|
| |
Highlights for 2010/11
Season
---
Jonathan Toews
Dustin Penner
Drew Stafford
Dan Boyle
Dave Bolland
Andrej Sekera
Alexander Edler
---
Edmonton Wins Second Cup - 19 Years Later!
Joining the likes of the St Louis Blues ('93, '94 - GM Norm), Las Vegas Strip
('95, '98 - GM Leo) and the Dallas Stars ('01, '09 - GM Jr), the Edmonton Oil
('92, '11 - GM Scott) are the fourth team in NHLP history to have won a second
team Cup, all also GM'd by the same team for both wins. Edmonton won the
third ever NHLP Cup after losing in the finals to Montreal (Ed) in Cup #2.
Edmonton also lost in the finals of the 2009 finals, won by Dallas (GM Jr).
GM Scott's first Cup in Edmonton is the only NHLP Championship for Mario
Lemieux, something GM Scott has always been proud of. All the 2011 winners
are first time Cup Champions, including the only drafted players on the team
Jonathan Toews and Dustin Penner. Toews was the only player never moved
during the entire season.
---
Fourth Championship for GM Scott
GM Scott's fourth Championship means he is in very elite
company, now tied with four time Cup winner GM Andrew. Andrew won 4 Cups
over an 8 year period, 1997, 1999, 2002, and 2004, but now has a 6 year drought
since his last Cup victory. Scott's fourth Cup, 1992, 2003, 2006 and 2011
now gives him 3 in the past 8 NHLP seasons, while no other NHLP GM have won
twice over that span (Andrew, Chadwick, Marcel, Jr and Tyson). GM Andrew
congratulated GM Scott and stated,
"It is so hard to win that damn cup, I think guys are
really starting to realize it. It takes hard work, luck and good fortune
but you can only set yourself up and then hope for the best...."
---
What Went Wrong?
For GM Scott the answer is likely nothing! Edmonton, on nobody's radars
knocked out the Seeded teams #1 (Ottawa, Mike & Ray), #3 (Chicago, Andrew), #5
(Miami, Charlie) and #6 (Toronto, Chad), from the 16th and final seed on the way
to the Cup Championship. The CTR ranked those same teams #9 (Ottawa), #7
(Chicago), #4 (Miami) and #13 (Toronto), while the Oil were ranked #12.
"All my Cups were won on teams that had great chances" stated GM Scott, "So this
one is very different in that we know we could never duplicate this run.
Everything had to be just right, go our way, and this playoffs it clearly did.
It feels different, yes. But not less-wonderful. We are the
Champions. We know we lost when having better opportunities over the
years, that is very true, and we know other teams and GM's were more deserving.
All that aside, I now have 4 Cups in the trophy case and to me, they all look
like winners."
---
How The Oil Were Built
Toews was the first round pick of GM Scott's at the draft and Scott stated on
many occasions that Toews was his favorite NHL player. "We were prepared
to penalty out with Toews and Bolland" said Scott on several occasions during
the season. Penner was also drafted, in the 5th round, but was dropped
early in a Waiver for Skinner who at the time gave Edmonton scoring while they
carried several low point players, including 3 players totaling under 10 points
in late December. Penner was then picked up in a later Waiver along with
Stafford when GM Scott realized Penner was in deed going to be traded, maybe to
Boston. Penner ended up going to LA to play with Kopitar, meaning GM Scott
would keep Penner for first round scoring. In Edmonton's fourth from last
transaction of the season, GM Scott traded Versteeg and Erat to GM Charlie for
Bolland and Boyle, a deal that played huge in Scott's win with Boyle's great
playoff run and Bolland coming back with a 4 point game his first playoff game.
GM Scott was hard after Sekera at the Trading Deadline, for his first round
scoring. As it turned out Sekera was a healthy scratch in 5 of the 7 first
round games, but added a point in one of the two games he did play. The
final player added was one GM Scott also went after at the Deadline, from the
minors, only to not be able to match GM Chad's hefty demanding price.
After Chad had Edler he realized he was in tight so Edler was offered up and in
the end GM Scott ended up grabbing Edler from Chad's Leafs for Brouwer. It
was a risky move as Edler was not a guarantee to come back and play, but he did
play the final two games of the NHL season and the playoffs, eventually scoring
the point to win it all for GM Scott, against the team (Toronto) that traded him
so late in the NHLP Trading Deadline.
---
Looking Back at the "Breaks"
What part does luck play in winning an NHLP Championship?
"I don't think a cup has ever been won without some degree of luck" stated Muddy
Capone, "But clearly, as witnessed this playoffs, Edmonton really seemed to
catch every possible break going on their way to the 2011 NHLP Championship."
CTR Game 50 Rankings for Edmonton- One thing you have to
know, if you pay attention, is that even at 30 points back, GM Scott will not go
quietly. "The teams in front of us are like deer in our headlights. We are
driving the truck, peddle on the floor, right at them, high beams on" stated GM
Scott. "We are either going to run them over, running them down or have one
hell of a spectacular crash trying. If we do crash, it will be our own
recklessness. If we blow an engine, it won't be for lack of Oil. Regardless,
the RPMs revving red." Talk is cheap! This team has, as much baggage, as the
other junk CTR ranked teams. A bunch of question marks for top players Stastny,
Toews and Byfuglien. Maybe the only thing this team might have going for it, is
the maniac behind the wheel!
Vancouver Catches Edmonton on Final Day of the NHLP Season -
GM Joel may or may not have been paying attention, but GM Scott was, "We knew we
had to match up against Ottawa (Mike & Ray) in the first round" stated GM Scott,
"Playing Quebec (Matt) would have been a killer." Joel's Canucks tied
Scott's Oil on that final day of the regular season, meaning GM Scott finished
seeded #16 when he lost the tie-breaker for most goals and did play Ottawa and
ended up beating them 22-18 in Round One. Scott would have lost 25-22
against Quebec and been knocked out.
Minnesota Beats Dallas in Final Game, Chicago is in -
Talk about back door! GM Scott is sitting in the NHLP
playoffs and the final NHL game of the season is starting. If Dallas wins,
Chicago is out of the NHL playoffs and GM Scott loses his first round scoring
Toews and Bolland. "That was an insane hockey game" stated GM Scott, "I
will never forget that game. How Minnesota pulled it out I will never
understand. What a WILD game." That opened the door for Toews and
Bolland who combined for 10 of Edmonton's 22 first round points. If Dallas
shows up, Edmonton never wins the 2011 NHLP Championship.
Player Games, Detroit in 4, Chicago Gets 7 Games -
Round One of the NHLP playoffs could not have went any better for Edmonton, who
were able to stretch the player games to the max, getting 47 of a possible 49
with Toews, Bolland, Edler, Stafford and Sekera playing 7 first round games and
Boyle and Penner 6. Ottawa (Mike and Ray) lost 9 player games when Detroit
won 4 straight, meaning Rafalski, Belanger and Stempniak all only played 4
games. Those three players were suppose to get 11 points in the first
round and ended with only 2. Stamkos was expected to get 7 but got only 4
in a full 7 games, all in all adding up to a first round upset for Edmonton
22-18.
Deja-vu, Two Player's in Second Round - Who was the
last NHLP team to win a Championship when down to only two players in the second
round of the NHLP playoffs? How about the 1992 Edmonton Oil!!! In
1992 after scoring 32 points in round one, GM Scott's Oil only scored 2 points
from Mario Lemieux in round two, but GM Glen only got one point from Stephan
Lebeau. Lemieux would go on to score 8 in the Conference finals (Detroit,
Lee) and 7 in the NHLP Championship (Ottawa, Lee) in a 7-5 victory. This
season GM Scott was down to only Boyle and Edler in the second round of the
playoffs, something rarely every done for Championship teams.
Vancouver Beats Quebec - Winning round one would
have meant nothing had GM Joel not also won his first round matchup with GM Matt
in Quebec. With Scott down to only 2 players, Quebec Seeded #2 would have
matched up against Edmonton in round two had they won, with Boyle and Edler
having to play Heatley, Lucic, Marchand, Setoguchi, Carlson and Arnott.
Vancouver (Joel) won 30-25.
Carter's Injury - Round Two started off perfect for
the Edmonton Oil, GM Andrew had injury problems to Carter who missed the first
two games. That injury combined with Boyles 8 point series, GM Scott wins
11-5 after being a 13-8 predicted underdog.
Detroit Loses Game 7 to San Jose - Just when it
looked like it would be over for GM Scott, San Jose beat out Detroit in the
second round of the NHL playoffs. What impact did this have? Scott
would have been down to only Edler versus Miami's (Charlie) squad of Bergeron,
Samuelsson, Zetterberg, Bertuzzi and Kronwall. With the San Jose win, GM
Scott's Oil would have Boyle and Edler versus Bergeron and Samuelsson in the
NHLP Semi-Finals.
More Injuries, Bergeron and Samuelsson Both Out -
Can you get any more breaks? Miami (Charlie) had both Bergeron and
Samuelsson out to start the NHLP Semi-Finals. Although Bergeron would play
the last 5 games, he was only able to get 3 points while Samuelsson was gone for
the playoffs. Edmonton would win 8-3 and head to the NHLP Finals.
Tampa Bay & Boston, Game 7 - GM Scott is in the NHLP
Finals with Edler and will play Toronto (Chad) who will have no one if Boston
wins and a Cup Championship if Tampa Bay wins, leaving Chad with St Louis,
Purcell and Malone versus Edler. Glued from his hospital bed, GM Scott
sweat out a 1-0 Boston win, knowing now it was down to a point from Edler for
his 4th Cup.
The Edler Deal - Only from the NHLP Yearbook files
does Toronto (Chad) trade to Edmonton (Scott) Edler in the fifth last deal of
the NHLP Trading Deadline, only to have Edler be the player to score the winning
point in the NHLP Finals, as Edmonton beats out Toronto. When Chad offered
up the deal at the Trading Deadline, Chad had previously dropped Ruutu and
Fisher (76 points) for Helm and Edler (63 points), but Chad felt he could not
hold onto Edler who might not play again in the regular season. Brouwer
only had 2 more points, but was a playing body, so it made sense. GM Scott
figured he had enough Chicago power in Toews and Bolland, that Brouwer was not
needed for him to win on a Chicago run. "Having Edler meant that if
Chicago could win two or three rounds" said GM Scott, "Maybe Edler would be
enough after that." Of course Chicago didn't win two or three rounds, but
Edler was enough in a long line of Edmonton breaks in their march to the NHLP
2011 Championship!
---
| Second
Round
At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) |
| Seed |
Team |
Score |
Score |
Team |
Seed |
| 16 |
Edmonton Oil
(Scott) |
11 |
5 |
Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
3 |
| 15 |
Vancouver Canucks
(Joel) |
15 |
13 |
New York Rangers (Charlie) |
4 |
| 10 |
Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad) |
0 |
24 |
Miami Surf (Charlie) |
5 |
| 8 |
New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) |
7 |
17 |
Toronto Maple Leafs (Chad) |
6 |
*The colors would show Round Three matchups if things ended after games
played Thursday (Final)
| First
Round
At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) |
| Seed |
Team |
Score |
Score |
Team |
Seed |
| 16 |
Edmonton Oil
(Scott) |
22 |
18 |
Ottawa Senators
(M&R) |
1 |
| 15 |
Vancouver Canucks
(Joel) |
30 |
25 |
Quebec Nordiques
(Matt) |
2 |
| 14 |
Calgary Flames (Jr) |
13 |
27 |
Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
3 |
| 13 |
Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) |
14 |
34 |
New York Rangers (Charlie) |
4 |
| 12 |
St. Louis Blues (Tyson) |
16 |
23 |
Miami Surf (Charlie) |
5 |
| 11 |
Boston Bruins (Ryan) |
16 |
18 |
Toronto Maple Leafs (Chad) |
6 |
| 10 |
Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad) |
30 |
25 |
Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) |
7 |
| 9 |
Florida Panthers (Marcel) |
20 |
24 |
New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) |
8 |
*The colors would show Round Two matchups if things ended after games
played Wednesday (Final)
Stanley Cup Finals Predictions
In case you forgot there were some guys already drinking heavy (I
don't want to start trouble but do you think Little Scottie may be
taking a little something off the top of each beer run? I was
there when his sister did it....just saying....).
Here is the 2011 dart throws.
Shawn - Boston and Vancouver
Jr - Washington and Vancouver
Andrew - Philadelphia and Vancouver
Joel - Washington and San Jose
Mike - Tampa Bay and Detroit
Scott (by Andrew) - Chicago and NY Rangers
(Thanks alot)
Marcel - Anaheim and Montreal
Chad - Boston and Chicago
Matt - Pittsburgh and San Jose
Little Scottie - Dallas and Carolina---
Long Weekend Back
GM Charlie's Saturday and Sunday were as good as could be
expected and he can only improve on his long-weekend come Monday night.
Edmonton (Scott), ahead 5-2 versus Miami (Charlie) was held scoreless Sunday,
leaving themselves down to a possible one game left in the series. GM
Charlie knows he has at least two games left, only needing 3 points from
Bergeron to advance to the NHLP Championship, where he'd win it all if Boston
follows him there. "We know GM Charlie is glued" said Muddy Capone,
"Although he won't answer an email, we know he is glued." Capone said it
isn't surprising GM Charlie isn't saying much from past experience with the GM.
"Charlie is quiet when he is losing, so we may hear from him if he comes back
and can take control of this series, he has a real shot." Things are
tense, this is a realistic shot for Charlie to win his first Cup, so we do
understand. Can he complete the perfect weekend with a couple Bergeron
points Monday? You'd think it is a given!
---
Sedin Has Big Night
Vancouver (Joel) is only down 9-5, after a 3 point Sedin
night. "If only Downie had a couple points, this would be a series" stated
the 21 year veteran NHLP reporter Muddy Capone, "If only Boston had hung on
yesterday and San Jose won today, GM Joel could be looking at being a favorite
in the NHLP Championship." Joel still is in it, but player games are
likely going to be his undoing now with St Louis, Purcell and Malone all having
2 player games each. Although Downie does have two, he hasn't gotten a
point this series and Sedin could be finished next game if the NHL Canucks win.
Joel is going to need Downie to steel the show Monday night and get a full point
or two gain on Chad's entire team, or for certain a 7 game series from San Jose,
something not looking likely at this point in time.
---
Quebec - Indianapolis "Every Day!"
GM Matt has stated that although he is out and quite disappointed to be out, he
is in the NHLP site daily following the NHLP GM's and each series. "I
think this is the best pool in the world and I am a lifer" said GM Matt in an
email to the Yearbook, "I am happy for the GM's left and know I did everything I
could the past couple years." Matt has been a CTR favorite the past two
years, and although that doesn't mean you win the Cup automatically, it does
mean you are on your game as a GM, and were a threat to win it, when that high
on the CTR ranking. "Matt hasn't been any further away than one break, to
be exact, this year one point away from success" stated Muddy Capone, "So he is
right there. If Joel's Vancouver team doesn't have a great final day of
the NHLP season, and tie GM Scott in Edmonton, take a look at what would have
happened had Joel not got that last point of the NHL season, everything would be
about Quebec right now."
---
GM Jr Taking Over Updating NHLP Site
GM Scott will be out of commission for the remainder of the
NHLP playoffs on Thursday. Scott's much anticipated hip replacement
surgery is scheduled for 8 AM Thursday morning, with at least 4 hospitalized
days to follow, and rehabilitation afterwards that will see him away from a
computer for a couple weeks. "Everything could be over on Wednesday night,
or the Thursday, Friday and Saturday games could mean something" stated GM
Scott. Scott says it could work to his advantage, "I am told I have my own
pain injection device, so if things turn bad on the TV screen, I can just
over-medicate to alleviate the NHLP pain I might be feeling." We'll wait
and see come Wednesday night if the NHLP finals are determined officially and at
this stage, although the operation is etched in stone, everything else appears
wide open.
---
Day-Light
GM Charlie could have had a 4 point Saturday, but instead
will have to settle for being down 5-2. "It just felt like Bergeron would
tie it and then have a shot in overtime for his fourth point" stated Muddy
Capone after watching game 4 of the Bruins-Lightning series. Charlie could
easily get 7 games, meaning Bergeron could get 3 more. GM Scott said that
could mean 6 more points, "There is no doubt in three games Bergeron could get 6
more, giving us needing 9 to win it." Heading into Sunday, GM Scott has at
least 2 more games with his players having 5 in just three, so it is easy to see
that 8 or 9 points is possible. Currently GM Charlie has the tie-breaker
with Vancouver something Scott see's changing Sunday. "Another 2-2-2 is on
the way. Two games to two with two points, this time one each from Edler
and Boyle. Chalk it up."
---
TKO-V
Well although it isn't official, it would appear Toronto
Knock's Out Vancouver, after GM Chad had a 4 point night, taking a 9-2 lead over
just Daniel Sedin and Downie. "GM Joel just hasn't got scoring, he should
easily have 5 points right now and without that things are appearing bleak"
stated Muddy Capone. To make things worse, Tampa Bay gets at least 2 more
games. GM Chad has new life after that win, giving him series hope of
Tampa going to the NHL finals where the Cup would all be Chad's. Basically
it is a best of three where Tampa only needs two more wins this NHL playoffs,
that is it, and Chad will walk away 007-11.
---
Who's Left?
Starting the NHL playoffs, right up until he got hurt Samuelsson was the
starting point man on the Vancouver power play. GM Charlie in Miami really
got hit hard when Samuelsson went down, as it also moved Edler closer to taking
over that position of Samuelsson's. "They still didn't use Edler on the
first power play" stated Muddy Capone, "So GM Scott did what he does best,
wished for another injury." Well it appears he got it as Ehrhoff is a game
time decision, another injuring helping GM Scott and hurting Charlie.
"Vancouver or San Jose makes no difference to me" Scott said about who he is
cheering for, "Just Boston is all that matters. On the other hand I need
every point I can get from this series, so I love anything that moves Edler to a
position to help him get 2 more points this series." Well, clearly Edler
will be first unit today if Ehrhoff can't play.
---
Draft Is Only a Few Months Away
You have to like the way GM's think, as is the case with GM
Ryan. "I am in the site every day" said Ryan, "It sucks being out, but the
draft is only a few months away." Ryan has also said there have been quiet
conversations around the household and he understands, even though not happy
about it. "Sara has been searching the Internet for a few things I don't
approve of and it really hit home when I walked in on her the other day. I
could barely look at the computer screen but I have to accept this is partially
my own doing." What was so troubling on that computer screen the Yearbook
wondered? "Well, she got me to participate with her but we still disagree
on which is the better logo of the two below."
 
---
Lesson's Learned?
GM Shawn has analyzed what went wrong and stated there have
been lessons learned from these playoffs. "I had Henrik Sedin, Briere and
Horton, but I exchanged Setoguchi, Seguin, Cammalleri and Ryder, after getting
Cammalleri for first round scoring" stated Shawn, "Ending with Laich, Knuble,
Timonen and Hamhuis. I would have had 14 points in just the game two's."
That team would have won the first round, having 6 guys in the second and 5 guys
this round with still a possible 4 in the Cup finals. "My learning curve
for the NHLP is just taking way longer than it should" Shawn stated with a
smile, "But hopefully this will be a valuable lesson moving forward in my quest
to win my first NHLP Cup."
---
Several other GM's weighed in to the NHLP Yearbook's
questions and we'll post them daily right here.
---
Vacation Already?
The NHLP Yearbook asked each GM if they still visit the NHLP site daily, or if
not how often, after they have been knocked out. "It is a very interesting
question" stated Muddy Capone, "Are you still invested in the league or another
GM even though you are unfortunately out?" GM Scott was the first to weigh
in stating that, "I take losing very hard for about 24 hours, but I think I
recover incredibly quick, not only wishing the victor success, but being able to
actually cheer for someone else to win it all" says the most-veteran NHLP GM.
Who does he cheer for after he is out the NHLP Yearbook asked? "Whoever
deserves it most" says Scott, "Not necessarily who beats me out, but who
participated the most, and tried to actually build something, with their own
logic behind what they were doing. I never cheer
for the GM who is just drafting and letting it all play out."
So even though you are on vacation already, are you still in the NHLP site
daily?
---
CTR - 1-2 Punch!
GM Matt feels he did everything right for two straight NHLP
seasons, "I was the CTR #1 team in Indianapolis last season and then the CTR #2
team this year in Quebec this season" stated GM Matt to the NHLP Yearbook, "I
did everything right, what more could I do?" Matt who is clearly
disappointed stated the NHLP is the best pool in the world and he is a "Lifer"
no matter the heartaches of not winning. "I would have Lucic, Marchand,
Heatley and Setoguchi still in, a 4 man team, if I had gotten by Joel in the
first round." Although GM Shawn isn't answering emails (well he has now),
he did have the CTR #1 rated team in the NHLP this playoffs in Halifax.
"How would his team of Henrik Sedin, Horton and Hamhuis look right now" asked
Muddy Capone, "There is a reason why that was the top rated NHLP team, because
no team left could beat it as is." Although the CTR will not be predicting
the NHLP Champion correct this season, again, Shawn, Matt or the CTR need not to
be hanging their heads based on the season they had.
---
He's Backkkkkkk Too
It wasn't a perfect night for GM Charlie, although it could
have been. "Bergeron got robbed more than once" stated Muddy Capone about
Bergeron's first game back since his concussion, "He could have easily had two
or more points. The one was such a given point, it is almost haunting."
GM Scott certainly won't be haunted in his sleep tonight, with the way things
went tonight, but knows more points are needed Friday, "Boyle has been
incredible so far, only 3 points from leading the NHL playoffs in scoring, so
hopefully he will be there by the end of game three" stated the three-time Cup
winning GM. "I expect two more points Friday. I need them!
Both from Boyle, in a San Jose 4-2 win, so it leaves room for Edler to chip in a
third point." With Bergeron back for the next game, Game 4, Saturday
afternoon, GM Charlie will be hoping GM Scott's prediction of two points is out
to lunch, for a 5-0 lead come Saturday isn't one that will be overcome in one
game, as is the case now only down three with the tie-breaker. With the
other NHLP series (Chad winning and the Bruins leading their series), the NHLP
Cup Champion could still easily be the winner of this NHLP series.
---
He's Backkkkkkk
GM Joel had a perfect night, or as damn close as he could
have. Heading into Friday's game three with Daniel Sedin, GM Joel is only
down 5-2, to the heavily favorite Toronto Maple Leafs (Chad). "It is very
conceivable that this series is tied after game 3's" stated Muddy Capone, "Sedin
could have a 3 point night, even though one or two could still make Joel happy."
The goal is to have Boston shut down Tampa Bay, even though Joel has Downie,
Tampa Bay goals are more than likely going to hurt more than help Joel win this
series. "If San Jose wins 4-3 tomorrow and Sedin gets 2 or 3, I think that
is the perfect game for GM Joel Friday night" Capone figures, "And all of a
sudden, GM Joel is a serious Cup contender."
---
Much Better
GM Joel wishes it could have been a 4 point night,
but to start, he'll gladly take something from Daniel Sedin.
Joel's Canucks are now down 5-2 in their NHLP series with Toronto (Chad)
who comes right back with St Louis, Purcell and Malone. "I need
Boston to be better" said GM Joel, "I need a couple shutouts." The
series between the Bruins and Lightning has resembled a shootout, not
shutout, but GM Joel is right, low scoring games, even if Tampa wins is
what Joel needs. Muddy Capone can see it, "A 2-1 hockey game where
Downie stays with the pack, why not?"
---
Bergeron or Bust
The Miami Surf (Charlie) received bad news on the Samuelsson
injury front, that surgery will end his season, leaving GM
Charlie with only Bergeron against Edler and Boyle of the
Edmonton Oil (Scott). Down 3-0 with the tie-breaker, GM
Charlie is hoping his fortunes turn tonight. Bergeron
apparently will decide today, after going through a full
practice with contact Wednesday, and could play tonight.
Bergeron is such an important part of the Bruins lineup and is
such a great point producer, that this series could change in an
awful hurry upon his return. "You don't want to rush back"
said GM Scott, "I've seen many times over the years guys come
back to soon and oops, take one in the kisser, sometimes you'd
even swear it appearing intentional." When asked by the
NHLP Yearbook what GM Scott was exactly implying, Scott replied,
"I'd just hate to see such a young player, only 25 you know, put
himself in a bad spot. I am not on the Tampa Bay Lightning
team, but say I was, I'd be thinking to myself, and likely
sharing with anyone who'd listen, we have to hit this guy hard.
Nail him. Drive him into the boards at every opportunity.
You see #37 - you ram #37. If you don't want to, get the
fuck off the ice. He is trying to take that Stanley Cup
ring from our fingers. From your finger. Is that
want you want? Something we have worked all our lives for,
gone because he is back playing. Him, Number 37.
Smoke him if the opportunity arises, or even if it doesn't.
Along the boards, take that extra step to make him feel it.
Open ice, try and catch him with his head down and turn him into
a helicopter blade. After the whistle, lay the wood,
gloves and aluminum on him if he is within 10 feet of the net.
Make that 20 feet. He hasn't played in a bit, turn him
into jell-o, starting with his legs, back and work as high as
you have to go on him to ensure he isn't the reason you never
get your name engraved on Lord Stanley. If he is going to
play, he obviously is symptom free. This isn't pond hockey
or practice with the boys who are going easy on him. Don't
go easy on him. In fact, if you take a charging penalty,
it is just two minutes. That two little minutes could be
alone time you get to spend with the cup someday. I'd
never in my life say hurt a guy, but my point is play him hard.
That is all I was saying."
---
5-0 Chad!
GM Chad's Toronto Maple Leafs have consistently
scored this playoffs, and for GM Chad that doesn't seem to be what will
stop him from winning his third NHLP Championship. "The Bruins
showed they can outskate Tampa Bay" stated Muddy Capone, "Even though
many will say they barely hung on." If it wasn't for early Tampa
goaltending, this one would have been really ugly for the Bruins looked
like they had the puck on a string, beautiful passing for long stretches
at a time. With the Bruins win, tying the NHL series at 1-1, Chad
is now down to a 5 game series with the results likely being, Tampa wins
and so does Chad. If they lose, it wasn't meant to be.
---
4-0 Charlie?
If Tuesday's Canucks practice was any indication, GM Charlie
will start the NHLP Semi-Finals with 4 straight man-injury
games. "This is a series Charlie can still win and if he
does, can still win the NHLP Championship" stated Muddy Capone,
"To have both your players down this late, likely a first in 21
years in this league." Bergeron appears close, but it
isn't a write or an ankle, where he can without doubt say he is
100%. This is a guy who three years ago, there was talk
his career might take an Eric Lindros type path to an early
retirement because of concussions. So you certainly want
him back, but after a win, or if leading in the series, is it
worth brining him back to get hit again so so, and be like
Savard? "The series likely aren't helping Charlie" Capone
thinks, "Because I think there was no doubt he'd be back next
game with the Bruins down 0-2, now I am not so sure."
Samuelsson has a leg injury and although top power play
specialist, he too will not be rushed back if the Canucks
win-win-win.
---
3-0 Scott?
GM Scott's Edmonton Oil are only up 1-0, but GM
Scott said they need to really poor it on while the chance is here and
would like to be up 3-0 after tonight. "Even that lead seems slim
with Bergeron our opponent" said Scott, "But it is a hell of a lot
better lead than 1-0." Scott's Oil had a perfect night last night
with the key Bruins win, as looking ahead to the finals, if it is Chad
in Toronto, it better be the Bruins in the NHL or no one stands any
hope. "I don't have a player in that series, but for me the game
is more intense then the other series and will likely stay that way when
Bergeron returns." For GM Charlie's Surf this is a huge game
tonight, keeping Boyle and Edler off the scoreboard and keeping the
series within striking distance for when he health's up.
---
2-0 Joel?
GM Joel knows he can't afford Daniel Sedin to go two straight
games without a point, nor have the Canucks win this series in
anything under 7 games. "The bad news is you are down 5-0"
stated Muddy Capone, "The good news is Sedin can still 9 points
in 6 more games in this series." Joel would have been
better off with a Lightning win in game two and a sweep, but now
that series is at least staying even with the Vancouver series
heading into tonight, and Joel can't win if that is the case.
Sedin needs to really be big, 2, 3, 4 points.
---
Tyler Seguin
Wasn't that something to watch? Well, clearly
not if you are a Lightning or Bergeron fan!!! Here is a 19 year
old kid who is a healthy scratch for the first 11 playoff games and in
two games he has 6 points. "Daniel Sedin only has 10 points in 14
games" Muddy Capone points out. If Seguin has a 10 point series
this round he alone could have made the difference in any NHLP series,
he'd be leading them all now. It isn't like his goals have been
side of the crease 'tap ins', he has scored some nice ones. He has
been fun to watch and one has to wonder if he will be the reason
Bergeron doesn't play until the game after the Bruins next loss?
---
Chadwick Hopes To Continue Domination
Up 3-0, GM Chad is looking for a much bigger lead and another
Tampa Bay win. "If Tampa wins again, GM Chad could likely
touch the NHLP Cup, with his name engraved on it" stated Muddy
Capone. As long as Chad wins this series and Tampa goes to
the NHL Finals, GM Chad will win hands down. So as far as
cup aspirations, this is Chad's round to win or lose the Cup.
---
Bergeron Could Go Tuesday Night
The word is looking good for GM Charlie, that
Bergeron is looking good and could be back. Down 1-0, the Surf
need their high scoring player in the lineup, which will occur at some
point, but will he be in game two or not? "There is no way their
would even be this talk had Boston not got destroyed in game one" stated
Muddy Capone. "That game played right into GM Charlie's hands."
GM Scott said that regardless of Bergeron in or out, "Boston needs to
come back and win tonight."
---
Wrong Sedin
GM Joel was held scoreless, not a point from Daniel Dedin even though his
brother Henrik had a 2 point game. "Daniel had a game high 6 shots on net"
said Muddy Capone, "If Joel is to win those shots have to go in. He may
need a 10 point round, so zero's won't cut it." While Chad will look to
open up his 3-0 lead, GM Joel will truly need Boston to completely shutdown
Tampa, a shutout Tuesday and this series can tighten after that.
---
Boyle's Down to Health
With the Edmonton Oil (Scott) taking a 1-0 lead of GM
Charlie's Miami Surf, the pressure is on more than ever to get healthy.
Tuesday is the next game in this series and it is very possible Bergeron is
back, especially after the Bruins looked so dominated in game one. While
GM Scott would like to see the Bruins also win game two, he'd be happy if it was
done without Bergeron in the lineup. For GM Charlie, it appears this
series may come down to health!
---
Bergeron Scores!!!
OK, it was Marc-Andre Bergeron and not Patrice, but GM Charlie can likely be
feeling much better right now after game one. "GM Charlie's Patrice
Bergeron looked good in the footage on Hockey Night in Canada and it seems he
could play right now" said Muddy Capone after watching the game, in attendance
of course, "With the blowout and the extra day rest, Bergeron will likely go
Tuesday, whereas if the blowout was in the Bruins favor, he definitely sits game
two." GM Scott understands how these things work and hopes Sunday to start
strong, "I need two points Sunday" said GM Scott, "And seeing as I heard GM
Charlie hopes both my players break their legs, I hope Samuelsson doesn't too
can't not play, but also isn't seriously injured in a freak gasoline fight
accident" said GM Scott, "Look, I gotta go pee, but I'd really like to continue
talking about this conversation when I come back."
---
PUR-fect STRIKE
Teddy Purcell had a 2 point night and the Toronto Maple
Leafs (Chad) jumped out to a 3-0 lead over Vancouver (Joel). "Sedin is
just over-matched by himself if Downie isn't doing his part" stated Muddy
Capone, "Chad has to be feeling really good about game one." The Lightning
scored early and often reroute to a 5-2 victory on the road to complete their
7th straight playoff win. Joel will answer Sunday and Sedin can tie this
series, although a couple points will keep it close enough for player games to
still play a part of things. All in all, it was the worst start to the
series GM Joel could hope for.
---
Bergeron Out
It isn't like it is a surprise, but Bergeron has been ruled out of game one.
"I think the hockey Gods are cheering for Scott" GM Charlie said. Charlie
likely could use Tampa Bay winning the first two games in Boston, knowing that
the Bruins are more likely to rush Bergeron back if they are losing, over
winning every game. Then a longer series of 7 games with the Bruins win
could be enough for Charlie to win a close series. The quickest San Jose -
Vancouver series likely works in Charlie's favor if GM Scott is only a few
points ahead of him knowing that Bergeron can get three in any one game he
plays. "I won't be comfortable unless I get around 8 points" says GM
Scott, "I have seen what Bergeron can do and has done and even 3 or 4 games he
can get 5 or 6 points." GM Scott has also seen first hand in last years
playoffs what Samuelsson can do as well when he gets hot.
---
Downie Over-Matched
GM Joel knows that if his Vancouver Canucks are going to go
the NHLP Finals, Downie will have to stay closer to St Louis, Purcell and Malone
then he was able to in the first two rounds of the NHLP playoffs. In round
one, Chad's big three outscored Downie 15-7 while in round two 14-5. "That
is by 8 and 9 points" says Muddy Capone, "Whatever is the difference, Daniel
Sedin has to at least match." While Chad will be hoping it is all out
offense, GM Joel will be hoping for the lower scoring 2-1 games that could turn
the 4 point underdog into a win and Cup appearance.
---
Tie-Breakers
GM Charlie's Miami Surf choose from either NHL series and
have first choice. Deadline for the tie-breakers into the league are 6 PM
Saturday. GM Chad has the second pick (so send in your first and second
choices). If no pick is received by Charlie, he will get the home team of
the series Chad picks as his second choice. If Chad doesn't pick he will
get the home team of the series Charlie does not choose. If neither
choose, Charlie gets Vancouver while GM Chad would receive Boston as the
tie-breakers.
---
NHLP Final - Yearbook Calls It GM's Chad & Scott
After what was a very emotional night in the NHLP, there are still 4 GM's very
much alive after the San Jose win. "Things are still very close" stated
Muddy Capone, "Obviously closer than what they would have been had Detroit
pulled it out." The NHLP Playoff page is updated, minus the tie-breakers
yet to come, but based on 5.5 game series in both the East and the West, GM's
Chad and Scott have the best shot at the finals. Chad's CTR #13, and 6th
seeded Leafs are looking at 15-11 edge over GM Joel's CTR #6 and 15th seeded
Canucks. The third Canadian based team remaining, Edmonton (Scott) seeded
16th coming into the playoffs and CTR #12, are a very slight 8-7 favorite over
Miami (Charlie), both the top seed remaining at #5 and the highest CTR rating of
#4. Through two NHLP rounds the CTR is 9-3 in predicting the winners with
one series of the three wrong, the CTR called a draw (Vancouver, Joel) in round
one (so we knew that one would be tight) while Edmonton (Scott) was a 5 point
underdog in each round, but won both, for the three wrong predictions.
"The CTR has been predicting winners in the 75% accuracy range for as long as
the league has existed, so if you are not favored to win your series, that
usually isn't a good sign for your team."
---
Big Deals In Spotlight
The 5th last deal of the NHLP season was a big one.
"Sedin has been traded" someone said stated Muddy Capone. When the dust
settled at the Trading Deadline, Toronto (Chad) had made a blockbuster of a
deal, adding 10 points and St Louis and Malone in a trade with Vancouver (Joel)
for Daniel Sedin and Modano. How big was the deal? Forget the fact
that we are now head to head, team versus team, players versus players, with the
winner maybe the Cup favorite, lets look at what else happened. "Chad
grabbed 10 points in the deal, meaning he misses the playoffs if he doesn't make
this deal" Capone points out, "And who is in the playoffs if Joel doesn't make
the trade?" Well, yes it is true, Buffalo (Joel) and the CLOTHS LINE,
Joel's big three Sharks of Thornton, Clowe and Pavelski would have instead
grabbed the final playoff spot in the North and man would those three look great
now. So a NHLP Blockbuster at the Trading Deadline is a huge deal for two
GM's who are now head to head with those players, doing battle for their Cup
lives. "I don't think there are regrets" said Muddy Capone, "Until this
series is over."
---
Edmonton, (Scott) traded the 5 foot 5 inch tall Versteeg,
along with Erat to Miami (Charlie) for Boyle and Bolland. All four players
still play on the team they were traded to, although only Boyle will factor in
the scoring in the Semi-Finals. "GM Charlie was crazy about Versteeg and
Erat" said GM Scott, "And I wanted nothing to do with either. It was a
prefect deal. I got Bolland. That was my focus. Nothing wrong
with a 25 minute per game, power play specialist in Boyle, but I added Bolland
with Toews, so hands down in my mind I won the deal." GM Charlie loved
adding Versteeg, being very high on the Flyers and with Steeger traded the day
before to those Flyers. Charlie just loves Erat, always has, so it was an
easy deal for the GM's to make at the time. "I don't think there are
regrets" said Muddy Capone, "Until this series is over."
---
16.
Edmonton Oil (Scott) CTR #12
vs.
5. Miami Surf (Charlie) CTR #4
GM Scott was the first to admit he has
caught break after break so far in the NHLP playoffs and it looks like his
fortunes are going to continue in the NHLP Semi-Finals. "Bergeron is out
to start and Samuelsson certainly isn't 100%, if he even starts the series
himself" stated Muddy Capone, "This could leave GM Charlie behind early and
relying on longer series and his players returning and finishing strong."
Not the way you want to start the series for GM Charlie who is hungry for his
first Cup. Charlie suffered a devastating blow with the Detroit loss, but
isn't out of this series by any stretch. Samuelsson plays first unit power
play and had 10 points in last seasons first round of the playoffs, so he can
get very hot. Again, is he healthy? GM Scott, searching for Cup
number four, has caught about every break a team can catch and if he can beat
out GM Charlie, is assured a player in the NHLP finals, something no other team
can claim. Charlie has the lone Bruin and GM Scott the lone Shark
remaining, so if they win those teams are obviously good for each GM.
---
15.
Vancouver Canucks (Joel) CTR #6
vs.
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (Chad) CTR #13
GM Chad is favored by 4 points, but a short series in Tampa Bay and a longer
Vancouver series could really change this series in a hurry. "If Boston
can shut the door and their NHL series becomes a defensive battle of 2-1 hockey
games, GM Joel can win this series" Muddy Capone predicts, "Even though I'd not
be making any wagers on anyone but GM Chad." Chad is trying to become the
007-11, three time NHLP Champion, placing him second on the all time list of
most Cups won, while GM Joel, like Charlie, is trying to win his first Cup, but
Vancouver's second as a franchise in the 21 year history of the NHLP. "We
all know GM Raymond guided the Canucks to the first ever NHLP Championship, so
Vancouver is always a sentimental favorite with NHLP historians" stated Capone.
This series will also ensure a Canadian market franchise is in the NHLP finals.
"Edmonton (Scott) was the last Canadian team to win a Cup, 18 years ago" Capone
says, "So either Toronto or Vancouver in this series can bring the glory back to
our fabulous country. Just both these GM's are hoping it is them who
accomplish the feat and not Edmonton again." (Editor: Toronto (Chad)
would have not made the playoffs if GM Marcel in Montreal would have not
penaltied out by having Carolina lose their very final game of the NHL season.
Now if Tampa Bay goes to the finals, Chad will likely win the Cup.)
---
Go SHARKS
Hours before the puck drop of game 7, what is going through
the heads of 4 GM's? Clearly it is in the best interests of GM's Chad and
Scott to see the Sharks win tonight. "Sure Chad adds Helm but Joel would
add Filppula, Homstrom and Modano" says Muddy Capone, "So clearly it is best for
Chad to not have Detroit moving on." A little more dire is GM Scott who's
Cup aspirations are clearly riding on tonight's battle. If the Sharks win,
Edmonton will stand a chance to go to the finals, if not, Charlie is easily
winning their Semi-Finals tilt. GM Scott stated that "Since the final day
of the regular season, with GM Joel getting ahead of me, Minnesota's win,
everything has gone our way. If it is meant to be, more miracles will be
needed."
---
Go RED WINGS
GM Joel has been close several times in his first 4 NHL seasons, including in
the NHLP final with three teams in his first three seasons, losing them all.
"Joel hasn't had this good of opportunity" said Muddy Capone, "This could be
what he has barely missed doing almost each season." It hasn't been as
successful of 11 seasons for GM Charlie who just really never has been a threat
to win it all. That is what make tonight's game more important as with a
Red Wings win tonight, GM Charlie and Joel both seem destine to go to the finals
where one will win their first Cup, yet a Sharks win and likely neither even
make it to the finals. Muddy Capone stated this is one of the biggest
games in league history, "There are certainly always big games, but with
tonight's game it is very clear how four GM's are affected. This isn't the
first round of the playoffs, where everything is still wide open.
Everything is decided in the NHL and in the NHLP, points mean nothing tonight,
just the final outcome. Because things are so clearly defined and the game
does affect each GM remaining, it clearly is a historical game 7 in many ways.
These games, nor these opportunities, just don't come around every year."
There is no denying this games importance in the history of the NHLP.
---
Not Talking
GM's Scott and Charlie talk sometimes after every goal in the games, said GM
Scott, "We are texting quite a bit about how things are unfolding." The
two GM's have agreed that they won't be talking anymore until Friday and maybe
not even then. "I wished him good luck in advance" stated Scott, "I told
him I think he wins the Cup if Detroit wins." GM Charlie admitted he'd not
be in the mood to chat if Detroit loses something GM Scott said he gets.
"I know what it is like to lose" said Scott, "I get it. It isn't easy and
certainly leaves you with a bitter taste. The last thing you need is to
hear from another GM who is chipper and happy, as empathetic as they appear of
your situation." There is a lot riding on Thursday's game for Charlie.
He will secure his spot in the finals with a Red Wings win and be crushed, let
down after the Wings came this far and don't complete it if they lose. "I
know that feeling too" Scott also admits, "Chicago came all the way back, down
3-0 and forced OT in game 7. Hurts. Now my team is the one blowing
the lead so it might be a good omen for Charlie and I'll experience how that
feels to lose when up 3-0. Eventually I may have them all covered."
---
Job Complete, Not Completed
A crazy comeback that can only get better for GM Joel, that
with a Red Wings improbable game 7 win. Joel's Canucks went into last
nights game needing a point to secure their place in the Semi-Finals and it
certainly looked good early with the additional of Modano in the lineup.
Joel let things go all the way to the middle of the third period before finally
getting the point, Filppula's first of the round, that sealed the deal and
ensured GM's Chad and Joel will take a Cup spot between them. That series,
although officially on, is far from officially determined as far as the players
in it are. Joel could add Filppula, Holmstrom and Modano with a Wings
Thursday win while GM Chad could add a fourth player, Helm.
---
San Jose and Detroit Fans
All remaining NHLP GM's are cheering for either San Jose or Detroit to win the
series, as their Cup hopes literally depend on it. GM Scott cannot win if
Detroit comes back and wins the next two games. GM Chad does not want to
see Detroit win either, as it makes going to the NHLP Finals a lot more
difficult. GM Joel is a huge fan of Detroit winning and would bonus
further by the extra game 7, for he'd have two games to get his needed one
point. GM Joel will need his Detroit players against Chad next round, so
he is a huge fan. GM Charlie is also a huge fan of Detroit, even though he
knows it will cost one of his teams. With Detroit Charlie has the best
NHLP team remaining (Joel isn't far behind), but without Detroit GM Charlie
could be an underdog against any team he plays next round.
---
How Big is a Single Point?
The Vancouver Canucks (Joel) are a single point away from
advancing to the NHLP final four and yet possibly still winning the NHLP
Championship, while GM Charlie can do nothing but watch in New York. Joel
got two points in the final Vancouver - Nashville game and set himself up well
for tonight, and if necessary, Thursday night's game 7, officially down 13-12
(Note: All points were checked in the NHL.com site today and all points in
this series were found exactly correct). Joel has three players remaining,
although Modano has not seen any action this series and only has played once in
the playoffs, recording a point we might add, but Modano likely cannot help Joel
from the press box. This leaves Joel with Filppula and Holmstrom, who have
got at least one point between them in 7 of the 9 playoff games they have played
this playoffs (78%). "There isn't much Charlie has got working for him at
this point" stated Muddy Capone, "He will need a San Jose shutout tonight, or
damn close to it for his Rangers to win, but Charlie is much better off with
Detroit winning this series for his best Cup hopes as a GM." While this
single point remains huge, Detroit pushing this to a decisive game 7 also
factors into play on every NHLP team remaining. There is very little doubt
this is one of the biggest games in recent NHLP history.
---
If Charlie Holds On & San Jose Wins:
Edmonton (Scott)
Boyle and Edler
vs.
New York (Charlie)
Lacavalier and Gagne
---
Toronto (Chad)
St. Louis, Purcell and Malone
vs.
Miami (Charlie)
Bergeron and Samuelsson
If Charlie Holds On & Detroit Wins:
Edmonton (Scott)
Edler
vs.
New York (Charlie)
Lacavalier and Gagne
---
Toronto (Chad)
Helm, St. Louis, Purcell and Malone
vs.
Miami (Charlie)
Zetterberg, Bertuzzi, Kronwall, Bergeron and Samuelsson
---
If Joel Gets His Point & San Jose Wins:
Edmonton (Scott)
Boyle and Edler
vs.
Miami (Charlie)
Bergeron and Samuelsson
---
Vancouver (Joel)
D. Sedin and Downie
vs.
Toronto (Chad)
St. Louis, Purcell and Malone
If Joel Gets His Point & Detroit Wins:
Edmonton (Scott)
Edler
vs.
Miami (Charlie)
Zetterberg, Bertuzzi, Kronwall, Bergeron and Samuelsson
---
Vancouver (Joel)
Filppula, Holmstrom, Modano, D. Sedin and Downie
vs.
Toronto (Chad)
Helm, St. Louis, Purcell and Malone
---
No "O", Lots of "D"
The New York Rangers (Charlie) have been without their players playing, big
names like Ovechkin, for what seems like a week now. That means, having to
cheer against other big names, like Daniel Sedin, something GM Charlie can't be
enjoying. "When you have no offense and can only play defense, it is a
terrible feeling" stated Muddy Capone, "You are totally helpless." Well,
Charlie has done a find job holding GM Joel's Canucks off, only allowing him to
gain a single point since Charlie was down to no players left this round, but
with only a 3 point lead, his Cups dreams are a couple good dangles away from an
OT, or should we say Ovie, loss. Moving on still means playing Edmonton
(Scott, which if Detroit wings this round, would be a Ranger's thumping of the
Oil, putting GM Charlie's Rangers in the finals to maybe play his Surf, who'd be
strong if the Wings can move on. So Charlie is just this close to a Cup,
to facing himself in the finals or to not having a team even be in the finals.
All possible and all he can do is watch!
---
GM Joel Closer to Chad
Although only one NHLP series remains in doubt, how it
unfolds could totally change the NHLP Championship's outcome. When San
Jose was up 3-0 in their series and Vancouver was leading Nashville 3-1, it
appeared that GM's Joel and Charlie would be taking major hits to their Cup
chances. But Wait! The Red Wings & Predators are both only home wins
away from an "anything can happen" game 7! For GM Joel, these games were
necessary. Joel's Canucks would have lost already if not for the extended
series and additional player games. At this point for Joel (and Charlie in
Miami), this is no longer about player games, but Detroit advancing to the NHL
Semi-Finals and maybe further. Joel still needs 3 points and if he gets
them, he will play GM Chad's Leafs, who are resting and waiting to get out there
in their next series. Joel was looking like easy pickings with only Sedin
and Downie, but now could add Filppula, Holmstrom and Modano to his chances next
round, totally changing the look of the series. Tonight, he needs points
from Daniel and Kostitsyn, three clinches he gets Chad, but we'd have to wait to
see his team he'd bring to that series.
---
Surf Changes Direction
It wasn't long ago that GM Charlie was looking at the Miami
Surf chances and, could at best muster a "Fuck me!" That was how it was
looking with Bergeron concussed and Samuelsson with only one good leg.
That too was Miami's entire Semi-Final team. Now, Charlie can replace
Samuelsson with Erat and add in Zetterberg, Bertuzzi and Kronwall. "That
would be a great tradeoff" states Muddy Capone, "Other teams are losing Daniel
Sedin and Dan Boyle." No doubt this would work for Charlie, who would
either play Edmonton (Scott) or Toronto (Chad), making Charlie a favorite in
either series. the tide changes direction again tonight if Vancouver beats
out Nashville, maybe not totally, but maybe not the high-tide that could come if
Nashville can come back and knock Vancouver out.
---
"Fuck You, Fuck Me"
You really have to pay attention to who is saying what. GM Scott had a
little "Fuck Me" of his own after San Jose could not close out the Detroit Red
Wings, something that if happened would end the Oil dream. Edmonton could
be as strong as Boyle and Edler versus the New York Rangers (Charlie) with
Lecavalier and Gagne (with Gagne's health in question) or Miami (Charlie) with
Bergeron and Sameulsson, two players who may miss parts of next round. In
these scenarios, GM Scott is OK at worse, but if Detroit finishes off the
Sharks, it is impossible at best. Capone said this is the classic NHLP,
why it is the best pool in the world, "Here you have GM Scott thinking he can
win this thing" Capone chuckles, "And GM Charlie is thinking he can win it.
GM Chad is thinking he could win it. GM Joel is thinking he could win it.
All I can say it is going to be one of the four and that won't come easy."
---
We've Spleen This Before
There was likely no more famous injury in the NHLP playoffs than when Forsberg
went down with his spleen injury, which caused the now very famous headline,
IT'S SPLEEN FUN! Now years later another GM could have his cup hopes taken
away by injuries. GM Charlie has lost his team, as it appears right now,
as both Bergeron and Samuelsson are injured and may not start the next round for
Miami. "Fuck me" said GM Charlie to Yearbook reporter Muddy Capone, "I
just cannot believe this is happening." If their is positive to this it
might be in the fact that neither is officially long term yet and the Surf still
have the possibility of current NHL series swinging and giving him another look.
If Nashville wins, the Surf have Erat next round and if Detroit can win tonight,
they are still alive and quite well, making Zetterberg, Bertuzzi and Kronwall a
potential untouchable team the rest of the way. What we have never seen is
GM Charlie winning the NHLP Championship and if he wins it all, this is going to
be one hell of a rollercoaster ride to glory!
---
NOTTA
Seriously? Seven goals and you don't get one point?
GM Joel must be shaking his head. "I'd of smashed something by now" said
Muddy Capone, "Well, I know a few GM's would have anyhow." Joel needs 4
points to win, plain and simple. He still has 5 players games, which with
Modano not playing is likely a guaranteed 4 player games. Sunday night it
is Filppula and Holmstrom's turn to chip into the 4, but with 1 point between
them in the first four games of their series, it is hard to imagine they "Light
it up." The Flip side to all this is the Red Wings are still very much
alive, winning this means going home and a possible game seven, which would
totally change everything for GM's Joel and Charlie. "All of a sudden,
Joel and Charlie would likely play each other for the Cup if Detroit came back
and won, just like that" states Capone about the importance of tonight's game.
It is quite clear GM's cup chances are right on it, for both Joel and Charlie.
---
5-5-15 & 4
Those are GM Joel's numbers heading into the weekend; 5
players who have at least 5 player-games, and as many as 15 player-games
remaining and Vancouver only needs just 4 points to move on and play Toronto
(Chad) in the NHLP Semi-Finals. "This is very ironic" stated Muddy Capone,
"As it is the old games at hand theory." GM Charlie is finished, his games
are over and he is up 4 points. "According to GM Charlie, this is where he
wants to be" says Capone. "We already have the points, they need to score
them" said Charlie early in the season when the games at hand question was raise
to the GM's. That question was would you rather be ahead two points with
your opponent having 2 games at hand or be the team with the two games at hand
and behind the two points? GM Scott disagreed with Charlie then, saying
he'd rather hold his own destiny and have the games at hand. The Yearbook
puts it out there: If you took a snap shot of this series right now, who'd
position would you want to be in? "I wonder if GM Charlie would still take
the games at hand" Capone asks? "Nothing wrong with saying you wish you
were in Joel's position!"
---
Struck Oil!
For the second round in a roll the Edmonton Oil (Scott) have pulled an upset
from the #16 Seed and the CTR #11 spot. "I have got the breaks" said GM
Scott, "In round one, the Detroit sweep and the Vancouver-Chicago 7 games and
this round the Carter injury. I am not going to pretend this was expected.
I am also not going to give the impression we don't expect to win the NHLP
Championship either. We won't be favorites next round either, but we can
win." Knocking out GM Andrew's Blackhawks ensures Andrew won't win his 5th
Championship, while the door is open for GM Scott to win his 4th, Chad his 3rd
and Joel or Charlie their 1st. "This entire league is about bragging
rights" Scott said after the victory, "Catching Andrew in cup wins is a dream,
but being caught by GM Chad, can you imagine what I'll have to endure if that
happens?" GM Scott still will need Boyle advancing with the next game in
that series Sunday night.
---
Toronto Waits: Miami or Vancouver?
GM Chad's North Division Toronto Maple Leafs are heading to
the NHLP Semi Finals, but will they play the West's Vancouver Canucks (Joel) or
the South's Miami Surf (Charlie)? "At this point it is up to Joel" says
Muddy Capone, "Just 4 points and Chad plays Joel, a series Chad will be favorite
unless Detroit comes back and pulls a miracle 4th team to ever come back from
the dreaded 3-0 deficit." If Joel does not get those four points, Chad's
Leafs will be a favorite against Miami (Charlie - unless his three Wings are
still alive as well). Either way, without Detroit in, it is GM Chad's Cup
to lose this year. If the Wings are out and Tampa Bay goes to the NHL
Finals, no team left can realistically beat Chad. If Tampa doesn't make
the Cup, Chad likely isn't to be 00-711!
---
Alive & Swell
The Miami Surf (Charlie) got what they asked for, a Detroit Red Wings win.
GM Charlie's Surf are NHLP Semi-Finalists, but the question is will they have a
2 or a 5 player team. "I still believe in the Wings" said Charlie before
the Wings made it 3-1. "The Hawks took it from 3-0 to game 7 OT, and I'd
take my chances with the same" the Miami GM said, maybe gasping for air, maybe a
good ride away from a major possibility. Miami is set to play Toronto
(Chad), as is, a matchup that will likely mean Miami will not be in the NHLP
Finals, or if GM Joel gets 4 points in Vancouver yet in the second round, Miami
will play Edmonton (Scott), a series GM Charlie can win as is. "By the end
of the weekend, the NHLP Championship will be much clearly" Muddy Capone
proclaimed, "But it is down to GM's Charlie, Joel. Chad and Scott."
---
"I'd Like Detroit to Come Back" - GM Charlie
Well that is the sign of a good GM, never saying die. GM Charlie is hoping
the Detroit Red Wings can come back and his Miami Surf would then have a nice
Semi-Finals feel with Zetterberg, Bertuzzi and Kronwall. "Just two days
ago we had guys predicting the Surf would win the Cup" said Muddy Capone, "Not
so sure to many are still making those predictions today." With Edmonton
(Scott) winning their series, Miami would be against Toronto (Chad) next round,
a matchup that would not favor Charlie without the NHL Red Wings moving on,
meaning this team doesn't even make the finals! "If any team can come back
from 3-0" said Charlie last evening, "Detroit has the firepower." As true
a statement as that is GM Charlie is in a really tough spot as a GM.
Although Miami would love the Red Wings to come back, the 4 games it would take
would mean GM Charlie's Rangers would be out by then to Vancouver, killing
Charlie's other team. "Would be horrible to force a 7th game, lose out in
New York (to Joel) and San Jose wins game 7 at home" Capone says, "But the
bright spot is if that really happened, Miami could still beat Edmonton and win
the Cup on a Bruins final." Once again, everything always has to be just
perfect for the winning team and as of tonight, although bleaker, GM Charlie can
still own that team.
---
No Hart
Most GM's who give a shit are a little upset when they
lose, even if only temporarily, and GM Shawn cannot to happen with his
Wolverines, down 15-6 to GM Chad's Leafs. "Hartnell has nothing after a 4
point first round" said Muddy Capone, "Richards only 2 points. They just
haven't scored!" It isn't like there is a tomorrow for this team, if
Boston wins Friday, this series is over, and GM Shawn's great season will be all
but officially over. Shawn needs a Philly win and comeback, as happened
just last year, and turn this series into a win followed by a trip to the Cup
Finals with 3 players. "If the games were close and the Flyers showed any
life at all, who knows" Capone said, "But the Flyers just seem dead. To
think all they had to do was spend $5 million and they could have had Thomas the
story goes, the same guy who is killing them. The Flyers Goaltending has
let them down. Surprise!"
---
Full Circle
GM Charlie started the year in New York, cheering for drafted players Filppula
(4th round) and Holmstrom (7th round) but ends it cheering hard against them.
That is because Charlie traded those two players on February 15th, along with
their Fall 2011 waiver to Vancouver (Joel) for Visnovsky, Recchi and 27 points.
"That was the start of the season changing for GM Charlie's Rangers" states
Muddy Capone, "And now GM Charlie's cup hopes rest on those two players going
quietly Friday night." GM Charlie points out that it was that deal with
Joel that allowed him to later acquire Lecavalier and Gagne when on March 11th
Charlie traded his Waiver that night, Recchi and Zherdev to GM Matt in Indy, for
what could turn into a Cup winning deal for the Rangers if everything still
falls perfectly into place. "I loved that deal at the time" said Charlie,
"I have stood behind it and would still make it again tomorrow." In the
crazy world we call the NHLP, Charlie is up 13-9 over Joel but Filppula,
Holmstrom and Modano will try and change that Friday against Leino, Charlie's
final player still alive. "If they go quietly" said Charlie, "I may even
draft the two of them again next year!"
---
Boyles Down To This
The Edmonton Oil (Scott) have opened their lead to 6-4 over
Chicago (Andrew) and Friday could end this series. While GM Scott has
Boyle facing elimination, GM Andrew has his entire team gone if Boston wins
Friday night. "Without the Flyers repeating history and coming back for a
second straight year after falling down to Boston 3-0" said Muddy Capone, "GM
Andrew is likely only playing the spoiler." Without Giroux and Carter next
round the best Andrew could do would be Ryder versus GM Chad's St Louis, Purcell
and Malone, barring GM Shawn coming back, which isn't happening if Philly loses
tomorrow. GM Andrew must have a Philly win, or must gain at least 2 points
on Scott who has Boyle playing, or the series ends and Edmonton moves on to play
one of GM Charlie's teams, the Rangers if they win or the Surf.
---
Cup Favorite - To Not Even in the Finals!
GM Charlie needed that snap shot, of everything in the NHLP ending after
Tuesday's games, as after Wednesday, "Not so good for GM Charlie" stated Muddy
Capone. GM Charlie's Cup chances went from playing himself in the NHLP
Semi-Finals and a possible lay-down in the NHLP Championship, to his Miami Surf
being serious underdogs versus GM Chad's Toronto Maple Leafs and GM Charlie's
Rangers now having to face GM Scott's Oil, in a series that would be a flip of a
coin, possibly leaving GM Charlie not even in the NHLP Finals at all.
"Charlie will be cheering for Edler to not get a point Thursday and likely a
Vancouver win to end that series quicker" says Capone, "There are many
combinations and ways this can play out, but for GM Charlie, his Cup hopes
seemingly went out the window in one day, Wednesday, May 4th!"
---
"Ouch - Go Leino"
It isn't what GM Charlie wanted. "No one seen it
coming and GM Charlie didn't expect it" said Muddy Capone about the Tampa Bay
sweep of Washington. That leaves GM Charlie up 13-8, but gives GM Joel's
Vancouver Canucks the tie-breaker and a 7 to 1 player game advantage to come
back and win this series. "Joel doesn't need to do a lot here" stated
Muddy Capone, "If Nashville and Detroit get wins, Charlie could very well be
gone here, as shocking as that may sound." Charlie does have Leino to play
on Friday, but his 5 point lead will be chipped into on Thursday with each point
from Daniel Sedin and Sergei Kostitsyn. "Seven points goes quick if
Nashville keeps the series going and move it to 7 games" Capone figures, "When
Sedin can easily get 3 or 4 in a game, GM Joel still has a Cup hope and GM
Charlie, well, like he said in his text tonight, 'Ouch - Go Leino."
(Update: I had Downie's two points reflected on the playoff page, but not
here below or in this write up. So Joel is only down 5, not 7.)
---
3 Players, 2 Rounds, 29 Points
Can you ask for anything more? GM Chad has got all he could have wanted,
wished for, and likely more of his three Tampa Bay Lightning players St Louis,
Purcell and Malone. After 15 first round points in a 7 game series, the
trio added 14 more in the second round in just 4 games this time, a 4 game sweep
of the Washington Capitals, something that would have to be describe as a
shocking victory. Chad's Maple Leafs now lead their NHLP series 15-5 over
New Orleans (Shawn) who just have under-achieved all series. "The CTR
predicted Toronto to get 14 from those three this round and 17 in total as a
team, likely where they will finish" stated Muddy Capone, "But it is Richards,
Hartnell and Burrows with only 2 points in 9 player games killing the
Wolverines." Down 15-5, with the tie-breaker, GM Shawn somehow has to have
an amazing comeback that just doesn't feel like it is to happen, even if it is
possible. "Burrows having a two point night and Philly winning in a 5
point night which is possible, could put Shawn only three back with all his team
still playing" says Capone, "So as bleak as it looks, a big Burrows night and
even a Nashville win, can all of a sudden make this interesting."
---
Welcome Back Carter
The highs and lows of NHLP hockey were experienced by both
GM Andrew and Scott Wednesday night. When the early game started, Jeff
Carter was back, giving Andrew his full three on his Chicago Blackhawks team.
Although Carter's five shots on goal were one shy of a high in the game, Giroux,
Ryder and Carter, were all held off the score sheet, leaving GM Scott able to
take the series lead, 5-4, on a two point night from Boyle, who scored his first
playoff goal to send the game into OT, in the NHL night-cap. GM Scott has
Edler, unanswered, on Thursday, to start off the game fours in this series.
Everyone else in this series, plays their game fours Friday, where GM Andrew
could be finished player games with a Flyers loss, or GM Scott could lose Boyle,
basically Edmonton's entire offense, on a Sharks sweep. "These sweeps and
potential sweeps were not expected by anyone" says Muddy Capone, "Neither GM can
afford their players out Friday and although points that night may mean
something, the NHL team to win and extend the series, will likely mean
everything." Before then, Edler gets a crack at another point that could
be NHLP Cup changing, as NHLP series matchups in the Semi-Finals, change,
depending on who wins this series.
---
1-5-3-?
GM Chad has scored in every Tampa Bay game this round on game totals of 1-5-3
for 9 points. His three Bolts also got 17 in the NHLP's first round of the
playoffs. "Chad is likely already going as far as his big three can take
him" said Muddy Capone, "But if they are done their second round scoring
tonight, we could stand corrected." Chad's Leafs are winning 9-4 over New
Orleans (Shawn), but Chad can be down to only Helm if Tampa Bay wins tonight,
possibly leaving the door open for GM Shawn to creep back into this series if
Shawn can get the Flyers to win a couple games. "When the NHLP
Championship is over, often the winner, and the losers, look back on nights like
tonight" Capone states, "Knowing that something so small turned out to be so
big, even if we didn't quite see it that way at the time."
---
Wiped Out?
UP 11-5 GM Charlie must be uneasy heading into action
Wednesday night. Those seemingly unstoppable Rangers could go from a
strong, high scoring, 5 player team down to just Leino. "We knew a sweep
could be devastating for GM Charlie in New York" said Muddy Capone, "But I don't
think anyone truly believed Washington would win in 4, maybe in 5 or 6."
Again, what do we know? Tampa Bay can knock the Caps out tonight with a
win and GM Charlie's number won't grow to high after that happens, so a big
night or a Caps win is needed. GM Joel has the power to come back, but he
has his own sweep problems of Detroit who needs a win for Joel. With
Daniel Sedin, Filppula and Holmstrom, Joel has enough on his Canucks team to
come back if Tampa Bay wins a low scoring game tonight. In-fact, Joel can
come back and be Cup favorites yet, so tonight is a HUGE night in the NHLP.
---
"Too Close"
GM Andrew has said that the series (Chicago - Edmonton) is "Too close" and he'd
like to take care of this on Wednesday. "With Carter skating and possibly
back Friday a Flyers win tonight may just be enough" stated GM Andrew about the
importance of the Flyers not falling down 3-0 in their NHL series. Andrew
has Giroux and Ryder tonight versus Boyle to try and get some space and extend
his 4-3 lead over the Oil. GM Scott also said the series was "Too close"
but for different reasons, "Carter is getting too close to returning and lets be
honest, you don't win NHLP series down a man" said GM Scott. "It isn't
something that happens often, so with Carter out, we are 2 players apiece, where
man games can work for us, but with Carter, we'd already likely be out of this
series." The action will be hot and heavy tonight with the game times all
within an hour and the winner of this series does have a chance next round, with
so many NHLP teams losing serious numbers, due to current NHL series what they
are.
---
Glen J = Mac T?
Well GM Glen has been around long enough, so the yearbook
asked him yesterday who would win the 2011 NHLP Championship? His answer
was before the games Tuesday and "You do have the matchups right Glen".
Here is what Glen J. had to say:
"Well, as I see it this is how it's going to turn out.
Chicago (Andrew) will win it's match up as well as New York (Charlie), Miami
(Charlie), and Toronto (Chad). Can you believe that Toronto wins a playoff
round? So that leaves Chicago with Ryder VS Toronto with St. Louis, Purcell, and
Malone, with Toronto out scoring Ryder even though Boston winning the series.
This will leave Toronto with nobody going to final. In the other match ups I see
Charlie's New York and Miami teams matching up with Bergeron and Samuelsson out
scoring Lecavalier and Gagne. So that leaves the Miami Surf with Bergeron and
Samuelsson squaring off against, ya, Toronto, but like in the real NHL they will
have Nobody in the final. So to answer your question it's the Miami Surf will
become the victor of this years quest for the cup. This is all based on if I did
the match ups right."
---
So Glen is predicting Vancouver and Boston play for the NHLP Stanley Cup and
Miami (Charlie) beating Toronto (Chad) for the NHLP Championship. Love
It!!! Thanks Glen, I am glad we asked for your analysis. (Editors
Note: By the sounds of it Glen J. may make a better Yearbook analysis then
GM Glen did a GM!!! Your comments and insight is always welcome.)
---
GM Glen Weighs In
GM Glen is following the NHLP playoffs and let GM Scott know where he went
wrong. "I told Scott to pick up Boston players this year" said Glen.
"He told me he had a Boston team that failed last year, but I ensured him it was
wise to do it again" Glen tells of an early season conversation, "He didn't
listen!" Glen has been in Officepools since the start of the year and the
NHLP2.com site and now he still believes it is the Bruins in the finals, meaning
GM's Andrew, Charlie or Shawn will have Eastern players if they can get their
teams in. GM Glen, an original member of the NHLP said that passion is
still there and that, "This could have been my year, losing up a Bruins team."
Well, Glen, maybe your time is yet to come!
---
Edler Called Out
GM Scott didn't hold back after falling behind 2 points,
4-2 to GM Andrew. "Edler can't go through this series watching Boyle" said
GM Scott, "He has to stay even with Ryder." If that is all GM Scott is
asking, Edler is sitting with one extra game already over Ryder and plays
Tuesday night. "Edler played his best game of the playoffs last game,
loved what he did. It just didn't go in. I feel it coming. I
don't think he can get two in a game, that is asking likely too much, but one
point is reasonable." Boyle will have Tuesday off and will play after the
Philadelphia/Boston game three on Wednesday and if Edler doesn't get a point on
Tuesday, GM Scott could easily be too far for even Boyles dream game.
Scott believes Edler is going to do it, "One in the first period tonight.
Takes all the pressure away."
---
Leafs Love Bolts
GM Chad is feeling pretty good about the 6-4 lead his
Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in after game two's. New Orleans
(Shawn) fired blanks Monday, having three of his players move to 2-0 in their
series and putting pressure on GM Shawn, who may lose with lack of player games.
With GM Chad having three Tampa Bay Lightning, the same can be said of GM Chad's
team, 4 games and out, but Chad is leading the series and would take it if Shawn
did the same. Of course GM Shawn does have Burrows who is at 1-1 and plays
his game 3 after GM Shawn hopes the Bolts win 1-0 in the early game Tuesday,
"But of course that would be Stamkos unassisted" stated Muddy Capone.
---
Caps Are Best
GM Charlie knows that he is best off with his Washington players moving on to
next round, thus beating and knocking out Tampa Bay. "Right now either or
wins him the next round as things sit" states Muddy Capone, "But this team can't
beat Toronto (Chad) in the finals, if it is a all Tampa Bay players final."
Of course we are getting ahead of ourselves, but the Yearbook is always looking
at the big picture. Charlie is classic for taking things a day at a time,
so that will mean him scoring some serious points and extending a lead that is
already 7-3 over GM Joel in Vancouver. Charlie has 4 players playing
Tuesday but GM Joel does answer with 3 players himself including the pointless
Daniel Sedin. "St Louis might be looking pretty good right about now" said
Muddy Capone, referring to the fifth last deal of the Trading Deadline where GM
Joel's Canucks traded St Louis and Malone to Toronto (Chad) for Sedin and
Modano. Chad's two have outscored Joel's 10-8 in round one and 3-0 in
round two. "Toronto would have lost the first round had they not had those
extra two points" Capone points out, and would be losing this round without
those 3 points, so GM Chad has to like the deal." There is a deal GM
Charlie wants to talk about, but he needs the Caps coming back before he shares
more on that one.
---
Response Needed
GM Chad had a huge 5 point night from his big Bolts
players, leaving Chad's Leafs ahead 6-4 over New Orleans (Shawn). GM Shawn
comes right back with Richards, Hartnell and Seidenberg who was big in game one
with 2 points. "We'll take a Flyers win tonight" said Shawn when asked for
a quote for the Yearbook, "We'll let Tampa Bay go out in 4 straight." That
will be a fear of GM Chad's, but he will not only need additional games he will
need the scoring to continue. All Chad can do tonight is play defense to
stay ahead in this series.
---
Ryder Some More
GM Andrew has a great opportunity to open up his series in Chicago against the
Edmonton Oil (Scott). Scott was blanked in the game two column, leaving
Andrew only needing a point from his three players to break the 2-2 tie in the
series. With Carter out of the lineup again, GM Andrew will continue to
ride the Giroux wave that has been tsunami like said Muddy Capone, "He leads the
NHL in scoring and when Philly scores, he is in all it or not too far off from a
point." GM Scott had his chances to take the lead when Boyle fired 8 shots
on goal and missed numerous times. "This is such a tough series for us"
stated GM Scott, "We have to be perfect every night. Giroux getting two
points, isn't perfect!" Of course GM Andrew also has Ryder playing
tonight.
---
Leino Lone Ranger
Up 7-3, Leino is the lone player in the NY Ranger (Charlie)
and Vancouver (Joel) series tonight. Charlie is hoping Leino can grab him
at least another point. All of GM Charlie's 5 players will be 2-0 series
if the Flyers don't win tonight, something that can help GM Joel if he gets a
long series from Vancouver/Nashville, and so far so good at 1-1.
---
His Time
GM Scott congratulated GM Andrew after the draft for picking Giroux right before
Scott himself was about to. "I told Andrew that of all his picks, Giroux
was the guy I wanted" GM Scott recalls of an early season conversation with GM
Andrew, "Only 22 and he just scored 0.91 points per game in the playoffs.
I wanted him and Andrew just was more aggressive. I had an asterisks
beside Giroux with two words. 'His time.' So I told Andrew congrats
on that one pick, not knowing now I'd be facing him for my cup life."
Scott explained the story in more detail, that Edmonton picked and GM Andrew
picked two picks later in Chicago but Scott's picks were only 6 picks apart
before Edmonton would pick again in the next round. "We were wrapping
rounds so Edmonton and Chicago had back to back picks basically. So I had
Giroux next, but I saw a player who I thought was going to have a hot year rated
after Giroux and I thought about it and picked that player, hoping Giroux would
slide a few picks. If I had put better thought into it, I'd of known he'd
not be there with Andrew picking twice before my next pick." Who was that
player GM Scott took? "Simon Gagne. Then I end up with Huselius with
that second pick. Of course Giroux outscored them both put together 76-63
this season. How things could have been different." Well, now it is
Edmonton versus Chicago, tied 2-2, and Giroux is looking good. Scott said
he has to hope Boyle can stay with him point for point. "If there is one
defensemen I think can get 10 points this round, it is Boyle" Scott predicts,
"He is all over, pinching every shift, in front, in the corners, playing
sometimes 2 minutes on the PP and missing chance after chance every game.
Can he score two points a game for 5 games? He has too if we are to win
because Giroux. It's his time!"
---
1st vs. 7th - No Day of Rest
While some GM's are cleaning out the garage and washing the
car today, the NHLP's 1st ever cup Champions in Vancouver (Joel) will slug it
out with the 7th NHLP Championships, New York Rangers (Charlie). "Both
these teams have very real shots of winning their teams second cups, and their
firsts" said Muddy Capone, "But one of these awesome teams is also going to be
eliminated this round." With 8 players, 4 aside, all playing today
both GM's would love nothing better than a memorable day. Charlie's 4 are
all playing in the same game with two Caps and two Bolts, but his question is
will Gagne play or not? Joel likely already has the answer to one of his
players, Modano, and that is probably no. Charlie is up 4-2 in the series
heading into the crucial game twos.
---
Not Good Enough
GM Chad is down 4-1 in Toronto and knows that his Bolts need to be better, in
the NHLP anyhow. With only a point between the three in their first game,
GM Shawn stepped up Saturday and took a healthy lead with 3 of his 4 players
scoing, including a pleasant two points for Seidenberg who looked great.
If Chad doesn't bite into the lead today he may be down 6 or 8 points after
Monday's Philadelphia/Boston game.
---
Miami Final Four
Congrats to GM Charlie who made it official with his four
point Saturday, he will be in the final four NHLP teams in 2011. There is
work still to do as Muddy Capone points out, "No one remembers the final four.
Hell, no one remembers the runner-up. They are soon forgotten." Yes,
yes they are. But, I'd rather be in it at this stage, then not for at
least now, GM Charlie has an opportunity that many other GM's only wish they
had. Charlie's Surf is an easy team to look at for next round, guaranteed
to have minimum 2 players or 5 players if Detroit wins this round against San
Jose. Two players and things may be interesting, but 5 players, we just
may start the engraving!
---
Doors Open
GM Shawn knows he has a great opportunity today to take a
game one lead in New Orleans. GM Chad's Toronto team got a big win from
the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning, but only grabbed one point in the game. This
has left Shawn with Richards, Hartnell, Seidenberg and Burrows today to take
control of the series, a series which Shawn is an underdog to win. "I am a
firm believer in the CTR and their predictions are right about 70% of the time"
stated Shawn, "So knowing we are an underdog tells me these points and
opportunities are too important to pass by." The CTR did hit 5 of 8 first
round series, with two of the three they got wrong, the CTR did predict would be
a tied series and won on the pick, so those two we knew could go either way.
The lone true upset in the first round with Edmonton (Scott) over Ottawa (Mike &
Ray). GM Shawn is right, he can't let today just slip by without taking
the lead in this series.
---
Giroux Needed Again
Giroux had 9 first round points and GM Andrew didn't need one of them to dispose
of Calgary (Jr). Now with the other Alberta team, Edmonton (Scott) his
next opponent, GM Andrew may be wishing Giroux saved a few of those points for
the second round. "He can do it again" stated GM Andrew, "He is an amazing
player. Perfect playoff player." If Andrew has any doubts, he sure
isn't showing them. Andrew continues to say, "Carter will be back soon"
but reality is, this series may be well on the down side before that happens.
Andrew is confident, always is, he can win. Why shouldn't he be? No
one has ever won more then his four Cups, his second of which in 1999 was with
this same Chicago team. "I really want the 5th one. I hate losing.
anyone who knows me knows that. A 5th would be extra special." Extra
special is one thing, taking GM Scott out, who would tie Andrew with the most
championships in league history is something else that Andrew won't mention, but
you know he thinks it. "These two GM's likely talk as much as any two GM's
in the NHLP" says Muddy Capone, "They have a very open dialogue and trade often,
12 deals in the past three seasons alone. You don't have to mention the
obvious, they know the numbers!"
---
Gone Yea or Nah?
The New York Rangers (Charlie) may have suffered a serious
blow to his playoff chances with one clean body check. Gagne fell
awkwardly into the ice, smashing his helmet (head) pretty hard. He was
down a while but didn't take the stretcher they brought out for him, but skated
off. With a history of concussions this could have a serious impact on the
Rangers chances to win in the second round. Charlie is up 3-2 with his
Leino playing today to complete game ones in the series. However, tonight
GM Joel does answer with Sedin and Kostitsyn. With Charlie an underdog,
this cannot be long term, as his chances this round would take a hit and chances
the rest of the way would not be what they should. We'll wait and see what
the diagnosis is, but you can bet GM Charlie is one of the only GM's hoping it
isn't long-term.
---
Point 'Per Cell'
GM Chad said that was his goal tonight, having each player
on his Toronto team grab one point on a 4 point night. "You like to play
in the lead and not have to chase" said the two-time NHLP Champion. With
three Tampa Bay players (St Louis, Purcell & Malone) and Helm against no one
tonight for New Orleans (Shawn) it would appear Chad should be able to take the
lead. "We were behind all round one against Florida" stated Shawn about
playing catch-up hockey, "But I don't recommend we make a habit of it."
These two GM's are in a battle for the Cup-lives for the second time all ready
this playoffs, with Chad winning a tight first round battle versus Halifax.
---
It's OV Time
GM Charlie's New York Rangers traded up to grab Ovechkin at the NHLP draft,
passing on of course GM Joel's Daniel Sedin. The two are head to head in
this series of potential Cup favorites and after a zero last night for the only
Sedin still in the NHLP playoffs, Ovechkin gets his turn tonight and GM Charlie
is jacked up. "12 of 14 players I have made it into the second round"
stated Charlie via Text to the Yearbook, "I could not have gotten any more
because of head to head matchups." It is clear things have gone Charlie's
way so far and the excitement is definitely earned, but as good as things have
gone, the Rangers are still not favored to win in this tough CTR #6 versus #3
battle. "You can't win the series in game one" Charlie responded, "A long
way to go, but I like my chances."
---
O'fer One
GM Scott gets a second uncontested opportunity to take the
series lead in Edmonton tonight with Boyle playing while Chicago (Andrew) will
be sending his entire team as a unit with each Flyers/Bruins game. GM
Scott is determined to win this series, "Stranger things have been accomplished"
said Scott, "I am not proud. I could care less if it is only because of
Carter's injury we win. I'll take it with a smile." Carter is
rumored to have an MCL Sprain and will likely play in the series, but GM Scott
said that is why he is a big Flyers fan. "If the Flyers win game one, why
bring him back in game two? If they are up 2-0, why mess with rushing back
an injured player. I need Flyers wins. I have also loved the Flyers,
likely my favorite team over the years. Go FlyerS." Scott went on to
say it will take 8 to 9 points to win this series, a point a game for his two
players. "So that means two points tonight from Boyle. With no
goaltending in Detroit and the way the Kings lit up the Sharks every second
game, we'd expect this to be the highest scoring second round NHL series, so the
points will be possible."
---
6 GM's - 9 Cups
Well, we know this much. Only half the NHLP GM's have a shot at the 2011
Cup. GM's Andrew and Chad who have 4 and 2 Cups are favorites to be in the
NHLP Semi-Finals, while GM Scott and his three wins is an underdog. Three
NHLP GM's, all with great chances to win, have never won a Cup, but 2011 may be
one of their years. GM Charlie, Joel and Shawn are all loaded with Miami
(Charlie) a walk off second round with 6 players against no one, while Vancouver
(Joel) also has 6 players to a slight underdog in New York (Charlie) with 5.
Shawn isn't a favorite to win his series in New Orleans, but his four players
and GM Chad's four seem to all come down to series length and a 7 game series
for either will likely be enough to get them through. How can you win it
all? That is the question we will undertake today. Congrats so far
to those moving on.
---
Players Remaining By NHL Series
Nashville (Van, Mia) at Vancouver (Edm, Van, Mia, NO)
Detroit (Van x3, Mia x3, Tor) at San Jose (Edm)
---
Tampa Bay (Tor x3, NY x2, Van) at Washington (NY x2)
Boston (Chi, NO) at Philadelphia (Chi x2, NO x2, Mia, NY)
---
Championship Won On Pick?
Never in NHLP history has both teams (All teams) in the NHLP Championship had no
players remaining. There have been a series played 0-0, in 1993 Semi
Finals when St John's (Leo) beat New Jersey (Norm) in a no player NHLP
Semi-Finals. Leo would lose the finals 4-0 to GM Norm's St Louis Blues,
his first of back to back Cups in St Louis. Well this year could be a NHLP
first. It is early, but now that the dust has settled, things are becoming
more clear as to what could occur. GM Scott in Edmonton has the lone San
Jose Shark remaining while GM Charlie in New York has the final two Washington
Capitals. So if those GM's, who are both underdogs by the CTR Second Round
Predictions were to not be in the finals and an NHL final of San Jose and
Washington occurred, no other team could have any players. A long ways to
go, but these are top ranked teams we are talking about, #1 in the East and #2
in the West. (Note: GM Joel picked Washington and
San Jose to meet in the finals in the Yearly throw a dart and pray contest.)
---
All Picks In
Thanks everyone and good luck. All picks are posted
on the Playoffs page.
---
Playoff Page Updated
Double check for Errors on your own teams please. Did
anything get cut and pasted incorrect kind of thing? The CTR did
predictions already for each series based on PPG or each player and series
lengths of 5.5 games for Washington-Tampa and Vancouver-Nashville while 6.5
games for Philadelphia-Boston and Detroit-San Jose. More to come on the
predictions tomorrow.
---
How Can It By Done Now? By Seeding...
(Below will show how each team can win it, barring a no player final which
almost any team could win)
(Correction: I am not redoing this...lol. But I did miss GM Charlie
in Miami has Bergeron, which only means he is even stronger)
Chicago (Andrew) #3 (CTR #7) - Only GM Chad's Pens would have been a better
matchup, so Edmonton (Scott) is a great matchup. Andrew is all East and
all one series with his three players and can win on Cup runs by firstly Philly
then Boston. Firstly needs to get by GM Scott, which will come down to two
things; 1) Carter's sprained MCL. If he doesn't play, this series is
a coin flip and, 2) Series lengths. If Phil/Bos only play 4 or 5 games,
Andrew could be in trouble. We know this much for certain, if he gets
through, he gets the lowest seed remaining, either Vancouver (Joel) or the
winner of New Orleans (Shawn) or Toronto (Chad). If it is Joel, San Jose
and Washington winning leaves Joel with one player. This would cripple
Charlie's Miami team and if Chad in Toronto won, Shawn's Flyers would be out and
Chad also moving on with no one. If it is not Joel, that means Charlie
will play himself in the Semi-Finals and Andrew could beat Charlie in a finals
without Detroit. While Andrew could still beat Chad if Tampa is out the
worst thing for Andrew would be meeting New Orleans next round. It really
has to be Philadelphia winning for Andrew and he can win the Cup as so many
teams are getting weak fast. Outside Philly in the finals, it likely won't
happen. (Something to Cheer for, NHLP: New York (Charlie) and
Toronto (Chad) with NHL: Philadelphia (longer series), Washington, San
Jose (short) and Nashville)
---
New York Rangers (Charlie) #4 (CTR #3) - GM Charlie is all East and has a most
all West matchup with Vancouver (Joel). This is a battle and will go
either way. If Charlie wins, we know for certain he will play himself in
the Semi-Finals if Chicago (Andrew) wins. If that happens Charlie will
have a team in the NHLP Championship! If Andrew loses, Charlie could meet
himself in the NHLP Championship, only the second GM to ever accomplish this
feat (Head to head accomplished by GM Andrew). The Rangers can win on
finals of Washington, Tampa Bay or Philadelphia. Charlie has the only
Capitals left so if they go to the finals Charlie will likely win it all if this
team can get there but that won't likely occur if Detroit wins this round as
Charlie's other team would then likely knock this team out in the Semi's.
Tampa Bay going to the Cup would work in the finals as long as Chad's Toronto
team goes out this round to New Orleans. All Charlie needs to do is win
this round and have Washington and San Jose alive next round and this team will
likely go to the finals, where Ovechkin would be too strong for anyone remaining
from the West. Leino could win it for Charlie but this would involve
getting there and not meeting Chicago (Andrew) or New Orleans (Shawn).
Outside of Washington or Tampa Bay, it likely won't happen. ((Something to Cheer
for, NHLP: Edmonton (Scott) and Toronto (Chad) with NHL: Washington (long,
long series), Philadelphia)
---
Miami (Charlie) #5 (CTR #4) - All West players and Leino (and I missed Bergeron
- Sorry). So can only have a multi-player finals if Detroit goes or
Van/Nash plays Philly/Bos in the finals. Will be in the Semi Finals for
certain. Can play almost any team remaining except Chicago (Andrew) or
Vancouver (Joel). Those two matchups are impossible for Miami next round.
If Andrew wins Charlie will play either Himself or the winner of New
Orleans/Toronto or if Andrew loses Charlie will play the winner of New
Orleans/Toronto or Edmonton (Scott). So will not see the Vancouver/Miami
matchup with three Detroit players versus each other, not before the finals
anyhow. There are so many possible matchups it gets really hard to lay
them all out here, being a middle seed, but this team is heavy into Detroit
winning. If the Red Wings win this round this team will stand a great
chance to be in the finals and win it all. If the Wings go out this round
this team will be in trouble as it will be down to two players. Still
enough to win but matchups and all series will be very key. Outside of
Detroit going or a Vancouver/Nashville versus Philadelphia/Boston final, it
likely won't happen. (Something to Cheer for, NHLP: Edmonton (Scott), New
York (Charlie) and Toronto (Chad) with NHL: Detroit (in 4 games to help his
other team), Washington, Philadelphia or Boston)
---
Toronto (Chad) #6 (CTR #13) - Let's get this out of the way. CTR #13 won
last year. GM Chad is in a battle this round, but is favored to win in a
series where player games and series lengths will play heavy. Chad is all
Tampa Bay and will likely not win without them going to the Cup. If Chad
wins along with Andrew this round he will play; 1) Miami (Charlie) if Joel wins
or, 2) Chicago (Andrew) if Joel losses. If Chad wins along with Scott this
round he will play; 1) Vancouver (Joel) if Joel wins or 2) Miami (Charlie)
if Joel loses. There is no possible way the two teams with Bolts remaining
can play before the finals as Chad cannot play GM Charlie's NY Ranger team next
round. Chad can win any matchup next round if Tampa Bay is in, but things
will be much easier with a San Jose win. This will put Chad in the Finals
where he would win with Tampa Bay or without them on a pick. Outside of
Tampa Bay going, it likely won't happen. (Something to Cheer for, NHLP:
Chicago (Andrew), New York (Charlie) with NHL: Tampa Bay (in 7), Boston (short
series), San Jose, to weaken Miami)
---
New Orleans (Shawn) #8 (CTR #8) - If he wins, he has the exact matchups of GM
Chad, as follows; If Shawn wins along with Andrew this round he will play; 1)
Miami (Charlie) if Joel wins or, 2) Chicago (Andrew) if Joel loses. If
Shawn wins along with Scott this round he will play; 1) Vancouver (Joel)
if Joel wins or 2) Miami (Charlie) if Joel loses. Shawn cannot play GM
Charlie's Rangers team next round. The Matchup with Chicago (Andrew) would
work if Burrows is alive and will be a little tough, but possible, otherwise.
If it is Joel in Vancouver or Charlie in Miami , Shawn will need Detroit out for
certain. If that happens Shawn is going to have a good chance with
Philadelphia/Boston and or Vancouver in the finals. Outside of
Philadelphia/Boston and or Vancouver in the finals, it likely won't happen.
(Something to Cheer for, NHLP: Edmonton (Scott), New York (Charlie) with
NHL: Philadelphia (in 7), Vancouver, San Jose (in 4 hurts Scott, helps
Charlie, cheering for both to win))
---
Pittsburgh (Chad) #10 (CTR #5) - Chad took out GM Shawn's Halifax team, the CTR
#1 ranked team that would have had 6 players including two Canucks, two Caps and
two Flyers remaining. Chad did his part to help win someone else the Cup
but it won't be himself here now. Can't happen.
---
Vancouver (Joel) #15 (CTR #6) - Just took out the CTR #2 team (Quebec, Matt) who
would have had 6 players playing in round two. This team is not a 15th
seeded team, never was. GM Joel has a great team and a great opportunity.
After saying that, so did GM's Matt and Shawn, only to get a horrible matchup
and be out. This team, round two, so strong, such a bad matchup.
Joel will have to do all he can to beat Charlie's Rangers. Will Modano get
two points? If not Joel is a point favorite. Joel survived a short
Detroit series in round one, but can he be that fortunate again? If
Washington and Tampa play 6 or 7, how can Joel pull this out? Winning NHLP
Cups are never easy. Joel took it upon himself in round one and will have
to work it in round two and take out one of the best remaining. If Joel
does win this round, he will want Detroit and can win it on either Vancouver or
Detroit in the finals. If Joel wins he will play either Chicago (Andrew)
or the winner of New Orleans/Toronto. If it is Andrew Joel will be OK if
the Wings beat the Sharks or if the Bruins beat the Flyers. A Sharks and
Flyers win could be the end of the dream. If it is Toronto (Chad), Joel
will win as long as Washington moves on and if it is Shawn, Joel will be in
trouble without his Wings. Joel has as good a chance as you ever get, but
with a long ways to go, so much still has to go right. It starts with a
win in round two over Charlie and it likely ends against Charlie as well if
Detroit wins this round. Great chances on a Detroit/Vancouver with a
chance with Nashville or Tampa as well. (Something to Cheer for, NHLP:
Chicago (Andrew), Toronto (Chad) with NHL: Vancouver, Detroit (this round,
long series), Boston, Washington (I think) or Tampa Bay just this round, but in
4 straight)
---
Edmonton (Scott) #16 (CTR #11) - Outside of Chad's no player Pittsburgh team,
this is a team we haven't heard much of in our talk. GM Scott can win it
because he has something no one else does, a Shark! Scott overcame a 5
point underdog prediction in round one to win and will have to do the same in
round two, where he has a few things working for him; 1) A short series in
Philadelphia/Boston as GM Andrew only has players from this series and 2) A MCL
sprain that has Carter a question mark to start the series. Without
Carter, it is estimated at 8-8. Scott winning would put him against the
lowest seed remaining, so New York (Charlie) if they win or Miami (Charlie).
Either or, that's it. If it were New York, not good for GM Scott and he'd
need both his players and Philadelphia out. But lets say Vancouver (Joel)
wins and it is Miami. If San Jose beats Detroit, GM Scott could be a
favorite in the Semi Finals, or at least have a realistic shot. Going to
the Finals then with San Jose knocking out Vancouver with anybody else but
Philly (if Shawn was still in) could give GM Scott his fourth Cup. Outside
of San Jose going to the finals, it likely won't happen. (Something to
Cheer for, NHLP: Vancouver (Joel), Toronto (Chad) with NHL: San Jose,
Vancouver and one very short series in Philadelphia/Boston)
---
As crazy as it all sounds, it is very possible for every
team left (except Pittsburgh, sorry Chad) and this is what NHLP Cup dreams are
made of. It takes everything working for you to win it. Long Series,
games 7's, NHL matchups, health, big games, surprises, upsets, NHLP matchups,
some skill and luck on the tie-breakers and a shit load of luck with everything
else. Every team that ever won, had all that and this year will be no
different.
---
|
At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page) |
| Seed |
Team |
Score |
Score |
Team |
Seed |
| 16 |
Edmonton Oil
(Scott) |
22 |
18 |
Ottawa Senators
(M&R) |
1 |
| 15 |
Vancouver Canucks
(Joel) |
30 |
25 |
Quebec Nordiques
(Matt) |
2 |
| 14 |
Calgary Flames (Jr) |
13 |
27 |
Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) |
3 |
| 13 |
Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) |
14 |
34 |
New York Rangers (Charlie) |
4 |
| 12 |
St. Louis Blues (Tyson) |
16 |
23 |
Miami Surf (Charlie) |
5 |
| 11 |
Boston Bruins (Ryan) |
16 |
18 |
Toronto Maple Leafs (Chad) |
6 |
| 10 |
Pittsburgh Penguins (Chad) |
30 |
25 |
Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) |
7 |
| 9 |
Florida Panthers (Marcel) |
20 |
24 |
New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) |
8 |
*The colors would show Round Two matchups if things ended after games
played Wednesday (Final)
---
Down Too One
Only one NHLP series can change hands on the final
night of the first round of the playoffs. Ottawa (Mike and Ray)
are out if Stamkos and Kennedy don't combine for 4 points. If this
happens the second round playoff matchups would change and Ottawa would
play Vancouver (Joel) and Chicago (Andrew) would play Pittsburgh (Chad)
and Charlie would play himself in round two. If not, the matchups
are as they appear below. (Note: I double checked all the
scoring for this series and it is a correct 4 point lead.)
---
All Or Nothing?
Or somewhere in-between. GM Chad can go many directions
tonight. In Pittsburgh Chad could lose all 5 his players
on losses by the NHL Pens and Habs. That means if those
teams win, GM Chad will have those 5 players in his second round
matchup which will be either Miami (Charlie) if GM Scott hangs
on tonight or Chicago (Andrew) if Mike and Ray come up with a 4
point evening. Chad = Pens & Habs.
---
6) Toronto CTR #13 vs. 8) New Orleans CTR #8
That is a second round matchup between GM's Chad
and Shawn. Shawn has a strong team of Richards, Hartnell and
Burrows who scored 15 first round points and can add in Kovalev (2) and
Seidenberg (3). All Shawn really needs is Kovalev, for it will
mean GM Chad is left with only Helm (3). However, take Kovalev
away and Shawn is left with 15 to 18 first round points to play against
St Louis, Purcell, Malone and Helm who scored 18 with their game 7 not
included in that total. Clearly both these GM's in this series are
invested in who wins the NHL game 7 tonight. Chad = Bolts.
Shawn = Pens.
---
Charlie vs. Charlie?
Currently that isn't the case, but that can change tonight. GM
Charlie will play himself in round two of the NHLP playoffs if Mike and
Ray have a 4 point night.
If not, Charlie's Rangers get the Canucks (Joel) in what could be one
hell of a great series. By Joel adding players tonight, GM Charlie
gets stronger. If NHL Pens and Bruins win, Joel would have
outscored Charlie 21-14 of the players moving on. If Montreal wins
that changes to 21-18 and if Tampa Bay wins it changes to 27-31 in favor
of Charlie. Charlie = Bolts. Joel = Pens
The Miami Surf would play Pittsburgh (Chad) and we know Chad is huge in
for the Pens and Habs. Without them, Chad has nothing.
Chad's Habs in are 11 first round points and his Pens are 7 more or 18
first round points. If Charlie loses Bergeron tonight he'd be at
16 first round points of the players moving on, and it will be over if
Boston wins, as Bergeron's 6 would have Charlie up 22-7 on Chad.
Chad = Pens & Habs. Charlie = Bruins
---
Comeback Complete! Well, Almost
The New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) did not lead their
series with Florida (Marcel) after any even games, until games 6. Now up
20-19 with the tie-breaker going to game 7, it would appear although GM Marcel
gave it his all, he is just outgunned, down 6-2 in remaining man games.
Marcel's final two players are in action tonight, van Riemsdyk then Frolik and
nothing short of a real miracle will help Marcel. Marcel must have his two
outscore Richards, Hartnell, Burrows and Seidenberg if Pominville doesn't play
and after that Kovalev and maybe Seidenberg again on Wednesday. A tie to
Marcel is only good if Pittsburgh wins game 7.
---
Gain of 3 Needed
GM Ryan is down 18-15 with his remaining players playing Tuesday night in game
7's. Ryan has to gain three tonight, minimum or his out out. Ryan
has Ennis, Seabrook and Bickell versus Brouwer for GM Chad. If Ryan gains
at least three, Wednesday's game 7 between Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay will matter.
Chad would have his big three Bolts then needing to pass Ryan by one as Ryan
only needs to tie the series. No doubt Ryan would be hoping for a shutout
then, but is hoping it even matters. That means a big night from his
grinders. (UPDATE: Bickell underwent surgery Monday
night and is out for the remainder of the playoffs. He had Tendons cut in
Game 2 and played through it until now. Wow!)
---
Unanswered Game 7
It is a feeling that makes GM Scott sick to his stomach,
the unanswered game 7. "When your players are done in a tight series and
your opponent has players left and all they need are a few points" said Scott,
"You have that hopeless feeling." GM Scott is certainly one who loves
stirring the pot and his comments Sunday may have been the fuel the Senators
were looking for. Scott stated that Sunday was "Time to blow them out"
when all his players where playing, but the day ended with a 2-2 tie in scoring
as Vanek held off Scott's entire team. Mike and Ray only have to tie to
win and have Vanek and Carle playing tonight to try an at least stay even with
Toews, Bolland, Edler, Stafford and likely not to play, Sekera. Scott is
done round one, so if Vanek and Carle gain three in the early game, Scott would
be pressured into scoring in the late game to stay alive. What Mike and
Ray don't want to see is lose any more ground tonight, as they have potential in
their final night with Stamkos and Kennedy, but asking them to score 6 points
kind of thing may be asking too much. MAY BE! Those guys could even
pull that out. That is why, GM Scott is a little sick to his stomach
today. "Be a lot of slow motion hockey tonight" stated Muddy Capone, "Like
motion sickness!"
---
#1 Out?
GM Shawn is in a really tough spot. Must gain at least 6 points in
Halifax, so he may be cheering for Horton to get a few tonight and that series
go 7 games. Henrik Sedin, Briere, Timonen and Hamhuis are also all goes,
with no remaining games for any of them after tonight. The real bad thing
about an extra game for Horton is that means GM Chad gets more from Cammalleri
and Wisniewski. Chad also has Keith and if needed a response from his
Penguins Letang and Staal. All in all Chad has stepped it up with Sid and
is looking like he is heading to the second round of the NHLP playoffs.
---
Team Please
Several GM's are cheering for themselves, not to win their series, but to have a
team next round that can compete. GM Andrew in Chicago is a classic
example. This round in the bag, but will his two Flyers and Hossa be in
the next round or will he be down to only Ryder or Hamrlik. GM Joel is
strong in Vancouver as long as Detroit goes all the way, but it would be nice to
have some help from Daniel Sedin, Andre Kostitsyn and his high flying Downie.
So while many GM's still have to worry about winning, the focus is on making a
stronger team for the anticipated deeper run that it will take to win it all.
With 3 or 4 game 7's remaining, all eyes will be firmly glued to each GM's key
games.
---
---
Do Bee Do Bee Do...
Down 26-21 and with no response against GM Chad's Pens, Letang and Staal
tonight GM Shawn must feel like he is in one of these
nightmares. The series is not
over yet with star players getting additional games but GM Chad appears
to likely hit 30 points, all without Sidney. "We flat out knew
Chad's team could score" stated Muddy Capone, "But he has even out
preformed our predictions." All Shawn can do tonight is drink Bud
Ice and beware of the Penguins!
---
Downer
GM Matt has to shake his head when he sees that Downie is only behind
Heatley and Setoguchi 4-3 in the series scoring. Matt's Nords are
down 26-21 with his two versus Downie tonight for the Canucks (Joel).
With no tomorrows possible for many players GM Matt must have a big gain
tonight and hammer into the 5 needed to win the series on the
tie-breaker as the CTR playoff predictions called the series.
Another Kings win would help Matt even if he will need San Jose then in
7, but with Daniel Sedin getting a final game Matt is going to have to
max his players out.
---
In Session
The Ottawa Senators (Mike and Ray) are only down 4
points after a huge Sunday where GM Scott could not "Put them away."
Now another huge Lightning win over Pittsburgh with Stamkos king Bolt,
Ottawa can walk right into the series lead with only just 4 points.
Ottawa has picked San Jose in the tie-breaker, so with a Sharks win
tonight only a tie is needed. The co-owners will be cheering hard
for a game 7 in the Stamkos-Kennedy series, who have 6 points in 10
player games between them. The Oil have Boyle and Penner (5 in 10)
to counter tonight. Can these Senators be in play in round two?
They have the opportunity to take their series away from the lower-grade
Oil.
---
Wolverines Chase Down Panthers
GM Shawn had the night he had waited for all series, 7 big
points to take a 20-18 lead over GM Marcel's Florida Panthers.
Down to just three players left Marcel must finished as strong.
Smyth tonight against Kovalev is how Marcel responds, hoping to
maybe get one and an LA win or two and tie the series.
With the player games at 6-3 in New Orleans favor, GM Shawn has
to wired that his Sunday was one to remember and his season not
all lost.
---
Over and Out?
Knotted at 15 points each in their series, GM
Chad's Maple Leaf's will send his big three Bolts players, St Louis,
Purcell and Malone all up against Ryan's Brown on his Bruins team.
Chad likes this matchup as he his three has outscored Ryan's 12-2 in the
series. Chad must score though as in game 7's the following night,
Chad is being outscored 8-0. Chad could help his cause with a
Tampa Bay win, giving that series another game Wednesday where some then
would go home. Ryan will just hope the Pens shut the bolts out
tonight, at which time Ryan will easily win this series.
---
"You Sunk My Battleship!"
D8! Down a whopping 8 points GM Shawn's CTR #1 Halifax Destroyers still
have shots left. "Henrik and Briere can flat out score" says Muddy Capone,
"So Shawn has to be thinking 7 game series and having a nice 5 point gain
today." With Timonen and Hamhuis also playing against just Keith for
Chad's Pens, why stop at 5? GM Shawn could still have a full team of 7
players in round two and be the team most feared. This can still happen
but the scoring can't be hit and miss today. Capone, now fired up about
how the day must go for GM Shawn starts in with his favorite movie quotes:
"I see a white strip I kill the Penguin wearing it! So waddle you
Stonecracker! Waddle! Tell all the other Stonecracker's the
Destroyers are coming! You tell'em I'm coming and
hells coming with me, you hear? HELLS COMING WITH ME!!!"Pominville
OUT!
---
Oil GM: "Time to Blow Them Out"
We are not sure how GM's Mike and Ray are handling their
first round matchup with GM Scott's Edmonton Oil. Are they watching every
game they can? Do they see what can happen if they can win this series?
We don't have those answers, but we can tell you GM Scott is invested. "I
don't just watch the games, I tape every one and watch them in slow motion,
often frame by frame" stated GM Scott. Seriously, frame by frame?
"Why, how do you watch the games?" Scott is fired up and wants said it was
"Time to blow them out" referring to his Sunday matchup where the Oil 5 players
have outscored the lone Senator response, Vanek, 13-3 in the series through 5
games. "I need nothing less than that 4-1 ratio and a Sabres win" Scott
figures, "That would give us a 7 point lead with only Stamkos and Kennedy, at
most, playing twice, while we respond with Penner and Boyle and I pray Toews,
Bolland and Edler." This series is even more meaningful with a potential
second round matchup of GM Andrew's Hawks who just may be a dream matchup as the
NHL series are sitting. "We are playing for the NHLP Championship, not any
other pool" Scott points out, "If that isn't all you need right there, hockey
just isn't in your blood."
---
Four Again? Four More Days Only
After completed games 2, 3, 4 and 5, GM Joel's Vancouver Canucks have had a 4
point lead over Quebec (Matt) and currently lead 25-21 heading into games 6.
This series has been a high-scoring battle of two determined teams, both with
hopes of winning their first NHLP Championships. Both can do it, although
one must be out by Wednesday night. Joel looks to expanding on the lead
with Daniel Sedin and Sergei Kostitsyn tonight while the Nordiques answer with
the best they have, Perry, who leads the series with 8 points so far by himself.
Both teams have series second round playoff teams that no one will want to play
and this hasn't gone unnoticed by several GM's who are cheering for the right
matchups. Every point from here on out is critical and one of these GM's
is going to leave the other very crushed knowing that they just drew the wrong
first round opponent.
---
Down 2, Ryan to Respond
It is the time of the first round when you really bare
down, see how you can win your first round, then, not only who is your best
round two matchup but also how you can win it all. For GM Ryan, there are
answers for those questions. Ryan's Bruins have to win and today with
Ennis, Bickell and Seabrook if he plays, against only Brouwer of GM Chad's, it
would seem very possible to gain. GM Ryan will need the Hawks coming back
and knocking Vancouver out of the NHL Playoffs. If Ryan can win his
series, and have one of the number 1 or 2 seeds come back, he'd play GM Andrew,
who with a Sabres win today would really be hurting for a second round team.
Ryan has a shot for a great round two matchup, but he must score today for GM
Chad will be responding Monday night when his Tampa Boys again face elimination.
---
---
GM Shawn may not be too far behind! New Orleans just isn't scoring and
find themselves in a huge hole, down 16-13 to Florida Panthers (Marcel) who have
never trailed in this series. Now with Pominville out, are we to think
they'll score more today? Likely not, spelling the end is near for the CTR
#8 ranked Wolverines. Richards, Hartnell and Burrows all face elimination
games today and without Pominville will have trouble gaining on Weber, van
Riemsdyk and Frolik. "Marcel still has the tie-breaker with Pittsburgh"
stated Muddy Capone, "This is a major upset in the making and right now it just
feels inevitable." For GM Shawn this series could cap off a horrible first
round (already down 8 in Halifax) for a season that truly looked so promising
when at one point Shawn had the CTR #1 & #2 rated teams.
---
---
Zuccarello Breaks Hand - In Minors
Not quite the scoring GM Tyson was hoping for when he picked up Zuccarello at
the Trading Deadline. "Likely the last time I ever listen to GM Scott"
said Tyson who is down 19-14 and in need of a miraculous weekend, starting today
with the banged up Neal outscoring Bergeron of Miami (Charlie).
---
Does Stamkos Get a Shot Today?
GM's Mike and Ray are 'only' 6 points down and they know they must have the best
possible game Stamkos can bring, sending that series all the way to 7 games
where he and Kennedy can get unanswered points against Edmonton (Scott).
"A lot has to go right, but weirder things can happen" said Muddy Capone, "I'd
take a game 7 down 4 points with Stamkos in it for the win. I've made
worse bets than that one in my life." Stamkos or Bustos!
---
Sweet 16
GM Marcel has 16 points from his CTR #16 rated Florida Panthers, enough for a
16-12 point lead heading into a busy weekend of hockey. Saturday should be
Marcel's day to improve the lead with Smyth and Staal versus Kovalev and
Seidenberg, but on Sunday GM Marcel just can't truly compete with what GM Shawn
can bring in New Orleans...well on paper anyway. "I have heard that day
after day" Marcel said in an email to the Yearbook, "That my guys can't keep
scoring." Well, ya and ya. We keep saying it and GM Marcel does keep
proving us wrong. On Sunday Marcel answers with Weber, van Riemsdyk and
Frolik, a projected 9 points in the first round who have 11 already against a
projected 14 for GM Shawn's four of Richards, Pominville, Hartnell and Burrows
who have only 9, so although we keep saying GM Marcel can't match Shawn's
scoring, Shawn's players keep making us look silly each game by not scoring.
"There is a bright side to all this" stated a CTR Yearbook representative,
"Shawn's players can only make us look bad for 2 more games, then their series
is all over and we can quietly move on." Sounds like exactly what Shawn
has been preparing for...
---
Torn
Many GM's are caught between who to cheer for in a series,
happens every year. This year GM Chad is really in a tough spot with the
first round matchup of Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh. "I hated that matchup all
along" stated GM Chad. With good reason. On his Toronto team he has
St Louis, Purcell and Malone and on GM Chad's Pittsburgh team he has Crosby,
Letang and Staal. Both teams are squarely built around those top three
players and as one must go, so too will one NHLP's team's hopes of the
Championship as it will be easy pickings for their opponents. "I could not
see it at the NHLP Trading Deadline" Chad stated when asked if he did it on
purpose, "But I picked up St Louis in the last deal for Sedin, not even thinking
of a first round matchup. Who could of see that far in the future."
Well, one way to look at it is GM Chad will have one good team next round if he
gets both teams in and in Toronto his three Lightning will have to do some
scoring Saturday as Chad is down 12-10 in the series while Chad's heart is
clearly with Pittsburgh as they are up big and when Crosby comes back, this team
is just crazy to match up against as all players score. The best chance
for 00-7-11 would be the Pens, but we've been wrong about things we've been more
sure of!
---
Matt Calls: "All In"
Well GM Matt never stays and plays poker with us. That sad thing about
that is there is no way in hell he can be worse than GM Chad. But when it
comes to the NHLP first round hand, it might be a decent call Matt is 'All In'
on Saturday in Quebec. Matt is down 23-19 with the tie-breaker, so only
needs to tie GM Joel in Vancouver. On Saturday Matt has potential
elimination games playing from Carlson and Arnott in the 3 Pm Washington game
and later Heatley and Setoguchi in the final game Saturday. In-between
Matt has Lucic and Marchand to go, 6 players who have scored 11 points in round
one to face against GM Joel's Andre Kostitsyn and Downie who have 3 points.
Matt must have a huge scoring night as zeros will be disasterous with Daniel
Sedin to go Sunday for Joel along with Sergei Kostitsyn versus only Perry.
"Gaining Sunday will be really hard" says Muddy Capone, "So Matt must gain
Saturday or at the worse get game more hockey from San Jose, Washington or
Anaheim this weekend." It looks like the weekend is a Showdown, 'Turn'em
Up'!
---
Too Little, Too Late
When Weber scored the game tying goal with the goalie
pulled a couple GM's cheered, but GM Andrew wasn't one of them. Weber's
point gave Los Angeles (Andrew) 4 points in round one of the playoffs, down 19-4
to Miami (Charlie). "In the last 5 years the lowest scoring first round
teams per year were 14, 8, 8, 9 and 6" stated Muddy Capone, "With that 6 going
to GM Chad's Pittsburgh team in '07, the year he won the cup with Portland.
Those Pens were predicted to get 24 that round, while this years Kings were
pegged for 22." It is a reminder to every GM that every year, teams do
underachieve and the unforeseen can happen. No matter what GM's think of
Andrew's team this season, not one GM would have bet it to finish below 10 first
round points, it is just a crazy bet to take. Andrew, still with 6 players
playing may still crack the 10 and certainly that low of Chad's 6, but you just
never know. If you are in the playoffs, you can get that matchup and from
there history could be made.
---
Extra Game Help: NOT!!!
Muddy Capone explains the concept about getting extra games from your players in
the playoffs as "10% Useless if they don't score." Only 10%? "Well
because, least there is still 10% hope they score next game." Ah, 10% +
10% is what, 20% now! Muddy, where is the last 80%? "Ya, and the 80%
chance your extra game comes back and fucks your team totally by having your
players knocked out of the playoffs!" That was clearly the case for all
the Vancouver players in the NHLP, a 90% useless game with at least hope they
score next game. The Sedin's total on the night was zero and GM Joel knows
how much that hurt his cup chances in Vancouver, only up 23-19 on Quebec (Matt)
with Matt having Perry playing tonight and having 10 player games to only 6 for
Joel that are assured, as well as Matt having the tie-breaker on Detroit.
Perry is already at his projected 8 with 2 games to play, maybe 3 for Matt.
Matt could still have all 7 players in round two if he can come back and win
this series, but GM Joel will undoubtedly not go easy. Joel still has at
least one from Daniel and maybe two if it goes 7 games but like Capone pointed
out, "Game 6 is 100% useless if Sedin can't score and Sedin's extra game 7 is
90% useless if he doesn't score in game 6." What percent was that again?
---
Time to Step Up
GM Shawn didn't hold back. "It is time to step up" stated GM Shawn, "My
three should be outscoring his." GM Shawn was referring to the fact that
Richards, Pominville and Hartnell were expected to get 11 points this series,
outscoring Weber and Van Riemsdky 11-7 in the series. That is the case for
tonight's players as Shawn's three have 6 points in the series and GM Marcel's
5. Florida is ahead in the series 14-10 over New Orleans and GM Shawn is
growing tired of what he is seeing from his players in this season's playoffs.
With time running out as all series are over the hump, Shawn is very right and
the time to step up would be tonight. Clearly more GM's who are vested in
tonight's Philly-Buffalo matchup.
---
Lost Time
Making up for lost time were Hossa and Ryder for GM Andrew
who's 6 between them last night was 5 more then they had in their first 7 player
games. "That is about all she wrote in this series" stated Muddy Capone,
"Andrew just needs to make a wish and blow out the candles." What Andrew
needs to be wishing for is someone to represent his team in the second round of
the NHLP playoffs. Right now that could be anywhere from 5 solid players
to absolutely no one left. "I built all season around the Flyers" stated
GM Andrew, "I am very confident they will beat Buffalo." Winning this
series Andrew is looking ahead to second round matchups, and although the
Yearbook is only going to say for certain Charlie's Rangers, seed 4 are going to
move on, Andrew's third seeded Hawks aren't too far behind being declared
winners in the eyes of the Yearbook. Depending on if Ottawa (Mike and Ray)
or Quebec (Matt) can come back, GM Andrew could be the highest seed remaining in
the NHLP second round, drawing the lowest seed left. If that was the case,
that would mean he'd play Edmonton (Scott). That makes the Philadelphia
win all that more important as GM Scott is banking on the Sabres. So how
big is tonight's game? The swearing behind close doors tells you.
---
Ennis and the Tie-Breaker
GM Ryan is tied 10-10 in his Boston-Toronto series, two NHLP original 24 teams.
Seems funny to say original 24, but the point is, neither team has ever won an
NHLP Championship. Toronto (Clark) made the finals in
1996 and lost 6-0 to the New York Rangers team of legendary GM Lee and
most recently, last season GM Ryan was there with his Bruins, but had no one and
lost out to the Still reigning Cup Champions Cleveland (Tyson). GM Ryan
has a long shot hope, firstly taking the lead with Ennis tonight and the
tie-breaker well he is at it with Nashville, but then have some down and out
teams to win their series. Ryan still have two Chicago players, a Sabre,
King and Ranger. Any of those players would compliment Semin (or Gaborik
if the Rangers did come back). So although these teams are still
long-shots at best of having anything next round, you just never know what can
happen. We have seen crazy comebacks this season in the NHL and it seems
maybe this is a year when someone, out of the blue, maybe Boston or Toronto take
the NHLP Championship. There is still hope!
---
8-0 Thumping
Those ticklish Penguins from the Cincinnati Zoo.
Those determined Penguins of Pittsburgh. GM Chad came out with 8
unanswered points Thursday night and pounded those down and out Halifax
Destroyers, the CTR #1 overall rated team this season, taking a 25-14 lead over
GM Shawn. Keith slapped in 4 points and Cammalleri passed in 3 more and
Shawn just didn't have an answer on the night. Briere is the lone player
in the series on Friday but with 2 points in 4 games it is hard to get excited
about a big night of his own. Chad did however take a blow to his
potential second round playoff team with the Montreal loss, but in a 3 game
series he still has hope they will be around if he can hold on and finish off
the Destroying!
---
Playing For Pride
GM Marcel knows at the moment he has no players in the next round of the NHLP
playoffs in Florida who are beating New Orleans (Shawn) 13-9 and with the
tie-breaker, but that isn't even a concern of Marcel's at this time. "I
need to win" stated Marcel, "Maybe get a good matchup and even just Smyth or
Frolik." The odds are much better GM Marcel can win this series than will
be he has a decent second round team but he has to keep scoring as he is down
10-8 in remaining player games to Shawn who at some point is likely to get some
points from his players who have been mostly quiet. Marcel has Smyth and
Frolik who have 7 points in the playoffs versus Burrows and Seidenberg who have
just 2 for the Wolverines.
---
5 Periods and 90 Shots on Goal - Is The Guy Dead?
There were 90 shots on goal in the Pittsburgh-Tampa Bay game last night,
including 6 from Letang, Bergenheim and Rupp, ya RUPP and in over 30 minutes of
time on the ice, 35 shifts in the game, Stamkos never had even a shot!!!
"Who is this guy, Joe Thornton" asked Muddy Capone? Where has Stamkos
been? He is quickly getting the "Can't perform in the playoffs label"
which is shocking for a player with his shot, of his caliber. Ottawa (Mike
and Ray) are only truly still even in their series with Edmonton (Scott) because
Stamkos can get 7 points in 2 games, but he isn't giving off the vibe that is
going to happen. Down 16-10 and just losing 3 players the GM's can only
watch tonight, hoping to slow down GM Scott and keep the series close, hoping
for 7 games from Stamkos and Vanek and a late comeback in the series.
Scott has other worries of his own, hoping Toews and Bolland aren't through
tonight and still hoping for an injury, "I need a Buffalo defencemen to get hurt
so Sekera gets back into the lineup" said Scott, "With the way they are shutting
the Flyers down, he will get in only one way and I am cheering for that way to
happen as I need the Sabres to knock the Flyers out." Along with his two
Hawks, the Oil also have Boyle and Penner playing tonight where GM Scott said
he'd be happy with 3 points between the 4 players. "I was happy for 3 the
other night and got 8 between them, so I'll take the 3 again." If Stamkos
don't wake up it won't really matter anyhow.
---
GM Shawn Feeling The Heat?
GM Shawn is in two battles and he is on the wrong end of them both with Thursday
another big game in each series. Without Crosby, GM Chad's Penguins lead
17-14, but lost Doan, their highest scoring player this round. This leaves
Chad with at least 7 player games remaining, while Halifax (Shawn) has at least
9 including two from Briere and tonight's potentially last game for Henrik
Sedin. "Would the NHLP want it any other way" said Muddy Capone, "Here we
are at elimination and both Sedin's could be in play never round in the NHLP, or
both could be gone!" Knowing that Daniel could be gone makes this series
even more important for Shawn who may be quite happy with even a 6th game from
his Sedin and Hamhuis, who are outscoring Keith in the matchup 5-2 through 4
games. GM Chad would like Keith the next round, but is best served to have
Vancouver end this series and Shawn's scoring. This series is so big for
GM Chad as well as Sidney could come back next round, giving Chad a 5 player
team if the Habs hold on. Chad is outscoring Shawn 5-1 in the Habs-Bruins
series were he outnumbers Shawn Wisniewski and Cammalleri over Horton, so Chad
needs the Habs, but might be happy with 6 or 7 games if that is what it takes to
get even points to know out the CTR #1 Destroyers!
---
Bruins Serve
In a classic back and forth series, GM Ryan has an
opportunity for his Bruins to retake the lead over GM Chad's Leafs. Chad
is down 10-9 with Brown the lone player in the series yet to play game 4 and
Bickel and possibly Seabrook tonight against only Brouwer. It would appear
that Ryan will be back in the lead tonight and maybe for good with a Pittsburgh
shutout against Tampa Bay next game, knocking out the Lightning and Chad's big
three Bolts. Neither team yet has anything resembling a second round team,
but that isn't the main concern as matchups are still up in the air. Focus
is on winning this series and it is Ryan hoping for an Ace tonight!
---
Feeling Blue
The St Louis Blues (Tyson) actually got good news, with the Detroit series
ending, but down 16-14 without the tie-breaker to Miami (Charlie) is a horrible
feeling knowing Kesler and Raymond could be gone tonight as well for the Blues.
"Tyson's two Canucks can outscore Samuelsson so Tyson needs a big gain here, and
another Hawks win" stated Muddy Capone, "If that series ends tonight it is Neal
and Zuccarello against Bergeron, Erat and Versteeg, which will never work for
Tyson." Although if Tyson did come back, he'd still need Vancouver moving
on, but it would appear his hope will rest on a 6 or likely even 7 games
Hawks-Canucks series. Charlie on the other hand has to love the thought he
will have the best Wings team left next round (even if Vancouver, Joel) hangs
on). Miami could still play any number of NHLP teams next round and still
can have as many as a full team of players as each series sits now.
---
Killer Win
GM Joel must really be feeling the heat in Vancouver today.
A huge four game sweep by the Red Wings, leaving Joel already with Filppula,
Holmstrom and Modano moving on to the NHL's second round and leaving Joel with a
22-16 lead over Quebec, who officially owns the tie-breaker. "Man games
will decide this series, with GM Joel having at least 6 more" stated Muddy
Capone, "While being only 6 points down GM Matt has at least 12 more remaining."
GM Joel is not the only NHLP team to really be hammered with Detroit's success
as it would appear only 4 Red Wings will be alive in the NHLP next round if Joel
can stay in with his three. Tonight is a big night in the Vancouver-Quebec
series and Joel could also lose his biggest gun, Daniel Sedin. A.
Kostitsyn is also playing for Joel while Matt will try and use his man games to
slowly chip away, or quickly as his guns can. Matt has Heatley and
Setoguchi for the Sharks and Lucic and Marchand for the Bruins playing tonight.
---
Target in Sight
I can just picture this big Navy Destroyer preparing to fire a missile at it's
target, and who is in it's sights? Muddy Capone wonders, "Would it be
Sidney or would it be an innocent little Penguin?" Either way, that target
is clearly in the sights of the Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) tonight, down 15-13
and having 5 players going tonight including Briere and Horton while following
that up the next night with a bonus game from Henrik Sedin. The time is
now, tonight, to come back and tie or take the lead in this series for Shawn.
Chad's Pens answer with man-tracker champ Doan, Letang and Staal. "Both
GM's have quieted way down" Capone said, "I guess neither are as sure of their
chances as they were heading into the playoffs." There are rumors that
Knuble won't play for the Destroyers tonight, but some are saying he will play,
so stay tune.
---
Blues Thinking of Emailing NHL?
GM Tyson is certain that Vrbata deserves the assist and not Handzus as the NHL
awarded the assist in Game Two of the Detroit-Phoenix series on the 2nd Coyotes
goal at 5:39 of the third period. "I know GM Scott has a contact in the
NHL video review room, for I was told by GM Ryan about the Stumpel story" stated
Tyson, "So I asked him for his contact's email." GM Scott stated "I don't
like over-using Steve and I am not sure it does not hit Handzus. If Tyson
can show me a better video in close and if I think it is in my best interests to
see Miami out, I'll gladly do the work myself. Right now though, I like
the Vancouver/Miami match up, but we'll play it by the day. Steven is
really awesome and I have used him on two occasions now with one successful
change." Tyson is determined and stated that he'll phone the NHL if that
is what it takes to have the goal reviewed.
---
Frolik's a Monster
GM Marcel is liking this kid in Florida. Frolik is the only NHLP player to
have 2 points more than he was predicted by the CTR Playoff predictions, now
with 4 after expected to get only 2. Considering no others have gone over
their number by two yet, he is clearly having a good series and his 3 points
with Bolland last night didn't hurt. Marcel is now up 12-8 versus New
Orleans (Shawn). Marcel's team was only expected to reach 14, the lowest
of all NHLP teams in round one, so that is clearly looking possible. New
Orleans was only expected to get 19, and although they are still on pace, the
pressure is mounting. That longer series in Philadelphia is looking like
it will be needed if Shawn is to come back. New Orleans holds a 4 to 3 man
game advantage tonight and needs Richards, Hartnell and Pominville to continue
to score as they all did last game or a major upset will occur for Florida.
---
Wings Could Alter Many Series
Several GM's are in the same crease tonight, likely the
Coyotes, hoping someone can help Phoenix stop some goals from goal in and
extending this series. Three NHLP teams would lose 3 players and two NHLP
teams 2 players. Ottawa (Mike & Ray), Vancouver (Joel) and Calgary (Jr)
all would take serious hits to their chances of moving on if Detroit wins, and
if they do win, at least does it in a big 5 or 7 goal way. Calgary and
Vancouver are currently leading their series by 2 and 5 points respectively, but
Ottawa already is down 7. Lidstrom and Franzen are half of Calgary's
scoring, so them being finished and leaving Chicago (Andrew) within 5 points
will be a disaster for Calgary. Vancouver and Ottawa would lose about a
third of their team scoring so a 5-4 Coyotes win tonight would serve a number of
GM's quite well but a 3-2 Wings series ending win, yikes!
---
Biggest Comeback in NHLP History
That is fact! No NHL team has ever led by 4 goals in the playoffs during
the time of our pool and lost. Well, Los Angeles accomplished that last
night as they went up 4-0 on San Jose before the Sharks came back and won in
overtime 6-5. The previous NHL teams to accomplish this feat were in 1982
when the Kings came back 5 goals to beat the Oilers and two teams have
previously come back from 4 down, the 71 Habs over the Bruins and the 85 North
Stars over the Hawks. If you watched the game, you watched history.
The Kings just blew it and one has to wonder how they can overcome such a
shocking loss. They are really going to have to have some character in
that dressing room, for that was a tough, tough loss.
---
Bolland For Senator!
GM Scott had one of his biggest playoff nights ever and has
taken a big lead of 16-9 versus Ottawa (Mike and Ray) thanks in part to a 4
point night from Bolland. "Nine is a solid night for anyone" stated GM
Scott, "Glad Bolland is back and happier the Hawks won, but Mike and Ray have
all 7 players playing tonight, so it is a long ways from over." Ottawa
will try and do the same as Edmonton did Tuesday, that is, avoid losing three
players in a four game sweep. Rafalski, Stempniak and Belanger, two points
between them so far, all could be out of this series tonight unless the coyotes
can find a way to beat Detroit. The Sens are never out of this series with
Stamkos but at some point he is going to have to remove his skirt and play a
little tougher. He has been so poor he is playing on the checking line and
that is not what GM's Mike and Ray, or anyone, expected from him come the
playoffs.
---
How The West Was Won
GM Jr is living high with the Western conference playoff results. His
Calgary are in a battle, 9-9, with GM Andrew in Chicago, but Jr is looking like
he could have 5 players, all from the Western Winners, next round, if he can
hold off Andrew. Jr has two Wings, as well as a Predator, Canucks, Shark
and King. "He would be set up for the Semis and Finals as well" stated Muddy
Capone. Tonight Jr has Handzus, Torres and Mitchell against Hossa to try
and take the lead again. Both GM's face losing a player tonight but GM Jr
would have to take the trade off of Torres for Hossa. Player games could
really come into play if Detroit sweeps, which is looking very likely, which
would open the door for GM Andrew to take the series going away. So, all
points are big and Jr could help himself by taking the series lead tonight.
---
Henrik
The CTR #1 ranked Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) could lose
their top scorer, Henrik Sedin, if Vancouver is to sweep Chicago tonight.
Halifax also would lose Hamhuis while GM Chad, up 14-13 in the series, would
lose Keith. "That would be a awesome tradeoff for Chad, clearly" said
Muddy Capone. The series was expected to be close and possibly come down
to a pick, so GM Shawn losing Sedin before the predicted 5 games will be
crushing to his chances. "This is why it is so hard to win in the NHLP.
You do it all right all year long and your big gun goes 4 straight in the first
round of the playoffs. There just isn't any justice sometimes to being
great." Chad's Pens are no slouches and even without Crosby it was clear
they could score, which has been proven nightly by GM Chad's team. In
tonight's case, Shawn needs a Chicago win.
---
To Weak or To Strong?
The Florida Panthers (Marcel) have given it their all in the first round of the
NHLP playoffs and are up on a tie-breaker, in their deadlocked series with New
Orleans (Shawn), however it would appear the Panthers days are numbered.
"A trade off of Frolik for Burrows tonight would be in the best interest of
Marcel and he can take the series lead with Smyth having a good night" stated
Muddy Capone, "But doing anything else is playing with fire. New Orleans
appears to have finally awoke and is taking control over the series." The
winner of this series, although much too early to call, could likely play
Toronto (Chad) and have a cakewalk in the second round of the NHLP playoffs, so
it is very important how this one plays out.
---
Won or Done?
Down 9-7 GM Scott is facing losing Toews, Bolland and Edler in his tight series
against Ottawa (Mike and Ray). Scott's Oil have 5 players to the Sens zero
playing tonight and Bolland is rumored to be in tonight. With Boyle and
Penner also playing, Scott will likely need at least 4 points to be happy, but
also a Hawks win. "This series is greatly going to be determined over the
next two days" said Muddy Capone, "If Scott can survive and get another game
from his three in that series, he has the opportunity of Ottawa losing Rafalski,
Stempniak and Belanger the following night." The GM to likely get that
additional game will have a much greater opportunity to win this series.
With Sekera now a healthy scratch, a Canucks win should be all Ottawa needs
tonight to start planning for their second round
matchup, which as of today would be Vancouver (Joel).
---
Player Shortage?
The Vancouver Canucks (Joel) may be facing a serious player
shortage over the next two days, even though leading their series 16-10.
Daniel Sedin could be done tonight while a Wings sweep tomorrow and a possible
Downie suspension leaves only the Kostitsyn brothers to hold off GM Matt's
entire Quebec team. "This series would turn in a quick way" stated Muddy
Capone, "GM Matt would come back." GM Joel has to be thinking a few extra
games would not hurt, so would he cheer for a Hawks and Coyotes win in their
next games? We think so! (UPDATE: Downie gets one game)
---
Seabrook Is Out
One GM's loss is another GM's gain. GM Ryan got the
bad news for his Bruins that Seabrook is out for game 4, but this news was well
received by another GM, and it wasn't GM Chad. "OMG" stated GM Scott,
"This was the best news I heard all day. Seabrook is the worst defencemen
Chicago has. He constantly pinches and kills them time after time.
Has bothered me that their coaching staff hasn't corrected this problem long
ago, as he is the direct result of two or three 2 on 1's every single game.
You are a defencemen, play the position and let the offence take care of itself.
Way to many bad decisions. This is good news for the Hawks, not bad news."
Gone Again?
GM Jr may not have enjoyed the services of Torres for too
long as it appears he should be facing suspension. "Anyone who watched the
game would have to think Torres should be thanking Seabrook for getting up"
stated Muddy Capone, "And the Canucks should be thanking him as well, as by
getting up he cost his team a five minute major." Torres laid out Seabrook
with just a thunderous hit, the exact hit the NHL is trying to get out of the
game. Jr is leading 8-5 in Calgary over GM Andrew's favored Hawks.
The hit also showed a flaw in the NHL "Procedures and Protocol" stated Muddy
Capone, "Seabrook somehow gets up. But he did get right up. So now
you are saying the protocol is for him to leave the game for 15 minutes, even
though he got up? Not only that, but the guy who hit him gets to stay in
for that same period? If If you are going to mandate that Seabrook must
leave for 15 minutes, the Vancouver bench should be told Torres has to leave as
well. It is a great way for a goon to get a star player out of the final
period of game 7." Andrew will try and get back in this series Monday with
a 4 to 2 player advantage but time is running out as teams now face elimination
with their next games. The NHL will likely announce a stiff suspension for
Torres on Monday. (Update: No further suspension will be
given to Torres by the NHL)
---
Briere's Turn?
We know what GM Shawn expected from Briere in the first round, and so far, those
expectations haven't been met. Briere, Horton and Timonen will try and
give Halifax a lead in their 10-10 series with Pittsburgh (Chad). "Briere
will need to turn his series up a notch" says Muddy Capone about the former NHLP
Champion Briere, "Of the 13 healthy players in this series only Horton has less
playoff points than Briere." That likely won't be enough to win this tough
battle that the CTR predicted as 25-25 without GM Chad having Crosby and it
certainly would appear to be on pace for those big numbers. This is just
the kind of series you would expect from two of the top 5 best teams in the
NHLP. Chad, who can flat out score, has 5 players playing tonight
including Doan who has 4 in two games, but will try avoiding facing elimination
in his next game by getting the Coyotes a much needed win Monday night.
Chad also has his two Habs and two Pens playing, who between the four have 5
points in 8 playoff games so far. Chad currently is sitting with the
tie-breaker as Buffalo and Philly are tied but the Sabres have stolen home ice
advantage away and hold the series in their own hands by winning their home
games.
---
Point Break?
The Miami Surf (Charlie) are looking to take full control
over their series with the short lineup of GM Tyson in St Louis. "Things
have just caught up with Tyson" says Muddy Capone, "You can't bring a short
stacked team into the NHLP playoffs and win against a team with more players.
It is hardly ever successful." Not having a full team and having
Zuccarello a healthy scratch now has made this now appear only a pipe dream as
Chuck's players are heating up, even with only a 8-7 lead in the series.
Making matters worse is Tyson has Chicago as the tie-breaker, so he will have to
beat Miami outright, something that seems unlikely. "Tyson has the
stronger players in the Vancouver series and that is looking to be over soon and
Charlie has the stronger players in the Detroit series, a series with one-third
of Tyson's players playing." Tyson will have to have a miraculous night
tonight to take over this series.
---
Stamped Out!
This was the night GM Ray and Mike have been waiting for. Their full 7
players take to the ice in their tied series with GM Scott in Edmonton.
"It is 6-6 but GM Scott has played half his game three's while Ottawa plays them
all tonight" stated Muddy Capone, "This is the night Ottawa takes total control
over this series and puts it away." GM Scott was the first to admit his
Oil are in serious trouble now. "It isn't that we needed to be leading
going into tonight, it is that we needed Chicago winning Sunday, giving us an
extra 3 player games. That sweep will be our demise as Stamkos is a game
away from 3 points at any moment and he is getting a 5th game." With all 7
players playing, even a 5 point night will likely propel the Sens well on their
way to the NHLP second round, where at the moment they'd have to face the fierce
Vancouver Canucks (Joel), a matchup that would not be favorable. "A lot of
hockey yet to play, so they Co-GM's need to be cheering, first for themselves,
then for a matchup they can win in Round Two."
---
5 For 30
This isn't exactly a wide open series. Boston (Ryan) and Toronto (Chad)
have played 30 player games so far in their series and only had points in 5 of
them. "Approaching Easter it may be fitting with all the goose eggs in
this series" said Muddy Capone about the zeros everywhere. It is 4-3 in GM
Ryan's favor but Chad has his big Tampa lineup playing tonight and every time
they play, 5 points is sitting there for the taking with Chad's big guns in
Tampa, St Louis, Purcell and Malone. So far, only 2 points in the first
two games, but Chad is hoping that changes Monday while Ryan, he'll be hoping
for more eggs!
---
Have Something to Say? Say It! It
doesn't have to be mean and cocky. Just anything you point out,
from corrections to interesting thoughts of anything you notice about
the NHLP or the NHL. Even just your opinions about things like a
Bobby Ryan, who holds no NHLP weight, but what was he truly thinking?
The more input, the more fun the journey and there are guys I never hear
from. Would be great to just hear something....
---
DOH! YA, DATS, Tough
It is tough to point out even! Every year we see
this kind of thing occur, big nights for players who don't have any NHLP
effect. Datsyuk missed the playoffs with Winnipeg (Mike & Ray) and
was unbelievable Saturday with 4 points, including a crazy between the
legs shot on net on what was a partial breakaway. Not a shot many
guys would take in close, in the playoffs. If you watched the
game, you know he could have had a Sittler kind of night. Datsyuk
could have had 8 to 10 points. Makes me realize it could actually
happen again someday. Doughty also had 4 points, missing on
Cleveland (Tyson's) team and Yandle (Scott) missed the playoffs in
Philadelphia. You just never know. That is a huge night and
would have greatly affected any current NHLP series. It is tough
to know you were on to something with those players, but it is also a
reminder of what went wrong, what you could do better and maybe, just
maybe, what might have been.
---
Hawks Back?
GM Andrew is sure hoping! After falling down 3-0
after even games GM Andrew's Blackhawks scalped their way back into
contention, down 6-5 to Calgary (Jr). "I don't know how many times
I am going to repeat myself" stated Andrew, "But Hossa has to score."
With the player games having turned in Andrew's favor even a point game
Sunday would be a massive swing in this closer than expected series.
Hossa and Fowler hope to get that done for Andrew while Sunday's
response from Jr is Suter and Torres, back from suspension. "There
is always the chance that Vancouver won't touch their lineup and Torres
gets scratched" stated Muddy Capone which would play into Andrew's
favor. This series is really a hard fought battle with both teams,
and all other NHLP teams, still easily having serious chances of winning
the NHLP Championship, so Sunday may seem like a quiet day in this
series, but truly is far, far from it.
---
Oil Crisis or Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea?
"I have built my entire season around Chicago" stated GM Scott,
"It is time they play as Champions." GM Scott's Oil are
down a healthy 6-3 with Toews and Edler playing today without
anyone from Ottawa (Mike & Ray). "I am not sure who needs
Bolland worse, us or the NHL Hawks" Scott went on, "If you watch
as many Chicago games as I have the past two seasons, you know
he is the one player I don't think the team wins without.
His presence makes the first line, makes the second line with
him on it and completes the third line. He complements
Hossa better than anyone on the entire team can. He simple
stops the other teams top players. I know his value to the
Hawks even if he is only a 3 point a round guy in the NHLP."
GM Scott is unlikely to find Bolland back any time soon so
somehow, the guns such as Toews have to do dual duty in the
scoring department. "I think Chicago goes back to
Vancouver tied 2-2. I see it, I believe it and I hope to hear it
tonight; Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea."
---
Down Under
Every year the NHL and NHLP go through the same
thing. "Every year we could out teams 5 through 8" said Craig
MacTavish during the NHL Trading Deadline on TSN, "And every year I tell
myself next season I won't make the same mistake. Hear we are
doing it again." Exactly! The Canadiens were thought to have
little hope and the LA Kings, well that was a gimme series that one.
The Kings without Kopitar and maybe Williams and in game two, no Stoll.
No chance, right? It is the playoffs and every year the 5 through
8 seeds send teams to the second and often third rounds, but we don't
bank on it and we don't put weight on it, but it happens. In the
NHLP 6 of the 8 series are currently led by seeds 9-16, putting a crazy
twist on what can happen and who can win. "It is fun" stated Muddy
Capone, "The most excitement comes from the underdogs excelling and the
unforeseen events happening. When every GM can look right now and
see a chance how they can win, that is the most fun of it all."
---
Turning The BIG 3-0!
Sunday is a huge day for two NHL team and Monday two more will also face
falling down 3-0. The NY Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks face the
killer number Sunday while Monday the Boston Bruins and Phoenix Coyotes
will try to avoid the tab out. In the history of the game, the 3-0
is the knockout. "In the history of the NHL, only 2 teams have
ever fell behind 3-0 and won a playoff series" stated Muddy Capone, "3-1
you have a much better chance, but 3-0, start booking Tee Times."
The Rangers could easily be 1-1 while the Hawks, yes, but not as much.
Those two teams are at home Sunday in big NHLP series and will try and
win giving their series a whole new look heading into game 4.
---
Canucks Thinking Extending Series?
GM Joel is on fire in Vancouver. Leading 11-7 over Quebec (Matt),
Joel is looking at having anywhere from 5 to 7 players in the second
round of the NHLP playoffs. That is the great news. What
isn't so exciting is this is the NHLP's highest scoring series, as of
course the Yearbook predicted it would be. Joel is facing 5
players winning in 4 games including Daniel Sedin. "So sure Joel
is scoring, but if he gets 4 games out of all 5 of those players, would
he open himself up to GM Matt slowly coming back and winning the series
with Perry and Heatley playing 6 or 7 games?" This is an every
year occurrence in the NHLP where GM's often have to cheer for their
player's teams to 'lose a game or two' and GM Joel is just so strong
that Vancouver may be hoping Sunday and Monday doesn't go 'all his way'.
Joel has an awesome opportunity with Detroit winning and possibly
playing Ottawa (Mike and Ray) but he might not get there with two TKO's
(both Vancouver and Detroit winning 4 straight). "It would be
great to know what GM Joel is thinking" stated Muddy Capone, "Because I
have seen many times where a GM hopes to get an extra game from his
players only to have those same players on a losing side of the series."
---
"Big Disappointment"
To be ranked as the CTR Predicted Playoff Champion for the second
straight year, GM Matt is showing his displeasure with the early goings
of the playoffs. "It is really tough to be expected to win and
guys aren't showing up" said Matt in an interview with the Yearbook.
"Guys are playing for jobs right now. Lucic, Marchand, Heatley.
These guys have to be better or I will never have them again. They
all have been a big disappointment." Matt feels that Vancouver and
Detroit could both sweep and he could yet come back in the series
against Vancouver (Joel) if he can get some longer series, "I have to be
hoping for those sweeps (Wings-Nucks) and get seven games from Anaheim,
San Jose and Boston." With such dominate teams the past couple
playoffs it is easy to see why GM Matt is frustrated. "I drew a
tough opponent who has been known to build his own strong teams.
We just have to beat them fair and square. We have too."
---
Florida Looks To Hold Lead
GM Marcel's Panthers were predicted to be the NHLP's lowest scoring first round
team, something that has hardly been the case so far for Florida. "I have
to be happy where we are right now" stated Marcel with a 5-2 lead over the
favorite New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn). Although Shawn's four players
today are expected to outscore Marcel's two by 13-6 in the series, so far they
are down 1-0. "Richards for one must be better" stated Muddy Capone about
the slow starting players, "Pominville and Hartnell, you'd expect New Orleans to
come back with a response today, but falling behind more today will be a massive
upset in the making."
---
3-3, Three on Three
The chatter has died down, although Chad did ask in an
email, "How many Cups has Shawn won again?" Well Chad is winning a cup
every 6.5 seasons and this is Shawn's 6th season, so he could have the same
average as Chad heading into next season if he can win it this season.
"That would be good company" stated Muddy Capone, "Andrew is at 1 every 4
seasons, Scott every 7 and Jr every 8. Of course no one can touch Tyson,
who seemingly wins it every single season." Although, both Gm's are still
stirring the pot at every opportunity, Saturday should allow one of them a
little bit more confidence and a series lead. Tied at 3-3, Pittsburgh
(Chad) and Halifax (Shawn) both sent 3 players to the rink, Chad with Doan,
Wisniewski and Camalleri while Shawn counters with Briere, Horton and Timonen.
Doan was the only one of the bunch with a point in game one while Chad has the
tie-breaker with Buffalo.
---
High Scoring Sens? On The Clock!
The CTR Playoff Predictions had the Ottawa Senators as the highest scoring first
round team (as long as Crosby was out for Chad). So far they have 1 point
in 9 player games and it depends on who you are talking to if that is a good
thing or not. "We'd expect the young GM's to be very pleased with such a
poor start and still well in control of the series" stated Muddy Capone, "But GM
Scott must be ecstatic knowing he still has a chance with his injury riddled
Oil." The Sens look to find the scoring touch Saturday with five players,
including Vanek and Rafalski both playing. "The the Sens don't lead this
series by 4 PM, GM Scott will by Midnight."
---
Helm You Gonna Respond?
The Boston Bruins (Ryan) look to expand on their 4-2 series
lead over GM Chad's Leafs. With only Helm going for Chad today against
Brown and Ennis, Chad will have to hope to just stay down by two as Helm hasn't
exactly been lighting it up. Ryan can make this series a 3 or 4 point
series after games two are completed Saturday. "A long way to go in Round
One, but with the possibility of Florida (Marcel) as a round two opponent and
currently sitting with no players moving on, GM Ryan has to really be jacked up
with any lead in this series" stated Muddy Capone.
---
Stanley Cup Finals Predictions
In case you forgot there were some guys already drinking heavy.
Here is the 2011 dart throws.
Shawn - Boston and Vancouver
Jr - Washington and Vancouver
Scott (by Andrew) - Chicago and NY Rangers (Thanks alot)
Andrew - Philadelphia and Vancouver
Joel - Washington and San Jose
Marcel - Anaheim and Montreal
Chad - Boston and Chicago
Mike - Tampa Bay and Detroit
Matt - Pittsburgh and San Jose
Little Scottie - Dallas and Carolina
---
Shutouts, Not Shootouts
Well if you were looking for high scoring in this years NHL playoffs,
you haven't been too pleased just yet. In the first 8 games, 4
ended in a shutout while the losing teams in all 8 scored 2 or less.
"We expect to see a higher scoring weekend, but we expect a lot of
things that never materialize" stated Muddy Capone.
---
Oil Leak
Rumors are GM Scott has been slamming the young GM's Mike and Ray behind
closed doors with one GM stating that GM Scott told him, "You add up the
total years since both these two first said the word 'hockey' and I've
had a championship longer than that. They simply don't have the
experience and they are in over their heads in our series." The Co
owners have been quiet, refusing to get involved in a war of words,
rather instead to do their talking on the scoreboard, although that too
has been quiet. "GM Scott will expect more from his players this
weekend" stated Muddy Capone, "So Stamkos had better come alive or
Ottawa won't have this series lead for much longer." Ottawa heads
into Friday's games with a 1-0 lead after first games but does have
Stamkos playing Friday.
---
Leafs Hope To Score Friday
Toronto (Chad) will send out 5 players Friday night, that is the
entire team with the exception of Helm in hopes of scoring a point and
getting back into the series with Boston (Ryan) who lead 3-0 after game
ones. "We started slow there, but Tampa Bay won't get shut out
again, that just is not happening." With St Louis, Purcell and
Malone, for Chad's sake, that better not happen for a second straight
day. It is a big night for Ryan as well who sends out four players
including Semin and Gaborik as well as his two Chicago players.
"We think Ryan is thinking a little more than an upset in this series as
Washington and Semin might be a strong team if Ryan can get through this
round one series."
---
Hawk-Knocker
"Hossa must get some points" stated GM Andrew about his Friday night
games, "Chicago will need to win and Hossa will need a point or two or
it may get out of hand." Andrew is always level headed and he
knows being down 3-0 after game ones, isn't time to panic, but down
three after game two's, is a different story. Hossa and Fowler
will try and chip away at GM's Jr's Calgary Flames who respond with
Suter tonight, while Torres sits out the last of his suspension.
Already with 5 players winning their game ones, the Flames suddenly can
see the possibility of a longer run but understand Andrew, just isn't
going to roll over. "The last thing I want to see tonight is a
Hawks goal" said Jr, "The Canucks in 4 straight suits us well."
Hossa must step it up for Andrew tonight!
---
Five Lower Seeds Lead Series
After games ones were completed Thursday, not only was every
NHLP series quite close, but five of the 8 series were currently
being won by the lower seeded teams. "I think it is a
surprise to see" stated Muddy Capone, "But we'll see what the
scores are after game two's, to have a better idea if a few
upsets are actually in the making or not."
---
Zetterberg Out of Series?
TSN reported that Zetterberg is not expected to play in the
first 5 games of the series with Phoenix!!! GM Charlie's
Surf are down 4-1 to start the series and by the CTR's
predictions, that would now put St Louis (Tyson) a point
favorite. "This is a bad blow to GM Charlie's chances"
stated Muddy Capone, "It is one thing for Zuccarello scratched,
but losing a point per player will almost kill any NHLP team
come playoff time." That Zuccarello scratch may occur with
a bad giveaway in game one and the announcement Avery is playing
game two after he was a coaches decision. So is it
Zuccarello out for GM Tyson? Tyson looks to open up the
series a lot further on Friday with a 4-1 player advantage
including his big gun Kesler.
---
"Forward Henrik Zetterberg skated for about 15 minutes prior
Thursday's optional practice. According to team sources, the
forward is expected to miss at least the first five games of the
series against the Coyotes with a left-knee sprain. Publically
the team is saying that Zetterberg is day-to-day. - Michigan
Live"
---
Briere "Just a Hub Cap!"
GM Chad shot back in the war of words between his
Penguins and the Halifax Destroyers (Shawn) stating that
"You should never show up to a fight with big guns and
no ammunition! He thinks he is a big wheel but he is just a hub cap."
After game ones GM Chad is up 3-0 and replied that "If Briere can't get
his weak shot passed Miller Sid might get enough from the press box to
equal the Destroyers total." There would appear to be a few sour
feelings between the two GM's and clearly Sidney himself. It is
believed that Sidney, who was born in Halifax, was slighted at the Draft
when GM Shawn passed on Sidney and drafted Henrik Sedin and now it is
payback time apparently, although Sid might not have to actually do
anything except listen to Sarah McLachlan to be on the winning team in
this series.
---
Briere "Might Outscore His Team!"
GM Shawn did not hold back in his post game comments after falling behind
3-0 to GM Chad's Pens. "The risky deadline acquisition of Briere was for
this reason" stated GM Shawn. "I put Briere first round points at 10. As
long as 'Cindy' keeps watching from the press box, Briere might outscore Chad's
team by himself." We expect this series to get ugly as Cup hopes are
clearly riding high and one has to wonder how close the Pens can actually keep
this series without Sid. It is clear to us GM Shawn isn't holding back.
Chad did say that Sid was offering some valuable insight last night and contrary
to rumors circulating the NHLP Yearbook, Sidney was not listening to
Delerium.
---
Big Guns Out Thursday
GM Matt said Wednesday was only a 'warmup' for his Nordiques and the fact that
his Nordiques are down a mere point is great news, "I am happy down 2-1" stated
Matt, "Joel had 6 players playing including Sedin and I only really had Perry
going." GM Joel did have 6 players going, but Modano was a healthy scratch
for game one and Thursday Matt brings it on with his guns Heatley, Setoguchi,
Lucic and Marchand looking to take control of this series while GM Joel answers
with Andre Kostitsyn and likely will be happy to be even or down one after full
first games. "My entire team is in" said Joel, "But I'd of liked to get a
few more points."
---
Kings Looking For Control Thursday Versus Rangers
"The worst thing you can ever think is that the series is early" stated Muddy
Capone about his 21 years of NHLP experience, "It is just so tough to come back
when you are down. Things fly right by and next thing you know guys are
facing elimination games." The underdog Kings (Andrew) are tied 1-1 versus
the CTR #3 ranked NY Rangers (Charlie) with the player advantage on Thursday
where Andrew's 3 players are expected to outscore Charlie's 2 players about 11-7
in their series. This should give GM Andrew the early lead when game ones
are complete so it is clearly a big night in this series. GM Charlie was
on edge yesterday before the games started and abruptly ended texting the
Yearbook when the issue of injuries came up. "Charlie is extremely
sensitive and we believe very superstitious" stated a Yearbook reporter, "He
doesn't want to even think about a big injury or how injuries will affect GM
Andrew this series. His Rangers are very dead set on the Yearbook
reporting the facts but we have to report on assumptions when he just stops
answering our questions." No doubt Charlie will have a different opinion
about the real reason he left the conversation when the talk of injuries were
brought up but up in players 7 to 5 in the series, there aren't too many ways
Andrew can stay even barring something extremely horrible happening to Ovechkin
when no one is looking. "It happened to Nancy Kerrigan" Andrew pointed
out, "So unfortunate things do happen to people is all I am saying. We of
all teams know that!"
Malkin -
Callahan -
Ovie
---
Blues Pressure Surf
GM Tyson put the pressure on early in his St Louis - Miami
series versus GM Charlie, taking a 4-1 lead after his players all played in game
one. Charlie will counter Friday with Bergeron and Versteeg, but with
Zetterberg out, the heat is on in Miami in a hurry. "If the Surf don't
close this series Friday night, and Zetterberg stays out, the Surf might find
themselves down a half dozen after Friday's games" stated Muddy Capone, "The
Surf need to keep it close, grab a point or two minimum and regroup." The
Surf are only a 4 point favorite so falling behind this much early, with
injuries, only makes this series more even than Charlie would hope.
---
Bruins Try to Capitalize
The Boston Bruins (Ryan) hold a 2-0 lead and Toronto (Chad) has played all his
game ones. "The door is open to grab a nice lead" stated GM Ryan, with
Brown and Ennis to play game ones on Thursday. The Bruins are underdogs by
a mere 4 points, so ending game ones 4 ahead makes this series a flip of a coin.
"No one gave this team of ours any credit all season, but I stood pat with it
because I believed" stated Ryan, "Tyson taught me a few things. You don't
have to make a lot of moves to win it all, you just have to make a few smart
moves" Ryan said in reference to his strategic moves this season. Semin
and Brown were drafted by the Bruins and Gaborik added in a trade with GM Tyson
before Ryan, in his third waiver of this season, added his two Hawks Seabrook
and Bickell. GM Chad will have to hope to stay close Thursday and play
catch up after his players went zero for 6 in their first games.
---
CTR #0
Is it a curse or is the CTR just complete crap? The Halifax Destroyers
(Shawn) got off to their worst possible start, down 3-0 to Pittsburgh (Chad)
heading into Thursday where Shawn counters with Briere, Horton and Timonen
versus Wisnieski and Cammaleri for the determined Pens. "I think we can
win it all" said Chad, "If the Pens can go, we can win it all. I know Sid
will return to raise our Cup." Halifax is not a favorite if Sid plays even
one game by the CTR's official count, so GM Shawn cannot be happen being down so
quick. Emails to GM Shawn went unanswered but GM Chad figured he knew why,
"This is our year, 007-11, it has a ring. I think the Pens are going to
win it all and my team just seems destine."
---
Flames Burn Bright
GM Andrew has to be asking himself what the hell is going on! Down 3-0
heading into Thursday GM Andrew finds himself in a tough spot not even a full
game into his series against a weak Calgary (Jr ) team. "If the Sabres
shut the door on the Flyers, this team, expected to go to the NHLP Finals, is in
serious trouble" stated Muddy Capone, "Jr has came out flying and with Detroit,
Nashville and Vancouver wins, Jr is playing for Cup Three." With Giroux,
Carter and Ryder just three of Andrew's four players playing Thursday, the
veteran GM likely isn't in panic mode just yet, but like Capone said "In 21
years of following the NHLP, falling behind is the first step to losing."
---
POST - POST - POST - POST - POST - POST
"If only goal posts were goals" stated a very disappointed
GM Scott, "We'd of let the game be settled in overtime." The Edmonton Oil
GM was frustrated by the missed chances in his teams opening games where Chicago
hit four goal posts, two involving his player Toews that could have altered the
Oil series, from being down 1-0 heading into Thursday's games. "With
Sekera likely to not play, we can be happen to even the series with a 3 to 2
player advantage on Thursday and shorten the series a few player games."
GM Scott is battling the injury bug with Bolland and Sekera both out
---
---
Season 2010/11
Playoffs 2009/10
Season 2009/10
Season 2008/09
|
