The Setting in the West

So the Sharks were eliminated tonight by a very good Anaheim team. Hats off to the Ducks for doing what San Jose has been unable to do; play like they want to move onto the next round.

The East will remain undecided until the New Jersey/Carolina and New York Rangers/Washington series have been decided tomorrow...if you were wondering, I'm still sticking with New Jersey and Washington.

Granted I haven't seen much of the East coast play, but I don't know how anyone is going to be the Western teams advancing here. These two series should be a lot of fun to watch, and I won't be surprised if it takes seven games in both series to decide the conference finalists. Here's my predictions for the next match-ups in the west:

Detroit vs. Anaheim: If the Ducks keep up this level of play the Wings are going to have some problems. Jonas Hiller is looking pretty damn good in net, though as this last series went on, he gave up quite a few more rebounds than were maybe necessary. Plus unlike the Sharks, the Wings are always out to win in the playoffs. Hiller can't expect shutouts against guys like Lidstrom, Hossa, Franzen, Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Anaheim capitalized on San Jose's mistakes and sloppy play, while San Jose was unable to do the same on Anaheim...Detroit won't allow them that luxury. Guys like Holmstrom and Maltby and Draper that will get their sticks free for the rebounds, and will create a huge distraction for the young Hiller. That is just one reason why they are the current powerhouse dynasty. These are the last two cup winners, the cores of those teams are there, they aren't mortal enemies but they are familiar with each other...well, there's the possibility for this to turn into a heinous rivalry with this series. I'm gonna say Detroit...most people are going to bet on Detroit.

Vancouver vs. Chicago: I'm gonna say this series goes to whoever can figure out how to score on their opposing goalies. Khabibulin and Luongo are two world class goalies. I haven't watched either team play much, but there's a part of me that loves guys like Teows, Kane, and Campbell. Campbell is getting on in age, and I'm hoping he's got a few more seasons in him, because I think Chicago is gearing up for something phenomenal on their own. It's really a toss up, but I think Chicago is going to make a big statement by taking this series and giving Detroit some trouble in the conference finals.

In other news, Plymouth State University is still accepting applications for next fall's graduate programs...I like them, but they're loosing points for asking for a personal statement that is 350 words max...I'm verbose...I like myself that way...350 to describe my intentions for graduate school and beyond...oy

Hmmm...

I don't think I'll be the only one to think this is some serious news:

Meghan McCain (senator's daughter) and Steven Schmidt (Chief Strategist for McCain's presidential campaign) have both stated they for gay-marriage...in fact, they've both more than hinted that its time for the non-religious and moderate voices of the GOP to rise up and force their way into the conservative debate.

Perhaps its just because I'm watching the West Wing but that seems to me like that's something that would cause a lot of peoples ears to perk up...yes its just two people, but the Chief Strategist for the last Republican Presidential Nominee and the Nominee's daughter who has found something of a political stage in the last year...those are two people whose words can carry some weight.

I dunno, I'm going to keep my eye on them now. I'm not talking a political switch because thankfully my ideologue alliances are multifaceted and thus not decided by one issue, but I think that debate of political issues can always use more voices...our country is at its best when all minds are comfortable expressing themselves, when the reason of the people is put to the test.

NHL Playoffs

For the second season in a row my dear Sabre's have not made it to the playoffs. Some fans are calling for the firing of GM Darcy Regier and Head Coach Lindy Ruff...I have faith in Lindy, there's a reason he's the longest standing head coach at one organization currently in the NHL. I think the biggest problem is that the Sabres were plagued by injury at the worst time in the season, loosing top goalie for a month and getting him back for the final seven games of the season? Loosing top goal scorer Thomas Vanek for a couple months and then have him come back unable to get back into any rhythm didn't help. Not to mention injuries that caused veterans Tim Connely and Teppo Numinen to loose some games here and there. There was a lot that didn't go well for them, key players gone at a key times, I'm impressed that they actually made a run at the end of the season. As I said earlier, what they need is a stronger leader, a real captain that will be the heart of the team. Anyways, onto the predictions on the actual playoff match ups:

Boston vs. Montreal: Boston won the season series, Montreal is riding a great end of season. If Montreal plays their best for seven games (or less), I think they could knock Boston out. That's a big "if" and well, I don't have a ton of faith in Montreal's ability to hold a streak into the playoffs. I'm picking Boston and hoping for Montreal here.

Washington vs. New York Rangers: The Rangers limped through the second half of the season, Ovechkin and the Capitals, while riding a bit of a loosing streak, are still a great team. The Rangers won't make it past the first round, Washington wins this one.

New Jersey vs. Carolina: Martin Brodeur is still an amazing goalie, perhaps still the best in his position, Carolina is going to have a hard time with him in the playoffs. Kudos to Carolina for getting this far, I think this series might actually be fun to watch, but New Jersey is going to win, probably in 6 games.

Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia: Pittsburgh figured out how to play again thanks to Dan Bylsma at the helm, Philly has been good, but I don't think they're good enough to beat Malkin and Crosby at their best. Pittsburgh takes this one, maybe in 5?

San Jose vs. Anaheim: San Jose has been attrocious in the playoffs, loosing the will to win and such, but we'll see how they fare this season with a coach who has lots of playoff winning experience. They haven't been as strong the second half of the season, but the pace they were keeping the first half was just impossible. Kudos to Anaheim to battling their way into the playoffs, San Jose takes this one, maybe sweeps it.

Detroit vs. Columbus: Great praise to Columbus for making it into the playoffs for the first time in their history, they'll nab one or two games. Detroit is a powerhouse. They are a dynasty...the reality is that they could win the cup every year, they're taking this one. Bad first match for Columbus.

Vancouver vs. St. Louis: Wow, St. Louis came out of no where, best second half of the season of any team, hands down. Vancouver hasn't been having a bad season either. This might be the best series of this round of the playoffs, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say St. Louis pulls this one out, maybe in the final hour of the seventh game.

Chicago vs. Calgary: Chicago has been great this season, I mean seriously great this season. One commentator mentioned that the biggest problem they have is that they always run into a red or teal wall, Detroit or San Jose. I think the series will be fun to watch, but Chicago is going to win.

Well friends, that was fun. Hmmmm, my sister is turning 21 tomorrow...awwwweeesome!