2011 Playoffs – Round 1 Predictions

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Everyone enjoys the playoffs, but I really love Round 1. There are 3 or 4 games a night and they all mean something. 

Plus, there’s always at least one first round upset.

So, without further ado, here are my somewhat biased and totally unscientific Round 1 playoff predictions:

Things got really tight in the Western Conference, especially at the end. A mere 2 points separated the 4th seed from the 8th seed(there were 3 teams with 99 points, 1 with 98 and 1 with 97). If anything, this shows how evenly-matched many of these teams are.

Series: Vancouver Canucks (1) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (8)

My Prediction: Blackhawks win in 6 games.

Comments: Even though I am a Chicago Blackhawks fan, I have no delusions about them repeating as Stanley Cup Champions this season. Eighth place teams just don’t do that.

But at the same time, if we can count on one thing, it is that the best team in the league usually chokes sooner or later (the Sharks last year, the Capitals 2 years ago).

This is going to be the first-round upset in the Western Conference.

Series: San Jose Sharks (2) vs. Los Angeles Kings (7)

My Prediction: Sharks win in 5 games.

Comments: The Kings have had a decent year, but the Sharks are a better team. Plus, the Kings lost Anze Kopitar–their best player. Even with Kopitar in the lineup, there’s no guarantee that the Kings would win. But with him gone, they won’t stand a chance against the Sharks.

Series: Detroit Red Wings (3) vs. Phoenix Coytoes

My Prediction: Red Wings win in 7 games.

Comments: The Red Wings are too good to not make it to the second round. But the Coyotes–led by goalie Ilya Bryzgalov–have had a breakout year. The way Bryzgalov has played, I could see him single-handedly winning the series for the ‘Yotes. Win or lose, he will still make things miserable for Detroit.

Series: Anaheim Mighty Ducks (4)  vs. Nashville Predators (5)


My Prediction: Ducks win in 5 games.

Comments: The Ducks would sweep the Predators if they had Jonas Hiller in net. But Hiller is still suffering from (all things) vertigo. Yes, the Preds have a darn good defensive corps, led by Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. But the Ducks have Huey, Duey and Luey….or make that Ryan, Corey and Bobby. And that Teemu guy ain’t too bad either, even at 40.

I usually don’t pay much attention to The East unless there’s a Pens-Flyers series. Maybe in Round 2. But first, Round 1. So…

Series: Washington Capitals (1) vs. New York Rangers (8)

My Prediction: Captials sweep in 4.

Comments: Ovechtrick! Ovechtrick! Ovechtrick!

Yeah, Alexander Ovechkin has been hot and cold this season, but either way the Capitals are good enough to sweep New York. And the Rangers are bad enough to be the team that gets swept.

Series: Philadelphia Flyers (2) vs. Buffalo Sabres (7)

My Prediction: Flyers win in 6 games.

Comments: The Flyers were a good team this year, and they’ll probably make it to the Finals again. Not saying they’re gonna win it all–they might be like the Boston Bruins were in the late 1980s, a team good enough to get there but not good enough to win it all.

Other than Ryan Miller, the Sabres do little to impress me.

Series: Boston Bruins (3) vs. Montreal Canadiens (6)

My Prediction: Bruins win in 6 games.

Comments: I might watch this series–not to see great goal scoring and awesome saves by Tim Thomas and Carey Price.

Nope. I might watch it to see if the Canadians–or more specifically, the Canadiens fans–do or say anything about the whole Zdeno Chara / Max Pacioretty incident. Will the “Death to Chara!” signs be written in English or French? Will there be a 7-foot tall Zdeno Chara pinata hanging from the rafters of the Bell Center?

Series: Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (5) 

My Prediction: Penguins win in 7.

Comments: The Penguins won’t get far without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. But they’ll make it at least to the next round.

—————————————-
Two years ago, I was 12 for 15 in my playoff predictions (80%).

Last year, I was 10 for 15–down to 66%. But that’s OK, because the ‘Hawks won the Cup.

How will I do this year? Hopefully, well enough to win Captain Canuck’s playoff contest.

And if you really like playoff-themed contests, there’s one on the blog Drop the Gloves, too.

Band T-Shirt: Clever or Copycat?

A few days ago, one of my students was wearing what I thought was a New York Rangers t-shirt.

“Rangers,” I said. “Nice. You a hockey fan?” Whenever a student of mine–I teach college–wears hockey apparel, I have to voice my approval.

“Huh?” she said. “This is a t-shirt for a band.”

Upon a closer look, I saw that the text that would normally read NEW YORK RANGERS was replaced with STRAY FROM THE PATH.

I thought that was stupid. Take a recognizable sports logo, and put your own text on it. It lacks creativity and is a cheap attempt at recognition. Continue reading “Band T-Shirt: Clever or Copycat?”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

No, I don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day…but apparently, Don Cherry does. This picture of Don from the most recent episode of Coach’s Corner is just flat out ridiculous.

As the McDonald’s commercial says, “I’m lovin’ it!”

I don’t know how Don Cherry manages to outdo himself, but somehow he consistently does. That fact is almost as scary as the florescent green hat that he wore Saturday night.

Not too long ago, I found a blog that documents what Don Cherry wears each week. The blog is cleverly entitled Don We Now Our Gay Apparel. Sadly, they haven’t updated in 5 weeks (despite my girlfriend emailing their webmaster a copy of the above pic).

Also, I wanted to make a some sort of joke about how if Don Cherry had a cherry on his hat, he’d look like a Shamrock Shake. But it’s late, I’m sick and joke writing is not my forte at 11:45pm.

Plus, I realize that not everywhere in North America has Shamrock Shakes

Question: So now I ask you….does your local McDonalds sell Shamrock Shakes during the month of March?

2010-11 Artifacts Box Break

In a move completely out of character, I purchased a hobby box of 2010-11 Artifacts Hockey. Partly because I like the design and partly because I couldn’t find many quality vintage singles at the show I attendedon Saturday.

Plus, I never buy any high-end boxes. I’m tired of watching from the sidelines, so I decided to take the plunge and see if I get anything good. Continue reading “2010-11 Artifacts Box Break”

Saturday Card Show – A Quick Recap

This Saturday, I went to the Sun-Times Sports Collectibles Show in Rosemont, IL. A few quick highlights and lowlights:

  • I traded cards–yes TRADED CARDS–with fellow collectors Tim (The Real DFG) and Nick. It was like being a kid again. I got cards I wanted and I got rid of cards that I didn’t want. Best of all, there was no haggling or price guides involved. Negotiations pretty much went like this:

    “Here are some cards you need.”
    “Thanks! Here are some cards you need.”

  • My 3 favorite hockey dealers were not at the show. A large, bearded fellow who calls himself “Big John” and deals mainly in newer hockey singles was notably absent, as was this older Canadian gentlemen who deals solely in high-quality, pre-1974 hockey cards. And my favorite hockey card-dealing couple, Diane and Paul Bogar of D & P Collectibles, were not at the show either. 
  • My friend Danny went with me. He’s not into sports cards, but he collects jerseys (the ones you wear, not jersey cards) and logo patches. Danny does well at finding jerseys for steals. It’s always more fun to go with a friend. 
  • I couldn’t find any great deals on vintage singles, but found plenty of dealers trying to get full book value for their cards. Sorry, but I can’t afford $200 for a Guy Lafleur rookie card…I don’t care how near-mint it is.And if I’m going to break the bank on one, I’m going to get it from the Canadian guy mentioned above 
    • I did pick up some mid-grade vintage singles from the 1960s. I’ll post pictures soon.
    • I bought a box of this year’s Artifacts. I know–that is so unlike me. I usually stick to the low-end, 500 card sets, but there’s a first time for everything. Hopefully, I’ll open them tonight while watching the Blackhawks-Shaaarks game.
      • Speaking of first times, I bought 4 boxes of In The Game hockey cards. I’ve never purchased any of their “not licensed by the NHL” stuff. Box breaks coming soon.  
      •  I purchased numerous autographed cards–for very little money. But I’ll post those on my other blog.  
        • The show ended at 5pm. Waaaaaah! I was there for 8 hours, and could have stayed another 2. But then I would have went home broke.  
        • Finally, I purchased a 1977-78 Topps Hockey Set for $66. It was in near-mint shape–sharp corners, great centering, perfect edges–but was missing #81 (Islanders checklist). 

          Despite my favorite vendors not being there–and the overall dearth of quality-yet-affordable hockey–I had a better time at this show than I usually do. I went with a friend to the show, met a friend there and made a new one. Plus, I didn’t spend all the money in my pocket.

          Funny article in The Onion

          The Onion newspaper does not print articles about hockey very often, and when they do it is usually about the sport’s apparent lack of popularity and/or fan support. However, this one was downright hilarious:

          Calgary Flames Trying To Keep Fact That They’re A Hockey Team From Landlord

          Anyone who grew up watching the 1970s sitcom Three’s Company–-and knows their Flames’ history–will especially appreciate this one. Captain Canuck, I’m looking in your general direction here.

          In other news…things seem to be getting back on track for me. I’ve been able to update Sal’s Hockey Autographs every day for a week, and plan on getting some new “Junk” up here over the weekend and early next week.

          Greetings from the Stockton Thunder

          You may recall that about a month back, I created a video making fun of the Score hockey card of Edmonton Oilers prospect Bryan Pitton.

          Well, the video has caught on with the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL, Pitton’s current team. I recently received this email:

          PuckJunk,

          I work with the team that Bryan Pitton plays for and we have not laughed that hard in awhile. Guys went nuts over it. Of course this morning we had to cut out lettuce heads and paste them all over his locker!

          Great video.

          Kevin

          It is nice to hear that my short video has inspired some good natured tomfoolery in the Stockton Thunder’s locker room.

          Today is National Hockey Card Day

          Today is National Hockey Card Day. If you are in Canada, you can get free packs of exclusive trading cards.

          You can get a pack of cards at large retailers like Jean Coutu, PharmaPlus and Rexall.

          Hobby shops will be carrying the free packs too. Here is a list of participating card and hobby shops.

          There are 16 different cards in the set. The first 15 will come in the free packs (usually 5 per pack). The 16th card, which is of Jonathan Toews (above) is only available if you make a purchase at one of the participating card/hobby stores.

          So, what are you waiting for? Go get some free cards. And if anyone gets an extra complete set for trade (including the Toews card and a wrapper), I will gladly trade you for it.