NBA Playoffs are here...are you ready?

The NBA playoffs are about to begin...(isn't this a great time for sports? NHL and NBA playoffs are on...only thing that would be better is if the NFL season was starting).

For all you non basketball fans avoid this post and just read the next one about the 2nd rd of the NHL playoffs.

But if you are a NBA fan you got to LOVE these 1st round match ups. Great stuff to talk about rivalry, intensity and some great ball is ahead. Let's check this out:

I love D.Howard and good for them to make the playoffs but to face the Detroit Pistons in the first round is BAD news for the Magic. The Pistons are going to use their magic to mesmerize Orlando. Detroit has too many weapons and too much playoff experience to lose a game to O-Town.
Detroit in 4

The Wizards are a popular team leading but Gilbert Arenas. This guy is incredible and can shoot the lights out. On the other side of the court, there is the real deal phenom LeBron James. The problem Washington will face is they can't just ride on Arenas to win the series. King James will trump the Wizards because he has a better supporting cast. AND LeBron personally sent the Wizards packing last year.
Cavaliers in 6

This match-up is going to be great. The past vs the present. This Raptors team is the best we have seen probably since Carter missed the buzzer beater vs the Sixers in game 7 of the East Conf championship. I still remember when the Raptors drafted Bosh when they had Carter at his position...I now understand why they did that. Vince took his high-flying, lights-out shooting to New Jersey while Bosh has taken the opportunity to become an all-star. As much as I am cheering for the Raptors I just have this weird feeling the Nets are going to take this series because Carter will not lose to his old team. I hope I am wrong but I highly doubt it.
Nets in 6

I am a Chicago fan ever since Michael Jordan tied his shoes with the Bulls. It's hard not to still hope for these guys and finally they put a team together to possibly make some noise in the playoffs. Unfortunately, they are playing the champs...Miami Heat. Shaq is not done yet and he gives the Bulls major match-up problems. With Dwayne Wade back and doing better health wise I think they are too strong for the baby Bulls. It's going to be quite the battle going the distance and home court wins. But the Heat are going to become cold in the East when they lose in the 2nd rd.
Heat in 7

I don't know what it is but I can't cheer for the Jazz...maybe Stockton and Malone killed it for me years ago, maybe because it's the home of the mormonsville, or maybe I just can't stand the jersey's. I think McGrady will be an unstoppable force and Ming will contribute as well. I am a Boozer fan but wished he played somewhere else. AK-47 is solid defensively but I can't see him out playing T-Mac.
Houston in 6

My two favourite players are King James and Tim Duncan. Hence I really like the Spurs. No one talks about them much as the Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, Pistons and Heat seem to get all the attention. They are not flashy but they get the job done. Parker, Ginobili, and Duncan are AMAZING and experienced. But this battle is going to be great as Iverson wants to win so bad after having freedom leaving Philly and landing in Denver. Carmelo is the real deal but I am not sure they have enough experience to face the battle tested Spurs.
San Antonio in 5

This series will receive the most media attention. Nash vs Kobe. Last year if you saw the Lakers - Suns series it was easily won of the greatest battles in NBA 1st rd history. This year the Lakers are better...but this year the Suns have a healthy Amare Stoudemire. And if you read my previous NBA post you will see I am picking Phoenix to win it all this year...but didn't Kobe have the Suns down 3-1 and lost 3 straight? No matter what happens this will be great.
Phoenix in 6

Finally I get to the Mavs vs the Warriors. Dirk Nowitzki lead these Mavs to put up almost Bulls record breaking numbers winning 66 games this season (9th-best record of all time). Did you know that "Ten out of the 11 teams with 65-plus wins in the regular season have gone on to win the title, but is the stage set for an upset?" (By the way it will be 10 out of 12 teams when the Suns upset the Mavs in the Western Conf finals). In other words, the Warriors will not win a single game or have NO chance to win this series.
Dallas in 4

Who will win league MVP? I wish I think it should be Kobe this year but I have a feeling Dirk is going to win it. Why? You might ask? Easy, tell me the last time some has won league MVP that has not been on a team that is either 1st or 2nd place in the league standings in the East or the West? So I guess it could be Nash but I highly doubt it even though he might deserve it.

I can't wait for this stuff to tip off on Saturday. The NBA playoffs always have memorable plays and stars. Suns beat the Cavs in the NBA Finals.

* What do you think? Am I right or wrong? I challenge you to step up and make your educated guesses to see if can prove your basketball intellect by leaving a comment.

2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs have BEGUN!!!

The best time of the year is here! The Stanley Cup playoffs. Hard hitting, intense games, big saves and of course sudden death over time. There is nothing like it in all of sports. Here's my break down of rd 1.

Dallas Stars vs Vancouver Canucks.

Game 1 was incredible. 6^th longest playoff game 138:06 minutes and it was a five hour game! Any Canuck fan that stayed up for this was pleasantly surprised to see the boys win.

Zubov played 64 shifts and had 55:08 in ice time (pretty good for a veteran). Kevin Bieksa had 69 shifts and had 54:27 in ice time (this is a guy who was playing his 1^st playoff game!).

Hard hitting game. There were 46 hits by the Canucks: 15 different Canucks that dished out hits

Roberto Luongo is in the Canuck record book with 72 saves in the game. Turco was great too with 51 saves. But Turco did get beat by a great shot in the OT which was the difference. Glad it wasn’t one of those cheap goals.

The game started with Henrik Sedin to Daniel Sedin to open the scoring but in the 4^th OT it was Daniel Sedin to Henrik Sedin for the game winner. Good thing we didn’t trade the Canucks 3 years ago like many fans where calling for.

Cowan had a great game and I thought he was going to be the OT scorer. This guy was on Naslund and Morrison’s line. He had a game leading 9 hits. It was his 1^st playoff game as well. Welcome to the playoffs. Especially with Cooke and Burrows out he had to step up. To win these Canucks need to be proud of themselves especially only running with 10 forwards in the extra frames.

Surprised some of the Sportsnet crew picked Dallas not only to win the series but to go to the finals. Except John Garrett who is a homer because he always picks the Canucks to win the Cup. Fat chance but that’s what I am cheering for.

Calgary Flames vs Detroit Red Wings

Calgary didn’t show up in game 1 but don’t count these guys out. As good as Detroit is I am picking the Flames to upset the Wings. Bertuzzi isn’t going to be a huge factor and Kipper will bounce back the main problem Calgary faces is Hasek. Yes the Dominator. Say what you will about this guy but he’s a winner and there is a reason Detroit signed him back.

Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks

This series should be good. I have a feeling it might go the distance. Thinking the Sharks will win this series in 6 games. But if Cheechoo is out for a long time the Preds might just be able to squeak by. San Jose is older and wiser I can’t see them losing this series.

Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks

The Wild are a great team they just drew the wrong team to play in the 1^st round. I know Anaheim stumbled into the playoffs but these guys are going to click in the playoffs. Not only do I have them winning the series but I got them winning the cup (trust me I hope I am wrong and John Garrett is right).

Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders

The Islanders ran the table and knocked out the leaves from the playoffs but let’s take a look at the “amazing” New Yorkers. There is no way the Isles would be in the playoffs if Brodeur was in net. Against Clemente (who I had never heard of until the last game of the regular season) the backup and you go to a shoot out? Buffalo is going to kill this team in 5 games. Did you know R.Smyth scored 36 goals in the regular season? What is Edmonton thinking?

New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning

I can’t stand watching the Devils play hockey…I find it SO boring but they win. Brodeur is the man and their defensive system always seems to work. I am hope Tampa surprises them with peppering Marty and getting solid goaltending from Holmquist. But if I had to put $ on it I wouldn’t bet against the Devils in this series.

Atlanta Thrashers vs New York Rangers

The Thrashers won their division? Wow. I understand they have some firepower up front but I didn’t think Lethonen was that good. The Rangers on the other hand have been on fire coming into the playoffs and I think the Jagr led Rangers will win the series. One of the biggest reasons is NYR goaltending…Lundqvist in my opinion is the REAL deal. Hopefully Straka and the boys can put the puck in the net.

Ottawa Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Crosby and Malkin are amazing; they are legit. The problem is I don’t think Fluery is ready for the pressure. Ottawa has been in the playoffs and understand that the physical play against the Penguins might just wear them down. Ottawa is stacked with Heatly, Alfredsson, and Spezza firing on all cylinders.

What do you think?

You got to admit it’s weird not to have the Oilers, Leaves and Canadiens in the playoffs though.

Ladysmith AA Provincial CHAMPS!!!

Kamloops March 11 2007 AA Provincial Final

Ladysmith 55 Lambrick Park 51 OT Final

I was at the game last night...what a game. I was so stressed. Dillon had the ball with 10 seconds left in a tie game. He went one on one and was charged with an offensive foul. Great our best player is fouled out!

Our boys were great in the OT frame...solid and composed.
In OT, Fyfe was solid with a monster block at a crucial time. He was hard to stop but what won it for them was 2 important plays.
1. Thomas Bodenchuk steals a Lamberick Park defensive rebound off a missed free throw in OT to keep the clock moving and an opportunity to score. Fyfe hit both free throws.
2. Scott Myerscough hitting crucial free throws to win.

I was so stressed but I am proud of them.

And guys I just want you to know that I would have been proud of you whether you won or lost. Your champs in my books.
49ers you are the best...great knowing you and loved coaching you...more importantly thankful to be your friend.

NHL Trade Dealine

I love NHL trade deadline day…I never want to go to work I usually take longer lunches…watch www.sportsnet.ca online to see where everyone got dealt and most importantly if Vancouver made a deal. Well this year didn’t disappoint with 25 trades involving 44 players. Here’s my analysis on the last few days:

Pittsburgh
The Penguins didn’t get a stud but they don’t need one with Crosby, Malkin and Staal. They did added veteran leadership and most of all one of the best tough guys in the league with Laraque. He will make people think twice for running any of the young guns and he’s okay offensively. Roberts helps a lot too as he plays with grit.

Detroit
The Red Wings gambled with the unstable Bertuzzi. Might be a good move and didn’t give up much. I guess they think he’s healthy enough to play this season. If healthy he will help the Wings but the question still remains will Hasek be healthy if not they are done. But with Todd we know he’s hard to stop but he doesn’t play hard all the time. Think about how much better this deal is now that Bert didn’t sign with Florida…we traded away Allen and Aulds for Luongo and Krajicek. What a steal of a deal! Nonis might be a genius…who would have thought Vancouver would have been playing this good? Not me.

Vancouver
The Canucks didn’t want to mess with their chemistry so they added a couple of pieces to the puzzle. I love getting Sopel back. He can play on the PP and PK and he will really help if Ohlund or Salo can’t stay healthy. 2 things I love about Sopel is his hockey hair and he shoots on the PP. Smolinski was an interesting move. I was unsure at the reason why but my friend Joey pointed out Bryan is now the 4th leading scorer on the Canucks. He’s played well, wins face offs, will play with Nazy, and is a big guy who will be harder to move from in front of the net. Both players must both be pumped to be moving to a hockey city like Van who’s sold out every night heading to the playoffs. BUT Van did lose to St.Louis tonight who was missing their top 2 scorers. Not a great night for Van. Personally I was hoping the Canucks would have landed Guerin to play on the RW with the Sedin’s and then Pyatt could move to Naslund’s line. Let’s be honest Luongo is the man and has a great shot at winning the Viezna.

New York Islanders
The dumbest franchise in sports history finally did something right by getting Ryan Smyth. This guy has been the heart and soul of the Oilers. The problem is he might mess up the plans of the Islanders if they end up signing him for $5 mil a year. Yashin, Smyth, and Dipietro are all making huge dollars…will they have enough $ to fill the rest of the roster with above average guys to get them over the hump? Probably not. (Good idea not trading Jason Blake he got a hat trick tonight)

Ottawa
Unsure why Ottawa needs another European but they got Saprykin? I think Tkachuk would have been better.

Nashville
I think the Predators got the best player with Forsberg at the deadline (when healthy). These guys are stacked with talent. And they got to have the best goaltending tandem in hockey with Vokoun and Mason. Have to be favoured to win it all.

Edmonton
The Oilers trading Smyth definitely was the story of the day. I was totally surprised until I heard that he was asking for big bucks. You know who probably will be available in the off season in $5 mil range? Drury and or Briere. Thinking Edmonton will be going after either one of those guys. And if they can’t get one of those guys maybe they will get Ryan for cheaper playing for a crap team like the Islanders. He will be missing the fever of Oil country.
Edmonton is smarter than you think moving Smitty, think about it: Nilson a first rd pick in 2003, Mara a first rd pick in 2005, and they get the Islanders 1st pick in the 2007 draft. The Islanders gave up SO much for Captain Canada.

Philadelphia
As a Flyer fan I was pumped to get Biron out of Buffalo. He needs to be a #1 and Esche is done. Feel bad for Biron to be going from a 1st place team to a team who has only won 16 games in dead last.
Moving Forsberg might be a great deal … they got a ton in return. I love Upshall and Parent should be good sooner than later plus they got a 1st and 3rd rd pick for 2007. AND Forsberg might sign back with Philly on July 1st (I can always hope).

San Jose
The Sharks got more teeth to bite with when they landed Bill Guerin who has 29 goals on a junkie team. SJ is gearing up for a big run. They got all the tools to make a serious push. Thorton, Marleau, and Guerin on the PP…WOW. Picking up Rivet too is a good move. He’s solid…no Lidstrom but defensively solid.

Toronto
I really like that the Leafs made a minor deal getting Perreault back. He is a face off specialist who will add depth to the Leafs. Not saying they will win the cup but I think Yanic helps.

Buffalo
Not sure the Sabres dealing Biron only for a 2nd Rd draft pick (thinking that’s what LA gave up for Cloutier) was a good move. Getting Conklin is a good backup but in the playoffs if Ryan Miller goes down I would rather have Biron. Good move getting Zubrus to add depth.

Calgary
Many guys are saying the Flames made a great push at the deadline to put their team in a great position to make a run. I am not seeing how they can be thinking that. You know what Calgary needs? To win on the road! And in the playoffs winning on the road is MAJOR important. I like the move to get Stuart on D but he’s no Cam Neely (right Mr.Richmond - inside joke).


Got any thoughts? Leave a comment...

All Star Break Predictions

Here we are the NBA All Star Weekend. This is by far the best all star festivities in any league. The game itself is loaded with great players, tons of celebrities, and high flying dunks. So we have seen the teams, we have been wowed by the highlights, and we have cheered for our favourite teams.

Here's your opportunity to tell the world who you think will win the whole shabang! Leave a comment and he's mine.

I am going on record to say that the Phoenix Suns WILL win this year's NBA Championship. But you might say "Doesn't defense win championships what about Phoenix's defense giving up 100 pts a game?" Good point but the Colts won with a little defense and a ton of offense. Phoenix seems to always win the big game this season. They went on a bunch of win streaks. They are averaging 110 pts per game. Everyone on their team can put the ball in the net consistently.

The biggest reason I think they will win...Amare Stoudemire. This guy was hurt last year and he was replaced by Boris Diaw. Amare is average 20 a game and he is a force to be reckoned with. He can score, and jump threw the roof and oh yeah it's Nash passing him the ball.

Speaking of Nash this guy is amazing. From Victoria, BC and showing the league what he's about. A back to back MVP who is amazing. If he wins MVP this year he's going to be in the elite of the elite: Jordan, Russel, Chamberlain, Bird, Magic, etc He loves Canada and helping the game of basketball here as well. Steve is an amazing floor general and a magical passer. He can shoot the lights out but usually passes making his team better.

Surpise team of the year so far has to go to the Utah Jazz. Teamwork makes a dream work I guess. No real superstar but a bunch of players who are gellin'. The East surprise team must go to the Raptors as they look good and have won many close games. But because of their inexperience they won't go far in the playoffs.
My darkhouse team is the Denver Nuggets. My team out of the East is the Cleveland Cavs.

I think the real MVP candidates are:

Gilbert Arenas: This guy is clutch! He can score from ANYWHERE.

Dwayne Wade: Without Shaq in the line up they were still winning games and they don't call him FLASH for nothing he is quick.

Kobe Bryant: Finally the Lakers have a decent record. So his name has to be up there.

Dirk Nowitzki: 1st in the West this yr and a birth in the finals last year this guy is unstoppable.
LeBron James: The Cavs are finally good. And he is the reason. He's lived up to all the hype. He's a phenom.

Steve Nash: But I think it's too difficult to win 3 MVP's in a row.

Finals Prediction: Suns beat Cavs in 5.

Superbowl Showdown

Okay people here we have it. The Superbowl is determined. Predict the winner and the score.

This is the ultimate show down. Peyton Manning and the Colts will face Brian Urlacher and the Bears.

Let's break it down.

Facts:

- Colts can come from behind and win the big game.

- Bears run the ball down people's throats and the Colts run Def isn't that good. (Thomas Jones 132 yds and 2 TD's vs the Saints. Benson 60 yds and 1 TD)

- Peyton Manning has still a lot to prove (and maybe destiny on his side?)

- Chicago has the better defense.

- Indy has the better offense.

- Grossman has proven he can handle the big game.

- The Colts Def has played awesome in the playoffs.

- Best Def vs the Best Off.

- The AFC is definitely better this season than the NFC.

- The Superbowl isn't being played in the snow.

- Bears Def can score pts (see week 6 Monday Nighter vs Arizona)

- Harrison and Wayne are awesome but they end throw TD's to TE's and Lineman?

- Bears just win. Not always pretty but one more W and they are the champs.

- Lovie vs Dungy.

Who's going to the SUPERBOWL?

Okay boys thanks for putting your bold predictions on the line. No one picked over 2 out of 4. At least we tried right? Unlike everyone else who reads these posts and don't post. Cowards.

So here we are the best weekend in football. Win and you go to the Superbowl lose and you are crying. Congrats to the Colts, Patriots, Bears and Saints. It's hard to make it here. It's even harder to win this game.

Question #1: Who's going to win the NFC and AFC Championship games this weekend?

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

New Orlean Saints @ Chicago Bears

Both teams won by a field goal. The Bears were as GOOD as Gould. And New Orleans went with the Bush/McAlister combo. I think my favourite play in the Saints/Eagles game was the rugby scrum pushing Duece into the endzone. I really don't think Bush was in but they didn't review it. The Bears got lucky vs Seattle. The Seahawks had more than enough chances but they couldn't execute. Alexander had a great day but that Hasselback INT was the turning point. No one thought it would be close. At least Grossman kept his job for one more week.


I think the Saints are the team of destiny. The Bears aren't that good. Struggled with the Hawks who New Orleans would have destroyed. Grossman will be the cause of the loss and he will not be back in Chicago next season.

My Prediction: Saints beat the Bears at Soldier field.


AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:


New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts



Haven't we seen this before? Brady vs Peyton. Blue & White vs Blue & Silver.

Well here we go. The Patriots hung in there to upset the Chargers (that hurt the wallet). Colts showed everyone that their Def is the real deal.


Fact: Brady and New England are 13-1 in the playoffs.
Fact: Peyton Manning has never won the BIG game.

Who is better? At the moment hats have to go off to Brady who if they win this season could be the greatest QB to ever play the game. Yes I said it...this guy is clutch. If they win the whole thing this season they are the best franchise in NFL history especially when you consider the free agent era. Think about it his WR's are Gaffney and Caldwell. Both #3 WR's on the Texans and Chargers and he's making them into stars.

My Prediction: Patriots barely beat SD and Indy is a different team...they are hungry... you know what the difference will be?


Adam Vinatieri! He is clutch. No kicker better in the playoffs. New England will miss him especially on Sunday.

Question #2: Who's going to win the SUPERBOWL on Feb 4th?

Colts vs Saints
This is where the Saints go marching in but come out empty handed. The combo of Manning to Harrison will be too much for the Saints. Marvelous Marvin will win the MVP with 3 TD's. For the Saints it will be a disappointing loss but they will be happy remembering last year they picked second in the draft and in the SB the next year. And Peyton will finally get "the flying monkey" off his back. Brees is great but he can't control the fumbles of Reggie Bush. But didn't I say that the Saints are the team of destiny? Yes they are because they bring a city together but the real team of destiny will be the mighty Colts.

Of course I could be wrong but I HIGHLY doubt it.

NFL Divisional Playoffs Predictions

Well I was right about ALL FOUR games during the Wild Card weekend. What a WILD weekend it was:
Indy was WAY better than KC, NO 1st downs for the Chiefs = no chance.
Seattle edged out Dallas. I still can't believe they won but a W is a win. I was right Dallas can't beat anyone good. Poor Romo...lol
Philly beats NY in a close one. The Eagles are good and the Giants actually made a great game of it.
New England kills the Jets. The Jets were the worst team in the playoffs.

Divisional Playoff Predictions: All 4 matchups are going to be great...what a weekend to watch football.

NFC:

Eagles @ Saints.

Garica and Westbrook look great but I think the Saints will be marching in. The team of destiny will win this game. The Saints have a ton of fire power.

Seahawks @ Bears.

I know the last time Seattle was in Chicago they got shelled. But the Bears D hasn't played as well lately and Grossman sucks (they should have drafted a QB). Seattle will squeek out a victory @ Soldier Field. And Cowboys fans will really be depressed knowing it could be them.

AFC:

Colts @ Ravens

Baltimore should do a better job with the run than KC...and Baltimore is going to blitz Indy all day. But if there is someone who can counter that it's Peyton who is the audible king. Indy will shock the world by beating the Ravens in Baltimore moving to the AFC Championship game.

Patriots vs Chargers.

If there is one team you don't want to face in the playoffs it's the Patriots. Brady has lost only one playoff game. The Chargers are no push over with the best record in football and Mr. MVP. One thing you must remember the Patriots are not the team like they were in the past. Chargers win this one and host the AFC Championship game. (Side note: Do you know that I have tickets to the AFC Championship game in SD? Going to make a ton of $ on Ebay.) The Chargers D is amazing and Rivers is better than most think. Brady will experience the nickname Lights Out!

Of course I could be wrong but I highly doubt it.

THE Question: Who are you picking?

Green Bay Packers Playoff Bound?

I just wanted to write this article for all those so called “experts” out there who said the Green Bay Packers were going to be 4-12 this season. Not only did I predict they would not be 4-12 but I said, “Favre will take them to at least 7-9 or 8-8.” Now I did not predict they might make the playoffs but with the NFC weaker than the AFC this year they could. Think about it, Favre’s final year in green and yellow takes his team to the playoffs what a better story line. And we all know that if you can make the playoffs you never know what will happen. For example: Last years Pittsburgh Steelers. I am not saying they will win the Superbowl or even make it for that matter if they make the playoffs they just might.

IF they win next week versus the Chicago Bears (in Chicago mind you) they got a shot. Hey you never know the Bears might sit a few starters for the playoffs.

So I am hoping Atlanta, Philly, NYG lose 2 and Carolina, San Fran, St. Louis only need to lose one of 2. Then GB will get in.

Green Bay can clinch playoff berth with:
1) GB win + NYG win + GB clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over NYG, OR2) GB win + NYG loss or tie + STL loss or tie, OR3) GB win + NYG loss or tie + CAR win, OR4) GB win + NYG loss or tie + ATL win, OR5) GB tie + NYG loss + STL loss + ATL loss or tie + CAR loss or tie

Here’s the question for you who do you think will be in the Superbowl?

I said at the beginning of the year it’s going to be Indy over Dallas. I could be right, now I am thinking the San Diego Chargers over the New Orleans Saints. (By the way I have tickets to the San Diego playoffs games).

…what do you think?

Can you change sports alliances???

A friend of mine (Rob) is moving to Edmonton. Only one problem, he is a PASSIONATE Calgary Flames fan. Living in the middle of enemy territory, the City of Champions. What shall he do, join his fellow Oiler fans or stand proud to be a Flames fan? The 80's rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary were fierce and as of late they have had similar success going to the Cup Finals and losing in Game 7 the last 2 yrs.

So here's the question: "Is it acceptable to change loyalities or alliances to other teams?"

Like is it okay for a Flames fan to change be come a Oiler fan?
What about a Dallas Cowboy fan becoming a Redskin fan?
A Habs fan into a Leaf fan?
Mancester United soccer fanantic converted into an Aresnel lover?
How about a Yankee fan changing alliances and cheering for the Boston Red Sox?
Bulls/Celtics fan enjoying their new team the Los Angeles Lakers?
OR VICE VERSA.

Is it okay...WHY or WHY NOT...need some reasons my friends. Let the debate begin...

Oh Canada Poll Question

Here we are 9-13 games into the season. We have got a good look at our favourite teams. Being in Canada I figured the pole question would be "Which Canadian Team Will Win Lord Stanley?"

I know Buffalo looks the best and Philadelphia looks the worst. Actually their goals for is the complete opposite (53-28, 28-53). But we are Canadian so give me your take on what the good ol' Canadian teams will do.

Here's my take on all the Canadian NHL teams in alphabetical order:

Calgary Flames:
Current Record - 9 games played = 3 W 5 L 1 otl 7 Pts
Analysis > Let's be honest their best player has to be Kiprusoff. But Calgary hasn't looked good yet but it's early. What's with Calgary any way? Amonte goes there and sucks. Tanguay goes there and can't score either. Is Ignila that hard to play with? Is Sutter than defensive he sucks the offensive life out of the Flames? It looks like they have 1 good line and the rest are grinders who score everyone once in a while (exception maybe Kobasew). They only have 23 goals for and are at the bottom of the league just in front of Philly, Columbo, and Boston. Defensively with Phaneuf and Regehr they should be solid. That into consideration Calgary has only played 9 games where everyone else has played over 10.

Edmonton Oilers:
Current Record - 11 games played 7 W 4 L 0 otl 14 Pts
Analysis > We all know that if Roloson played the whole final Edmonton would have won or if Conklin didn't give the puck up either...but that was last year.
These guys have impressed me this yr. They have scoring on every line. Stoll, Hemsky, Smyth, Sykora, Lupul, Horcoff, etc. Maybe their weakness is their defense but they have played well so far only allowing 28 goals. Roloson has played great with a GAA of 2.41.

Montreal Canadiens:
Current Record - 10 games played 5 W 2 L 3 otl 13 Pts
Analysis > Montreal is an interesting team. Some games they look good and others not so good. You look at their lineup and ask, "Where are they going to get their offense from?" We see the defensemen S.Souray is leading the team in scoring. In net who is the #1 Huet or Aebischer? Looks like a committee in goal. The goalies hate that. Kovalev leads the team in PIM.

Ottawa Senators:
Current Record - 10 games played 5 W 5 L 1 otl 10 Pts
Analysis > The Sens are not the team they used to be. They could have the best line in hockey in Spezza, Alfredsson and Heatley. But after that who do they got? Corvo was a great pick up for some offense on D. I know hind sight is 20/20 but they shouldn't have gone and got Gerber but let Emery be the guy. Then they could have used that $ to buy another offensive FA. Emery needs the opportunity to become a great goalie. Great move letting Chara go...$7.5 a yr...no wonder Boston sucks. Most there $ is going to a defensive defenseman who has scored a career high 30 pts.

Toronto Maple Leafs:
Current Record - 12 games played 5 W 4 L 3 otl 13 Pts
Analysis > Leaf fans seem to be coming back to reality. They don't seem to think they are going to win every season any more. No kiddin' because the last time was in 1967. Before we were all born!
They took a huge gamble this off season getting Raycroft. He hasn’t looked bad actually. This former rookie of the year will get a legit shot at proving himself. I really like Wellwood with Sundin & Tucker. The Leafs are tied for 3rd in goals for (40) but they are 2nd to last in the goals against in front of Phoenix (53). Defense wins championships but in the new NHL it might be who can score more goals.

Vancouver Canucks:
Current Record - 12 games played 7 W 4 L 1 otl 15 Pts
Analysis > I can't believe Vancouver is playing this well. Luongo has made a ton of massive saves but he still lets in the easy ones every once in a while. The Canucks as a team are playing hard. That's why we are winning games we shouldn't be...HARD WORK. Bertuzzi we are not missing you at all. 4 pts in the 1st game, 2 pts since and missed 3 games with an injury. And oh by the way, he still hasn't signed with the Panthers yet. If he bolts from Florida Nonis is a genius. The twins are incredible and Naslund looks like he’s ready for another good season. You know all the guys who have been crying we don’t have A.Carter…he’s got one goalie this season in Columbus. Pyatt has turned into a great acquisition (6 goals). The Canucks just have to stay out of the sin bin.

Leave a comment if you are Canadian and man enough!

How much does the crowd make a difference?

This post all stems from a conversation I had with my friend Phil Hamar this week. We were talking hockey and we were being serious about who's good and who's not. Then Phil says something to the affect of this, "You know why the Canucks were terrible last yr and why Bertuzzi didn't play well?...It's because the fans of Vancouver weren't behind them." After the awkward pause I realized he's serious and busted a gut laughing. "Are you serious I asked?" I asked...he was serious.

Now I understand that home ice/field/court advantage is valuable but how valuable is it?

Pacers guard Reggie Miller loved to play on the road. He felt he played better. No one knows that better than the Knicks.
Pittsburgh beat the Colts on the road in the dome to go to the Superbowl.
Sure the Carolina Hurriances won game 7 at home but if Roloson was healthy they would have won game 7 actually Edmonton would have won the series quicker than that.
Great players got to be great no matter if they are at home or away?

Going to the Seattle Seahawks game on Sept 24th showed what it's like when 68,000 fans go crazy. I saw first hand what the noise can do to disrupt a team as the Giants Eli Manning was having a hard time calling plays. That's why Seahawk fans are called the 12th man. Seattle went up 42-3 by the end of the 3rd q. But in the fourth qtr it was still loud and Eli threw 4 TD passes and the crowd was still tough.

What do you think?