Stanley Cup Round Up

To be honest, I already thought the Stanley Cup was over and the Kings won. But apparently it hasn't and the Devils won 3-1 to make the series 3-1. I know nothing about these teams other than Martin Broduer had 4 kids with some chick, and was having an affair with his sister and now has a kid with her, talk about an awkward family get together huh? Mom/Aunts everywhere. So there is that.

Kings win the next game whenever the next game is, because it would be fun to see an 8 seed win The Cup and because LA is chanting "We Want The Cup", and that seems to be the winning formula.

Capitals @ Bruins Preview: Game 7

The Bruins forced game 7 by winning in Washington in game 6, and to be honest I thought they were a little bit lucky. The Bruins have outplayed the Capitals almost the entire series, but near the end of that 3rd peroid I thought the Capitals were playing better, and in particular Ovechkin was starting to take over. It doesn't matter now, but that scared the hell out of me.

This series is the closest series of all time. There has never been a series that went 7 games where every game was determined by just 1 goal. Yet, I have come away from basically every game in this series thinking the Bruins were the better team. The better team doesn't always win in playoff hockey, so this is really up in the air.

The Bruins won 2 Game 7's in Boston last year in the playoffs. They are used to this atmostphere. The Capitals have a young goalie that might not be able to handle it, plus the Capitals seem to fizzle out every playoffs early. Is this the year they finally break through? Or is this just what "Bruins hockey" is now where we expect every series to go 7 games?

Thomas has been solid, not great, but not bad either. There are so many storylines heading into this game, but one of the most interesting (and/or upsetting) is the fact that this COULD BE TIM THOMAS' LAST GAME AS A BRUIN. It's really odd to think about, but he has a big salary, the Bruins need to commit money to Rask in the offseason, which makes Thomas very likely to be traded.

That doesn't matter tonight, but it's hard to get off my mind. I think Thomas is going to come up huge tonight. I think the Capitals are going to fall apart, and although I don't see a blowout I think the Bruins do what they did so many times last playoffs. WIN GAME 7.

Bruins win 4-1
Player of the Game: Thomas/Peverley
Game starts at 7:30pm

Bruins @ Capitals: Game 4

Must win game for the Capitals, and they are going to have to do it with Nicklas Backstrom not playing (suspension). All 3 games during this series have been decided by a goal.

The Capitals have done a good job converting themselves into a defensive first team. The Bruins are just better at it, and that's why I think they will win this series, but there is still one thing that kind of scares me.

I am expecting a tightly called game tonight, as the NHL tried to control the chaos. If that's the case and there are a bunch of power plays, I think that benefits the Capitals a lot more than the Bruins.

Still, I just don't pick against Tim Thomas and Chara in the playoffs.

Bruins win 4-2
Player of the Game: Marchand
Game starts at 7:30pm

Backstrom Has Hearing Scheduled

"According to a tweet from TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Capitals have been informed that center Nicklas Backstrom will have a hearing with the NHL, likely on Wednesday, over his cross-check to the face of Rich Peverley Monday.

After the final seconds ticked off the clock in Boston's 4-3 victory over the Capitals in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Backstrom cross-checked Peverley in the face and was given a match penalty, which carries with it an automatic suspension pending review of the league (WEEI)."

This is actually going to be a real good test for the NHL. We are going to find out if "superstars" get special treatment. This is blatantly something that should carry a 1 game suspension, I don't think he should get any more than that, but he should get that 1 game. The league needs to get rid of these head blows, especially when the guy isn't expecting it. We should find out sometime tomorrow if he is suspended, so we'll keep you posted.

Bruins @ Capitals: Game 3 Preview

A lot of people are giving Braden Holtby a lot of credit, and rightfully so to a certain extent, but you you really want to give someone the MOST credit, that would go to the Captials coach Dale Hunter.

The Capitals are known for scoring, not playing defense, and basically choking in the playoffs. Over the first two games the Capitals have played an extremly patient game. They are using a 1-4 attack, which mean only 1 guy forechecking, while the rest shut down the neutral zone. It not the most exciting thing in the world, but it's basically how the Bruins got it done last year.

Boston needs to crash the net harder, they are taking way to many shots from the outside. Rob made the point the other day that they miss Recchi, and he is right. They are missing that guy who will just go in front of the net and try to tip shots coming from the point. When I think of players that can fill that void I think of Marchand. He has the skill set, adn he is tough as nails.

I realy have nothing bad to say about the Bruins goaltending or defense. They just need to keep hitting, and I think they can wear down this Caps team. It's starts night..

Bruins win 3-1
Player of the game: Marchand
Gand starts at 7:30pm