|
| |
Playoffs
(Official) (Playoff
Predictions) Past Playoffs -
2007">
|
NHLP2 |
ANDREW |
CHAD |
CHARLIE |
JOEL |
|
JR |
MARCEL |
MATT |
RYAN |
|
SCOTT |
SHAWN |
TYSON |
BRYCE |
|
|
| |
Playoffs
(Official) (Playoff
Predictions) Past Playoffs -
2007,
2008,
2009
"x" Means that in the prediction the player is estimated to not play those
games. Example - Vancouver and Los Angeles is predicted to play 6 games.
So D. Sedin scores 1.35 PPG x 6 games = 8 first round points. If this
series goes less than 6 games, say 4 or 5, he will likely get less than 8.
If it goes 7 games, he might get more.
"-" Means the predictions are based on a half game. So New Jersey and
Philadelphia are expected to play 5.5 games. So if they play 5, the
estimates will be lower, if they play 6 the estimates higher.
Here is the estimates the Yearbook has always used.
Seeds 1 and 8 = 5 games
Seeds 2 and 7 = 5.5 games
Seeds 3 and 6 = 6 games
Seeds 4 and 5 = 6.5 games
|
EASTERN CONFERENCE Division
Semifinals |
| Atlantic
Division |
| 1. Buffalo Sabres, 338 (CTR#5). GM Joel |
|
4. New Jersey Devils, 308 (CTR#7).
GM Jr. |
|
Picks: New Jersey |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Philadelphia |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
D. Sedin |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
8 |
I. Kovalchuk |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
6 |
|
P. Marleau |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
5 |
H. Zetterberg |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
6 |
|
A. Burrows |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
P. Elias |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
R. Clowe |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
P. Elias |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
R. Blake |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
2 |
V. Filppula |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
M. Vlasic |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
1 |
N. Kronwall |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
|
YBP 25-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
YBP 29-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29 |
This is a battle of
two top NHLP teams. The only first round matchup of two CTR top
10's. We are giving the edge to Jr but based on longer series and
although Joel can gain 10 man games, Jr can only gain 6. Jr could easily
lose out if a sweep occurs in NJ or DET while Joel clearly needs a
longer SJ series where he is set to score 12 points in 5 games.
One additional game can almost tie up the prediction. Blake can
easily do better for Joel but Sedin and Burrows must be on their game as
the projected 13 points will be needed. Jr looks like topping 29 may be
possible as Elias could have 7 no problem. Elias may be key, for if he comes in
at 3, now we are locked up. This is the battle for the Atlantic as
both teams can easily matchup well with Andrew or Mike & Ray in the
other series. Cup hopes for both these two rest here as, if SJ wins
Joel will be tough to knock off and if Jr did get the red hot Wings
through with NJ, you are looking serious potential to go the distance.
The Yearbook likes Jr to have a six man team in round two, as no one has
faith in PHO, but we pick all the higher seeds, mean Jr will get to
round two with his three NJ players. Joel is good enough to go to
the cup with a minor upset, but it just appears he matched up against a too
strong of a first round opponent.
To Win the Cup in Buffalo (Joel) - We know getting by round one can
happen, so Joel would for sure need SJ. If SJ don't make the
finals the only hope is somehow getting rid of Dallas (Jr). Jr
could lose to Miami (Charlie) in the second round where Charlie could
have 6 players on DET and WASH wins or play Jr in Dallas head to head in
the semis with a full 6 man team which could happen in Henry in Halifax
comes out of the Northeast, as he'd then play the winner of the
Southeast. Buffalo can win it for Joel, he just needs Jr's Dallas
team out of the equation somewhere along the way as this is the second
best Canucks built team after Jr's.
To Win the Cup in New Jersey (Jr) - If DET and NJ win round one, Jr can
walk through to the finals with 6 players. Odds are either can
make the finals, but both might be wishful thinking. That is ok
though, as Jr can win with either. Losing DET in round one to PHO
will mean Jr likely will not want to play Atlantic City (Mike & Ray) in
round two where they'd be the favorite. Meeting Andrew will be a
different story and Jr can march with his NJ players. Jr cannot
come out of the Atlantic and play the Southeast in the Semi-Finals, so
Boston (Ryan) winning the Northeast without PIT going through would open
Jr up for the NJ finals and Cup win. Jr's own Dallas team as well
as Miami (Charlie) in the Gulf can also be problems along the way
depending on who comes through. Jr needs NJ and DET to run a few
rounds and this can happen. NEW JERSEY WILL WIN THE DIVISION AND
LOSE IN THE CUP FINALS. |
|
2. Hartford Whalers,
313(CTR#24). GM Andrew |
|
3. Atlantic City Gamblers, 312
(CTR#21). GM's Mike
and Ray |
|
Picks: Pittsburgh |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Ottawa |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
D. Alfredsson |
Ott |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
7 |
M. Green |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
5 |
|
J. Spezza |
Ott |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
6 |
M. Duchene |
Col |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
3 |
|
M. Samuelsson |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
S. Doan |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
A. Kovalev |
Ott |
i |
i |
i |
i |
i |
i |
i |
0 |
R. Vrbata |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
|
B. Guerin |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
B. Morrison |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
3 |
|
P. Dupuis |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
K. Yandle |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
|
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
YBP 22-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
Even with the
untimely injury to Kovalev, Andrew is still favorite to win this battle
but he mustn't have a shorter PIT and OTT series. Anything less
then 6 games could spell trouble as 20 of his predicted 24 are in this
series alone. The same is said for PHO-DET where Mike and Ray need the
full games to grab the 10 points that are on the table from that series. A longer WASH
series can also turn the tables here by helping Mike & Ray. Andrew usually isn't in a
position of spoiler but all indications are this team cannot win it all
barring something short of a miracle. Of note here is Duchene is
listed as a question mark for game one.
To Win the Cup in Hartford (Andrew) - Two things out of Andrew's control
killed him. 1) The Injury. 2) The Matchup.
This team cannot win with PIT, so that leaves OTT going all the way with
a ton of upsets elsewhere. If OTT wins round one Andrew will need
to play Joel without SJ or Jr without either DET or NJ. Realistically
this could move Andrew out of the Atlantic with 313 points, so he can't
play the Southeast winner, which would go to the highest point team left,
so Andrew would likely get either Henry in Halifax or in the Gulf (likely Dallas, Jr or Miami,
Charlie). Andrew could beat Dallas (Jr) in the Semis with VAN
losing in the second round or Miami (Charlie) with either WASH or DET
out by then or Ottawa (Mike & Ray). This would put Andrew in the
finals with Alfredsson and Spezza against the two NHLP Western
Conference teams left. OTT is the only possible hope.
To Win the Cup in Atlantic City (Mike & Ray) - It is likely crucial PHO
runs and matching up with WASH for at least two rounds is important, but
not required. Likely cannot win if PHO goes out at almost any time,
but it is not impossible to win with WASH here. The big Western
Conference WASH built teams are no shoe ins to win rounds one or two.
If Indianapolis (Matt) or San Fran (Scott) get to the finals from the
West, this WASH team here won't win. If they go out along the way
Green and Morrison would be good enough to win it all. Round one
will not be easy but possible on a short PIT-OTT series. Round two
would be best if PHO is in and then play New Jersey (Jr) with or without
his NJ players or Buffalo (Joel) without SJ. If they come out of
the Atlantic with 312 points they can't play the Southeast winner which
would go to the highest point team left, so they'd likely play either Henry in Halifax or in
the Gulf (likely Dallas, Jr or Miami, Charlie). Mike & Ray could
beat Dallas (Jr) in the Semis with VAN losing in the second round or
Miami (Charlie) or Ottawa (Mike & Ray) or Boston (Ryan) with PIT going
out in round two. PHO then going to the finals with or without
WASH could make this a reality. |
| Gulf
Division |
| 1.
Dallas Stars, 356 (CTR#3). GM Jr. |
|
4. New Orleans Wolverines, 327 (CTR#12). GM
Henry |
|
Picks: Washington |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Montreal |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
H. Sedin |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
8 |
I. Kovalchuk |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
6 |
|
H. Sedin |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
8 |
D. Roy |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
|
D. Sedin |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
8 |
M. Fisher |
Ott |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
K. Bieksa |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
2 |
J. Staal |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
P. Demitra |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
B. Rolston |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
M. Schneider |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
2 |
D. Byfuglien |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
2 |
|
YBP 33-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33 |
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
GM Henry does not
have that bad of a team. A respectable CTR rating but he is just
out-classed in round one. Henry must have a sweep in VAN. Jr
is scoring about 5 points a game in that series so in 4 games about 22,
5 games 27 and the 6 we predict the 33. It appears for Henry 4
games there is hope and a 5 game series likely is just too much.
Give Jr credit. How he gets the Sedin's together here is a piece
of work. The argument will be easily made with the final three
players but it likely matters not who they are if VAN goes to the finals
or not is all that matters here. It looks like the defending NHLP
Champions and CTR #3, the highest Eastern Conference team will be no
problem winning in round one.
To Win the Cup in Dallas (Jr) - This all ends very quickly with the VAN
out in any of the first three rounds. Winning is easy to see.
Who can score with this team in any round if VAN is playing? We
say no one. So it is always a little tense in round one when every
team can always go out with the quick 4 game series. Jr will need
we think at least 5 games, so LA winning a game at least. Round
two would have all the same problems if Miami (Charlie) wins and gets
WASH-DET moving on. Jr's 5 would still be better than Charlie's 6,
but not by as much as the 9 points the Yearbook thinks Jr will win round
one by. With Charlie in round two, maybe 2 points max Jr is
favored by. Round three means Jr wins the Gulf and only Halifax
(Henry) would stop Jr from getting the Southeast winner.
Philadelphia (Scott) isn't expected to be there but could not match Jr's
scoring in the Semi's. If Jr ended up against the Atlantic winner,
no 6 player team could beat Jr's 5 man unit putting Jr in the finals.
So unless VAN goes out or wins somewhere 4 straight Jr can easily win it
all for the third time here in Dallas. Imagine the late night
hockey at Jr's this post season? DALLAS WILL WIN THE DIVISION AND
LOSE IN THE SEMI-FINALS.
To Win the Cup in New Orleans (Henry) - Talk about slaying the giant.
Henry is going to get a taste of NHLP playoff hockey at it's finest.
It don't get too much finer than Jr's team in round one. Henry has
3 hopes. 1) A 4 game series. 2) A 5 game series.
3) Henrik Sedin becomes Joe Thornton. I'd bet on 2. If
2 happens, Henry likely still losses. For the dream to occur, so 1
and 3 happen and Henry wins this series this is not a bad team.
Not great, but no bad. A NJ run could spell a Cup. Playing
Tyson would be the preference in round two but Charlie without WASH or
DET and Henry could come out of the Gulf with 327 points and surely play
the winner of the Atlantic which would be good as long as it wasn't Jr
in New Jersey. Buffalo (Joel) losing SJ or Atlantic City (Mike &
Ray) losing PHO could open the door to the finals where Henry could win
with Kovalchuk and Rolston. The last three rounds don't seem as
impossible as the first round. |
|
2. Tampa Bay Lightning,
333 (CTR#26). GM Tyson |
|
3. Miami Surf, 330
(CTR#14).
GM Charlie |
|
pick: Buf or Bos? |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
A. Kopitar |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
6 |
M. Green |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
5 |
|
J. Spezza |
Ott |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
6 |
P. Datsyuk |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
6 |
|
D. Krejci |
Bos |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
B. Laich |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
|
A. Edler |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
N. Lidstrom |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
D. Stafford |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
B. Morrison |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
3 |
|
N. Antropov |
Atl |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
D. Cleary |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
|
YBP 22-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
YBP 25-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
GM Tyson will
learn from eating Antropov, even though they almost made it.
Points are so critical in the NHLP playoffs and often one player can
turn a series with just 3 or 4 points. Tyson is only a 3 point
underdog and has hope for a short DET-PHO series where Charlie is
getting about 2 points per game. Make this a 4 game series and
Charlie drops 5 points. A 5 game series likely ties this all up.
WASH going 4 straight can also be the difference. Three points is
just a mile in the NHLP playoffs and it might be one mile too far for
Tyson's five man team.
To Win the Cup in Tampa Bay (Tyson) - A sixth player would have helped
early and late. Getting by Charlie will be very difficult, but
round two could be a cinch if LA beats VAN and Tyson gets Jr. That
can happen. Tyson would have Kopitar as well as either Krejci or
Stafford, coming out of the division with 333 points. At this
point playing the Atlantic winner would seem likely and likely Jr in New
Jersey. Without DET or NJ and having LA in the Semi's could give
Tyson a shot at a LA - Bos/Buf final and a chance to play for the Cup.
This all seems like a long shot, that is why this team is CTR #26, but
if it happens it will go down similar to that.
To Win the Cup in Miami (Charlie) - No one can be shocked here if
Charlie did in fact win his first Cup. Seems buried way down at
CTR #14 for a team with Green, Datsyuk and Lidstrom. This is a
good team with a golden opportunity for the Cupless Chuck. Charlie
is a favorite in round one and would be majorly disappointed to not beat
a 5 man team with this talent. Barring the upset happening,
Charlie needs WASH-DET in the second round if VAN is there and either or
if not. Beating Jr with a full 6 will still be hard to do if the
Sedin's are playing. Winning the Gulf at 330 points means likely
playing the winner of the Atlantic and likely Jr in New Jersey. If
NJ is gone and DET is around, this would be a battle, won by either.
If Charlie is still a full 6 he is in the finals. If he just has
WASH vs. NJ or no one left for Jr, Charlie can still win it.
Without DET in the finals, likely will need help from the West taking
out the CTR #1 and #2 WASH built teams. That can happen as this.
Charlie has his best chance in a long time and they don't come around
every year.
|
| Northeast
Division |
| 1. Halifax Destroyers, 356
(CTR#20).
GM Henry |
|
4. Ottawa Senators, 327 (CTR#9).
GM's Mike and Ray |
|
pick: Wash or Mtl? |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
D. Heatley |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
5 |
P. Kane |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
6 |
|
P. Stastny |
Col |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
5 |
J. Pominville |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
|
J. Toews |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
J. Langenbrunner |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
|
W. Wolski |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
5 |
M. Recchi |
Bos |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
|
M. Duchene |
Col |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
3 |
E. Fehr |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
3 |
|
M. Talbot |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
1 |
E. Jovanovski |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
|
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
We love this battle. You have two first year GM's in a grind it
out battle that could go either way. Henry can help his cause with
a longer SJ-COL series while Mike & Ray seem almost maxed out
everywhere. BUF-BOS getting 7 games would be huge for every point
is massive. Duchene is a game time decision in game one, so him
missing can quickly turn the tide in this one. Expect the pick to
be in play with this one as one is going to the Division Finals for
certain.
To Win the Cup in Halifax (Henry) - Winning the Division can be easy
with a first round win and playing Ryan without PIT in round two.
Division assured. Round one will be hard but round two almost
impossible if Ryan and PIT win. Coming out of the Division Henry
at 356 with the tie-breaker over Dallas (Jr)
Henry assures himself the winner of the lowly Southeast. Having a
COL run would be best for the Semis, but SJ is also great depending on
who gets out. For Henry to win the Northeast, we'd have to assume
PIT goes out in round one, meaning the Southeast winner would be the
winner of likely Cleveland (Tyson) or Philadelphia (Scott), which is a
battle. Scott would be easy without CHI and Tyson easier without
WASH. This would put Henry in the NHLP Finals with COL, or Heatley,
even Toews or Wolski. Plenty of help will be needed along the way
for this to all fall into place, but it starts in round one with a win
and a PIT ousting at the hands of the SENS.
To Win the Cup in Ottawa (Mike & Ray) - This is the top ranked team in
the Division and 4th best in the Eastern Conference. So these guys
are a good, solid NHLP team. The first round battle can go either
way, so it can be won. As Henry would need, facing Ryan with PIT
still in would likely mean season over. The Boys here can still
have a 5 man team and be strong, but likely not strong enough. If
PIT is out, this puts them winners of the Northeast at 327 likely
placing them against the Atlantic winner which we are guessing will be
New Jersey (Jr). This would put greater emphases on having PHO
beat out DET in round one where Mike & Ray could have something like
Kane, Pominville or Recchi, Langenbrunner, Fehr and even Jovanovski
left. Going to the finals with West and East then could give them
a two man team strong enough to win it all. |
|
2. Montreal Canadiens,
347 (CTR#27). GM Marcel |
|
3.
Boston Bruins, 340 (CTR#11). GM Ryan |
|
Picks: Buffalo |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Boston |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
D. Doughty |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
S. Crosby |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
9 |
|
S. Doan |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
J. Langenbrunner |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
|
R. Smyth |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
S. Gonchar |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
5 |
|
T. Myers |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
B. Guerin |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
B. Gionta |
Mtl |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
P. Dupuis |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
|
M. Gaborik |
NYR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
A. Goligoski |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
YBP 21-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
YBP 29-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29 |
Should be easy
pickings for GM Ryan in the first round and after that it is all about
the PENS. Marcel just cannot gain enough extra man games to make
this interesting, so he will have to left Ryan self destruct. That
can happen in a shorter series. Ryan is getting almost 4 points a
game in the PIT-OTT series, so in a four game PENS sweep, this is 16
points plus Langenbrunner or about 20, enough for Marcel to win. A
five game series is about 24, likely too many for Marcel. A fifth
player would come in handy but it isn't anything any veteran GM already
doesn't know.
To Win the Cup in Montreal (Marcel) - Montreal
win a Cup? Get outta here! The crazy thing is this is the
CTR #27, so there is a 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32. Wow. Marcel
only has East hope of the HABS and SABRES. If he can't get those,
he has 2 KINGS and a COYOTE. Marcel would have to pull just a
crazy first round upset and have LA win. Meeting Henry or Mike &
Ray is still almost not imaginable on how Marcel could win. He'd
need major upsets galore of top seeds. Marcel would need a miracle
getting by rounds one and two and would need LA or PHO in the finals.
I can't even bullshit my way through this story. It isn't
happening.
To Win the Cup in Boston (Ryan) - This one is simple. Ryan should
have no trouble in round one and after that he is strong as long as PIT
runs. When PIT goes out, he is dead the next round. He needs
them to go to the finals and coming out of the Northeast at 340 points
would likely get him the Atlantic winner unless Jr doesn't come out of
the Gulf at which time Ryan would get the Southeast. Worst case is
he'd have a 6 man team against him and that is unlikely so this team
could go to the finals with a PIT return and likely win or be in a
battle with Andrew in Los Angeles. This is a great opportunity for
Ryan to finally hoist the Cup, but it will take nothing less than PIT in
the finals. BOSTON WILL WIN THE DIVISION AND LOSE IN THE SEMI
FINALS. |
| Southeast
Division |
| 1. Cleveland Fury, 283
(CTR#13).
GM Tyson |
|
4. Philadelphia Flyer, 268 (CTR#15). GM Scott |
|
Picks: New Jersey |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Philadelphia |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
A. Ovechkin |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
8 |
D. Keith |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
P. Sharp |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
J. Toews |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
M. Samuelsson |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
K. Versteeg |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
K. Letang |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
2 |
A. Ladd |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
N. Hjalmarsson |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
1 |
A. Kostitsyn |
Mtl |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
3 |
|
V. Leino |
Phil |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
1 |
D. Bolland |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
2 |
|
YBP 21-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
YBP 20-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
Two of the
middle of the road NHLP playoff teams are in a tight battle in the lowly
Southeast. Tyson has some top notch players in Ovechkin and Sharp
and getting through round one could open the door wide open for a
CHI-WASH final by getting rid of the best CHI built team right out of
the gate. There are a lot of low point getters in the series, so
any one who surprises may be the one who alters its outcome. A
shorter WASH - MTL series where Ovechkin is getting 40% of Tyson's
points would favor GM Scott while a short CHI series is just the icing
on the cake for Tyson. There seems a good chance Tyson wins it and
lets Ovechkin carry him after that.
To Win the Cup in Cleveland (Tyson) - Round one won't be easy.
Ovechkin must step up and carry the team every round. A WASH-CHI
final works best. Will likely need PIT or LA out in round one as
it appears round two will be Andrew and with Andrew having a 6 player
team, meaning LA beat VAN, lights out. So playing a 3 player
Andrew team or Carolina (Joel) could then give Tyson the Division and
the highest point getting team in the Semi's from the EAST. If it
is Jr in Dallas with VAN out in round two or Ryan in Boston with PIT out
in round two could move Tyson to the finals with Ovechkin or two HAWKS
the matchup. If the big WASH teams from the WEST are still in,
WASH not in the finals could still work for Tyson to win. Just
needs a few breaks. Odds aren't great, but least it doesn't take
bullshit to figure out this could actually be real. CLEVELAND WILL
WIN THE DIVISION AND LOSE IN THE CUP FINALS.
To Win the Cup in Philadelphia (Scott) - Could this be the first team to
win the Cup in by penalty? The answer would be yes. This
team gets stronger with each round with 5 CHI players and cannot win if
they are not there in the end. Round one will be tough but that
was always a given with this team. The 20 points will be hard to
beat unless underachieving Bolland gets back to last years playoff
player and gets the 5 he is capable of. If Scott can beat out
Tyson, a big if, he will likely get his nemesis Andrew. If either
PIT or LA are out, Scott would win the Southeast and move one with 5
players to face the highest point getting team remaining, likely Jr's
Dallas team if VAN wins round one. Scott would then need VAN out
in round two, making it clear to the finals with 5 CHI players if they
make it there. This would likely give Scott his 4th Cup, tying him
with GM Andrew for the most Cups ever. Beating Andrew and Jr along
the way would only add to the run. Will likely need WASH out along
the way but this could happen. |
| 2. Carolina Hurricanes, 281
(CTR#30). GM
Joel |
|
3. Washington Capitals, 268 (CTR#23).
GM Andrew |
|
Picks: Pittsburgh |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Ottawa |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
C. Stewart |
Col |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
D. Brown |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
|
S. Sullivan |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
R. Smyth |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
|
J. Stoll |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
S. Gonchar |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
5 |
|
S. Weber |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
J. Stoll |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
|
B. Rafalski |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
C. Kunitz |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
E. Jovanovski |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
R. Fedotenko |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
2 |
|
YBP 21-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew doesn't
have any wiggle room on the man games and will need nothing short of two
full series to pull this off. If either LA or PIT win or lose in 4
or even 5 games, this could be a major upset. Major considering 4
point YBP are usually not over came to often. Joel could get more
from NASH where he is expected to get 6 points. A longer series
and Sullivan or Weber waking up could help. Someone on either team
is going to be needed to step up for Joel to pull it out or Andrew to
win if a short series arises.
To Win the Cup in Carolina (Joel) - When you have one player on any of
the top 8 seeds heading into the playoffs, usually there isn't much
hope. We put this team in that category as it will take nothing
short of a total upright playoffs, the 5-8 seeds winning a lot to make
this work. It can start by having NASH beat CHI and GM Scott
winning round one, putting Joel out of the Division that easy once by
Andrew. From here he'd need NASH to likely go to the finals.
If NASH goes out there is almost no possible way for this to occur
otherwise.
To Win the Cup in Washington (Andrew) - Not exactly a smoking hot CTR.
Winning round one is no guarantee and Andrew has been upset in a more
lopsided series a few times. If he gets the man games, this is his
series. We do expect Andrew to be OK, but he'll want LA and PIT
both moving on, or he is cut in half very early and likely too early.
Meeting Scott in round two won't matter if CHI is out, but if they
aren't, he needs 6. Meeting Tyson will surely take 6 players as
Ovechkin by himself can beat either half the team remaining if 3 guys
are out. LA winning round one, alters things for Dallas (Jr) will
not be the top point getting team out of the GULF. Of course Henry
has the tie-breaker, but indications are if PIT is in, he won't be in
the Semis. That means Boston (Ryan) in the Northeast would be the
top team left and have 5 playoff players from PIT, too much for Andrew's
three. So clearly Andrew needs LA moving on or Ryan's Boston team
upset in round one or two, opening up for Andrew to go to the finals.
Getting their with 3 KINGS will do it, 3 PENS can do it with Andrew's
West PENS team (Los Angeles) gone by then. But he wouldn't care if
he lost to himself in the finals we don't think. |
|
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Division Semifinals |
| Central
Division |
| 1. Indianapolis Icemen, 361
(CTR#1).
GM Matt |
|
4. Green Bay Knights, 329 (CTR#16). GM Ryan |
|
Picks: San Jose |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Colorado |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
A. Ovechkin |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
8 |
P. Kane |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
A. Burrows |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
C. Pronger |
Phi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
|
B. Laich |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
M. Lombardi |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
M. Knuble |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
M. Hossa |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
|
M. Knuble |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
M. Hejduk |
Col |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
|
M. Lucic |
Bos |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
2 |
A. Ladd |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
2 |
|
YBP 26-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
Both teams are leaving a lot of man games on the table. Matt is
way down in points at only 26 despite getting 4 points a game from the
WASH series. This means a simple 4 game sweep over the predicted 5
games would make Ryan the favorite. With GM Matt predicted to win
the NHLP Championship with this team, every other GM in the league is
holding their breath and watching this one very closely. Ryan can
gain from a 6 or 7 game series in CHI and that would be enough if WASH
only gets the predicted 5. Everything must go right for Ryan and
wrong for Matt otherwise no one may stop Matt until someone stops WASH.
To Win the Cup in Indianapolis (Matt) - He has been number one in the
CTR ranking all year. It shows the top teams even if some GM's
don't put any weight into it. Denial maybe? Matt could easily lose
in round one and that is the total beauty of the NHLP. Here you
have a favorite to win it all, base on his team and the NHLP standings
amongst others factors. Matt could use a few MTL wins to ensure he
gets the points for Ryan can score. Coming out of the first round
puts Matt against Jr who should have 6 players. Round two would
then be potentially a Cup deciding series as either GM would likely go
to the finals, and likely win, depending on that series. This is
the Central for you. Tough year after year. Matt has zero
room for error in coming out of the Central. When he does that he
will be at 361 points and play likely his Seattle team from the
Northwest. Can you imagine that, Matt's 4 CAPS playing his other
team of 4 SHARKS! In the finals it looks like the biggest threat
would be Atlanta (Ryan) and his three Sharks if the Yearbook nailed
everything. There is no easy round, no easy series in this journey
making it as deserved a Cup as ever won. We have predicted the
winner before, so there is no curses. There is only a hundred
things falling perfectly into place with no room for just one thing to
go wrong for every Cup ever won in the NHLP was a perfect story.
(Ask Jr about last years game 7 ANA-DET game tied with under 3 minutes
to go. That is what it will take again this year.)
INDIANAPOLIS WILL WIN THE DIVISION AND WIN THE NHLP CUP CHAMPIONSHIP.
To Win the Cup in Green Bay (Ryan) - Ryan can do a lot of people a lot
of good, including himself here and elsewhere. Round one is as
good a chance to knock the top dog off the podium and this is a perfect
team to do just that. Ryan can score and if a longer series
develops in Chicago, say just 6 games, this series could go his way.
That is what 11 GM's will likely be hoping for for not many will be
confident facing Matt's Indy team after round one if WASH is alive.
Ryan winning round one will only be good here if BUF or SJ also go out.
Jr will have a 6 man second round team if those teams move on.
Ryan's CHI three could beat Jr's Sharks, so it is possible to pull a
round two upset and ride the HAWKS Cup wave from there. At 329 out
of the Division, he likely gets his own Atlanta team from the Southwest
at this point against 3 more SHARKS. Winning that series can win
the Cup if the HAWKS go the distance. I can't recall the last time
a CTR #16 beat a #1 but it will be remembered for a long time if this
actually unfolds in Ryan's favor. A lot of CTR critics would love
it to happen. |
|
2. Memphis Machine, 347 (CTR#6). GM Jr. |
|
3. Hamilton Hitmen,
330
(CTR#32). GM Tyson |
|
Picks: Vancouver |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Los Angeles |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
J. Thornton |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
6 |
M. Richards |
Phil |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
|
P. Marleau |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
5 |
J. Carter |
Phil |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
D. Roy |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
P. Hornqvist |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
|
T. Vanek |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
A. Kovalev |
Ott |
i |
i |
i |
i |
i |
i |
i |
0 |
|
M. Malhotra |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
2 |
T. Kopecky |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
2 |
|
H. Tallinder |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
1 |
M. Gaborik |
NYR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
YBP 14-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
There is nothing
more exciting then making the NHLP playoffs and giving yourself a chance
to win the NHLP Championship. Tyson will know the feeling, just
not here in Hamilton. At CTR #32, the worst of all the playoff
teams, the odds of this one occurring at 1 in 20 years, "Glen had 3
players against Andrew's full 6 and although was a 10 point underdog he
pulled it out" said Muddy Capone recalling the story, "But these 4
versus these 6?" Crazy shit happens, it does, but when it is your
only hope to win, you don't win to often. The injury hurt but
eating a non playoff player in this Division against these top teams, it
was poor planning. Taking nothing from a first year guy, you just
hope Tyson learns from it and doesn't put himself in this position again
next year.
To Win the Cup in Memphis (Jr) - Jr just knows what the hell he is
doing. This team is solid. He built it around playing Indy
(Matt). He stated Matt's team "Doesn't scare me." It scares
a lot of GM's but Jr is a different breed. Jr can get out of this
division with a BUF and SJ first round win. We have a second round
matchup that might come down to a tie-breaker, it is that close.
Coming out of the Central at 347 Jr would likely get Matt again in
Seattle where Jr would be an underdog unless BUF is still playing.
From there he can win it all with a BUF or SJ finals. This is
easily one of three teams that can come out of the Central and each has
their own chance of winning the Championship if they do.
To Win the Cup in Hamilton (Tyson) - It is hard to find a way to predict
a CTR 32 winning the Cup. Lets be real. He has 4 players and
losses one in round one, so he can only have 3 in round two if PHIL
moves on. At this point, with a number of other upsets everywhere
else like WASH also, now he could ride the FLYERS to the finals.
Anyone who thinks that PHIL is going, let me know as I will give you 10
to 1 odds. They aren't going and either is this Hamilton team. |
|
Northwest
Division |
|
1. Winnipeg Jets, 321 (CTR#17).
GM Mike and Ray |
|
4. Vancouver Canucks, 287
(CTR#29).
GM Joel |
|
Picks: Chicago |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Nashville |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
E. Malkin |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
7 |
A. Kopitar |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
6 |
|
J. Pominville |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
T. Plekanec |
Mtl |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
|
T. Vanek |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
P. Mueller |
Col |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
|
T. Fleischman |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
J. Johnson |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
|
T. Bertuzzi |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
A. Markov |
Mtl |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
|
D. Cleary |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
J. Williams |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
|
YBP 27-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
YBP 23-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
With all the
games Joel is leaving on the table there is little doubt he can win this
thing with just one longer or one shorter series. A longer series
in LA or MTL or a shorter PIT, BUF or DET series and Joel wins this one.
Both these teams can score. Joel can gain if Fleischmann doesn't
perform up to his 4 or PHO is so good defensively that Bertuzzi and
Cleary don't get the predicted 7. Joel will be hard pressed to get
more from his LA players as they are already predicted to go 6 games,
but this is a fine line series and a 7th game there could be enough to
move him on over the youngsters. Mike and Ray need to reach Joel's
predicted 24 as Joel just has so many man games he can improve on where
they don't. This is a battle
that will be fun to follow and may even come down to the pick in the end.
To Win the Cup in Winnipeg (Mike & Ray) - You have to love these Kids.
Come in and rock it out. A solid team, maybe even better then CTR
#17
with DET coming on so late in the season. Is DET truly a 5th seed? PIT a 4th?
Both can be argued to be higher seeded teams. The only thing holding them back from winning the
Division was the Yearbook taking, as we always do, the home team every
series. This means DET would be out to PHO, meaning Seattle (Matt)
would be favorite in round two. The hat is on the other head if
DET wins. This will be key, but that puts Mike and Ray as
Northwest Division winners at 321 if all else falls into place and DET
wins round one instead. From here They could get the winner of the
Central, preferably not Indy (Matt), but instead Memphis (Jr) could work if SJ is gone
by then. With so many close numbers in the Western Conference, winning this
Division could put them against any of the other 3 divisions.
Bottom line is, they can do it and to make the run, DET going and
matching up in the finals against BUF, or possibly with
PIT or WASH can all do it. That is why this team is actually
better than CTR #17, as DET and PIT might clearly be under achievers
coming into the dance.
To Win the Cup in Vancouver (Joel) - It is LA or MTL and both may be
needed to win round two. The LA run is there as this is a solid LA
team. Winning round one is very possible and you'd be very wise to
not bet against it! Joel is leaving too many man games on the
table and Mike
and Ray are one shorter series away from underdog status. Round
two could see a 1 player series if the favorites all win and Marcel wins
their battle. This would not be good, so LA remains the only hope.
Winning round one, meeting Marcel and LA moving on now makes things
interesting and a division winner with 287 points and almost assured
playing the Central - Indy (Matt) or Memphis (Jr). Unless WASH is
out it would be better to meet Jr without SJ or BUF, giving Joel a shot
to win and go to the finals with hope of a LA final. Once again,
this is a CTR #29 and what more do you expect when there are 29 teams
with a better shot to win than yours! |
| 2. Seattle Storm,
297
(CTR#4). GM Matt |
|
3. Alaska Attack,
295
(CTR#31). GM Marcel |
|
Picks: Detroit |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Phoenix |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
J. Thornton |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
6 |
T. Plekanec |
Mtl |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
|
D. Boyle |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
P. Bergeron |
Bos |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
|
M. Lombardi |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
M. Cammalleri |
Mtl |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
|
J. Pavelski |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
C. Giroux |
Phil |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
R. Blake |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
2 |
M. Handzus |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
|
P. Demitra |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
A. Markov |
Mtl |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
|
YBP 23-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
YBP 22-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
This is one of
the many very clear pictures we see year in and year out. As easy as
Matt can do a lot of damage, he can be out just as quick. If SJ does
not play 5 games, they will likely sweep Matt away with them. This has
to be encouraging for GM Marcel, as he has 3 HABS - and THAT
can't be too damn encouraging (even if Plekanec thinks MTL has the
better goaltending). This is possibly the biggest upset in the
making as Matt is predicted to go to the Semi-Finals and is a CTR #4,
against the second worst CTR playoff team at #31. Well so far so
good, as Marcel only needs to tie so far, as he now has home ice
advantage with Matt taking the road team in DET as the tie-breaker.
To Win the Cup in Seattle (Matt) - This is a great team with a great
opportunity for GM Matt. We love this team. Easily a 6 player
second round but will need PHO to win, or Mike and Ray might take the
division away from Matt. As long as SJ wins he has a chance, but
neither round will be a given here. He can be out as quick as SJ
can sweep COL or a division winner if all goes as the Yearbook predicts.
Cannot win without SJ! Coming out of the division with 297 points
surely puts them against the Central for a huge battle with his other
team in Indy or maybe against Jr's Memphis team, with 3 SHARKS. If
that happened this team could be CUP bound and win the entire thing with
SJ in the finals. That is why you are 4th overall - when things
can happen this easy! (We did mention the CTR #31 could easily
crush there dreams in the first round right?) SEATTLE WIN WIN THE
NORTHWEST DIVISION AND LOSES IN THE SEMI FINALS.
To Win the Cup in Alaska (Marcel) - We have given Marcel such a hard
time all year. Why stop now!!! Three MTL, a PHIL, a BOS, and
a LA
player!!! Who there is going to go to the Cup finals to make this thing
make sense? It seems the HABS had better knock out the CAPS.
Seriously? What might be real, seeing as we can't convince ourselves on
any of this crap is Marcel winning round one. Now that could happen and
might happen, even if he has a zero player second round team left. If
MTL did win and Joel came through Marcel would win the division and
likely match up with the Central, who would not
belong to Indy with WASH out. Meeting Jr with only his SHARKS or
his SABRES could put Marcel in the finals with his HABS. It
happens, 8th seeds making the finals. We just wish MTL had better
goaltending. You can be better than WASH in goal, but how good do
you have to be to stop the NHL's most potent offensive for at least 4
games? |
| Pacific
Division |
|
1. Los Angeles Kings, 333 (CTR#8). GM Andrew |
|
4. Portland Winter Hawks,
303
(CTR#18). GM Chad |
|
Picks: San Jose |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Colorado |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
S. Crosby |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
9 |
D. Alfredsson |
Ott |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
7 |
|
E. Malkin |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
7 |
D. Keith |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
P. Datsyuk |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
6 |
P. Sharp |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
|
C. Kunitz |
Pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
B. Rafalski |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
D. Clarkson |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
D. Byfuglien |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
2 |
|
J. Franzen |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
5 |
J. Franzen |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
5 |
|
YBP 34-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
YBP 27-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
The predicted highest scoring first round series totaling 61 points. The
series can easily swing back into Chad's favor with a short PIT-OTT
series. Chad is being outscored 3-1, about 2 points per game in
that series so if it goes 4 games, Andrew would be looking at about a 2
point favorite. Chad would still need 6 games from CHI to take
down this high flying attack of Andrews. Andrew has an amazing
team and just seems impossible to beat with the fire power but Chad can
flat out put the puck in the net. Chad is no slouch here and could
easily top 30 himself making this seemingly blowout a not so surprising
upset. One thing to remember here is the Franzen's cancel and this
is a 5 on 5 series.
To Win the Cup in Los Angeles (Andrew) - You will hear Andrew say a
million times, "If you can get out of round one, you have a shot."
This team is built not to be CTR #8, but Cup #5. Crosby, Malkin, Datsyuk! ARE YOU KIDDING!!! Kunitz, Franzen and Clarkson are
4, 5 and 6? This isn't serious, it is ridiculous! This isn't
funny, it is painful! One of the best teams ever and that is saying
a whole lot. Not expected to win the NHLP Championship this
season, not even make the finals. What does that say? Until
you win it all, you'll never know how good it feels. Andrew can
get that feeling for a 5th time. What does that say? We have
to remind ourselves that this is the CTR #8. We figure there are 7
teams in the league better. At least a better shot at winning it
all. Likely not any better, but 7 seven teams have better
seeded players on them, is more realistic. PIT and DET are not high
CTR ranked teams, but there are 11 other GM's wishing this was one of their
teams. Round one could be the end, for again Andrew draws the
worst possible team to play. One that can score with a possibility
to get a few extra games and make a battle of it. Andrew may need
a full 6 man team in round two becasue if DET or PIT goes out, San Fran
(Scott) might then have too much. Getting out of the division will
be tough, but having a run from the PENS and likely facing the Southwest,
Atlanta (Ryan's) team will be a good Semi's if DET beats PHO. Even
so, Andrew should be OK going to the Cup and if PIT is there, who can
beat Crosby and Malkin in the finals? PIT has to go or at least
far enough for Datsyuk and Franzen to take over, but we like the dream
becoming reality. LOS ANGELES WILL WIN THE DIVISION AND LOSE IN
THE SEMI FINALS.
To Win the Cup in Portland (Chad) - This is a good team in a very bad
spot. Chad did not want Andrew in the first round and would be
favorite versus either Scott or Charlie. Chad needs a really short
series in PIT and a longer CHI series. Getting that he can move
him to
round two and play Scott without WASH or with his CAPS as long as Chad
has CHI and DET in. It will be a battle but coming out of the
division would be possible with his 303 points. If that happened
he'd likely get the Southwest winner Atlanta (Ryan) or with DET winning,
Las Vegas (Joel). Either way Chad could then ride a CHI finals and
win the NHLP Championship. Where the dream ends is in the first
round where Chad will have to overcome an 8 point YBP, something that
happens once a year at BEST case. |
|
2. San Fran Titan, 324 (CTR#2). GM Scott |
|
3. Anaheim Ducks, 320
(CTR#19). GM Charlie |
|
Picks: Vancouver |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Los Angeles |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
N. Backstrom |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
6 |
Z. Parise |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
6 |
|
A. Semin |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
6 |
M. Hossa |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
A. Semin |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
6 |
T. Bertuzzi |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
|
B. Yip |
Col |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
3 |
J. Hecht |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
|
J. Corvo |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
2 |
T. Brouwer |
Chi |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
J. Corvo |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
2 |
M. Afinogenov |
Atl |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
YBP 20-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
Seems GM Charlie
doesn't have many options where he can gain in this battle. GM
Scott is set to get 21 points in 5 games from his CAPS, about 4 a game.
If that WASH-MTL series can only go 4, Charlie would now be close enough
to win it. A 6 game CHI series can also gain Charlie a few extra
points as well, but the reverse, a short CHI and long WASH series will
give Chuck zero shot at the upset. There are rumors Backstrom is
sick. We'll follow this closer if he does miss a game.
Having a 6th player would help Charlie a lot here and shows the
importance of 6 man teams over 5. We don't see Charlie pulling this
out unless he hits the right series lengths.
To Win the Cup in San Fran (Scott) - For Scott it usually happens over
the 50 deals he makes, but this team did happen at the draft.
Getting Semin and Semin was clearly a risk, the reason why everyone else
passed on him, but it is a risk that could turn into a Cup Championship.
This is the CTR#2. It is all CAPS, but that is a scary thing as
the playoffs go on and this team is still playing NHLP playoff hockey.
A top three comparable to Hank, Hank and Daniel (Jr) or Crosby, Malkin
and Datsyuk (Andrew), so as good as it gets. A key might be Semin.
Will Semin play with Ovechkin and Backstrom as he did down the stretch,
or will he play second line and Knuble move up? We think he'll
start at the top and if they struggle to score, move down in the line
juggling. Winning round one is very likely but round two could get
dicey as Scott may need either a PIT or DET to fall out in round one, which is
highly unlikely but somewhat possible. With either of those teams
out Scott would go to the Semis with 324 points and surely play the
Southwest, Atlanta (Ryan) or Las Vegas (Joel) and be a favorite in
either. Scott cannot meet Indianapolis (Matt) the CTR#1 team until
the Cup Finals. A CAPS run likely puts them both there if they can
survive their tough Divisions. If VAN did come out of the West,
Scott would be favored to win the CUP over Matt. This dream has
been on the table since round two of the draft.
To Win the Cup in Anaheim (Charlie) - I guess I just didn't give them
any home. |
| Southwest
Division |
| 1.
Atlanta Thrashers, 323 (CTR#10). GM Ryan |
|
4. St. Louis Blues, 302 (CTR#28).
GM Tyson |
|
Picks: Chicago |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets - Nashville |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
D. Heatley |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
5 |
T. Connolly |
Buf |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
5 |
|
W. Wolski |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
5 |
J. Carter |
Phil |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
|
R. Clowe |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
4 |
D. Krejci |
Bos |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
4 |
|
L. Stempniak |
Pho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
C. Giroux |
Phil |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
D. Setoguchi |
SJ |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
5 |
W. Simmonds |
LA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
|
V. Filppula |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
R. Suter |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
2 |
|
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
YBP 22-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22 |
GM Ryan has been
close a number of times and this year is expected to be close again.
A solid team at CTR #10 but a very scary first round matchup with GM
Tyson. Not much room for error on either side and everyone must
hit their mark or that team will be going home. A whole lot of 4
and 5 point players here, so someone stepping up their game and getting
7 or 8 might lead to victory. A longer SJ series just adds to the
numbers for Ryan but he can lose everything right back in a shorter
PHO-DET series. Tyson isn't expected to do anything with his team
of misfits, so this upset will be something gratifying if he can make it
happen. Connolly appears ready to go, so game on!
To Win the Cup in Atlanta (Ryan) - It will take PHO likely beating DET
to make this real. Ryan has a good SJ team but in the second round
may not have enough if PHO is out. If PHO and SJ or at least SJ
goes through Ryan could win the division with 323 points and likely
matchup with the Pacific where he'd knock off Los Angeles (Andrew) after
he loses the PENS in round two. If San Fran (Scott) came out of
the Pacific, Ryan will need at least a 5 man team, so SJ and PHO in the
Semis. Going to the finals with either SJ or PHO could then be
enough for Ryan although he might needs some help along the way getting
rid of WASH or SJ built teams in Indy, Memphis and Seattle to win it
all. ATLANTA WILL WIN THE DIVISION AND GO TO THE NHLP FINALS AND
FINISH SECOND PLACE.
To Win the Cup in St Louis (Tyson) - We think a first round upset is
possible but things get bleak in a hurry after that. It will take
likely a PHIL run to the Semis and a matchup with either BUF or BOS and
a West matchup if the FLYERS aren't then in the finals of either LA or NASH.
These are not combinations that any one is betting on. If PHIL did win
round one, round two might be easy for Tyson and the combinations take
over after that as he could match up with the Pacific and hope for PIT
out if he played Andrew (Los Angeles) or WASH out if Scott (San Fran). In the finals with
those teams out this team could be strong enough to win. It is
always one thing to need an upset, but when you need 6 of them you
likely know you banked on the wrong teams this year. |
| 2. Las Vegas Strip, 309
(CTR#22).
GM Joel |
|
3. Phoenix Coyotes,
302 (CTR#25). GM Charlie |
|
Picks: Detroit |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
Gets: Phoenix |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total |
|
Z. Parise |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
6 |
N. Backstrom |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
6 |
|
T. Zajac |
NJ |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
5 |
J. Arnott |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
|
M. Erat |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
4 |
J. Dumont |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
T. Holmstrom |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
4 |
D. Legwand |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
C. Ehrhoff |
Van |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
3 |
D. Legwand |
Nash |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
x |
3 |
|
N. Kronwall |
Det |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
3 |
J. Chimera |
Wash |
|
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
2 |
|
YBP 24-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
YBP 21-Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
Just how tough
can NASH play CHI will be a big question in this series? We don't
expect tough enough to get a 6th game, but that is likely all it will
take for Chuck to win this series if all else stays true. With
having Legwand twice, a massive 5 or 6 point series by him would also give Charlie the
upset, likely then walking away. These two teams are evenly ranked and
not separated by a lot, not anything any one player can not alter.
Joel will need Parise and Zajac to get the predicted 11 points which is
very realistic but always tough before it happens. If DET does not get
6 games Joel may find himself not going to a third straight Cup, not
that he is going anyhow!
To Win the Cup in Las Vegas (Joel) - GM Joel has made two straight
finals and had 3 of the last 8 teams over his first two season.
Although that is amazing, his chances of going in Vegas aren't quite.
Winning round one can happen as Joel is a favorite, but he will need DET
to beat PHO or be an underdog against Ryan in round two. If Joel
does have NJ and DET playing, he can win the division with 309 points
and likely meet the Pacific winner Los Angeles (Andrew) without the PENS or
San Fran (Scott) without the CAPS and go to the finals where he can win
it with DET or NJ. None of the rounds will be easy and at CTR #22,
just to many others in front with better opportunities to really think
this can happen. He has gotten there before so you can never count
him out but it might be his most magical ride this year if it occurs.
To Win the Cup in Phoenix (Charlie) - Not surprisingly GM Charlie is
banking on Nashville says Muddy Capone, "If the PREDS ever do make the
NHL finals, we expect GM Charlie to be along for the ride." Why
the Nashville fetish for a Bruce Springsteen fan? We don't get it
either but every year GM Charlie has a lock on NASH. He does
again. They'd need to win a few rounds for Chuck to leave the
division with 302 points and then play the Pacific where he could beat
Los Angeles (Andrew) without the PENS or GM Scott's Titan with Chuck
having 6 players. A PREDS final would then give Chuck his first Cup
or a WASH final could give him a shot if Indy (Matt) isn't still hanging
around. Best of luck with this Chuck! |
|
|
