King Henrik brilliant again in rare home win over champs

The King has reclaimed his thrown. For a third consecutive game, Henrik Lundqvist was brilliant- making 33 saves in backstopping the Rangers past the defending champion Blackhawks 3-2 at The Garden. He was especially at his best late in protecting a one-goal lead with scintillating stops which included a sliding denial with under a minute left.

It meant a rare feat with our heroes winning for only the second time at home. Their losses have come to Toronto (OT), Atlanta and Carolina. It really makes ya wonder. Especially when they turned back as talented a team in the league. Sure. They wouldn't have stood a chance without Lundqvist, who truly was the last line of defense in a fun game his team was outshot 35-23. All that counted was the Blueshirts had the better goalie, just as in their 2-0 blanking of the Leafs Saturday. In the two wins, he's turned aside 69 of 71. That's what you expect from one of the game's top five netminders. It couldn't come at a better time with tough division road games on the horizon with bitter enemies Philadelphia and New Jersey this week.

Aside from the goalie, the club got standout performances again from Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan, who along with Russian linemate Artem Anisimov, combined for two of the three goals. Dubinsky scored his team-leading sixth and seventh while Callahan and Anisimov each had a pair of helpers. Without the Homegrown Line, they would be sunk. The good news is that Marian Gaborik began skating and isn't too far away. Perhaps his return could be what the doctor ordered for MIA Alex Frolov, who again wasted tons of ice-time playing mostly on the perimeter. Given how well Evgeny Grachev, Derek Stepan and Todd White played on what was the fourth line, it's hard to get why John Tortorella stopped rolling all four.

The strategy made no sense. Not surprisingly, there were a lot of tired shifts from our forwards while the fresher Hawks had us pinned in for what felt like an eternity. Or the 56 years it took my Dad's baseball team, the NY/San Francisco Giants to win another World Series. Congrats to him and all the fans who grew up idolizing Mays and Marichal at the Polo Grounds. Despite some scary moments, the Rangers fought for every inch of ice against a Hawk club that's just not up to speed. In a cap era, it's not easy when you lose key cogs like Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Kris Versteeg and Ben Eager. The lack of grit was evident. No coincidence that both Chicago goals came in the trenches. The skill of Jonathan Toews, goalscorer Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp was there but they couldn't get the puck past Lundqvist without traffic.

The guys in the classic home white and red jerseys with the cool Hawk logo controlled much of the first, outshooting the Rangers 13-7. However, the best they could do was a Tomas Kopecky redirect of a Duncan Keith shot for a power play goal at 17:13. The once little used fourth liner has been one of the bright spots and was in Lundqvist's face all night. With Erik Christensen off for high-sticking, Kopecky deflected Keith's blast home for the lead. Sharp got a secondary assist. Before they got comfortable, the Broadway hosts responded in the final shift of the period thanks to the Homegrown Line. Callahan started it but Dubinsky finished off his sixth from in front, steering a loose puck past Marty Turco at 19:39.

Neither Original Six budged in a good second that saw both goalies stand tall. The Rangers were better, generating scoring chances off the cycle with splendid work done by Grachev, who had his best game. On one shift in particular, the 20 year-old Russian rookie forced a turnover that nearly led to a goal. Too bad Frolov was the shooter. Anything he shoots turns to rubber. Brian Boyle also turned in another solid game along with Sean Avery. Hell. Boyle almost pulled off a toe drag but couldn't quite get the puck past a Chicago defender. Had he finished it off, that would've been sick. He sure is a different player.

Each club took only one penalty in the seesaw period that saw us hold a 10-8 SOG edge. The Rangers easily killed off an Avery delay of game for batting the puck out. It was an accident just like a few nights ago with Michal Rozsival. That rule really needs to be adjusted. It should be more on interpretation. Especially in such instances. It's ridiculous if a call like that decides an outcome. The way this league's run, no wonder Bettman is mocked when we go. At least it was killed. As they did in the first, the Rangers came on at the end, forcing Keith into a hooking minor with 21 seconds remaining. Dubinsky made him pay after intermission when he took a great Callahan feed and went top shelf on Turco for his seventh 55 seconds into the third.

Up one for the first time, they pushed for another but Turco kept his team afloat. Eventually, the Hawks tilted the ice, making life difficult on Lundqvist. It was going to take plenty to beat him again. A great backcheck by Toews resulted in Kane's equalizer. The Chicago captain stole the puck from Dubinsky and then worked the puck around to Keith, who fed Kane. His quick shot from a sharp angle with Troy Brouwer in front surprised Lundqvist, sending Chicago supporters into a premature celebration. There was one arrogant fan who stood up for as long as possible in our section, drawing even a 'Sit down' from me. I hate fans like that. You want to cheer when your team scores, fine. But don't keep standing there in front of us when play's continuing.

As fate had it, he got what he deserved. On the very next shift, a brutal turnover led to Christensen scoring his second just 28 ticks later. Mike Del Zotto pounced on the loose puck and fed Brandon Prust, who was strong throughout. The spark plug wasted no time dishing off to Christensen, who cut to the left and fired a perfect laser upstairs. At the time, I was mentioning how he really needed one. Like Johnny on the spot, Christy must've heard me from 411. Good thing too cause everyone was joking about how they never win here.

It didn't come easy. They killed off a bench minor for too many men and then withstood a Blackhawk onslaught the last eight minutes. But even in a period where they got half a dozen shots as compared to our opponent's 14, the Blueshirts competed. They forced Chicago to the perimeter and got their jerseys dirty, blocking 33 shots. Of course, the next captain Callahan was responsible for six including an amazing sprawling stop late in the second that hobbled him. He didn't miss a shift. Cally also came back hard to deny a pointblank opportunity, checking a Hawk in front before clearing the puck.

On a night he increased his point streak to seven (4-7-11) two days after scoring a beautiful penalty shot in Toronto, enough can't be said about the 25 year-old Rochester native. There's nothing he won't do to win. No wonder he's my favorite Ranger along with Tweep sarcasmpucktail, who I briefly chatted with between periods. She donned the jersey of her favorite player and also got to meet him afterwards. Not bad.

Dan Girardi, who again stood out defensively also blocked half a dozen- getting help from Rozsival (4) and Anisimov (4). In fact, 13 of the 18 skaters dressed got on the stat sheet. By comparison, the Hawks only had 15, meaning three of our players blocked more. That desire to do anything possible was the difference along with Lundqvist, who saved his best for last, robbing Kopecky from in front. Amazingly, he did it again on him when Girardi fanned on a puck, forcing him to take a penalty with under 26 seconds to go. However, the hustle of our PK helped clear the front of the net and then a sliding Dubinsky got the puck out ensuring a well earned victory.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Ryan Callahan, NYR (2 assists extending to 7-gm Pt streak (4-7-11), 6 blocked shots, 5 hits in 19:50)
2nd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (2 goals-6th, 7th, 3 hits, 9-3 draws in 22:02)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (33 saves, incl.13/14 in 3rd)

A road to nowhere

Ever root for a team even though you know deep down it won't do any good? We've all experienced that in this space. Brian with his two Buffalo teams. Hasan with the Mets and Jets, who appear to be defying logic 101 with their best player. And of course, yours truly with the Knicks, Rangers and my alma mater St. John's, who tries to bring in a big name coach in hopes of becoming relevant again in college hoops.

What does any of this have to do with the tired subject of the NHL defeating the Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk thanks to Richard Bloch's cap defining decision? Just this. By disallowing the controversial 17-year, $102 million contract, it opened up a pandoras box. A whole new can of worms may have been created, allowing Gary Bettman and his cronies to further investigate similar mega deals that were already approved. But that shouldn't stop a league hell bent on more chaos as we get closer to Armageddon II. In other words, beware Roberto Luongo, Chris Pronger, Marian Hossa and Marc Savard. Didn't Hossa just win a Cup in his first year with Chicago? And Pronger was instrumental in getting the Flyers to the the Final.

Just imagine if Bettman Inc. does the predictable. What are they going to do? Erase history. Something like this is unprecedented. No other league would dare break contracts that already were signed off on. Of course, that won't stop the NHL. Why would it? When has logic ever prevailed? To think that '04-05 was sacrificed so they could get their precious cap. As it turns out, it wasn't good enough. GM's found a way around it by locking up star players long-term. Fittingly, the chaos started thanks to Charles Wang, who inked Rick DiPietro to a then record 15 year, $67.5 million back in '06. That it would be an unorthodox owner who obviously didn't realize the tremendous risk he took in signing the No.1 goalie until the age of 40, speaks to another issue. One which was supposed to go away due to the lockout. Owners were supposed to be fiscally responsible. But here you had the uncanny Islander owner going over the top for a goalie who'd never even won a playoff series. Since, it's been one catastrophe after another with the franchise netminder suffering injury after injury, sidelining him for long stretches.

What's even sadder is that under Wang's leadership if you could call it that, this is the same organization that's still paying Alexei Yashin for the nonsensical 10-year $87.5 million albatross pre-lockout. Hard to comprehend two of the worst contracts coming from a team whose hands are tied, just treading water at the bottom of the cap. While it's easy to look at Glen Sather for many NHL/Ranger fan headaches, it was actually Wang calling the shots over Mike Milbury, which changed organizational philosophy in the Cap Era. Now, such mega contracts are common as more and more teams lock up players before the rules change.

Detroit's done it with both Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg. The Flyers also with star captain Mike Richards. The penny pinching Sabres with Thomas Vanek with an assist from Kevin Lowe. At least Darcy Regier got it right with Vezina winner Ryan Miller. Not so much with Jason Pominville. The rating Cup champion Blackhawks have cornerstones Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith tied away along with Hossa, who will be over 40 by the end of his deal. However, other players like Brian Campbell, Dave Bolland and Cristobal Huet forced Stan Bowman to trade away key pieces Dustin Byfuglien, Kris Versteeg, Ben Eager while letting Antti Niemi and Adam Burish go. That's what the cost of winning has become in a constantly revolving league where more and more players are changing jerseys.

If it's true that there was technically nothing wrong with the Kovalchuk contract under the current CBA, then it's also true that the NHL should be concerned about what these deals are doing. We maybe against the league in this particular fight but they are justified in wanting to make adjustments for the future. Problem is they can't do it now. Dragging more players into this mess would do an incredible disservice for a sport that's coming off an exciting Cup where a major market won for the first time in half a century. Ratings were up and popularity was as well. The game doesn't need another post '94 when it was also hot before they locked out the players. How many times does a disorganized NHLPA take it on the chin? The players are the product and want to play.

When it starts up again sooner than you think, the focus needs to be on hockey. Not the current nonsense. It's called good PR. Like a classic Run DMC hit, time for the NHL to check itself before it wrecks itself.

Islanders add Wiz to blueline

Lately, there hasn't been a lot for Islander fans to get excited about. However, a few nights ago while I was out with the big guy and bro over our friend's new house for a fun barbecue, Garth Snow made a solid move acquiring defenseman James Wisniewski from Anaheim for just a conditional third round pick in 2011.

Considering that the original Chicago '02 fifth rounder is still only 26, it looks like a calculated gamble by the Islander GM. When healthy, Wiz is easily a top four D who can log important minutes and play any situation. In five seasons spent with both the Hawks and Ducks, the Canton Michigan native who was part of the '03 USA WJC gold medal team has proven a capable puckmoving D who combines skill with physicality. Loose translation: Wiz ain't soft as evidenced by his 129 hits (41st among D) and 102 blocked shots, which ranked him in the top 100 for his position. Unfortunately, that edge also resulted in an eight-game suspension after this controversial hit in which he retaliated on former 'mate Brent Seabrook for a hit on Corey Perry prior in the shift.

Islander fans will like that edge as it's certainly something their blueline can use in support of budding teenager John Tavares. What also is a plus is that Wisniewski's in no way one-dimensional as he can also contribute offensively. Following two straight seasons of 20 points or more, the ex-Duck registered a career high 30 including a new best 27 helpers to go with three markers in 69 contests (also a new personal best). The Wiz also racked up 69 penalty minutes with two power play goals, 146 shots while posting a minus-five rating. Numbers he'll look to improve on in his new Long Island home.

Why was he essentially dumped by Duck GM Bob Murray? Because apparently, he didn't think the $3.25 million Wisniewski was due was worth it. Especially for a defenseman who's never played a full season and will turn unrestricted next summer. Still, he gave Sabre reject Toni Lydman basically the same money ($3M) which makes you scratch your head.

For the Islanders, it looks like a win. They get a good player while losing zilch. Does Wiz team with Mark Streit while other key addition Mark Eaton works with Bruno Gervais? What happens to Andrew MacDonald, Jack Hillen and Milan Jurcina if Radek Martinek returns healthy? Considering that there's a an IL slot reserved for Martinek, you can never have enough defensemen. It'll be interesting to see who the odd men out are once the season rolls around. Something which could be a tough choice for Scott Gordon.

On paper, the Isles improved with this trade and should be tougher to play against. However, they still haven't addressed gaping holes up front like who's going to put the puck in the net other than Tavares and Matt Moulson? Expect Kyle Okposo to increase production and perhaps Rob Schremp can finish a little more as well. Unless top pick Nino Niederreiter makes the roster, the team still lacks enough skill to help Tavares and Co. Given that they have plenty of cap room, what about bringing back a vet like Bill Guerin or taking a flier on Paul Kariya? Unless P.A. Parenteau proves the Rangers wrong, it looks like the club may struggle to score again.

Goals A Plenty

How to describe last night's Blackhawk 6-5 home win over the Flyers in Game One? Unpredictably offensive. Never have I seen so many goals on such a big stage. You had to love it if you were an NBC exec. The exciting, edge of your seat opener earned the best rating in 11 years with the 2.8 turned in bringing back flashbacks of Sabres-Stars (3.7) on Fox. Heck. It was 12 percent higher than last year's Pens-Wings rematch. Sidney who?

The two traditional markets kicked off this year's Stanley Cup Final with a bang, combining for 11 goals and six lead changes with unsung hero Tomas Kopecky getting the last laugh by outwaiting Brian Boucher for the deciding marker with 11:35 left in the contest. The key sub was in for Andrew Ladd and paid huge dividends, giving Chicago its first win in the Final since 1973 when they fell in six to Montreal. Nearly two decades later, they were swept by the Super Mario Pens. Oddly enough, Pitt's Cup clincher to repeat was an identical 6-5 margin. Last night marked the first time that many goals had been scored since. Hopefully, a franchise that hasn't won Lord Stanley in 49 years will net a different result. If you didn't get enough of the goalfest, Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski has all 11 broken down.

“A lot of action. Shootout at the OK Corral,” deadpanned Chicago coach Joel Quenneville. “Things settled down as the game progressed. Certainly, I don’t think anybody envisioned 5-5 heading into the third period.”

Queeneville's deep club did it despite getting zilch from the top line of Dustin Byfuglien, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, who went a combined minus-nine with Big Buff losing his first battle against Chris Pronger- who fared better tallying two assists, five shots, four hits, two blocked shots and finished plus-two in over 32 minutes. Despite not playing close to their best, Chicago still showed enough resiliency to pull it out thanks to big performances from Kopecky (G, A), Troy Brouwer (2-1-3), Marian Hossa (2 A) and Dave Bolland (SHG, A), Kris Versteeg (G, A) and Niklas Hjalmarsson (2 A, 4 blocked shots). The Hawks' biggest edge showed up, overcoming a four-point night from Daniel Briere (10th G, 3 A), who was the best player. With 27 seconds left in the first, he followed up his own rebound putting the Flyers ahead 3-2. Late in the second, it was his brilliant cross-ice pass to Arron Asham which tied it at five.

It still wasn't enough. The Blackhawks responded with a much better third, using their puck possession and speed to control the tempo. Eventually, it led to the winner. Thanks to an unreal diving keep by Brent Seabrook, the puck stayed in where Bolland and Versteeg combined to set up a wide open Kopecky, who calmly went around Boucher and hit the net. Great composure shown by the ex-Wing who played a whale of a game with Ladd out, also assisting on Versteeg's tally that made it 4-4 halfway through. From there, Antti Niemi shook off a poor first 40 minutes turning aside all six Flyer shots in the third, including a nice glove save on a long Briere try from 50. With Boucher pulled, a Pronger one-timer went wide as the final seconds ticked off giving an ecstatic United Center of over 22,000 strong victory.

Despite falling, the Flyers did many things well including establishing their physicality (40 hits to 37) while connecting once on four power plays while failing to take a single penalty. Though you'd definitely get some argument from the Hawk faithful. They did miss a couple. And as NBC's Doc Emrick noted, kinda odd that the road team got the only PP's. Don't expect that for Game Two tomorrow. But then again, can we really get a duplicate of the fun chaos that ensued last night? The Blackhawk stars weren't alone with the Flyers getting nothing from Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne, who were a combined minus-seven. Claude Giroux wasn't any better going minus-two without a shot. Peter Laviolette's club got strong games out of Scott Hartnell (G, 2 A), Wing castaway Ville Leino (G, A), the aforementioned Briere, Pronger and Asham (G, A). Even former Ranger Blair Betts scored his first postseason goal since '06 when he rang one off the post and in from the right circle. Nice to see unless you're John Tortorella.

Not so nice was the performance of Michael Leighton, who was chased from the net after permitting five on 20 shots. Even if the last wasn't his fault, the journeyman's off day forced Laviolette to go to Boucher, who in his return since a Game Four injury versus Boston two rounds prior was solid, making 11 saves. Does the Cup experienced coach stay with him or go back to a shaky Leighton? We're banking on Bouch.
Hartnell is hoping the ice will be better.

“It’s really chippy. A lot of snow accumulates really fast, so after the first couple of minutes you don’t see those nice crisp passes and things like that. It’s hot outside and humid and stuff like that so hopefully they’ll be able to do a better job for Game 2, the ice guys.”

"It’s so hot outside, I don’t know if you could do anything about it,” echoed Versteeg while noting the difference after the first 10 minutes had been played.

“The last 10, it heats up a bit. There’s nothing they can do about it. They’re not going to change the temperature or anything like that. They’re not going to tell the people to stop screaming and opening doors.”

But as Hartnell's experienced 'mate Pronger points out, it's something he's accustomed to.

“I don’t think it’s any worse than it was in Anaheim or Carolina. As you progress in the playoffs, the ice gets a little bit softer.”
Regardless, it's the same for both sides. Let's drop the puck for Game Two!

Cup Preview: Someone Has To Win

Tomorrow night, the Stanley Cup Final finally gets going. It'll be a battle between two Cup starved franchises that haven't sipped from Lord Stanley in quite a while.

On one side, you got the surprising Flyers looking to bring the trophy back to Broad Street for the first time since winning their only two back-to-back in 1974 and 1975. The miraculous comeback from 3-0 down stunning Boston has Peter Laviolette's club looking like a team of destiny. Boosted by the return of Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere, they finished off Montreal in five. Captain Mike Richards has led the charge with 21 points (6-15-21) playing in every key situation. He's gotten plenty of help from Daniel Briere and Claude Giroux, who've combined for 17 goals. Chris Pronger (4-10-14) has been brilliant anchoring the D while actually making Matt Carle into a viable option.

Without Simon Gagne's amazing return (7 G), Ville Leino's (12 Pts in 13 GP) surprising contributions and the goaltending of tandem Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton, the orange and black aren't here. It all makes for a tremendous story. Something a Ranger blogger and Devil blogger hate to admit. If they pull this off, you have to tip your cap. We're sure the Rangers will be the main source of frustration. Damn Olli Jokinen and silly skill comps. At least Blair Betts is vying for the hardware. Silly Tort.

Standing in their way are the Blackhawks, who are searching for the franchise's first Cup since 1961 when Bobby Hull starred. They've made the Final four times since losing every single one. The last in 1992 to the mighty Pens, who swept them. Nearly two decades later, here are a different batch of Hawks focused on making history. Led by Conn Smythe candidate/captain Jonathan Toews (7-19-26, 3 GW), Joel Queeneville's club has backed up last year's run to the Conference Finals by taking the next step. They'll have home ice and face immense pressure in a city that's still haunted by Steve Bartman. Can a talented squad led by Toews and running mate Patrick Kane (7-13-20) deliver a fourth championship to the Windy City? They'll have to overcome the obstacle of Marian Hossa. The gifted Slovak has made it here three consecutive years losing with Pittsburgh and Detroit the past two years. Is the third time the charm for one of the biggest superstar teases? He'll have to do better than two goals in the first three rounds.

While much of the focus is on him, these Hawks boast incredible depth led by money performer Dustin Byfuglien, who's netted half his eight as deciders including two in sudden death. It should be fun to watch Big Buff battle Pronger in front. Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland have been instrumental with the latter scoring backbreaking goals on breakaways. Kris Versteeg, Troy Brouwer and Cup proven John Madden should give them an edge. Norris hopeful Duncan Keith (1-9-10) anchors the D along with Brent Seabrook (3-6-9 +8) who'll be severely tested by the Flyer forecheck. Brian Campbell could be a key. Meanwhile, Antti Niemi has silenced critics in net keeping Cristobal Huet as far away from ruining it. Can he ace the final test?

It really shapes up to be a good series. Both these teams boast speed and are very effective on the forecheck. The Flyers looking to control the back boards. The Hawks similar but with more skill. Keep an eye on their pinpoint passing. Both teams are effective on special teams. An area that figures to be a real key to who prevails. Of course, whoever can get to the goalie first should have an edge. Boucher returns if Leighton falters. Huet has only seen three shots the whole Spring. Never discount coaching. Laviolette has been here before guiding Carolina to the Cup in 2006. He usually pushes the right buttons and is a master motivator. Queeneville's a good coach but the edge goes to the Flyer bench.

Two big markets battle for the most prestigious trophy in sports. As long as it isn't onesided, figure the series to fare well. I see it going at least six. My heart says Blackhawks but my gut says Flyers. We'll start getting some answers tomorrow on this Memorial Day weekend.

About those Canucks

Well, it looks like it's another wasted year for the Canucks. They couldn't follow up a fantastic season with a deep playoff run as both Hasan and myself foresaw. Ironically, each of us (Devils/Rangers) took them to the Cup Final with Has having them fall to the Ovechkin Caps while I had the 'Nucks winning it all over the Sabres. That collective thud you just heard was our predictions going right into the dumpster.

Hey. Who had the Habs over the Caps and pushing the Crosby Pens to Game Seven tonight? Did anyone take the Bruins deep and figured things were okay until the banged up Flyers woke up? Can they really comeback from 0-3 down?!?!?!?!?! You better believe the B's want no part of a deciding game even if it's in their building.

Yes indeed, these playoffs have been wackier than usual. At least the Sharks as Has accurately predicted are in their second Western Conference Final- not first Versus! Can they ever get their facts straight instead of making their talent look like morons? Almost as bad as having two games going at the same exact time in the East. Thanks for nothing NBC. Take your beloved golf and shove it. Especially Tiger. Thankfully, we won't have a repeat of Monday with the win or go home Montreal/Pittsburgh tilt going off at 7 while Boston/Philadelphia starts an hour later. Before I get to the original subject, let me just point out that the Bruins and Flyers are playing Game Six after the Canadiens and Penguins face off for their series conclusion. How does that work exactly? Okay. Enough about the Bettman-ization of the NBA errrr NHL.

Now to the latest Vancouver mess again proving what a fraud Roberto Luongo is. Like many including Puck Daddy Greg Wyshynski, who also had these Canucks all the way, I thought this batch were better. It all seemed lined up. A dominant top line that featured probable MVP Henrik Sedin, twin brother Daniel Sedin and fired up fellow Swede Mikael Samuelsson. Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Mason Raymond, Pavol Demitra, Steve Bernier and Kyle Wellwood along with a balanced blueline that included Sami Salo (insert balls joke), Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff, Alex Edler and Shane O'Brien should've been enough to take them further. Even without top defender Willie Mitchell, this is a bitter pill to swallow for Alain Vigneault's crew which finished off a hat trick falling 5-1, dropping all three home games to the grittier Blackhawks in the series.

Make it two consecutive Springs Chicago has ended their season. Both in six. Last year as a lower seed highlighted by Patrick Kane's hat trick. This time, as a No.2 to Vancouver's No.3 coming back from a blowout home Game One loss to take four of the next five. Unthinkable. Not taking anything away from Joel Queeneville's talented bunch that prominently features Conn Smythe candidate Jonathan Toews (6-14-20), Kane, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, series tormentor Dustin Byfuglien, Kris Versteeg, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Brian Campbell and Antti Niemi. The Hawks are formidable and worthy of a second straight Final Four appearance where they'll battle the Sharks for the Campbell Trophy.

While it will be refreshing to see new blood vying for Lord Stanley, it doesn't take the Canucks off the hook. They lost to a more disciplined team who turned the series around thanks to Byfuglien. It was his first career playoff hat trick in a Game Three 5-2 win which shifted the momentum. The big 6-4, 257 pound American was moved up by Queeneville to the top line flanking Toews and Kane. Entering that pivotal game, he previously had no points in Chicago's first eight postseason games. From that point, Big Buff recorded four goals and two assists while racking up 10 penalty minutes. Even with it, he used his big frame to make life difficult on Luongo, doing whatever it took to get to the Vancouver netminder. Textbook screening, strong skating, grit that drove the Canucks crazy and finishing. It was in Game Four that the 'Nucks anger boiled over losing their heads by going after Byfuglien. The result was three power play goals allowed and an ugly 7-4 loss putting them on the brink. Though they responded with a 5-2 win in enemy territory, the Canucks couldn't follow it up with a first win in British Columbia. Instead, the 5-1 disgrace further teased their fans who roundly booed. In three home games, they were outscored 17-7. Just brutal.

So, what went wrong? Aside from Niemi outplaying Luongo, the Hawks got strong performances from Toews, Kane and Hossa who despite three points, was very effective on the forecheck. With Toews torching Vancouver for 12 points (4-8-12) including a five-point explosion that included a hat trick, it was one of the Olympic standouts who outshined The Sedins. They didn't get much help with Samuelsson and Daniel only netting one goal apiece, Kesler none and little from first round heroes Bernier and Demitra. Meanwhile, Chicago saw Byfuglien and Versteeg come to life while Dave Bolland also picked it up. Lineup addition Troy Brouwer notched his first goal starting it off yesterday followed by Versteeg 36 seconds later in the second. Louie had little chance on either but Bolland's shorthander with 45 seconds left was a back breaker. He was pressured from behind but still snuck the puck thru Roberto's wickets. One he definitely should've had. At that big moment, you expect a goalie of his caliber to make a momentum turning save. Instead, it flattened their chances.

Sure. O'Brien scored 3:44 into the third giving the league's best come from behind team life. However, despite tons of pressure, they couldn't get another past Niemi, who got help from his D. Before you knew it, there was Kane breaking in and beating Luongo with a change up, letting the air out of the balloon. Only 25 ticks later, Byfuglien broke in on the pedestrian goalie and easily whistled one upstairs for 5-1. On it, it seemed that Luongo gave up, totally off his angle. If he really did and only he knows, it was a sad display. He may have won Olympic gold in relief of Martin Brodeur on a stacked Canada but he was never the same afterwards. The five rebound goals he permitted in Game Three summed it up. For a goalie who always receives high accolades as one of the game's elite, Luongo has advanced past the first round three times. Three series victories before falling apart. Not the kind of playoff resume one would expect. Of course, it wasn't all his fault. His teammates didn't perform well. Perhaps this quote tells you everything.

"I don't think they're a better team than us, but maybe a smarter team."

In the playoffs, you can't just rely on talent. There's also work ethic and discipline plus consistency. Without those three, you morph into the Devils. The one team who didn't come to play. Though we're learning more about why they didn't bother. How is it that Jacques Lemaire resorted to text messages to inform players he earlier told were playing that he changed his mind? Is this the issue in Vancity? Hardly. Do they got the right mix? We believed they did. Was Mitchell missed that much? He sure wouldn't have allowed Byfuglien to run rampant. Right now, the Canucks are as much a mystery as the post-lockout Devs. Difference is one franchise has three Cups. When does it finally change for Vancouver? Will they ever make it back? 1994 is a long time ago. Try telling Dolan.

Until they get H-E-A-R-T, it looks like the Vancouver Canucks have officially replaced San Jose as playoff Tinmen. They sure had us fooled.

Battle Playoff Predictions

It's that fun time of year once again. Finally after a grueling 82-game season that also featured a thrilling Vancouver Olympics with Canada edging USA on Sidney Crosby's sudden death winner, sixteen teams are left to vie for Lord Stanley.

Gone are the Rangers, Anaheim and Calgary. In are mainstays Detroit and the Devils. Is this the Spring San Jose conquers their demons? Can the Ovie-Backstrom Caps win their first Cup? What about playoff hockey finally returning to the Desert for the traditional White Out dating back to Winnipeg? Meaningful hockey also returns to LA and Colorado where two upstarts try to put a dent in playoff brackets. Exciting stuff. Is this the year the Cup returns to Canada? The Sedins hope to deliver. Montreal hopes Halak can carry them to a monumental upset. Do the Hawks have enough goaltending to win the franchise's first championship since Bobby Hull starred in 1961? Can Rinne's Preds play spoiler and win their first series? Are Miller's Sabres being overlooked or is Tuukka Rask ready for primetime? Is Kovalchuk enough to bring Cup No.4 back to Jersey? Or will the Devils' best team since its last winner under Pat Burns go belly up against the hated Flyers? Can the Crosby-Malkin Pens repeat? Who will surprise? Who will disappoint? Who is this year's hero?

All these questions will get answered beginning tomorrow. We'll take our best crack at it.


BATTLE PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

EAST

Conference Quarters:

(1) Capitals over (8) Canadiens in 6  

Analysis: Halak steals a game or two but too much firepower.

(2) Devils over (7) Flyers in 7         

Analysis: Tempted to take Philly but Devs have too much to lose.

(3) Sabres over (6) Bruins in 6          

Analysis: Won't be easy versus Rask but Vanek heating up and Miller.

(4) Penguins over (5) Senators in 5    

Analysis: If Fleury struggles and Elliott performs, this could get interesting.


Conference Semis:

(1) Capitals over (4) Penguins in 6   

Analysis: Depth proves the difference.

(3) Sabres over (2) Devils in 7   

Analysis: Teams are very similar but think Myers and Miller deliver.


Conference Final:

(3) Sabres over (1) Capitals in 6     

Analysis: Goaltending, defense, grit and better coaching wins out.


WEST

Conference Quarters:

(1) Sharks over (8) Avalanche in 5  

Analysis: Too much scoring, depth, experience and so much at stake.

(2) Blackhawks over (7) Predators in 7

Analysis: Rinne/underrated offense scare but home ice/balance boost Hawks.

(3) Canucks over (Kings) in 7         

Analysis: Dangerous opponent but can't go against Sedins and Kesler.

(5) Red Wings over (4) Coyotes in 6

Analysis: Bryzgalov gives 'Yotes chance but Wings hot and prove too much.


Conference Semis:

(5) Red Wings over (1) Sharks in 7

Analysis: Potential for lots of scoring. Will Shark D be exposed?

(3) Canucks over (2) Blackhawks in 6

Analysis: Teams very even. Pressure's on Louie to deliver.


Conference Final:

(3) Canucks over (5) Red Wings in 6

Analysis: A toss-up. Which goalie steps up? Samuelsson haunts former 'mates.


Stanley Cup: A delicious match-up between two Cup starved cities. Think of the storylines. Olympic rematch between Miller and Luongo. Canada versus USA again. Third time post-lockout. It would be a nightmare for NBC but how can you ignore the star power of The Sedins? This would be good for the sport. A battle between three seeds who've been the butt of jokes forever. One gets to end it.

(3) Canucks over (3) Sabres in 6          

Analysis: Hard to go against Vancouver's firepower. Miller would have to steal series. This is the most talented Canuck team since '94. They'll struggle to get past first round but ultimately, they are the best team. Can Alain Vigneault and Louie deliver? That's what we're playing. The time is right. 1-2-3-4 Presssssuuuureee!!!!! Billy Joel would be proud.

Fun Stuff

Stanley Cup Champion-Vancouver Canucks
Conn Smythe-Henrik Sedin, Canucks
Leading Scorer-Henrik Sedin, Canucks
Top Finisher-Thomas Vanek, Sabres
Best Goalie-Ryan Miller, Sabres
Best Defenseman-Tyler Myers, Sabres
Breakout Star-Ryan Kesler, Canucks
Rookie Under Radar-Colin Wilson, Predators
Best Coach-Lindy Ruff, Sabres/Mike Babcock, Red Wings
Coach You Can't Trust-Bruce Boudreau, Capitals
Scary-Evgeni Nabokov, Sharks
Jinx-Marian Hossa, Blackhawks
Disappearing Act-Joe Thornton, Sharks
Hot Seat-Roberto Luongo, Canucks/Jacques Lemaire, Devils

Deadline Eve

For many, Christmas Eve takes on special meaning. The same can be said of Deadline Eve for puckers everywhere. With such a brief chaotic period for GMs to trade, expect the unexpected. Who knows what will happen between now and tomorrow's 3 ET deadline. You know what's great is that sometimes, a couple of late deals sneak through making it all the more exciting for everybody.

While talks will continue, 24 teams are in action on the first busy night back from the Olympics. Sure. Detroit defeated Colorado 3-2 on Nick Lidstrom's winner. But there's a cool baker's dozen with all four Battle teams returning to the ice, including the Sabres taking on Crosby's Pens. Think Ryan Miller must be sick of him already? Don't forget the Winter Classic ending as well. The Islanders play host to the Blackhawks with Dwayne Roloson getting the start. The latest from CSN's Tim Panaccio has Rolo not going to the goalie-desperate Flyers, who lost Ray Emery for the season. Michael Leighton has played well but figure them to chase after Tomas Vokoun, who perhaps the Blackhawks might be interested in.

For the Rangers who are in Ottawa tonight, they'll be minus Mike Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik with Corey Potter in and Dan Girardi expected to play. As we noted in our updated post, our sincerest apologies on the Girardi oversight. He still could move following the game. We'll just have to wait and see. Also of interest, both Aaron Voros and Enver Lisin have been put on waivers. Funny how the first guy worked his butt off even if overpaid while the other never really got a fair shake from John Tortorella after the club acquired him for Lauri Korpikoski...typical.

The Devils have the late game in San Jose against fraud Joe Thornton, who as Buffalo contributor Brian Sanborn noted to me last night, smiled during Canada's celebration because he sure didn't do much to help them win gold. Sad but true. Between his disappearing act and Evgeni Nabokov's quarterfinal implosion along with Russian 'mates, you think Shark fans might be a little concerned?!?!?!?!?! As for the Devs, figure Martin Brodeur to be angry after being benched for Roberto Luongo in similar fashion to how he replaced Cujo at Salt Lake eight years prior. Though it's worth noting the year MB30 won gold in net, the Candy Canes eliminated them in the first round. Maybe sitting was a good omen. Zach Parise also wasn't satisfied with silver and should come out on fire. The Devs get back feisty winger David Clarkson, who will be a huge key down the stretch. Paul Martin is still a giant question mark. Might Lou be interested in another D?

A few players to note who are healthy scratches tonight:

Sean Bergenheim-NYI
Alexei Ponikarovsky-Tor
Aaron Ward-Car

Sure there is more but we're punching away quickly before the puck drops. What else? Well, 48 year-old Chris Chelios is back signing with Hotlanta. Sure is inspirational. The Thrash also added rugged Russian forward Evgeny Artyukhin last night from Anaheim for Nathan Oystrick and a conditional pick. The Ducks also swung a deal just before with Chitown sending Nick Boynton to the Windy City for future considerations. What might that be? An old Jim McMahon Super Bowl poster? ... The Wild have re-signed Marek Zidlicky for three years, $12 million. So, he's off the summer board.

Well, that's it for now. We'll have more later.

New Year's Puck

Tonight, 2009 ends for good. For us East coasters, it's less than seven hours till the ball drops. Apparently, that already has happened for one of our Battle teams.:P There actually is a game between the Habs and Cats now. And for any WJC followers, Tedenby and Josefson scored for Sweden against Finland. The big one takes place at 8 between USA and Canada in Saskatoon. I hope our boys pull it off silencing those nimrods who boo our team. But not holding out much hope there.

Three of four BONY teams do battle tonight. The Rangers visit the Candy Canes at 7:30 while the Islanders are in Ottawa at 7. And a possible Cup preview in the Windy City between the two best teams at present, the Devils and Blackhawks going off half an hour after the big game I'll be locked into. What? You really thought I'd be glued to my pathetic team after last night.


I'd say more but am about to head out and finally sign up for Planet Fitness. Part of my 2010 New Year's Resolutions. I want to thank Hasan, Brian and Underdog for their contributions and of course our fans. Without the readers, this blog would be useless. Thank you to all. Wishing a Happy and healthy New Year!

Rangers fall short in Windy City

A bit late to the fray. But also, didn't see much of the Rangers' latest loss- by a count of 2-1 to the Blackhawks in overtime. A game in which they got outshot severely and couldn't nurse a one-goal lead with Jonathan Toews (PPG) and Dustin Byfuglien (OT winner) to make it five losses in six.

Who cares if we got a point? Based on the little we caught, they hardly had the puck with Chicago in an all out attack which led to three power plays that eventually came back to bite the Blueshirts, who basically hoped Henrik Lundqvist would get a shutout because it was the only chance in Hell. Indeed, he was under siege all night and kept the Hawks at bay until he flopped around like a fish, allowing Toews to flip one upstairs with under six minutes left. We're not saying it was his fault but being down doesn't usually help keep the puck out. Especially on a goalmouth scramble with our exhausted penalty killers.

Not surprisingly, the Hawks won it after Vinny Prospal couldn't bury a great chance, which Duncan Keith got a piece of. Keith, who in our view is the best defenseman this season, then passed to an onrushing Byfuglien who did the rest- abusing Matt Gilroy before deking Lundqvist for the decider. Now, Gilroy made an awful read which can sometimes happen for first-year players. Marian Gaborik tried to get back but it was too little too late which leads us to the goalie. Why wasn't Henrik more aggressive there? If he had come out and pokechecked, Byfuglien never scores and the game probably gets to the skill comp. Just saying.

On a night of little positives, Chris Higgins scored the Rangers' lone tally from Gaborik and Michal Rozsival, who had a strong game. Wade Redden was decent in his return after missing six games. The problem was they had no attack with John Tortorella irate. Hell. Even Mike Keenan on MSG supposedly blasted the lack of effort. Pretty sad considering the days off they had. I could care less if they hate the coach. When you wear that jersey, you play for New York and all the legions of Ranger fans, who live and die with this team. One Cup in 69 years. Is it too much to ask these overpaid stiffs to earn their keep? When Donald Brashear gets more shots/chances than most in his return, that speaks volumes.

Also of note, as we were headed back from The Slope, Dave Maloney chewed up Tort for having no center out during a Blackhawk sequence where they had our guys on their heels. Sometimes, I really wonder what the coach is thinking. Why doesn't P.A. Parenteau get more ice-time? And why is Artie Anisimov getting so little along with Erik Christensen? We're not exactly an offensive juggernaut. One word comes to mind. Popgun.

Well, the Sabres visit MSG Saturday and then the Thrashers. Both of who are much better teams. Will it ever end?

Random thoughts

With a lot of hockey taking place this weekend, I figured I'd bring back my total randomness and give you a little insight. So, here goes:


1.Some HNIC announcer pointed out that Detroit doesn't have much offensive depth up front outside of Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Holmstrom. Well, you don't say. It's much easier to conclude that when Lidstrom, Rafalski, Chelios, Hasek, Cleary and Kronwall are out. How many teams can play good hockey when so many key contributors are out including Detroit's best player? There's no doubt that they could use a little more toughness up front. Maybe Darren McCarty's comeback pans out. You sure hope so.

2.How bad is the Devils radio cast? It's already sad enough that they have the worst announcers in the overmatched Matt Loughlin and Sherry Ross but they were just about to go to commercial and screwed up. God. How can a successful franchise that's won three Cups and produced such great players like Brodeur, Parise, Elias, etc. have such an awful radio broadcast?

It was a much better listen when John Hennessy and Randy Velischek were calling games. Sure. Velischek accentuated the positives but he was a decent analyst and Hennessy was a real play-by-play man. Isn't it about time the Devils scrap this failed experiment? Loughlin's a solid studio host where he worked extremely well with Stan Fischler in the infamous Matt & The Maven segment which always were a blast. Ross is a much better hockey writer for the Daily News than color commentator.

3.For NBC to be airing golf today instead of hockey is a joke. The network's done an admirable job in its third season covering the sport. The team of Mike Milbury and Pierre McGuire is a big improvement. They're really good and not afraid to pull punches. However, with the trade deadline looming, you'd think the NHL's network TV station would have some games on. It's disappointing.

4.Coach of the year candidate: Barry Trotz, Nashville. This guy is just a phenomenal coach. He loses his No.1 goalie along with arguably his best defenseman because of the franchise's uncertainty and still has this team in the playoffs if the season ended today. Oh. He still has good players. J.P. Dumont has been terrific and Alexander Radulov is an emerging star. Jason Arnott has assumed the leadership role and played very well. His best hockey since he helped the Devils win their second Cup. Still, with Chris Mason and Dan Ellis sharing the No.1 goalie duties and an alright blueline which has seen Shea Weber miss a lot of time and no Steve Sullivan up front, this team is overachieving. Trotz really deserves a lot of credit. Especially if they get in in an extremely tough West.

5.Say this for the Kings. They might not be making the playoffs this year but they sure boast an exciting crop of young forwards which will make them an improved team for the future. If Jonathan Bernier develops into the top netminder the franchise expects, they'll be much better. Patrick O'Sullivan has joined a talented roster which features Anze Kopitar, Alexander Frolov, Michael Cammalleri and Dustin Brown. Jack Johnson will get better on the blueline. He made a great hustle play yesterday to allow his team to rally from four down to force OT before falling on Patrick Sharp's rebound goal.

6.Did anyone have Sharp leading the Hawks with 29 goals including an NHL best seven shorthanded?

7.Brodeur's stoning the Caps here. He's made at least four great saves including a big one on league leading finisher Alexander Ovechkin.

8.Do the Canucks have enough scoring to make the playoffs let alone go far? Mats Sundin sure would look good playing alongside countrymen Markus Naslund, the Sedins and Mattias Ohlund.

9.Where will Marian Hossa land?

10.He won't get much recognition but Rick DiPietro has been extremely valuable to the Islanders. The stats say otherwise but anyone who watches that depleted team as they grind their way to stay in this race knows better. How about nominating him for the Vezina alongside Brodeur and Roberto Luongo? It won't happen.

11.I've been pushing him for a while but Andrei Markov needs to be up for the Norris even if it's going to Lidstrom.

12.Hidden superstar: Ryan Getzlaf. If you see any of the Ducks, then you know why. He just does it all. The definition of a power forward who makes teammates better and strikes fear into the opposition.

13.How are the Canes still winning without Rod Brind'Amour and Justin Williams? Plus they unloaded Cory Stillman and key cog Mike Commodore to the Sens. That's a great coaching job by Peter Laviolette.

14.Paul Martin won't be up for the Norris but he's having his best season and really means so much to the Devils' success. A very solid skater who's extremely smart in his end. Now he's finally jumping into the play and finding offense.

15.When Jaromir Jagr decides to play, he's still pretty tough to stop. Too bad his confidence in his ability to score is shot.

16.Who would you rather have? Daniel Briere or Derek Roy? Looks like the Sabres made the right choice.

17.Underrated defenseman: Meet Mike Green. Don't let him wind up or you could pay the price.

18.Jonathan Toews has really raised his level since returning to the Hawks.

19.How does Radim Vrbata have 27 goals in The Desert?!?!?!?!?!

20.Wayne Gretzky's done an unbelievable job with the 'Yotes. Remember when they were a laughingstock? Not anymore.

21.The Sharks still don't look like they have enough scoring to win more than a round.

Poll Question

Easy: Pick the Best Signing So Far...

My votes would be torn between Ouelett in TB, Lang in CHI, Kariya in STL, and Drury with NYR.

What's your take on this lovely Independence Day?

Today's Signings

I was off working on a film today, so here's a roundup of what's happened:

-Lang to CHICAGO, 2 Years
-Roman Hamrlik to MONTREAL, 4 Years, 22 Mill
-Nylander to WASHINGTON, 4 Years, 18 Mill
-Krajicek to VANCOUVER, 2 Years, 2.2 Mill
-Battaglia to TORONTO, 2 years, 1.3 Mill


Your thoughts>?