Chicago Blackhawks receive:

• Marty Reasoner
• Jeremy Morin
• Joey Crabb
• 2010 first round draft pick (via New Jersey)
• 2010 second round draft pick (also via New Jersey)

Atlanta Thrashers receive:

• Akim Aliu
• Ben Eager
• Brent Sopel
• Dustin Byfuglien

Last night for the Vancouver Canucks, to quote legendary New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra, it was deja vu…all over again.

The Vancouver Canucks were eliminated from the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, and in dishonorable fashion.

 It was exactly one year ago last night, the Chicago Blackhawks sent them home for a second consecutive spring, in the exact amount of games. There were two differences this time: this victory took place in Vancouver and this close-out affair wasn’t even close at all.

The final, in case you missed it, 5-1.

So many questions, so many fingers to point, but one player will get the lion’s share of the criticism.

Roberto Luongo.

The demons have rose from the dead to attack Luongo, yet again, and take the “elite” netminder directly into the post season, of course after cleaning out his locker at GM Place.

Roberto Luongo came undone early and often in the second period. Not all the blame could be heaped upon the face of this franchise, but he once again was unable to lift his team when they letdown in front of him. The Canucks defense, which has been exposed in this round became that much fragile when stalwart blueliner Alex Edler was unable to finish the contest, due to a crushing hit by Chicago forward Dustin Byfuglien.

That left Vancouver with five defenders to finish the game, well… sort of. As has been well documented blueliner Sami Salo was playing with an ailment I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Vancouver’s defense was about to be put to the ultimate test and inevitably failed miserably.

Two terrible gaffes led to two quick Chicago strikes early in the second, by British Columbia native Troy Brouwer and Vancouver nightlife loving Kris Versteeg. Neither goal was a soft one, as the Canucks left their leader out to dry on both. But, as evidenced time and time again in the postseason, goaltenders do often bail out their teammates. As we have seen with Luongo, he has often crumbled under the pressure of the being the savior of an organization that has yet to win the Stanley Cup.

It could be a case of running into a team that simply has the Canucks number, especially in GM Place. A venerable house of horrors for opposing teams this season, Vancouver boasted the best regular season home record, in the entire NHL. But for the boys from the ‘Windy City’, they took Vancouver’s comforts of home and turned it against them.

Chicago was un-phased playing in this arena, as they won all three games, by an aggregate score of 17-7. There are going to be a lot of question surrounding these Canucks, as for the second year in a row they are bowing out of the postseason in the second round for the third time in four seasons. Considering the expectations these last two seasons, this can’t be taken lightly, especially when the same old questions about Luongo will be asked.

Is he able to take his team to a championship? Can he be relied on to lead this team, on and off the ice? Can he take his team beyond a second round appearance? How will he respond after another disappointing end to a season?

That man is Ryan Kesler. This off-season’s to do list should have, if the brass know what’s right for the team, naming Kesler captain as number one.  He has leader written all over him and has been apart of this organization for seven seasons.

Being a captain holds a unique responsibility to do a lot of behind the scenes work and hold the team together. Lead by example, on and off the ice. Not everyone can handle this responsibility.

It’s apparent Luongo can’t handle much of anything, especially when his team needs him the most.

• Great defense.  The Blackhawks have what is widely considered one of the best top blue line pairing in the NHL in Brent Seabrook and Norris Trophy finalist Duncan Keith.  If these two play like they are capable of, there is a good chance that Vancouver’s top line could have a difficult time finding the score sheet.  Add to that the impressive performances from Chicago’s favorite meatball Niklas Hjalmarsson and cagey veteran Brent Sopel in the first round, the edge definitely favors the higher seed here.
• Special Teams. The Blackhawks penalty kill was near perfect against Nashville allowing only one goal in 27 chances.  The two heroes here unquestionably rookie netminder Antti Niemi and Sopel who acted as a mid-zone goaltender blocking everything that came near him.  Add to that Vancouver’s schizophrenic penalty kill against the Los Angeles Kings and the Hawks should look to feast on mental mistakes made by the Canucks.
• Depth.  Troy Brouwer leads all Chicago forwards with two goals against Vancouver this season, and the Blackhawks third and fourth lines are more productive than most teams in the league. Being up against the weaker defensive pairings of Vancouver could have them licking their chops.
• Psychological edge.  Patrick Kane, Dustin Byfuglien and the rest of the Blackhawks really got inside Roberto Luongo‘s head last year and took him way off his game.  If they can stir up that insecurity again it could be a long series for the Canucks’ netminder.
• Home-ice advantage. This seems to be much more important in the Western Conference this year than in the East, and the intense environment of the United Center often leads to a quick start for the home team and everyone knows how important scoring the first goal can be in the playoffs.

• Penalties.  While the penalty kill sparkled against Nashville, the Canucks provide a much tougher test with the man advantage.  The Hawks averaged more than four penalties per game in the first round, and they’ll have to be more disciplined in what promises to be a much more physical series against the Canucks.  The team that stays away from dumb retaliation penalties will most likely find themselves in the driver’s seat and likely advancing to the Western Conference Finals.
• Canucks potent offense and come-from-behind tendencies.  Vancouver had six players with at least 25 goals in the regular season.  Not to mention Mikael Samuelsson‘s 7-tally goal-gasm against the Kings, there’s no question the Canucks can light the lamp, especially in the third period.  The Blackhawks have been prone to taking period-long naps recently cannot take any shifts off if they have a lead late.
• Untested goaltending.  Although Niemi recorded a pair of no-no’s en route to winning his first ever playoff series, he still has yet to really feel the heat of the playoffs.  He seemed to shake off the flukey goal in game one, and he’ll have to continue to demonstrate that kind of maturity to take the Blackhawks deep in the playoffs.
• Roberto Luongo.  This guy can win games and series if he finds his groove.  This makes net presence and gaining the psychological advantage so crucial for the Blackhawks.

Vancouver Canucks by I-5 Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks will look to redeem themselves as they get a rematch with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team that sent them home early in last years playoffs. But much has changed since last season. For one, the Canucks have a lot more offensive firepower than they did last season.  Led by Mikael Samuelsson’s 7 goals in the first round (he had 5 in each of the previous playoff runs with Detroit) and Hart Trophy candidate Henrik Sedin the Canucks haven’t had many nights where they were held off the scoreboard. Add that to the fact they have now won 13 games when behind after 2 periods and no lead is safe against the boys in blue this season.

The penalty kill is still a concern for the Canucks after being brutal in the first round series against the Los Angeles Kings. On the bright side, it greatly improved as the series wore on and was one of the keys to beating the Kings in the series.  While the Kings scored at will on the power play, the Canucks were clearly the better team at 5-on-5. They will need more of that against Chicago in this round. The Canucks defensive coverage was also suspect on more than one occasion. Without Willie Mitchell (concussion) the Canucks will have to rely on Andrew Alberts to step up to handle the forwards of the Blackhawks. In last year’s playoffs the Hawks physical play frustrated the Canucks at times, but the two main agitators for Chicago have been riding the pine so far as they try to ice a more skilled team. The Canucks are one of the best teams in the league when they are hitting and if they can play with that intensity and stay out of the penalty box, it’ll go a long way towards winning the series.

Another key for the Canucks is the second line of Ryan Kesler, Mayson Raymond, and Alex Burrows. If they can find their scoring touch again, that’ll give the Canucks 3 lines that can score and will make it tougher for the Blackhawks to matchup defensively. The Canucks will also need to continue to get contributions from the 3rd line, as they did against Los Angeles, to be successful. That line, led by Kyle Wellwood and Steve Bernier had some great shifts for the Canucks in the last series and really helped key the comeback in the series.

And last but not least is Roberto Luongo. Roberto may be the one player on the Canucks roster most anticipating a rematch. The Blackhawks were very physical with him and managed to get into his head on their way to a victory in last year’s series. While it’s widely acknowledged that he hasn’t stolen a game for the Canucks this season, he was more like himself in games 5 and 6 of the L.A. series – robbing Ryan Smyth on a sure goal in the late stages. If ever there was a time for Bobby Lu to wake up out of his funk, this is it.

It should be another fan-tastic series!

Chicago Blackhawks by Ryan Hackett

The Chicago Blackhawks definitely have the advantage at the blue line. While Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith have combined for an even plus/minus this year against the Canucks, if they play the way they are capable, Vancouver’s top lines could have a difficult time finding the score sheet.  Playoff hockey brings an increased emphasis on special teams, and the Canucks converted at a 15% clip against the Hawks this season. Chicago’s penalty kill is rolling right now holding Nashville to 1 goal in 27 chances, but this will be a much more physical series, and the team who stays away from dumb retaliation penalties will have a decided advantage.  The Hawks should also look to feast on Vancouver’s penalty kill which has been schizophrenic of late.

Troy Brouwer leads the Blackhawks with two goals against Vancouver this season, and facing the weaker 2^nd and 3^rd defensive pairings of Vancouver could have him licking his chops.  Dustin Byfuglien got inside Roberto Luongo’s head last year and took him completely off his game.   After spending the first round manning the point for the Hawks, Byfuglien has been moved back to the wing and Luongo’s already been cautioned against embellishing goaltender interference to elicit penalty calls.  The Patrick Show (starring Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp) netted five goals on Luongo last post-season, and those three stirring up that insecurity again it could make things miserable for the Canucks’ netminder.

Even though Roberto Luongo can get rattled, the Canucks’ potent offense features six 25 goal scorers and can pick up the slack at times down the stretch.  The Blackhawks cannot take any shifts off if they have a late lead.  Antti Niemi has looked sharp in recording a pair of no-no’s en route to winning his first playoff series, but has yet to feel the heat of the playoffs.  He shook off the flukey goal in game one and he’ll have to continue to demonstrate that kind of maturity to take the Blackhawks deep.

The Vancouver Canuck finally figured out what it will take the beat the Los Angeles Kings in their first round matchup. It’s something that many hockey writers, bloggers, and Canucks fans have been going on and on about since the start of the series. What is the answer? Simple, stay out of the penalty box! Unfortunately, it took the Canucks 3+ games to figure it out, but if they stay out of the penalty box the Kings have no chance 5 on 5. The Kings have scored 10 of their 16 goals with the man advantage while the Canucks have outscored the Kings 16-6 at even strength. Through the first 3 games and 2 periods of the series the Canucks gave the Kings power play after power play and they paid the price. Say what you will about the missed and questionable calls that have gone against Vancouver in the series, but they had been giving the referees too many reasons to call penalties.

In the last 4 periods of the series the Canucks have scored 11 goals after only scoring 10 in the first 11 periods. And in the last 2 games they have scored 13 goals after only scoring 8 in games 1-3. The 3rd period in game 4 the Canucks really found their game again as Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin came alive and got the comeback going. They had pretty much been a non-factor up to this point, with much of the praise going to the Kings defensive play. Once those flood gates opened up and the Canucks started to gain confidence it really put the Kings back on their heals and they looked nothing like the team earlier in the series.

One reason the Canucks have gotten back into this series is the play of Mikael Samuelsson. He’s already scored 7 goals, 2 more than he had in each of the last 2 play-off runs with Detroit. His strong play has made many forget that Alex Burrows, the Canucks leading goal scorer in the regular season has been held without a goal in the series so far. In fact, Burrows and Samuelsson have switched lines as Alain Vigneault has searched for the right chemistry. Mike Gillis continues to look like a genius for signing Samuelsson as a free-agent in the offseason. The Canucks have definitely benefitted by giving him more ice time than he had in Detroit and his snub by the Swedish Olympic team lit a fire that has burned long after the Olympic torch was extinguished.

As several Canucks fans mentioned on Twitter, the Kings seemed preoccupied with trying to get the Canucks to take penalties instead of playing their game. Obviously  it didn’t work and they were unable to make adjustments quick enough as the Canucks spent the game dismantling LA’s defensive coverage and exposing their lack of speed. They also got a lot more traffic in front of Quick, even bumping into him as the Kings have been doing all series with Roberto Luongo. The Kings did try to stir things up at the end of the game with Shane O’Brien fighting Wayne Simmonds and Rick Rypien with the one-punch knockdown of Kings goon Rich Clune. While it’s not unusual for a coach to send out his tough guys at the end of a game to get his team going, it is unusual to see a coach do it in the final 4 minutes of a game that was already over. For his efforts, Klune ended up with a separated shoulder in the fight. It would seem that the time to pick a fight would’ve been much earlier in the game. Clune was trying to get under the Canucks skin all night, but his act was amateur hour at best.

It will be very interesting to see if the Canucks can keep building on the momentum they have gained and how the young Kings team will respond to the elimination possibility in game 6. Will playing on home ice be a burden or uplifting for them, or will they crack and wilt under the pressure? Either way, the Kings have a lot to be proud of this year playing in the toughest division in the NHL and looking very much like the Chicago Blackhawks of last season. They have a very bright future, but the time is now for the Canucks to take game 6 and this series. Go Canucks Go!

I-5 Canucks
NHLHS Canucks Correspondents
hipcheck44@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @Hipcheck44 and @WCE71944

NHL fans are a passionate lot, and the postseason seems to magnify the emotions of even the most casual of fans.

But it seems that some extremely passionate supporters are becoming paranoid, especially when they appear to be looking through glasses that are in the shape of their rooting interest’s logo.

I thought it would be a good idea to take a closer look at some of the allegations of impropriety, and conduct a little investigation into whether or not there is any credence placed on these declarations of wrong-doing.

In the Los Angeles Kings – Vancouver Canucks series, some of the allegations started after Game Two when a too-many-men on the ice penalty led to an Anze Kopitar power play goal to win the game for the Kings in overtime. This is when some questioned the integrity of the call –  even coach Alain Vigneault.

“It was the wrong call. You are allowed five feet, and the rule is the player coming on the ice cannot play the puck. While, yeah, that puck touched one of our players, it touched Kevin Bieksa, trying to get off the ice because he was cut. We’ve got two referees that got red stripes on their sweaters. They should make the call if they think it’s a penalty, and not the linesman.”

In Game Three in Los Angeles, Daniel Sedin had an apparent goal disallowed due to a “kicking motion”.  It was conveyed that the goal changed the complexion of the contest, if not the entire series.

Henrik Sedin was upset: “This is the playoffs. They had to over-rule it, too, that’s the toughest part. It was a good goal. It’s awful.”

This has led to the theory that “The NHL is Anti-Canadian and against the Canadian teams” that seems to come around every Spring.  And it doesn’t help when no team from the “Great White North” has hoisted Lord Stanley since 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Kings.

The truth is that Vancouver’s special teams has been terrible.  The Canucks have given up far too many power play goals in this series.  In the three games, the Kings have gone 7-12 with the man-advantage, a staggering 58%.

Couple that with their inability to capitalize on their own power plays (2-11, and it’s rather interesting to note that the two teams have had an almost exact number of man-advantages in the series), and Vancouver’s special teams haven’t been too special thus far.

Add in the fact that Jonathan Quick has outplayed Roberto Luongo in the battle of the goaltenders, and those factors add up to trouble for the Canucks.  Luongo was pulled in Game three after giving up four goals on just 12 shots.

In the Philadelphia Flyers – New Jersey Devils series, New Jersey coach Jacques Lemaire was fuming after the Devils’ Game three overtime loss.

“Nobody talked about them having too many guys just before our penalty (against David Clarkson).  Nobody saw that.  We were yelling.  A guy was at center ice and nobody said a word about it.  That was before the winning goal.  Before the power play they had too many men on the ice.”

New Jersey’s Patrik Elias added:  “I think the whole bench saw it.  For five, maybe 10 seconds, they had three defensemen (on the ice).  They (the officials)  didn’t notice.”

The Devils should concentrate their energies on getting more shots on the Philadelphia goal, and getting more traffic in front of Brian Boucher.  Overall, Boucher has outplayed New Jersey legend Martin Brodeur, notwithstanding a valiant effort from Marty in the third period and overtime of Game three.

The Devils did get bodies in front of the Flyers’ netminder on the power play in Game three, scoring twice with blue line blasts from Brian Rolston, with Dainius Zubrus right on Boucher’s lap.

Perhaps the wildest conspiracy theory I have heard to date has been from a few New Jersey fans, and it has a wider scope than just the two teams in this series.

The talk revolves around the season series records between Philadelphia, New Jersey, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

During the regular season, the win-loss statistics between these clubs was rather strange.  The Flyers finished with a 5-1 mark against the Devils, but just a 1-5 record against the Penguins.  New Jersey swept their season set with Pittsburgh, taking all six contests.

So the theory goes that, because there is a very good chance that the Devils could knock the Penguins out of the postseason if they faced each other, why not let the Philadelphia Flyers beat New Jersey and eliminate the danger?

Absurd, I know.  But, Gary Bettman and company cannot shrug off the blame completely for this one.

There is a growing faction among NHL fans that Bettman is orchestrating an Eastern Conference showdown between Sidney Crosby’s Penguins and the league’s other major marketing extravaganza, Alexander Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals.

And I am hearing it from fans of many different teams, not just the usual Penguins’ arch-rival variety.

If I step back and take a look, I can almost see a little basis for what is being mentioned.

Much like NBC’s Sunday “NHL Game of the Week”, the league’s cable outlet, Versus, has become somewhat of a second home to Sid and his Penguins.

Every game that Pittsburgh plays against the Ottawa Senators in the first round will be the featured early game on Versus, and they will cut to other later-starting contests, already in progress, when the Penguins – Senators game has concluded.

Even Ovie and his Capitals have had to share two nights with the Buffalo Sabres – Boston Bruins series being shown as the featured game on Versus.

With both Pittsburgh and Washington having lost their series opener, it would seem that a first round ouster by both clubs would be the equivalent of a 10.0 earthquake for the NHL.  What would be broadcast on Versus for the rest of the playoffs?  Would there just be static, or would they have to fill in the dead NHL air time with more Ultimate Fighter competitions?

It seems Bettman’s neglect has left fans of some teams extra time to pontificate as to the reasons behind his love for his “model NHL franchise”.

OK, I’m being facetious, but you get my drift.

There are reasons why they are the reigning Stanley Cup champs, and they goes far beyond Bettman’s fondness.

Pittsburgh is a great team because of world-class players like Sid, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, Sergei Gonchar, along with a fantastic supporting cast.

Maybe the league could just leave the team’s on-ice success to speak for itself.

And maybe , just maybe, I wouldn’t have to be listening to and reading these ridiculous conspiracy theories. Of course, something has to happen first.

David Strehle
NHLHS Flyers Correspondent / NHL Writer
dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @PhilaDAVEia

In what has been discussed time and time again, the National Hockey Leagues second season, also known as the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is all about goaltending.

Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, Brian Boucher of the Philadelphia Flyers, Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks, Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins, Ilya Bryzgalov of the Phoenix Coyotes, Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres, Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators, Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils, Evgeni Nabokov of the San Jose Sharks, Marc-Andre Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Antti Niemi of the Chicago Blackhawks, Brian Elliot of the Ottawa Senators, Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings, Jaroslav Halak of the Montreal Canadiens, Craig Anderson of the Colorado Avalanche as well as both Jose Theodore and Seymon Varlamov of the Washington Capitals have not only stepped up to make some amazing saves but have been able to keep each and every series even or close enough to it.

On top of their in-game play, there have been some sensational saves throughout the opening round of these playoffs.  Boucher, Luongo, Quick and others have been outstanding, Anderson has set new records but Pekka Rinne’s stop on Chicago’s Patrick Sharp is one that stands out the most. Although the Hawks beat the Predators yesterday, that series remains up in the air with no clear cut favorite at this point.

Yes, as I mentioned, Craig Anderson made 50 saves in regulation yesterday, which has become the new record for saves in regulation time for a playoff game.  He is the backbone to the Avalanche advancing and so far, so good.

Sidney Crosby and Braydon Coburn have both played “hero” in saving their netminders and team by stopping goals as well.  Crosby slid across the crease with the puck standing on the goal line to keep the Senators off the score board. Another stand out moment during these playoffs.

We also were able to witness two hat tricks in one game when Montreal’s Andrei Kostitsyn and Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom did so in game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series.

Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings also has a three goal game to his credit in this first round. Evgeni Malkin has a goal per game for his Penguins.  Mike Richards has been a man possessed for the Philadelphia Flyers. And the list goes on.

In these playoffs, outside of goaltending, it all rests on the players that take their game to the next level. In that game 2 between the Canadiens and Capitals, Nicklas Backstrom was on player who truly took his game up a notch.  Showing people Peter Forsberg like skills, Backstrom had a four point affair helping the Capitals gain a much needed victory in what was likely the most important period and game of their season.

It has been a wild and crazy start to the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, to say the least.

Joe Depto, a writer here at the hot stove as well as one part of the brand known as The Hockey Guys, called yesterday “Separation Sunday”.

The Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes all took control of their series; at least by the series records.

With that, if yesterday was any indication to what is in store for us tonight you better have your jersey on tight and your seat prepared in front of your television sets.  It’s only going to keep getting better.

What is YOUR favorite moment from these playoffs so far?

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

-Kaiser Chiefs- Off With Their Heads (2008)

This is the song of the blog <and part of the next> because I think it is just that fitting.. plus the name of the cd it is from.. HEH. <save the line that ends the blog>

Kaiser Chiefs- Good Days Bad Days
Point in fact- the original version of this blog, titled, “Choose Your Own Adventure,” was written and posted by your’s truly on 4/7/2010. As you will read, it stated that the LA Kings (whether it was against all clichés or not) wanted the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. Since then there were so many blogs either agreeing with or, since the series was set in stone, calling this series for the LA Kings that I have given up on the idea of listing all of them and the quotes to prove my point. And if you know me OR have been reading this blog (or its original home) you know how MUCH I LOVE to prove my point.. cause I rarely have one, let alone it be RIGHT….

So, now that fateful blog, and I are on the line. I’m good with that- just ask my current place of education <not work but schooling>. For the most part (and when not, I’ve gone on record and called myself out),  I’ve been on target with everything I’ve criticized (out of love.. ) and praised about the Kings and the Kingdom <see below> and what isn’t, I’ve called out on myself and corrected, no problem. Truth be told, if you know me, you know that outside of my job I have the self-esteem of a thumbtack. However, should this keeps up- it might just move to a steel push-pin <shout-out to Joulene in LA!>

And so.. I’m willing to just update the data and add some thoughts and tid-bits from “Choose Your Own Adventure,” because, well…… I CALLED IT FIRST DAMN IT!                      <STOMPS FOOT>

Next, in hoping that I’m going to start drawing in more and more newbie readers as things progress, I’m going to steal MayorsManor.com’s idea and start hyper-linking terms that either the Kingdom <like that one – that is my term for the Kings fan base- which, unlike SensNation, actually exists during the  Good Days and Bad Days not just when the Senators are running over the Penguins>knows or, even better, I have developed and know.. and think are cute <in my delusional world> and ask that everyone just humor me on <for instance- The Terror Twins- Would be Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty- so take note>. So, until that is up and running I will define as I go, promise.

First things first- unless otherwise needed, and who knows.. it might be.. I’m going to kill the part that said why I DID’NT think the Chicago Blackhawks were a good idea, as it is not needed now and we have enough business to deal with. I have the ability to work a blog into 8 pages as it is… no unnecessary information here..

Grab'm By The Collar- JMFJ and Scuds Look To Rock Canucks

If you had a different attitude… You have missed an opportunity and that’s a really big mistake – Kaiser Chiefs- Good Days, Bad Days

So, straight to the updated facts. As I had said on 4/7/10… “Now, should you not be the common sense kind of person (I’m a Literacy Specialist, it is how I operate- I do not run on stats and math as most mathematicians and math teachers do- not that the facts aren’t important- I’ve run them through blogs before- just that when common sense seems.. more.. well.. logical and to the point, I will go with it. Of course, emotion will suffice, too. However, for you fools, here are the facts, just the facts.”

LA Kings Vs. Vancouver Canucks  2009-2010

PLEASE NOTE ***Only Data Changes Are To Reflect SEASON Totals**

See, funny enough, we have the same record against the Vancouver Canucks as say the Chicago Blackhawks… HOWEVER, the dates and circumstances under which we’ve played the Canucks this season is where the reasoning (for the good days and bad days– see how the common thread with the music runs.. LOVE. IT.)  comes in, so stay with me people.

The LA Kings are 1-4 this season against the Canucks..

3-1, 4-1 and 2-1 losses (the 2-1 loss was a shootout)

Lone win was the most recent 8-3 blowout.

10/29 was the shootout loss: 2-1- very close game during the LA Kings tear of a start to the season

11/26 was a 4-1 loss going into Thanksgiving when the Manchester Monarchs (LA Kings AHL Minor League Team) were flying by the seat of their pants against the NHL, instead of the injured, aka missing in action LA King. And while we are on the topic, may we take a moment of silence to give thanks to the Monarchs? For we’d be long done and dusted, in this race, if not for those men.

12/14 was a 3-1 loss The slide from hell continues into the Christmas break.. one player in and one player out. Wayne Simmonds had just been injured on the 12^th, listed week-to-week that day (not even day-to-day but week-to-week—come on this is the Kings, after all) then there goes Jarrett Stoll. And to be perfectly honest because a lot of this period has been blocked out for what little remains of my sanity- maybe Ryan Smyth was long gone by then? So, seriously… yeah– GO MONARCHS!

4/1/10 THE BLOWOUT. Wow. The one upside of the Olympics, maybe. I swear, this is where the positive reasoning kicks in and as a bonus makes sense <yeah I SWEAR this is NOT a squirrel- that would be an ADD reference to squirrels- I squirrel alot.. > … so take a deep breath and here we go…

On both sides of the Olympics, we have Roberto Luongo’s number- Players played WITH him (one that REALLY needs a shot in the arm.. Drew?? DREW??? DREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW? – think Alvin- the chipmunk… forget it (cultural reference)… played with him, damn well, too for Canada. <And let me note here that the last two games of the seasons I did see signs of life from Drew. As I’ve said of both Drew and Scuds (Rob Scuderi) when signs of life have popped up … please.. please… please, COME BACK! We miss you boys.>

Then we have our Captain Dustin- ever pumping, ever leading, ever pushing, ever ass-kicking, I’m going to drag this team to <and now through> the damn playoffs if I have to do it myself, one-by-damn one of you Brown (hat trick that night, anyone???).

And of course, JMFJ (Jack Mother Fucking Johnson). I didn’t say this was a PG blog, did I?  JMFJ led the team in minutes, had three blocked shots and although only two official assists, was on the ice for the entire hat trick in the blowout. He was an intricate part of each of Brown’s goals- and essential to the win- hence the second star.

Now.. to drive the point home.. Anze Kopitar didn’t even play in the Olympics …<another rant for another blog… yeah> but when he had the puck the look on Luongo’s face was priceless and after the ensuing goal was scored? Luongo did a fish out of water dance worthy of Dominick Hasek trying to draw a penalty… Oh yeah… that cage is rattled.

One-On-One

Leading Point Scorers:

Anze Kopitar

81 points 34 G 47 A (but if he hadn’t been injured… Kopi is not far off.. really)

Henrik Sedin

112 points 29 G 83 A

<Holy Hoppin I thought that was for both Sedin brother’s Batman!> 29 Goals 83 Assists (Mother of SOMETHING  that is some passing skill, vision of the ice…mighty!)

*Ok, admittedly the Canucks win this- but Henrik Sedin is tearing up the entire league- so reasoning, again dictates that I’m not throwing out my argument on one player. Having said that Scuds single-handedly shutdown Alex Ovechkin in the playoffs, for the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, he could do it again <if he comes out of hiding>. I don’t doubt his chi… And really- do you doubt Anze hitting a hidden gear in the playoffs… SERIOUSLY?! Cause I don’t.

Leading Defenseman:

Drew Doughty

59 points 16 Goals, 43 A +20 (*See above… * Wash, Rinse, Repeat X2).

Christian Ehroff

44 points 14 Goals 30 A +33

Probable Starters

Jonathan Quick

GP 72 GAA: 2.54 W: 39 L 24 SV% .907

Roberto Luongo

GP 68 GAA: 2.57 W: 40 L: 22 SV%.913

**Huh… well what do we have here? Funny, I don’t hear Canuck fans screaming that Luongo is a waste, should be replaced and has been soft, is out of position all the time, lost focus or isn’t good enough… and I’m pretty sure I haven’t heard anything about his defensemen scoring on him lately or flirting with the female reporters DURING GAMES… yet his numbers are just about identical with Quick’s and Quick has played in 3 more games… huh… just sayin. NOW CAN I PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HAVE SOOOOOME FUN??? Thank you

Sticks and Stones and Animal Bones Can’t Stop Me From Getting Away With Good Days and Bad Days, Yeah- Kaiser Chiefs- Good Days, Bad Days

Expectations, people, expectations. I know I gave this advice out in the original blog (4/7/2010) and I’m going to give it out ONE MORE TIME: crawl WALK RUN. Do I believe in my team? SHIT YEAH! Do I believe in Cinderella stories.. uh, 1993 anyone <oh and yeah.. who did we beat again in the first round.. um, right>.  k. However, if and when the inevitable, comes. WHENEVER it might come I, for one, will be damn proud of this team. Because, truth be told, I already am. I know, for once, there is a future to look to.. a really bright future.  There will be good days and bad days.. and sooner or later the Kingdom will be ready to take the bad with the good (without trading every player on the team, MAYBE, HUH???!)

Next Blog.. Are we backing from the ledge? Are we leaping to new heights?

And hot damn.. I’ll be taking it from a whole point of view… <shit I’m shaking thinking of it>

Even using the latest article from the Wall Street Journal

<and one last line of Good Days, Bad Days for this blog> because…

Saturday it will be time for LA to show that  This city loves a scrap, One day it’s gonna bite

- Kaiser Chiefs- Good Days, Bad Days

… oh and, of course,  more Musical Hockey Fun, next time!

<Runs to hide under the desk from  Hockey Gods, the Kings, Canuck fans… the Canucks? And entire Kingdom…which is and always will be greater than “SensNation”>

…And so with a roll of the dice the LA Kings <and I> started the engine (lyrics <w/ names added by me> Gomez, B-Side- A New Tide- 2009)

Los Angeles Kings by Anthony Curatolo

It’s been a season that saw the Kings earn the label “cardiac”.  This is due, much in part, to the fact that the Kings found ways to overcome adversity quite often during games this year.  Trailing time and time again, this Kings team had the “never say die” type attitude and were able to generate third period come backs that helped push them forward; now a Western Conference playoff team.

Over the course of the season, the Canucks and Kings played head to head four times.  The problem, the Canucks won three of the four.

Jonathan Quick was charged with all three losses while Jonathan Bernier was between the pipes on April 1st, the final meeting between the two teams which saw the Kings put eight pucks passed Canucks netminder Roberto Luongo in an 8-3 victory.

This is the playoffs and we can erase all regular season situations.

However, of the Kings main contributors, Alex Frolov, Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar are all appearing in their first playoff series. Add to that list Wayne Simmonds, Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty as well as the young Jon Quick.

Now, the veterans of the club, Michal Handzus, Sean O’Donnell, Ryan Smyth, Justin Williams, Rob Scuderi and Fredrik Modin have all been a part of the playoffs. Of those veterans, Williams, O’Donnell, Modin and Scuderi all own Stanley Cup rings.

It comes down to the veterans taking control and leading the youth movement of LA into the second round.

Vancouver Canucks by I-5 Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks survived an NHL record 14 game road trip and injuries to key players such as Kevin Bieksa, Pavol Demitra, Daniel Sedin, and Willie Mitchell to win the Northwest Division for the second time in three years. As a team, they also ended up second in goals for(272), team power-play goals(68), home wins(30), and victories by 3 or more goals(23) – finishing second or tied for first in those categories with the Washington Capitals. Vancouver also led the league in wins(11) when trailing after 2 periods.

In past seasons the Canucks success has been solely on the shoulders of goaltender Roberto Luongo. That wasn’t the case this season as the offense took center stage. Six players scored 25 or more goals and many others finished the season with career years. Veterans Henrik Sedin (Art Ross trophy winner & Hart trophy candidate), Alexandre Burrows, Daniel Sedin, and Ryan Kesler led the way with personal best seasons on the score sheet. Off-season acquisitions Mikael Samuelsson and Christian Erhoff also posted career years (something every GM hopes for when they add players to their team).

While the offense flourished, the defense was another story. Even with the emergence of Erhoff and Alexander Edler, injuries to Bieksa and Mitchell and issues with Mathieu Schneider and Shane O’Brien led to a lot of defensive breakdowns as players that were not expected to log top-4 minutes were called upon to do so night in and night out. Defense and goaltending are the biggest question marks for the Canucks heading into their first round matchup with the Kings. While many feel that Luongo will regain his form of past seasons, without the return of Mitchell (which doesn’t seem likely) the defense will have to play a disciplined game and rely on the forwards to backcheck and help out on defense.

Many Canucks fans were rooting for this matchup, but make no mistake about it this will be a tough series. The Kings have an excellent mix of experienced veterans and young players that have excelled in one of the toughest divisions in the NHL. In the end though, home ice advantage and a more experienced goaltender will lead the Canucks to victory in 6 games.

Hey look… the last time the Los Angeles Kings were in the playoffs this was simple… I WANTED the Detroit Red Wings… I was living with a fan… In 1993, it was so freaking unexpected that who gave a crap what opponent came next…. HA! So this is not only a long time coming… it is a new territory… so I claim ignorance in stirring the wrath of the Hockey Gods <I’m willing to be sacrificed>… and should a punishment HAVE TO rain down on me… just leave my boys out of it, mmmk? They know NOT what I do.

Ok… right now we have swapped places with the Detroit Red Wings… jumping from 7^th place to 6^th place. On a personal note—thank you boys, sure my ex does love this- well no, he doesn’t… I am… heh. Back to the matter at hand, this puts us in a position to play the Vancouver Canucks rather than the Chicago Blackhawks. Now I know, I know… it is a mortal sin in sports. You never talk about who you want to play. The clichés are ENDLESS… “We respect both teams and would have a tough opponent and… WA WA WA like Charlie Brown’s teacher <or I could say something else but being this is public I’ll not go there…>. However, look at it with some common sense, or by the facts and it is clear that the LA Kings just have a better shot against the Canucks then the Chicago Blackhawks.

In one way, this scenario, if I’m to be selfish about it, but I won’t be, doesn’t even work for me, because Chicago is a 4-hour turn around drive for me from the Arch… heeeeey though, wonder if my passport will be sorted by then…oooooooooh Alicia… care for a visit in Seattle and drive to Vancouver? Happen to know any Canuck connections? oops.. sorry… moving on…

Now, should you not be the common sense kind of person (I’m a Literacy Specialist, it is how I operate- I do not run on stats and math as most mathematicians and math teachers do- not that the facts aren’t important- I’ve run them through blogs before- just that when common sense seems.. more.. .well.. logical and to the point, I will go with it. Of course, emotion will suffice, too. However, for you fools, here are the facts, just the facts.

Kings VS. the Blackhawks:

As of April 7th- Kings are 1 and 3 against the Blackhawks (1 win in a shootout)

Won 1 2-1 (in a shootout non-the-less)

Lost 3 4-1  (3-0 and 3-2 in a shootout)

Now Head on Head (all as of April 7^th)

Leading Point Scorers:

Anze Kopitar 79 points 34 G 45 A

Patrick Kane 85 points  30 G 55 A

Leading Defenseman:

Drew Doughty 57 points 15 Goals, 47 A +19 (We all know how this has been going since playoffs).

Duncan Keith 66 points 15 Goals 53 A +19

Probable Starters:

Jonathan Quick: GP 70 GAA: 2.54 W: 39 L 24 SV% .907

Cristobal Huet:  GP 48 GAA: 2.50 W: 26 L: 14 OT: 4 SO: 4 GA: 114  SV% .895

-(sounds familiar, eh- another reason not to play the Hawks)

**Stats should be considered very carefully when considering that Huet’s split time with Antti Niemi, who played a near equal 36 games. However,                         Huet is the favorite to start.

Now on to the Vancouver Canucks…

And please note that this is where some reasoning has to come in….

See, funny enough we have the same exact record against the Canucks… but let us notice some dates of these games and the circumstances surrounding them…

The LA Kings are 1-4 this season against the Canucks..

3-1, 4-1 and 2-1 losses (the 2-1 loss was a shootout)

The lone win was the most recent win was the most memorable 8-3 blowout.

10/29 was the shootout loss, 2-1- very close game during the Kings tear of a start to the season

11/26 was going into Thanksgiving when the Manchester Monarchs were flying by the seat of their pants against the NHL, instead of the injured, aka missing in action LA Kings… they did their best but lost this game 4-1 <and while we are on the topic, may we take a moment of silence to give thanks to the Monarchs? For we’d be long done and dusted, in this race, if not for those men>.

12/14 The slide from hell continues into the Christmas break.. one player in and one player out. Wayne Simmonds had just been injured on the 12^th, listed week-to-week (not even day-to-day—come on this is the Kings, after all) on the 14^th and then there goes Jarrett Stoll. And to be perfectly honest because a lot of this period has been blocked out for what little remains of my sanity- maybe Ryan Smyth was still long gone by then? So, seriously… yeah.  We only lost 3-1 – GO MONARCHS!

4/1/10 Wow. The one upside of the Olympics, maybe <and this is where you run with the positive reasoning– it really does kick in and make sense people, so stick with me>. On both sides of the Olympics, we have Roberto Luongo’s number- Players played WITH him (one that REALLY needs a shot in the arm.. Drew?? DREW??? DREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW? – think Alvin- the chipmunk… forget it… played with him, damn well, too for Canada. Then we have our Captain Dustin- ever pumping, ever leading, ever pushing, ever ass-kicking, I’m going to drag this team to the damn playoffs if I have to do it myself, one-by-damn one of you Brown (hat trick that night, anyone???) and Jack MF Johnson. As I said in my blog for that game.. he led the team in minutes, had three blocked shots and although only two official assists, was on the ice for the entire hat trick. He was an intricate part of each- and essential to the win- hence the second star. Anze Kopitar didn’t even play in the Olympics …<another rant for another blog… yeah> but when he had the puck the look on Luongo’s face was priceless and after the ensuing goal was scored? He did a fish out of water dance worthy of Dominick Hasek trying to draw a penalty… Oh yeah… that cage is rattled.

*If you are wondering why I didn’t breakdown the games vs. the Blackhawks… I think that the stats speak for themselves… no reasoning needed.

Now Head on Head (all as of April 7^th)

Leading Point Scorers:

Anze Kopitar 79 points 34 G 45 A (but if he hadn’t been injured… Kopi is not far off.. really)

Henrik Sedin 107 points <Holy Hoppin I thought that was for both Sedin brother’s Batman!> 29 Goals 78 Assists (Mother of SOMETHING  that is some passing skill, vision of the ice…mighty!)

*Ok, admittedly the Canucks win this- but Henrik Sedin is tearing up the entire league- so reasoning, again dictates that I’m not throwing out my argument on one player. Having said that, Rob Scuderi single-handedly shutdown Alex Ovechkin in the playoffs, for the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, he could do it again <if he comes out of hiding>. I don’t doubt his chi… And really- do you doubt Anze hitting a hidden gear in the playoffs… SERIOUSLY?! Cause I don’t.

Leading Defenseman:

Drew Doughty 57 points 15 Goals, 47 A +34 (See above… Wash, Rinse, Repeat X2).

Christian Ehroff  42 points 14 Goals 29 A +33

Probable Starters

Jonathan Quick: GP 70 GAA: 2.54 W: 39 L 24 SV% .907

Roberto Luongo: GP 67 GAA: 2.56 W: 39 L: 22 SV%.912

**Huh… well what do we have here? Funny, I don’t hear Canuck fans screaming that Luongo is a waste, should be replaced and has been soft, is out of position all the time, lost focus or isn’t good enough… and I’m pretty sure I haven’t heard anything about his defensemen scoring on him lately or flirting with the female reporters DURING GAMES… yet his numbers are just about identical with Quick’s and Quick has played in 3 more games… huh… just sayin.

Enjoy the game tomorrow GO KINGS GO! Next Blog Friday/Saturday… Keeping Playoff Expectations In Check <no pun intended LOL>…

Remember.. crawl… run.. .walk.. hmmm no wait…  crap.. gotta go think.. you get it though… … oh and more Musical Hockey Fun!

<Runs to hide under the desk from the Hockey Gods, the Kings, Canuck fans… the Canucks?

And the entire Kingdom…which is and always will be greater than “SensNation”>