2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (predictions and discussions)

Last season the Sharks played a seven-game series with the Kings and scored 10 goals. This year they're going to play four games and score 20. Mostly the same crew too, Hertl the rookie being the notable difference.

San Jose is healthy and with a different edge, getting major production from all four lines. They haven't looked like this in the playoffs, ever that I can recall at least. Even when they made the conference finals a few years ago, it was not because of domination but just the result of a lot of grinding one-goal wins. Now it looks like they're going to get this series out of the way without a huge physical toll. That's always a big factor in a long postseason run.

 

How can you say that after St. Louis did so much for you?

 

Gutless puke Cooke gets seven games. As David Shoalts from the Globe & Mail tweeted, Cooke should be happy with any number under 82

 

Another Owen Sound Attack product gets an NHL shot tomorrow. In Joey Hishon's case, it's a belated shot, but better late than never.

http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/ci_25623434/nhl-dream-become-reality-avs-call-up-joey

 

The idea that the Blackhawks are some renegade outfit of hooligans is comical. They are the least physical team in the league, and have been for the last few years.

 

That's not really true.

 

OK.

 

You clearly have not watched the Oilers play the last six or seven years. Not that I don't blame you. But you want to talk about a band of wimps, look to Edmonton. Towards the end of this season they started to get a little better, but damn, they get pushed around by everyone, including Chicago.

 

The Blackhawks may have had speed as their calling card, but they were at least average in physicality too. They've never been a soft team during this run.

 

You can't win two Cups in four years without hitting SOMEBODY along the way.

 

Have been really surprised that Los Angeles hasn't been better, especially on defense. But no way would I pull Quick. You go down with your best guy.

Got to see Anaheim in person last night against Dallas. Said what I said last week: they don't look anything like a Cup winner. They may or may not survive Dallas, a young and inexperienced, although inspired foe. Dallas believes it can win the series now.

As for Anaheim, Ryan Getzlaf didn't play in Game 4 and is questionable for Game 5. Ducks are a one-line team on the best of days. Take away Getzlaf and it's glaring. Jonas Hiller came in late in Game 4 and I would expect him to start in Game 5 as Bruce Boudreau again plays musical chairs with his goalies, like he did in Washington. Even if Anaheim survives Dallas, they're not beating San Jose playing this way.

Henrik Zetterberg returns to the lineup for Detroit after missing 27 games. I really expect Detroit to give Boston a very good test tonight in Game 4.

 

Sharks pull Niemi after he gives up five goals. Couple of softies.

This could be the best thing for them. Most people wanted Stalock off the bat, and the Sharks gave serious thought to it, and now they get to make the change because of a loss that (probably) won't cost them anything.