NHLP 2012-13 Playoff Highlights

Chicago Blackhawks
GM Andrew
2013 NHLP Champions

Joe Thornton
Tyler Bozak
Slava Voynov
David Perron
Patrik Berglund
Bryan Bickell
Bryan Bickell

Happy 5th

GM Andrew became the first GM in league history to win a 5th NHLP Championship and for that we congratulate him!
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NHLP Cup Champions

GM Andrew (5) - '97, '99, '02, '04, '13 (8th, 10th, 13th, 15th & 23rd Cups)

GM Scott (4) - '92, '03, '06, '11 (3rd, 14th, 16th & 21st Cups)

GM Norman (2) - '93, '94 (4th & 5th Cups)

GM Leo (2) - '95, '98 (6th & 9th Cups)

GM Chadwick (2) - '00, '07 (11th & 17th Cups)

GM Jr (2) - '01, '09 (12th & 19th Cups)

GM Tyson (2) - '10, '12 (20th & 22nd Cups)

GM Raymond (1) - '90 (1st Cup)

GM Edward (1) - '91 (2nd Cup)

GM Lee (1) - '96 (7th Cup)

GM Marcel (1) - '08 (18th Cup)

Updated After Games Completed: Final

NHLP 2013 Championship At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page)
Team	Score
NHLP Championship
Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson)	5
Los Angeles Kings (Andrew)	0
Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) +3	8

Updated After Games Completed: Saturday (End of Conference Finals)

Conference Finals At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page)
Seed	Team	Score	Score	Team	Seed
Central Conference Finals
4	Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew)	20	7	Buffalo Sabres (Joel) +5	2***

East Conference Finals
4	Quebec Nordiques (Matt)	2	4	Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) +1	2

West Conference Finals
1	Los Angeles Kings (Andrew)	0	0	Alaska Attack (Marcel) +1	1**

Updated After Games Completed: (End of Round Two)

Second Round At a Glance...(Click for Playoff Page)
Seed	Team	Score	Score	Team	Seed
Central Conference - Jr's Division
4	Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew) +2	13	9	San Fran Titan (Scott)	2*
Central Conference - Leo's Division
4	New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn)	14	20	Buffalo Sabres (Joel) +9	2***

East Conference - Glen's Division
4	Quebec Nordiques (Matt) +1	10	7	Hartford Whalers (Andrew)	3
East Conference - Lee's Division
4	New York Islanders (Ryan)	8	9	Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) +5	2

West Conference - Norm's Division
3	Colorado Avalanche (Chad) +5	5	9	Alaska Attack (Marcel)	1**
West Conference - Ray's Division
3	Winnipeg Jets (Mark) +3	9	10	Los Angeles Kings (Andrew)	1

Updated After Games Completed: (End of Round ONE)

Insane Finish To Finals

The Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) were down 6-5 with less than two minutes to go when Chicago pulled their goalie, down 2-1 in game 6 of the NHL Finals. In a flash Krejci swiped at the puck along the borads, a chance to clear it and maybe tie the Hitmen's NHLP Finals at 6-6 with an empty net point and suddenly the puck is in the Bruins net. Bickell scored with 1:16 remaining to tie the game and give Chicago (Andrew) an 8-5 lead. Before any sorrows could be drowned, 17 seconds later the Boston Bruins were losing the game 3-2, in what would be the final. "The collapse reminded me so painfully of the Boston-Toronto game" said Muddy Capone, "One game GM Andrew can't remember and the second he'll never forget."

Road Warriors

The 2013 NHLP Champions won all their series starting on the road. CTR favorites to win the finals 8-5, the Blackhawks did just that. They also won in Round Two as CTR favorites, 13-9 over San Fran (Scott) while two point favorites. GM Andrew's Hawks weren't favorites in Round One where Miami (Charlie) seemingly had Andrew's Hawks but a Surf team that was favored to win by 2, lost 22-21, setting the stage for Andrew's long playoff run. In the NHLP Semi-Finals, GM Andrew met up with GM Joel's Buffalo Sabres, arguably the best NHLP team in 2013 and expected huge favorite to know out Andrew's Chicago team. Chicago had their easiest round, winning 20-7 thanks to Bickell's 7 points each and Voynov's 6 point round. To show you how everything and every point matters in the NHLP, Chicago made the playoffs on the final day and tied with Florida (Marcel) at 189 points, but lost 3rd place in the Division on the goals scored tie-breaker. Had Andrew finished with an extra point or won that tie-breaker, they'd of lost in the First Round of the NHLP playoffs 27-22.

Bickell Gives Andrew First Lead

GM Andrew had not had the lead in the NHLP Finals until the overtime goal in Game 4, now his Chicago Blackhawks are leading 4-3 over Hamilton. Bickell ended with two assists but rang another shot off the post in a game him seemed certain to get a point in, playing with Kane and Toews from the onset. Krejci added an assist which until the OT goal had briefly regained GM Tyson the lead. Earlier in the game Krejci slid a pass across the net with Crawford completely nowhere to be found, only Kelly out front. The overhead replay showed Kelly had 6 full feet wide of open net (and Crawford not in the picture at all) but the puck rolled off his stick and caught the very outside of the post in what was surely a point for Tyson. The series now has two and maybe even three games remaining which will decide the NHLP 2013 Championship.

Pick Big in Three Game Series

GM Tyson must be feeling the heat knowing if Bickell gets another point, Krejci will need at least 3 more for Hamilton to repeats as NHLP Champions. If Krejci gets only a point more and ties the series at 4-4, Tyson can only then win if Boston wins him the tie-breaker with Chicago having two of the possible three games remaining. Without a point from Bickell GM Andrew is cheering hard for the NHL Blackhawks to win, meaning Krejci would still need two points in the final couple games. "The way the teams scored tonight we still might have a 6-6 NHLP Finals" laughed Muddy Capone, "Heading into game 7, now wouldn't that be a lot of fun to witness!" Well, likely not if you are GM's Andrew or Tyson, as they are already on the edge of their seats.

Boston Gives Hitmen Advantage

The NHLP Championship is on the line and something as a goal post can make the difference. That advantage went GM Tyson's way late in the game when Bickell hit the inside of the post only to shoot back through the goal crease and out the opposite side. With Boston now up 2-1 in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, Hamilton (Tyson) has a much better chance for back to back Championships. "A point by Bickell now still leaves the Hitmen in front and that must feel like an awesome cushion" said Muddy Capone. It seems destine now for sure the final game in 2013 will mean something to these GM's.

Boston Just Little Better

Boston fans will tell you that Chicago is lucky to not be down 3-0, and it is hard to truly argue otherwise as Chicago did win the most unlikely outcome of the first three games. Boston seems to have an edge everywhere, in goal, scoring, confidence and discipline. The edge clearly isn't big, but it seems like something you can sense. Chicago has to come back, and they usually have when down, and tie the series at 2-2. They are strong, powerful and a solid club but it seems like the Bruins are a bit more than just the sentimental favorite as they too are all things Chicago.

Bickell Better

Well Bickell improved on his first game of the NHLP Finals, but he still wasn't as good as Krejci in game two. Neither player got a point and GM Tyson won the night with a Bruins win, giving him now the lead 2-0 in the series and now the tie-breaker with the series tied at 1-1 heading back to Boston. Krejci played 27 minutes on the night, 8 more than Bickell, but both players only ended with a shot in their pointless nights. "There is only 5 games left if it goes seven" said Muddy Capone, "And we are a point away from the Cup changing hands at this late stage." If Bickell gets just a point, we are tied 2-2, so the pressure is only mounting for GM's Tyson and Andrew.

Back to Back Cups

The Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) have a chance to become only the second team in NHLP history to win back to back Cups. Of course St Louis (Norm) accomplished this amazing feat in the leagues years 4 and 5. If Hamilton can pull it out they will join a very Elite group of two-time champion teams, something Chicago (Andrew) will also do. Las Vegas (Leo) won 2 Cups in 4 years, Dallas (Jr) had Cup wins coming 7 years apart and Edmonton (Scott) won his Oil pair a whopping 18 years apart. If Chicago can pull it out for Andrew, his wins would be a lucky 13 years apart, in 2013. Now all this is assuming GM Andrew's Kings don't win their second Cup, being 10 years apart. "Everyone is writing the Kings off changes" said Muddy Capone, "What would be the odds of a four game sweep without Krejci or Bickell either getting a point?"

Big Gate Awaits Winner

A 550 Gate and 80 Cup Bonus awaits the winner of the series.

Kings Wild Ride Ends

It is officially over for the Los Angles Kings (Andrew) who after a stressful playoffs wind up placing in all likelihood third in the 2013 NHLP Finals. After a blowout win in Round One, the Kings took out Winnipeg (Mark) 10-9 and then tied Alaska (Marcel) 0-0 and won the tie-breaker to advance to the finals. "We usually don't see 0-0 series until the Finals" said Muddy Capone, "And when have we ever seen one with 3 players playing, it likely never happened." Representing the West Conference was another great achievement for GM Andrew but now his focus is solely on a bigger prize with his Chicago team, winning his 5th Championship.

Krejci Better in Game 1

Well the good news for Chicago (Andrew) is that even though down 2-0 after Game One of the NHLP Finals, Andrew is only a shot away from leading the series after the overtime kept him with the tie-breaker. Krejci was the better of the two players, playing 10 more minutes, more power play time and ending with a 5 to 1 shot advantage after the 5th longest game in Stanley Cup Finals history. "I am happy with the result" said GM Tyson, "If Chicago swept them with this kind of results every game, we'd be very happy."

5 or 3 in 4

Both GM's remaining will do something never done in league history. GM Andrew will win his 5th NHLP Championship and his first Cup in 8 long seasons, last winning in 2004. If GM Tyson can pull the upset he will win for the 3rd time in just his first 4 short seasons. Only two GM's currently have won 3 Championships, Andrew winning number three in his 7th season and GM Scott winning his third in his 16th season, meaning no GM has also won 3 in 4 years.

Chicago Favorites 8-5

The CTR bumped up Bickell's prediction to 4 points, from last round of 3, but either way, 6 or 8 points would be enough for Bickell and Bickell to beat out Krejci's expected 5 point round. Los Angeles (Andrew) can only win the Cup if no teams get any points and Hamilton (Tyson) misses the tie-breaker of Boston. This would mean the Los Angeles Kings would be winners because they picked Chicago on their tie-breaker. That likely won't occur as we are certain Bickell or Krejci will get a point between them and that first point eliminates the playerless Kings. Shall Hamilton and Chicago eventually than tie, Hamilton wins the tie-breaker if Boston wins the Cup, otherwise GM Andrew would win with his NHLP Hawks.

For A Split Second There...

Richards came back with 2 points and if he had got one in Overtime or had the Kings just beat Chicago to extend the series, suddenly GM Matt in Quebec was right back in the hunt. "Matt was completely written off" said Muddy Capone, "Then suddenly, if the Kings could have came back, he'd of had a great shot in the finals." It didn't occur that way in the end and Hamilton (Tyson) moved on 4-2. How things could have been different for Matt had Richards not been hurt, something moving forward both teams with players going into the finals will have in the back of their minds.

Unlikely Finals

The CTR usually gets at least one of the Cup-Final teams right. Not in 2013. Chicago (Andrew) was not expected to make it out of Round One and was on the ropes when Miami (Charlie) only needed one more point in game 7's from any of Datsyuk, Fransen, Filppula, Green or Johansson and the Surf would have knocked the Hawks out in Round One. Both the Hitmen (Tyson) and Kings (Andrew) were expected to win Round One, but neither Round Two. This means all three of the final NHLP teams weren't even expected to win their Divisions but yet are were all teams hoped to end up when the NHL started to play the Stanley Cup Finals.

Krejci To Complete Hit

The Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson) are first looking to complete the job of exposing of GM Matt's Nordiques. Thanks to an injury of Richard's the Nords have not been able to make a series of the East's Conference Finals. A Bruins win tonight will not ensure Hamilton a spot in the NHLP Finals, but it will Krejci's spot shall Richards not pull a miracle 4+ points out of the remainder of the Kings-Hawks NHL semi-final. More will come on Hamilton but GM Tyson is feeling confident they can repeat as Champions with the projected finals now having Krecji against the two Bickell's of GM Andrew. So far in the playoffs Krejci has 21 points by himself with each Bickell only getting 11, for a total of 22. That means in a short 4 game series it is clearly a dead heat. Tyson also noted the big guns have been shut down by the Bruins, Kessel, Nash and now Crosby and Malkin so far in the playoffs. This is giving Tyson reason to believe the Bruins could do it to any top Chicago line one more time. We aren't there yet, but the Hitmen can ensure Krejci is in the NHLP finals, if they make it, with a Bruins win tonight.

Third Round Best

Not often in the NHLP do teams outscore what they got the previous round. The reason it is seldom done is that teams are losing players as they go along. Chicago (Andrew) had 22 in Round One and only 13 in Round Two, with all players playing 7 games and Joe Thornton as additional support last round. GM Andrew's Hawks have now hit 15 this round, bettering Round Two and now up a mind blowing 15-6 over Buffalo (Joel) who's own Cup dreams have seemingly died in two short games. When Chicago won their first NHLP Championship 14 seasons ago they were carried late and made famous, in the NHLP anyway, Dave Reid. In 1999 Reid had 17 points in 73 games for the NHL Dallas Stars yet struck for 10 points in 23 playoff games. Reid transformed himself from a 0.23 to a 0.43 point per game pace from season to playoffs. Two NHL seasons later when Reid retired his 10 point playoffs remained his career best and he was forever entrenched in NHLP folklore. Now Andrew has seemingly done it again with Bickell who has molted from a 0.48 PPG to a 0.69 PPG player in the playoffs and now dominating every game. The move to grab Bickell was made in mid season by Andrew who used a Waiver to drop Lecavalier, Stastny, Boyle and Peverley for, are you ready for this...Bickell, Bickell, Voynov and Jussi Jokinen. The move that could prove to be GM Andrew's 5th NHLP Championship.

Leagues Top GM?

Well GM's Andrew and Tyson come to mind when you start talking GM's who are on the top of their game, but can we truly not put GM Marcel in this group? Heading into tonight Alaska is losing 0-0 but Neal can change that quickly with a point and likely seal a win with two tonight, potentially sending Marcel to another NHLP Championship. That would give Marcel an appearance in the NHLP Finals for 5 of the last 7 years, something not done by any other GM in the league. Although Marcel has only the 2008 Championship in his 18 years he certainly has learned the role of a GM, playing it as good as any other current or past GM. "I think Marcel is a quiet winner" said Muddy Capone, "He goes about his role of building winners with his own clear strategy that is obviously working, building winning team's on a yearly basis at this point in his career." It would seem that Neal won't be enough to complete the job this year of winning GM Marcel a second Cup, but the gate puts his season into another season ending on the plus side, a small consolation, but worthy a win just the same. If Neal goes pointless tonight and the Bruins end the Pens season, GM Andrew's winning Kings will be the first NHLP team to officially make the Finals this season.

Toronto Hammering Pens?

Just pointing out a fact that you never know. Clearly the Boston Bruins should not be in the NHL playoffs. Toronto should have taken care of them. Would that mean Toronto could be up 3-0 on the Pens? You just never know in the NHL Playoffs but now the Bruins seem destine to go to the finals in a year they have no business even playing in the Second Round.

No News is Bad News

Richards is considered questionable tonight, leaving Quebec (Matt) still down 4-0 if he doesn't play. Krejci was his usual self, adding a point for Hamilton (Tyson) who seems firmly in control of representing the Eastern Conference in the NHLP Finals and certainly with Krejci. Krejci did block a shot last night which was scary for Tyson. Especially after hearing about Campbell, who's heroic minute and 20 seconds on the ice during a penalty kill symbolized 'Boston Strong' if anything in this playoffs has. After blocking a shot and doing all he could to even just stand, as the Pens passed and fired the puck all over the attacking zone, totally briefly dominating the Bruins. It is only after the game do we understand just how amazing that was, with the Bruins winning a long overtime game and hearing Campbell has suffered a broken leg to end his NHL playoffs. For Krejci his shot block didn't result in such a bad break for the Bruins, or in this case GM Tyson, but it also shows how quickly a team's season can come to an end, just like what Bolland did to Richards.

Kings of Experience

GM Marcel may have been in the NHLP 18 seasons, one longer than GM Andrew, but it is Andrew's Los Angeles Kings that have 4 players who have previously won NHLP Championships. Of the 6 players still in the NHLP Playoffs who have their name on the Cup, Andrew's Kings are riddled with previous winners. Daniel Sedin won back in 2001 with Dallas (Jr) and Daniel Alfredsson in 2003 with San Fran (Scott). More recently Alex Edler won in 2011 with Edmonton (Scott) and last season GM Tyson's winning team Hamilton had Kyle Turris play a big part of the win. All four would be two time winners should Andrew's Kings get by Alaska (Marcel) and into the Cup, still needing their NHL counterpart Kings to accompany them into the Finals. Tied 0-0 Brown and Stoll know they at least have 4 man games remaining to Neal's 1. If Boston wins next game without Neal getting a point, this series is over anyhow, regardless if Brown or Stoll scored, as Andrew would have the 0-0 tie breaker with Boston. (Note: The other two NHL players with names on the Cup are both on Joel's Buffalo team, Letang and Sharp who both won in 2010 with Cleveland, Tyson)Duncan Donut

As if Letang hasn't thrown up enough donuts for Buffalo (Joel), we know Keith will have one tonight. "Well technically we use an italic letter i" said a Yearbook Employee to which GM Joel replied, "A, E, I, O, Fuck U." Sometimes we ask Y? Joel, nor his team, has been themselves this series. Keith's high stick deserved the suspension he got. Some might argue it should have been a major on the ice and maybe a few more games than one. Intentionally hitting someone in the face with a swinging stick isn't acceptable. Sure it wasn't a Chris Simon type swing but what if it was to the eye or what if it was a nobody swinging and hitting Crosby or Hossa? Would the penalty of been four minutes and the suspension one game then? Down a whopping 10-6, without the tie-breaking pick, Sharp and Saad are left in a tough spot against Voynov, Bickell and Bickell, for Joel to get back just a few points. Clearly Sharp can do it by himself but Bickell's game changed with a promotion to the top line and now he seems even a better player to have moving forward than Sharp, meaning Andrew might have the top three scorers in the Kings-Hawks series on any given night. All the NHLP Yearbooks focus was on how good the Sabres were and suddenly they may have met their match in a hot Hawks team that just now seems destine for NHLP stardom.

The Same Three

When GM Tyson won his second NHLP Championship last year, his Hamilton team defeated Los Angeles (Andrew) and Florida (Marcel). While currently GM Tyson would be going back with Hamilton he most certainly must match up against Los Angeles (Andrew) or Alaska (Marcel) and it is possible now that the same three GM's all have one team in the finals with only Hamilton brining the same team. GM Andrew could make it with Chicago and GM Marcel his Alaska Attack. "These guys are all solid, winning GM's" said Muddy Capone, "The three already have seven Cups between them and today it is looking their way to add an eight."

1-9-0

No NHLP player (except maybe Letang now) has had as weird of round totals as Neal. Hitting only a single point in the first round and then banging out 9 last round, we easily thought he was good for around 5 points this round in what was expected a "High scoring series with Boston" said Muddy Capone. Well, not so. Neal has zilch. The good thing for Alaska is they are tied nil-zilch for Los Angeles (Andrew) has notta point this round either. "Someone has to break this tie soon" said Muddy Capone, "Neal and Brown are too good of players to have goose eggs an entire series."

Down for the Decompte

GM Matt isn't the first GM to have a key injury ruin a promising playoffs, but he appears to be the most recent. Richards appears to now have a concussion and seemingly won't be returning any time soon. Not soon enough to score at least the 3 points he needs to win this series for Quebec. Krejci will likely have that total increased to 4 points after tonight as an unstoppable Hamilton is almost certainly heading back to the Finals for the second straight season. Good news for the Hitmen occurred when the Kings won last night and another Kings win would create a 3 game series, one GM Tyson is still likely hoping goes the Kings way, with Alaska (Marcel) representing the Western Conference in the NHLP Finals.

Where is Letang? Where is Clearwater?

GM Joel said Clearwater Jones was last seen about a month ago, "In GM Andrew's ass looking for a horseshoe." While that certainly explains a long absence, that doesn't explain Letang's lack of production when needed most. After a massive night by Chicago (Andrew) taking a 10-6 lead now on Buffalo, GM Joel is in a very foul mood and with good reason. Andrew's three Hawks have already outscored their CTR predicted 9 points this series. In Round One they had 10 between them and 9 points collectively last round with the CTR giving them 9 in every round as a prediction. We are not even likely half way through this round and they have hit 10. Buffalo's four players were predicted to get 15 in Round One and then 16 in Round Two, achieving better rounds of 17 and 19. This round they were expected to only get 14, with the better teams the players were against and are likely still on pace for that amount. The problem now is Andrew is only 4 away from 14 points and Joel isn't giving any indication his Sabres are going to be hot enough this round to again better the prediction. "Letang has to take a stand tonight" said Muddy Capone, "I am certain Clearwater and I can put our differences aside and come to an agreement on that." Letang has a free unanswered game and regardless of if the Pens can actually win on or not, Letang needs some points tonight.

Leaders All Winners

The NHLP's three current series leaders, Chicago (Andrew, 1999), Hamilton (Tyson, 2012) and Los Angeles (Andrew, 2002) are all teams that have won NHLP Championships once each. Those teams also won those Championships with their current GM. The teams that are currently behind so far in the Conference Finals, Buffalo (Joel), Quebec (Matt) and Alaska (Marcel) are teams looking for their first ever Cups. No NHLP team has three wins as a franchise, and won't after this playoffs ends, but St Louis (Norm, Norm), Las Vegas (Leo, Leo), Dallas (Jr, Jr) and Edmonton (Scott, Scott) all have won two Cups for those franchises. "It is very elite company" said Muddy Capone, "Those are very storied franchises, each with a lot of history in the NHLP, and we are very proud of our leagues history and each of those teams accomplishments." A long ways to go for certain, but if things ended tonight, we'd have another two time Cup winner for certain.

Andrew Swings Both Ways

While GM Andrew may not totally appreciate the chosen headlines, he has to be feeling pretty damn good about how the Conference Finals have played out so far. On one hand you have his Chicago team with Voynov, Bickell and Bickell, clear underdogs who are winning on the pick and would have Bickell and Bickell in the finals against Krejci for the Cup. If the Kings extend the series at home, this team could benefit from a longer series. His Los Angeles team has Brown and Stoll, so again, a longer series in the Hawks - Kings series works for him, even if the Kings won in the end. If Andrew had the Kings come back and his Kings team move on, he'd have Brown and Stoll in the NHLP Finals on one team, Voynov on the other versus Krejci, as things now stand. So, yes he does swing both ways!!! Andrew can win the NHLP Champions if either the Hawks or the Kings make the finals, and one clearly will. The question is, will Andrew even have a team in the Finals in 10 days, currently barely winning on two tie-breaking picks heading into Tuesday.

Hitmen Piling On

The Quebec Nordiques (Matt) had a dream playoffs and it appeared GM Matt had a shot at a Championship if things went a certain way, Boston and Los Angeles in the finals. Krejci added another point giving GM Tyson a 3-0 lead and now it is time Richards steps up or the dream will come to a crashing end very soon. Richards missed game 2 of the series and his appearance in game three isn't all Matt will need. "Richards has scored all playoffs for us" said Matt referring to the 10 points Richards has in this playoffs, "If he can get a few points at home and the Kings win both games, I can still win with a Bruins sweep." Matt is hoping Richards can play 5 more games to Krejci's two. In a long series, helped with a win Tuesday by the NHL Kings and Richards playing, and for Matt's sake hopefully scoring, Matt will have the confidence he can do this. Hamilton just seems unstoppable and Tyson is poised to walk into the finals where he could be one hot series from Krejci away, from back to back Championships in Hamilton.

Chicago "Yet" to Outscore Buffalo

The CTR Yearbook predictions have GM Andrew's Chicago team outscoring GM Joel's Buffalo team by the very slimmest of points, 9-8 in the players matched up in the Kings-Blackhawks series. So far it has gone 6-6, much higher scoring then predicted after two games, but as close as anticipated. This leaves Letang to decide the outcome. Well that hasn't quite happened yet and Letang has no points in two games, leaving instead the tie-breaker to decide the series. GM Joel choose Pittsburgh and so far is losing the series on that tie breaking pick. GM Andrew likely can't rely on Letang to tank all series, so he will need, as predicted, to outscore Joel with Bickell, Bickell and Voynov. "I fully expect the Kings to be better at home" said Andrew, "I hope they can be good enough to even the series." Well that might be a stretch, but we'd not put it past the defending Stanley Cup Champions who seem almost unbeatable on home ice. Andrew is likely still hoping Chicago can win the series and have Bickell twice in the Finals. He is also hoping that the CTR is right and his three can outscore Joel's at some point in this series.

The "N" Word

We certainly don't like referring to it as it seems to have doomed many teams over the years, but here goes. The Alaska Attack (Marcel) are tied 0-0 and hope Neal can open the scoring in the series Monday. Neal is the only player on any of the NHLP's 6 remaining teams to have a last name start with the letter "N". In the history of the NHLP, no player who's last name starts with an "N" has ever gotten his name on the Cup. The other letters not yet engraved are not as surprising, "I, Q, U and X". None of the teams remaining have players who could be on the Cup with any of those letters except Neal. Alaska still has an awesome opportunity but they need Neal to get some points and a Kings comeback making the finals at worst an even player finals, if Marcel makes it with Neal still playing. The jinx can be broken and we can finally shout out a 'N' word.

No Go

Richards took the warm up and could not go. "The NHLP Yearbook did not know the severity of the injury and we were under the impression he was fine" said Muddy Capone, "A tough blow to Quebec who cannot make the finals without him." Hamilton (Tyson) now looks to extend his 2-0 lead in the series, knowing if Richards took the warm up, he will in all likelihood play back in LA. GM Matt will need another Bruins win, but this time 1-0, or at least keep Krejci off the scoresheet, something that hasn't happened often, only 3 of Boston's 13 games this playoffs has he not got at least a point. GM Tyson is starting to get excited at the thought of going back to the finals, but still probably needs a Kings comeback if he is to repeat as the NHLP Champions.

Damaged Goods

There was a brief time when GM Joel wondered if he had made a mistake on April 11th, just two days before the NHLP Trading Deadline. That night his Buffalo Sabres acquired Sharp in a 2 for 2 deal with Hartford (Andrew). The Sabres traded Nash and Steen to the Whalers for Sharp and Kronwall. At the time Sharp had just came back and played one game after missing 14 with a shoulder injury. Sharp took a huge hit in that first game back and it appeared he may have hurt the same shoulder he just missed time healing. After the deal, Sharp played the next game, but the nagging shoulder than caused him to miss 6 of the final 8 games at the end of the Regular Season. Now with 14 points in 14 playoff games Sharp has been anything but damaged goods. "This was just another awesome trade that has certainly been a great move by GM Joel" said Muddy Capone. Tied 6-6 GM Joel hopes to even the tie-breaker with a Penguins win and for Letang to add a few points and put some distance between his Sabres and GM Andrew's pesky Blackhawks. Sharp is also hoping to get his name on another NHLP Championship Cup, doing it the first time in 2010 with Cleveland (Tyson) and this time would become the 15th such player with his name on the trophy multiply times.

Curtis, Jeff & Dustin

GM Andrew hopes history can be made and although he is leading his series in Los Angeles 0-0 on the strength of the tie-breaker, he doesn't have a player in the NHLP Finals with his two Kings Brown and Stoll now in the red. If Andrew can rebound and get Browns name on the NHLP Championship trophy he will also make some history at the same time. "The only two different players with the same last name engraved on the NHLP Championship are Curtis and Jeff Brown" said Muddy Capone, "Dustin is trying to make a threesome." With Stoll back GM Andrew has all kinds of confidence and a Los Angeles win Sunday would knot that series 1-1, and start adding the extra games it is anticipated the winner of this series will likely get. "It seems the winner here is the team with the player that gets 7 games" said Muddy Capone, "And the Kings have first opportunity to add games on Sunday." (Note: Quebec's (Matt) Mike Richards would join Brad Richards, meaning two Browns and two Richards if Quebec wins the NHLP Championship.)

Richards Rocked

Bolland decided to help out GM Tyson by laying one hell of a questionable (OK - cheap) shot on GM Matt's Richards. Bolland was jumping into Richards and the league may decide it is worth a game, but the important thing is Richards isn't out of action. "Any player going down right now will decide any one of these series" said Muddy Capone, "When you only have one player it is kind of magnified." All in all it was a terrible night for Matt who has a chance to rebound Sunday and try and close the now 2-0 gap Hamilton (Tyson) has put on them thanks to an amazing game by Krejci. "I have to think a long series" said Matt, "Clearly Los Angeles needs to be better, but could have still easily won this first game."

Bickell Dominates

GM Andrew could not be more happy, leading after all players one completed game in the series and having Bickell elevated to top line duty. Bickell played most of the game with Hossa and Toews and led the game with 5 shots on goal, and clearly could have had more than the one he ended up with. Buffalo (Joel) answered Bickell with Sharp and Keith, but didn't get a point from Letang and lost the first game of the tie-breaker, now in GM Andrew's favor with Boston. Bickell has given Chicago that same feel Byfuglien gave the Blackhawks a few years ago when they last won the Stanley Cup. A Big heavy forward who can do a lot of damage either hitting you or putting the puck in the net. After the Hawks won the Stanley Cup they lost all their depth players, like Ladd, Byfuglien and Versteeg to name a few. They simply could not afford to keep them. Well, Bickell is an UFA and the way he is playing, he is ready for a huge pay increase, likely this is his last go around with Chicago who is constantly up against the Cap. Bickell's current salary, $600K. What will it be by July 10th? Likely $3M.

Tie-Breaker Conference Finals Picks

Email in your picks. You may choose from either series, East or West.

GM's Who Pick:
Buffalo (Joel) (Pick Entered)
Hamilton (Tyson) (Entered)
Alaska (Marcel) (Pick Entered)

Questions? Ask Please...Default for No Pick is Chicago

West Conference Finals

Alaska Attack (Marcel)

Neal

vs.

Los Angeles Kings (Andrew)

Brown, Stoll

In the last two NHLP Playoffs the winners only had 2 players left after round one. Well, Alaska (Marcel) is trying to be the first team ever to win a Championship on the strength of one player from the second round on. Only Neal made it through the first round for Alaska where Marcel then upset a three player team in Colorado (Chad) and is predicted to do the same against a 2 player team from GM Andrew in Los Angeles here in the Conference Finals. It shakes out as a one point favorite for Marcel and clearly he will be cheering for the Kings to knock out the Blackhawks Quick (pun intended). If Marcel can make the NHLP Championship with Pittsburgh playing Los Angeles in the NHL Finals, the worse Marcel could do is face a one on one or a one on one on one finals. Andrew could be set for a 5th NHLP Cup by knocking out Marcel with his two Kings in the finals, where the most he could face would be one player from his opponents.

East Conference Finals

Quebec Nordiques (Matt)

Richards

vs.

Hamilton Hitmen (Tyson)

Krejci

Hamilton (Tyson) are just a single point favorite to win the series and any hopes of winning the NHLP Championship, again, will rest with Boston being there to likely play Los Angeles. That can happen. GM Matt will be cheering for those same two teams in the NHL Finals, giving him his best hope, maybe even a Walk Over in the NHLP Championship if GM's Joel and Marcel were his opponents. Each GM will be hoping for a shorter series from his competitor while stretching his own player far enough to make the Championship.

Central Conference Finals

Chicago Blackhawks (Andrew)

Voynov, Bickell and Bickell

vs

Buffalo Sabres (Joel)

Letang, Sharp, Saad and Keith

GM Joel comes away about a 5 point favorite and will likely walk away in the NHLP Finals if Chicago moves on in the NHL meaning the worse Joel could do will be his three Hawks against Krejci. If Chciago loses to LA, Letang will have to likely earn it the hard way, but Joel still may be favorite either way. It is hard to believe but GM Andrew actually needs a longer Chicago series to have any hope. Andrew is a 9-8 favorite in the players in that series, all the players in this series outside of Letang. Letang is expected to reach 6 points, the difference in the series. If Andrew can win he could easily win the NHLP Championship as well with either of Chicago or Los Angeles moving forward.

Gate Updated

The Gate on the bottom right of the homepage has been updated. Congrats to GM's Andrew and Tyson on making the Black.

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Down to Five GM's

No surprises occurred to end the NHLP's Second Round, leaving 5 GM's remaining vying for the Championship. While GM Andrew has two teams moving on, GM's Mark, Ryan, Chad, Shawn and Scott all lost out in Round Two. Other GM's still with a hope are Defending Champion GM Tyson along with Marcel, Matt and Joel. The CTR was able to predict 4 of the 6 Round Two series winners, including two of the predicted three Final NHLP teams are still in and are both favorite to win the Conference Finals. Buffalo (Joel) and Alaska (Marcel) who the CTR picked would make two-thirds of the NHLP Championship along with first round casualties Pittsburgh (Chad) should still be able to make the NHLP Championship.

One on One

This only happens in the NHLP. You cheer with everything you have for your team to win in the playoffs and suddenly, out of no where, cheer against them, even in game 7. Well GM Andrew likely is best suited to see his Chicago team play a one on one series with GM Joel's Buffalo team - Voynov versus Letang with the winner going to the Cup Finals where only Quebec (Matt) is the only other GM to have Kings players, being Richards (Andrew does have two Kings on his LA team). If Chicago wins game 7, sure Andrew gets Bickell and Bickell, but Joel then adds Sharp, Saad and Keith. By round Joel wins those Chicago player matchups 12-8 in Round One and 8-4 this round. It seems Andrew may suddenly be best suited to stop cheering for his beloved Hawks and hope the Red Wings can win a game 7 to give his own Hawks their best opportunity to win the NHLP Championship.

February 13th

Down 10-6, the Hartford Whalers (Andrew) will need a 4 point night from Zetterberg or they will be out. Zetterberg can score, like finishing the final 4 games of the regular season with 10 points or how about February 13th of this season. "Zetterberg had a pretty damn big night that night" said Muddy Capone, "The hat trick and a pair of assists for a whopping five points." Game 7's can do crazy things if the game opens up. It isn't uncommon for a team to pull their goalie down two or even three sometimes or down one and allow two empty netters to lose by three. "If you are to have that 4 point night" Capone explains, "Getting a couple out of the way in the first two periods can make things really tense for your opponent." The opponent is GM Matt in Quebec, who shouldn't be tense right now. The Nords will move on with Richards to play likely Couture, or maybe even Leddy, or quite possibly no one, the Walk Over. Hartford would love to have Zetterberg play Krejci or no one and it would happen with a memorable 4 point night.

Brunner GM Mark's Last Chance

The Winnipeg Jets (Mark) have got a sweet taste of the NHLP playoffs in year one for their GM, trailing by a single point without the tie-breaker in their series against Los Angeles (Andrew). Brunner is the final player in the series and he will need just 2 points for GM Mark to move on, but has only had a multi-point game once in 13 games so far in the playoffs, even though getting at least one point in 7 of 13 games. If Winnipeg can pull it out, they will face Alaska (Marcel) who has Neal, and bring Iginla and Brunner in all likelihood if he has a two point game to the Conference Finals. If Andrew moves on, Brown and Stoll will be the competition against Neal. "We are likely to see a very tense third period in this game" said Muddy Capone, "Brunner has been getting a single point regularly and once he does get one, it becomes sudden death for GM Andrew who could easily win the Cup with a Kings final."

Islanders Dilemma

GM Ryan finds himself in a really bad spot for any hope of winning the NHLP Championship, but playing the spoiler and moving to the next round could actually happen. Leddy is the lone Islander left and last player to play in the series on Wednesday. Hamilton (Tyson) leads his rival 9-8 and with home advantage chose Chicago for the tie-breaker. Leddy has 2 points in 11 playoff games and has only had a 2 point game twice this season, a 2 and a 3 point game. The odds of Leddy getting two are long, so Ryan may actually stand a better chance to pull the upset in this series if Leddy gets one point and Ryan wins the tie-breaker, meaning Detroit wins the game. "This is quite the dilemma for Ryan" said Muddy Capone, "If he wins the tie-breaker, he'd have no players moving on to next round." Taking out the Defending NHLP Champions and making the Conference Finals, adding another gate to his season's total is likely enough of a consolation win at this point to cheer hard for it to happen. Being realistic a Chicago Finals is the only way the Islanders can have a player, meaning worst case they'd be against Bickell twice or Sharp, Saad and Keith, either very unlike wins to put it respectfully. If Leddy fails to pull this out, Hamilton will advance to the Conference Finals with Krejci against Mike Richards (unless Zetterberg has a 4 point night, but that is a different story).

GM Matt - Richards Than He Thinks

This day seems somewhat bleak in Quebec for GM Matt. What could have been has turned into the possibility of losing his final player Tuesday night in Mike Richards. He likely isn't depressed as GM Scott is right now, but could find that same feeling if Los Angeles cannot pull out a game 7 win. Now for the good news. "GM Matt only needs some very realistic breaks to go his way to win it all with only Richards" said Muddy Capone, "So you are never out of it." How could that happen? Richards has outscored Krejci 5-4 this round and Leddy 5-1, so Matt's next round matchups look pretty decent and could go right to the finals with Richards' Kings, knocking out either Detroit or Chicago to get this team there. If the Bruins beat out Pittsburgh the most the Central Conference could have in the finals would be Voynov (Chicago, Andrew) who will be a monstrous underdog against Joel next round anyhow. The most the West could have would be Brown and Stoll (Andrew's LA Kings), but they could also be out this round or next round with Marcel or Mark not having anyone on a Kings- Bruins NHL Final if either of them are there instead. So Although things seem bleak, GM Matt still has a very solid chance to win it all, but he MUST have Los Angles win Tuesday or he is automatically gone.

Eight Men In

GM Scott officially becomes the 4th NHLP GM to be eliminated from any hope of winning the 2013 NHLP Championship. The San Fran Titan ran out of gas and Chicago (Andrew) will move on to play Buffalo (Joel) in the Conference Finals in a series that is totally wide open as to what it could look like. It could still be a one on one battle if Detroit and Los Angeles win game 7, or Buffalo could now have all 5 of their players in a 5 on 3 battle if San Jose and Chicago still move on. Of the remaining 8 GM's, seemingly only GM Chad is also gone leaving 7 GM's still with a shot at winning it all depending a lot upon how the next 48 hours plays out. GM's Joel, Matt, Ryan and Mark all have hopes of winning their first Championships while Andrew, Tyson and Marcel are looking to taste winning again. "There will be heavy favorites depending on how things shake out in game sevens" said Muddy Capone, "These are now the two biggest hockey games of the season to date."

Tie Breaker, Series on Line

In an epic battle for first year NHLP GM Mark, the tie-breaker, and one that could play a part of this series, is on the line Tuesday. Winnipeg will need a Sharks win to officially hold the tie-breaker, but are down 10-9 without a player tonight. Los Angeles (Andrew) has Brown and Stoll (if he plays, listed as Questionable) so it is a huge night for Andrew, knowing that not getting a point leaves Brunner possibly just a single point from winning this series on Wednesday. Stoll may be a game time decision after missing the last 5 games. Brown has had a quiet series with only 2 points while Brunner has doubled him up, having 4 this series. "This seems the most logical series to come down to the pick" said Muddy Capone, "It just feels like the pick is in play and both GM's have high hopes of what could come if they can win this one and move on."

Nothing Sweeter Than a Repeater

GM Tyson knows he could have a serious opportunity to win the NHLP Championship for the second straight year in Hamilton but San Jose will likely have to win with Couture adding a point as a safety net. The Hitmen are winning 9-8 over the Islanders (Ryan) with each team having a single man game left this round and the tie-breaker not decided until game 7 of the Detroit - Chicago series. If Couture and the Hitmen move on, they would be facing a Walk Over next round. "A Bruins and Sharks Final is looking damn fine to Hamilton fans right about now" said Muddy Capone. What will be scary is Couture not getting a point and to make things a little worse still, Los Angeles winning game 7 of their series. If that happens, GM Ryan now would need a single point from Leddy and a Detroit win in game 7 to possibly even face a Walk Over if San Jose also wins tonight, meaning Quebec (Matt) would not have a single player remaining.

Jets - Brunner Needs Two

GM Mark is now down 10-8, losing a point, but gaining the possible tie-breaker with the Sharks win. Brunner is the lone player going Monday, where Mark will need a Blackhawks win, forcing a game 7 in that series, if Brunner doesn't have two. Winnipeg will likely hope for game 7 regardless, as Brown and Stoll have a game after tomorrow to respond, meaning even two points by Brunner may not be enough if Los Angeles gave the tie-breaker to GM Andrew's Kings Tuesday. Stoll is back practicing and could play Wednesday for Andrew. The winner here gets Neal (Alaska, Marcel) and right now it can be versus no one for Andrew if the Sharks win, Brown and Stoll with the Kings and Mark knows he has Iginla next round if he wins, with Brunner if some how Brunner can get the two points and pull out this win that seemingly was Winnipeg's this entire series up to the last couple games.

Islanders Alive

Hamilton (Tyson) had an awesome night, Couture is still alive with the Sharks win forcing an extra game and possible making a two player Conference Finals for GM Tyson's Hitmen. GM Ryan got part of what he wanted, a pointless night from Couture leaving the Islanders' Leddy needing just a single point that would give Ryan the lead. If Leddy doesn't get it, Ryan will have to hope for a game 7, played after Couture will be done Tuesday, leaving Hamilton no more chance to come back, where a point in game 7 by Leddy would make this upset official. "If the Sharks move on, GM Tyson would have a Walk Over to the NHLP Finals" said Muddy Capone, "Hamilton would have an awesome opportunity to win back to back, so for Tyson there is a ton to lose." The Islanders where nowhere to be found for the first half of the round and now are just a point away from a dramatic come from behind knockout blow.

Sad Monday - Happy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday?

It has been two weeks since Sad Monday, but GM Andrew can make the hurt seem a million years ago with just one more point for any of his four players at any point the remainder of this round. Bickell can do it Monday with a single point and still has a potential extra game, while there are no more extra games left after game 7 for Thornton and Voynov who will have a crack at crumbling the Titan hopes for a second NHLP Cup, while keeping their own hopes for such in Chicago alive and well. Andrew certainly would not like the trade off Bickell and Bickell versus Buffalo's Sharp, Saad and Keith next round if Andrew wins, so in all likelihood is maybe hoping for a game 7 in that series only if needed, meaning Bickell doesn't get a point. Will Monday be happy Monday? Or Tuesday, Wednesday. GM Andrew is a single point away from a smiley face!

Sabres Think Comeback

Winning the NHLP Championship could be equally as hard as winning the NHL's Stanley Cup. The NHL, each series the winner plays is just them and their opponent. The NHLP, every series and every point seems to affect every team still in the playoffs. Teams now that can see a path to winning, may have had that altered with the Sharks forcing a 7th game, or maybe even a new door may have now opened to their Cup chances. For GM Joel, Monday night the Chicago Blackhawks could force a 7th game, just as he now has hope Burns can accompany Letang next round. Buffalo could go from 1 to 2 to 5 players by Wednesday night. Monday night Joel must have a Hawks win, and after how they played last game, that must be a very confident feeling that it will occur. The Red Wings have played amazing, but they themselves must know if they head back to Chicago for game 7 they will have let slip by one of the most amazing opportunities they could have had, to take out the NHL's Presidents Cup winners. The Yearbook was writing off GM Joel's chances. Suddenly Buffalo may not be so dead after all.

Islanders a Point Away

GM Ryan has the pressure tonight, only able to watch Couture who has a point in 3 of the 5 games this series. With Hamilton (Tyson) winning 9-8 and still currently without the tie-breaker, if Couture's season ends pointless tonight, GM Ryan would only need a single point from Leddy to win this series and advance. Leddy has 1 point in game one and none since, so even that will be hard to do. Getting more than one from Leddy may be death on the Island, so Ryan must hold the series tonight at 9-8. GM Tyson is still hoping San Jose can come back and win tonight and again in 7, moving him on 2 players, Couture and Krejci where it appears he will face Quebec (Matt) next round who's only hope for a player at this point is Mike Richards, making next round a one on one or a Walk Over for Hamilton.

Browner Points

Not you yet Browner. This is about GM Andrew's Los Angeles Kings who are leading 9-8 over Winnipeg (Mark). The Jets have no answer tonight, so Andrew needs Brown and Stoll if he plays to get something or extend the series. The pair have been outscored by Brunner 3-1 in this series and Andrew cannot leave the door open for Brunner to get just 2 points for a Jets win, or a single point if San Jose comes back and wins in 7 without further points from Brown and Stoll. "Back to back shutouts" said Mark, "But I'd take one tonight, 1-0 Kings win without Andrew getting anything." That would leave Brunner still needing two but that series is now primed for 7 games, so tonight is a huge night in this series.

Blackhawks Just Point Away

It seems GM Andrew is set to move on, only down 9-8 to San Fran (Scott) who has no players left. The Titan have the tie-breaker meaning Andrew just needs Bickell to get any point the remainder of his series and Andrew wins. Andrew's Chicago team doesn't have to wait around for Bickell, with Thornton and Voynov playing tonight and maybe also a game 7, only 2 points would be needed from the pair who have scored in every game this series. "We gave it all we had" said GM Scott, "Andrew could be taking the Cup from us as we could be favorites next round if Chicago is out." Scott said he will hang on until it is official starting with a Kings 1-0 series ending win tonight. "If you have a chance, you haven't lost yet" said a clearly disappointed GM who knows his odds of moving on are insanely poor today.

Double Checked Series

All the players in the 9-8 series were double checked today for accuracy and all were correct. Feel free to check your own players. The other were were not checked, so check you own. Maybe the NHL adding your player 6 assists.

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9-8's Battling Sunday

Three NHLP series are currently 9-8 and all potentially on the line on Sunday. GM Joel etched his place next round in Buffalo where his three Blackhawks seem very much alive after a convincing thumping by the NHL Blackhawks Saturday. GM Shawn's Cups hope ended after a remarkable run where for a brief moment he looked like a Cup favorite, but in the end was no match for Letang and the high scoring Sabres.

Bickell's Twice the Love

GM Andrew wasn't expecting to be down 8-6 but he definitely wasn't expecting Bickell to not have a single point this round. "He is an elite power forward" said Andrew, "It makes no sense." Even just a pair of points over the first four games gives Andrew's Chicago team the lead this series. Is Bickell done? "I think he could have had a point in each game" Andrew figures, "So something has got to give, especially with Chicago at home set to push their series back to Detroit." Andrew will also be hoping for a Bruins low scoring win where Marchand and Bergeron don't get points, nor more games. Andrew still has a Sunday of Thornton and Voynov, enough to over come this deficit even without anyone getting anything Saturday. "I think if Andrew can shut Scott down Saturday with all his players out and a Chicago win, Andrew will win the series" said Muddy Capone, "Only 3 points then needed from Bickell, Bickell, Thornton and Voynov with possible game sevens from any of them." Bickell still seems the key to the series.

Finished Already?

GM Shawn has to be asking himself that question. Letang laid a number on the Wolverines, 10 points in 5 Second Round games. All that work and this series is still only 16-13 in Buffalo's favor, meaning the door is still open for Shawn to steal this series. With all four of his players up Saturday versus Joel's three Blackhawks players, New Orleans must have a big game and likely a Chicago loss. Joel now officially has the tie-breaker so at least a 4 point gain is needed, but that means zeros the rest of the way for Joel, very unlikely. "I hate to go 7 games, but that might be what it takes" said Shawn, "I'd take my chances for a Cup in game 7, so a repeat of last game with a Rangers O.T. win would make me happy." Joel just needs to be leading this series at the end of a Bruins win and he no longer needs to worry about Shawn. "I still believe Chicago can come back as well" said Joel, "Why can't the better team win three in a roll?" Letang is just insane, but asking him a repeat of this round again next round may be asking too much. Joel just hopes Chicago isn't finished already come Saturday night.

Leddy Be

GM Ryan got as much as he could wish for Friday and in by doing so now has Hamilton (Tyson) a little nervous heading into Sunday. Turris got two points for New York (Ryan) and now they only trail 9-8 with the tie-breaker securely in hand. Brassard and Leddy now must outscore Krejci, Callahan and Couture by a single point the rest of this series and barring a Chicago comeback of three straight, that is all GM Ryan needs to knock Hamilton out. "Now I could use a Chicago win" Ryan said in a text to Muddy Capone, "Leddy is over due for a cheap assist." Tyson is looking around and wondering how in the world this is even NHLP Yearbook material, how Ryan is even remotely close to winning this series. "I have looked at the numbers and Ryan is only a point behind" said Tyson, "But we aren't going to just let him gain it without a fight." Ryan has nothing to lose while GM Tyson has a ton on the line trying to repeat as NHLP Champions.

May-Day!!!

The Winnipeg Jets (Mark) had the night they feared most and now face being eliminated on Saturday if they likely don't see another May day for their players Richards and Brunner. Down 9-8 without the tie-breaker Mark needs at least 2 points Saturday if Brad Richards and Brunner don't get another game, or a point and hope San Jose comes back two straight to give him the tie-breaker. GM Andrew would still have Brown and Stoll going Sunday, and in the tie-breaker scenario a game 7. The question remains if Richards will even dress Saturday, possibly leaving Mark with only Brunner. "This entire series was going Mark's way" said Muddy Capone, "But the NHLP is cruel and it takes nothing short of perfection, every single thing going your way to win, something that seems now destine for GM Andrew." If the Jets don't correct the problems soon all that will be left is the Black Boxes and what could have been.

Islanders "Turris a Pair?"

Likely the least talked about team this round has been the New York Islanders (Ryan) who have crept to within 3 points, but as important, have Detroit as the tie-breaker, only down 9-6. "If Turris can get me a pair of points tonight" said GM Ryan, "It would be fun to put a little heat on Tyson." If Turris was able to get those two points, even somehow have the Sens win the game, suddenly the heat will be on the Defending NHLP Champions in Hamilton in a big way. "The Islanders never gave us reason to believe they were going to challenge for this series" said Muddy Capone, "But GM Ryan rarely goes down without a fight and this late surge, one big night when needed, a shocker could happen in this series." The Islanders seemingly are only playing the spoiler roll without being able to field a player next round barring a team down 3-1, the Blackhawks, Rangers or Sens coming back, all very unlikely at this stage. GM Matt who leads in Quebec 10-5 with Mike Richards currently advancing has thrown his support in Ryan's favor, "It is all about the best matchups for your team to win and I know I will be cheering for Ryan so our team can advance to the Championship." Odds of that happening will be greatly increased if Turris can just get a pair tonight.

Z

"We fucking know the kids name now" said GM Scott, "I can even say it backwards." Zibanejad has yet to register a single point for San Fran (Scott) up 8-6 with the tie-breaker, but the Titan GM needs him tonight. "Andrew is going to come hard and Bickell could still play 3 more games" said Scott, "If he gets two points, which is actually four, we are losing." The Titan hope Zibanejad can chip in a single point to relieve some of the pressure that was never more evident last night in overtime in New York. "I had a few chances for two points on what would have been the series winning goal from Marchand and Bergeron" Scott explained, "But I was praying not to score and roll the dice on a longer series, one I need Boston to win no matter what if we win." If the Bruins had won without a Titan point, Chicago (Andrew) would have just needed Thornton, Voynov, Bickell and Bickell to outscore Zibanejad by 3 points the remainder of the round. Scott said that was too risky and "I'd of loved Andrew's chances if that were the case." Well, it still is the case, however, Andrew's four must now also score whatever Marchand and Bergeron get in any extra games leading Scott to say "Although it is so tense and sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for, this does give us a better chance to win this battle." It was only a couple years ago GM Scott cheered for Carolina to win a game to give the Bruins an extra game. Carolina went on to knock Boston out in 7 games, killing GM Scott's opportunity. If the Rangers win next game you don't want to be heading back to New York where a Rangers win forces game 7, but for GM Scott, he doesn't want to run out of man games here either.

Kings Refuse to Go Away

Trailing the entire series GM Andrew is still only down 8-7 with Turris and Alfredsson playing tonight versus Iginla and Gonchar. This is a matchup that has favored Andrew's Kings 6-5 in the series. With Andrew having the tie-breaking pick as Los Angeles, he would only need a tie if they can hold on in their NHL series. All four of these players face the end of their round tonight, where an extra game clearly favors the team losing (Andrew) but that may change during the course of the game. Either GM is a big night away at this point from claiming this series and being favorites next round with a chance for the NHLP Championship. Tomorrow the Jets have Richards playing, but will he even dress seeing as the Rangers won their only game without him in the lineup? Brunner also goes Saturday before Andrew comes back Sunday with Brown and maybe Stoll on an extra days rest. Tonight the matchup here is huge and the Kings only need to gain a single point and suddenly GM Andrew will be in charge after trailing the entire series.

Incredible Overtime Loss

Well, make that win! New Orleans (Shawn) had a huge 5 point night, which in turn was a 5 point gain on Buffalo (Joel) after GM Joel's Sabres went 0 for 4 in points for his players on the night. With the Bruins and Rangers in Overtime, every shot became the likely end of Shawn's dream season if the Bruins didn't lose the game. The eventual Bruins loss was a huge NHLP win for New Orleans who now have another shot at winning this series, moving on in the playoffs and still a possible first Cup win for GM Shawn. "You are on the edge of your seat" said Shawn, "I don't even want my guys to score the game winning goal, I'd have a better shot at more points in a whole new game." Now with every NHL team facing elimination games, man games suddenly tightened up across the league as each game is do or die for all GM's. Letang plays a big part in this 13-13 series again tonight where he will need another big game for GM Joel. Joel was crippled last night when Chicago shockingly went down 3-1 and Burns is now also facing not playing next round. All this mean Joel's chances for a Cup, seemingly looking like 'in the bag' at the start of the round, have faded into making the Sabres a humongous long shot at best. The Wolverines, thanks to a loss, now have a huge chance to win, but each Letang point tonight, or even worse an Ottawa win, now cast doubt New Orleans can still pull this series out.

NO-diques

GM Matt is up 7-4 but his Quebec Nordiques are still facing a Conference Finals with no players, his Cup hopes completely gone, if things hold and San Jose knocks out LA. "I predicted the Kings to win it all last season" said Matt, "And now I need them more than ever to win this round." With his two Sens and lone Ranger facing knockout, winning will mean nothing without Mike Richards, who'd then be up against just Krejci (Hamilton - Tyson) if all else stays the same. That would be a great one on one battle, but Krejci and Couture against no one, puts Hamilton back in the Finals with the Walk Over. Of course GM Andrew is hoping Zetterberg and Nash have winning, big nights, and with an accompanying Kings win, the tie-breaker would be Andrew's, meaning only needing to gain 3 points. Brassard also goes tonight for the Nords, who like GM Matt, may soon be on his way out.

Titan-Up

Up in the series 7-5 with the tie-breaker, GM Scott knows his San Fran Titan will surely have to play some defense if they are to win their series versus GM Andrew's Chicago Blackhawks. Andrew is in great position with an 8-3 man games remaining advantage, including tonight, and if Marchand and Bergeron end their Round Two tonight, nothing less then a massive night by the pair may save the Titan. Andrew sends out all 4 players tonight, including Thornton, Voynov, Bickell and Bickell. Andrew was not happy last game with a "Quick Whistle" that cost Voynov a point but that "It's expected that GM Scott always gets the calls go his way" Andrew stated, "That isn't sour grapes, just a fact about his connections at the NHL." Scott laughed at the comment saying, "If Andrew thinks every call goes my way he is certainly forgetting 1993 when Fraser made one of the worse calls I had ever seen in my life in the Montreal-Boston series, did Andrew conveniently forget that call?" Hmmm. When Muddy Capone pointed out that "GM Andrew didn't even join the NHLP until 1995" GM Scott stated, "Well it was a bad call that put my guy in the box for two minutes, never affected anything, but a really, really bad call against us. So clearly they don't all go our way."

Stoll-en

(Update: Brad Richards a healthy scratch for Game 4.)

The Los Angeles Kings (Andrew) may feel that Stoll's injury is the reason they are losing this series with Winnipeg (Mark), but a Kings win tonight only means GM Andrew is a single point down, needing only to tie Winnipeg if the tie-breaker is in hand. Down 8-7 Andrew will need Brown on top of his game and hopefully Stoll, who is questionable to play, to gain a point on Richards and Brunner, with a Kings win to be in the lead. Brad Richards will be playing his final game of the round if the Rangers lose, meaning after tonight Andrew will have at least a 4-3 man game advantage remaining in Round Two. The winner here looks surely to face Neal in Alaska (Marcel) who is hammering the Avalanche 5-1 while Chad is on vacation.

Sabres Turn Attention to Their Hawks

Letang had a dominate Wednesday, tying Chara's record that he set only in Round One, for the most assists ever by a defensemen in an NHL playoff game, at 4. "That is something not Orr, Lidstrom or Coffey ever did" said Muddy Capone, "Considering all the great defensemen in history, that is quite the accomplishment for those two players." Buffalo (Joel) is now up 13-8, meaning New Orleans (Shawn) must gain 6 points while facing elimination of their four players if Boston wins tonight. The NHLP Cup favored Sabres still have Sharp, Saad, Keith, as well as Burns all playing tonight and at least one more game from each, which is what the Wolverines still must face from Letang, who has 7 points by himself this round. Maybe a more concerning issue for GM Joel is his three Hawks, certainly this team weakens quickly without them moving forward. Letang by himself is awesome and Letang and Burns would likely make Joel a favorite next round no matter what, but at least the 4 together is what was expected from Joel, Letang and the three Hawks, who may be untouchable the rest of the way on a Pens-Hawks Finals.

Letang Hard to Stop

Now up 9-8 with the tie-breaker in hand and the entire New Orleans (Shawn) team facing running out of man games this series GM Joel can breathe a little easier. "Holding Shawn without a point in a Bruins win was big for us" said Joel after last nights game, "And Burns was a complete bonus." Now tonight with Letang, a big night by him can really put a dagger into the hearts of the Wolverines who now must have a Rangers push back to extend their series. "It has been a wild ride" said Shawn, "I am not prepared to go down easy, we can do this." Down at least 10-4 in remaining player games New Orleans hopes are fading fast and with a guy like Letang almost impossible to stop, Shawn must now dig deep or things could be all over Thursday.

Hitmen Suddenly Hip

Is it any surprise that the NHLP Eastern Conference could now be represented by GM Tyson's Hamilton Hitmen. It was just in recent years when everyone wanted to relocate teams to Hamilton, GM Vinnie and GM Marcel. Marcel tried for 5 straight years to move Alaska to Hamilton, continuously being turned down by the NHLP Board of Governors. Then Tyson wins it all just last year in Hamilton, knocking out Marcel in the finals. Now with San Jose winning last night, Couture is now in a position to give Hamilton two players next round. Up 8-3 over the New York Islanders (Ryan) the Hitmen are set to face Quebec (Matt) winning 6-4 and if San Jose wins and everything else stays, the Nordiques don't have a player next round. Krejci and Couture would walk to the finals where Hamilton will be going for back to back Champions, only done by St Louis (Norm) in 1993-94. No GM Has ever won 3 Cups in 4 years, something that is shaping up to be a possibility by Tyson in 2013.

Attack First

GM Marcel already knows that no matter what other NHLP teams are in the finals, his Alaska Attack would have the first tie-breaking pick in the finals if they are there. On the strength of their 215 NHLP points that pick could be huge as there is a very real possibility of a one-player finals for several teams. Alaska is hoping their one player is Neal, who by himself is up 2-1 over GM Chad's 3 players in Colorado. With the tie-breaker of Pittsburgh in hand Marcel knows that although an Ottawa win tonight could help extend the series, that pick will need to go his way or he will automatically be out anyhow having no players next round and facing players for certain if Pittsburgh lost to Ottawa. NHLP Finals with Alaska there that include Pittsburgh and not Chicago, means only Buffalo (Joel) could bring two players to the finals, Letang and Burns, all other combinations and teams means the best Neal would have to do is go one on one with anyone. That pick might come in handy afterall.

IGnition

The Winnipeg Jets (Mark) have having a great playoffs, up 6-4 but with the tie-breaker tied in their series with Los Angeles (Andrew). Tonight Iginla and Gonchar will try and hold that lead versus Turris and Alfredsson. Mark is trying to become the fourth NHLP Rookie GM to win an NHLP Championship and two of the others had great starts to their NHLP careers. GM Norm followed up his rookie season win in 1993 with another back to back win the next year while more recently GM Tyson won in his first and third NHLP seasons, with another shot again this year in season four. Mark doesn't want the run to end and as things are sitting now, with Iginla (or Gonchar) next round with Brunner winning, the Jets are currently set to face only Neal if Alaska (Marcel) continues to hold on. "It is a long hard battle and everything must go just right for the winning team" said Muddy Capone "But no NHLP team could bring a more solid final team if Pittsburgh and Detroit were in the finals." Pittsburgh will hope to keep the winning going in tonight's lone NHLP playoff game.

Nordiques Try to Extend Lead

Quebec (Matt) was able to get through Monday without Zetterberg getting a point and holding on to their 5-4 series lead. Now the momentum shifts into the Nordiques favor with Richards and Brassard tag teaming Nash Tuesday night. This combination has worked for Matt, giving him a 4-2 edge and tonight's go will likely be a Rangers and Kings win. Brassard is likely needed moving on for a better opportunity to win it all if Ottawa doesn't complete their unlikely comeback. If Quebec is left with just Richards, next round won't be easy and the finals may be impossible depending on how things unfold elsewhere. What we do know is tonight the Nords should easily be able to hold and even extend their lead.

Titan Scoreboard Watching

Every NHLP GM does it, watch and follow all the series to see how their team can win it all. "You see a path open today and close tomorrow" said GM Scott, "All along I was thinking I could never beat GM Joel next round if Pittsburgh and Chicago win, so I was thinking I'd match up better against New Orleans, even if not well against either. Suddenly, with Detroit winning, you are back to hoping to play Buffalo next round." Of course the Titan have a series to play that they have far from won, up 7-4 with the tie-breaker, San Fran will be down to elimination games for their big two scorers with a Bruins win tonight. That would open the door for Chicago (Andrew) to creep back into the series. Then again, with Thornton and Voynov playing tonight, Andrew may be leading the series by morning. "Things change in an instant and today we are up, high spirits as the path is getting clearer" said Scott, "But a Bruins loss, Sharks win and we lose some or all our lead tonight and suddenly that path closes before your very eyes as quick as it appeared."

Williams Time

GM Chad said in an email this week he is sick and tired of his slow scoring Avalanche and it was time they step up in their series with Alaska (Marcel). Losing 2-1 Chad's Colorado three players Williams, Doughty and Havlat have 1 point in 7 player games played, as Havlat missed two with injury. "That is not good enough and is not acceptable" Chad stated, "I feel the explosion coming, either them or me." Chad's three Avs outscored Neal 6-1 in Round One, but have been remarkable quiet so far. This is a team that could easily win it all on a Kings run to the finals but are down 2 points with Alaska having the tie-breaker and the Second Round is slowly disappearing. A Kings win tonight puts Chad 3 man games away from his season ending. Chad thinks Williams is due and due tonight!

Fine Line

You can't get any closer of a series then between New Orleans (Shawn) and Buffalo (Joel). Both stacked teams for the Second Round and both have enough points to be winning any other series against any other team with 8 each. GM Shawn tonight has his 4 Bruins playing and a big night could really put him in the driver seat for not only an upset against the consensus best playoff team in the NHLP, but Shawn could set himself up to be the favorite for the NHLP Championship. Four Bruins will be hard to beat next round and obviously in the finals if the Bruins are there, but Shawn is all or nothing right now. It is a very fine line he is walking because he wants Boston to win, but could use an extra game obviously to ensure he wins this round. A Bruins sweep could leave the door open for GM Joel to come back and win it late. But if the Rangers win tonight, that NHL series is so close that the Rangers could easily tie it up the next game and make this a 3 game series, meaning sure there would be lots of extra man games, but also the potential of not having a team next round.

Zetterberg Hartford Hope

With a single point tonight Hartford (Andrew) will be in the lead in their Second Round series against Quebec (Matt). With the series expected to be a coin flip GM Andrew has got 4 points in two games each from Zetterberg and Nash, leaving him only a point down with the tie-breaker currently in hand. Remaining man games go against the Whalers 8-5 who are out manned 4-2 in the series but clearly have the best two of the 6 players in this series. GM Matt was a little big more confident before Detroit's last game when he was feeling his Brassard and Nash were tradeoffs and his remaining three would outscore Zetterberg. Zetterberg has at least 3 games left, something huge for Andrew as that can be 5 or more points the way he can score. "I have never had Zetterberg before and I have really enjoy this run with him" said Andrew. With Hamilton (Tyson) starting to look more like the opponent for the winner here, and currently only looking like a team to have one player next round, Zetterberg could lead the Whalers further that just this round, but another NHLP Championship on a Finals run by Detroit. Andrew has a Chicago built team but his best chances might actually be a run by Detroit. You think the run has been fun so far, he'd be penciling in Zetterberg in the first round of next years draft if that happens.

Bickell Only Needs Two

The value of the double player has worked to GM Scott's advantage so far with Bickell pointless in two games. San Fran had a huge Sunday, now up 7-4 in the series with Chicago (Andrew) but with Bickell and Bickell that is only a 2 point game for Andrew to be leading 8-7. "It will be uncomfortable for Scott as long as Chicago is still playing, there is hope of that type of game and a big night for Andrew" stated Muddy Capone about the double point of the double player. In 55 total games this season Bickell had 3 multi-point games, a three point game and two games of two points. Those odds would seem to work in San Fran's favor but all Andrew needs are singles. "He has at least three games left" said Andrew, "A point in each game beats these zeros he has been throwing up this round." The way the Wings flexed their skill in game two, we might see Bickell play 5 more games this round.

After Brunner

The Winnipeg Jets (Mark) are now up 5-4 with key players Brunner and Richards yet to play their game 3's. Without the tie-breaker first year GM Mark will hope Brunner can not only keep his hot streak going, but add in a Red Wings win tonight, giving Mark a possible two players team moving on to next round, at least equal to what either opponent can bring. "You put Iginla by himself next round, things are near as powerful and hopeful as it will be with Brunner along side" said Muddy Capone. If the Rangers go out the best Mark can do is move on two players, so Brunner becomes very key in the big picture where a final with Detroit could go his way as he has the only Wing outside of Zetterberg remaining and Zetterberg is out at the moment, losing 5-4 in his series. Brunner is coming of age this playoffs with 7 points in 9 total playoff games so far.

Sabres Being Pushed

The pressure isn't unbearable for GM Joel, but to think none exists would be foolish. The heavily favored NHLP Buffalo Sabres are now down 8-7 but have a 13 to 9 player game advantage in games yet to be played in Round Two. Tonight Sharp, Saad and Keith only need a single point to give Joel back the lead, but that is the very night GM Shawn is hoping for in New Orleans. "We just need to keep it close" said an excited Shawn, "With the Rangers winning a game at home giving us a fifth game, we can win this." Joel will also need his Chicago three to win the game tonight, as the Blackhawks are his best chances of not only moving on but winning everything at this point. Letang by himself may have the Sabres underdogs next round if the Titan get through, an unsettling feeling for Joel. Shawn can envision his path, a Bruins run to the finals and getting by Joel this round may mean no one could stop the Wolverines from winning it all with that run. Points are huge in this one and the entire NHLP is watching close.

Alcatraz Island 1, SF, CA, jjron 25.03.2012.jpg

Titan Play Outdoor Game at Alcatraz

Well it was just a pickup Basketball game but GM Scott said it was important for "Team Bonding" and the four players currently not playing anymore to stay a part of the team. "Plekanec, Bourque, Franson and Koivu aren't doing to much anymore to help us win this round, but their 16 points in the first round are a big reason we are here" said GM Scott, "So we locked Zibanejad in a cell for 13 hours and just kicked back with some two on two." Bergeron coached "Team Elias" and Marchand "Team Alfie", naming the teams after the driving forces of the Titan 2003 Championship team ten years ago. Franson's team seemingly had the game in hand but allowed three late baskets before losing in overtime. "Koivu never blocked one shot" Franson explained to a response of "I am five foot fucking two moron" said Koivu. The game itself only took about 14 minutes as the team didn't want to go beyond the fours average playoff ice time. The team took the ferry back to the mainland and had a team supper when GM Scott finally realized Zibanejad was still locked in the cell. "It was embarrassing really" said Scott, "Because at first I couldn't remember how many guys we had this year, 6 or 7, you know how things can get after 8 cold pops. I was the first to realize it but then I couldn't remember the kids name or how to say it. I kept saying, you know Zimbabwe, the kid, number 93. Koivu didn't even fucking know him, seeing as the West and East didn't play this season because of the lockout. Some fucking Captain he turned out to be. Finally the Montreal guys got it, after all, Z did thrash their asses in the first round of the playoffs. So we finally sent a paddle boat back to Alcatraz to get him." Scott wasn't worried about the affect this would have on his young player saying, "What is he going to do, not show up Sunday? He didn't bother showing up the first two games of the second round, so why change his game now!"

Zetterberg a Whale

The big man Sunday was Zetterberg, adding 2 points to close the gap to 4-3 in this round two series. "I think it is Zetterberg versus Richards, Conacher and Silfverberg" said GM Matt, "As I think line mates Nash and Brassard will cancel each other out." So far the Quebec GM is accurate in his assessment of the series, as his single point lead is his three outscoring Zetterberg by one while Nash and Brassard have cancelled. Matt has three players going Sunday versus just Nash and could use a Sens win or Conacher and Silfverberg could be down to a single game in this series. "If that happens, it won't be 3 to 1 against Zetterberg, it will be just Richards" said Muddy Capone, "Still an even trade off maybe, but this series is so close a single point could win it late, not what Matt is hoping happens." Zetterberg has at least 3 more games, great news for Hartford, bad news for GM Matt in Quebec.

N.O.W

Maybe the best initials of any current NHLP team (although AA is a close second for the Alaska Attack). GM Shawn knows NOW is the time for the New Orleans Wolverines. Currently down 7-5 against Letang on Sunday, GM Shawn puts out his entire team who scored 5 points in game one, at least something from all four players and two from Chara. "I feel I can get 4 a game, every game, so if Letang gets two Sunday, we'll likely be 9-9" said a very confident GM Shawn. Can he get a point a game from this team? "You bet" said Muddy Capone, "Horton and Chara are smoking hot and Hamilton is again seeing second unit power play time and just loves to shot the puck." Although not on the scoreboard, Sunday was a good day for Buffalo (Joel) who added four player games to the series. "That is a big deal" said Joel, "But I scored a single point from those four guys, so it isn't a great benefit to us if they don't score." NOW we will see what the Wolverines are made of (again) down 7-5.

TIGHT

There is only one word to describe this moment of the Second Round of the NHLP Playoffs, TIGHT! Of the 6 playoff series in the NHLP, 5 are within a point and the other is only a 2 point difference heading into Sunday. The only thing Saturday did was make several GM's very happy knowing their series are being extended and more player games for their players. On Sunday the Sens and the Rangers will also try to add extra games for GM's with those players and a little extra added pressure for Ottawa who will try to avoid going down 3-0. Spezza is reportedly back, so we'll find out if that can at all help the Sens from almost certainly booking Tee-up times for just next weekend.

The Reeling Whalers

Down 4-1 the Hartford Whalers (Andrew) must have a huge Saturday from Zetterberg and a push back win from the Wings. "The score may have been close but the game truly was never in doubt" said Muddy Capone about the Wings first game against the Hawks, "The Wings showed absolutely no offensive threat at all." Quebec (Matt) will be happy if that continues, just as he will if Richards keeps rolling in Los Angeles, now 3 points in the first two games. The Nords had looked so strong but now are only with Richards moving on, but that would be enough with the Conference Finals Potential matchups of either only Krejci (Hamilton, Tyson) or Leddy (NY Islanders, Ryan) if all series end as they are now in the NHL. For Hartford, that can't happen for even a miracle comeback leaves Andrew nobody moving on for the Conference Finals. The Whalers need Zetterberg to dominate Saturday.

Hawks Rolling 4 Lines

OK, make that 4 players, but everyone on the team is playing Saturday. Tied 3-3, GM Andrew hopes his Chicago team can muster a few points and a San Jose win, helping Thornton and Voynov out with an extra game. The Hawks also send out Bickell and Bickell who's entire game and playing time suddenly changed with the return of Bolland. "Bickell's power play time disappeared" said Muddy Capone, "Bolland played with Bickell and they had many chances as a line, but Bickell himself had a very quiet game." GM Scott said he could not be happier with how things have unfolded in the young series but knows how quickly things change. "If Bickell has two points and San Jose wins, I'll start preparing my Draft list for 2014" said the GM, "Every single shift is huge and every time Bickell leaves the ice I am safe for another 3 minutes and that is the way I watch, shift by shift, minute by minute."

See Saw Sabres

Ahead, behind and now ahead and will be for sure ahead at days end Saturday when the Buffalo Sabres (Joel) send out Sharp, Saad, Keith and Burns without a response from the Wolverines (Shawn). Buffalo took back the lead and extended their tie-breaking pick thanks to Letang and Pittsburgh. Letang's two points makes this series 6-5, but with only one game played things are anything from bleak for GM Shawn. "If the Buffalo players have four games sweeps I will be happy" said Shawn, "A Boston seven game win gives me eight extra player games in the series if that happens." Shawn is referring to Pittsburgh taking out Ottawa, Los Angeles taking out San Jose and Chicago taking out Detroit, all in sweeps. This would give Buffalo 20 player games from his 5 players, while a 7 game series in Boston would give Shawn 28 player games and surely enough to win this high scoring second round battle between two GM's who have yet to win Cups, but can smell their chances this season. Joel is hoping for a big Saturday to keep Shawn chasing his dreams of winning this series.

Third Game to One

Not often do you see teams playing the third game of their series while another series hasn't played game two. That will happen Saturday when San Jose and Los Angeles play game 3 of their series, yet Boston and New York don't play game 2 until Sunday. "Several NHLP series the man games will be thrown off completely" said Muddy Capone, "But everything evens out at some point." Teams with players in this series almost surely are all hoping the Sharks can win one to extend the series, even those cheering for the Kings. A sweep could really hurt several contenders as they may not be able to score the points needed to move on.

O'Fer

Maybe GM Andrew just sensed it coming after Monday night, but all his NHLP teams left are losing in Round Two. The only GM with multiple teams, all his teams remained and it appeared it was going to be a great season one year removed from going to the NHLP finals and losing to GM Tyson. Since Andrew won his last Cup GM's Tyson and Scott have won two each and GM's Jr, Marcel and Chad all have won Cups as well. "It has been a drought for Andrew" said Muddy Capone, "But you could sense the change this past season where Andrew seemed hungry again to be the best." He still can be, having two Kings on His LA team, losing 2-1 with the tie-breaker and Two Chicago players on his Chicago team, tied 3-3. Either of those teams can easily win it all, or still match up against one another in the Finals, but as quickly as things appeared to looked good, things turned sour. Both teams have played more man games in their series and Stoll is injured now with no return date in sight. The momentum is momentarily lost but tonight, a big night form Turris and Alfredsson and an Ottawa win could change the feel of what is currently going on. "Suddenly there will be hope, with a simple, single win tonight" said Capone, "That is what Champions do, they rebound when the chips are down." We know Andrew is a Champion but can even he rebound from "Sad Monday."

More Defending Then Attack

GM Marcel is playing defense in his series in Alaska and so far doing a pretty fine job of keeping Colorado (Chad) from scoring. Tied at 1-1, Alaska plays their game 2 tonight where Neal will hope to stretch the lead, but a Pens win at least keeps the tie-breaker in Marcel's favor. The Avs have been without Havlat and have one point in 4 player games from Williams and Doughty. With Los Angeles up 2 games to none Chad's pair could only have 2 games remaining, a mere four player games left in the series. San Jose suffered a "Toronto Style" collapse last night allowing 2 goals just 20 seconds apart in the final two minutes. That would have assured a full extra game for all three of Chad's players, but now the pressure is on the Sharks to answer at home and failing that, Colorado will be hard pressed to pull this out with what appears to be the best Kings team remaining in the NHLP playoffs.

Wolverines Show Up to Play

GM Shawn said he could score and we did believe him. "We just didn't think he could score like that" said Muddy Capone, "Or near enough for what it will take to win his series." New Orleans had a 5 point night, two from Chara and singles from Horton, Hamilton and Hamilton. Taking a 5-4 lead in the series after game ones are completed, the Buffalo Sabres (Joel) realized quickly this might be closer than first hoped. The Sabres' Letang is the lone player playing in the series on Friday and with the tie-breaker in hand with another Pens win, Letang would only need a single point to put Buffalo back in front. Although Series are not won in any one game this early, not answering a 4 point deficit would have been devastating for New Orleans. Now the pressure has swung to Buffalo, something Joel's team hasn't had yet this playoffs after game one in the first round. The Sabres will try to take over the lead again by Boston's next game on Sunday, when the Wolverines come again in full force.

NHLP Head Office Does the Shake

It is kind of rare, but the second time in recent memory that the ground has been shaking here at the NHLP Head Office. In fact, the Toronto Star is reporting that it is so rare that if you wrote a fictional account of this week in history in Ontario, and put in it "and then there was an earthquake", the editor would take it out. The 5.1 magnitude did in fact shake here for 10 seconds, "Very, very noticeably" said Muddy Capone, "I only assumed that it was a quake, but I realized if things where shaking here like they did, wherever it was centered might suffer heavy damage." It only took 10 minutes before all Ontario papers were reporting Quebec and Ontario shook all over, for as long as 40 seconds in some places, and early reports are saying it was centered near Ottawa. This is the second earthquake in the area, last being in 2010. The Toronto Star stated we only get quakes like this once every ten years or so and is "a little unusual that Quebec would have them this close together."

Francis and Marchand Go For Titan

Well according to Jagr, Bergeron is the exact same player Ron Francis was. So far Bergeron is 1365 points shy of Francis, who ranks the fourth overall in career NHL points but it is just the same a great compliment from another great player. San Fran (Scott) is down 2-0 to Chicago (Andrew) who is throwing out Thornton and Voynov for their game twos. "If my two guns play like they did in the first round of the playoffs, we might as well go home right now" said GM Scott, "Ordinary rounds won't win, they must get 7 points each." Bickell had no points but an amazing wrap around that was an inch from going in. His point would have made Andrew a 4-0 leader, but at 2-0 GM Scott has confidence he can be tied or ahead after even game ones are played. "It is game by game of course, and so far we are in it" Scott said. Asked if he'd rather have Marchand and Francis on his team Scott laughed, "I had Ron, a few times, and his name isn't on any of my Cups, so I'll stick with Bergeron." Apparently he is the same player anyway!

Hamilton's Time

OK, now to GM Tyson. Down 1-0 Hamilton sends out all three their players Couture, Krejci and Callahan, a damn fine three, against Brassard for GM Ryan's Islanders. "I am not use to all these man-games" laughed GM Tyson, apparently referring to the fact in last years Second Round, the eventually NHLP Champions, were already down to just two players (Henrique and Vrbata), who's next rounds of 9, 5 and 2 in the finals was enough to win it all. Those numbers may just be enough again this year, but odds are two won't win the finals says Muddy Capone. "It is almost certain a team will have multiple players this season but we do like Hamilton's changes" Capone said, "For one player in the finals, but two might be a stretch." The only way Tyson can get two players to the finals is if San Jose is there, as Krejci and Callahan play each other this round and one will be gone. Couture was quiet in game one and if there is any real hope of an NHLP repeat in 2013, Couture must dominate the way he did in round one. Against Quick in LA, that just seems very hard to fathom but Hamilton has proved us wrong before.

Hamilton's Time

Later GM Tyson. This is about another Hamilton, the twins playing for the New Orleans Wolverines (Shawn) who take the ice Thursday as the last team to have a man game in the Second Round. "I am not happy to be down 4-0" said GM Shawn, "But I feel we can have a four point night, why can't we?" Shawn was very adamant that the CTR has this series all wrong and although Shawn doesn't go as far as to say he is the favorite, he does feel he won't lose by 9 points. "Horton and Chara had 15 points in round one and my two Hamilton's didn't play" Shawn reminds us, "If he did we'd of been 19 to 21 between the four." You can't argue with the fact the Wolverines can score, but a repeat of those numbers may be a long shot at best. With the New York Rangers having back to back shutouts, we'll see if Boston can set the tone in game one and make us a believer that those numbers aren't total fantasy.

Av-Nots

The Colorado Avalanche do not want to be "Have Nots" for the first two games of the Second Round, so will need Williams, Doughty and Havlat to be better in game two. That is of course if Havlat is in the lineup, missing the last four games with groin issues. The Havlat injury means this is a two player to one player series where Alaska (Marcel) is only a 2 point underdog in this scenario. Neal has the loan point so far in the series and Alaska is up 1-0. "The series can fly by sometimes and another donut for Chad in game two will be setting himself up for a huge upset" said Muddy Capone, "Suddenly games can just disappear in these low scoring series."

The Bickelling Starts

Although GM Andrew's Cup hopes are not all or nothing in this series, GM Scott on the other hand is all in. "Andrew can take me out for another year in our personal race" said Scott, "And the only thing I'd like better than beating out Andrew is going back and watching the last 10 minutes of the Bruins game the other night for the third time." Bickell and Bickell will try and make this series at least 4-0 tonight with the double points laying an extra hurt on the Titan. "He is the key to this series" said Scott, "If he gets 4, that is 8 right there, and we know if we play amazing, we might get to 15 to 18, so shutting down Bickell can actually give us a shot at this." Andrew has been quiet the past couple days but doesn't have to open his mouth for you to know how big this series is. This Blackhawks team has a legitimate chance to win it all on a Chicago and Sharks/Kings finals and although Andrew has stated he chances took a hit this week, he knows the road to this finals would be memorable for the things that would have to occur for it to happen, making his 5th Cup likely the sweetest of them all.

Leddy Be

The New York Islanders (Ryan) must turn a 5 point disadvantage into a win to move on in the 2013 NHLP playoffs, but GM Ryan thinks it can be done. "I helped create this monster" said GM Ryan referring to helping GM Tyson become a member of the NHLP, "Now it is time for us to slay this beast." Well since Ryan was the driving force behind Tyson's entrance into the league, GM Tyson said he is grateful but "I can't show him my gratitude by letting him beat me now can I." If Leddy can get a point tonight, Ryan will strike first in this 3 on 3 series, where in round one the Hitmen 3 outscored the Islanders 25-15. "This is a new round" added Ryan, "We are prepared for a battle and it would be a little extra special to take out the Defending Champions." You can imagine the bragging rights will last a while for the winner of this series with both GM's knowing a trip to the Cup Finals is only a round away after the series.

Iggy Fuels Jets

On a night GM Andrew's Kings were poised to start quick, it is Winnipeg (Mark) out to the early 1-0 lead thanks to Iginla. Mark comes right back out tonight, this time unopposed, as Brunner will try to stretch out the lead with Richards to follow Thursday. The Jets flew under the radar most of the season but just two days before the Trading Deadline made a huge splash, getting Iginla from Florida (Marcel) for Jagr. The Jets previously got Jagr for basically Pominville, so they essentially turned Pominville into Iginla. This was a deal GM Marcel felt he had to make in Florida, but not making it meant he would have won in round one against Miami (Charlie) and still be in the playoffs now versus San Fran (Scott), still having Iginla, Doughty and Boyle, as Jagr finished with 35 points and Iggy 33. Mark has been taking it in stride and knows the Kings are going to give him a fight by the end of the series. "I have been glued, trust me" said the first year GM, "I am learning and truly excited about what we could accomplish yet in this playoffs." We also love the Jets chances so far.

Sabres Try to Stretch Lead

Things are going just as GM Joel had hoped they would in Buffalo. With Sharp, Saad and Keith tonight, the Sabres will try to open up the series with New Orleans (Shawn), one they are a 9 point favorite to win. GM Shawn has two things going for him, one the injuries in Boston has assured Hamilton will see lots of ice time when his players play in game one on Thursday, the other is potential short series, hoping Buffalo's heavily favored teams in Pittsburgh and Chicago can easily do away with their opponents in Ottawa and Detroit in 4 straight. Joel's team has been doing what it takes, just getting it done and is hoping the Wolverines are in a deep hole by the time they play Thursday. If Chicago and Pittsburgh don't get stopped, no team will be this loaded in the finals, and either team may be enough if the Sabres are there. "We made a big move to get Letang, and open up the opportunity to Chicago losing in the Semi's and getting us there where Letang could win it all" stated Joel who is looking the wiser for it now. Joel knows there aren't many GM's still in that are cheering him on and he relishes that fact. "If everyone is cheering against us then clearly they think they can't beat us later on" said the GM, "Clearly that is a compliment to the team we have this year, that we have built here in Buffalo." So far no one can argue that the Sabres are the team to beat.

Kings Come Out Swinging

GM Andrew will have three shots of advancing this round in what the CTR are calling three tossups. A favorite in Chicago by 2, and underdogs in Hartford and Los Angeles by 1 and 3 respectively. "I think I had the makings of something great" said Andrew who is clearly not wanting to talk about the Toronto series stating only, "It never happened." The hurt will begin to heal tonight when quickly Andrew's Kings jump into the round with all four players playing. "I think Ottawa is going to beat Pittsburgh, you can quote me on that one" the GM stated who has Turris and Alfredsson along with Brown and Stoll on his Kings. First year GM Mark sends out Iginla and Gonchar, a slight favorite in the series and now very realistic hopes of making the NHLP Championship by just winning this series and having Los Angeles out is almost a walk to the finals. The race is on and Cup hopes for 10 GM's start again tonight.

"Bad Night for Me"

It was a painful night for many GM's and hockey fans alike including GM Charlie who simply could not get a single point, enough for his loaded Surf to move on in the NHLP playoffs. "It was a bad night for me" said Charlie, clearly hurting from the loss. "It is a feeling you never get use to" said GM Scott, "I have had my share of heart aches and loses and feel for GM Charlie and others today." GM's Charlie and Vinnie now officially won't win their first Cup this season, while 10 GM's are still hopeful. GM Andrew is the only GM to have multiple teams advance, winning all three of his First Round series while 9 other GM's have one shot remaining.

CTR Goes 50%

A lower number than usual, the CTR could only get 50%, 6 of the 12 series correct in Round One, as 7 of the 12 series were won by the Visiting team, including four number 4 seeds. The biggest collapse (outside the NHL Leafs) was GM Chad in Pittsburgh, were he somehow turned a 7 point favorite into a 12 point lose in his series to long-shot Quebec (Matt). Other top teams to go out included Atlantic City (Vinnie) and Vancouver (Joel) who were both expected to win their Divisions, but were both severely punished by their opponents. Of the 3 teams picked to go to the finals, Buffalo (Joel) and Alaska (Marcel) are still alive, although Round Two isn't looking very good for the once strong Attack. Three NHLP teams got exactly the number of points the CTR predicted and 12 of the 24 teams in the playoffs came within 5 points of their prediction. Of course it is hard to top your prediction as it does not factor in games that a team ends up missing, but three teams did top their number, Quebec (Matt), New Orleans (Shawn) and of course Hamilton (Tyson). Hamilton has a monster first round of 39, and could have become only the third team ever to hit 40+ in a round. The Hitmen are attempting to repeat, something unheard of in the NHLP and only accomplished by GM Norm's St Louis Blues who took down Cups 4 and 5.

Picks All In - Sheets Emailed

Best of luck to the 10 GM's who still have a shot at things. All pages updated as no errors were reported. All but two of the remaining 12 teams are expected to get between 10 and 20 this round, so a lot of great hockey to be played out. Some GM's dream is very close to occurring after a full season of hard work building that winning team.