Oh, and just a coupla points regarding predictions:
1. I don't mind folks disagreeing with me, but please, spare me the profanity-laced tirades if I didn't pick your team. I'm not disrespecting the Flyers and Stars, their fans or respective cities, ok, and if you feel otherwise you really, REALLY need to lighten up.
2. Like most commentators - media, blogger or fan - I do predictions for fun, not as a life and death scenario where the value of my "cred" is based on how they pan out. The late, great Canadiens coach Toe Blake dismissed predictions as "for gypsies" which is an opinion I share. The fact TSN employs a #### to spin a wheel to make predictions after their hockey minds sagely make theirs tells you all you need to know about how seriously they take them. In other words, they make them for fun!
3. I do appreciate hearing from hockey fans but disparaging my predictions doesn't hold much weight if you wait to do it midway or 3/4 of the way through a series when the outcome is pretty much a foregone conclusion. That only makes you a troll and no one likes trolls. Have the guts to make your calls before the series start or don't waste my time or those of other commentators.
4. I don't mind if my picks are wrong because I really do enjoy upsets. OK, not if my favorite team is at the receiving end but hey, that's playoff hockey for you. If every series went as predicted it would be boring as hell. Upsets add ####e and make things interesting.
Agreed. A good debate about why people disagree with the predictions is one thing, but swearing and acting like a general bufoon is unneccessary. And will make the poster in question look like a real fool if their team doesn't win.
I would have to disagree and think the Flyers will win in 6. They have been able to shut down two teams that were obviously faster then them and got production up and down their lineup. I don't see the Pens able to muster that if either one of their star players is shut out of the game.
NO WAY DO THE FLYERS TAKE ANY GAMES AT MELLON ARENA. HAVE YOU SEEN THE PENS IN THE PLAYOFFS?? PENS IN FIVE, JUST LIKE THE RANGERS.NO WAY THE FLYERS CAN MATCH THE OFFENSE OF THE PENS.IT WILL BE VERY PHYSICAL, BUT THE PENS STARS ARE NOT WEAK, THEY ARE GROWN MEN AND CAN TAKE HITS. ROLE PLAYERS WILL STEP UP LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN. IF FLYERS WANT TO TAKE CHEAP SHOTS, IT WILL STOP ONCE WE SCORE 3 PP GOALS IN A GAME. PENS IN FIVE, PENS OVER WINGS IN 6. YOU HEARD IT FIRST. TOO MUCH YOUTH,SPEED,SKILL AND WILL FROM THESE YOUNG PENS. FLYERS NOT GOOD ENOUGH, WINGS TOO OLD IN GOAL. NO TEAM CAN BEAT THE PENS 4 TIMES OUT OF 7. CAN'T WAIT. THIS LAYOFF WAS FREAKIN ABSURD, I MEAN 5 WHOLE DAYS OFF.
I agree with Spector and Lady Jane... it didn't take long for the buffoonery to begin, anyway, did it?
it's funny that FOX sports bleeps m o n k e y... it's a perfectly innocent sentence, but that BLEEP makes it look dirty
Anyway, I agree with Spector on who wins, but I say Detroit in 7, Pittsburgh in 5. At least I hope... after a wholly uninteresting quarterfinal, I think we deserve a couple of close semis.
I think Dallas could surprise people (again), but ultimately I think the Wings are too good and playing too well to be beaten. Although Pittsburgh has stormed through this far, I really don't think they've had a real test. That said, I'm not sure the Flyers will be that test. The Flyers didn't look that great against Montreal, if they play the same against Pittsburgh, it'll be another one sided series.
Last edited by Alexei_Cashin on May 8th at 9:45 AM.
Lyle, I don't know what's worse: the fans who take these things WAY too seriously -- isn't hockey just a GAME for ENTERTAINMENT, and playoff prognostication a game within the game? -- or that you actually had to type a post like the above to spell that out.
Anyway, back into the fray. I need to recover from my four-tire blowout last round, and there are no easy choices this time out.
While I'd love to see a rematch of the 1997 Final between Detroit and Philadelphia, or a rematch of the 1991 Final between Pittsburgh and Dallas (then Minnesota), I have to agree with you: Dallas and Philadelphia have shown a lot of heart thus far, but we're looking at a Detroit versus Pittsburgh Stanley Cup Final.
And THAT match-up could be one for the ages with the most probable and potential HHOFers in the lineup since Colorado / New Jersey in 2001, maybe even Edmonton / NY Islanders in 1984.
Just eyeballing those two rosters, there's pretty much four guaranteed HHOFers already in the mix (Hasak, Lidstrom, Chelios and Crosby), a bunch of guys with the potential to get there if they stay healthy (Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Malkin, Hossa, Gonchar), even a couple of argument candidates (Osgood and Roberts). And, no doubt, maybe one or two more young players who'll emerge from the mix over time and surprise us. That's not a bad crop.
But first, they've got to get there. Let's hope there's some great hockey between here and the Final, and that Dallas and Philadelphia can make it really interesting.
Last edited by Matt_McCallum on May 8th at 10:03 AM.
How can anybody say "no way" to any team in the final four. Anything can happen at any time in the playoffs. It's ok to back your team and feel a sense of pride, but don't be too cocky or you may be crying all the way home.
I agree, seems I got a little hot under the collar last round, but it was my Habs! Its OK to be passionate about your team but at some point it is just a game. All these post are opinions, however backed up by stats they may be.
I took Pens in 6 and Dallas in 6, I know Maggie picked the Wings but the Stars showed an ability to win on the road that I cannot ignore. Besides the Wings have had it easier so far.
Pittsburgh will do like Montreal and control the pace of the game, Philly will sit back, block shots, rely heavily on Biron and take advantage of whatever mistakes the Pens make. Still it wont be enough.
Im gonna say the Pens will win since it seems like the NHL wants them to succeed. Malkins slew foot, Drury bloodied, no power plays for the rangers in the 3rd period of games 1, 3 and 5 ! YES, the Pens outplayed the Rangers (mostly special teams), but it doesnt help when obvious stuff gets missed, or when Crosby gets touched and its a penalty.
I really do not care who wins I just hope for some good game and that the refs do a better job.
Of course a 4 OT game would be nice to I love watching players in the 4th ot make the same mistakes that we do when we play.
If you need to have someone become a NHL fan just have them watch the Stars/Sharks game 6. The best playoff game sence Game 6 of the 94 Wales final between the Rangers and Devils
You're back! Good to see you, you've been greatly missed.
If you don't have a preference in the Stanley Cup chase, any thoughts on the year-end trophies? The forthcoming Hockey Hall of Fame nominations? Any kid in particular that you're hoping Los Angeles will draft?
We need more TKF around here!
Last edited by Matt_McCallum on May 8th at 12:37 PM.
Since Philly knocked off the Canadiens, does that mean you're rooting for them, Spector? I became a temporary habs fan when they ousted Boston, on nights the Rangers weren't playing anyway.
I guess now that the two teams I had hoped to see in this position are out, I'm going to pick on a whim, Pittsburgh and Dallas in the finals.
Not that I care but I would like to see Detroit beat Dallas for one simple reason. The Kings own Dallas's first round pick and I would rather it be 21 then 29 or 30
As for the league awards. Most all like last season will come from players either play in the East or play in the eastern timezone. IE Detroit
It's a total farce that Mike Babcock is up for coach of the year. I think Barry Trotz and Joel Quinville did a much better job then he did.
It's not to hard when you have 2 all star goaltenders the best blueliner in the world and 3 lines of players who would all be top line guys on any other team in the league and also the mystique of being the Detroit Red Wings.
The player that got screwed it Peter Muller from Phoenix.
As for the Awards
Alexander the Great for MVP and Lester
Veinza will be Nabby from SJ (one of only 2 western award winners outside detroit)
Selke will be The great Pavel from Detroit
Norris Nikky L will win his 43
ANd Calder will be Backstrom because the Hawks boys will split the vote
Adams well Bruce Brudro will win that hands down
As for the Hall of fame I have not really though about it
Well honestly I have no Idea I still feel that we should have finished 30th and in typical Kings fashion we screwed that up as well.
But it will be one of the 4 d-men. There is a top notch #1 Dman a top 2 way Dman a Shutdown Dman and a project ranked in the top 4
If I was the great Braindead Gm of the Kings Lombardi I would take Drew Doughty for a few reasons. 1. How many kids say publicly that they want to play in LA 2. How many true #1 Dmen play in the NHL. 3. You do not use #2 pick overall on a stay at home type player. 3 years from now our blueline will look like this Doughty Johnson Hickey Lubo. as our top 4 not to much D but I can live with it if #5 and #6 are shut down goons.
But I am sure Dean will pick the Project kid Alex Pietrangelo
I probably shouldn't be, but I'm actually a little surprised that no one has even given the Flyers an inkling of a chance in this series. Every single thing I've seen, whether it be newspapers, sports sites or blogs has chosen the Penguins to win. I think its understandable that the majority of the predictions would go Pittsburgh's way, but normally one or two people would pick the underdog. Literally nobody has given the Flyers a chance.
The Flyers have already knocked off two teams that were superior in terms of offense and speed. Even though at times they were outplayed, the Flyers found ways to win. In fact, they defeated the top-seeded team in four straight games. They took the best team in the conference out in only five games. So what is with all the disrespect?
I'm not going to be naive and say that the Flyers are a superior team to the Penguins, but I think that with the way they've come through thus far in the playoffs they ought to be treated as a team with a chance to win. So before everyone hands the Prince of Wales Trophy to Pittsburgh before a game has even been played, lets give Philly an opportunity to show what they can do.
I'll cheer for Philly if you promise not to let Bobby Clark apply for the vacant GMs job in Toronto! That would be total irony since I'm sure he'd then pick Pat Quinn as his coach. I'm laughing out loud!
Honestly who in there outright mind would want the GM job in Toronto. No farm system a bunch of overaged or past there prime players with no trades in there contracts. An overzelous media market. An insane fan base who thinks that Toronto is hockey royalty and 42 owners that are on 42 different pages
Taking that job is just going to re-arrange the deck chairs on the Titanic
I don't know, TO is always mentioned as a big draw for guys who grew up on the ponds of Ontario...and they are legion.
I know what you're saying though. I suppose it's akin to coaching the Notre Dame football team. Expectations are just through the roof despite years of evidence that times have changed. But if you turn them into a winner there's probably no better place to be.
What would your argument be for Ozzy's enshrinement?
I don't mean to be hard on him, I like him actually. But to me he seems like a slightly above-average goalie who seems to really struggle when you take him away from the seemingly endless supply of Motown All-Stars.
flyerup25 this is why you beat the habs.....they traded huet,away.....and they were soft period......your facing the true conference leaders now....they had alot of players out....
What a lot of people forget is that the Flyers are the team of destiny this year. They beat a pretty good Montreal team (but in fairness they were SOFT). The Flyers-Pens matchup is going to be tough and physical. The difference will be Biron. Biron continues his stellar play in goal.
FLYERS IN 6. GO FLYERS.
In the West, while the Stars will make it interesting, the Wings are too strong for the Stars and it's the Wings in 5.
STANLEY CUP FINAL
No President's Trophy-winning team has won the Cup since the 1994 New York Rangers. That streak will continue. Biron continues his sublime play in goal and steals the Cup for the Flyers. Flyers in 6 over the Wings.
With the Timonen news, I think one has to consider the Pens a heavy favourite. That guy does everything and is arguably the Flyer's most valuable player. Losing Biron wouldn't have been as big of a loss. Niitty is a solid back up, where as replacing Kimmo's 25 minutes is virtually impossible. Modry is not the answer. His coverage is way too poor. I think I'd put the more versatile Parent back there or even move Kapanen back to D. Modry will get eaten alive.
Game One in the Detroit - Dallas series really showed how masterful Detroit is. Not taking anything away from the other remaining teams, but Detroit is showing why the won the President's Trophy. They are darn good.
Hi Spector,
While I'm rooting for the Stars and they are my favorite American Team I think the Red Wings are definitely better at this point although the Stars can defintely contend. They and Turco had to be pysically and emotionally tired after the San Jose Marathon Game 6. In the East I'll pick the Pens with Crosby, Malikn and Fleury. Take care and best wishes friend. fenfan
I know you are ex-military, but if anyone harasses you any more, you are more than welcome to engage my cousins Vinny and Carmine, both Flyers fans from Brooklyn, and both work in law enforcement. LOL
As much as I dislike Detroit (and they got really lucky with their draw this time in the playoffs) they are a better team than Dallas. As for the east, I am not sold on either team. I am not so sure either team could be Detroit for the cup.
The more interesting prediction is whether or not Franzen (sp?) can eclipse Yari Kuri (sp?) record for goals in a playoff.
I agree with most of your comments but at this point in the playoffs, unless of course some Cinderella team makes it, calling a lose in a series an upset isnt really the way to go. In the final four, each team has beaten two other teams to get there so there is no upset to be seen.
Flyer (ugh) take on the wings in the finals
I made my predictions on Spectors playoff final schedule post.
I picked Detroit in 6 and Pitt in 6.
Then the Wings over Pitt.
LAst night showed the woes of Turco at the Joe continue. Anyone who thinks that Ozzie is not a star is to be included in the troll category. 7 games that he has started 7 wins; get a clue trolls.
The Red Wings and Osgood are just getting the job done. Who would have mentioned Johan Franzen in the same sentence with Conn Smythe go figure and Chris Osgood is in the running too. Love proving the point.
Like letsgoredwings, I made my predictions on the other post. Unlike letsgoredwings I see Pens and Stars in 6 and a rematch of 1991 (Badger Bob will be smiling). I just think Detroit has too few talented Swedish offensive threats, too much inexperience on defense and is relying on 2 unproven goaltenders. Just kidding. I just have a feeling that despite the aura of invincibility, something Texas big is going to happen for Morrow and the boys. C'mon kick that mule!
To my mind Chris Osgood isn't a Hall of Famer, he doesn't have that swagger. But that being said...
As of the end of this season, Osgood's got two Stanley Cups (albeit one as a caddy) and a regular season record of 363-195-66 in 664 games (a 0.596 winning percentage).
That currently puts him in the same class (stastically, at least) as Hockey Hall of Fame hopefuls Rogie Vachon (3 Cups, 355 wins), Tom Barrasso (2 Cups, 369 wins), Andy Moog (3 Cups, 372 wins) and Mike Vernon (2 Cups, 385 wins).
Among active players, only Brodeur (3 Cups, 538 wins), Belfour (1 Cup, 484 wins), Joseph (0 Cups, 449 wins) and Hasek (1 Cup, 389 wins) are ahead of Osgood in regular season wins.
If Osgood wins his third Cup this year (playing AHEAD of Hasek) and he pushes himself over 400 regular season wins (which is quite possible with another couple of seasons in the Motor City), the argument for his induction becomes significantly stronger.
Texas is about to find out what the mule is going to kick some falling stars.
I would cheer on the stars with Modano still wearing the jersey for them if the stars did win (miracle of all miracles) I would go for the stars over then pens.
but flamesfan stopping the mule will not mean the stars win, turco needs to stop the puck at the Joe and he cannot do that. But thank god they play they the game instead of just handing the Cup to the regular season champs.
Matt Mc liked reading your reasons for Ozzie.
I am hoping for Flys all the way, but I think the hockey gods want the Pens to do it all this year. If they do Detroit will do some damage and I think a game 7 is in order!!! Osgood is rolling this year for sure!!!!
Detroit and Pittsburgh in 5 each. Detroit has too much offence and defence is too solid through and through.
Pittsburgh has too much talent and Fleury is playing real well and Timonen is a gigantic loss - all the D have been playing way above their heads and it ends here.
I'd rather see the Kings get that 21st overall pick from Dallas, too (one spot before the Oilers with the Anaheim pick, unless the Oil move up). I was cheering for Dallas in the first round for pretty much similar reasons: I didn't want the Oilers drafting at 30th overall with another Duck Cup victory.
I agree with you that Trotz and Quenneville did a lot more with less than Mike Babcock -- although, unfortunately, that didn't save Quenneville's job, did it? -- but Coach of the Year always seems to be given to somebody who took a bottom-feeder into playoff contention. Scotty Bowman is perhaps the greatest coach of my generation, if not all-time, and how many Coach of the Year awards did he win? The correct answer is: not enough.
Not that I want to add more silverware to the NHL's overly large trophy case -- well, I do, actually, with an award for defensive defensemen; that's another thread -- but it seems like there should be two coaching awards, one for the most improved team and one for continued excellece.
I think you've made the right call on all the NHL awards. Can't fault any of your picks. With the Masterson nominees announced today, I'd love to see Pisani win because of what he went through this season, but you've got to give the award to Chelios for a spectacularly long career.
*** continued ***
Last edited by Matt_McCallum on May 10th at 10:59 AM.
This year's HHOF selection process is going to be interesting because they are all passovers thanks to the lock-out. With the classes looking pretty full in 2009 (Yzerman, Robitaille, Hull and Leetch), 2010 (Niewendyk, Lindros and Andreychuk) and 2011 (potentially Hasek, Neidermayer, Selanne, Modano, Roenick, etc.), that means if Glenn Anderson, or Doug Gilmour, or Adam Oates, or Igor Larionov, or Pavel Bure, or Dino Ciccarelli, or fill in the candidate of your choice DOESN'T make the cut this year, they are on likely the outside looking in for the next half decade. (If I could pick, my foursome would be Anderson, Gilmour, Larionov and Mike Vernon.)
As for the Kings in the draft, one way or another you're going to wind up with a blue line stud -- either Bogosian or Doughty; if Lombardi goes elsewhere (excepting, of course, trading the pick to the Oilers), I'll join your calls for his head. That Kings team of yours is doing a nice job building from the net out, with Bernier and Johnson already in the mix.
I'm hoping that Greg Nemisz or Joe Colborne will still be around when the Oilers pick at 22nd overall. Not that the Oilers need more centres, but I like the size of those two kids, and they seem to be able to put the puck in the net. My dark horse candidate is defenseman Aaron Ness, a little on the small side, but gosh the kid has wheels. Another quality defenseman in the pipeline always gives the Oilers the opportunity to swap a rearguard for some help up front. That is, if there is anyone left the Oilers can trade with...
Last edited by Matt_McCallum on May 9th at 4:55 PM.
First let me say this and you're not going to like it one bit whether it's laced with profanity or not. You've forgotten more about hockey than most people will ever know, your blog is the best read on the NHL going and your stories on Fox are excellent if you don't like it, tough...well I think you get my point...go Flyers!
What a Game 1 in the Philly-Pitt series! 69 hits AND a game misconduct. I think this is going to be a memorable series like the Detroit-Colorado playoff series of 10 years ago. GO FLYERS!
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
