2010 NHL Playoff Matchups... and Predictions III

Since we went 0-4 in our round two segment, we decided to wait until after the Conference Finals to make our predictions. We guarantee to get this round correct!

Lets review the last round:

1. Hockey Plumber said: "Not this time Halak.  Penguins in six."

The Penguins could have wrapped it up in game six, but the Habs took both Game Six and Seven.


2. Hockey Plumber said: "Rask proves to be the difference, but it will be a long and ugly series.  Bruins in seven."
The Bruins had a chance to sweep, but blew four straight in an epic collapse/comeback series.


3. Hockey Plumber said: Another tight one.  Red Wings in seven.
The Wings were never a threat to win the series. Sharks in a walk.


4. Hockey Plumber said: Revenge is sweet and best served cold.  Canucks in six.
Hawks won in a cakewalk.


Eastern Conference Final

#7 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens
blah, blah, blah 


Hockey Plumber Prediction: Flyers in five.

Western Conference Final

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #2 Chicago Blackhawks
blah, blah, blah


Hockey Plumber Prediction:  Hawks in four.

David 2, Goliath 0: How the Habs Felled Another Giant

The Montreal Canadiens, eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, and sixteenth overall seed in these 2010 NHL Playoffs, made like a vintage Britney Spears last night... oops, they did it again!

After an impressive comeback series victory against the President's Trophy-winning Washington Capitals, the Canadiens earned a date with the defending Cup champion, Pittsburgh Penguins.  Surely, they would run out of gas in the second round. Their post-season smoke and mirror routine would be exposed, right?

Season of Loss For the Red Wings. More To Come?

When the lights had finally been turned down, and the last reveling Sharks fan had been, at last, escorted from the building, the Detroit Red Wings remained in the visiting locker room.

It marked the first time in three years that the team will not make their way to the Stanley Cup Final, the first time that they had to answer questions about where it all fell apart... and the first time that they will be faced with legitimate questions about their immediate future.

Step Right Up and See the Philadelphia Flyers Lose... Again

It's Playoff time!  It's time for the best teams to show what they are made of, and time for the Flyers to talk about it!

Let's be honest here.  Do you know what we like about the Flyers?  Nothing.

The entire franchise is "that guy" whom has been in the same stool, at the same bar for the last umpteen years, telling the same ridiculously tired stories about how he sexed up cheerleaders and has pummeled all sorts of loud mouths and braggarts in his day.  Yet, in all the time that you have made his acquaintance, you have never once seen him with a woman, and he has exactly zero evidence of actually being a tough guy.

Professional Hockey Began in Pittsburgh!

Every once in a while a story comes along and just completely captivates.

Example 1A: 

Published on May 4th, Habs Eyes On The Prize delivered a fascinating glimpse into the history of hockey in Pittsburgh that even predates the Montreal Canadiens!

Do yourself a favor and read it.   

http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2010/5/4/1457792/believe-it-or-not-pittsburgh

Rookie Playoff Run: The Impressive P.K. Subban

The Montreal Canadiens delivered on one of the biggest opening round upsets in NHL history, by not only defeating the Washington Capitals, but by coming back from a three games to one deficit.

During that series Montreal lost one of their top defenders in Jaroslav Spacek. After Spacek's injury, the Habs recalled P.K. Subban from their AHL contender, Hamilton.  Subban has had a cup of coffee in the NHL, but entering into the NHL playoffs against the league's top team, was sure to be a baptism by fire for any rookie.  Although a very highly touted prospect, Subban would be subjected to a very watchful eye.

Subban began by playing fairly significant minutes, and was part of an incredibly stingy defensive corps that held the likes of Ovechkin, Semin, Green, Backstrom, etc... to a single goal in each game he played.

After advancing, the Montreal blueline was dealt yet another heavy blow, when their top defenseman, Andrei Markov was hurt.  Subban had performed admirably against the Caps, and would see his role increase again, against the defending Stanley Cup champion, Pittsburgh.

How has P.K. Subban responded during his trial?  In 5 games, he is averaging more than 17 minutes per game, has contributed 1 goal and 3 assists, and has an even +/- ratio, which has only been bettered by the Habs "shutdown" pair of Gill and Gorges. 

In short, not only has he performed, statistically, as well as any of the veteran defenders, he has been counted on to contribute in all zones and on special teams, including the penalty kill unit.

He may only be a rookie, but you would never know by the way he has played with so much at stake.

Well done Mr. Subban.  Well done. Nous sommes tous très impressionnés, en effet!