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Playoffs 2009/10
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GM Tyson Wins The NHLP Championship
The Cleveland Fury have won our Cup. GM Tyson put it all together
in the playoffs and had a remarkable, memberable Cup run. For
Tyson to win it, everyone would have clearly thought Ovechkin would have
led his team, but it wasn't so. The sniper Sharp and grinder Leino
where the once who carried Tyson to victory. Truly an amazing
feat. The NHLP 20th Cup Champion.
CONGRATS TYSON
---
A Game Away
GM Tyson is the new NHLP Champion, he just has to
wait another game or two to make it official. Tyson had his second
5 point game, scoring as he has all playoffs, on rounds of 33, 23, 9 and
now 14 more. Leino added another 3 himself and now has 7 in the
Finals, while Sharp's two gives him 5, both numbers alone enough to beat
GM Marcel. The Cleveland Fury, CTR lucky number 13, are getting a
NHLP Cup engraved with their name on it but Tyson has to wait out
another possible two games before he is declared the Official Champion.
The 14+ points is a huge number for the Finals and enough to win the
last 3 (Jr's four Red Wings got 10 last year) as well as 7 of the first
8 NHLP Cups (Vancouver, GM Raymond, in 1990 had 15 points with his 5
Oiler players) for sure and likely will be the highest scoring Finals
team to win in league history. Well done Tyson!
---
Giroux Owns Night - Cleveland Lead Now 7-3
GM Marcel is looking back and regretting that first game of the series.
Since then Marcel has outscored GM Tyson 3-2 and has the tie-breaker.
Giroux had a big night, 3 points, and Alaska has now narrowed
Cleveland's lead to only 4 points. "Marcel would love to repeat
tonight's success next game" said Muddy Capone about how Marcel can get
back into the series, "But all he really needs is to gain another point
and get a Flyer win." Giroux has shown he can score, so if Marcel
can get within 2 points, he could easily have a 2 or 3 point game.
Always in the elimination game a team can grabbed at least 2 empty
netters with the right score he needs Chicago the team facing
elimination. For GM Tyson he has to be happy having a 4 point game
with another game over. "He only has seven chances to beat me"
said Tyson, not overly worried just yet but he will not want Marcel
creeping any closer, especially if the Flyers tie the series at 2-2.
---
Fury Lead Now 6
GM Tyson didn't allow GM Marcel anything in game
two and although it was certainly possible for Marcel to gain a point or
even two, the pucks never ended up going in when he needed them.
Now up 6-0, Marcel needs a big 3 point game at home and make it somewhat
close.
---
Cleveland 5-0!!!
Everything just went Tyson's way! GM Marcel had a point taken from
Giroux, which at the time would have tied the NHLP finals at 1-1, but
after game one was over, and the point taken, GM Tyson led 5-0.
With Marcel only having Giroux left there isn't much hope for a comeback
down by 5. Tyson scored, to take Ryan out, just 6:38 into the
first period with Leino's goal. Leino, who looked like he was
washed up early this season, has found not only a new life in Philly,
but now also, his name on the NHLP Championship Cup. "I could not
be more happy" said fellow Fury teammate Ovechkin of game one, "I'm
getting my name on the Cup too!" Hjalmarsson added two assists and
Sharp also scored as Tyson just would not be stopped in a very
unforeseen first game blowout. "Now an injury or even a couple of
deaths" stated Muddy Capone, "Can't keep GM Tyson from winning this
year's Championship."
---
The NHLP Finals 2010
Sharp #10
Hjalmarsson #4
Leino #22
vs.
Giroux #28
---
Tyson Gets Bounces, Leads By 5 Again
Leino's goal was a clear indication that this is GM
Tyson's season. "Anytime a puck deflects three times and crosses
the goal on a snails pace, with the goalie is still looking the other
way, you know you caught a break on that one" says Muddy Capone.
Tyson really doesn't need the extra help with the three player to one
advantage, but he'll gladly take it it a couple more games to make it
official. As far as the realism of GM Marcel coming back and tying
this series, he must gain at least 2 points next game. Asking
Giroux to have a 3 point gain in the elimination game may seem wishful
thinking, but it is fathomable in a high scoring Flyers win, so Marcel
must nibble into the lead and likely hope for a game seven by the time
things are all said and done.
---
Fury Lead Now 6
GM Tyson didn't allow GM Marcel anything in game
two and although it was certainly possible for Marcel to gain a point or
even two, the pucks never ended up going in when he needed them.
Now up 6-0, Marcel needs a big 3 point game at home and make it somewhat
close.
---
Cleveland 5-0!!!
Everything just went Tyson's way! GM Marcel had a point taken from
Giroux, which at the time would have tied the NHLP finals at 1-1, but
after game one was over, and the point taken, GM Tyson led 5-0.
With Marcel only having Giroux left there isn't much hope for a comeback
down by 5. Tyson scored, to take Ryan out, just 6:38 into the
first period with Leino's goal. Leino, who looked like he was
washed up early this season, has found not only a new life in Philly,
but now also, his name on the NHLP Championship Cup. "I could not
be more happy" said fellow Fury teammate Ovechkin of game one, "I'm
getting my name on the Cup too!" Hjalmarsson added two assists and
Sharp also scored as Tyson just would not be stopped in a very
unforeseen first game blowout. "Now an injury or even a couple of
deaths" stated Muddy Capone, "Can't keep GM Tyson from winning this
year's Championship."
---
The NHLP Finals 2010
Sharp #10
Hjalmarsson #4
Leino #22
vs.
Giroux #28
The stage is set and the tie-breakers made. The
first game of the NHLP Finals is set for 8 PM tonight. GM Marcel wants
low scoring Philadelphia winning series and hopes to keep Tyson in check
starting at 8 PM Saturday night. The picks were interesting. Of course
Ryan altered picks, his only move. If these guys through up all zero's,
he would win. That seems unlikely so Marcel and Tyson could be tied.
Marcel, only having one Flyer picked Chicago. His logic likely was he'd
win if the Flyers win lopsided. This is an interesting thought. He
likely picked with his head and not his heart and that could make a big
difference. Giroux can score and has consistently done so in the
playoffs with rounds of 6-5-6. One more round that good and who knows,
maybe the tie-breaker may actually come into play in the NHLP
Championship.
The NHLP Finals 2010
SOUTHEAST - Cleveland #13 (Tyson)
(Sharp, Hjalmarsson & Leino)
A job well done by GM Tyson and all is left is
completing the final chapter.
CONGRATS TO TYSON! A middle of the pack CTR
rated team but predicted by the Yearbook to make the NHLP finals. "We
assumed Ovechkin and Sharp would lead the team, but not Sharp and Leino" stated
Muddy Capone. Tyson got all the breaks one could hope for and you expect
from any finals team. Montreal taking out Washington and Pittsburgh played
a huge part in destroying the potential completion from the East. The
strongest Hawks built team was disposed of in the first round by the very
Cleveland team, so Tyson definitely helped out his own cause, even knocking out
the reigning Champions Dallas (Jr). Getting three players to the finals is
a great feat and Tyson deserves credit for what he did to get here.
Winning, although he is a Yearbook predicted 7-4 point favorite, Tyson must be
feeling really good about a 3-1 player advantage. Per round Tyson's three
have outscored Giroux by round scores of 10-6, 14-5 and 9-6, always enough to
win but a couple rounds a little close. What Tyson won't want is a 4 game
series and the less Chicago scores, the more likelihood Marcel is close come a
game 4.
(Final CTR Ranking -1359 (H10 - 1600, L38 - 333) A very solid team
lead by the NHLP's best player, Ovechkin. Has a great opportunity to match up
with the Hawks or Canucks with a Capitals Cup run. Is in for a good first round
battle with Philadelphia #15 (Scott) where Tyson is a point favorite only.
With Ovechkin able to get 10 points in any series, this team is never out of it
come playoff time but East-West Cup match ups will be important for a team like
this to win it all. )
NORTHWEST - Alaska #31 (Marcel)
(Giroux)
What a great run it has been for GM Marcel. CONGRATS.
The Attack got 37 points in round one to knock out favored Seattle #4 (Matt) and
sailed after that by both Vancouver #29 (Joel) and Indianapolis #1 (Matt).
The Habs run gave Marcel all he needed in the first three rounds and although
he'd of liked them in the finals, Giroux has been the Conn Smythe candidate
here. Giroux has been coincident with rounds of 6-5-6 so if he can throw
up at least that or more, who knows right? If Philly can shut down the
Hawks, keeping Sharp's number low, this series can be very close. Marcel
does pick a tie-breaker before Tyson as well, so if he picks right he only needs
to knot this thing up. It was a long season for Marcel but he has turned
it into something great. Going back and reading what the CTR said about
this team was a lot of fun. At the game 40 mark the CTR stated "Bleak is a
five letter word, but a four letter word that comes to mind, might best describe
this bucket of..." but yet here Marcel is with a very realistic opportunity to
win it all with one great round.
(Final CTR Ranking - 541 (H19 - 882, L47 - 159)
The CTR said "Can the Habs go to the Cup finals? That is the
dream here as Marcel is clearly in and looking like will match up with Seattle
#4 (Matt) in round one. A 6 player team with every bit as equal scoring as
Matt's Storm, so it will clearly come down to man games and some big round's by
either Marcel's Habs or Matt's Sharks. If Marcel can get through that, he can
ride the Habs wave as he has their top Huskies. Not a great season for Marcel,
but a fun ride could start with a Habs dream playoff run come April." Just a
one point underdog in round one...so Go Habitants! )
Boston #11 (Ryan) - NORTHEAST
Ryan's 5 man Pens team was a known threat and he was
expected to make the NHLP Semi-Finals, just not standing here unless he Pens
followed along. Ryan has been in the finals as much as any GM over the
past 10 years, but he just can't finish the job and this year, great
opportunities and nothing to show. One point by either Tyson or Marcel and
GM Ryan cannot win here in Boston.
(Final CTR Ranking - 1425 (H1 - 1861, L21 - 713)
A five man Pens team and an opportunity for GM Ryan
to win the Cup. Is a big favorite in round one against GM Marcel in Montreal
#27. This could be a dream if he is able to get into the second round at which
time can ride the Penguins slide. This team will be a threat as long as the
Penguins are still marching.
SOUTHWEST - Atlanta #10 (Ryan)
No surprise seeing this team in the NHLP Finals, right where the
Yearbook predicted they'd be. This was a solid team but again the Sharks
let Ryan down. Those Sharks were expected to get Ryan to the finals and
finally win him a cup, but neither happened and one point by either Tyson or
Marcel ends everything. It was a great job getting here but as Ryan knows,
3 and outs get forgotten quickly in the NHLP.
(Final CTR Ranking - 1435 (H2 - 1966, L6 - 1073) The clear favorite in
the Southwest but is only a point favorite against St Louis #28 (Tyson). GM
Ryan did a standup job building a top team. There is however one serious flaw,
and that is this team is all Western Conference. Can win it all with either the
Sharks or Coyotes going to the finals. Has the top scoring team in the
Division, but nothing will come easy.)
---
Michel Mongeau
Passes Away at 45
Not many hockey sites will mention Michel Mongeau's
passing, but Michel definitely has played a roll in the NHLP the past 20 or so
odd seasons. "It is one of the legendary stories in the NHLP" said Muddy
Capone, "There may never be a year pass when his name isn't mentioned, as there
has not ever been a year his name was not mentioned since the late GM Ray first
drafted him into the NHLP many, many years ago."
The news of his passing was
brought to the NHLP Yearbook's attention by GM Andrew who had received the
following Twitter from Jeff Marek "Former NHL'er and legendary minor pro player
Michel Mongeau passed away yesterday. Skin
cancer. He was 45. RIP"
(Editor - His Wikipedia page notes he was born February 9th, sharing GM Scott's
Birthday)
---
Ryan's Season Ends
GM Ryan may have two teams in the NHLP Finals, for the second time, but will not
hoist the Cup again after a disappointing showing from his San Jose Sharks.
Ryan may very well of had the best chance at the Cup had the Sharks made the
finals but once again it just wasn't meant to be. Ryan can only watch now
as GM's Tyson or Marcel will ultimately be the 2010 NHLP Champion.
---
Tyson Up 3-1 & 3-1
GM Tyson is two games away from a dominate final, 3 players to
one against GM Marcel in Alaska. Philly shutout Montreal for the
third time in just 4 games and Tyson is a win from the Flyers and a win
from the sharks away from having Shark, Leino and Hjarmsson to play
Giroux for Marcel's Attack. That final would be 8 to 5 right now,
closer than one might first think, but both Flyers players are lighting
it up. The NHLP Finals is looking like a injury will be needed to
make things interesting and as we all recall, spleens seem the injury of
choice this time of year.
---
Tyson Continues Domination
Not much was different except the fact that the game was closer on
Friday night. GM Tyson has set himself up for a great opportunity
to win the NHLP Championship regardless or if the Flyers make it or not.
Sharp has been great, adding another point, giving Tyson 7 this round.
GM Ryan had to be crushed with the OT loss. The Sharks out-played
Chicago throughout the game and they will have to dig deep in their
souls to do what Philly did to Boston a short two weeks ago.
---
Marcel Looking To Even
GM Marcel is still very much alive for the 2010 Championship but tonight
is crucial as he will need Montreal to win in game 4, nothing short is
acceptable. Marcel has been very positive in his remarks, a quite
cautious confidence and Marcel does feel destiny has Montreal winning in
7 games on the road. Winning tonight makes that a lot more
realistic. The NHLP Championship is being played out right now,
maybe with tonight's game for GM Marcel.
---
Win and Loss
GM Marcel got bad news from Markov and then went out good good news with the
Habs win. Marcel is back in his cup hunt but will have to do so without
Markov the rest of the way. "We expected as much so it isn't a huge
shocker, but we did hold out hope he'd return" said GM Marcel. Markov is
out 6 months after surgery and the best GM Marcel can do in the finals is
Plekanec and Cammalleri or just Giroux. Either way Marcel can win if his
Habs can make the Cup finals. Thursday was one of those games where Marcel
knew he had to win, "I doubt Philly was going to lose 4 straight after going
through that process a round earilier, so we just had to win" stated Marcel, "
Saturday night will be no different."
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Sharks Need More Bite
If you had a feeling Montreal might show up on home ice, what feeling do you
have about the Sharks showing up in the unfriendly confines of Chicago?
Well, they had better or GM Ryan will not be in a celebratory mood this long
weekend. "Maybe the pressure will be off" Ryan was hoping, "They have been
close enough to be tied 1-1, so we have to hope for at least a split and win one
more game back here to force 7." The NHL is such a fine line every night
that San Jose just needs to catch a break. All their grinders must step it
up for Chicago's youth is showing San Jose's age. We expect a different
Sharks team to show up, but Ryan will need them showing up the rest of the
series.
---
Attack Not There
GM Marcel is the first to point out that Montreal needs a goal at some point and
tonight is another "Do or Die", something he is use to so far in this playoffs.
"If has been a lot of fun following this team" said Marcel, "Montreal hasn't
made anything look easy but has accomplished what they wanted to do." It
isn't looking easy again but not many people are counting out the Habs just yet.
They have to bring that other game they have shown and they need to likely do it
for two straight home games. It is all Marcel likely has and writing for
the NHLP for 20 years we know just when something looks like a sure thing, it
seldom is.
---
Only One NHLP Finalist Undecided
It looks like a finals of Tyson, Marcel, Ryan and Ryan again. Only the
Atlantic - Northeast, Boston vs. Hartford series is undecided and that will go
to the tie-breaker. GM Ryan having Philadelphia and Andrew Montreal.
"Great to have two teams in the finals but in the finals it is winner take all"
says Muddy Capone.
---
Worst Divisions or Best?
Is it luck or is there more to it? Cleveland who is looking like the
favorite for the NHLP Championship comes out of the lowest scoring NHLP
Division. "Cleveland finished first in the Southeast with not even enough
points to make the playoffs in any other of the 7 Divisions" stated Muddy
Capone. Alaska (Marcel) came from the next lowest scoring Division where
three teams to make the playoffs didn't crack 300 points. "You don't know
how it all relates in the end, but it is an NHLP fact that Philadelphia in the
Southeast gave over 60 points in deals, more than any other team, allowing
Cleveland and the rest of the Division to make playoff teams with such low point
totals." The Northwest Division had Edmonton (Scott) and Calgary (Jr) that
were just awful all season allowing the entire Division to "lay low".
Atlanta (Ryan) in the Southwest had three teams behind him who barely cracked
300 on the final day of the NHLP season, the third lowest scoring division.
What does this all mean is very open for interpretation for these are not highly
ranked CTR teams on one hand but they are the teams the Yearbook predicted would
be in the NHLP Finals with Cleveland and Atlanta both losing in the NHLP finals
to Indianapolis. Take the Icemen out of the equation and all of a sudden
there are your winners, just as predicted. It does show points don't mean
a hell of a lot in the NHLP Standings.
---
Not a Flurry For Fury
GM Tyson is only 4 games away from an NHLP Cup as the yearbook calls it.
"Well if the Flyers and Hawks get there, he is one point away" said Muddy
Capone. Tyson made only one more transaction than his predecessor GM Vinny
who had only made 3 in Cleveland the prior year. The Fury drafted 5th
overall, grabbing Ovechkin with the first pick and only made one Trade, one
Waiver, one Injury Pick and one Minors Deal all season. Way back on
November 19th after a trade with GM Scott to pick up Zidlicky for Boyes, Tyson
made a 4-4 waiver pick, dropping P. Bergeron, Filppula, Gilbert and Zidlicky.
Added were key pieces Sharp and Leino along with Phaneuf and Souray. Days
before the Trading Deadline Souray was dropped as an injury pick and Hjalmarsson
was added. Finally at the Deadline Phaneuf was dropped for Letang,
Cleveland's final team. Tyson carried Ovechkin and 5th round pick
Samuelsson all season. It wasn't a busy year but it looks like it was a
way of making a winning NHLP team.
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Ryan Hopes For a Win
The pressure isn't on just yet but GM Ryan does know he'll need more than just a
point if he is to win the NHLP Championship. "When you only need a point
with three guys, I am not sure the pressure sets in until about 5 minutes to go
in the elimination game" says Muddy Capone, "Even then you could still win the
tie-breaker." Ryan's biggest concern likely is getting San Jose to win.
Dropping the first two games on home ice is something not many teams ever do
recover from. Ryan must have his Sharks step up their game and tie the
series at one.
---
Tyson Inches Closer
GM Tyson is in control heading into Tuesday night's NHL games. If the
Hawks and Flyers go GM Tyson will have the Cup, not only winning in year one but
beating two of his mentors teams in the finals. "We can only imagine the
pressure GM Ryan has with the thought of losing to Tyson" said Muddy Capone.
"Here you have Tyson following Ryan as a GM for years before he gets his
opportunity and than to walk in in year one and win it all, I can't imagine what
those bragging rights would be worth." Tyson just needs both this Hawks
and Flyers to keep winning. Losing either of those teams he likely won't
win it all. That is pressure, but it is also a damn good place to be in
going into games twos.
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Final Scenarios
San Jose vs. Philadelphia
Ryan (Heatley, Clowe & Setoguchi)
Tyson (Leino)
Marcel (Giroux)
San Jose vs. Montreal
Ryan (Heatley, Clowe & Setoguchi)
Marcel (Plekanec, Cammalleri & Markov)
Chicago vs. Philadelphia
Tyson (Sharp, Hjalmarsson & Leino)
Marcel (Giroux)
Chicago vs. Montreal
Marcel (Plekanec, Cammalleri & Markov)
Tyson (Sharp, Hjalmarsson)
---
CONGRATULATIONS
RYAN, TYSON or MARCEL
It would appear that one of these NHLP GM's is your 2010 Cup winner. These
three are the only GM's left with players (playoff page updated) and each will
be in the NHLP finals along with either Ryan or Andrew who will be the fourth
finalist. Marcel is trying to win his second Cup in just three years,
something GM Andrew has done twice. Two Cup wins would tie Marcel for
third on the all time number of Cup wins along with Jr, Chad, Leo and Norm.
Marcel will likely need the Habs in the finals and will either then battle Ryan
if the Sharks are there or Tyson if the Hawks make it. GM Ryan has three
Sharks, so can only win his first NHLP Cup if they make the finals and would
have it won if they were to meet the Flyers. Rookie GM Tyson is trying to
be the first rookie since Norm won in his first year in 1993. Tyson can
win it on a Hawks-Flyers final but will likely lose to Ryan if the Sharks win.
If the Hawks play the Habs for the cup Tyson and Marcel might have a great
battle.
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Final 8 - What Were Their Odds Of Winning The Cup?
SOUTHEAST - Cleveland #13 (Tyson)
vs.
Dallas #3 (Jr) - GULF
GM Tyson will easily move onto the NHLP Championship still having the
only two Hawks, Sharp and Hjalmarsson and one of only two Flyers
remaining in Leino.
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 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.
ATLANTIC - Hartford #24 (Andrew)
vs.
Boston #11 (Ryan) - NORTHEAST
Both GM's lost all their players but it was GM Ryan who was hit hard,
losing his 5 Pens in game 7 versus Montreal in what appeared Ryan's
elusive opportunity for his first Cup win. One team is going but
neither GM can win the Cup.
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 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.
NORTHWEST - Alaska #31 (Marcel)
vs.
Indianapolis #1 (Matt) - CENTRAL
The Alaska Attack are headed to the NHLP finals. GM Marcel will
likely win the Cup if Montreal goes to play Chicago but can be in a
battle versus either GM Tyson (Cleveland with Chicago) or GM Ryan
(Atlanta with San Jose). This has been a crazy run and GM Marcel
is as close as you can get to a second Cup in just three years.
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?
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.
SOUTHWEST - Atlanta #10 (Ryan)
vs.
Los Angeles #8 (Andrew) - PACIFIC
GM Ryan is heading to the NHLP Finals. He has three San Jose
Sharks, Heatley, Clowe and Setoguchi. Ryan has not won an NHLP
Championship but the door is wild open if the Sharks play the Flyers in
the finals. If the Sharks play the Habs, this will be a great
finals with Ryan and Marcel each having 3 players remaining.
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 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.
---
Lucic's Two Goals End Memphis Chances
In an NHLP shocker GM Matt's #1 ranked Indianapolis Icemen move on but
for nothing more than playing a spoiler roll for GM Jr. The Icemen
did the unthinkable and got two points from Lucic to tie Jr 12-12 and
win the series on the tie-breaker of San Jose. Jr's #6 Machine
still had a great shot at winning the cup with Thornton, Marleau and
Malhotra. Matt now gets Alaska who will easily move into the NHLP
finals.
---
Yearbook Favorites Go 6-2 IN NHLP Second Round
The Yearbook had GM Jr favorite to win all three second round series but
he ended up only winning one of the three and were the only two NHLP
series the Yearbook missed in round two. New Jersey (Jr) was
expected to win 12-11 but only scored 6 points, losing 11-6 to GM Andrew
while Jr's Memphis team was expected to win easily, about 15-8 but lost
12-12 on the tie-breaking pick by GM Matt.
---
Tie-Breakers For Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
Dallas (Jr) and Boston (Ryan) pick Montreal at Philadelphia Series
Western Conference
Indianapolis (Matt) and Los Angeles (Andrew) pick Chicago at San Jose
Series
---
GM Marcel "Shock & Awe"
GM Marcel is having as much trouble coming to grips with everything that
has happened to his Alaska Attack #31 than any other NHLP GM, "Every
game has been fun" said Marcel. Well, that might depend on who you
ask. Alaska fans, fun doesn't seem to put this all in context,
while most other GM's, just can't. Marcel now has a team of four
players, albeit Markov is injured, moving forward to likely play Memphis
#6 (Jr) who has one of only 4 NHLP teams remaining to have at least 3
players (Atlanta - Ryan the other and maybe Cleveland - Tyson if Philly
wins in 7). Memphis still has not officially won their series as
GM Matt can move on with Lucic getting two points in Friday's
Boston-Philly game 7. If that happens GM Marcel would be facing a
team of Lucic or no one for GM Matt in Indianapolis #1.
---
L.A.'s Pain is Atlanta's Gain
It hurts. It hurts to know you had a legitimate change to win the
NHLP Championship and you player out. GM Andrew has that hurt
today after his LA Kings #8 scored 29 second round points, enough to
beat any NHLP team this round and yet moves on with no one left.
What killed GM Andrew's 2010 Cup chances gave new life to another GM who
wasn't feeling great last night. GM Ryan has a new hope, this one
in Atlanta #10, where his Thrashers now will be in the NHLP Finals.
Ryan meets Andrew in the Conference Finals and Ryan's three Sharks,
Heatley, Clowe and Setoguchi will be enough to give Ryan a shot at the
Cup, but he'll need the Sharks along for the win. If that don't
happen he stands no chance as GM Tyson (Cleveland) would have two
Blackhawks in the Cup Finals, so Ryan could not win on an all zero's
final. Although both Andrew and Ryan took serious blows last
night, for Ryan, it was a KO.
---
Triskaidekaphobia
GM Tyson is as close to an GM to winning the NHLP
Championship in Cleveland #13. Tyson is going to the NHLP Finals
and could still have a 3 man team when he gets there with Sharp,
Hjalmarsson and Leino. The other Eastern Conference Cup Representative
will have no players as GM's Andrew and Ryan (Hartford and Boston) are already
played-out. Their cannot be a cup Finals of all GM's having no players, so
those teams are out, but GM Tyson's number 13 ranked Cleveland team should be
putting fear in a few remaining GM's. "Tyson has the only Hawks" said Muddy
Capone, "So if the Hawks go, the only team that could possibly than beat Tyson
would be Marcel if the Habs go. Otherwise it is a lay down Cup for the Rookie
GM." Tyson is excited. No Rookie GM has won since 1993 when GM Norm would in
his first year and followed it up with a second straight win in St Louis in his
second year. "Norm was a hockey genius, no one will ever dispute that" said
Muddy Capone, "One of the greatest hockey minds the NHLP has ever seen. We see
some of this in Tyson. Quiet. Laid back. always thinking." For Tyson it is
ALL HAWKS or bust.
---
The Final Countdown...2
GM Jr has a great shot at winning the NHLP
Championship in Memphis #6, but it won't come easy. Jr cannot even
look ahead to next round for his one shot remaining at becoming a
three-time NHLP champion and first ever GM to win back to back on
different teams all can end Friday with Lucic getting two simple points,
"Game seven's are the easiest to get two points for a team down a goal
will allow two empty netters or a team down 2 or even 3 will pull a
goalie with 5 minutes to go if they feel they have to" said Muddy Capone
when asked if Lucic can realistically get two. Getting two doesn't
really do anything for GM matt at this time as he would be out-classed
by Alaska (Marcel). Jr however is a very different story. He
has Thornton, Marleau and Malhotra and this team will battle Marcel for
a spot in the Cup Finals. Neither GM will sleep easy. Even
if in the finals with the Sharks still playing, a massive 3-3 series
with GM Ryan's three Sharks in Atlanta would exist. So Jr has his
work cut out for him in stopping Marcel and Ryan from winning the Cup if
he is to win it, but first, one player that is seemingly a no one in
almost every other pool in North America is the center of attention in
the NHLP on Friday night.
---
GM Tyson - "It's Right There!"
GM Tyson moved a serious step closer to winning the NHLP
championship in his rookie season on Tuesday. "Everything fell right into
place for Tyson" says Muddy Capone. What actually happened was Halifax
(Henry) failed to have a big night and now trails heading into Wednesday 22-21
and a series now it appears impossible to win. This would mean GM Jr's
Memphis team, who lost all their 5 players will play Tyson's Cleveland team in
the Conference Finals. Tyson will be going to the Cup Finals as he has
Sharp and Hjalmarsson, what will be the only two Blackhawks remaining in the
NHLP playoffs. All Tyson needs is the Hawks to go to the finals and have
the Pens win Wednesday and not make the NHL finals or lose and have the Habs not
be there.
---
"So Close, But Yet So Far"
That was what GM Ryan stated Tuesday night, "One of these days I will get the
silver Cup handed out at the draft" said Ryan when talking about the opportunity
he faces, "I am so close to winning, yet it seems so very far." For Ryan
his Boston team of 5 Penguins can either be another nothing moving forward or a
real threat to take everything, all depending on game 7 Wednesday. "Am I
feeling the heat asked the yearbook" said Ryan, "Hell, I can't sleep at night."
To move on, Ryan of course will need his Pens to win, but he also needs his 5
players (Crosby, Gonchar, Guerin, Dupuis and Goligoski) to not be outscored by
Henry's Talbot. If that happened Ryan cannot win the Cup here as his
Tie-breaker would be Montreal and that would mean Ryan would have no one left
moving forward. There are other good Pens teams and Sharks teams,
but no one has 5 players. The worst Ryan could do is 5-3 in the finals if
he gets there. The Pens have to win. Only one sleepless night left
before we find out.
---
The Final Countdown...3
Lucic will need 3 points all by himself if GM Matt
is to keep any hopes of a Cup alive. Lucic hasn't had two in a since Game
6 of round one so it is likely a safe bet Matt will need 7 games and a Bruins
win in game 7 to have any hope. If Matt does win he'd face Alaska (Marcel)
and cannot win if Montreal beats out the Pens, so Matt is also a Pens fan.
GM Jr here is just in waiting mode. it is a little scary, but GM Jr can
win the NHLP Championship with a final involving the Sharks, but he just needs
to not have Matt take that hope from him Wednesday or in a game 7 of
Boston-Philly. Jr has no response left this round but no NHLP team will
want to face him next round or in the NHLP Finals with Thornton and Marleau.
---
Attack Mode
GM Marcel has been glued every single game, even attending game two in Montreal
last week, "It was wild" said Marcel, "Too bad the Habs lost." Marcel can
feel how close he is, "This will be my second Cup" said Marcel, "You appreciate
it more after winning one I believe." It would definitely give Marcel a
great shot at his second Cup if the Habs can pull out another game 7 upset.
Marcel will be in tough versus Jr's Memphis team or a cake-walk over Indy if the
Habs win. It is all down to one game and we all know the story about game
7's. Anyone can win. Marcel can win, AGAIN.
---
Crosby - Malkin - Kunitz
That is a team moving forward for GM Andrew if the Pens win game 7. Not
heard from a lot in this round, Los Angeles is just playing the player matchup
game and after already losing Datsyuk and Franzen, it is the big three or no one
left. Andrew has been quiet, sitting back and waiting for round three but
it is very ironic says Muddy Capone, "Halak was Andrew's favorite player in
round one and his least favorite in round two." Will Halak also kill
Andrew's hopes for a 5th NHLP Championship just as he destroyed GM's Scott's and
likely GM Matt's? It isn't even an issue if it never happens and the Pens
win easy. If they don't win, for Andrew, GAME OVER!
---
GM Marcel's Story Continues To Page 14
The Alaska Attack (Marcel) were considered the CTR 31st ranked team, basically
next to last. These kinds of teams usually only draw some excitement every
few NHLP playoffs and even then it is a first round upset and out. Rarely
have we ever seen Cinderella around at 3 AM and still looking for the after
hours party. GM Marcel has been this years NHLP story through a round and
6 games and now he gets the dream 7th game for the second consecutive round.
"This is a feel GREAT story" says Muddy Capone, "GM Marcel is always carrying
his Habs at a higher rate than any other GM, so when they run, it makes sense he
makes the trip along with them. But to knock off the Capitals was an
entire playoffs of news. To take the Pens to game 7 and be within 60
minutes, a few block shots, lucky breaks, bad calls and a goal post away from
knocking them off, crushing so many other GM's hopes and being now the FAVORITE,
to knock off the Bruins or Flyers, and in doing so the favorite to win the NHLP
Championship. It is madness. Pure, madness." GM Marcel really
needs the Habs moving on.
---
Guerin, Gonchar and Goligoski
With 1:26 left in the game GM Gyan gets this goal, a three point goal and has
taken the lead over GM Henry, 22-20. Henry has Toews on Tuesday and needs
2 points to reclaim the series lead but now with Pittsburgh as the tie-breaker,
a Montreal 1-0 shutout would lose him the series on the pick. "Henry needs
Pittsburgh to win to have the tie- breaker, but is against the best Pittsburgh
team left in the NHLP, so he'd need Talbot to be doing all the damage and no one
else" says Muddy Capone. What Henry will really need is the Canucks to win
tomorrow, maybe a 5-4 game where Toews gets 3 more points and keeps Henry in
front. These things are not easy and no NHLP Championship has ever been
easy. If Henry does not get at least two points from Toews or a Vancouver
win than Talbot would have to outscore Crosby, Gonchar, Guerin, Dupuis and
Goligoski in game 7 for Henry to stand a chance (something Talbot hasn't done
this playoffs). Toews must score some more (he has 11 in 5 games) and
although Henry needs Chicago to win, he'll need it done in 7 games or his own
NHLP Cup dreams likely end this round.
---
Stars War
GM Jr isn't finished his battle for his second consecutive NHLP
Championship in Dallas. Facing their first of what will be three
straight elimination games if they get to game seven, Jr's Canucks
showed a little life, "For a minute there I thought they were going to
burn out quicker than the
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's
nuclear fusion, laser generated star" said Muddy Capone, "And no one
believes that 200 trillionths of a second even exists." The
Yearbook's take on this is it clearly must exist. We move from
second to second and in between those seconds would exists an infinite
amount of time if you could record it but how is it possible? How
can 200 trillionths of a second be captured and what data exists to
prove it actually occurred? Anyone can say anytime occurred that
quickly and how can you prove or disprove its accuracy? To us the
device that captures the information is just as impressive as the entire
experiment. Will it work? That is a great question. If
you are spending billions of dollars for something that is lasting this
length of time, if you call that time, I'd say it will all fail in the
end. How are they going to take that time and make it into
something that then lasts long enough to power the earth with energy?
Fascinating but likely not going to happen. Anyhow, Jr's still in
it for at least another 36 hours and we all can measure that.
---
The Final Countdown...4
Burrows got a point and another game and GM Matt now only needs 4
points to knock of Jr's Memphis team of three Sharks. Lucic is up
tonight for Matt, who will need Lucic to get another point, as he has in
every game this series, and then still get a Flyers win for an
additional game. If Lucic can get two and goes out, Burrows could
make this interesting all by himself for he has at least one in 3
straight.
---
Ryan May Need a Game 7
We have all seen what can happen in game sevens. Home team,
favorite, feels the pressure and the underdogs know they only have to
play one more solid game. That is why so often after a huge upset,
the underdogs get blown out in game one of the next series, they are
simply spent and not in it just yet. Well, Ryan is down 5 points
with a Penguins win tonight. That would leave him up by a point
but finished man games. Henry would still have Toews to counter to
match anything Ryan gets over 5 tonight. Ryan has had games of
8-1-3-2-2. Now lets not forget Talbot who has 2 points this
series. If he lucks into one tonight, Ryan would need 6 points to
stay alive. This is a team of 5 Penguins and with Crosby. If
Ryan goes to the Conference Finals he plays Hartford (Andrew) and at
best Andrew could have Samuelsson as his other players are on Ryan's
team. So Ryan would be through to the Cup Finals, only needing the
Penguins to follow by knocking off Boston or Philly. Anyway you
slice it, Vancouver, Chicago, San Jose GM Ryan would be in great shape
for his first Cup. As real as it can get with what is happening
elsewhere in the NHLP. Ryan might just need a game 7.
---
The Final Countdown...5
GM Matt now knows what he has to do to knock out the
favored Memphis Machine (Jr) who lead 12-7 in the Central Division. Jr is
finished and ready to move three Sharks into the Conference Finals. Matt
has the tie-breaker (San Jose) so only needs to tie. This means to knock
Jr out Matt will need Burrows and Lucic to combine for 5 points in a possible 6
player games if both players series go to seven. Tonight Burrows will try
to do his part with a win and some points. Burrows and Lucic have combined
for 5 points in their last two games each, so this can happen even though it
must seem like a million miles to travel for GM Matt. The winner here gets
Alaska (Marcel) next round.
---
Toews, Talbot and 4?
The Northeast Division has became a battle between
GM's Henry and Ryan. Henry is leading 19-16 with Pittsburgh as his
potential tie-breaker and all players are now facing elimination games.
Henry only has Toews and Talbot to hold the fort, so clearly Ryan's five are no
where near dead yet. Henry almost needs Vancouver to win tonight to get an
extra game, but he will need Chicago to win the series at some point. If
Toews hockey ends tonight, Ryan will send his five Pens, Crosby, Gonchar,
Guerin, Dupuis and Goligoski against Talbot on Monday needing to gain 4 points
plus what Toews gets tonight if he is finished, to win this series. In the
first 5 games of the series, Ryan's 5 have only gained 4 points on Henry just
once, so odds would look ok for Henry. Ryan however does have the
advantage of a 7th and deciding game between Montreal and Pittsburgh if the Habs
can win on Monday. Reality is, Ryan can win it all with 5 pens moving
forward but clearly cannot afford to lose his Pens and he must, somehow,
someway, come back and knock Henry out. If Henry wins he'll get Cleveland
(Tyson - as it appears) and Ryan's 5 Pens will get Hartford (Andrew).
---
Hartford Moves Forward
GM Andrew won his tight series with GM Jr in the Atlantic.
This was the CTR #24 Whalers knocking out the #7 New Jersey team of Jr's.
Jr's Detroit guys just never showed up in the series he was predicted to get 12
points and win. They got half as much and it wasn't good enough.
Andrew now will play Jr (Dallas) again if GM Henry holds his lead in the
Northwest. This could give Andrew a team of Guerin and Dupuis against Jr's
zero if the Pens and Hawks win out. Of course if the Canucks come back Jr
will have a powerful Sedin team. If Henry can't hold his lead and loses
out GM Andrew will get Ryan (Boston) and his strong Pens team of 5 players.
Dallas Goes To Conference Finals
GM Jr made it official with his defending NHLP Champion Dallas Stars.
He knocks out rival GM Charlie in Miami who did put up a fight but clearly was
out-matched. For Jr it is a bitter sweet victory. His Stars are set
to self-destruct, by winning and losing the entire team. They must take it
a game at a time and win three in a row. If this happens, GM Jr is likely
a series away from winning the NHLP championship if Vancouver then beat out San
Jose. It is down to one game, tonight. Vancouver must win it.
For the here and now, that is all that matters to GM Jr.
---
Toews 10 Point Series - Talbot Taking it to Crosby
Who'd of thunk it? GM Henry taking it to GM Ryan's five Penguins, now
18-14, thanks to a 10 point series from Toews and Talbot staying even with
Crosby through the first four games. "Great deadline deal for GM Henry"
recalls Muddy Capone, "Joel came over the night before the deadline and the two
hammered out a deal that made a lot of sense. Now Henry reaps the benefits
and with Chicago seeming too much for Vancouver the Northeast will have the only
Hawks players in the NHLP semis if Henry can compete this massive upset."
Toews was "Franzen" like Friday getting 5 points to give Henry needed breathing
room for you know Ryan is coming hard Saturday with his Pens. Ryan still
has at least 10 player games guaranteed this round, while Henry is only assured
at least 4. Henry's tie-breaker is Pittsburgh, so that isn't a given
either. Henry does have Heatley to hold serve tonight.
---
Sharp Very Sharp
GM Tyson has it going on in his rookie season. This is a Cleveland team
that has only lost their best player, Ovechkin, and the 5 that are playing are
taking it to GM Andrew in a big way after a huge Friday. Tyson is up 13-5
and this one would appear over. Tyson going to the Conference finals here
would mean he would play GM Henry (if he wins) which would pit the only two
Chicago players left in the league against one another if the Hawks finish off
the can of whoop-ass they have apparently opened up on Luongo. Tyson would
have Sharp, Hjalmarsson and possibly Letang and Leino. Henry would have
Heatley, Toews and maybe Talbot if things don't change as they always do in the
NHLP. Of course Ryan has a lot to say about Henry even still being in this
thing next round, which would leave Tyson looking elsewhere for a third round
date and first on that list would be GM Jr in Dallas who is looking like a team
that went from hero to zero in three short games. Than you have Miami
(Charlie) who hopes he isn't done in removing Dallas (Jr) from the playoffs
which would give Tyson his last option of GM Ryan in Boston. Of course
this very tough team might not have enough to beat Henry and even it it did,
will the seemingly magical Canadiens ensure the Pens aren't still in the
playoffs then anyhow. All things considered, this snap shot in time is
looking like one of Ovechkin coming out of the picture saying, "It was never
about me. We were always a team. When you play on the best team,
even the weakest playoff performer on the team,
can still get his name on the NHLP Cup."
---
Memphis Looks To Go Big
GM Jr knows the importance of his Memphis Machine moving
into the next round and although things look good, Jr can ill afford a low
scoring Sharks win tonight. "Indy (Matt) is only 2 points back and has the
tie-breaker, so Jr not scoring tonight would not be good if the Sharks win."
Jr has the better team, the better players and the numbers. Thornton has
been great with 4 points in 4 games while Marleau has 3 in 3 after sitting game
one with the flu. All things considered this team needs to likely put a 3
spot on the board should the Sharks win, and anything helps if they are to get
another game. The winner here will host Alaska (Marcel) next round.
Marcel can be a team of one player should Montreal not complete the story of the
playoffs run and get to the conference finals. If they do, Marcel will
have 3 or 4 players based on Markov's health. So Jr winning here with
these Sharks could put him in the finals and he'd have a shot no matter who is
there with Jaws present. Back to back Cups on different teams would be a
league first in 20 years. Right now we can make a case for it and if you
are a Machine Gunner you have to be loving that.
---
Hartford Seeing Bigger Picture
It has been an up and down season for GM Andrew in Hartford. "The turning
point was the Waiver" says Muddy Capone about the Whalers season, "In last place
and dropping Chara, Whitney and Niedermeyer for Alfredsson, Spezza and Kovalev
and coming on so strong he finished second in the Atlantic." Although
those three are out playoff out, they helped get the team this close to the NHLP
third round and maybe finals. Leading 7-6 GM Andrew still has 5
player games left to GM Jr's 3 with his 3 Detroit players. Jr must have
points tonight if Detroit loses or he is out and if Detroit losses he will have
no players anyhow. Even that can be enough to put the winner of this
series to the NHLP finals, for they will likely play Dallas (Jr) who right now
would have no players with the Canucks looking like a team ready to play a
different sport. Zetterberg, Filppula and Kronwall need to step it up and
do what the NHLP is very famous for...CHANGE. Just when you think you have
it it is gone. When you think you don't have hope, something changes.
This is the NHLP and this series winner still has a shot but neither has claimed
anything yet for this is anybody's.
---
Eastern Conference - All Battling
Heading into the final games of game four on Friday night, all four Eastern
Conference series are undecided. In the Atlantic GM Andrew has Samuelsson
going and is tied 6-6 with GM Jr's New Jersey. The winner here gets the
lowest remaining seed from the Northeast or the Gulf. In the Northeast, GM
Henry has Toews going tonight to take over the lead in the series, down by only
a point to Ryan's Boston team of Pens. In the Gulf, GM Jr has all his
Canucks going but are 4 points down to GM Charlie's 'never say die' Miami Surf.
Charlie got at least an extra game out of his three Wings and no doubt is happy
to be leading, but cannot be confident for just a Sedin-Sedin goal is three
points for Jr who still gets at least 10 player games to Charlie's three.
Finally the Southeast is lead by Cleveland (Tyson) who is up by 2 points but has
4 players playing tonight in hopes of finally putting GM Andrew to bed in
Washington. Andrew however has at least 2 games each from his three Pens,
so is clearly still in the series.
---
Celebrating in Alaska
GM Marcel is on a wild and crazy ride in Alaska. Marcel's season was given
up for Dead by the Yearbook, about December. This team was not expected to
do anything but never gave up all season, making two Waiver picks, one a 5-5 and
the next a 6-6. Already guaranteed a spot in the Conference Finals GM
Marcel knows he will play Memphis (Jr) or Indianapolis (Matt) next round with Jr
currently leading at least 9-4 at the time of this writing. Jr is looking
like he will have his three Sharks but Marcel still has hope of his Canadiens,
so with Markov hurt at least a 3-3 series for representation in the NHLP Cup
Finals. Montreal is down to a three game series and Marcel can't wait for
this weekend to unfold for the real celebration is truly within sight.
---
Franzen 6 point Night
GM Andrew's LA Kings just keep scoring, even though they only needed just a
point to win round two. Franzen had 6 tonight. GM Andrew, happy
Detroit got a win but not happy his Pens now are in a best of three series.
Andrew knows already he is playing GM Ryan in Atlanta who has three Sharks.
Only 2 teams in the 100 year history of the NHL have came back and won after
being down 3-0. Well, so far for Detroit, so good. Will Andrew be
about to make this crazy comeback real? Well, these are the Kings.
---
Facing Elimination
GM Charlie's 10th NHLP season can come to an end Thursday,
even if he is leading his NHLP series in Miami. Charlie only had a hope of
a Detroit cup run even if he got bye the heavily favored Dallas team of GM Jr's.
Charlie leads 8-7 after complete game three's but his Wings could be finished
next game and Jr's 5 Canucks have at last 2 more games. If Charlie can get
a win and Detroit plays two more games and Vancouver goes out in the next two
games, at least Charlie could pull an upset. Only two NHL teams in league
history, over 100 years, have come back from a 3-0 deficit, so Detroit won't be
coming back which means no matter what, GM Charlie is 0-10.
---
Toews Steps It Up - Crosby's Turn
GM Henry was doing some fist pumping Wednesday night as Toews lit it up for 3
points pulling Henry within just a point of GM Ryan's 5 Pens after games
three's, 12-11. "Henry can't have the Pens losing Thursday" said Muddy
Capone, "A 2-1 Pens win would keep Henry very close." GM Henry himself
though has a bigger concern and that is keeping Heatley alive to get many more
points, "If Montreal and San Jose win Thursday, lights out here. Henry
needs a Pens win and Detroit to make this a series." GM Ryan knows that a
San Jose win Thursday all but puts him in the Conference finals and a Pens win
puts him one step closer to the dream of winning his first NHLP Cup
Championship.
---
Whale Of A Time
GM Andrew is hoping to close out the season of New Jersey's (Jr) on Thursday and
it is looking very bleak for Jr. Down 6-3, but with the tie-breaker, GM Jr
is facing his three Wings playing their last game this season. Zetterberg,
Filppula and Kronwall were a threesome that just a week ago were looking like a
Cup finalist team and now they appear all but dead in the alley. They
haven't scored and Detroit hasn't mustered a win in three chances. GM
Andrew is confident and with the crazy things happening in the second round
could actually be only one of two teams to have multiple Pittsburgh players (his
the other in LA) to go into the Conference Finals. That is of course
saying Boston (Ryan) loses his close series.
---
Memphis Hopes To NOT End It
Not often do you find GM's hoping to NOT end their series,
but we believe GM Jr may be hoping his San Jose Shark players get more hockey
than just Thursday's game four. "Jr is up 7-4 and if he is finished this
round tomorrow, say making it 9-4, that leaves GM Matt potentially enough to
come back and win" says Muddy Capone, pointing out that Matt would have the
tie-breaker as well. Matt has his problems in Lucic, who may only have a
game left himself, but Burrows has at least two. Matt will be hoping for a
very low scoring Sharks win. If Jr gets a Sharks win and no points, Matt
would only need three points to win the series and move on to face GM Marcel in
Alaska.
---
Sedin's Set to Blow It Open
With the series going back to Vancouver GM Jr is set to open this
series up in a big way. GM Charlie is facing having only one game left for
his 3 Wings who have managed to stay close, leading 8-7 but that is without Jr's
big 5 Canucks playing a game three themselves. "The three point goals are
like a stroll in Stanley Park for this team" said Muddy Capone "So Jr is never
out of anything. He can get 6 points into empty nets in a deciding game.
This isn't a team you want to face and it is clearly getting stronger." Jr
just has to avoid two things tonight, a shutout which just prolongs the
inevitable now for GM Charlie and the Chicago win. GM Tyson may be the
biggest Chicago fan as he knows that he gets the winner here (with Halifax
losing) and Jr will be a walk over to the Cup finals for his Cleveland team if
Chicago pulls this out.
---
Is It Day Or Night?
GM Jr admits he doesn't know everything. "Is it 24 hours of day or 24
hours of night right now?" he asked the reporter who inquired about the
preparations he is making for bringing his Memphis Machine to Alaska for the
Conference Finals. Jr's Machine have a commanding 7-2 lead on Indianapolis
and Jr's three Sharks are looking good against an Alaska team that will be
doomed without Montreal. Jr has sat himself up very nicely in the NHLP.
"If San Jose and Vancouver win this round, Jr will have a 3 or 5 man Cup Finals"
said Muddy Capone, referring to Jr's Dallas or Memphis team and the fact that if
Vancouver and San Jose meet next round, one is going to the Cup Finals in the
NHL. All is looking good for Jr, he just needs to keep scoring and keep
winning. By the way, "It is Midnight Sun, so bring your sun glasses."
---
Rather Now Than Later?
GM Ryan might have wished his Atlanta Thrashers three Shark
players had matched up this round with GM Andrew's three Pens in Los Angeles.
Ryan would be winning that 3 on 3 battle 9-6. These two teams are meeting
next round and so far so good as far as Ryan is concerned, his Sharks are
looking like a sure thing for the conference finals, which was Ryan's only hope
for success. Andrew is looking like he will match power with power and
bring Crosby, Malkin and Kunitz to the series, something GM Ryan can't be
overjoyed about. The winner gets a Cup birth and we are sure that Ryan is
hoping Montreal can sent their series back to Pittsburgh in the best of three.
They could of had it last night and with their heart, we think it will be done
in game 4.
---
Toews Tries Chipping Away
Down 12-8 GM Henry is in it, but will need Toews to be better then Heatley was
on Tuesday. The goal remains the same here and that is staying close and
hope Pittsburgh wins in 5 games. So far so good. Toews will need to
be solid tonight, grabbing a point or two to stay on track of pulling this one
out late. If Henry can pull this out, he'd play the winner of the
Southeast, right now GM Tyson. Henry can beat either or if Chicago and San
Jose moves on, so there is still cup aspirations here. Beating Boston
(Ryan) would be one massive upset and so far you have to think this would could
happen.
---
Ryan Ready To Counter
GM Henry has scored through two games and is trailing GM Ryan's
Bruins by one point heading into Tuesday where Ryan brings his 5 Pens to the
mix. "Getting an extra game for the Pens is a good thing" said Muddy
Capone, "As long as the Penguins don't lose both games in Montreal. All of
a sudden when that happens, the upset is there and you can win your series and
be out anyhow with no players left." Ryan scored 8 in the first game and
only 1 in the second. What Bruins team will show up for Ryan in game 3 on
Tuesday?
---
Stars Happy With Additional Game
The last thing GM Jr wanted was a four game sweep from his strong Dallas Star's
Canucks players. Well, he doesn't have to worry about that last thing.
The Hawks beat the Canucks and forced a game 5 and now Jr's players are heading
back to Vancouver tied 1-1 and up 7-6 in his Gulf Series with rival GM Charlie
in Miami. Charlie isn't in the same bolt with his Wings and will need them
to likely win both home games in Detroit or be this series will be all for not
even if charlie could pull the massive upset. Datsyuk, Lidstrom and Cleary
will likely have Charlie back ahead by the end of the game Tuesday, but another
3 point game would only put Charlie up 9-7. That might sound good, but
that isn't even a power play goal for Jr's strong team, so Charlie needs a huge
night, maybe 5 points Tuesday. Most important, he needs the Wings to win
the game.
---
Burrows Needs To Be Better
Down 4-1 but yet to play game two's in Indy, GM Matt must get
more for Burrows if he is going to stay close to GM Jr who have his own worries
of a 4 game series from San Jose. "I need Burrows and Lucic to get a
points a game for 7 games" said Matt, "That was my goal going in and I have not
lost hope at all. Thornton has finally came alive but he doesn't scare me
further. I know I can take Memphis out." Burrows is going to have to
be much better if Matt is going to be in this series by the end of it.
---
Talbot Equals Ryan's Five
GM Henry said he was "Happy, considering". With GM Ryan
putting up 8 points quickly on Henry there is reason to be optimistic with your
two stars playing and only down 9-4. "If I can get 4 between Heatley and
Toews I will only be down a point after even games" explained Henry who does
have a realistic shot to be back in the series if that can happen. Henry
was smiling ear to ear Sunday when Talbot's point equaled all 5 of Ryan's
players including Crosby. "Nobody wanted that guy" said Henry about having
him on the roster, "I tried to trade him a few times, but I am glad it worked
out as it did." Henry needs his stars playing at the top of their games as
well as having a 7 game series in both Chicago and San Jose and who knows then
what could happen.
---
Miami Stays Close
GM Charlie said he "Can't watch the Canucks games" and who could blame him.
Every second shift the Triplets are all over the ice. Considering the
Canucks scored 5 goals GM Charlie must be very happy to have only three points
scored by Jr's 5 Canucks. "Jr can get 10 points any game, very easily, so
he is never out" said Muddy Capone. How do you beat him? "You don't"
explained Capone, "He can only beat himself." GM Charlie might disagree
with Muddy on that one, as he thinks his three Detroit players can score as
well. This might be true, but they need at least 3 or 4 a game to stand
any realistic chance. "A 6 game San Jose and Detroit series where Chuck
gets 3.5 a game, that is 21 points and possibly enough if Jr only plays 4 or 5
low scoring games" Capone figures. Charlie said before Game 1 that he just
needs to stay ahead, "Keeping the pressure on every game". So far, after
game 2 now for Charlie has done it and leads 6-3.
---
Tyson Hopes Monday's "The Night"
heading into Monday GM Tyson is very happy in Cleveland
being tied 2-2 with GM Andrew's Washington team. Tyson has a 4 player
Monday and will be hoping Chicago can tie the series were he has 3 players to
Andrew's zero in that series. "Letang has scored equal to Andrew's three
Penguins for two straight games" said Tyson, "How can't I be happy with that?"
---
Andrew Faces Facing Series
GM Andrew's LA Kings team knew that life would be easy if the Detroit Red Wings
could just take care of the Sharks. Things haven't been good through the
first two games. "Andrew would have walked into the finals and if
Pittsburgh followed he'd of brought in Crosby, Malkin and Kunitz with him" said
Muddy Capone. The problem that is facing Andrew, is that the expected
cake-walk might actually take some work. Already facing Ryan's Atlanta
team next round, Ryan can make a series of it for the semi-finals by bringing
Heatley, Clowe and Setoguchi to the match up, something that would not happen if
Detroit wins this second round. "Andrew would be down 7-4 after games two,
so you can see things won't be what they could be" said Capone. Andrew
will need Detroit to go home and sweep for he doesn't want to fall back 3-1 with
his Wings. Hell, he might have enough worries with just his Pens moving on
with the crazy play of the Habs.
---
Veterans and Rookies
Not that it was expected to go this way, but the NHLP Eastern Conference could
go down as the Veterans versus the Rookies for the two teams that will represent
the East in the Cup Finals. "Halifax is the top see in the East" stated
Muddy Capone, "So if Henry wins his series (down 9-7) he'd play the winner of
the Southeast which could be Tyson (2-2). This would mean a Rookie GM in
the finals. The Atlantic (Andrew or Jr) would play the Gulf (Jr or
Charlie) and both those series are completely wide open with the underdogs
winning both series." The East is so wide open, not one of the 4 series is
anywhere near decided, while the West is all over but one.
---
Indy Still Hoping For Cup
With the NHLP Western Conference already all decided but one series, GM
Matt already knows he will play Alaska (Marcel) if he wins. "If Montreal
goes out this round I can easily win and go to the finals in a Lucic and Burrows
versus Bergeron series" says Matt. He would be correct in his thinking but
the NHLP Yearbook takes it one step further. If he can somehow get by
Memphis (Jr) this round and Montreal goes out things could get interesting for
GM Matt after that with some help. If San Jose beats Detroit and GM Andrew
in LA beats Atlanta (Ryan) next round but Boston were to beat Pittsburgh, Indy
would have the only player left from the Western conference teams in the NHLP
finals. All Matt would need from the NHLP Eastern Conference would be for
the NHL's Vancouver and Pittsburgh to win this round, making Jr (Dallas) strong
enough to beat Tyson in Cleveland and Ryan (Boston) good enough to win next
round, and have San Jose and Boston meet in the NHL finals - GM Matt would have
the ONLY player of the 4 teams there. "That is what I am hoping happens.
It is so clear. Pittsburgh and Boston meeting and San Jose and Vancouver
meeting. This can happen" stated an excited Matt. The biggest
problem is knocking out Jr's Memphis team but Matt is confident it can be done
with a huge series from Lucic and Burrows and this all starts today.
---
8 and 8
GM's Andrew and Ryan scored often tonight as they both got 8 points at the end
of their game ones. Of course for Andrew, he is just hoping to set a team
as his series was already over but for Ryan, his 8 points put a series dent in
GM Henry's hopes in Halifax #20. Ryan's Bruins #11 went went up 8-2.
Henry will counter Saturday with the lone player not to play and he will need a
big game from Toews, maybe 2 or 3 to get back in the series and keep hope.
---
Letang Matches Prediction in Game One
GM Tyson got a pleasant surprise from Letang in his Southeast battle with GM
Andrew's Washington #23 team. Andrew was expected to have his three Pens
outscore Letang 10-2 in their series, but after game one was over, Letang had
his 2 already and with Gonchar, Kunitz and Fedotenko only getting two between
them, Tyson is set for a huge Saturday. Tyson will throw up Sharp,
Samuelsson, Hjalmarsson and Leino and will start the day in a 2-2 tie with
Andrew compete his game one.
---
Ryan's Been There, Done That
Completing his 8th season as a NHLP GM, Ryan has done everything except win the
NHLP Championship. "I've been to the finals more times then I can recall
but I have always been a few players and too many points shy of winning it all"
says Ryan. Ryan says he has learned a lot since his first year, a year he
says he remembers very well. "I remember my first year was the year GM Ray
passed away" says Ryan looking back at his journey, "It was also the last year
we had 5 players per team." This season with his 5 players remaining Ryan
will try to accomplish in the NHLP's 20th season what GM Ray had been the first
ever to do and with the same kind of team. "GM Ray had his 5 Oilers team
and in year one went on to win it all" says Muddy Capone, "Then every other team
since, and there have been many, to be so loaded on one team has never won with
the exception maybe Jr last year who had 4 Wings." Ryan knows about this
type of all or nothing team, "Last year I win the second round in Atlanta and am
going to the conference finals with my 5 Canes, a spot in the cup and I'll win
it all if they get there" recalled Ryan, "Then the Yearbook does a recount of
the points and I lose. I felt like Al Gore." Ryan says he has a
couple things he'd like to see, "Guys think I don't follow it that much.
That is so untrue. I follow it more than any GM knows. My only wish
is more GM's would come online, in MSN, to join the 6 guys that go there
sometimes nightly when you need something done. All guys should have an
NHLP account there." It has been a long 8 years in the NHLP for Ryan but
that one thing that we all know he has never done is within reach, again, and
2010 might just be the year Ryan breaks through with his first Cup.
---
Big Bad Bruins Are Ready
Down 2-0 after night one of the second round, GM Ryan's Boston Bruins #11 are
all ready to take care of business. Having 5 Bruins and lead by Sid the
Kid, Ryan has a great opportunity to pull this out and have enough fire power
this season to win it all in "The Show". A 7 point favorite against GM
Henry in Halifax #20, Ryan will need more than a 4 game sweep from his Pens.
Getting through to the Conference Finals likely playing the Atlantic Winner in a
series that as long as Ryan has his Pens he'd be favorite over either Andrew or
Jr, with Jr having the better chance as Andrew would only have Samuelsson
against Crosby, Gonchar and Goligoski as Andrew's two Pens would was with Ryan's
last two. With the Pens only needing to dispose of Montreal and the winner
of Boston and Philadelphia, it is hard to imagine this not going Ryan's way and
him making the finals with his Pens. At that time he could have a powerful
Dallas #3 (Jr) team if the Canucks are there or GM Andrew's deadly Los Angeles
#8 if Detroit is there. "I looked to far ahead last season when I lost the
recount" said Ryan, "Not this year. I am taking care of business round by
round and all that matters is the here and now. Just go out there and
score points."
---
Machine Gunning For Icemen
GM Jr kicks off the second round with a big tilt tonight in San
Jose. Jr starts off with Thornton, Marleau and Malhotra who only
combined for 7 points in the first round. "We think they'll be
better" said Muddy Capone who said the Yearbook has Jr a 14-8 point
favorite and that "Burrows and Lucic will be hard pressed to better an
8." Jr will need the Sharks moving on if he wins or Memphis
will be done next round anyway.
---
Surf's Up
"It doesn't matter what the Yearbook thinks" says Muddy Capone
referring to the 17 point underdogs they have placed GM Charlie's Miami
Surf #14. "It is a new series and if Charlie can start really
strong, get 7 games compared to a 4 and out for Vancouver, now you can
see it can happen." Starting strong means scoring tonight when
Charlie opens the series with Datsyuk, Lidstrom and Cleary. They
are expected to hit 11 points, which could be low for Datsyuk could get
that himself if he gets hot. Jr's Canucks are expected to hit 28,
16 of which is Hank and Henrik. So slowing him down can tighten
things up. Charlie could win the Cup on the Red Wings run and
although it doesn't look good, he should have the lead by the morning.
---
Battle In The Atlantic
GM Jr is a mere point favorite at 12-11 in the Atlantic Division against
arch rival GM Andrew. Both GM's players lit it up in the first
round where Jr's three had 22 and Andrew's 20. "If either GM
repeats those kind of numbers from these players, they should easily
move on" said Muddy Capone. Jr has Zetterberg, Filppula and
Kronwall tonight and will try and set a fast pace for Andrew.
---
Henry New Halak Fan
You know that thing Montreal did to Washington. Well, GM Henry
needs it repeated in a big way against Pittsburgh. Henry is out
gunned in a big way against GM Ryan's 5 Pens who are expected to reach
about 20 points. That is about 7 more than Henry's predicted 13.
Henry will need longer San Jose and Chicago series and the shortest
possible one in Pittsburgh. "If Halak can be anywhere near as
good, maybe Montreal can keep Pittsburgh to 3 goals a game for 5 games"
explains Capone, "Anything about there and who knows. Pittsburgh
got 24 in 6 games against Ottawa, so a little less and a game less with
some higher scoring on Henry's part, and this one could be closer than
first thought. Henry starts tonight with Heatley.
---
Looking Way Ahead - Cup Finals
The NHLP Western Conference has made it easy for us to see how things
may unfold. Los Angeles #8 (Andrew) and Atlanta #10 (Ryan) will
meet in the Conference Finals and one of these two teams will be in the
NHLP finals. Andrew has his three Pens - Crosby, Malkin and Kunitz
as well as two Red Wings - Datsyuk and Franzen. Ryan has three
Sharks - Heatley, Clowe and Setoguchi as well as his Wing - Filppula.
Knowing that they are meeting next round Ryan is cheering hard for San
Jose to beat Detroit or he is likely out for sure. After that he
could use Pittsburgh out or his three Sharks will have a power on power
series with Andrew's three Pens. Andrew really only needs the
Wings to beat the Sharks, but for his Cup hopes is a huge Pens fan of
course.
The winner of the Central, Indianapolis #1 (Matt) or Memphis #6 (Jr)
will face Alaska #31 (Marcel) in the Conference Finals. Jr must be
a favorite over Matt. Jr has three Sharks - Thornton, Marleau and
Malhotra against only Burrows and Lucic. Jr must have the Sharks
around if he wins or Marcel will go to the NHLP Cup Finals. Even
if Jr does get the Sharks through he will not be a favorite if the Habs
win for Marcel, as he will have 4 players left. Matt must have an
amazing series to beat Jr and hope Montreal goes out and Boston and or
the Canucks win.
The East has some good matchups but we do know this. If GM Henry
wins his series in Halifax, he'd be the top seed and get the winner of
the Southeast. If Henry loses, Jr's Dallas team would be the top
seed and play the Southeast if he wins. If neither of those two
teams win, that means Ryan's Boston team beat out Henry so his team
would get the winner of the Southeast. Obviously who ever doesn't
get the Southwest, gets the winner of the Atlantic Division.
---
What did the Yearbook say would happen to your
team? Go back and read it here.
---
Playoffs Page is Update
I will get sheets out in the email for those that use them. The playoff
page is updated. The first round is at the bottom of the page for the next
day or two. It can be reached by the link on the top of the playoff page
that says "Division
Semifinals 2010". The reason I will leave it at the bottom is
so people can check their own series. I will remove it from the bottom so
the page loads quicker after a couple days.
GOOD LUCK TO THOSE REMAINING
---
Attack - Only Habs Left
GM Marcel's Alaska Attack #31 were the big winners when the Canadiens upset the
Capitals Wednesday night. "This is just an amazing story" said Muddy
Capone, "GM Marcel had a terrible year by our account and now is through to the
Conference Finals with a shot at going to the Cup or winning it on a Habs run."
Marcel had 37 first round points and goes through with 5 Eastern Conference
players. He has this round won and will get the winner of the Central,
either Indianapolis #1 (Matt) or Memphis #6 (Jr). Jr has Thornton, Marleau
and Malhotra playing Burrows and Lucic, so it looks like he will be the favorite
to win that series. If this happens and San Jose goes out, Marcel would be
in the Cup Finals as he is assured Bergeron or Giroux next round.
---
Titanic Hits Iceberg
The CTR Rate #1 and #2 teams, the Indianapolis Icemen #1
(Matt) and the San Fran Titan #2 (Scott) both had a devastating night.
Both clubs were built are the heavily favored Caps who became the second biggest
upset (points wise at 33) in NHL history. Both teams have gone through and
Indy isn't a total write off although Matt might tell it differently. "It
might have been the most disappointing loss I have suffered" said GM Scott, "But
then again, there have just been so many." Coming off a great season where
he sent two teams to the finals GM Scott really wanted it this year, "I honestly
felt I made the right choice banking on the Capitals. That is what happens
to 'all or nothing teams' and you can't cry when you get nothing for that is
what the opposite of the all is. We knew if the Caps didn't make it all
the way, we would not win. Simple. 2006 seems a long ways off
already. I just hope whoever does win savors the journey. That
opportunity just doesn't come along often."
---
Mike and Ray Taste Defeat
The co-GM's did have a message for the NHLP Yearbook, "We will be back." A
tough loss last night when their player Fleischmann didn't even dress for their
Winnipeg #17 team who was already sitting with Malkin, Bertuzzi and Cleary.
The real opportunity existed and it was gone just like that. "We hope this
makes them hungry" says Muddy Capone, "Winning can't come easy for then it isn't
appreciated. You must suffer at least once to truly respect things.
We think these two will dominate in this league someday, individually. We
hope for that. Their time will come."
---
NHLP Round Two Tie-Breakers
East
Montreal at Pittsburgh
Northeast Division- Henry
Gulf Division- Jr
Philadelphia at Boston
Atlantic Division- Andrew
Southeast Division- Tyson
West
Detroit at San Jose
Central Division - Matt (Takes San Jose)
Pacific Division - Andrew
Vancouver at Chicago
Southwest Division - Ryan (Takes Vancouver)
Northwest Division - Marcel
---
Yearbook Hits 13 of 16 in Round One
The NHLP Yearbook nailed 13 of 16 first round series including 8 for 8 in the
Eastern Conference. "The Northwest we got them both wrong" said Muddy
Capone, "Marcel scored 15 more then we predicted while Joel hit his points smack
on at 24 but Mike and Ray fell shot of the predicted 27 we thought they'd get.
The third one that messed with our pride was Charlie in the Southwest.
Joel was where we placed him but Charlie scored 11 more than prediction."
CTR Top 10 Teams
Of the CTR top 10 ranked teams only 9 could come through because New Jersey #5
(Jr) and Buffalo #7 (Joel) were matched up. Of the 9 that could win in the
first round, only two failed to do so. Seattle #4 (Matt) fell to the high
flying Alaska #31 team of GM Marcel's. Ottawa #9 (Mike and Ray) were
predicted to lose out and did to Henry's #20 team in Halifax.
---
Charlie's Angels
The Miami Surf #14 (Charlie) got the 5 needed points last night from Datsyuk and
Lidstrom and now will play the powerful Dallas Stars #3 (Jr) in the second round
of the playoffs. Tonight is a big night for Charlie as he will either have
just his 3 Red Wings or a full 6 man team is the Capitals can win in game 7.
GM Tyson put up a great battle this series but in the end he just didn't have
enough as the favored Charlie ran a full 42 player games.
---
Icemen - Ice Cold? "It's the only way!"
GM Matt just needs one point tonight from either Ovechkin, Laich, Knuble or
Knuble and his CTR #1 rated Icemen get to play GM Jr's Memphis Machine #6 in the
second round. Jr is waiting with three Sharks and will be hoping Matt wins
tonight, but so do the Canadiens. If that happens, Matt is down to just
Burrows and Lucic. If the Caps win, this team looks destine to at least go
to the Conference finals. GM Ryan who gave it his all in Green Bay #16
knows what it will take tonight, "We need a Montreal Shutout. It's the
only way" said GM Ryan, knowing his chances of Washington being shutout on home
ice are likely one in 50. So, Ryan has a chance!
---
Washington Shutout Needed
It is very simple in the Northwest for the Winnipeg Jets
#17 (Mike and Ray); Fleischmann must outscore Plekanec and Markov by 2 points
and they win. "Washington could shutout Montreal or allow say a goal" said
Muddy Capone. "This could happen, but Fleischmann still would need to
score 2 himself." If the Kids can get one early, this could be very
interesting as with a Caps win, they'd sit with a 4 man team including Malkin
for the second round and easily win the Division as without his Habs, GM Marcel
in Alaska #31 would not have enough. In either scenario, GM Joel is just
playing spoiler for he cannot beat out Alaska no matter who wins tonight and
meaningful hockey will end for his here tonight.
---
Titan Feeling Pressure
GM Scott isn't playing it off as a nothing game, "This ain't a throw away game
up in Rochester" he told his Titan yesterday. Scott is feeling the
pressure, knowing his Cup hopes are all on the line. "Not one thing has
went right for us" said Scott. "Alex and Alexander hasn't scored yet.
Corvo chances are going in. That 5 point goal was there several times and
the puck is in the goalies chest where as all season it was in the net.
Montreal has it going on and we have to have it going in. That is how we
roll. Even if things go right tonight, we get the hottest NHLP playoff
team in the 20 year history of the league. Their guys, 14, 8, 8, 7,
and 6 points. Hell they had a guy with 0 and still set an NHLP record with
43 first round points. We have to beat that? We got a hot date
coming up and we aren't looking too good for that right about now."
---
Tyson Sets Mark To Beat At 20
GM Tyson has been a pain in everyone's side this NHLP playoffs and he isn't done
just yet. Standing in the way of his Tampa Bay #26 pulling an upset over
Miami #14 (Charlie) is Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Cleary, Green, Laich and Morrison.
"Pretty clear" said Charlie, "We need 5 points." Charlie will be getting
the maximum 42 player games from his Surf, but so far in 36 man games Chuck has
only scored 15 points and did not get 5 in any one game, "So this is not a
foregone conclusion" said Lightning supporter Mike Tyson. The winner will
get Dallas #3 (Jr) who has at least 5 players and will be too powerful for
Tyson's leftovers, but GM Charlie's team does still have serious cup
aspirations. If Detroit and Washington can win, Charlie will face Jr up a
man in the second round, 6-5 in what Muddy Capone is calling a "Made for the
Yearbook series. We are already calling it the 'Spitting' series here in
the office. These two GM's are the 'Spitting Image' of one another."
Will the Yearbook get their wish and have the full teams matching up?
Depends on if Charlize's girls play like men finally, for just one game.
---
Most Lopsided - Most Close
The NHLP Yearbook takes great pride in their CTR Rankings and Playoff
Predictions. So far in the first round the Yearbook has 11 correct, 2
wrong and 3 series are deemed undecided. The Yearbook is likely looking at
nailing 13 of the 16 first round series after all is said and done, "About our
average" said Muddy Capone. Of course you never know, making the
predictions fun. One of the most lopsided predictions of all time turned
out to be the biggest upset in league history in the 2007-08 season's playoffs.
"We had Los Angeles (Andrew) as a 33-10 point favorite over the San Diego team
of GM Glen's" says Muddy Capone. "Glen was out-manned 6-3 and he wins the
series 12-9." This season the expected most lopsided series was Memphis #6
(Jr) being a 10 point favorite over Hamilton #32 (Tyson) and it ends the closest
first round series, 14-14, going to the tie-breaker. Jr now moves on with
three Sharks but he doesn't know who he'll play, or what he'll be playing until
the final game of the first round Wednesday night.
---
Indianapolis and Green Bay
"Sadly - Somebody Has To Lose Out"
GM's Matt and Ryan have had a classic battle in the Central
Division 1 & 4 matchup. Ryan has led after games 1, 2 and 6 while Matt
took the lead in game 4, and things were tied after games 3 and 5. That
only leaves game 7 and Ryan is first up tonight with Lombardi and a very tiny 1
point lead, 27-26. "Ryan has to keep the lead or he loses on the
tie-breaker" states Muddy Capone who says this series has been the most intense
and fun to report on. "You have the top CTR rated team in Indianapolis and
everyone wants to see the top team lose out. It is just the way it is
every single year." It is clear to see that Lombardi must score tonight,
likely even 2 points which would give Ryan a 3 point lead heading into
Wednesday's game seven between Montreal and Washington where Matt would have
Ovechkin, Laich, Knuble and Knuble playing. These four players have point
totals of 2-6-5-7-3 and 1 through the first 6 games, so you can easily see
realistically, just a one point lead will not do it for Ryan. The winner
gets Memphis (Jr) and his three Sharks. Ryan can throw 4 or 5 players if
Phoenix wins and Matt could win this crazy series and lose his Caps, being left
with Burrows and Lucic which would be an insane ending to this fantastic series.
---
Mike & Ray Still Hoping For Magical Moment
Time is running out for Mike & Ray in Winnipeg #17. Having the only
players playing tonight, in Detroit's game 7, the Rookie GM's must get some
scoring. They are down 23-20 and now sit with the tie-breaker over
Vancouver #29 (Joel). Bertuzzi and Cleary will try to close the gap and
even if they do get three three points to tie the series, Joel would still have
Plekanec and Markov to outscore Fleischmann on Wednesday. "You would think
that Washington can shutout Montreal in their game 7" says Muddy Capone, "So
they need to get three points from Bertuzzi, Cleary and Fleischmann. If
you look at it like that, you think it could happen. Then you look at
Plekanec's and Markov's point totals per game, 2-2-1-1-2-2 and you get the quick
impression 3 points isn't going to do it and it might take 5 from Mike & Ray's 3
players who have point totals per game of 0-3-1-1-0-0 so you can see that this
is very bleak for the first year GM's." It would appear that Joel's
Vancouver team will face Alaska (Marcel) in a series that Joel cannot win.
If Montreal loses game 7, Joel has no one left and if Montreal wins, Marcel has
Plekanec and Markov so Marcel would win on a point from Bergeron, Giroux or
Cammalleri. All Marcel needs tonight is to ground a couple Jets and he is
through to the Conference Finals.
---
Not Laughing Just Yet
GM Andrew has stated time and time again, "Halak is going to shut down
Washington and you'll have no one left". OK, we'll give him that much so
far as Andrew might just be right. If Montreal can win just one more game,
San Fran #2 (Scott) doesn't have a player in their round two matchup. So
Scott isn't laughing but he thinks Andrew might not be laughing as much as he
thinks he is either, "Detroit going out tonight and Washington winning tomorrow"
says Scott, "Now all of a sudden his dream team isn't so cocky then.
Andrew's worst fears will be my 5 against Crosby, Malkin and Kunitz. He
knows, as I do, that Semin is ready to explode. Semin has 36 shots in 6
games and not a goal and only a point from all his passes and setting guys up.
He could get 10 points next round as easy as anything Andrew can put up.
He knows it. Won't admit it, but knows it."
---
NHL Second Round Matchups?
Philadelphia at Washington
Boston at Pittsbrugh
or
Montreal at Pittsburgh
Philadelphia at Boston
---
Phoenix at San Jose
Vancouver at Chicago
or
Detroit at San Jose
Vancouver at Chicago
---
40 in 20
No team in NHLP history had had 40 first round points, something GM
Andrew has already accomplished with his LA Kings with still Datsyuk and
Franzen to play a game 7. "He could hit 45" says Muddy Capone of
the record that stood for 20 years. "It looks like 9 teams will
top 30 first round points after going over 3 full seasons without one in
the first round hitting the mark." Clearly the GM's are getting
better or this was just a high scoring year.
---
Hurricane's Say "We aren't done yet!"
The NHLP's Carolina Hurricane's (#30) GM Joel let the Yearbook know it in an
email today, "We aren't done yet" stated Joel, "We can score the 9 we need to
win." GM Joel has Sullivan and Weber tonight who will need a game seven
and some serious points as a result of tonight's game, "GM Andrew is done and
Joel does have the tie-breaker, so nine and he steals the win" says Muddy
Capone, "It is very unlikely. Sullivan and Weber will likely need a solid
4 or more points. If Joel can get that he could be 5 down for the win with
Sullivan, Weber, Rafalski and Jovanovski all getting a game 7 where they'd need
5 points. It can happen but Sullivan and Weber must be monsters tonight
and get that one extra game."
---
Mike & Ray, "?"
GM's Mike and Ray continue to play it very low key and refuse to speak with the
Yearbook. Do they have what it takes to come back, pulling an amazing
comeback in Ottawa #9? "They'd need to likely gain nine points" says Muddy
Capone. Down 25-17 without the tie-breaker (Montreal) they need huge
nights from kane, Pominville, Recchi, Fehr and Jovanovski tomorrow, as well as
likely game 7's. Halifax #20 (Henry) still has Toews and Wolski to answer,
so this all seems very unlikely. The first year GM's are playing it low
key. Likely a good idea.
---
CRUCIAL UPDATES
I have went and looked at everything up to date for these three series that are
tied. Well, they are not all tied anymore. THIS CHANGES THE WRITEUPS
BELOW AS I DID THIS AFTERWARD BUT...
Laich has 2 points in the series, not one. This
gives Indy (Matt) a 24-23 lead. Charlie in Miami was correct.
The 31 Club
Sunday went GM Marcel's way in Alaska #31 and he has been
hopes of sealing the deal tonight, moving his low rated Attack into the second
round of the NHLP playoffs. "This team played simply amazing in round one"
said Muddy Capone, "Five of Six players so far at least matched or beat their
Yearbook prediction." Marcel's man-games could end tonight, tied 30-30
with Matt's Seattle #4 team, Marcel has Plekanec, Bergeron, Cammalleri and
Markov. Whatever those 4 get tonight, unless they get a game 7, will be
Marcel's total when Matt plays his last man-game Tuesday night with Lombardi.
"Lombardi has had two - 2 point games and two - 1 point games in his six games,
so he is scoring" Capone adds trying to analyze how the series will end.
"If Washington and Boston win and Marcel only gets 3 or less, things might be
tense, but if he can get a game 7 or have a big night, GM Marcel should be able
to ride out the Storm." GM Matt will be hoping for zero's from Marcel and
a Washington and Boston win, where then Matt could win on a tie-breaker or just
a point from Lombardi on Tuesday.
---
Machine In Drivers Seat
The Memphis Machine #6 (Jr) took a big step in the 2-3 series in the Central by
grabbing the tie-breaker from GM Tyson's Hamilton Hitmen #32 in this 13-13 first
round NHLP matchup. All Jr now has to do is stay even with Tyson the rest
of the series, if it goes beyond tonight. Tyson must get more points from
Kopecky and Hornqvist (who has been rated questionable for tonight's game 6)
then Jr's three players Roy, Tallinder and Vanek (day to day with ankle).
Vanek, who has been limping is in control of if he plays or not said the coach
Ruff, "If he says I'm Ready, He's playing." Both GM's will be hoping for a
game 7 from their players, Jr because he wants his three Sabres next round while
Tyson in hopes of an extra game and chance to win this series. Matt will
be cheering hard for a Boston shutout tonight in the early 7 PM game, leaving
him only needing a point to move on in what will be without doubt the biggest
NHLP first round upset.
Matt Grabs Lead Back - Tying Series at 23-23
The Green Bay Knights #16 (Ryan) lost the lead Sunday to the CTR #1 Indianapolis
Icemen (Matt) who grabbed a point from Burrows and now hold the official
tie-breaker over Ryan. The winner here plays the Memphis (Jr) and Hamilton
(Tyson) battle also knotted up heading into play Monday. Ryan must gain a
point to win the series and everything could end tonight. Ryan will have
the advantage of knowing how Matt's players do in the 7 PM games. Matt has
some power going, but he wasn't rated as the top NHLP team all season for no
reason at all. Ovechkin, Laich, Knuble, Knuble and Lucic will try and stay
even with Ryan's Hawks, Kane, Hossa and Ladd. Clearly either GM getting a
game seven will severely increase their chances of winning. Both GM's can
be strong come the second round and both can have their Cup dreams dashed by the
other. Welcome to the 2010 NHLP playoffs!
---
Jets Engines Not Firing
GM's Mike and Ray may not have
enough fuel left in the tanks to win their Northwest Division series in Winnipeg
#17. Down 21-18, with the possible tie-breaker (Chicago) the co-GM's need
everything they can get from their players in games 6 & 7's and hope to shut
down GM Joel in Vancouver #29 who counters with Plekanec and Markov tonight.
Whatever those to get must be answered and at least topped by 3 points or this
one will end a first round upset. The Jet's have Pominville and
Fleischmann with Vanek if he is a go. The winner here is looking like they
will play Alaska #32 (Marcel) who's series appears his to lose. If Joel
wins he could have no players in round two unless the Habs come back and Mike &
Ray could still have a full 6 if all goes right, but is at least through with
Malkin. Their Cup dreams will likely end tonight if they don't gain, or
get a game 7, as asking Bertuzzi and Cleary to get 3 points in a game seven
isn't impossible, but they haven't done it in the first 6 games either.
---
Point Break - Surf's Last Ride Appears All or Nothing
GM Charlie in Miami #14, understands his position heading into his game 6's and
7, "It is all or nothing for me" said Chuck, "I have to have a full 6 guys to
give Jr the second round battle this division deserves." Jr is through
with his 5 Canucks and maybe Schneider while Charlie has his hands full, down
17-14 versus Tyson's relentless Tampa Bay #26 team. Tyson, who is losing
the Buffalo tie-breaker throws up Krejci and Stafford tonight against Charlie's
three underachieving Capitals, Green, Laich and Morrison. If Boston wins
tonight, Charlie only needs a 3 point gain, so what Tyson gets tonight plus 3
points. Charlie still counters Tuesday with his three Red Wings, Datsyuk,
Lidstrom and Cleary. The pressure is clearly on Charlie to score.
"Looking at these two teams it makes little sense Tyson is winning" says Muddy
Capone, "Now the pressure is on Charlie's players. They haven't a choice
but to score right now. Charlie's Cup dreams rest on winning this series."
If Charlie gets Washington and Detroit wins, he can face Jr's 5 Canucks with 6
players in an NHLP dream matchup. Charlie may even use a Montreal win
tonight and a game 7, giving him a better shot at the series but he definitely
does not want a Sabres - Bruins 7 game series which will only add to the uphill
climb he is already facing.
---
40 in 20
No team in NHLP history had had 40 first round points, something GM Andrew has
already accomplished with his LA Kings with still Datsyuk and Franzen to play a
game 7. "He could hit 45" says Muddy Capone of the record that stood for
20 years. "It looks like 9 teams will top 30 first round points after
going over 3 full seasons without one in the first round hitting the mark."
Clearly the GM's are getting better or this was just a high scoring year.
---
Accuracy
It is very important to know that I have not went back and recheck all
the numbers. so when I say it is tied, is it? You have to check
yourself. All series are checked at the end. So you might think you
are winning but if it is without a point right now, you could actually be
losing. They do change or add points after the fact. Anyhow...
The 30-30 Club
GM Matt has got to be feeling the pressure today in Seattle #4. The Storm
are tied 30-30 with Lombardi and Demitra playing. Matt has Detroit in the
tie-breaker, so is technically in the lead heading into today's games. All
players in all series could face their last games any night now, so Matt likely
MUST get a couple points tonight from these two and maybe even an extra game
somewhere, preferably in DET-PHO where GM Marcel's Alaska #31 team has not
response. Matt had his 4 Sharks move on to round two, so he is strong and
has cup dreams resting in the balance right here, right now, today. If
Matt Detroit and Vancouver win today, Matt is done with player games. GM
Marcel's high scoring Attack have Handzus tonight and Plekanec, Bergeron,
Cammalleri and Markov playing Monday. Marcel is a huge favorite with so
many games remaining. Nothing is set in the Northwest as the other series
between Mike & Ray and Joel is 19-18 in Joel's favor heading into a 6 player
Sunday in this battle.
---
The 13-13 Club
It might not sound as exciting as the 30-30 club, but try telling that to either
Jr, Tyson, Matt or Ryan. This is the Central and it is as insane as ever.
Jr's Memphis #6 had 3 Sharks move on to round two, so that is the good news.
The bad news is now he is left with potentially only 3 player games from Roy,
Vanek (day to day) and Tallinder. Hamilton #32 (Tyson) who had no business
being in this series has hung around and still has the injured Hornqvist (day to
day) and Kopecky who's one point Saturday equaled Thornton, Marleau and Maholtra.
Jr is sitting with Vancouver as the tie-breaker and with this series, that is
all that is going on Sunday before the live players play Monday. Buffalo
plays at 7 PM while Chicago-Nashville start at 9 PM, making for a very intense
Monday. Either series going 7 might be the icing on the cake. Jr's
has a real shot still of 6 players but all is for not if he can't win. The
winner doesn't know who they will get as...
Ryan Holds Slimmest of Leads
The Green Bay Knights #16 (Ryan) are hanging onto a slim 23-22 lead over the CTR
#1 Indianapolis Icemen (Matt) as the two GM's throw a one on one battle against
each other for Sunday's action. Both GM's have Cup aspirations and both
can be dashed today, Monday or in a game 7 if one occurs somewhere. Ryan
has Lombardi hoping to hold onto his slim lead and Matt, already with the
tie-breaker cinched counters with Burrows. All Matt will need to do is tie
this baby up and on Monday has Ovechkin, Laich, Knuble, Knuble and Lucic playing
Kane, Hossa and Ladd. These guys aren't messing around. The winner
could get a very strong Jr or a 3 player Jr team or GM Tyson who is dreaming of
run from his CTR #32 where he can still have a 4 player second round team, but
Carter is out indefinitely.
---
Canucks Trying to Upset Jets
GM Joel throws his top scoring players at GM's Mike and Ray
Sunday who are hoping Bertuzzi and Cleary can hold serve. Joel, up 19-18
and losing the tie-breaker has Kopitar, Johnson, Williams today and Plekanec
Monday. If Mike and Ray can make it through the day as close as they are
now, Monday just might be their day with Pominville, Vanek (day to day) and
Fleichmann. A game seven in LA would be great news for Joel while the
first year GM's could use the extra game now from Detroit or Buffalo. The
winner here doesn't know who they will get but it surely is looking like GM
Marcel in Alaska who could be left with only 1 player if things don't go his way
in three series.
---
Kopitar Must Be Spectacluar
GM Tyson is hoping for Kopitar and Edler today to be sensational, giving Tyson a
shot at having 3 teams in the second round. It won't be easy.
Tyson's, Tampa Bay #26 leads 15-13 over Miami #14 (Charlie) who is coming hard
today with Datsyuk, Lidstrom and Cleary. Monday Charlie comes back with
Green, Laich and Morrison vs. Krejci and Stafford. The winner here gets
Dallas #3 (Jr) so both GM's likely want his Sedin's out, so are huge Canucks
fans tonight as well.
---
Stars Shine Bright
Lightning and Surf Battling
GM Jr removed all doubt in Dallas #3 with a 10 point night and now he just
awaits either Tampa Bay #26 (Tyson) or Miami 314 (Charlie) who are in the midst
of a great battle, Tyson up 15-13 after games Friday. "Jr was in a bit of
a battle but the question was would his Canucks move on or not" said Muddy
Capone. "Losing his 5 Canucks kills this team. Friday night was a
huge night. A Canucks win to go up 3-2, and putting any question of
winning his series to bed in a big, big way."
Tyson is hoping to pull the upset over Charlie for the right to play Jr and has
Spezza going Saturday as the only player going the the series. Charlie
still has Cup hopes and Detroit's win, still gives him the shot at 6 second
round players to face Jr's 5 Canucks. Jr and Charlie both can win this
entire thing and Tyson and LA is standing in their way in round one.
Nothing here is anywhere near decided but all eyes are on Spezza on Saturday
night.
---
Half Full or Half Empty?
It all depends on who you ask and what view they have in the Central. GM
Matt in Indy #1 is up 22-18 heading into a crucial Saturday of NHLP action.
GM Ryan in Green Bay #16 has Kane, Hossa and Ladd playing their game 5's.
This is a massive NHLP series as either of these two GM's and Memphis #6 (Jr)
could go on to win the NHLP Championship, but only one will eventually come out
of this tough division. With Montreal's win, GM Matt gets an extra game
from his 4 Caps players. Indy can still have 6 players in the second round
as could Ryan and Jr.
Jr in Memphis is tied 12-12 with his three Sharks about ready to open this
series up against Hornqvist (if he plays) and Kopecky. Jr still would have
his Sabres in game 6 on Monday. It is inconceivable that he lose this
series, but the biggest question is who he faces and what he and they have next
round.
---
Malkin and Thornton
If you aren't into the excitement in the NHLP you really have no business being
in this league. The Northwest has been so exciting to follow and it is
nowhere near decided. Mike & Ray have Makin as the lone player in their
matchup playing Saturday, down 19-17 against Joel. Everyone here is
getting at least 6 games and maybe more. Joel's entire team is down 3-2 in
their series while Mike & Ray have 4 players winning their series. Who
will the winner face?
GM Matt in Seattle #4 is down 30-23 to Alaska #31 (Marcel). Alaska has
scored 30 first round points? Wholly shit Marcel!!! Marcel currently
has two players moving on, so he is cheering for GM Joel to win the series
above, which would give Marcel the division, if he can win this series.
Matt isn't going quietly and hopes to make a major dent in the 7 points, even
taking the lead in his Saturday game with Thornton, Boyle, Pavelski and Blake.
Matt may be hoping for a 7 point game from his players and a Colorado win,
giving all these guys one more game. Marcel just wants these guys to go
away, and prefers a 1-0 SJ win. This is a great upset in the making.
Nothing we love more than upsets. Upsets gives us material to talk about.
Marcel was wrote off all season. It was a horrible season for Marcel.
To win here and have a real chance to win again, this is what the NHLP is all
about. For Matt, this was clearly his year. CTR #1 and #4. He
can choke on both or yet win them both. If you aren't excited about this,
you just don't get it!
---
40 in Sight
This has been one of the highest scoring first round playoffs ever. Teams
are all hitting 30 points everywhere. There are 10 teams that can top 30
points in the first round. What does that mean? Well if you go to
the playoffs page and view the last three years playoffs that are all there in
full, not one team in the past 3 years has hit 30 points in a round! NOT ONE!
A 30 point round has always been a huge round and 36 is the NHLP record, already
tied by GM Andrew with still Crosby, Malkin, Kunitz, Datsyuk and Franzen yet to
play. He can hit 40 points for the first time in NHLP history and truly,
he could hit 50 if he gets a game 7. It isn't only Andrew. Jr, Ryan
and even Marcel could hit 40. Never done before in 20 years, yet they all
could do it this playoffs. No team the past 3 seasons has hit 30 and all
of a sudden 10 teams could get it in round one? Is it all these too many
men on the ice penalties? The bar has been raise and we like to think of
it as the quality of GM in the league is at an all time high. What ever
the reason, it is fun to watch, fun to be a part of.
---
Buffalo and Montreal On Brink
Lots still going on but here is a look at what could be the match ups next round
if the leading teams win. In the East Washington would get the lowest
seed, so Philadelphia if they can beat out the Habs. This leaves the other
winners playing, right now Pittsburgh and Boston.
In the West things are a little tighter, but San Jose would get the lowest seed
if they complete the job. This would be Nashville, Los Angeles before they
got the winner of the Phoenix and Detroit series, in that order. If the
favorites win, San Jose gets Phoenix or Detroit and Chicago would get Vancouver.
The West is being the West, wide open. Big games.
---
Gulf Division - Charlie in Tough Spot
GM Charlie has underachieved to the point where things are really critical
heading into his 3 CAPS and 3 WINGS Friday night. Charlie is down 14-10 in
Miami #14 and losing his CAPS tonight will mean Charlie's great hopes for a 6
man second round team could be dashed, as he may not get there. Tampa Bay
#26 (Tyson) has not been great but still has 7 player games to Chucks 9, meaning
Tyson is not done scoring here. Charlie has Boston as the Tie-Breaker.
The winner here looks like they will be getting Jr's Sedin team in Dallas #3 who
is up 19-17. That isn't enough to declare a victory, but GM Henry in New
Orleans #12, lost Kovalchuk and Rolston and has just 4 players and only sits
with 5 players games left to Jr's at least 12. So both Tyson and Charlie
should be cheering for the KINGS or the second round may be impossible to win
against the Sedin Trips.
---
Central Division - Top Seeds Look To Squeak By?
It wasn't expected to be so close in Memphis #6 (Jr) where he was a 10 point
favorite against the lowest ranked NHLP playoff team in Hamilton (Tyson).
Hamilton is actually still winning this series 12-11 and could yet get the LA
tie-breaker. That is the end of the good news. His FLYERS, Richards
and Carter, were just too good and are both finished leaving Tyson Hornqvist
(injured) and Kopecky to stay even with Thornton, Marleau, Maholtra, Roy, Vanek
and Tallinder. Tyson would need Buffalo being shutout tonight. If
that happens he goes into Saturday with Hornqvist coming back and 4 players
games left against jr who could be completely finished with a SJ win. That
would make this interesting for sure. What is more likely is Jr will win
and match up his Sharks and Sabres (if they can somehow come back) to play the
winner of Indianapolis #1 (Matt) and Green Bay #16 (Ryan). Matt is up
19-17 with the tie-breaker. His only problem would be a very low scoring
CAPS win tonight. If he loses his CAPS players tonight, he only has
Burrows and Lucic (who he could lose tonight as well) to face Ryan who is
getting at least 6 more player games from his 3 HAWKS Kane, Hossa and Ladd as
well as 2 more from Lombardi. If Matt wins he looks solid with his CAPS
and Ryan would be Ok with his HAWKS unless the SABRES came back for Jr.
Tonight's games will play huge in how the Central unfolds now and in the second
round.
---
Northwest Division - Second Round CTR #29 vs. CTR #31?
GM Marcel has just been amazing, scoring 26 in Alaska #31, holding a 7 point
lead over Matt's much higher ranked Seattle #4 team. Marcel still is not
out of the cold yet as he could be down to only Handzus after tonight. He
needs his 3 HABS to score and hopefully win. Matt is going to answer
tonight with Lombardi and Demitra and tomorrow with his 4 SHARKS. Matt can
get these 7 points back, so Marcel must increase that lead tonight if his Attack
are going to complete the job. Joel's Vancouver #29 team is trying to
complete what he started and is up 16-15 over the favored Winnipeg #17 (Mike &
Ray). This series is no where near over as both GM's have players with at
least two games left. Joel has Kopitar, Johnson and Williams of LA as well
as Mueller (injured) with two left in Phoenix. Mike and Ray have their own
injury problems in Vanek but have at least 8 player games left themselves,
including Malkin. The tie-breaker is tied, as the young GM's took CHI.
If Joel can hold them off, he'll also need LA winning and Mike and Ray look a
tad better. They could have 6 if the SABRES came back or only 2 if the
WINGS lose out. Those two would be Malkin and Fleischmann. Malkin
could be going to game 7 as the SENS are going to be gangsters Saturday night at
home. Nothing is settled here, but for competing against two very low
ranked NHLP teams, for Matt, Mike & Ray, things must be a little unsettling.
---
Looking Like It is OVER!
Atlantic Division - New Jersey #7 (Jr) vs. Hartford #24
(Andrew)?
GM Joel is down 28-17 with 8 player games so he still can score in Buffalo, but
although Jr has lost his three high scoring Devils, he still has 6 player games
from Zetterberg, Filppula and Kronwall. Joel would have to gain 12(as Jr
has the tie-breaker) plus what his wings score. Even a 7 game series in
San Jose, which appears unlikely, like won't be enough. This looks like
Jr's series and the question is, will he have zero players or his three Wings in
round two? He is cheering hard for the wings as this team can still win
the Cup with those Wings. Andrew (up 27-14) is cheering for OTT here, even
though he would be crushed and on bitter soul if Ottawa won as he'd lose his
best chance elsewhere. Even if PIT wins, Andrew would have Guerin, Dupuis
and still Samuelsson if VAN wins. Either way Andrew could beat out Jr's
three Wings
---
Northeast Division - Boston #11 (Ryan) vs. Halifax #20
(Henry)?
Ryan is through, leading 30-14 but what will he have in round two? he will
have either zero players if OTT can come back and knock PIT out, or he has his
very strong team of 5 PENS. GM Henry could still answer, enough to
compete, but he'd need Heatley (Stastny & Duchene) plus Toews, Wolski and would
get Talbot. That is either a 4 or 5 man team that can compete, but he
still needs his teams winning, or simply have PIT lose out. Can OTT now
make it a 7 game series, you'd have to think they will be fired up at home
Saturday.
---
Southeast Division - Washington #23 (Andrew) vs.
Cleveland #13 (Tyson)?
Joel could never muster anything in Carolina #30 and is back 20-9 over Andrew
who still has 9 player games to play. Andrew can still have 0, 3 or
6 players in round two, so the second round matchup is very wide open. If
he gets his 3 PENS and 3 KINGS through, watch out here. If he splits
either or, this team becomes average in a hurry. Tyson is strong with what
appears to be Ovechkin, Leino and all or some of Sharp, Hjalmarsson, Letang and
Samuelsson. It is possible even to have a 6 on 6 second roun. Tyson
needs to just get VAN through and that should be enough for him to get out of
the division.
---
Pacific Division - San Fran #2 (Scott) vs. Los Angeles #8
(Andrew)?
GM Chad just matched up all wrong in the Pacific. Down 33-16 there is no
question mark for GM Andrew's high-flying Kings. A smaller question mark
is by San Fran (Scott) who is up 18-10 and Charlie is down to just 3 players,
but they all play at least 2 and possible 3 games each remaining. If Scott
losses his 5 CAPS tonight and doesn't score, Charlie could easily over come the
8 points to knock Scott out. Possible yes, unlikely yes. What is
more fathomable will be GM Scott playing GM Andrew in the anticipated grudge
match. "These two GM's simply cannot stand each others teams" says Muddy
Capone. Andrew recently said he "Hated everything about Semin" calling him
a weasel among other things. Andrew is slighted that Scott's team is
ranked higher in the CTR, something Andrew states makes no sense. Andrew
is bitter and won't be happy until his Kings knock the Titan out. Scott
insists his players are every bit as good as Andrews and "I hate Crosby and
Malkin just as much" said Scott. The two teams traded star players with
Andrew getting Crosby from the Titan for Backstrom, a move Andrew said "Was a
move not many GM's would have made" referring to Scott's boldness or insanity.
So far in round one Crosby has scored 13 to Backstrom's 9 with the extra game at
hand from Backstrom happening tonight. Andrew isn't as close to setting a
second round team, as DET needs to still come out to give Andrew 5 players but,
"It doesn't matter" said Andrew on that topic, "Crosby, Malkin and Kunitz are
better then his 6 players. Corvo is such a bad plus minus, how do they
even play him? His ice time will drop in half against a good team."
Scott would not be outdone stating, "Look at what Andrew is all excited about.
Crosby. I traded him. Malkin. I traded him. Kunitz,
traded by me. Clarkson, sent him to the minors. Franzen. Sent
him to the minors. Andrew's team is a bunch of over rated has-beens who
simply weren't good enough. They aren't winning anyone any Cups.
We'll see the talk when Corvo gets the puck to Semin on the PP and Backstrom
roofs it. Two goals in the series like that should about be enough second
round points to top his team. Crosby gets 13 points against Ottawa.
Do it next series versus the Bruins. Fat fucking chance!" By the
way, it is not official they even meet yet.
---
Southwest Division - Phoenix #25 (Charlie) vs. Atlanta
#10 (Ryan)
Charlie is looking like he will complete the upset with his Phoenix team but
will he have 2 or 6 players in round two? Charlie looks safe to have
Backstrom and Chimera but will his PREDS be able to complete the win over CHI.
That changes many things here in round two where it appears safe to
predict Atlanta (Ryan) will be moving on, up 23-15 with Tyson seeming all but
toast now. Ryan can have his three SHARKS and still at least something in
the DET-PHO series, either Wolski and Stempniak or Filppula. It appears
Charlie cannot compete so he needs the AVS to come back or NASH to knock off the
HAWKS.
---
Supernova
GM Jr's Dallas Stars #3 exploded for 8 points on the night and got the must
needed win from his Canucks. "The Sedin's were unstoppable" said Muddy
Capone "Vancouver looked the hungrier and things are back on track for the
expected Cup run." Jr came in down 13-11 and after all game fours but
Henry's Byfuglien, Jr will go into Thursday up by 6 points. "All Jr's 6
players have at least 2 more games each while Henry starts losing players, maybe
as many as 5 players their next game."
---
Exceeding Expectations
The Yearbook saw two teams become the first to pass their predicted expectations
for the first round, both underdogs and of course both winning their series.
GM Marcel in Alaska #31 was only predicted to get 22 points, and lose by a point
but are now up 23-17 after a 4 point night Wednesday. "This is a huge
upset" said Muddy Capone, "For Seattle (Matt) is a great team, ranked 4th
overall. Of course with 4 Sharks and them getting at least two more game
each, Marcel is by no means safe with 5 of his 6 players facing elimination next
games." Phoenix #25 (Charlie) also topped prediction with his 4 point
night and now has 24 points, 3 more then the 21 the Yearbook put him at with his
4 Preds still yet playing game 4. "I knew I had one of the highest scoring
teams. I'd love to be the first GM in history to get 40 first round
points" said Charlie who has said all along the Preds were a couple round team
and this has shown with their domination of the Blackhawks. "I am not
saying they'll win the Cup, but no team is more physical."
---
Carter Gone For Playoffs - Hamilton Still Has Kopecky
GM Tyson could not possibly have a worse first round in the Central. Oh
wait, "He could be losing!!!" Tyson is up 10-9 in Hamilton #32 but entered
the playoffs with only 5 players and immediately lost Kovalev before game one
leaving him with only 4 players. Hornqvist missed games 2 and 3 and now
Carter is gone the rest of the way. Who's left? Kopecky hasn't
played game 4 yet, so anything he gets is bonus. "You look over on the
other bench and you see Thornton, Marleau, Roy, Vanek, Maholtra, Tallinder and
GM Jr licking his chops" says Muddy Capone. Memphis is the #6 overall team
and has at least 9 player games left and Jr's six need only outscore Richards,
Kopecky and IF Hornqvist comes back, what he gets, "Jr still might just win this
by the predicted 10 points" said Capone.
---
Up After Evens
GM Ryan has been up by 2, 1 than 1 after even games 1, 2 and 3. Well Green
Bay #16 is now down 19-15 in the Central to Indianapolis #1 (Matt) after Matt
struck for 7 points Wednesday. Of course Ryan has Kane, Hossa and Ladd yet
to play that game 4 so all is not lost for Ryan. A big night is needed and
a better Chicago team must show up. The Hawks were third overall in the
NHL this season for goals scored, but only have 4 in 3 games against the Preds.
A big injury here appears to be Hejduk for GM Ryan who is out Thursday, but Ryan
will have 4 players against no one and every point will matter as Matt may only
have one game left from his 4 Caps, meaning if Ryan can get likely one more win
from Chicago, pushing that series to 6 or even 7, this series can see the top
CTR team out in round one.
---
"Tie-Breaker For Game 7?"
GM Scott said "I have lost more playoff series than any GM but I also know no
matter how bad things look, I can make a case for how we can still win."
After a big night in Cleveland #13 where Tyson has now built a 17-8 point lead,
GM Scott said "It isn't over by a mile." Is he drunk? Likely!
"We can do this" he says, telling Muddy Capone to "Stop laughing and write this
down." Scott, calculator in hand (as these are big numbers) shows that
although down by 9 points his Chicago 5 are outscoring Tyson's team by 2 points
a game once you take Ovechkin out of the equation. "If Ovechkin can get
zero, or if Kostitsyn can match him next game and Washington win, they are both
out, leaving me to gain two points a game. Game 4 in Chicago puts me 7
down, game 5 I'm down by 5, game 6 only 3 and game 7 I'd be only minus 1 points
with the tie-breaker if Philly can finish New Jersey. So just a game 7
empty net goal can tie me up and give me the chance to win the series. I
just need to gain 2 points tomorrow night and I am on my way." Ya, he's
drunk!
---
Vanek In, Carter Out?
In the most surprising first round match GM Jr finds himself on the edge in
Memphis #6 where he trails heading into Wednesday 10-9. The series is
taking on a life revolving around game time decisions. Tonight Vanek
hasn't ruled himself out but the coach Ruff didn't sounds so optimistic.
Jr has Roy, Vanek and Tallinder going tonight against no one. "Tallinder
and Malhotra have scored 3 points or their predicted 3 first round points" says
Muddy Capone, "While Thornton, Marleau and Roy have 4 of a projected 16."
This is how wacky things are and now after Carter scores three points last
night, he is expected to miss game 5 on Thursday after hurting his foot late in
the game. Tyson's Hamilton #32 team has missed Hornqvist for his second
straight game but he is a game time decision on Thursday, likely sitting as
Nashville is up 2-1 in the series. Jr did get some great news last night
when San Jose won, ensuring his big Sharks have 2 more games to work out their
kinks. "Hamilton has no business being in this series but the simple fact
is they are in this series and the longer it can go this close, the more likely
they can pull out the NHLP's biggest upset this playoffs."
---
Canucks Hoping For 3 More Games
GM Jr will be cheering hard tonight for a Canucks win, ensuring himself of
getting two more games after tonight from his Canucks, but maybe even more
important, not putting them down 3-1 to the Kings. In the Gulf Jr is in an
unexpected battle against GM Henry. Henry is up 13-11 with only Roy to
play tonight against Henrik, Hank, Daniel, Kevin and Pavol. On Tuesday
Henry had 4 players, including Kovalchuk who all went down 3-1 in their
respective series, so his man games are starting to run out. Jr, however,
can win with a shorter series for his Sedin's can score 6 points in a Canucks
loss, but that is devastating for Jr can only win the cup with the Canucks in.
"I'd rather lose then go on with no one" said Jr.
---
Stafford In? Charlie Out?
Staying in the Gulf Division, GM's Tyson and Charlie are locked up at 9-9
heading into a huge night of hockey tonight. "The Division is wide open,
maybe even the Cup" says Muddy Capone, "Charlie could win and have a full 6
players yet or he could yet lose and Tyson could win the Division with Kopitar
and Krejci depending on who wins the Jr-Henry battle." This is some
exciting NHLP hockey. Tyson has Kopitar, Krejci, Edler and apparently now
Stafford against Green, Laich and Morrison tonight for Charlie. Not often
do you have 4 teams, this leate in round one, all having such a great
opportunity to potentially win the division based on what happens in 2 or 3
games.
---
Pressure Builds For GM Matt's Icemen
Ovechkin, Laich, Knuble, Knuble, Burrows and Lucic need 3 points
tonight to tie up the Indianapolis Icemen #1 (Matt) with GM Ryan in Green Bay
who leads the Central's 1-4 matchup 15-12. "Ryan doesn't have anyone going
and the tie-breaker is tied 2-2 in the SJ-COL series, so Ryan must play some
series defense" states Muddy Capone. The other Central battle between
Memphis (Jr) and Hamilton (Tyson) is up in the air making this story even more
interesting. Matt can come back and have his outstanding Washington
players or lose out leaving Ryan with Pronger and who knows. If Matt gets
a Habs win tonight, he is assured a full two more games after tonight from his
Caps, but a low scoring Caps win can really put him in a due or die game where
his Caps will have to score big or be out. This affects the entire league
as if this team wins and Washington moves on, not many NHLP teams will then be
strong enough. Matt's Cup hopes are resting in the balance.
---
Northwest Getting Tenser By The Shift
We can't say the Northwest is just the craziest Division right now, so that
shows you just how wild this NHLP playoffs is. Make no mistake, the
Northwest is crazy. Up top you have a 13-13 tie between Mike & Ryan and GM
Joel with the co-GM's having Pominville, Fleischman and possibly Vanek playing
tonight against Kopitar, Plekanec, Johnson, Markov and Williams who has been a
healthy scratch for the past two games. "Winnipeg could still have a full
6 players including Malkin" says Capone, "So this has ramifications across the
league." Joel has 3 Kings who'd look good against GM Marcel's Attack
#31 who are leading 19-16 against the CTR #4 Seattle (Matt) team. Matt has
Demitra to play tonight against Plekanec, Bergeron, Cammalleri, Handzus and
Markov for Marcel, all games at hand. "We expected this to be a close
series, but Alaska was still not the favorite. Marcel can open this thing
up like a Christmas present tonight." Wow. Marcel must be like a
little kid. "What's in the box?" Don't forget to read the card!
---
Tyson Looks To Bury Flyer Hopes
GM Tyson knows Ovechkin and Samuelsson can bury any hope the Flyer (Scott) with
a 4 point gain tonight over the Flyer leading scorer Kostitsyn (5 of 8 Flyer
points). Leading 13-8 already with a non scoring Flyer team already
seemingly out a huge 4 point gain tonight can put the Flyer down by 9 or 10 and
game over. "I've listen to enough of his shit" said Tyson, "We are being
respected. OV takes this stuff person and I am having trouble holding him
back. GM Scott will likely see OV score another 4 points by himself
tonight and he has no one to blame for it but himself." With GM Andrew
stepping up in the 2-3 series with his Washington team, Tyson must now not only
score tonight but hope the Canucks can come back against the Kings or Andrew
might be too strong next round for even OV. GM Scott points to the
dressing room wall, "Defense Wins Cups."
---
Henry Gets Upgrade
Well GM Henry could have used his new computer a few months back, but apparently
it is already paying dividends, "I can check my email in under 20 minutes" said
Henry of the new hi-speed machine. "The NHLP site sometimes took 3 minutes
to load a page and 5 or 6 pages, easily 15 minutes" Henry tells of the horror
stories of having a 6 year old computer. "It was about time. I can
actually check the scores in 30 seconds. Crazy." GM Scott takes no
credit for the recent purchase but did say, "I may have had a small part of the
decision. Telling them it would drive me insane if I owned that piece of
shit and I'd likely just smash it into a million fucking little pieces" says
Scott, "But hey, don't get the impression I wasn't grateful to use it."
Well the faster machine will undoubtedly make Henry's life as a GM a hell of a
lot more enjoyable. (Editors note: Out of curiosity what are you
doing with that old machine? I'd like to take it for a little drive next
time I am down.)
---
Heater's Back Destroying
GM Henry got good news for Tuesday's games that his star player Heatley, who
missed the previous game, will be back for Halifax. The Destroyers lead
the Northeast Division series with Ottawa (Mike & Ray) 13-11 and have all 6
players going tonight against only 3 for the Sens so Henry will hope to stretch
out the lead in the only first round battle of Rookie GM's.
---
Learning to Love Again
If you talk to GM Andrew, he just cannot wait for Washington's season to get
over even though his Caps have a chance at a 6 player second round team!!!
"You only win the cup on one team, so the others don't matter" stated the very
focused Andrew. There are many teams in the NHLP who wish they had
Andrew's problem, so many good teams all winning that it is hard to keep track
of them all. He only has so much love is his cold heart that he doesn't
even look at how these teams are doing. "That is what he tells us" says
Muddy Capone. "With his 3 Kings and 3 Pens all winning in the Southeast we
wonder if the love can ever come back? We wonder if Andrew will ever love
again? If he can find it in his heart to care about this team too?"
Up 10-5, but truly who cares. We think deep, deep down, there is a cuddly,
softer, gentler, more loving side of GM Andrew who just needs something to love
and if things keep down this path, it might only take another 10 days or so for
this love to blossom into "I have always loved that team."
---
"Turning Point Is Tonight" - GM Scott
GM Scott called his shot saying that his Philadelphia Flyer would "Come back and
turn the series around tonight." Well this isn't anything new to the NHLP
Yearbook as GM Scott calls his shot every night says Muddy Capone, "He'd take up
all the space we have for print if we let him. Every night!" If GM
Scott said it or not, it must be plainly obvious that his time is running out,
down 13-7 heading into tonight but only having a 5-4 player games advantage this
evening. "Sharp has scored 2 points, matching my entire 5 Hawks in the
first two games" says Scott, "Toews has no luck at all and could easily have 4
points in the first two games. Neither Keither nor Steeger have shown up
yet. Ladd gets the opportunity to play on the top line and stinks out the
place. Bolland. Wow, where to start with Bolland. We gave 24
points and Franzen to get Bolland. Best move we made all year and when we
come back to win this series and eventually the Cup, Bolland I do suspect, will
be our team MVP. Love the guy. If the rest of the team had an ounce
of his heart, game in game out, we'd be unstoppable. This is the one
player that will never do any wrong in my heart. His jersey number will
hang proudly with Dan and Daniel's someday, high in our rafters. If he
feels the same way, he could show me some love in return by getting me two
points tonight. Make papa proud!"
---
Shooting Stars - Still 'Kicking'
GM Jr scored 4 points and had 3 more taken off the board by
the ever so controversial "distinct kicking motion" rule. Jr's Stars did
end the night with a 11-10 lead in the Gulf with Henry's Wolverines having only
Byfuglien yet to play a game three. Henry has 5 player games Tuesday where
he will try and keep the pressure on GM Jr as the series are all going into the
second half with Henry having the best chance of having a game seven from his
players, "For Jr it is will Vancouver play a 7th game or not" says Capone, where
as Henry could squeak in a very important 7th game from the Hawks, Sabres, Sens
or Devils with the last two meaning two player games from those series. To
win in the NHLP playoffs you have to be good every night so we'll see if Henry
grabs a commanding lead Tuesday night.
---
Andrew - "Don't Care About That Team"
We guess when you already have won 4 Cups you know flat out what teams can win
and what teams never will. GM Andrew feels this way in the Atlantic with
his Hartford Whalers and was quote by the Yearbook as saying, "I don't care
about that team." Will Andrew care a little more Tuesday is open for
debate, but what is known is his Whalers are up 16-13 over Atlantic City and as
things stand with GM Jr's Devils up 24-9 but losing all 6 players, three Wings
and three Devils, GM Andrew would go right through the division with a first
round win if things hold up. Andrew is already predicting Jr to be in the
finals, so we'll see if he can get excited about any other team of his besides
his "Kings are my only hope"!
---
Alaska Stays On Attack
One of the biggest potential upsets in round one is Alaska #31 (Marcel) beating
Seattle #4 (Matt) 19-13 after complete game three's. Marcel had a 6 point
night thanks in part to 3 by Handzus who is already at 4 points, above his
prediction for the first round. Marcel's Cammalleri at 5 and Pleckanec at
4 have also bettered and matched the prediction already. Marcel was
expected to get about 22 but already has scored an incredible 19 points.
"No one would have guessed this team to get 30" said Muddy Capone of the lowly
ranked Attack. "There are many teams right now wishing they had this kind
of scoring and as things sit, Joel's Vancouver team is also coming through so
the Northwest is totally upside down at the midway point of round one."
Matt has 5 players going Tuesday and now that he is 6 points down, must answer
in a BIG way.
---
All's Swell
The Miami Surf (Charlie) got all he wanted Monday with a nice 4 point night from
his three Caps to give him the edge in his Gulf showdown with Tyson (Tampa Bay)
on the Boston Tie-Breaker, tied 7-7. "It was time to get out of the wave
pool and start playing with the big boys" said Charlie. "We are playing
like a CTR #14, but this team is much better and should have been ranked much
higher" stated Charlie who feels the CTR likes to favor the "Professional GM's",
even though Charlie was told a GM does not factor into a ranking but, "They
actually should." Charlie now has his three Detroit players going Tuesday,
while his cross-state rival has Spezza and Krejci. GM Charlie wants
nothing more than to come out of the Gulf and prove the rankings wrong and as
things sit, with Dallas (Jr) beating New Orleans (Henry) 11-10, Jr would be
through with only Schneider giving the second round to Charlie. Of course
Jr can be much stronger if his Canucks stop choking. Henry isn't much
better with 4 of his 6 players down 2-1 in games. Then there is Tyson who
can still win this and win the division as his Kopitar and Krejci are winning
their series and if things all hold true, that would be plenty enough to
represent the Gulf Division in the final 8. NHLP Playoff hockey, when you
aren't cursing it, you are cheering it!
---
Southwest Stripped Down
Las Vegas (Joel) must have something big Tuesday with his 5 players versus GM
Charlie's 4 in Phoenix, "With Joel he will be ahead 4 player games after today
and Charlie will yet to have played a game 4" said Muddy Capone who is analyzing
the 13-11series currently in favor of Charlie. "Either one of these teams
can come through the Southwest, Charlie only needing his Washington players and
Joel just his two Wings." The door is open with GM Ryan up 16-5 and firmly
in control but with his team struggling to make a second round that can carry
him to the Cup. Ryan is losing 4 of his players, including his three
Sharks who must actually put something behind the Avs goalie tonight, other than
their own shots. If the Sharks go out, the best Ryan can do in round two
is Wolski and Stempniak to play Charlie's Backstrom and Chimera (with his 4
Preds not leading their series yet making a full team still possible) or Joel's
who has no players leading and Erat tied. "This division is totally in the
air" Capone says shaking his head, "These games tonight are so huge. If
your team goes down 3 to 1, like Detroit, San Jose, or New Jersey, you might as
well kiss them good-bye."
---
Northwest Battles Hard on Monday
Two NHLP battles that are raging in the Northwest both see a lot of action
Monday as 14 players take to the ice. GM Marcel is tied at 12 points with
the favored Seattle (Matt) but has the game three's to play tonight, 5 of them
to only Demitra for Matt. Alaska should be easily in the lead after games
tonight but will want the Habs to take the series lead over Washington as will
Joel in Vancouver. Joel's Canuck team is down 11-9 but has 5 players
playing tonight including his 2 Habs. Joel's competition, Mike and Ray's
Winnipeg team, will be without Vanek tonight and possibly longer as the series
unfolds. "One team has an injured Vanek and the other a healthy scratched
Williams, so neither is ahead" says Muddy Capone. Tonight is Joel's night
go get even or ahead and will be cheering hard tonight for the Kings, hoping to
set up a second round where he can win the Division.
---
Jr's "Stars" Must Be Average
After starting as predicted, GM Jr's Dallas Stars, stars never showed up for
game two. "We'll be ready tonight" stated a very calm GM Jr, "One three
point night from each twin and the series is over just like that". This is
the problem GM Henry is facing in New Orleans. Although Henry is happy to
be up 10-7, his team must be perfect every night, not just one in two.
"Essentially you have the two top scorers in the regular season on the same
team" states Muddy Capone, "Holding this Stars team to only 5 points is only
giving them what they would get on average anyhow. We doubt Henry can beat
an average Stars team, so he must have LA dominate every game." Well it is
Jr's turn tonight to get back in the series as Henry only has Roy playing.
---
Thawing Out
At 361 regular season points the Indianapolis Icemen wouldn't have thought
scoring would be an issue in the NHLP first round. "Laich, Burrows and
Lucci have yet to get a point in two games" notes Muddy Capone, "Matt needs more
from the bottom players as Ovechkin can't get 4 points every game." Those
three Icemen were predicted to get 11 points this round and this series with
Green Bay (Ryan) was expected to be close with those 11 points. Tonight is
GM Matt's night to come back from the 12-8 deficit as he has his entire team
playing no one from Ryan. We expect the Icemen to warm up, but they now
may need to be hot to come back and get the number one ranked Indy team into the
second round of the NHLP playoffs
---
Yearbook Favorites Winning 11 of 16 Series
The Yearbook is on track to hit their usual 12 or so right when it comes to
predicting the winners of the first round series, "We have just done it long
enough to know" said Muddy Capone, "It's clearly a science, but not rocket
science." So who is favorite that isn't winning? Just so happens 3
of the top 4 CTR rated teams are losing including Indianapolis (Matt) who is
number one overall and is down the most points, 4, of all the current upsets.
"These are all too good of teams to lose out" says Muddy Capone, "But each game
and each point the noose isn't getting any looser. They need to elevate
their games and they have about 20 man games left each to do it." Here are
the current 5 upsets as the Yearbook sees them listed by most points they are
currently down.
Indianapolis #1 (Matt) Down 8-12 (YBP 26-24)
Dallas #3 (Jr) Down 7-10 (YBP 33-24)
Miami #14 (Charlie) Down 3-7 (YBP 25-22)
Las Vegas #22 (Joel) Down 11-12 (YBP 24-21)
Seattle #4 (Matt) Tied 13-13, losing tie-breaker (YBP 23-22)
---
Who Can Score?
GM Jr has 24 points in New Jersey which is almost as much as all four teams in
the Gulf have scored at only 27. "That is a good team" said GM Andrew,
"Just hope he loses his Devils before we meet." Well, Andrew is talking
about meeting Jr in the finals and to do so, he'll need his LA Kings do do a
little scoring themselves, something that has not been a problem so far as they
have scored the second most at 18 points. Here are the top 5 scoring NHLP
teams so far with their Yearbook predicted first round points in brackets.
New Jersey #7 (Jr) 24 (29)
Los Angeles #8 (Andrew) 18 (34)
Boston #11 (Ryan) 17 (29)
Atlanta #10 (Ryan) 16 (24)
Hartford #24 (Andrew) 14 (24)
---
Who Can't?
In a bit of a surprise the Miami Surf (Charlie) have really struggled to find
the twine as through 15 man games the team has underachieved (kind of like
Charlie's 10 years in the league as a GM) and only scored 3 points. What
might be more of a surprise is Charlie can easily win this season as he is only
down 7-3 to Tampa Bay (Tyson). "We won't be laughing at Chuck's team if
Washington and Detroit get through as he'd have a 6 man team that no one wants
to face moving on" said Muddy Capone. Well if this occurs, they need to
start scoring something sometime soon. Here are some other struggling
teams and their Yearbook predicted first round points in brackets.
Miami #14 (Charlie) 3 (25)
Hamilton #32 (Tyson) 4 (14)
St Louis #28 (Tyson) 5 (22)
Carolina #30 (Joel) 5 (21)
Anaheim #19 (Charlie) 6 (20)
Montreal #27 (Marcel) 6 (21)
---
Sharks Score On Themselves In OT - Lose 1-0
After outshooting the Avalanche 51-17 in a game the Avs had
absolutely no business even being in the game at all, the San Jose Sharks scored
on one of the weirder goals to end a playoff overtime 0-0 game...and they did it
into their own net. What a crazy way to go down 2-1 in a series they
surely should be leading. Maybe the San Jose Sharks and playoff hockey
aren't meant to be...
---
Henry Keeps "Sedin's in Check"
GM Henry did exactly what he hoped to do Saturday and stopped the Sedin's from
scoring and now trails 7-5 heading into Sunday where he has 5 players playing to
Jr's none in Dallas. Byfuglien is the final player to not play the second
game yet to GM Henry can truly eat into the 2 point deficit with anything from
him today. Overall Henry has to score for at a potential 9 point underdog
by series end he will need everyone having at least as predicted series.
Muddy Capone said although holding the Sedin's was what Henry needed, "The fact
that LA won in OT gives the Trips three more games, minimum and we all know how
they can score." Henry could help his own cause today with a big game from
his 5 players who outside of Kovalchuk who has three in two games, the rest of
the team has 2 in 9 games and that has to change if the Wolverines hope to stay
close and pull a huge NHLP first round upset against the CTR #3 Stars.
---
High Scoring Yotes
GM Charlie has been right so far in his prediction that he might have the
"Highest scoring first round team." His Phoenix team in the Southwest is
currently leading 12-10 with 4 of his Preds yet to play their second game.
"It is a huge Sunday in the Southwest" says Muddy Capone, referring to 18 player
games (of the possible 24) who are playing Sunday. GM Charlie is out
numbered in player games 5-4 today, although his players are all playing just
their game two's. This is a great position to be in. Charlie needs
his Preds to win again as without them, even moving on is likely all for
nothing.
---
What He Can Do - I Can do, Just Not Better
GM Scott was excited Kostitsyn matched Ovechkin in game 2,
"Lets be honest" said Scott, "If Kostitsyn can play even with Ovechkin this
series, I have to now like my changes." So far so good for GM Scott, even
though Tyson is on in the Southeast 9-5 heading into Sunday's huge games, as
Kostitsyn has outscored Ovechkin 5-4. Scott now has his 5 hawks playing
Sharp and Hjalmarsson in the Chicago part of this series. Tyson also has
Leino who might play today with Philly losing the last game. Tyson's goal
today will be stay even as Scott Hawks outscored Tyson's 3 to 1 all season.
This holding true today will given this a tighter look, maybe 10-8 after today.
---
Knights Night Tonight
GM Ryan is down 8-7 in the Central but has Kane, Hossa and Ladd the players not
playing a game two yet. Green Bay is trying to be the upset kings and
taking out the CTR #1 in Indy who did score 6 points Saturday to take the series
lead, 4 from Ovechkin alone. "This is an exciting battle" says Muddy
Capone, "You have a top team in a battle with another top team that can run with
the Hawks. We love the excitement. You have to be glued for either
GM's hopes of a Cup can be taken away by the other and every point is so
important."
---
9-9-9-9
What's up with the 9's? Well we could start by asking the rookie GM's Mike and
Ray, "But they are refusing to answer any emails to the Yearbook" said an
insider, "These kids won't talk to us. they won't give us the time of the
day. It is sad to see but we are sure they have a strategic reason for
staying out of the press." What we do know though is they are locked in 2
very tough battles and tied at 9-9 in both the Atlantic and Northwest.
In the Atlantic against GM Andrew's 5 man team (with Kovalev out) the kids have
been lead by Duchene and Yandle who have gotten 3 each and play again Sunday.
Andrew, who is a 2 point favorite, has countered with 6 points from the PIT-OTT
series which is on Sunday. This winner of this might be facing the mighty
"17 point" Devils who are up 17-8 with all 6 playing today. In the
Northwest the kids are a 3 point underdog but after even games are locked up 9-9
thanks to Malkin's 3 points. Vancouver (Joel) has two players who have 3
each, Kopitar and Plekanec and unless Mueller plays, will have no players
playing Sunday. If Mueller misses the series, Joel would actually be a 7
point underdog here, but don't tell him that as he is battling for the upset in
his hopes of a LA Kings run to the Cup which would give Joel likely his only
hope for a Cup.
---
Ovechkin Better for Matt
Indianapolis (Matt) got a better performance from his top player Ovechkin who
struck for 4 points and gives Matt a slim 8-7 lead heading into the late VAN-LA
game on Saturday. GM Ryan will be able to counter with his 3 Chicago
players on Sunday and can find himself down more if Burrows can get anything for
Matt yet for the Canucks.
---
Relentless Attack
The Northwest Seattle (Matt) and Alaska (Marcel) series is turning into a very
high scoring affair. it is one of only two NHLP series where both teams
are already over 10 points. Marcel's Attack are getting balanced scoring
but can't shake Matt yet, up 12-10 with Demitra and Handzus going head to head
to complete the game two's. Pleckanec and Cammalleri scored 5 points for
Marcel Saturday but the Habs blew a 4-1 lead, including a 4-2 third period lead.
That would have put Marcel's three Habs up 2-0 instead of tied 1-1.
---
New Orleans Needs To Stop Sedins
GM Henry has crept back to only down 6-5 in the Gulf against the high flying
Dallas Star's (Jr). Jr is set to unleash his Sedin's Saturday who scored 6
points between them in game one. "Henry has to lead when they play, not
already trail" said Muddy Capone, "Another 6 points from them and Henry might
fall too far out." Henry is a 9 point underdog and not for what his team
can do for they are expected to get 24. Playing this Jr team is just a bad
draw for the first you GM Henry. Will he keep it close?
---
Inspiring Your Team to Victory
The New Jersey Devils (Jr) inspired an entire league last evening with their
incredible 17 point night. All too often we do not get the inside, behind
the scenes look at what is going on out of the publics eye. Reading 'DO
NOT GO GENTLE' the Yearbook was inspired themselves, asking several GM's
if they had quotes up in their own teams dressing rooms. Here is some of
what we found out.
The St Louis Blues (Tyson) have a bulletin board full of awe-inspiring pictures.
"This is the 9th hole of the Royal County down in Northern Ireland" says GM
Tyson, "And this one, Hole No. 8 at Pebble Beach is just incredible. The
guys can fill out the forms here and we book them tee-times after the season is
over. Helps the guys keep their mind on something else besides losing to
the Thrashes so badly."
GM Scott has a board of his own in Philadelphia they put up after Christmas, "We
want everyone on the same page, one simple goal on what it takes to win" says
Scott pointing to the wall where three big words let the players know what it is
going to take for this team to go all the way this season, DEFENSE WINS
CHAMPIONSHIPS.
GM Marcel told us about the Wall in Alaska where one of the players put up a
thought last week after the CTR ranked the Alaska Attack as #31. The sign
reads, "It could be worse, we could play in Hamilton."
It isn't all about the quotes. In Atlantic City (Mike & Ray), there are
empty Pro-Line sheets tacked to the bullet board, "We fill them out and the
players buy them for us" said Mike, "But we never bet against our team to win
like Pete Rose did."
GM Charlie has taken his always positive attitude and placed this thought where
his players see it every day, "Every single day, every single person you meet,
has one true intention. To screw you over. If they don't want to
screw you over, why are they even talking to you in the first place? The
only person who can't screw you, is you. If you believe this, you just got
screwed over again. This is life. You are screwed. You.
Me. Everyone. So you know what we need to do? We go out there
and screw with everyone. Screw everyone over so badly, no one will know
who screwed who. This way here, when we get screwed, we can blame it on
everyone else."
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Memphis & Winnipeg Lose Vanek
Memphis (Jr) jumped to an 8-4 lead in the Central and Winnipeg (Mike and Ray)
now lead 8-3 in the Northwest but both GM's suffered a loss as Vanek left the
game Saturday. How serious is the injury? We'll let you know more as
the story develops.
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There are four words written on the locker room wall of
Jr's New Jersey Devils.
"DO NOT GO GENTLE"
It means fight to the end, never give up, never go down
easy, and if you do go down, get back up.
Don't listen to other people, they don't matter. What
matters is that you know without a doubt what you can do.
You will fight, to win, no matter the odds, no matter how
dark or distant victory appears to be, you will fight.
Anyone can get knocked down, only Champions get back
up...all it takes is will and a heartbeat.
"DO NOT GO GENTLE"
One week after setting the all-time record with 15, Jr
shattered it with 17...
..."I like the big stage" - GM Jr
BIGGEST SINGLE NIGHT ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE 20 YEAR
NHLP HISTORY - GM JR GETS 17 POINTS TONIGHT.
Kovalchuk - 3
Zetterberg - 3
Elias - 3
Elias - 3
Filppula - 3
Kronwall - 2
CONGRATULATIONS GM JR!!!
It is really difficult to try and put what occurred into perspective.
There have been so many happenings that have materialized in 20 years. The
NHLP history is a copious of moments. Many of which have generated in a
split second while others took years to shape into just one story.
Sometimes events are singular in nature while others are being built with each
passing day, sometimes without us even knowing what we are creating.
Jr's achievement stands alone in any single nights events over 20 years.
Nothing in 20 years that developed in hours can compare. The fact it
happened on a playoff night means even more. This night will forever be
etched with the other 'copious of moments' over the passed 20 years. The
night GM Jr absolutely achieved the biggest night in league history.
---
Kovalchuk Calls His Number - '17'
Muddy Capone was called a 'Prophet' for predicting the Atlantic Division was set
to have "A great Friday night." I guess this all depends on your point of
view. New Jersey (Jr) went from 0 to 17 points, from down 4-0 to leading
17-8 over Buffalo (Joel) who did have a respectable 4 point night. As
great a night for GM Jr as it is, it had to be painful for GM Joel to be a part
of this. We would not wish that upon anyone but it will be interesting to
see how Joel responds with D. Sedin and Burrows still to play game two. If
they can get a couple each, Joel could still only be down 5 points which would
give him hope after one of the more disappointing nights a GM had to sit through
in 20 years. What's next for Jr? Who wears number 20?
1 in 15 and 2 in 7
Sometimes things are hard to explain. GM Jr had only ever accomplish the
12 point in one night plateau once in his 15 seasons in the league, as of a week
ago tonight. He then hits an NHLP record 15 points, the first GM to ever
accomplish this feat on his Dallas Stars team. One week later he bettered
both marks and shatters (for a lack of a better word) his own record, which was
a record that had schooled everything in the preceding 20 year history of the
league. What he did personally was something else, breaking his own bests.
What he did historically cannot be measured. "GM's who have been around a
long time may thing this just happens in the NHLP" said Muddy Capone, "Think
back 20 years in your life and then think about everything that has occurred,
every single event. In that time, it hasn't happened. Get it?"
We have GM's in the league who are still a few years away from being 20 years
old, so we haven't seen this in your entire lifetime.
---
Thrashers Have Quiet 10 Point Night
GM Ryan had the most quiet 10 point night a GM can have, "Barely seemed news at
the time" stated the Yearbook. It was big news in Atlanta where Ryan is
now up 13-2 in a series that was suppose to be a nail biter over St Louis
(Tyson). Tyson has 3 guys playing Saturday which will complete the game
two's so to stay in this series he must come up with a solid 4 points. In
the other Southwest battle GM Joel now has a 10-8 lead over Charlie who has 4
player games at hand. Charlie had a huge night from his 4 Preds, who can
up with 6 points and a win. With 8 first game points GM Charlie was
correct in his statement he feels he has the highest scoring first round team as
only Los Angeles (Andrew - Crosby, Malkin and Datsyuk) were able to get 8 in the
game ones.
---
Turn on the AC
GM's Ray and Mike had a 6 point night in Atlantic City to take the lead in their
series with Andrew in the Atlantic, 9-8. With Green and Morrison versus
Samuelsson only for Andrew, the Boys are assured to be in good shape after game
two's tonight. "The team took a hard hit Friday with Detroit winning over
Phoenix" said Muddy Capone, "Beating Hartford will be the end of the road for
this team if they play GM Jr's Devils with NJ and DET still playing."
---
Indy Down 7-2, "Ready"
All the teams that were being surprised in game ones can back hard last night
and we are certain Washington will be no different tonight, "We are ready" said
GM Matt after getting his first taste of playoff hockey as a NHLP GM. "We
had to get the rust out and tonight things will be much different." There
isn't any time to be worse as not making a statement tonight in a big way opens
things up Sunday for GM Ryan in Green Bay with Kane, Hossa and Ladd still yet to
play game two's. Indy has all the pressure as they are favored to win the
NHLP Cup. The Yearbook don't count them out, we count them in after
tonight!
---
Flyer Think Cup - Not Upset
GM Scott said he was please to only be down 2-1 in the
Southeast "Ovechkin can get 5 in a game, so we'll take the zeros." The
Flyer are set to roll out their lineup tonight, one that is poised to do well if
they can get by a tough Cleveland (Tyson) team. "We think we can win the
Cup" says a GM with high hopes, from a low scoring team, the lowest of all to
make the NHLP playoffs, "Well Andrew wasn't any higher" Scott did point out.
With two tight battles raging in the Southeast, any of the four teams can match
up but Scott has made it clear who he wants and why, "We want Washington
(Andrew). Get LA out and we'll roll right through the Division. I
love beating Andrew. He secretly fears our team and we secretly...well I
am telling you we want him, so that doesn't sound like fear now does it?"
With an NHLP lineup featuring great teams, it is unlikely a lowly #15 seeded
team can win it all, especially one the Yearbook predicted to only score 20 in
round one, the second worst amongst all the 32 playoff teams. "We aren't
thinking upset in round one. We are thinking winning the Championship and
hoisting the Cup after round four!"
---
Don't Argue With a Hitman
GM Tyson is happy to be in his first NHLP playoffs and he asked why can't his
Hitmen win over the heavily favored Memphis Machine (Jr), "I think this is a 4
on 4 series" said Tyson in an online interview, "Malhotra and Tallinder?
When are they going to get a point? Just because some Yearbook tells us we
should lose by ten, we should go out and do it?" Well Tyson isn't "doing
it" at all and after tonight should have the lead after the first games as he
only needs a point from either Hornqvist or Kopecky and as he points out,
"Richards and Carter almost outscored Thornton, Marleau and Malhotra in last
years playoffs, only down by 2 points." Although we agree with some of
Tyson's logic, he just will not listen to us when we tell him just how lopsided
this series is...and maybe that is a good thing. After all, would you
argue with a Hitman who firmly has a Machine gun right where he wants it?
---
Sedin's Sic Points
Going into tonight The Gulf Division 1 and 4 seeds had a battle going, "Largely
due to Jr's Sedin Triplets hadn't played yet" said Muddy Capone, "Now Henry must
be wondering how in the hell you get a team like that." The Sedins each
had 2 points and Dallas starts defending their Cup in a strong way, now up 6-2
with Henry having Byfuglien left to complete the game ones. Henry best
hope for a sweep in Vancouver, something that can happen, but at this rate the
Sedin's will have 24 between them by then anyhow.
---
"Gentleman. Start Your Engines!"
On Saturday! GM Matt didn't crank the engines on Thursday in Indy and will
have to wait until his Washington four get a second crack at Montreal on
Saturday. In the mean time Green Bay (Ryan) now has a 3-2 lead with his
Chicago players playing their game ones on Friday. "Kane, Hossa and Ladd
are three nice players to have going" says Muddy Capone, "Matt might be hoping
for a yellow flag come Saturday." Ryan could really put some distance
between himself and Matt with a 3 point game, putting the underdog up 6-2 after
game ones if that can happen.
---
Attacking With Their Handz
The Alaska Attack (Marcel), the CTR #31 was only a one point underdog against
Seattle #4 (Matt) coming into the playoffs and they started quite nicely
after game ones, holding a 4-2 lead. Plekanec, Cammalleri, and Markov each
got a point and an important win versus Washington while Handzus added the 4th
point of the night in the LA lose in Vancouver. Matt answers with 5 of his
6 players in a 5 game Friday night while Marcel answers with Giroux.
"Always fun watching the high seeds losing" said Muddy Capone.
---
Teacher - "Open Your Books to CTR #10"
For years a "teacher - student" relationship has
developed between veteran GM Ryan and first year GM Tyson, "I wouldn't call him
an assistant" said Ryan, "But he followed the league closely as an outsider."
Now as a GM of his own, Tyson admits to still learning every day, "I would make
a few different decisions if I could go back" said Tyson, "But Ryan prepared me
for most everything and I will feel bad when I knock him out in the first
round." The two GM's are having a good time in their Southwest matchup,
one Ryan is favored to win in a squeaker before going right to the NHLP finals.
Ironically enough, his first Cup could rest in the hands of the GM he taught
everything too, "I knew we could meet, so I didn't tell him absolutely
everything" joked Ryan, "Just enough to get him in the playoffs to face me so I
could knock him out and sail from there." So far that plan seems to be
working for Ryan who is up 3-0 with only Suter to complete game ones. Will
the joking be put aside if the series comes down to a game seven and Ryan's cup
hopes be threatened, "I knew we could meet, so I didn't listen to absolutely
everything" states Tyson, "No joke."
---
Can We Play Too?
GM Charlie finally gets a chance in Phoenix Friday to unveil his four Preds and
only down 4-2 after Backstrom and Chimera both scored for the underdog Yotes.
"I like my chances" said Chuck in an online interview, "I wish I was playing
Jr's Sedin team. I think the Preds can get to the second round and score
30 points in round one." We'll find out starting Friday night.
---
1 and 0
New Jersey (Jr) was the only NHLP team so far to complete game one without a
point and for doing so, finds himself down 4-0 now in the Atlantic to Buffalo
(Joel) in this battle of CTR top tens. Both have major players playing
Friday where Jr surely should get on the board. In the other Atlantic
series a 5-3 battle has ensued after game ones and short-handed Hartford
(Andrew) is up on Atlantic City (Mike & Ray). Both teams have lots in play
Friday so it looks like a great Atlantic Division Friday night of hockey in the
NHLP.
---
---
Yearbook Predicts The Winner
You can read the East and West is coming still, but the NHLP Yearbook
has completed their synopsis on who will win the NHLP Cup Championship.
The NHLP predicts Divisions winners from the East to be Cleveland
(Tyson), Dallas (Jr), New Jersey (Jr) and Boston (Ryan) with New Jersey
and Cleveland making the finals, although not winning it all for Tyson
and Jr. The West Division winners include the Cup winner
Indianapolis (Matt), Runner up Atlanta (Ryan) as well as Los Angeles
(Andrew) and Seattle (Matt) coming out of their Divisions. The
Yearbook is right more often then wrong, like last year predicting 5 of
8 Divisions winners and 2 of 4 cup finalists. One thing wrong
throws everything out the window, as all matchups start changing in the
Semi Finals. We are fearless however, in declaring GM Matt the
2010 NHLP Champion in Indianapolis.
Representing the East in the NHLP Finals
New Jersey (Jr) CTR #7
Cleveland (Tyson) CTR #13
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Representing the West in the NHLP Finals
Indianapolis (Matt) CTR #1
Atlanta (Ryan) CTR #10
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