vancouver to move on. If the Sedins stay quiet, expect Niemi to say “NO!” many times. San Jose has big forwards in Thornton, Marleau, and Setoguchi, and when combined with Pavelski, Heatley, and Clowe, watch out. These two powerhouses are dominant, but one must prevail. San Jose will, like Boston, attempt to erase the nightmares of last season’s Conference Finals, and Niemi will YET AGAIN beat out a more experienced goaltender. LUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!! Anitti Niemi will move on yet again. SAN JOSE in 6
That leaves us with a San Jose-Boston series. East vs. West. Rocky vs. Drago. Massive D vs. Massive O. Vezina goalie vs. Stanley Cup goalie. Epic, nonetheless. Will Niemi hoist it again? Let’s watch…
