11/21/24
April 18, 2006
2006 NHL Playoffs Pick-Em!: The teams are determined, the matchups are set -- time to see who is the Premier Playoff Prognosticator. Match-ups inside.
One minute too late, I was! But you're actually planning on keeping track of stuff, so you're much cooler than I. People have been asking, so I'll just note quickly: there will also be an NHL playoffs confidence points pool (announcement to come soon). I think we'll have a level of interest that can support both quite healthily.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 09:55 PM on April 18, 2006
(1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay Ottawa lucked out with Carolina's loss tonight against Buffalo. Tampa Bay is the only team against whom a first-round match-up feels comfortable for me. They have serious goaltending issues, which don't match up well against the Sens' firepower. Their scoring depth isn't enough to tax the Sens' defence enough to bother Ray Emery to the point of collapse. This should be a good warm-up jog for the Sens. Ottawa in 5. (2) Carolina vs (7) Montréal The Canadiens have looked good at points this year, but not enough points to make a real postseason splash. I can see Carolina dropping the first one or two as they shift into playoff mode, but they'll come back and win a longer series. Carolina in 6. (3) New Jersey vs (6) New York Rangers Tough, tough series. It's gonna be a beauty. New Jersey's been on fire, though, and haven't backed down in tough situations. Also, there are maybe three or four teams in the league that can effectively shut down Jagr, and I think the Devils are one of them. Lundqvist's been great all season, but in the playoffs, ya gotta give the nod to Brodeur. Look for New Jersey in 7. (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia Another tough series to call. Both teams have been alternately brilliant and awful at times this year. Goaltender remains the Flyers' Achilles heel, and Ryan Miller seems to be rounding into form, and Andy Peters is just plain awesome, so let's say Sabres in 6. (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton Edmonton should not win this series. They don't have the scoring, don't have the defensive depth, don't have the goaltending consistency. Heck, they needed the Vancouver collapse to even get into the playoffs. So there's absolutely no reason for me to pick Oilers in 6. (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado I really dislike Mike Modano. I'm not sure why. Dallas in 5. (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim This is going to break all single-series penalty-minute records out there. This is going to be a mean, mean match-up. I keep wanting to pick one team over the other in six games, but then I keep thinking, "Oh yeah, Niedermeyer." Or "Oh yeah, Phaneuf." Or "Oh yeah, Selanne." Or oh yeah, Calgary in 7. (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose Not even close. San Jose has won a million in a row, and Nashville's lost their big-name goaltender. San Jose in 5.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 09:57 PM on April 18, 2006
Might as well start off with the picks. EAST: OTT in 6 (goaltending is a question for Ottawa, but it's the same for TB... so even without Hasek, I give the edge to OTT) CAR in 7 (Carolina has dominated Montreal this year, but they've slowed lately while Montreal has surged. But I think they will come out in the end.) NJ in 5 (Brodeur has more playoff wins than all the other Eastern conference playoff goalies have playoff games) PHI in 6 (I would have said that I prefer Biron OR Miller over any Flyer goalie, but the Olympics have raised the stature of Niittymaki in my eyes) WEST: DET in 7 (I'm tempted to pick the upset... but nah) DAL in 6 (depends how Theodore does, but Dallas is looking too strong) CAL in 5 (Anaheim's been surging, but the Flames are built for the playoffs) SJ in 5 (no Vokoun, no win) Mostly kind of safe picks. I'm a wuss. Dr was a lot quicker than me.
posted by mkn at 10:05 PM on April 18, 2006
I had mine written out because I was gonna copy and paste them into my thread.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 10:32 PM on April 18, 2006
Eastern Conference (1)Ottawa def. (8)Tampa Bay in 4 games-not even contest, just give the Sens the first round off (2)Carolina def. (7)Montreal in 6 games-Huet steals one or two but in the end the 'Canes will break you (3)Rangers def. (6)New Jersey in 7 games-I m a superstious man and the Devs are snake bite by the Rangers in the playoffs (5)Philadelphia def. (4)Buffalo in 6 games-A match up I've been dreading but positive thought goes a long way Western Conference (1)Detroit def. (8)Edmonton in 6 games-Them Oilers is slippery but the Wings are determined this year (2)Dallas def. (7) Colorado in 5 games-It felt weird typing. Dallas has been real good and consitent this year and they've done it real quite like (3)Calgary def. (6)Anahein in 6 games-Calgary just over powers the Ducks in the most important aspect of playoff hockey-goaltending. Thats it Mikka will win this series for The Flames (5)San Jose def. (4)Nashville in 5 games-No Vokun and the Sharks havent lost since ninteen ought six Thanks fellas for doing the computer voodoo shit for us all.
posted by HATER 187 at 10:58 PM on April 18, 2006
I am, without question, in for both pools, whatever they may be. No upsets in the west. Yeah, I know. EAST (1) Ottawa - John Grahame is an awful good netminder, but I just saw the Sens dismantle the Rangers at MSG tonight, and if they play like that more than half the time, then there's no way the 'Ning have a chance. (7) Montreal - My upset. I have no rooting interest. (6) NY Rangers - this is an evenly-matched battle of wills. It will go long and deep, but Jagr, Straka and Prucha will solve Brodeur often enough that the Rangers will go over like Rover the Casanova. (4) Buffalo - Just because I hate the Flyers. WEST (1) Detroit - Dwayne Roloson is the shit, but he's not quote the enough. (2) Dallas - this one was a tossup, but for you, Ufez, I'll take the guys in green. Also, Marty Turco is the only reason I'm not getting relegated to the second division in the Yahoo Pool. (3) Calgary - Wishful thinking, pure and simple. (4) Nashville - I actually want the Predators to win a round or two.
posted by chicobangs at 11:20 PM on April 18, 2006
I'm probably too tired and had too much Captain Morgan to do this now but ef it, sober rational thought did nothing for me in the Olympicks. East (1) Ottowa in 4 - I can't think of a single reason why this series should drag out. (2) Carolina in 7 - Montreal made a strong push at the end of the season and should make this a series. (3) New Jersey in 5 - 11 straight wins for NJ to end the season and an injury riddled Ranger lineup, plus I'm a homer. (4) Buffalo in 7 - I hate all Philly teams and it always seems more upsetting to my Flyer fan relatives when they lose a game 7. West (1) Detroit in 5 - Dunno, just pulled that number out of my ass. (2) Dallas in 6 - see above (6) Anaheim in 7 - Another team with a late season push, and as much as I'd like to, I can't root against Scott Niedermeyer. (4) Nashville in 6 - Sure Vokoun is out, but there is still enough talent on the team to take them to the second round.
posted by njsk8r20 at 11:44 PM on April 18, 2006
Following my feckless research-based WBC picks, and now, suddenly inspired by this, here are my totally uninformed opinions, or "picks" if you will: EAST (1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay -- you cannot filibuster electricity. Lightning in 5. (2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal -- after Katrina I am done underestimating hurricanes. Carolina in 5. (3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers - a basic tale of "good over evil." Rangers in 7. (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia - a freakin' sword vs. an advertising circular? Please. Sabres in 6. WEST (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton - oil is the bird's natural enemy. Edmonton in 7. (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado - never heard of a star that was bothered one whit by an avalanche. Dallas in 5. (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim - flame + duck = delicious Thai meal. Calgary in 5. (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose - sharks ARE predators. Everybody wins. San Jose in 4.
posted by BullpenPro at 05:50 AM on April 19, 2006
I'd write some comments for these, but I'm too angry at myself (and Greg De Vries) to do any good. Ottawa in 5 Carolina in 5 New Jersey in 6 Buffalo in 7 Detroit in 4 Dallas in 7 Calgary in 5 San Jose in 4
posted by grum@work at 06:32 AM on April 19, 2006
Ok, here goes..... Ottawa - 6 Carolina - 7 New Jersey - 7 Philly - 5 Detroit - 5 Dallas - 6 Calgary - 7 San Jose - 7 I too would make comments but have no idea what the heck I am talking about so I will just keep my mouth shut!
posted by skydivemom at 07:13 AM on April 19, 2006
EAST (1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay: High powered offense is too much for the Lightning -- Ottawa Sweeps. (2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal: It all comes down to goaltending. Montreal's glass (Cristo-al?) slipper breaks. -- Hurricanes in 6. (3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers: This one's going to be a barn-burner, but I really think that Brodeur's parents conceived him in a goaltender's net. -- Devils in 7 (three OT games to boot). (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia: Buffalo has to pray that Forsberg is actually hurting. -- Flyers in 6.
WEST (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton: Oilers lead the playoff series against the Wings 2-0, but they needed Vancouver to self-destruct just to make it in to the postseason. -- Detroit in 5. (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado: Hopefully Colorado realizes that Jose isn't the answer soon enough. -- Dallas in 6. (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim: These guys split the regular season two games apiece, so that's a wash. It's all going to come down to defense; And the refs calling penalties like they've been, instead of pocketing their whistles like every other playoff game. -- Calgary in 7. (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose: As much as I want to see a Detroit-Nashville conference final, that went out the window with blood clots. Mason's bubble will pop and the Preds will heartbreakingly crash and burn. -- San Jose in 6.
posted by wingnut4life at 07:42 AM on April 19, 2006
Ottawa - 5 - The exit's over there, Tampa. Carolina - 7 - The Habs aren't pushovers, and Carolina hasn't looked like itself lately. But when Weight and Recchi finally come alive, Le Tricolore is in trouble. NJ - 5 - Marty and Co. are looking unstoppable right now. Madden will be on Jags like Oprah on a glazed ham. Buffalo - 6 - Buffalo is hitting their stride in a big way, and Forsberg is playing hurt. The Sabres have been playing playoff-style hockey all season and the Flyers are a different team every night. Also, goaltending. Detroit - 5 - hard not to pick the Wings here. Okay, impossible not to. Dallas - 7 - Colorado is good, but not great. And Dallas has been cool and confident all year long. Theodore will steal a game or two, and cost a game or two, as expected. Calgary - 7 - This one's also a tough call. Calgary has the worst offense in the league, but the best goaltending. Anaheim is sorta good at everything. I give it to Jarome's boys in a close one. Nashville - 5 - Here's my upset pick! Chris Mason comes through amid all the early dismissals! The Preds are red-hot lately and are playing like they're out to prove the critics wrong. I love this team.
posted by Succa at 07:47 AM on April 19, 2006
The Rangers made the playoffs! I feel like a kid on Christmas. And it's been almost a decade since my last Christmas. And I hardly care that the tree burned down on Christmas eve. Screw that, the flames didn't touch the presents and the Rangers are still in the playoffs. Woo-hoo. EAST Ottawa vs Tampa Bay --- Sens in five. Carolina vs Montreal --- Canes in five. New Jersey vs NY Rangers --- Rangers in six (homer). Buffalo vs Philadelphia --- Flyers in seven. WEST Detroit vs Edmonton --- Wings in four. Dallas vs Colorado --- Stars in five. Calgary vs Anaheim --- Flames in seven. Nashville vs San Jose --- Sharks in seven.
posted by 86 at 08:08 AM on April 19, 2006
EAST (1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay - Ottawa in 5 (2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal - Carolina in 4 (3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers - New Jersey in 7 (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia - Buffalo in 6 WEST (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton - Detroit in 4 (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado - Dallas in 5 (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim - Calgary in 6 (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose - Nashville in 6
posted by trox at 08:25 AM on April 19, 2006
EAST (1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay Ottawa in 4 (2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal Montreal in 6 (3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers New Jersey i n 6 (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia Buffalo in 5 WEST (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton Detroit in 5 (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado Dallas in 5 (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim Anaheim in 5 (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose Nashville in 6
posted by lauch at 09:04 AM on April 19, 2006
EAST - Sens in 4 - The two-headed and confused monster of Burke and Grahame finally makes Tortorella's head explode. Canes in 6 - Worst possible match-up for Montreal. Devils in 6 - Worst possible match-up for the Rangers. Sabres in 6 - The balanced scoring will be too much for the Flyers to stop. Richards emerges as a playoff performer. WEST - Redwings in 5 - Rollie ain't the answer. Stars in 5 - Turco's puck movement will give Dallas at least 3 goals. Ducks in 7 - I'm feelin' Giggy with it. And Scott Niedermayer might win the Conn Smythe. Sharks in 6 - Nashville won't be able to shut Joe down.
posted by garfield at 09:18 AM on April 19, 2006
East: Ottawa in 5 Montreal in 6 (upset city!) NJ in 6 Buffalo in 7 West: Detroit in 6 Colorado in 6 (upset city!) Calgary in 7 San Jose in 6 Just playing my hunches.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 09:29 AM on April 19, 2006
EAST (1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay Ottawa in 5 (2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal Carolina in 6 (3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers Rangers in 7 (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia Philadelphia in 6 WEST (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton Detroit in 5 (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado Dallas in 6 (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim Calgary in 5 (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose San Jose in 5
posted by holden at 10:32 AM on April 19, 2006
I almost picked the Leafs to beat Ottawa because when the playoffs roll around it seems like it just has to happen.
posted by 86 at 10:34 AM on April 19, 2006
Funny, 86. I thought that too. (I realized in my drunkenness last night I didn't pick games. So: Ottawa in 5. Montreal in 6. Rangers in 7. Sabres in 5. Wings in 5. Dallas in 5. Calgary in 7. Nashville in 6.)
posted by chicobangs at 10:57 AM on April 19, 2006
86, thank you. i feel silly for being in such a foul mood last night, when i should just be happy that they've exceeded expectations. i said i wasn't going to do picks due to emotional involvement, but, fuckit. ottawa in 5 carolina in 5 rangers in 6 buffalo in 7 detroit in 5 dallas in 4 calgary in 6 san jose in 7
posted by goddam at 11:31 AM on April 19, 2006
I see a few diluted souls picking the Oilers to beat Detroit. Just wondering why? I've seen the Oilers play lots this year with my Hockey Package and for the life of me I just don't get it.......... Detroit takes this series in a sweep! I'll take my lumps if the Oilers win this series but I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for that to happen. EAST Ottawa in another 1st round sweep (this isn't the Cup winning Lighting) Sens in 4 My Brain says Devils in 5 my Heart says Rangers in 6. Heart wins this round. Rangers in 6 The Sabres stick Forsburg to the Boards like Flies to a pile of Cow Dung. Sabres take this hard fought series in a thrilling 7 game Blood Bath. Sabres in 7 Montreal wins this in 7. Eric Cole's injury is the difference in this series. Canadians in 7 WEST See my opening comments. Wings in 4 The Aves can't skate, stay out of the penalty box or beat the Stars. Stars in 5 Calgary's Grinders can't find a net on a Fishing Boat. An early exit in this one. Ducks in 6 Here's where the Preds learn the way to San Jose and you can't get there from "Korea" Sharks in 5
posted by skydivedad at 11:48 AM on April 19, 2006
Mr. Dad, sometimes it's not about picking who you think will win, but rather picking against what everyone else thinks is going to happen and hoping for an upset. You know.
posted by chicobangs at 12:38 PM on April 19, 2006
EAST Tampa Bay in 5 Carolina in 6 NY Rangers in 7 Philadelphia in 4 WEST Detroit in 4 Dallas in 6 Anaheim in 5 Nashville in 5
posted by Folkways at 01:01 PM on April 19, 2006
EAST (1) Ottawa in 5 (2) Carolina in 6 (6) NY Rangers in 6 (homer!) (4) Buffalo in 7 WEST (1) Detroit in 5 (7) Colorado in 7 (6) Anaheim in 7 (5) San Jose in 5
posted by ajaffe at 01:21 PM on April 19, 2006
EAST Ottawa vs Tampa Bay - Ottawa in 6 Carolina vs Montreal - Carolina in 5 (I've just jinxed my 'Canes) New Jersey vs NY Rangers - New Jersey in 7 Buffalo vs Philadelphia - Buffalo in 6 WEST Detroit vs Edmonton - Detroit in 4 Dallas vs Colorado - Dallas in 5 Calgary vs Anaheim - Anaheim in 7 Nashville vs San Jose - San Jose in 4
posted by NoMich at 01:32 PM on April 19, 2006
EAST Ottawa/ 5 Montreal/ 7 NJersey/ 6 Buffalo/ 6 WEST Detroit/ 5 Dallas/ 6 Calgary/ 6 San Jose/ 5
posted by tselson at 01:34 PM on April 19, 2006
Is there, like, a Hockey Prospectus or something equivalent? It'd be nice to throw in some "expert" picks into the mix, just to see how we, as a group, compare. Any links to what the "experts" are picking?
posted by mkn at 02:58 PM on April 19, 2006
Jes has his East picks up, and Mirtle has his picks up as well. Are they considered "experts"?
posted by garfield at 03:14 PM on April 19, 2006
I couldn't find Mullet's picks, but I'm sure he'll have them up soon. What about Don Cherry, he makes predictions too right? As far as so called 'experts' go, I'd like to see how we match up against them.
posted by njsk8r20 at 03:20 PM on April 19, 2006
/Mr T voice/ I pity the fools who picked Nashville--backup goaltender v. best goal scorer and best overal scorer in the league plus the team is on a hot streak. Pity, I pity you! /voice EAST Ottawa/ 5 Carolina/ 6 New Jersey/ 5 Buffalo/ 6 WEST Detroit/ 5 Colorado/ 7 Calgary/ 5 San Jose/ 5
posted by billsaysthis at 03:26 PM on April 19, 2006
So Philadelphia is going with Esche... I might just change my pick to Buffalo now.
posted by mkn at 03:30 PM on April 19, 2006
I'm picking all favorites (boring) but to be honest, I haven't had a chance to watch a helluva lot of hockey this year. Talk about depressing. EAST Ottawa in 4 Carolina in 6 Joysey in 7 Buffalo in 7 WEST Detroit in 5 Dallas in 6 Calgary in 7 San Jose in 5
posted by willthrill72 at 03:47 PM on April 19, 2006
So Philadelphia is going with Esche... I might just change my pick to Buffalo now. It just doesn't seem like April without some kind of Goalie controversy. Silver lining: Esche beat the devs in 5 gamse last season.
posted by HATER 187 at 04:26 PM on April 19, 2006
Don Cherry made his picks at the beginning of the season. Ottawa over Calgary. Grapes picked two Canadian teams, imagine that. Then again, he also predicted Brandon Bochenski would win the Calder...
posted by Succa at 05:24 PM on April 19, 2006
Is there, like, a Hockey Prospectus or something equivalent? Oh dear God, No!!!
posted by wingnut4life at 05:34 PM on April 19, 2006
I have no idea how much of an expert Kara Yorio is, but I found her picks.
posted by njsk8r20 at 07:47 PM on April 19, 2006
I am eternally suspicious of Kara Yorio. They keep her on a 300-word-max count for most of her pieces, and there's gotta be a reason why.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 08:02 PM on April 19, 2006
Well now that I have read it I see she does the east, and Ray Slover does the west. So I guess if mkn wants to use these, they sould just be called SportingNews. For the record, I would rather he didn't. These are just the first ones I have been able to find.
posted by njsk8r20 at 08:20 PM on April 19, 2006
please bring back the broad street bullies!
posted by johnson48 at 09:07 PM on April 19, 2006
Ottawa in 6 Carolina in 5 NY in 7 Buffalo in 7 Detroit in 5 Colorado in 7 Calgary in 5 San Jose in 5
posted by fabulon7 at 09:09 PM on April 19, 2006
Just in case anybody needs to know the schedule for the first round...
posted by wingnut4life at 11:00 PM on April 19, 2006
Kara Yorio. God bless her. Every time I read a piece of hers, I wish it was more insightful than it is. But it's Yahoo Sports, so honestly, I'm not expecting miracles. If she was any better, the Sporting News (or Espen) would have picked her up by now. Still, I read her columns, and I hope.
posted by chicobangs at 01:25 AM on April 20, 2006
I'm in with the deluded predictions of: Ottawa in 6 Montreal in 7 NJ in 6 Philly in 7 Detroit in 4 Dallas in 7 Cgy in 5 SJ in 6
posted by gspm at 01:22 PM on April 20, 2006
I'll start with the west, cuz it's the best... =D Detroit vs Edmonton - Detroit in 5 Dallas vs Colorado - Dallas in 6 Calgary vs Anaheim - Calgary in 5 Nashville vs San Jose - San Jose in 7 Ottawa vs Tampa Bay - Ottawa in 6 Carolina vs Montreal - Carolina in 5 New Jersey vs New York - New Jersey in 6 Buffalo vs Philadelphia - Philly in 6
posted by MeatSaber at 02:03 PM on April 20, 2006
EAST: Ottawa in 5 Montreal in 7 NJ in 4 Buffalo in 7 WEST: Detriot in 6 Avs in 7 Cal in 5 Nashville in 5
posted by commander cody at 06:48 PM on April 20, 2006
Sportsfilter 2006 NHL Playoffs Pick'em Leaderboard I put all the picks there, and some so-called "expert" picks -- but I kept them seperate from the SpoFi pack. Work in progress, but it should be good. Tell me if you notice an error or have some other "expert" picks to throw in.
posted by mkn at 11:09 PM on April 20, 2006
Nice, mkn. The competition heats up.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 11:40 PM on April 20, 2006
Awesome, mkn. And as long as I beat Melrose, I don't care if I finish second-last.
posted by chicobangs at 03:07 AM on April 21, 2006
mkn, I noticed a couple typos: Weedy's picks - BUF (BU), NoMich - DAL (BAL), skydivedad - NYR, BUF, and MTL (mixed up), Buccigrass - NJ (JD). Nice work though, and thanks for doing this.
posted by njsk8r20 at 06:14 AM on April 21, 2006
I haven't had time before today to put my picks together. I almost miss being unemployed. EAST: Ottawa in 6 Montral in 7 New York in 7 Buffalo in 6 West: Detroit in 5 Dallas in 6 Calgary in 7 San Jose in 6
posted by Samsonov14 at 08:34 AM on April 21, 2006
I couldn't find Mullet's picks, but I'm sure he'll have them up soon. Apparently he's picking Dallas over the Hurricanes in the SCF.
posted by NoMich at 08:43 AM on April 21, 2006
Ottawa - 5 Carolina - 6 New Jersey - 7 Buffalo - 6 Detroit - 5 Dallas - 6 Calgary - 6 San Jose - 5 This is the best that I can do. I haven't had much of a chance to follow much of the season this year. Also, the Bruins had an awful year. It is hard following a sport when your team sucked as much as they did this year.
posted by grabofsky74 at 09:02 AM on April 21, 2006
Apparently he's picking Dallas over the Hurricanes in the SCF. Yeah I was able to find that, but I was talking about first round predictions. I found video where he broke down the different series but he rarely made a prediction. I see mkn was able to find his picks though.
posted by njsk8r20 at 09:25 AM on April 21, 2006
Oops, sorry sk8r.
posted by NoMich at 09:47 AM on April 21, 2006
EAST (1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay (2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal (3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia WEST (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose EAST Ottawa in 7 -- Others view it as a walk, but I'm betting TB's top three get it going and their goaltending is better in the playoffs. Still not enough. Carolina in 5 -- Huet and Hu Else for Montreal? New Jersey in 5 -- Marty. What else do I have to say? Philadelphia in 7 -- I hate to type this, but Esche is hot and I just can't see Forsberg ducking out in the first round. WEST Detroit in 5 -- I'm just being nice to Chris Pronger in giving him one game. Dallas in 5 -- So, Theodore sucked for a half-season in Montreal, and now he's supposed to be the savior in Colorado? Riiiiiiight. Calgary in 7 -- The toughest series of the first round, but grit and Kipp win out over flash. San Jose in 5 -- Losing Voukun just cuts the heart out of Nashville, plus I just like saynig "Cheechoo" over and over. Try it!
posted by wfrazerjr at 09:51 AM on April 21, 2006
The great Scotty Bowman made some picks, too bad he didn't say how many games each series would go. S'ok NoMich, and btw, I got my ticket to Sunday's game in Nashville. Let's go Preds!
posted by njsk8r20 at 11:09 AM on April 21, 2006
TB > Ott 7 Mtl > Car 6 NJ > NYR 5 Buf > Phi 5 Det > Edm 6 Dal > Col 5 Cgy > Ana 7 SJ > Nsh 7
posted by qbert72 at 01:30 PM on April 21, 2006
Ott 5 Car 6 NJ 7 Buf 6 Det 5 Col 7 Ana 7 NSH 6
posted by HowYouDoin236 at 02:13 PM on April 21, 2006
Ottawa in 5 Montreal in 7 NJ in 6 Phi in 7 Det in 4 Dal in 6 Cal in 6 SJ in 7
posted by rocket88 at 02:20 PM on April 21, 2006
Here is one "professional" pick: Bill Berg: Ottawa in 6 Carolina in 5 NYR in 7 Buffalo in 6 Detroit in 4 Dallas in 5 Calgary in 7 SJ in 5 Sadly, the other prognosticators did not pick the number of games required, so they are excluded from this pool.
posted by grum@work at 04:40 PM on April 21, 2006
EAST (1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay Ottawa in 6 (2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal Carolina in 5 (3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers Rangers in 7 (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia Buffalo in 5 WEST (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton Detroit in 5 (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado Dallas in 6 (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim Calgary in 5 (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose San Jose in 7 Leafs in...ah, nevermind.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 05:27 PM on April 21, 2006
That one's already listed, grum. I got a couple more to add and I'll throw in the last few picks tonight... but in the meantime.... game ON! Line is drawn. First round begins here: --------------------------------------------------
posted by mkn at 06:02 PM on April 21, 2006
WOO-HOO!!! Stanley Cup Playoffs Baby!!! Don't forget guys, we still have Campfire for gametime chat.
posted by njsk8r20 at 06:05 PM on April 21, 2006
mkn: skydivedad's picks (BUF/MON/NYR) seem to be scrambled, and I assume Buccigross is picking NJ, not John Davidson.
posted by grum@work at 10:33 PM on April 21, 2006
Yeah, I've already fixed those -- they just aren't reflected on the main page. I'll get it up soon-ish, but this is a crazy busy weekend (and I'm going to miss a bunch of afternoon games in the next two days damnit).
posted by mkn at 11:45 PM on April 21, 2006
posted by Samsonov14 at 12:24 PM on April 22, 2006
Updated with all the latest picks and stuff. Now we wait for the first series to end...
posted by mkn at 01:29 PM on April 22, 2006
Hmmm, you've got all my picks backwards. Sorry I wasn't clearer. And thanks for taking care of all this!
posted by qbert72 at 02:53 PM on April 22, 2006
Oh, I see. You and your greater than-ishness.
posted by mkn at 04:01 PM on April 22, 2006
This is probably to late but I've been in Kentucky in the middle of mountains where internet does not exist but I'll make picks anyway. Ottawa in 5. Carolina in 4. Rangers in 6. Philadelphia in 6. Wings in 4. Dallas in 6. Calgary in 5. San Jose in 6.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:34 PM on April 22, 2006
i know i'm too late as well but eh...what the hell i might as well pick anyway. been very busy too... WEST 1)Detroit vs 8)Edmonton: EDMONTON in 5 ...yea detroit is done. legacy has no experience in the big time. pronger will be huge for the oilers. 2)Dallas vs 7)Coloraldo: COLORALDO in 6...jose was the right idea. and dallas is dead in the first round ...again 3)Calgary vs 6)Anaheim: CALGARY in 5...the flames have too many tools and kipper is just too good to loose in the first round. 4)Nashville vs 5)San Jose: SAN JOSE in 4...there just too hot. nashville was done when thomas was injured. EAST 1)Ottawa vs 8)Tampa Bay: OTTAWA in 5... tampa you just aint got it this year. dany heatly scores 6 goals in series. 2)Carolina vs 7)Montreal: CAROLINA in 5... the hurricanes slap the canadiens around for almost 20 goals and send huet to the minors again. 3)New Jersey vs 6)New York R: NEW JERSEY in 4... rangers are horrible once again. brodeur gets 2 shutouts 4)Buffalo vs 5)Philidelphia: BUFFALO in 7...philly may have the big names but it all comes down to goaltending these days, and the miller/biron tandem keeps the sabers sharp.
posted by nintool3369 at 04:33 PM on April 23, 2006
Wingnut, me, you, and comm cody may have to fight this new guy. He just doesn't understand how it works around here.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 05:09 PM on April 23, 2006
You want me to smack him around and call him Sally?
posted by wingnut4life at 06:51 PM on April 23, 2006
And the award for craziest picks for this years palyoffs goes to......variouspopular90'smetalacts3369
posted by HATER 187 at 01:03 PM on April 24, 2006
Thank you mkn for letting me get into this.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:23 PM on April 24, 2006
Question. I'm going on an 8 night cruise this Wed and will be back May 4th. Will I still be able to make picks for round 2 before the deadline when I get back? 8 nights with no sports, during the 1st round of The Cup. Why in the hell do I let my wife talk me into this stuff!
posted by commander cody at 11:43 PM on April 24, 2006
Well, as far as I can see, the first round ends on May 4th -- though that might change if all the series end real quick. But if any series goes 6 or 7 games, it should give you enough time. I'm sure there'll be plenty of shuffleboard though!
posted by mkn at 12:24 AM on April 25, 2006
Thanks. If I can make the next round of the playoffs it'll give me one less thing to complain about on vacation. Though the wife already thinks I'm crazy because I was dumb enough to bring the Cup playoffs up in the first place when planning the trip. I gotta stop doing crap like that.
posted by commander cody at 11:28 AM on April 25, 2006
Cody, all you have to do is make sure you have satellite in your cabin. Next, get a wireless laptop. That way all you have to do is hang out in there for the whole cruise. See, problem solved. BRILLIANT!!!
posted by wingnut4life at 12:23 PM on April 25, 2006
What do I do after a few too many scotchs when my wife throws me over the balcony rail? I can't swim and would end up 200lbs of shark food. I am going to be spending more time sneaking off to the onboard pub though. They have dish access whenever we're out to sea and the wife likes to turn in early...so ya never know. I might actually catch a game or two. If no one hears from me ever again after Wed though then you'll know she woke up and found me gone.
posted by commander cody at 12:51 PM on April 25, 2006
Sometimes you're the shark, sometimes you're shark bait; it all comes out in the wash.
posted by billsaysthis at 03:29 PM on April 25, 2006
If no one hears from me ever again after Wed... I won't believe it until I see your picture on Geraldo At Large, under something titled "The Hockey Fan's Nightmare Cruise."
posted by wingnut4life at 03:41 PM on April 25, 2006
I won't believe it until I see your picture on Geraldo At Large, under something titled "The Hockey Fan's Nightmare Cruise." Just make sure you end up seeing the wife's mugshot online sometime afterwards.
posted by commander cody at 06:11 PM on April 25, 2006
"A save would be nice" the fuse has been lit.
posted by garfield at 09:51 AM on April 28, 2006
And the bomb is going to blow up in Tortorella's hand. Ottawa is just too good for the 'Ning.
posted by 86 at 10:28 AM on April 28, 2006
What a dick move by Tortorella. He's the one who's been championing Grahame all season long, and started him for game 4. It's a little late to open your eyes, dude: Grahame's not your man. My upset pick hinged on Tortorella coming to his senses and playing Burke after the inevitable blowout. Not that Burke is that much better, but I think he could give them a fighting chance.
posted by qbert72 at 10:55 AM on April 28, 2006
Also, "We need a goddamn occasional save." Oh, whoops. Looks like that quote is actually in the St. Pete's article, but without the "goddamn". Pity.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 11:42 AM on April 28, 2006
So.......does this mean Tortorella's not going to get the Jack Adams Award? All right then, I would like to go ahead and throw Grahame's name into the hat for the Vezina... I blame this all on Tortorella. Anyone who has followed TB this year knows that Grahame has been the definition of streaky all year long. Piss poor coaching when you start finger-pointing before your team is even knocked out of the playoffs. Subtle hints are ok and welcomed, but to throw your goalie under the bus and even backing up just to make sure his head pops like a grape? Too much.
posted by wingnut4life at 09:07 PM on April 28, 2006
Dammit! Why did so many other people pick Ottawa in 5?
posted by DrJohnEvans at 09:57 PM on April 29, 2006
I picked Tampa in 7, so you've at least got that going.
posted by qbert72 at 11:58 AM on April 30, 2006
I picked Dallas and Rangers so I'm screwed...
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 07:14 PM on April 30, 2006
I picked your mom, so I'm screwed too. Buurrrrrrrnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!1!!!one
posted by NoMich at 09:40 PM on April 30, 2006
Who would have thought that the Devils would have swept the Rangers? Well, besides commander cody, that is...
posted by wingnut4life at 09:23 AM on May 01, 2006
NoMich things might start getting nasty in here, and since I have ties with a mafia you may be in for it.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:02 PM on May 01, 2006
so far i've called em all except we will see if calgary can pull it off tomorrow night. maybe not the right ammount of games...but i was dead on with the NJ vs NY series :) yea i know it may have been a couple days late but...you gotta give credit where credit is due.
posted by nintool3369 at 02:18 AM on May 03, 2006
The routine: pick a series winner and the number of games. You get awarded 3 points for getting the winner and the games; 2 for the winner; 1 if you get the right number of games. Picks are made at the start of each round. Since I'm initiating this, I might as well track and tally everything myself. Entries will be taken up to puck drop of the first game on Friday. So, without further ado, the matchups: EAST (1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay (2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal (3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers (4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia WEST (1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton (2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado (3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim (4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose