Picking The Playoffs

It's that fun time of year again. For 16 teams, they dare to dream of hoisting Lord Stanley in the warm month of June filled with champagne and Cup parades. Last year, it was finally Chicago's moment to celebrate their first Cup win since the days of Bobby Hull in 1961 with Patrick Kane playing the hero, stunning the Flyers in sudden death. This year, the defending champs didn't know they were in until the Stars lost to the Wild on the final day of the regular season. Now, they play the role of underdog against the odds on favorite President's Trophy winner Canucks, who are having a special season but have gone out two straight years to those Blackhawks. Will it be a third for Roberto Luongo or is the year the Cup finally returns to Canada for the Canucks first championship?

That and a whole lot more, we'll try to answer in this exciting playoff preview filled with predictions and who will be left standing at the end.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Round One

(1) Capitals over (8) Rangers in 6
(7) Sabres over (2) Flyers in 7
(3) Bruins over (6) Canadiens in 6
(5) Lightning over (4) Penguins in 6

Analysis: Too much pressure on Caps to bow out early to Rangers minus Ryan Callahan. The Flyers were our preseason Cup pick but question marks in goal and with Chris Pronger are bad timing for hot Sabres who can expose weakness and boast better netminding. Bruins-Habs is as good as it gets but Boston's too big and strong for Habs. Unless Carey Price steals it, we can't see a deep Boston club losing. The Bolts are hot and Vinny Lecavalier's back. Pens will have problems scoring unless Sid The Kid returns. Marc-Andre Fleury is their best bet.

Conference Semis

(1) Caps over (7) Sabres in 6
(3) Bruins over (5) Lightning in 5

Analysis: Ryan Miller could make things interesting but a more talented and healthier Cap roster prevails thanks to Ovechkin. Boston's size will create problems for high-tempo Bolts. Physicality will prove too much.

Conference Final

(3) Bruins over (1) Caps in 6

Analysis: Unless Tim Thomas folds, this should be the year Boston returns to the Final for the first time since the days of Adam Oates, Cam Neely and Ray Bourque. Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic lead a strong Bruins club in search of first Cup since '72 (Orr, Espo).

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Round One

(1) Canucks over (8) Blackhawks in 6
(2) Sharks over (7) Kings in 6
(6) Coyotes over (3) Red Wings in 7
(4) Ducks over (5) Predators in 6

Analysis: Canucks are deeper and better. Ryan Kesler should have a big series and Christian Ehrhoff's emerged into a tower on the blueline. Luongo's experience over Corey Crawford. It'll be heated but Vancouver can't lose this time. If the Kings had Anze Kopitar, I'd take them over Sharks. Sharks boast too many weapons including Calder hopeful Logan Couture. The 'Yotes came close last year. Unless Henrik Zetterberg plays, they should finally win franchise's first series since the '87 Jets. Ilya Bryzgalov and Keith Yandle are difference. Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber give Nashville a chance but too much Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne and Norris pick Lubomir Visnovsky.

Conference Semis

(1) Canucks over (6) Coyotes in 5
(4) Ducks over (2) Sharks in 7

Analysis: Canucks have too much firepower for Coyotes. Big series for The Sedins and Alex Burrows. The Sharks are deeper but would you go against Perry, Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf? Ducks blueline also is underrated with Francois Beauchemin and Toni Lydman plus rook Cam Barker. If they lose, it'll be because of goaltending where Ray Emery's the guy with Jonas Hiller (vertigo) sidelined.

Conference Final

(1) Canucks over (4) Ducks in 7

Analysis: A rematch of '07 this time goes to 'Nucks, who are more balanced up front and on back end with Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler and Keith Ballard big minute loggers. The goaltending also favors them. Look for scrappy additions Max Lapierre, Raffi Torres, Chris Higgins and Jeff Tambellini (yes that guy) to contribute at key moments. It should be enough to get them to their first Final appearance since '94.


STANLEY CUP

(1) Canucks over (3) Bruins in 6

Analysis: The battle between Neely's former team that gave him away and the one he emerged into one of the game's premier power forwards much like protoge Lucic, should be intense. A sexy goalie match-up featuring Vezina frontrunner Thomas versus Luongo, who has never performed well on the big stage. A contrast in styles between the magician-esque Sedins and the in your face B's led by Lucic, overlooked duo David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron, along with Nathan Horton and warrior Mark Recchi. A battle on the blueline featuring Ehrhoff and Zdeno Chara. The Canucks' talent should win out along with better depth on the back end. If it comes down, it should be a fantastic series. If they're ever gonna do it, now's the time.


Stanley Cup Champs-Vancouver Canucks
Conn Smythe-Ryan Kesler

Tracking The Race: Perry explosion ousts Iginla's Flames

The playoff races continue to be eye popping, especially in the West. While out East, it's still three teams for two spots with the Canes winning last night over the Red Wings, the West picture got a bit clearer thanks to wins from the Kings, Blackhawks and Ducks last night. LA's 3-2 shootout win over Phoenix clinched a playoff berth- vaulting them to fourth over the Predators with 98 points. The Coyotes need one point or any loss from the Stars or those behind them to wrap up a second straight postseason.

In the game of the night, the Hawks posted a wild 4-3 overtime win over old Norris rival St. Louis, increasing their chances of defending the Cup. Chris Stewart forced OT by powering past Duncan Keith and rifling one upstairs on Calder candidate Corey Crawford. In danger a second consecutive night of losing out on a valuable point, Crawford delivered a couple of money stops and captain Jonathan Toews beat Ty Conklin on a breakaway, lifting his team to the huge triumph. Toews' 32nd goal gave Chicago 95 points, who need just two more to qualify.

The Flames knew they needed help from San Jose even if they won. In the Battle Of Alberta, Calgary took care of business on the strength of captain Jarome Iginla's hat trick in a 6-1 rout of Edmonton. He once again scored 40 in a season, doing so for the fourth time in a brilliant career that's also included a 50 goal campaign in '07-08. Down the stretch the classy superstar was brilliant, putting up 14 points (9-5-14) over the last six games, featuring his second hat trick of the season. Since March 1, Iginla's scored a ridiculous 17 goals along with 10 assists, totaling 27 points- erasing doubts that the 33 year-old was on the downside. It's a shame that we won't get to see one of the game's brightest stars in the playoffs. If only they'd brought in Jay Feaster earlier to replace Daryl Sutter. During the run, Iginla's moved up to third in goals behind Rocket Richard leader Corey Perry (50) and Steven Stamkos (44) while tying Alex Ovechkin for sixth in scoring with 85 points (42-43-85). If not for a torrid pace from Perry, who now is front and center in the Hart discussion with The Sedins, Martin St. Louis, Tim Thomas, Carey Price and Pekka Rinne, Iginla would probably be at the top of the list for rescuing his team. Instead, he won't be part of the playoffs.

Meanwhile at The Pond Honda Center, the Sharks were no match for Perry, who continued his scoring assault by notching his third hat trick of '10-11 along with a helper in a 6-2 demolishing of their close California rival. So spectacular were the first two goals that they'll be replayed for quite a while with one an amazing forehand, triple deke to the backhand, roof job on a helpless Antero Niittymaki, who made his first start in 35 games, finally giving Finnish countryman Antti Niemi a night off. The poor ex-Flyer had no chance.

“Fifty is a huge number,” beamed Perry after increasing the NHL's streak of 50 goal scorers to six post-lockout.  “Everybody talks about it, (but) not a whole lot of people get to do it and be in that category. It hasn’t really sunk in.”

“It’s a tip to all of us when he can get 50, but it still takes a special player to get there,” proud linemate Ryan Getzlaf praised of Perry's work that's seen him rip up NHL goalies for 19 goals over the last 14 games. “He’s one of those guys who rise to the occasion. He plays playoff hockey any time you need him. He has proven time and time again he can play in those big games and have results.”

Perry's recent dominance that features a current 10-game point streak (14-8-22) has elevated the Duck to second in scoring with his 97 points (50-47-97) only trailing Daniel Sedin (41-59-100)
Ironically, the tear has him a point (28-27) better than Iginla since March. Going a step further, Perry is 25-20-45 since the All-Star break. No wonder he's at the top of many MVP lists. The Ducks aren't in yet with Dallas holding an extra game that includes a pivotal home-and-home versus the Avalanche tonight and tomorrow. With a home-and-home against the rival Kings tomorrow and Saturday, the Ducks can punch their playoff ticket by winning. They sit seventh in the West due to more regulation/OT wins than the Hawks, who also have two remaining in a home-and-home traditional theme versus chief rival Detroit Friday and Sunday. If Dallas wins its final three including a visit to Minnesota on the final day of the season, that would put them at 97 points. However, they'd come up short if tied due to the new tiebreaker. So, the Stars still need help. Quite fascinating stuff.

The East race is well documented with the Sabres (92 Pts), Rangers (91) and Hurricanes (89) all battling for the final two spots. For Buffalo, one point will ensure them a second straight postseason. They face the Flyers at home tomorrow and travel to Columbus Saturday. The Rangers need three points. A win tonight versus Atlanta would put them in good shape, forcing the Canes to stave off elimination tomorrow against those same Thrashers in Georgia. They could need to beat the Hudson rival Devils Saturday to wrap up the playoffs for a fifth time in six years. Meanwhile, Carolina will watch the action later and then battle Atlanta and finish with Tampa at home Saturday.

Random Musings

Normally, I only get to do Ranger recaps. Especially with my blogging limited to the New York Public Library. Rather than relive another frustrating Ranger loss in which they saw their shadow, I figured it's time to chime in on what's happening around the league. Without further notice, in no particular order:

1.The Devils' 10-1-2 run has got them within 15 points of eighth. Amazing considering at one point they were like 10-29. Ilya Kovalchuk has turned his year around and Jacques Lemaire is once again proving why he's such a good coach- squeezing whatever he can out of Brian Rolston, Dainius Zubrus and kids Nick Palmeiri and Mattias Tedenby. Can they make the playoffs? Well, considering how weak the competition is, they have a slight chance. But one slip up could prove costly. Simply put, just keep winning and anything's possible.

2.The Sabres are only a few points off eighth themselves. Boosted by Drew Stafford's latest hat trick that hiked his total to 20 goals in a stunning 7-4 come from behind win over second seeded Tampa, Buffalo has a more realistic shot at making it. It all depends on Ryan Miller and whether Tyler Myers can turn it on. In the mean time, they're getting inspired play from Stafford, Thomas Vanek, Jordan Leopold (actual Regier steal) and rookie Tyler Ennis. If they're to be taken seriously, then tonight's a must win at Florida who are two points behind.

3.Speaking of the Panthers, I know Dale Tallon used to be the Blackhawks' GM but that doesn't mean he gets to hook up his former team. What on earth was he thinking dealing away Michael Frolik and goalie prospect Alexander Salak to Chitown for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman and David Pacan. Yes! That Jessiman. Skille could evolve into a solid player but Frolik has higher end skill and Salak is tearing up the Swedish Elite League. It says here that this could be one of those deals that's a steal for the Blackhawks.

4.Does anyone have worse luck than the Islanders? Rick DiPietro goes down again after foolishly engaging Matt Cooke, leading to a one punch knockdown by Brent Johnson. Then, Kevin Poulin trips over a rut in the ice during warmups the other night finishing the poor rookie for the season and forcing Mikko Koskinen into his first start a half hour prior- an Islander 5-3 loss. Now, GM Garth Snow is banking on former Rangers' first round bust Al Montoya, who he acquired last night for a pick. It just amazes. Does Montoya debut for the Islanders tonight in Montreal fresh off a beatdown literally from nemesis Boston? Could the timing be any worse?

5.Speaking of the beatdown the Bruins put on the Canadiens last night in one of the all-time greatest regular season games, what can you say about their revenge following Max Pacioretty's antics last time out when he celebrated an OT winner by shoving Boston captain Zdeno Chara? It was a hockey civil war at TD Garden with one of the most heated rivalries going back and forth literally in a game that featured 14 combined goals, 182 penalty minutes including at least eight fights and a rivalry record eight goals in the second period with seven coming in just over a six-minute span! This was armageddon or as we love to reference from hockey classic Slap Shot, "Old-Time Hockey!!!!!" Indeed, Eddie Shore and Paul Newman's Reggie Dunlop character along with The Hanson Brothers would've been proud. Even All-Star goalies Carey Price and Tim Thomas got involved in a wrestling match with Price wisely not hitting Thomas while he was down for risk of injury. That along with Benoit Pouliot letting up on a fallen David Krejci were the only signs of respect. When you have a line brawl that features 11 different players in the penalty boxes with the Boston crew entertaining the crowd by alternating Habs and Bruins to boos and cheers, you got something special. Even if the Bruins went out of their way to exact revenge with Nathan Horton getting right in PK Subban's face, igniting it. There was also Johnny Boychuk pounding Jaroslav Spacek and poor Tom Pyatt bloodied by Greg Campbell. The level of insanity was absurd. Underrated B's rookie Brad Marchand ran James Wisniewski after an icing that had NHL Network's panel labeling him dirty. This was classic throwdown hockey at its best. The rematch is March 7 with the other meeting on my Dad's birthday, March 24 next month. Get your popcorn ready!

6.Don't you just love how Brian Burke keeps reacquiring his own players from the Ducks. This time, he unloaded Francois Beauchemin back to Anaheim where the defenseman won a Cup under Burke for oft-injured Joffrey Lupul and Burke '07 first round pick Jake Gardiner. It looks like a good deal for both sides with Anaheim boosting their blueline while the Leafs get a prospect for the future. We're not sure what to expect from Lupul, whose salary is over four million. Staying healthy would be advisable.

7.Jonas Gustavsson isn't going anywhere. Especially after being removed from a Marlies blowout of the Whale yesterday after a heart issue. Even if minor, who is going to take a chance on the Swede who's lost his confidence? At least rookie James Reimer looks legit thus far. With breakout seasons for Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin along with Clarke MacArthur, things are looking up for the Leafs as they take on the Devils tonight. What it all means for much rumored Tomas Kaberle who gets Beauchemin's 'A' remains to be seen. You just never know what Burke's thinking. You have to figure close buddy Ron Wilson's gone after the season with his relationship with Phil Kessel sour. Who knows what Toronto will look like next Fall?

8.Is it a tad ironic how well Calgary's played since Jay Feaster replaced Christmas grinch Darryl Suter upstairs? The Flames aren't the most talented but everyone's chipping in and they suddenly find themselves in if the season ended today while defending champion Chicago would be out. We can't see that continuing.

9.Whatever happened to Marian Hossa, superstar?

10.So, Peter Forsberg's coming back again for the struggling Avs? Does he got anything left? Foppa looked good at last year's Olympics but competing in the NHL everyday is stressful. Forsberg's one of the all-time great talents having won Olympic gold twice, Lord Stanley, Art Ross and Hart Trophy. His legacy remains intact regardless if this comeback succeeds. But when you look at all the injuries, isn't it a little sad/ironic that his career has taken a similar path to link Eric Lindros? You know Lindros probably will never make the Hockey Hall Of Fame despite excellent numbers along with an MVP. But Forsberg probably will due to having more hardware and not being pampered his whole life. The Quebec controversy and the way his Flyers' career ended which we still blame on Bobby Clarke along with all the concussions overshadow Lindros' contributions. One of the most dominant big men to ever play the game. Why else does Patrick Kane wear No.88? It just makes you wonder.

11.I'm a former top finisher. I scored 42 goals last season and a career high 86 points in my first season on Broadway. Have You Seen Me?

12.With Sid The Kid still uncertain when he'll return from a concussion, here's our top Hart candidates:

A.Steven Stamkos, TB: 40-43-73
B.Daniel Sedin, Van: 29-43-72
C.Tim Thomas, Bos: 26 Wins, 1.91 GAA, .942 Save Pct, 7 SHO
D.Ryan Kesler, Van: 32-22-54, 10 PPG, 6 GW

13.Finally, Matt Cooke got suspended four games for boarding Fedor Tyutin from behind in the Pens' 4-1 home loss to the Blue Jackets. What is there left to say about a man who once was a good hockey player minus the cheap tactics he's performed since donning a Pens' jersey? I recall a time when Cooke was a pretty clean player for the Canucks. One I respected. He then was dealt to the Caps. Is it ironic that he stuck his leg out at Alex Ovechkin in similar fashion to Ovi's trip that injured Olympic Russian teammate Sergei Gonchar two Springs prior? We doubt it. Cooke always lived dangerously injuring players and usually getting away with it. This time, the league finally took action. We all know the history with Marc Savard, who is shutdown again following another concussion. This isn't about one severe head shot but about a player who goes out of his way to injure opponents. What happened to him? Did he sell his soul to the Devil? One day, someone's going to get Cooke. Then, we'll see how he likes it and what the same foolish fans who defend him have to say.

14.A shame about Evgeni Malkin, who's been plagued with knee problems all year. The gifted Russian who won the Conn Smythe in the Pens' third Stanley Cup two years ago will have season ending ACL/MCL surgery. He's expected to be back in time for training camp. We'll see. Wishing one of the game's special talents a speedy recovery.

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.

Rangers re-sign Girardi, swap Voros for Eminger

Twenty four hours removed from a predictable disappointment of a clown for the other Garden tenant, the Rangers took care of some business by getting Dan Girardi re-signed and swapping Aaron Voros for Steve Eminger.

From most indications, it looks like Glen Sather got Girardi at fair value with it rumored to be two years, $4 million. Not bad considering there'd been talk that the 26 year-old who made the team as an undrafted free agent in '06-07 was said to be seeking three million-per-year. Instead of going to arbitration, the overachiever from Welland, Ontario returns for two more seasons at a friendly price.

UPDATE: Per Larry Brooks of the NY Post, Girardi received four years at $3.325 million-per-season. So much for the more affordable rumor. It's definitely overpayment but more in line with what he wanted. How that impacts unsigned Marc Staal remains to be seen. The cost just went up thanks to San Jose signing Chicago blueliner Niklas Hjalmarsson to a four-year, $14 million offersheet which leaves the Hawks seven days to match. That development certainly isn't positive for the Rangers, who must get Staal done.

In the mean time, Slats has done admirably getting Girardi re-signed along with Vinny Prospal and Erik Christensen while also signing Wisconsin duo Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh. If only he didn't break the bank for one-dimensional pugilist Derek Boogard. Well, you can't have everything when you got a senile GM running the asylum. Hopefully, Martin Biron doesn't bomb as Henrik Lundqvist's backup and Boogard protects teammates and maybe miraculously scores a goal.

As much criticism as Girardi received for not standing up for Marian Gaborik in the Daniel Carcillo humiliation, he did learn stepping in for Artem Anisimov against the hated Flyers where this time the culprit was clown Scott Hartnell. Is Danny G perfect? No. Consistency is still an issue for the soon to be fifth year NHLer. He's had good moments where he not only plays steady in his end but also contributes offensively. However, there have also been bad ones where he doesn't get it done and isn't a factor.

Perhaps that's to be expected from a guy who wasn't drafted. Still, this is a top four D who logs big minutes. Whether he's being used in a shutdown role alongside Staal or working with promising Mike Del Zotto, Girardi's been a good team player. He also isn't afraid to mix it up as his 180 blocked shots (6th in NHL) and 178 hits (T-12th among D) demonstrate. Not only does Danny G sacrifice his body but No.5's been durable playing in 280 consecutive games. There were quite a few where he took his lumps and returned. If he can improve on the six goals and 18 helpers produced last season, that would be nice. It's a matter of consistency. He'll certainly be one of the club's leaders. Time to step up.

After getting one order of business done, Slats wasn't finished, sending the popular Voros along with prospect Ryan Hillier to Anaheim for Eminger. The 26 year-old from Woodbridge, Ontario is a former first round pick ('02-12th overall) who's bounced around the league. Originally a Cap, he's moved four different times over two years going from Philly to Tampa to Florida and then Anaheim where he performed decently- registering four goals and 12 assists with 30 PIM while registering 99 blocks in 63 contests in '09-10.

Truth be told, Eminger isn't bad. He can skate and move the puck effectively while also being capable of offense. By moving Voros who earned a ton of respect from teammates and fans alike this past season, Sather fills a void. It's essentially an even swap with Eminger making $1.5 million to Voros' $1.4. Voros' days were numbered once the Ranger Team President/GM committed to Boogard and re-signed Brandon Prust. With Sean Avery also back and possibly Dane Byers or Dale Weise competiting for a spot, it made sense to move Voros, who hopefully will get a better opportunity with the Ducks.

Acquiring Eminger, who's a righty shot means that he'll be in competition with sophomore Matt Gilroy for the sixth slot on the blueline. Figure Gilroy to have the upper hand but he better not take it fore granted. Now, all Slats must do is get Staal under contract. As long as he can, the Wade Redden Era Error should finally end. Here's hoping.

Yeesh

How in the world did they pass on Cam Fowler? I can't believe he fell like a rock. It was all setting up to be a homerun. Imagine a blueline with Staal, Del Zotto, Fowler, McDonagh and Girardi (assuming re-signed). Heck. They could've traded the pick down and taken Tarashenko or Kuznetsov.

Instead, like a pile of bricks that is the Ranger franchise, they select Dylan McIlrath?!?!?!?!?! I could care less how tough he is. I don't care about his 19 fights. When you get a chance to take a Niedermayer-type who now oddly enough gets his Ducks jersey from him at the podium as No.12 overall, you take him! There was the familiar Pierre McGuire going ga ga over poor Fowler for sliding and praising the Ducks while ripping our loser team and other GMs who obviously forgot to take their med or had way too much scotch. I am flabbergasted.

Another example of NYRFail. Hence my tweet.


The magnitude of this royal suckage is too much. Arrrrrgh.

Islanders blanked by Quick

If they fall short in their bid for a postseason, the Islanders will look back on the past 24 hours in California. A night removed from a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime defeat to Saku Koivu and Anaheim, the Long Island club was blanked by Los Angeles 1-zip at Staples Center. Jon Quick turned aside all 26 in backstopping the Kings past Scott Gordon's club- dealing them a second consecutive tough loss.

Unlike Friday when the roof caved in with the team blowing a 4-2 third period lead before Koivu won it 14 seconds into OT, the Islanders never led against another desperate club attempting to qualify for their first postseason since 2001-02. Terry Murray's bunch entered with 85 points- four better than Calgary and Detroit, who pulled off another magic rabbit out of the hat in a thriller against Vancouver courtesy of Henrik Zetterberg. With Nashville also pulling out a 1-0 OT decision in Columbus, the pressure was on LA to hold serve. Thanks to Brad Richardson's tally midway through the first period, Quick was able to make it stand up, moving the Kings past the Preds into fifth out West with 87 points. One better than idle Colorado, who fell to seventh with the Wings three back and ninth Calgary five out.

While that was good news for their opponent, it sure did nothing for the Islanders who remained at 68 points tied with red hot Carolina, who came back to beat Pittsburgh courtesy of Jamie McBain's OT winner with under a second left moving them into a three-way 11th place tie with the Lightning (3-1 loss to Caps) and Isles. Technically, Gordon's club ranks 13th by virtue of one more game played (72-71). Trailing eighth Boston by six with only 10 left, they'll actually have to root for the Rangers later today in the NBC Of The Week. They'll need the enemy to win in regulation. Go figure. While March Madness is taking place in another sport, there's plenty of madness going on in the NHL where you had Calgary fans rooting for the Canucks tonight to no avail.

No doubt these are desperate times for a young Islander team led by rookie John Tavares, whose five-point game in a win over those Nucks a few nights ago gave them life in this wacky race. If only they'd held onto that two-goal lead a night before, which ultimately saw a furious Gordon walk out of a press conference following the dreaded third period question. Sure. They got a point but at this pressure packed time of year, you need every single one. Especially with the wins tiebreaker. Their 29 victories are two less than Boston, the Rangers and Atlanta, who go Niclas Bergfors' 20th (7th as a Thrasher) in a 5-2 home triumph over Philadelphia to pull within a point of the Bruins.

The odds are stacked against them but stranger things have happened. Aside from Carolina, nobody's playing well. If the Isles can put together one more good stretch, who knows? They don't play again until Wednesday's Garden 3D clash against the Rangers before returning home for a tough back-to-back against Calgary. They'll then visit Columbus before seeing the Blueshirts once more on March 30. In other words, those games will have even more significance. Of a possible 20 points that could take them to a max of 88, they'll likely need to go 8-1-1 to give themselves a realistic chance. Not bad for a team written off before the season in Year 1 Of JT91. Believe it or not, 85 could do it for that final spot. In '02-03, under the guidance of Peter Laviolette, the Islanders squeezed out 83 to hold off the Rangers.

Can a similar miracle take place? While they'll need plenty of help, the Islanders will need to play their best hockey. One point will no longer do. And zero like they got Saturday are a no no. Sure. They competed hard against a solid team who also want to steal some of the spotlight from Kobe's Lakers. But despite coming close with Tavares setting up Kyle Okposo on the doorstep with nine seconds left, it wasn't enough.

Unfortunately, Richardson's lone tally stood up. The only goal was set up by Wayne Simmonds, who dug out a loose puck and found his teammate in the slot for a wrister which beat Dwayne Roloson at 13:35 of the first. The Isles did get chances but weren't able to solve Quick, who also got help from his best friend the goalpost on a Tavares shot early in the second. Late in the stanza, the rookie had another glorious chance denied when his backhand was shutdown by the sprawling Kings' netminder. It was that kind of night.

“We had some glorious opportunities, but they got the best of us,”a disappointed former King and leading Islander finisher Matt Moulson expressed. “One big mistake cost us the game.”

Roloson, who played a stellar game himself turning aside 25 of 26, thwarted Jarrett Stoll's shorthanded bid to keep it a one-goal deficit with under 16 minutes remaining. It wasn't a good night for the Islander power play which fired blanks in four chances against a hot PK that's now killed 24 straight.

“The penalty kill is just really about work and execution,” LA captain Dustin Brown said. “We’ve kind of gotten into a groove with short shifts.”

For New York, it would come down to the wire with Gordon pulling Roloson for an extra skater with over a minute to go. The Kings killed most of it with stellar work in the neutral zone. However, finally a Mark Streit dump with under 35 ticks left gave his teammates a chance to recover the puck along the right wall. A great hustle play by Richard Park kept it alive where Tavares got the biscuit behind the net and quickly threaded a no-look backhand feed to Okposo. But Friday's multi-goal scorer couldn't beat Quick, who was in perfect position to snuff out the dangerous opportunity.

Needing to win the draw for one last shot, the Isles couldn't as LA won the puck and cleared the zone as time wound down- dealing them another hard defeat. Now, they become spectators and will have to hope for help from the Rangers until they meet Wednesday. Insanity.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brad Richardson, LA (game-winner-11th of season, 0 goals in '09-10)
2nd Star-Dwayne Roloson, NYI (25 saves in 45th start of season)
1st Star-Jon Quick, LA (26 saves for 4th SHO of season-8th career)

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.

Leafs deal for Giguere and Phaneuf

Yesterday will go down as Maple Leaf Day. With his club languishing in last off a brutal 4-3 home loss to the Canucks in which they blew a 3-0 lead, Brian Burke finally did something The savvy exec, whose penchant for making big moves never wavers, revamped in net and on the blueline acquiring Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Dion Phaneuf in separate deals.

Hints at the first trade came a day prior when the Ducks extended top goalie Jonas Hiller, setting the stage for Giguere's Anaheim career to come to an end. With Burke desperately in search for a netminder to stop the bleeding, he turned to old pal Giggy Jiggy (thanks @Erin Rose)who backstopped the Ducks to Lord Stanley in 2006-07.

Vesa Toskala and Jason Blake were sent packing for the 32 year-old former Conn Smythe winner who'll reunite with Burke in an attempt to turn both his career and the Leafs around. Giguere earns $6 million this year and gets $7 M next year. Can he regain his old form or will the Cup winner be in an identical situation with Jonas Gustavsson? Only time shall tell. Meanwhile, the Ducks acquire Toskala ($4 M) who comes off the books this summer, saving them space. However, Blake earns the same salary and has two more years left. He's 36 and had just 10 goals this season. Better hope he finds the Fountain Of Youth in Tinsel Town.

Who Wins? MAPLE LEAFS

They get a proven goalie capable of shouldering the load, which likely won't be necessary due to their Swedish Monster project. Burke sacrificed little and upgraded at an important position. The Ducks get a serviceable backup who's once again blocking former Leaf prospect Justin Pogge albeit temporarily. They free up space but take on Blake.

Burke's second move was even bigger going for the much maligned Phaneuf, who Calgary was basically whoreing. The seven-player trade between the Flames and Leafs stunned the hockey world. Phaneuf, Freddy Sjostrom and defense prospect Keith Aulie went to the Hockey Capital in exchange for a package that included Ian White, Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and Jamal Mayers. It's amazing to think in the Cap Era that such a blockbuster deal involving big salaries could actually be consumated, speaking to the gambling nature of Burke, who added Phaneuf's hefty $6.5 million paytag to a crowded blueline that includes Tomas Kaberle ($4.25 M) along with overpaid duds Francois Beauchemin ($3.8 M) and Mike Komisarek ($4.5 M). With Jeff Finger ($3.5 M), Garnet Exelby ($1.39 M) plus kids Luke Schenn ($2.975 M) and Carl Gunnarsson (626 K). Mike Van Ryn ($2.9 M) anyone?!?!?!?!?! Figure Kaberle to be on the move if he agrees to waive his no-trade.

By unloading Stajan and Hagman, the Leafs boast little up front outside of top scorer Alexei Ponikarovsky and Phil Kessel with Lee Stempniak the third best option. With only 148 goals, Toronto was already a lowscoring team. Unless they see improvement from Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, John Mitchell and kid trio Tyler Bozak, Viktor Stalberg and Christian Hanson, it could become uglier. What Burke's banking on is that Phaneuf rediscovers the talent that made him a Norris candidate while Giguere shores up the goaltending. The last thing the Leafs want is to finish last in the East with only Edmonton worse, meaning that No.1 pick they traded to Boston could actually turn into Taylor Hall. Considering that this is the same franchise that gave away Tuukka Rask to the B's for Andrew Raycroft, who got the ultimate revenge coming in relief of Roberto Luongo the other night, it would be EPIC FAIL.

There's no doubt Burke got the most talented player back in the enigmatic Phaneuf, who has regressed. Still just 24, he possesses a lot of physical tools including a booming shot along with utilizing his size for thunderous hits that can intimidate opponents. Basically, he's Komisarek with offense. A high risk player who often will go for the big hit, prone to getting caught out of position. There's also a reputation with a few dangerous blows coming under intense scrutiny. Think that's going to change in Toronto where everything's under the microscope? Opponents will be out for retribution making the former 2003 Calgary ninth overall pick a target.

If he wants to have a long career, it may be wise for Phaneuf to tone it down because that kind of rugged style tends to create wear and tear. With another four years to go, what kind of player will he be? Offense is also a concern with the Edmonton native's production way down. Sure. The 10 goals are fine but how can he only have 12 assists? You'd think playing under Junior coach Brent Sutter would've benefited him. Instead, the Sutters gave up on him with rumors that he was a locker room problem. No wonder local fans were split on acquiring the big guy. On one hand, you can argue that Burke didn't give up anyone with that kind of potential. Even if White's a year older and a solid player, he's not in Phaneuf's league.

Stajan and Hagman weren't part of the Leafs' future and are good fits for a Calgary club that lacks scoring depth. White is a decent return who is added to what should still be a good back end featuring Jay Bouwmeester, Robyn Regehr and emerging Mark Giordano. Vet Cory Sarich, Adam Pardy and Aaron Johnson are also still around.

Who Wins? NO DECISION

It would be easy to say the Maple Leafs because they got the best player and also added Aulie, who's supposed to be decent. However, the deal hinges on Phaneuf. Can he regain the form that made him an All-Star or is he a headcase? While we won't know the end result on one side for a while, for the Flames it's all about now. They expected to compete in a crowded West for the Cup. Instead, they broke up part of their core to plug holes. A 6-1 blowout of hapless Alberta rival Edmonton doesn't mean they're back. They were reeling and needed a change. Will it work? Stajan is a nice player who can play first or second line. Does he get to play with Jarome Iginla? Daymond Langkow really should be anchoring another line. If Olli Jokinen is traded today, then they get even more depth in Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik. But why in the world would you take Kotalik? Makes little sense unless they're setting up for another big move. Kovalchuk??? They'll have a lot more space this summer.

If Calgary doesn't make the playoffs, they lose with probably just White (RFA) being re-signed. At least Toronto has Phaneuf for a while. The big question lingers.

Wednesday Night Wrap: Three OT's and Three Goals for Stastny

Anaheim 2
Detroit 3 (SO)
ANA: Bertuzzi, Getzlaf
DET: Zetterburg, Holmstrom
SHOOTOUT WINNER: Hudler

Montreal 3 (OT)
Carolina 2
MTL: Streit, Koivu (2)
CAR: Cole, Hedican
OT Winner: Koivu (1:05)

Ottawa 4 (OT)
Toronto 3
OTT: Vermette, Alfredsson, Heatley (2)
TOR: Antropov (2), Stajan
OT Winner: Heatley (2:57)

Dallas 3
Colorado 4
DAL: Halpern, Jokinen, Hagman
COL: Stastny (3), Wolski

NOTES:

-Good work turned in from VERSUS. They're very close to "finely tuned machine" status. The new game recap graphics are ESPN-quality, and Mike Emrick, Bill Patrick, Keith Jones and Daryl Reaugh were stellar in particular.

-This Stastny kid will get 35-40 if he stays healthy this season. He's a "Flash" type of player, he pops in and out of your TV screen.

-Where did the Hnlika come from?

-Anaheim looked a little lagged tonight.

-Rafalski looked like a completely different player in a Detroit uniform.

Devils tomorrow...cannot wait.

Hockey Tonight!

Finally.

Here's VERSUS' schedule for tonight:

5:30 Lord Stanley's Summer - Trivails and Trips over the Ducks' Cup Winning Summer..
6:30 Hockey Central - Pre-Game Show, New Studio, New Host, In HD.
7:00 Anaheim vs. Detroit - Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Chris Simpson
9:30 Dallas vs. Colorado - Joe Beninati, Daryl Reaugh, Bob Harwood
12:00 Hockey Central

Predictions later today.

Game 2 of the BoC London Showdown

Game 2 of Ducks-Kings at 12PM on VERSUS. Not sure who's doing a liveblog today, I'll update it if I see one.


I'll leave you with this...

London calling to the faraway towns
Now that war is declared-and battle come down
London calling to the underworld
Come out of the cupboard, all you boys and girls
London calling, now don't look at us
All that phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust
London calling, see we ain't got no swing
'Cept for the ring of that truncheon thing

CHORUS
The ice age is coming, the sun is zooming in
Engines stop running and the wheat is growing thin
A nuclear error, but I have no fear
London is drowning-and I live by the river

London calling to the imitation zone
Forget it, brother, an' go it alone
London calling upon the zombies of death
Quit holding out-and draw another breath
London calling-and I don't wanna shout
But when we were talking-I saw you nodding out
London calling, see we ain't got no highs
Except for that one with the yellowy eyes

CHORUS

Now get this
London calling, yeah, I was there, too
An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!
London calling at the top of the dial
After all this, won't you give me a smile?

I never felt so much a' like

Shut Up and Play Time

Kings-Ducks at Noon Today. Awww Yeah.

HDNet for those who have it in America
CBC in Canada.
Center Ice for all.

Enjoy.

Oh, and enjoy Battle of Califonia's liveblog done by the superbly named Rudy Kelly.

Back with a cap after the game.

SFM Preview: Anaheim Ducks

First of a long, long series of previews for Greg Wyshynski's SFM. Derek and Frank will show up soon enough. Enjoy. First of, our friend at the BoC Earl Sleek previews the champion Ducks with me:

http://www.sportsfanmagazine.com/sfm/articles.html?id=3521

Rangers Home Opener

October 4th versus the Panthers.

It'll be LA-ANA in London on 9/29 - 9/30, then regular opening night on 10/3, which will feature Leafs-Sens and likely an American doubleheader for Versus, and everybody's in action 10/4.

Devils will likely open in the south, because their 2nd game will be 10/6 at Florida.

Philadelphia opens up in the northwest at Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

Opening Night Doubleheader

If your VERSUS, based on what's happened in free agency and whatnot, what two games do you use to open the season?

My pick:

7:00 Anaheim vs. Pittsburgh
10:00 Detroit vs. San Jose

What do you guys think? Comment it.

May Re-Signs

According to TFP, Brad May has re-signed with the Ducks.

Load of Signings

-Calgary Signs Owen Nolan, 1 Year
-Anaheim Signs Todd Bertuzzi, 2 Years
-Nashville Signs Radek Bonk, Greg De Vries, both 2 Years
-Los Angeles strikes again, signing Kyle Calder for 2 Years
-Smolinski to the Habs, 1 Year, 2 Million

What do you all think?