I have never written anything about sports in general in my life. Why? Because I don’t consider myself knowledgeable enough to even attempt it without coming out sounding like a complete freakin’ idiot.
However, today is the day I come out of my sports shell and write something about the NHL Playoffs this year.
Now a little background: I love hockey, I’ve loved hockey even before hockey existed in Texas. How? Blame the Intellivision gaming system and the Ice Hockey game. I fell in love with a game with block characters that tripped each other (there was no fighting in the games back then). So, needless to say I was overjoyed when I went to my first NHL game, Dallas Stars baby! I even went to their first playoff game in Dallas. *sigh* Ah Reunion Arena, but I digress.
Anyway, back to the subject at hand. Since hockey left ESPN thanks to the strike a few years ago, it’s been hard for me to keep up since it all moved over to Versus. Now that I have changed TV providers, I can watch Versus a bit more. Woot!
Let’s start by saying: 3 out of 4 Semifinal games are going to a game 7. (who would’ve thunk the Blackhawks would win in 6? Wait, the Blackhawks are good? Holy shit, what happened?) That alone speaks volumes, but not nearly as many volumes as the players involved in one of the series.
Penguins vs Capitals: It’s the dream match up: Sidney vs Alex. That’s Crosby and Ovechkin. The 2 phenoms that came around a few years ago and went to the Penguins and Capitals, respectively. Let me tell you, these guys can play, and play well. This series has been a lot of fun to watch. I will definitely be tuning into game 7 tonight. It’s hockey central in my house tonight. (Let’s go Pens!)
Hurricanes vs Bruins: Unfortunately, I’ve really only watched one game of this series, and that’s game 6 last night. I did watch the Hurricanes a few years back win it all and thought their goalie, Cam Ward, was quite awesome. Last night, he was still quite awesome, but something was missing. So, onward to a game 7. Not sure if the Canes can pull it off as the Bruins will be at home, but don’t be surprised if they do.
Ducks vs Red Wings: First of all, thank God they dropped the “Mighty” from their name. That was just lame. I think the Red Wings have too many good weapons to not win this series, but I am still a bit surprised it went to 7 games. However, with players like Selanne, both Niedermayers, Pronger (I must’ve missed him leaving the Blues), and both goalies, I can see them pulling it off. On the other hand, this is the Red Wings, octopus anyone? I mean, the Red Wings: Datsyuk, Draper, Holmstrom, Hossa, Zetterberg, Chelios, Lidstrom, and of course, Osgood. Yea, I see the Red Wings winning Game 7.
Lord Stanley’s Cup: Who do I think will play, and who do I think will win? That’s a good question. My money’s on the Red Wings vs the Penguins. Who do I think will win it all? As much as I want to say the Penguins, I can’t (sorry Doug!). The Red Wings are too experienced, albeit kinda old too, but alas, the Red Wings will win in 5 or 6. It won’t be a sweep. The Penguins will make it interesting, but not interesting enough to win.
