Hey Everyone,
Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. It seems like forever since the Bruins last played. I went 7 for 8 in Round 1 with my predictions which isn't to bad considering nobody picked San Jose to lose.
As for the Bruins and their matchup. I'm really excited about who they are playing. Their record versus Carolina this season is 4-0-0 and the Bruins have outscored the Canes 18 to 6. I know that the playoffs are "a new season" and you can throw regular season numbers out the window but let's take a look at the playoff comparison between the two teams.
Playoff Numbers Comparison (courtesy of ESPN.com)
GP - Goals - Goals Against - SOG - SOGA - Save % - PIM - PIMA - PP% - PK%
Boston 4 17 6 32.5 27.8 .946 72 103 25% 100%
Carolina 7 17 15 34.1 34.6 .938 77 91 8% 91.3%
It's a small sample size and Carolina has played 3 more games than us so the numbers aren't an exact science. What is telling to me is that against a very stringent New Jersey defense, Carolina only scored 17 goals in 7 games. The Bruins are the best D in the league and if they couldn't score against NJ, they won't score against us. They also let up 35 shots/game which is extremely high. Onto the Powerplay and Penalty Kill. Bruins were on fire against Montreal at 25% and perfect on the other end, not allowing a power play goal. That was a huge defining factor in the series. Carolina couldn't muster anything on their PP against Jersey and if they can't get that going against the Bruins, they are going to have a really tough time.
Overall, the Bruins are a much better team than Carolina. We have better goaltending even though Cam Ward has looked great and can be a show stopper, top D in the league, and 4 strong offensive lines. I really don't see anyway that Carolina can beat us in a 7 game series unless the Bruins come out completely flat or take them lightly. What I can see happening is Carolina coming into the Garden and stealing game 1 because they have some momentum and Bruins have been off for over a week. I'll say Bruins in 6.
Other Matchups:
Detroit (2) v Anaheim (8)
-This is a tough series to dissect because both teams are coming in on fire. Who would have though Anaheim could have dominated the Sharks the way that they did. Detroit rolled in 4 over Columbus which wasn't a huge surprise although I thought it would be more competitive. I think Detroits offense led by Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen, and Hossa will be to much for the Ducks to handle. The only way the Ducks win is if Hiller continues his outstanding netminding and Osgood looks like Chris Osgood from the regular season (3.09 GAA, .887 Save %). I like Red Wings in 6
Vancouver (3) v Chicago (4)
-This should be an outstanding battle. Both teams like to play physical and they both have scoring and veteran leadership between the pipes. Home ice for Vancouver could be a huge factor should this series go 7 games. I love the Toews, Kane, and Sharp combination up front for Chicago but how can you not like the Sedin Twins and Kesler on the top line for Vancouver. Defensively, Chicago is strong w/ Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook but the real key is going to be Brian Campbell. He scored his first goal in 51 games during game 6 and Chicago is going to need his puck moving ability to get on track to have a shot v. Vancouver. I have Chicago in the Stanley Cup so I'm not going to be against them. I'm taking them in 7.
Washington (2) v Pittsburgh (4)
-This is probably the best series of the Semi's. How happy is the NHL to have Crosby and Ovechkin going head to head? I think Washington is lucky to even be playing anymore and I don't see them going into round 2 as cocky as they did in round 1. I really cant' stand the Capitals even though Ovechkin is my favorite player in the NHL. The Rangers gave the Penguins a nice blueprint on how stop slow down the explosive offensive of the Capitals. I think that will help but how comfortable are you Pittsburgh with Hal (dump the puck) Gill one your #1 Defensive pairing? The Capitals are lightning quick and can score in a hurry so Pittsburgh is going to have to clog the middle and keep the the Cap's to the outside. From the Penguins perspective, you have 2 of the top 3 offensive players in the game today in Crosby and Malkin. The additions of Kunitz and Guerin and a completely healthy Gonchar really make this team strong. Defensively I worry about them stopping Washington but if they can find a way, they will be ok. I picked Washington initially and I'm going to stick with it very unwillingly....Washington in 7 games.
That's all for now, more after Game 1 on Friday Night!
Go B's
Vig
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Preview and Predictions
Well here we go again, Bruins v. Canadiens in the first rd. I don't even know where to start but all I keep thinking is 2002 (Bruins 1 Seed, Habs 8 seed) 2004 (Bruins 2 Seed, Habs 7 Seed)....We lost both of those series. I do however believe that both of those years were different. The Bruins have been the Conference Leader all season and have owned Montreal in their 6 regular season matchups (5-0-1) and have outscored them 23-13.
Some other quick numbers to ponder
-The Bruins are the 2nd best 5 on 5 team in the NHL, while Montreal is in the middle of the pack
-The Bruins are a way more physical team than Montreal and if they can stay disciplined, they should be able to wear them down considerably
-The Bruins have the 4th ranked PP while Montreal is 13th
-Both teams are 11th in Penalty Killing so no advantage there
-Goaltending isn't even close with Thomas being a leading candidate for the Vezina. However, Price has shown that he can be the best in the business and if he shows up in round 1, watch out.
-The Bruins were 2nd in the NHL in scoring and 1st in Goals Allowed while Montreal was 13th in Scoring and 19th in Goals Against.
Synopsis: The Bruins are a superior team to Montreal in every statistical category and aside from the Ghosts of the past, this series should not go beyond 5 games in my estimation.
Prediction for the Rest of the Playoffs
Conference Quarterfinals East
Bruins over Habs in 5
Capitals over Rangers in 5
Carolina over New Jersey in 7
Pittsburgh over Philly in 7
Conference Quarterfinals West
Sharks over Anaheim in 6
Red Wings over Columbus in 7
Vancouver over Blues in 6
Chicago over Calgary in 6
Conference Semi's
Bruins over Carolina in 6
Capitals over Pittsburgh in 6
Chicago over San Jose in 7
Red Wings over Vancouver in 6
Conference Finals
Bruins over Capitals in 7
Chicago over Red Wings in 7
Stanley Cup
Bruins over Chicago in 6
Part of the reasoning I am picking the Bruins is because I'm a homer and a fanatic but if you really look at this season and how every teams performed, I think they are truly the best team in the East. Washington has had a ton of success against the Bruins this year but I think the balanced defense and goaltending just put them over the edge.
As for the Western Conference, I'm going out on a limb. I think San Jose is the best team in the NHL without question but I really believe that they are going to get upset by Chicago. I think Anaheim is going to physically take a toll on San Jose and Chicago's speed and quickness will be to tough for them to match. In the conference final, I'm not convinced Detroit will be there but I just don't have the guts to have them losing in rd 1 or 2.
I'm going with an Original Six Stanley Cup with the Bruins hoisting Lord Stanley and ending a 37 year drought.
Go B's
Vig
Some other quick numbers to ponder
-The Bruins are the 2nd best 5 on 5 team in the NHL, while Montreal is in the middle of the pack
-The Bruins are a way more physical team than Montreal and if they can stay disciplined, they should be able to wear them down considerably
-The Bruins have the 4th ranked PP while Montreal is 13th
-Both teams are 11th in Penalty Killing so no advantage there
-Goaltending isn't even close with Thomas being a leading candidate for the Vezina. However, Price has shown that he can be the best in the business and if he shows up in round 1, watch out.
-The Bruins were 2nd in the NHL in scoring and 1st in Goals Allowed while Montreal was 13th in Scoring and 19th in Goals Against.
Synopsis: The Bruins are a superior team to Montreal in every statistical category and aside from the Ghosts of the past, this series should not go beyond 5 games in my estimation.
Prediction for the Rest of the Playoffs
Conference Quarterfinals East
Bruins over Habs in 5
Capitals over Rangers in 5
Carolina over New Jersey in 7
Pittsburgh over Philly in 7
Conference Quarterfinals West
Sharks over Anaheim in 6
Red Wings over Columbus in 7
Vancouver over Blues in 6
Chicago over Calgary in 6
Conference Semi's
Bruins over Carolina in 6
Capitals over Pittsburgh in 6
Chicago over San Jose in 7
Red Wings over Vancouver in 6
Conference Finals
Bruins over Capitals in 7
Chicago over Red Wings in 7
Stanley Cup
Bruins over Chicago in 6
Part of the reasoning I am picking the Bruins is because I'm a homer and a fanatic but if you really look at this season and how every teams performed, I think they are truly the best team in the East. Washington has had a ton of success against the Bruins this year but I think the balanced defense and goaltending just put them over the edge.
As for the Western Conference, I'm going out on a limb. I think San Jose is the best team in the NHL without question but I really believe that they are going to get upset by Chicago. I think Anaheim is going to physically take a toll on San Jose and Chicago's speed and quickness will be to tough for them to match. In the conference final, I'm not convinced Detroit will be there but I just don't have the guts to have them losing in rd 1 or 2.
I'm going with an Original Six Stanley Cup with the Bruins hoisting Lord Stanley and ending a 37 year drought.
Go B's
Vig
Friday, April 10, 2009
It's Almost Time!
Welcome everyone to my new blog. I hope you all enjoy it and contribute with your own input and opinions. I wanted to put this together because I'm obsessed with the Bruins and this could be an unbelievable ride through the playoffs!
I've been a long time B's fan and me and my girlfriend decided to finally get Season Tickets this year. Guess we really lucked out because we locked in great seats at a cheap price. Tickets are still available for next season if your interested.
Let's be honest, nobody in their right minds expected this from the Bruins this year. After the incredible series against Montreal last year, I figured there would be improvement but nothing like this. They have led the conference almost wire to wire and have been battling with an unbelievable San Jose team for the Presidents Trophy since November. I don't think you can credit one guy for this turnaround because there have been multiple players who have exceeded expectations this year (Kreijci, Wheeler, Lucic, Kessel, Ryder come to mind right away). Even more exciting, Chiarelli has set this up to last for the upcoming years as well, even given the economic state were in.
Enough with the season highlights...let's get right into it here.
I was at the game last night and I must say...I HATE Montreal...probably more than the Yankees and Jets combined. This is now the biggest rivalry in the City of Boston and if you disagree with me...you haven't been to a Bruins Montreal game this year or in the playoffs last year. What really erks me about them is that they come down here in droves, they run their mouths in the stands like they own the place but when it comes to confronting a Bruins fan, they quiver, whine and cry like little babies. Come down here, cheer "olay, olay and go habs go" but don't mock Bruins fans and get in their faces if your not willing to stand up for yourself when push comes to shove.
As for yesterdays game, the Bruins came out yesterday and went right at a weaker Habs team. Funny little story...I'm watching the game and talking with Jamie and the other guys next to us about how much of a punk Komasirek is when I realized he's Team USA's best defensemen and I actually will be routing for him in February at the Olympics *BRUTAL* Don't get me wrong, the Bruins did some dumb things and let the Canadiens back into a game that the B's had, but all in all you've got to love what your seeing from our boys (minus the idiotic double minor, 10 minute misconduct Lucic took) Just to put this into perspective, since the 10+ game winless streak versus Montreal that ended in the playoffs, the Bruins are now 7-2-1 in their last 10 against them.
It's safe to say that in the last 24 hours, I've probably been asked 12 times if I want the Habs in the first round and my answer is always no. As much as I'd like to see the rivalry in full force, let's be realistic here. I'm going to ask you four questions and you tell me how you'd answer:
1. Who is easier to beat in their barn..Montreal or New York?
2. Who is a better offensive team?
3. Would you rather deal with 500 Rangers Fans in Boston or 3,000 Montreal Fans?
4. Which team will wear down the Bruins more?
To me the answer is simple. Montreal is one of the toughest places to win a game, NY is almost dead last in Offensive production, the Montreal Fans are obnoxious and annoying, and I don't need this to go 7 games and have what happened to Montreal in rd 2 last year happen to us. I'm sorry folks that's the way I feel.
I'll leave you with this playoff prediction even though the seeds aren't finalized yet. Bruins will make it at least to the Conference Final. I'll have a more detailed prediction when things are finalized on Sunday Night.
Happy Easter!
Vig
I've been a long time B's fan and me and my girlfriend decided to finally get Season Tickets this year. Guess we really lucked out because we locked in great seats at a cheap price. Tickets are still available for next season if your interested.
Let's be honest, nobody in their right minds expected this from the Bruins this year. After the incredible series against Montreal last year, I figured there would be improvement but nothing like this. They have led the conference almost wire to wire and have been battling with an unbelievable San Jose team for the Presidents Trophy since November. I don't think you can credit one guy for this turnaround because there have been multiple players who have exceeded expectations this year (Kreijci, Wheeler, Lucic, Kessel, Ryder come to mind right away). Even more exciting, Chiarelli has set this up to last for the upcoming years as well, even given the economic state were in.
Enough with the season highlights...let's get right into it here.
I was at the game last night and I must say...I HATE Montreal...probably more than the Yankees and Jets combined. This is now the biggest rivalry in the City of Boston and if you disagree with me...you haven't been to a Bruins Montreal game this year or in the playoffs last year. What really erks me about them is that they come down here in droves, they run their mouths in the stands like they own the place but when it comes to confronting a Bruins fan, they quiver, whine and cry like little babies. Come down here, cheer "olay, olay and go habs go" but don't mock Bruins fans and get in their faces if your not willing to stand up for yourself when push comes to shove.
As for yesterdays game, the Bruins came out yesterday and went right at a weaker Habs team. Funny little story...I'm watching the game and talking with Jamie and the other guys next to us about how much of a punk Komasirek is when I realized he's Team USA's best defensemen and I actually will be routing for him in February at the Olympics *BRUTAL* Don't get me wrong, the Bruins did some dumb things and let the Canadiens back into a game that the B's had, but all in all you've got to love what your seeing from our boys (minus the idiotic double minor, 10 minute misconduct Lucic took) Just to put this into perspective, since the 10+ game winless streak versus Montreal that ended in the playoffs, the Bruins are now 7-2-1 in their last 10 against them.
It's safe to say that in the last 24 hours, I've probably been asked 12 times if I want the Habs in the first round and my answer is always no. As much as I'd like to see the rivalry in full force, let's be realistic here. I'm going to ask you four questions and you tell me how you'd answer:
1. Who is easier to beat in their barn..Montreal or New York?
2. Who is a better offensive team?
3. Would you rather deal with 500 Rangers Fans in Boston or 3,000 Montreal Fans?
4. Which team will wear down the Bruins more?
To me the answer is simple. Montreal is one of the toughest places to win a game, NY is almost dead last in Offensive production, the Montreal Fans are obnoxious and annoying, and I don't need this to go 7 games and have what happened to Montreal in rd 2 last year happen to us. I'm sorry folks that's the way I feel.
I'll leave you with this playoff prediction even though the seeds aren't finalized yet. Bruins will make it at least to the Conference Final. I'll have a more detailed prediction when things are finalized on Sunday Night.
Happy Easter!
Vig
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