* Results *
I'm feeling very uninspired to write. This is probably due to the Philadelphia Flyers and their horrendous loss to the Ottawa Senators. With their loss and the Washington Capitals shootout victory, the Caps are your current Eastern Conference leaders. The Penguins also picked up two points on the Flyers who are in danger of losing both the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division unless they win their final two games. Washington has two easy games against Florida to top things off. At this point, they'll be lucky to have the second seed in the playoffs. Tonight's game in Ottawa looked promising as the Flyers converted two goals by Mike Richards on the power play. Unfortunately, the Philadelphia Flyers regressed to what they've been the last few weeks which is lethargic. It seems like half the team is aware that they're in trouble while the other half remains convinced that some sort of light switch will activate causing them to play good hockey. I'm not calling it the end of the world, but damn, to get out of a rut, a team must win some games consistently. They have two of those to get their crap together before a very motivated team sends them golfing. The game in Ottawa was filled with stupid penalties, lazy plays, and blatant stupidity. The Flyers won't do worse than fourth seed as a result of their good record from earlier in the season, but I could see an early exit in the first round unless something changes quickly.
The Buffalo Sabres had a huge win in Tampa tonight that should make them a playoff team. If Carolina loses one game or Buffalo wins another, they'll be a sure playoff team. I see it happening for Buffalo which is amazing considering they're doing this with Jhonas Enroth. No Ryan Miller to save the day (for now). Buffalo is a dark horse in the Eastern Conference. I would hate to underestimate their ability. Props to them. The Capitals, as I mentioned, beat the Maple Leafs in a shootout which ended any playoff hope in Toronto. I'll give Toronto a lot of respect. They went from a team who had waffles (literally, seriously) thrown at them to a near playoff team. They played some good hockey near the end. They'll be back, hopefully with Reimer as their goaltender. The Capitals clinched the Southeast Division crown with their win. No surprise. With two games against Florida left on the schedule, I see them as your Eastern Conference number one seed.
The Blackhawks on the other hand missed an opportunity to move on in the standings by losing to the Canadiens in overtime tonight 2-1. They earned a point which keeps them on par with Anaheim but missed opportunities can be a killer. In Pittsburgh, the Devils weren't able to beat the Penguins as they lost 4-2. Pittsburgh moves in on the Flyers for the Atlantic Division. They're only one point away with two games remaining for each team. With the way both teams are playing, it's a possibility that Pittsburgh takes the Atlantic away from the Flyers. This made all more the amazing with the fact that the Penguins have been playing without their two best players. Completely embarrassing for the Flyers.
The Blues were able to beat the Avalanche easily with a 3-1 victory. St. Louis continues to gain my respect. As with many of these eliminated teams, you can only imagine had they played this way all year. Just more hope for next season. In Nashville, the Predators held off the Thrashers 6-3. Pretty thorough win there. Nashville moves ahead of the Phoenix Coyotes with the win by one point for fourth in the Western Conference. In Dallas, the Stars shutout the Blue Jackets 3-0. With three games left to play, the Stars remain only two points away from the Ducks and Blackhawks for a playoff spot. The last few spots for the Western Conference should be an astounding race. Finally, the Oilers shutout the Canucks 2-0. I'd expect the Canucks are taking the safe route after locking up the top see in the Western Conference. With a couple of important players hurt, the Canucks are avoiding the injury bug as best as possible. Smart move on their part. Results for Tuesday below.
4/5/2011 - Tuesday
Lightning at Sabres : Pick - Lightning : Result -- 4-2 Sabres : Wrong : 220-169
Capitals at Maple Leafs : Pick - Capitals : Result -- 3-2 Capitals : Correct (SO/W) : 221-169
Blackhawks at Canadiens : Pick - Blackhawks : Result -- 2-1 Canadiens : Wrong (OT/L) : 221-170
Flyers at Senators : Pick - Flyers : Result -- 5-2 Senators : Wrong : 221-171
Devils at Penguins : Pick - Devils : Result -- 4-2 Penguins : Wrong : 221-172
Avalanche at Blues : Pick - Blues : Result -- 3-1 Blues : Correct : 222-172
Thrashers at Predators : Pick - Predators : Result -- 6-3 Predators : Correct : 223-172
Blue Jackets at Stars : Pick - Stars : Result -- 3-0 Stars : Correct : 224-172
Canucks at Oilers : Pick - Canucks : Result -- 2-0 Oilers : Wrong : 224-173
-Results Format-
Game : Pick : Result : Pick Result (OT or SO W or L based on my pick) : My Season Record
OT/W or OT/L - My pick won or lost in OT.
SO/W or SO/L - My pick won or lost in a shootout.
=Dumbest Pick of the Night=
Devils at Penguins : I don't know if I just picked the Devils because it's the result I wanted or if I truly believed they could win. Pittsburgh is playing so well considering their injuries. New Jersey had been playing superb and should still be considered a tough game, but come on, they've been knocked out. I think the Devils played so well because they really thought they could get back in the playoff picture. You have to go with Pittsburgh at home here. Dumb pick on my part.
=Hardest Pick of the Night=
Lightning at Sabres : The Sabres playing without Ryan Miller against a team filled with good goal scorers. You would think that would be an easy pick. As I mentioned earlier, you can't underestimate a team like Buffalo. Lindy Ruff does a great job of coaching with what players he has. Tampa Bay should be considered very dangerous. They have guys like Martin St. Louis and Steve Stamkos who can score at will. I had a rough time picking this game but went with the scoring rather than the more cohesive unit.
=Easiest Pick of the Night=
Avalanche at Blues : It's so easy to pick the Blues anymore. They've been playing such great hockey. I saw no reason why they wouldn't continue doing so against one of the league's worst in the Colorado Avalanche.
=Shoulda, Coulda, Didn't Game of the Night=
Flyers at Senators : Your team is in such a deep and your playoff seeding is plummeting. You're playing one of the league's worst teams. What better of a way to break out of all of your problems, right? Wrong. Philadelphia was terrible. They were winning 2-1 and had countless power play opportunities to build a lead. Instead, they gave Ottawa countless power play opportunities and allowed them to score three unanswered goals. This was a must win game for Philadelphia. The schedule won't get easier. Ottawa has played the good teams so well as of late that I'm almost not surprised. I just expected a team like the Flyers that should have and could have beat the Senators to win. Wrong again!
* Picks *
4/6/2011 - Wednesday
As I mentioned earlier, I'm not feeling the writer's bug tonight. There are some important games in play for Wednesday. The Panthers visiting the Capitals is a key game for Washington. They'll be looking to almost assure themselves of the top seed in the East. The Blues visiting the Blackhawks should also be a good game. Chicago should consider that a must win game. Finally, the Pacific Division games will be huge. The Sharks have already locked in their division and playoff spot, but they'll be facing a Ducks team that should consider the game a must win. With the Stars and Flames chasing, they'll need anything. One or two points helps. The Coyotes and Kings should also be considered important. Tied with points and holding fifth and sixth in the Western Conference, both teams will want to win to clinch a playoff spot. If one of these teams wins in regulation, they'll do just that. Two points clinches. Should be some good hockey tonight. Enjoy. Wednesday's picks below.
Islanders at Bruins ==> Bruins
Red Wings at Hurricanes ==> Red Wings
Maple Leafs at Devils ==> Maple Leafs
Panthers at Capitals ==> Capitals
Blues at Blackhawks ==> Blackhawks
Oilers at Flames ==> Flames
Sharks at Ducks ==> Sharks
Coyotes at Kings ==> Coyotes
Night!
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