OT: NHL Playoffs Bracket Challenge
I created a group (M Go Blog) on NHL.com's Bracket Challenge. Basically, you make picks for the first round, including how long you think the series will go. Because the NHL reseeds, you make the second round picks after the first round is completed.
http://playoffschallenge.nhl.com/playoff_challenge/leagues/2623?locale=…
Feel free to join, there is no password. Also, GO WINGS GO !
I think the West is going to be a brutal fight to the Cup, as any of the 1-6 teams could legitimately make it to the Cup. It will be interesting to see how the Blues do in the postseason and if the Canucks make their annual Luongo-inspired postseason meltdown.
In the East I like the Rangers and Pens. I don't know if I can see anyone catching a healthy Penguins team right now.
Sorry, on your point about any Western seed 1-6 making a run, there's no way in hell Phoenix makes any sort of substantial run. They are a mediocre team that was propped up by a division full of mediocre teams (an an inexplicable 11-0-1 demolition of everyone in February). They are basically the Western Conference's answer to Florida getting #3 in the East.
If the Penguins make it out of the first round mostly unscathed, I agree that they have to be considered one of the front-runners to take it all. But man, talk about a series with barn-burner potential... actually the 4-5 matchups in both conferences should be awesome to watch.
Point taken. I guess I overlooked the fact that Phoenix is technically the 3 seed. I don't think any of the Pacific teams have any realistic shots at making it past the second round. I do think Phoenix can beat Chicago with some stellar goaltending by Mike Smith, but I presume they would be done after the first round. That said, I think it's pretty amazing that 4 of the 5 Central teams could legitimately make it to the Cup.
Call me crazy, but this Red Wings team is a whole different story when Helmer is in the lineup. He changes the game when we skate him on Line 4 against other team's star lines. I've said it a million times, but Darren Helm is the hardest working player in hockey. If we can survive tomorrow's game, and get him back Friday, we could be looking at a split 1-1 or even a 2-0 lead heading into the Joe on Sunday.
Agreed. I've said many times that Wings fans underestimate his overall contribution to the utility of the Detroit Red Wings success. Teams need players like him to go all the way.
for a run in the playoffs. His penalty killing is top notch and going against Nashvilles #1 power play will be brutal without him, he adds some balls to that 3rd and 4th line
Go Wings!
Being only 52 my memory of Wings playoff games only stretches back to 1967 and the late, great Roger Crozier BUT if the last 45 years have taught me anything you can bet the house on the following occuring at least once if not more to the Wings:
1. They will massively outplay a team but a goalie that had struggled some in the regular season will have the game of his life against us stopping over 40 shots from impossible angles
2. They will out shoot an opponent 4-1 but will trail (or lose) a game due to a quirky, fluke goal against the Wings
3. They will hit the post multiple times in said game to the point where the announcers will exclaim "I cant believe this keeps happening. What are the odds of hitting the post X times in ONE game???"
It's unreal how predictable this is for the Wings in the playoffs......
Thankfully the "Intent to Blow" rule to screw the Wings has gone away the past few years. *knock on wood*
As an addendum to #1, that goalie will play off his rocker for that series, and after single-handedly beating the Wings 1-0 for 4 straight games, will then give up 5 goals on 6 shots the next two games he plays.
Fortunately (or unfortunately) we don't have to worry about the red-hot goalie in the first round, because we already know going into this series that Rinne will stand on his head. Goals are not going to come easy this series. Wings are going to have to pepper him with shots and just hope it pays off.
You are so, so right. I forgot to add that the white-hot goalie will suddenly remember he's not really the second coming of Jacques Plante in the series immediately after ours.
can't find the group.....what a'm i doing wrong ?
Well that link should go right to it... maybe just go to the NHL.com bracket challenge and search for the group. You have to sign in to the website to create an entry.
I agree with the comments of those suggesting that the West is going to be a beast to get through. While Phoenix may be the only team in the top 6 without a chance to come out of the west, San Jose at 7 certainly has a chance. I also completely agree with those stating the importance of a healthy Helm. In fact, the health of many Wings will affect our chances. While many are back, they simply are not healthy. Helm's knee, Cleary's knee and Howard's groin are all concerns, IMO. Being healthy enough to dress and being truly healthy are two very different things. Btw, thanks to goblueram for setting up the MGoBlog challenge bracket! Go Wings!
On Brad Stuart fuck ups that cost the Wings? Whatever it is, I'm taking the over.