Blind Sight is 20/20

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Friday, November 16

2007-11-16T08:56:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Friday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Thrashers - Johan Hedberg vs Hurricanes - Cam Ward
Islanders - Rick DiPietro vs Devils - Martin Brodeur
Canadiens - Cristobal Huet vs Sabres - Jocelyn Thibault
Capitals - Brent Johnson vs Lightning - Johan Homlqvist
Avalanche - Jose Theodore vs Stars - Marty Turco
Blue Jackets - Pascal Leclaire vs Blues - Manny Legace
Wild - Josh Harding vs Canucks - Roberto Luongo

How did I do last night?
18-18 for starters, 6-9 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Maple Leafs - Andrew Raycroft vs Bruins - Tim Thomas
Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist vs Flyers - Martin Biron
Sabres - Ryan Miller vs Senators - Martin Gerber
Islanders - Rick DiPietro vs Penguins - Marc-Andre Fleury
Capitals - Olaf Kolzig vs Panthers - Tomas Vokoun
Blackhawks - Nikolai Khabibulin vs Predators - Chris Mason
Wild - Nicklas Backstrom vs Oilers - Dwayne Roloson
Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov vs Coyotes - Alex Auld
Ducks - J.S. Gigeure vs Kings - J.S. Aubin

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Thursday, November 15 UPDATED

2007-11-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Thursday night:

UPDATES:

Changed Vesa Toskala to Andrew Raycroft
Changed Jason Labarbera to J.S. Aubin

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Maple Leafs - Andrew Raycroft vs Bruins - Tim Thomas
Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist vs Flyers - Martin Biron
Sabres - Ryan Miller vs Senators - Martin Gerber
Islanders - Rick DiPietro vs Penguins - Marc-Andre Fleury
Capitals - Olaf Kolzig vs Panthers - Tomas Vokoun
Blackhawks - Nikolai Khabibulin vs Predators - Chris Mason
Wild - Nicklas Backstrom vs Oilers - Dwayne Roloson
Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov vs Coyotes - Alex Auld
Ducks - J.S. Gigeure vs Kings - J.S. Aubin

How did I do last night?
8-10 for starters, 3-5 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Blackhawks - Patrick Lalime vs Blue Jackets - Pascal Leclaire
Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist vs Devils - Martin Brodeur
Hurricanes - ~~Cam Ward~~ John Grahame vs Lightning - Johan Holmqvist
Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov vs Stars - Marty Turco
Oilers - ~~Dwayne Roloson~~ Mathieu Garon vs Canucks - Roberto Luongo

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Wednesday, November 14

2007-11-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Wednesday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Blackhawks - Patrick Lalime vs Blue Jackets - Pascal Leclaire
Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist vs Devils - Martin Brodeur
Hurricanes - Cam Ward vs Lightning - Johan Holmqvist
Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov vs Stars - Marty Turco
Oilers - Dwayne Roloson vs Canucks - Roberto Luongo

How did I do last night?
9-10 for starters, 3-5 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Panthers - Craig Anderson vs Thrashers - Johan Hedberg
Red Wings - Dominik Hasek vs Blues - Manny Legace
Canadiens - Carey Price vs Maple Leafs - Andrew Raycroft
Wild - ~~Josh Harding~~ Niklas Backstrom vs Flames - Miikka Kiprusoff
Kings - Jason Labarbera vs Ducks - J.S. Giguere

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Tuesday, November 13

2007-11-13T08:38:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Tuesday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Panthers - Craig Anderson vs Thrashers - Johan Hedberg
Red Wings - Dominik Hasek vs Blues - Manny Legace
Canadiens - Carey Price vs Maple Leafs - Andrew Raycroft
Wild - Josh Harding vs Flames - Miikka Kiprusoff
Kings - Jason Labarbera vs Ducks - J.S. Giguere

How did I do last night?
9-10 for starters, 5-5 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Islanders - Rick DiPietro vs Flyers - Martin Biron
Predators - Chris Mason vs Blue Jackets - Pascal Leclaire
Hurricanes - Cam Ward vs Panthers - Tomas Vokoun
Devils - ~~Martin Brodeur~~ Kevin Weekes vs Penguins - Dany Sabourin
Coyotes - Mikael Tellqvist vs Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Monday, November 12

2007-11-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Monday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Islanders - Rick DiPietro vs Flyers - Martin Biron
Predators - Chris Mason vs Blue Jackets - Pascal Leclaire
Hurricanes - Cam Ward vs Panthers - Tomas Vokoun
Devils - Martin Brodeur vs Penguins - Dany Sabourin
Coyotes - Mikael Tellqvist vs Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov

How did I do last night?
3-4 for starters, 1-2 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Red Wings - Chris Osgoode vs Blackhawks - Nikolai Khabibulin
Minnesota Wild - ~~Josh Harding~~ Niklas Backstrom vs Colorado Avalanche - Peter Budaj

Last week in the NHL, Who's Hot

2007-11-11T21:22:00.000-05:00

The recent returns of Mathieu Schneider, Sean Avery and Dominik Hasek have made many a fantasy owner happy in the last two weeks. The double return of Dan Boyle from the IR and back onto the IR probably less so.

One good thing about early season injuries to top players is that you can often get them for nothing off of the waiver wire early in the season. I managed to add Mathieu Schneider, Dan Boyle and Shea Weber to my defence core in one league. Sure, my defence isn't so hot right now with 2 of those guys on the IR, but by the end of the season it will probably be the best in the league. Oh, and did I mention that I drafted Chris Pronger and Wade Redden before picking the other three off of waivers?

Top Players last week:
Center: Vinny Lecavalier leads all centers with 2 goals, 6 assists, +6 and 16 SOG. It would be nice if he took a few penalties and got some power play points too... but how much can you ask for?

Vincent Lecavalier: 2 goals, 6 assists, +6
Steve Reinprecht: 4 goals, 3 assists, +3
Cory Stillman: 4 goals, 3 assists, +0
Peter Mueller: 3 goals, 3 assists, +3
Sidney Crosby: 2 goal, 3 assists, +0

Wingers: Sean Avery's return from the IR has been an unqualified success. He has produced 2 goals, 3 assists, a +1, 16 PIMs and 12 SOG. Not bad for a guy you are counting on for your teams PIM total!

Vaclac Prospal: 2 goals, 6 assists, +6
Jere Lehtinen: 1 goal, 5 assists, +5
Martin St. Louis: 3 goals, 2 assists, +5
Sean Avery: 2 goals, 3 assists, +1
Ray Whitney: 1 goal, 4 assists, +1

Defensemen: Daniel Girardi... really? Don't get too excited, sure he put up 4 assists and a couple PIMs this week to follow up a goal last week but Girardi only managed 6 assists in 40 NHL games last year.

Sergei Zubov: 0 goals, 6 assists, +2
Daniel Girardi: 0 goal, 4 assists, +0
Sergei Gonchar: 2 goal, 2 assists, -1
Ed Jovanovski: 1 goal, 3 assists, -1
Mathieu Schneider: 1 goal, 3 assists, +0

Goaltenders: Martin Gerber is giving the best team in the league the kind of headache they would like to have. His brilliant start to the season hasn't been bothered one bit by the return of Ray Emery. 3 starts, 3 wins, a 0.97 GAA and a .963 save percentage, the only thing the guy didn't do was get us a couple shutouts. In one of my leagues some idiotic owner dropped Gerber in favour of keeping Cristobal Huet and Peter Budaj... Idiot. (Editors note: you're the idiot who made that move)

Martin Gerber: 3 wins, 0.97 GAA, 0.963 SPct
Johan Holmqvist: 3 wins, 1 loss, 2.01 GAA, 0.933 SPct
Rick DiPietro: 2 wins, 1.50 GAA, 0.941 SPct
Patrick Lalime: 2 wins, 1.89 GAA, 0.921 SPct
Roberto Luongo: 2 wins, 1.49 GAA, 0.952 SPct

Players to watch: Sid the kid has woken up and is producing across the board and don't look now but Daniel Briere and Scott Gomez are showing signs of life... now where did Chris Drury end up again?

In case you missed it Sean Avery and Darcy Tucker are both back from the IR, both of these super pests are highly valuable in leagues which reward PIMs. Hell, when they are hot they are useful in any league and Avery is hot right now.

Don't look now but Phoenix is proving to be more difficult than many teams expected this year. Shane Doan and Ed Jovanovski are both contributing and could be worth a look on your team, especially if SOG and PIMs are a consideration in your league.

Roberto Luongo has been playing up to expectations lately and Ondrej Pavelec has taken over from veteran Johan Hedberg in Atlanta and won 2 of 3 with a respectable 2.32 GAA.

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Sunday, November 11

2007-11-11T08:13:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Sunday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Red Wings - Chris Osgoode vs Blackhawks - Nikolai Khabibulin

Minnesota Wild - Josh Harding vs Colorado Avalanche - Peter Budaj

How did I do last night?
19-22 for starters, 9-11 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Canadiens - Cristobal Huet vs Senators - Martin Gerber
Rangers - ~~Henrik Lundqvist~~ Steve Valiquette vs Maple Leafs - Vesa Toskala
Hurricanes - Cam Ward vs Thrashers - ~~Johan Hedberg~~ Ondrej Pavelec
Devils - Martin Brodeur vs Islanders - Rick DiPietro
Penguins - Marc-Andre Fluery vs Flyers - Martin Biron
Lightning - Johan Holmqvist vs Capitals - Olaf Kolzig
Sabres - Ryan Miller vs Bruins - Tim Thomas
Blue Jackets - ~~Pascal Leclaire~~ Frederik Norrena vs Predators - Chris Mason
Oilers - ~~Dwayne Roloson~~ Mathieu Garon vs Flames - Miikka Kiprusoff
Coyotes - Alex Auld vs Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov
Stars - Marty Turco vs Kings - Jason Labarbera

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Saturday, November 10

2007-11-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Saturday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Canadiens - Cristobal Huet vs Senators - Martin Gerber
Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist vs Maple Leafs - Vesa Toskala
Hurricanes - Cam Ward vs Thrashers - Johan Hedberg
Devils - Martin Brodeur vs Islanders - Rick DiPietro
Penguins - Marc-Andre Fluery vs Flyers - Martin Biron
Lightning - Johan Holmqvist vs Capitals - Olaf Kolzig
Sabres - Ryan Miller vs Bruins - Tim Thomas
Blue Jackets - Pascal Leclaire vs Predators - Chris Mason
Oilers - Dwayne Roloson vs Flames - Miikka Kiprusoff
Coyotes - Alex Auld vs Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov
Stars - Marty Turco vs Kings - Jason Labarbera

How did I do last night?
Another tough night for winners 12-12 for starters, 2-6 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Thrashers - Ondrej Pavelec vs Panthers - Tomas Vokoun
Maple Leafs - Andrew Raycroft vs Sabres - Ryan Miller
Blue Jackets - Pascal Leclaire vs Red Wings - Dominik Hasek
Blues - Manny Legace vs Black Hawks - Patrick Lalime
Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov vs Ducks - J.S. Giguere
Avalanche - Jose Theodore vs Canucks - Roberto Luongo

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Friday, November 9 UPDATED

2007-11-09T08:53:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Friday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Thrashers - Ondrej Pavelec vs Panthers - Tomas Vokoun
Maple Leafs - ~~Vesa Toskala~~ Andrew Raycroft vs Sabres - Ryan Miller
Blue Jackets - Pascal Leclaire vs Red Wings - Dominik Hasek
Blues - Manny Legace vs Black Hawks - Patrick Lalime
Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov vs Ducks - J.S. Giguere
Avalanche - Jose Theodore vs Canucks - Roberto Luongo

How did I do last night?
Tough night for winners
11-14 for starters, 3-7 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Lightning - ~~Marc Denis~~ Johan Holmqvist vs Hurricanes - Cam Ward
Penguins - Marc-Andre Fleury vs Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist
Flyers - Martin Biron vs Devils - Martin Brodeur
Capitals - Olaf Kolzig - Senators - Ray Emery
Canadiens - Carey Price vs Bruins - ~~Tuukka Rask~~ Tim Thomas
Stars - ~~Mike Smith~~ Marty Turco vs Coyotes - Mikael Tellqvist
Canucks - Roberto Luongo vs Flames - Mikka Kiprusoff

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Thursday, November 8

2007-11-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Wednesday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

Remember these are expected starters and nothing is guaranteed here, just my best research and sometimes just a gut feeling.

Lightning - Marc Denis vs Hurricanes - Cam Ward
Penguins - Marc-Andre Fleury vs Rangers - Henrik Lundqvist
Flyers - Martin Biron vs Devils - Martin Brodeur
Capitals - Olaf Kolzig - Senators - Ray Emery
Canadiens - Carey Price vs Bruins - Tuukka Rask
Stars - Mike Smith vs Coyotes - Mikael Tellqvist
Canucks - Roberto Luongo vs Flames - Mikka Kiprusoff

How did I do last night?
13-16 for starters, 5-8 on winners
(bold is my predicted winner, the actual winner is in italics)

Flyers - Martin Biron vs Penguins - ~~Marc-Andre Fleury~~ Dany Sabourin
Bruins - Tim Thomas vs Sabres - Ryan Miller
Panthers - Tomas Vokoun vs Lightning - Johan Holmqvist
Predators - Chris Mason - Red Wings - Chris Osgoode
Blue Jackets - Frederick Norrena vs Blackhawks - ~~Nikolai Khabibulin~~ Patrick Lalime
Oilers - Dwayne Roloson vs Avalanche - Peter Budaj
Coyotes - Alex Auld vs Ducks - ~~J.S. Giguere~~ Ilya Bryzgalov
Stars - Marty Turco vs Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov

Greatest hockey hits of all time contest

2007-11-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

So I was trolling the blogosphere this afternoon and I stumbled across a post on Orland Kurtenblog that got my juices flowing.

Their concept is that every week they will post video clips showing two of their favourite hockey hits and let their readers decide which is the best one.

Their first two clips are Wendel Clark ending Bruce Bell's career on a clean check in 1986 and Trevor Linden putting Jeff Norton through the glass in the first round of the 1995 playoffs.

If you like hard hitting hockey you have to watch these videos, make sure you read the comments (and vote). Thanks Kurtenblog for a good idea and a great post.

Oh, and almost forgot to send out a thanks to Deadspin for helping me find the post, keep up the good work guys.

Starting Goalies in the NHL tonight Wednesday, November 7

2007-11-07T10:10:00.000-05:00

Below are the reported starters for Wednesday night:

(Bold is my predicted winner, Italic is an uncertain starter)

All right, I am going to try to find time to continue my blog here. I have had an extremely busy year with a job relocation and change and it was extremely difficult to find any time to update my blog.

For now, back to posting daily starting goaltenders and we will see where it goes from there!

Flyers - Martin Biron vs Penguins - Marc-Andre Fleury
Bruins - Tim Thomas vs Sabres - Ryan Miller
Panthers - Tomas Vokoun vs Lightning - Johan Holmqvist
Predators - Chris Mason - Red Wings - Chris Osgoode
Blue Jackets - Frederick Norrena vs Blackhawks - Nikolai Khabibulin
Oilers - Dwayne Roloson vs Avalanche - Peter Budaj
Coyotes - Alex Auld vs Ducks - J.S. Giguere
Stars - Marty Turco vs Sharks - Evgeni Nabokov

Much like last year I will update each day with today's probable starters and my record for both starters and winners from the previous night's games. Since this is my first post this season I have no record to post! See you tomorrow.

Bettman puts Boots to Balls

2007-06-28T08:09:00.000-05:00

I squish you!

According to the National Post, Jim Balsillie's US$238-million bid to purchase the Nashville Predators is about to be rejected by Predator's owner Craig Leipold. The Post's sources say that Leipold is planning to accept a less lucrative offer from California businessman William "Boots" DelBiaggio that would move the team to Kansas City. The last official offer from 'Boots' was in the US$190-million range.

Okay, enough of the bare facts.

First off, what kind of responsible businessman would seriously consider accepting an offer that is almost $40 million LESS than the one currently on the table? Not to mention one that is led by a guy named 'Boots'? It makes you wonder what kind of pressure is being applied to Leipold and by whom.

Anyone who has been following this story knows that Gary Bettman had his bluff called by Balsillie over the Pittsburgh Penguins deal earlier this year (which reportedly cost the Penguins $300,000 in legal bills from the NHL's lawyers). Balsillie followed that up by steaming ahead with plans to move the Predator's to Hamilton, even going so far as pre-selling seasons tickets through Ticket Master (7,200 season ticket sales in one day).

To put it mildly, Bettman is pissed. Bettman has been using every piece of leverage he has to slow down the Ballsy juggernaut and this latest development just looks like more gamesmanship to me. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we later learn that Ballsy does end up buying the Predators and moves them to Hamilton, but only after he commits ritual seppuku in public by kowtowing to Bettman. Oh... and agreeing to some sort of financial penalty to the Leafs and Sabres for moving into there market.

I do have just one other question...

Is there anyone in the entire universe (other than Bettman) who thinks that Kansas City is a better hockey market than Hamilton? To help out you folks south of hockey central, Hamilton is less than an hour away from Toronto in Southern Ontario and the surrounding population is larger than that surrounding Kansas City. Oh... and about 90% of them are hockey mad. As opposed to the 9% around KC who may be able to spell 'hockey'.

Does this confuse anyone else?

Major League Baseball trying to ruin the NHL

2007-06-19T15:21:00.000-05:00

You said what now?

The CBC sued MLB and won, but MLB is appealing this ruling and if they win you can say goodbye to Fantasy Hockey.

First off, CBC is not the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (not in this lawsuit anyway) and the implications of this lawsuit will directly affect the very existence of all Fantasy Sports Leagues, not just hockey.

CBC Distribution and Marketing Inc. last year won a lawsuit that they had filed against MLB when their license to run a Fantasy Baseball game was rescinded by the Major Leagues. CBC decided to take one for the team and sue MLB to prove that they (CBC) did not have to pay a licensing fee to MLB for the rights to use player names and statistics. Last year they won their lawsuit.

MLB is, of course, appealing this ruling. The NBA, NFL and NHL all participated in the original lawsuit and any ruling in this case will essentially hold true for these leagues as well. A U.S. Federal Appeal panel is currently ruling on MLB's application and it's implications are huge.

If Baseball is successful in appealing this ruling it would essentially give MLB (and the three other major sports) the ability to monopolize Fantasy Sports. Over the last few years MLB has reduced the number of licenses it has granted to Fantasy Sports game providers from over 50 to less than 8. If they so desired, MLB could refuse to grant any licenses whatsoever and keep full control of all the traffic and revenues derived from Fantasy Baseball to itself.

The most recent estimates place the total revenue from Fantasy Sports at over $1.5 Billion with as many as 8 million participants on a yearly basis. That's a pretty big piece of pie.

So again, what does this have to do with Fantasy Hockey?

Two things.

1) If MLB is able to control Fantasy Baseball do you think that the NHL will be far behind in taking complete control of Fantasy Hockey? Bye bye Yahoo, the NHL won't grant you the rights to use their statistics.
2) Speaking of statistics, you can forget looking in the newspaper (or the internets) for daily box scores. Unless someone is paying a fat licensing fee anyway.

Hmmm... speaking of which, if anyone happens to own any Yahoo stock I would suggest you keep an eye on this appeal. Yahoo has estimated that approximately 40% of it's total site traffic is a direct result (or derived from) it's Fantasy Sports products. If MLB decides to take away their Fantasy Baseball traffic Yahoo will take a serious dive.

Hamilton Predators sell 7,200 seasons tickets

2007-06-15T05:16:00.000-05:00

TSN.ca is reporting that Ticketmaster yesterday accepted deposits for close to 7,200 seasons tickets beginning at 10:00 AM yesterday morning. In contrast the Nashville Predators reportedly have a seasons ticket base of 8,500 and have dipped as low as 6,532 seasons tickets during the 2003-04 season.

The ticket sales include almost 60 $5,000 deposits for corporate boxes, 4,700 $1,000 deposits for lower bowl seats and almost 2,500 $500 deposits for upper bowl seats. By my calculations that means the Hamilton Predators have already gathered $6.25 Million in seasons tickets revenue and these are just deposits.

In my humble opinion both the city of Nashville and the NHL can say goodbye to the Predators franchise in Tennessee. The NHL cannot simply ignore this obvious demonstration of interest in a hockey franchise in Southern Ontario.

Mr. Balsillie has put the NHL in check, with mate coming in two moves.

In an intersting side note TSN.ca is also reporting that Buffalo is not 'at this time' opposed to a team in Hamilton. Is this Balsillie's next move? Or just a feint. It will be interesting to see if the Sabres become involved in Balsillie's pitch to the NHL in the near future.

Mighty Ducks headed to Disney Land

2007-06-07T09:16:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact that Daniel Alfredsson stepped up to the plate in game 5 for the Ottawa Senators it wasn't enough as the Anaheim Ducks rolled overtop of the Sens last night to win their first Stanley Cup.

Last Nights Recap:

Ottawa Senators 2 (1) at Anaheim Ducks 6 (4) : The no longer Mighty Ducks of Anaheim are now mighty again. They completely dominated the Ottawa Senators from the first drop of the puck last night and only Daniel Alfredsson seemed to show up for the Sens in game 5. The game of hockey breaks down into some fairly basic pieces, scoring, checking, defense and goal tending. Ottawa was beaten in all 4 areas in this series. J.S. Giguere downright outplayed Ray Emery (as expected) and the defensive core of Anaheim completely outclassed the Senators blue line corps. Wade Redden in particular was ineffective in the final round. Andy McDonald, Teemu Selanne and the rest of the scoring forwards for Anaheim soundly out performed the Senators scoring lines and except for standout Daniel Alfredsson the vaunted scoring touch that Ottawa displayed all season long disappeared against Anaheim. That is a strong testament to the power of the Ducks checking line. Travis Moen, Rob Niedermayer and Sammy Pahlsson completely dominated Ottawa's top line by both holding them off the score sheet and directly outscoring them.

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - June 6th

2007-06-06T08:12:00.000-05:00

Work has been insane as of late, we had a bunch of layoffs and I have been busy trying to survive that and then pick up the slack from all the workers we no longer have. Good thing that tonight will be the last game in the NHL for a few months.

Last Game Recap:

Anaheim Ducks 3 (3) at Ottawa Senators 2 (1) : The Senators came out in the first period in a dominating fashion and pretty much carried the play for the entire period. With Chris Pronger out of the Ducks lineup it looked like Ottawa was poised to even up the series with a first period flurry. Apparently J.S. Giguere didn't get the memo and he ensured that the Senators got very little for their superior effort. Ottawa managed to squeak a goal in with only 3 seconds left in the first but came out in the second as a completely different team. The second period was all Anaheim as they pushed the Sens all over the ice prompting Daniel Alfredsson to take a cheap shot at Scott Niedermayer at the end of the second period. The fact that Ottawa was tied after a lackluster effort was a surprise, the end result of the game was not. Ray Emery was shaky behind an almost completely absent defense and the Ducks took a stranglehold on the series with the win.

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

Tonights Game :

The Anaheim Ducks get their shot at the Stanley Cup tonight at home and with Chris Pronger back in the lineup you have to think that Ottawa is heading to the golf course. Ottawa's top line will certainly show up tonight in an effort to make a series out of it but I can't see them getting any more chances than they had in game 4. Andy McDonald has been a force in the Stanley Cup Final and he will continue that tonight with another stellar effort as the Anaheim Ducks take the Cup in convincing fashion with a 5-3 win.

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 31st

2007-05-31T07:26:00.000-05:00

Got it right last night, although I didn't foresee the weak offensive effort that the Senators turned in. Perk up Ottawa fans, Saturday night at the Corel Centre will be a different story.

Last Nights Game:

Ottawa Senators 0 (0) at Anaheim Ducks 1 (2) : Samuel Pahlsson scored the game winner at 14:16 of the third period after a neutral zone turnover by Dany Heatley. Pahlsson sent a quick wrist shot through the legs of a seemingly lost Joe Corvo to ring off the post and in behind Ray Emery. For the most part the Senators played a better game last night but couldn't seem to generate much in the way of offense. They were outshot by the Ducks 31-16 and outside of their top line didn't couldn't generate much in the way of chances. They were stimmied on another 5-3 power play opportunity, this time in the second period. J.S. Giguere was huge in posting his second career shutout in the Stanley Cup finals, especially during the 5-3 man advantage and he gave his team what they needed in order to go up 2-0 in the series heading to Ottawa. Expect Ottawa to change things up a little for game 3 at home Saturday night.

From the NHL Highlight Machine

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 30th

2007-05-30T15:13:00.000-05:00

Tonights Game :

Ottawa Senators (0) at Anaheim Ducks (1)

Look for the Ottawa Senators to come out tonight with a renewed sense of energy. They are disappointed in their performance in game 1 and are looking to prove something tonight. On the Anaheim side look for them to continue their physical play in an effort to throw Ottawa off of their game. It worked in game 1 as they kept Ottawa off the scoreboard in 5 on 5 situations. The downside of this game plan is that they will spend time in the penalty box. Ottawa went 2-6 in power play situations and will look to improve that tonight.

My prediction, Anaheim goes up 2-0 in the series tonight with another squeaker win.

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 29th

2007-05-29T07:05:00.000-05:00

Physicality was the name of the game last night as the Ducks did their best to physically intimidate the Senators. Ottawa wasn't having any of it and they replied with their fair share of open ice hits, battles in the corners and after the whistle scrums. But the Ducks came out on top at the end of the game to go up 1-0 in the Stanley Cup Final.

Last nights Recap:

Ottawa Senators 2 (0) at Anaheim Ducks 3 (1) : The Ducks got the game winning goal from their checking line (Travis Moen) with 2:51 left in the third period. In the final minute with Chris Pronger in the penalty box and Ray Emery on the Senators bench J.S. Giguere stopped Daniel Alfredsson on a mad scramble in front of the net to preserve the third period comeback win.

Great game, lots of hits and passion but the story of this game began over the weekend as the start of the series was delayed by three days because Anaheim had booked an Ice show in their building over the weekend. The extra three days rest was critical for a depleted Anaheim squad and deadly for a well rested Ottawa Senators team. Expect game two to be a different affair as the Senators shake off the rust and come out with something to prove.

Keep an eye on the penalties in this series, if Anaheim continues to march to the box Ottawa will make them pay. The Ducks took 7 penalites including a lengthy 5-3 deficit but managed to only give up 2 power play goals. What saved them last night was not giving up a single 5-5 goal.

From the NHL Highlight Machine

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

NHL Stanley Cup Finals - Previews and Predictions

2007-05-27T17:52:00.000-05:00

Okay, so life and work have combined to make it impossible for me to post for over a week here. My sincere apologies. I will try to get back on track for the remainder of the playoffs.

Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction:

The Ottawa Senators top line of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza has managed to find an answer to everything opposing defenses have thrown at them and have scored almost half of Ottawa's points this post season. On the other hand, the Senators have not faced a defense as strong as the one that Anaheim will throw at them. The trio of Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer and Francois Beauchemin have been absolutely stifling against their opponents in the first three rounds.

The defensive depth of the Ducks will prove tough to overcome for the Senators. Couple that with a surging Teemu Selanne and I have to give this one to Anaheim in 6 games.

Tonights Game:

Ottawa Senators at Anaheim Ducks : This should be a tough, physical game. Expect Anaheim to try to physically dominate game 1 and set the tone for the rest of the series. The physicality and defensive depth of the Ducks is their best chance to win this series. I think game 1 is a bit of a toss up but I'm going to go with Ottawa in a 4-3 overtime win in game 1 as Anaheim spends a little too much time in the penalty box.

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 16th

2007-05-16T07:12:00.000-05:00

An o'fer yesterday, okay I didn't make a prediction but I lost the transmission on my car and it's gonna cost me $2k. So I'd say that was an o'fer. The Sabres are on the brink of elimination and I can now see them heading quietly to the golf course. It looks like they have a transmission problem too, they can't get into 4th gear.

Tonights Game :

Buffalo Sabres (0) at Ottawa Senators (3) : Ottawa has managed to do everything that they identified as required to win this series. The Sabres have not. Simple as that. Much like my Taurus' transmission, Buffalo can't find their top gear and it is going to cost them a shot at the Stanley Cup. Ottawa will probably lose tonights game, merely as a point of pride for the Sabres. But rest assured, I screwed this prediction up, Ottawa will win the series in 5 games but lost tonight at home to Buffalo.

Last Nights Game :

Detroit Red Wings 5 (2) at Anaheim Ducks 0 (1) : Wow, Tomas Holmstrom and the Wings completely dominated the Ducks last night. Holmstrom had two goals before being crunched along the boards by Rob Niedermayer and Chris Pronger. Niedermayer received a 5 minute boarding penalty and was ejected from the game. To me it looked like it was Pronger who should have received the penalties and you can be sure that the NHL will be reviewing the play. I would expect Pronger to receive at least a 1 game suspension. Domink Hasek made 28 saves for his second shutout of this years playoffs and the 14th of his career.

From the NHL Highlight Machine

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

Round 3 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 2 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Players to Watch
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 1 Predictions:
Round 1 Playoff Predictions and Hot Players
Complete Playoff Predictions

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 14th

2007-05-14T07:51:00.000-05:00

1-1 last night. The Ducks were in control of the puck for much of this game but still needed a disputed goal in overtime to win and even up the series before heading home. The Sabres play game 3 tonight in Ottawa and unless they can scratch out a win their season is pretty much done. So much for the vaunted depth of the Sabres.

Tonights Game :

Buffalo Sabres (0) at Ottawa Senators (2) : The Sabres are deep behind the 8 ball tonight. Unless the Sabres win tonight they will be going home, forget the 7 game series that most experts (and me) predicted this could be a very short series. Ottawa is winning all of the important battles and dominating on special teams. Buffalo is 0-12 on the power play and has given up a short handed goal. In losing game 2 at home the Sabres squandered a 2-0 lead for the first time this season, including both regular and playoff games. Watch tonights game closely, if Buffalo doesn't dominate for significant stretches tonight they are going home early. I pick Buffalo to win tonight just because I cannot see them getting swept.

Last Nights Game :

Anaheim Ducks 4 (1) at Detroit Red Wings 3 (1) : It took two reviewed goals and a Niedermayer brother hook up in overtime but the Ducks managed to split the opening games on Detroit's home ice. The Wings were dominated for most of the game by Anaheim but still managed to hang close throughout the game forcing the Ducks to win it in overtime. Domink Hasek was the reason that the Wings were even in this game, he made 29 saves including some vintage Hasek flopping and was dealing with traffic all night long without losing his cool. Game 3 in Anaheim on Tuesday should be fun to watch.

From the NHL Highlight Machine

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

Round 3 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 2 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Players to Watch
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 1 Predictions:
Round 1 Playoff Predictions and Hot Players
Complete Playoff Predictions

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 13th

2007-05-13T08:47:00.000-05:00

0-1 last night. Buffalo seems determined to make these playoffs as difficult as possible for themselves. Meanwhile, Ottawa is simply concentrating on doing what they need to do to win.

Last Nights Game :

Ottawa Senators 4 (2) at Buffalo Sabres 3 (0) : The Sabres took an early 2-0 lead in the first period but decided not to compete in the second and third periods to require a goal from Daniel Briere with 5.8 seconds left to send the game to overtime. Joe Corvo ended the game at 4:58 of the second overtime period with a skipping shot that fooled Ryan Miller. Buffalo simply hasn't managed to show up for an entire game. Forget my past predictions, Buffalo is out in 5 and Ottawa plays Anaheim in the final, only to lose in 6 games.

Tonights Game :

Anaheim Ducks (0) at Detroit Red Wings (1) : The Wings managed to take control in game 1 but Anaheim is going to snap back tonight. Expect the Ducks to push the Wings tonight and take game 2 in Detroit to even the series up before it heads to Anaheim.

Round 3 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 2 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Players to Watch
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 1 Predictions:
Round 1 Playoff Predictions and Hot Players
Complete Playoff Predictions

2007 NHL Playoffs Recap and Video Highlights - May 12th

2007-05-12T08:20:00.000-05:00

1-1 last night and 1-2 for the first two games of round 3. Detroit managed to win game 1 with some inspired play by the Dominator and another dominating performance from Niklas Lidstrom. Tonight Buffalo is already desperate to win a game.

Tonights Game :

Ottawa Senators (1) at Buffalo Sabres (0) : Believe it or not it is already do or die time for the Sabres. If they go down 2-0 in the series at home their odds of getting to the final round are slim indeed. Tonight the Sabres need their leaders to step up. Keep an eye on Chris Drury tonight, he will lead the Sabres by example and Buffalo will post a convincing win in game 2.

Last Nights Game :

Anaheim Ducks 1 (0) at Detroit Red Wings 2 (1) : Detroit got great performances from key players last night. Dominik Hasek and Niklas Lidstrom stepped up and ensured that the Wings would win despite the fact that they only managed 19 shots on Anaheim. The Ducks tried to physically dominate the Wings last night but it didn't seem to work. Both of Detroit's goals were lucky deflections and both went off Francois Beauchemin before entering the net. Expect the Ducks to come after Detroit even harder in game 2.

From the NHL Highlight Machine

2007 NHL Playoffs Video Highlights

Round 3 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 2 Predictions:
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Players to Watch
NHL Playoffs - Round 2 Previews and Predictions

Round 1 Predictions:
Round 1 Playoff Predictions and Hot Players
Complete Playoff Predictions