Boston edged Tampa Bay, 1-0, Friday night in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals in Boston.
The Bruins' will face Vancouver in the Stanley Cup finals. Game 1 is Wednesday in Vancouver at 8 p.m. on NBC for those of us in the states. CBC and RDS will also carry the game. Boston, winners of two Stanley Cups in 1970 and 1972, are heading to the finals for the first time since 1990, while the Canucks are in their third finals appearance, and first since 1994.
Boston's Nathan Horton scored the game's only goal at 12:27 of the third period on a tip-in off a David Krejci pass past the Lightning's Dwayne Roloson, who made 37 saves. Andrew Ference had the secondary assist. Ference said the Bruins' had used it as a set play to break Tampa Bay's 1-3-1 trap, and it worked.
Horton was tabbed the No. 1 star, while Boston goalie Tim Thomas was the No. 2 star with 24 saves in a shutout. Roloson was the third star, as voted on by the media.
Although only one goal was scored, the game was exciting from the first face-off. Pierre, Edzo and Doc repeatedly stated that it's a shame someone had to lose, and I'm inclined to agree with them.
Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos showed plenty of character after returning from a puck to the nose. Thank God he was wearing a visor. Stamkos will have some work done.
Stamkos had only one shot, was a minus-one, but was on the ice for 18:57 and showed how bad he wanted to help his team. Stamkos' effort is what playoff hockey is all about.
Referees Dan O'Halloran and Steven Walkom let the players decide the game as no penalties were called. Usually the refs get blamed, but I think they made the right decision. I did see some penalties occur, but nothing blatant, and the guys in the stripes deserve to be congratulated.
The Bruins outshot the Lightning 38-24, and had a 15-9 advantage in the first. They put 14 shots on Roloson in the second, compared to 8 for Tampa Bay and had a 9-7 edge in the third.
Roloson had the tougher task than Thomas, in my opinion. Thomas was the second star because he won, but Roloson was very good. He stopped a breakaway and made far more tough saves than Thomas.
Take nothing away from Thomas, he put himself in good position and made the routine stops.
Boston kept putting the pressure on and had the puck in Tampa Bay's zone for lengthy periods of time using a strong cycle.
The Lightning had some good opportunities and my gut feeling was their were going to score late on a fluky goal, but the Bruins got the late goal, however, it was not fluky.
NOTES: Boston captain Zdeno Chara didn't touch the Prince of Wales Trophy, but had all his teammates and coaches gather around for a picture. For what it's worth, the Bruins seemed to be more amped up than the Canucks. Martin St. Louis and Tim Thomas, former college teammates, shared an embrace.
Showing posts with label Dwayne Roloson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dwayne Roloson. Show all posts
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tampa Bay forces Game 7
Although I didn't get to watch it, Tampa Bay beat Boston, 5-4, in Game 6 Wednesday night at the Saint Pete Times Forum to force Game 7.
The decisive game will be played Friday in Boston.
Since I wasn't able to see the game, I don't have too much to say about it, but I will make a few points regarding the Lightning.
They keep battling back, and I wouldn't be surprised if they won Game 7. Dwayne Roloson had a sup-par performance, although he picked up the victory. I had them losing in the first and second rounds, but they proved me wrong. I did say they would win this series, although I didn't think they would pull it out after falling behind 3-2.
I'm going to go back to my original pick. Tampa Bay wins 4-2 in Game 7 to make its second trip to the Stanley Cup finals.
The decisive game will be played Friday in Boston.
Since I wasn't able to see the game, I don't have too much to say about it, but I will make a few points regarding the Lightning.
They keep battling back, and I wouldn't be surprised if they won Game 7. Dwayne Roloson had a sup-par performance, although he picked up the victory. I had them losing in the first and second rounds, but they proved me wrong. I did say they would win this series, although I didn't think they would pull it out after falling behind 3-2.
I'm going to go back to my original pick. Tampa Bay wins 4-2 in Game 7 to make its second trip to the Stanley Cup finals.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
NHL conference finals update
Tim Thomas put his stick where his mouth was and led Boston to a 3-1 victory over Tampa Bay in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals Monday in Boston.
Thomas made the save of the playoffs with the Bruins up 2-1 when he was clearly beaten, but got back to stop Steve Downie with about 11 minutes left.
Thomas said he was a tad lucky, but I'll say it was skill.
The Bruins goalie stated to Pierre McGuire after the game that his words were taken out of context when he guarenteed Boston would win the series. I don't know about that. Just don't say things like that, and you won't have to worry about it. I can't find fault when members of the media print, tape or discuss certain things. The guarantee is getting old, though.
These guys are professionals, but so are the writers and announcers. A good journalist will use those quotes in his/her story, or hear from their editor. I'm speaking from experience. Maybe you look sleazy, but it's the nature of the business. That's just how it goes. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. Back to the game.
I won't count out the Lightning just yet. I've predicted them to lose in the first two series, and they proved me wrong. I had them beating Boston, but I don't know now. We'll see.
I don't understand starting Mike Smith in favor of Dwayne Roloson. Maybe if Tampa Bay had lost Game 4. Smith played well, and I don't think he had much to do with the loss. The Bruins' goals were well placed and I doubt it would have made much difference if Roloson was in goal. I just don't get the change in Game 5 of the conference finals.
I will give the edge to Boston in Game 6. Thomas will make just enough saves for a 3-2 Bruins' win.
As for the Western Conference finals, Vancouver has been the better team all series long, and will win Game 5 tonight, 4-2.
The Sedin twins are playing great, Ryan Kesler is the best two-way center in the game, and Roberto Luongo is playing like a Vezina finalist.
San Jose has played beyond expectations in these playoffs for the first time in its existence, but the Sharks will be hitting the links tomorrow.
Enjoy the games.
Thomas made the save of the playoffs with the Bruins up 2-1 when he was clearly beaten, but got back to stop Steve Downie with about 11 minutes left.
Thomas said he was a tad lucky, but I'll say it was skill.
The Bruins goalie stated to Pierre McGuire after the game that his words were taken out of context when he guarenteed Boston would win the series. I don't know about that. Just don't say things like that, and you won't have to worry about it. I can't find fault when members of the media print, tape or discuss certain things. The guarantee is getting old, though.
These guys are professionals, but so are the writers and announcers. A good journalist will use those quotes in his/her story, or hear from their editor. I'm speaking from experience. Maybe you look sleazy, but it's the nature of the business. That's just how it goes. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. Back to the game.
I won't count out the Lightning just yet. I've predicted them to lose in the first two series, and they proved me wrong. I had them beating Boston, but I don't know now. We'll see.
I don't understand starting Mike Smith in favor of Dwayne Roloson. Maybe if Tampa Bay had lost Game 4. Smith played well, and I don't think he had much to do with the loss. The Bruins' goals were well placed and I doubt it would have made much difference if Roloson was in goal. I just don't get the change in Game 5 of the conference finals.
I will give the edge to Boston in Game 6. Thomas will make just enough saves for a 3-2 Bruins' win.
As for the Western Conference finals, Vancouver has been the better team all series long, and will win Game 5 tonight, 4-2.
The Sedin twins are playing great, Ryan Kesler is the best two-way center in the game, and Roberto Luongo is playing like a Vezina finalist.
San Jose has played beyond expectations in these playoffs for the first time in its existence, but the Sharks will be hitting the links tomorrow.
Enjoy the games.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Should Tampa Bay stick with Roloson?
After being pulled in Games 2 and 4, do you think Tampa Bay should start Dwayne Roloson in Game 5? I say yes. Stick with your starter, but keep him on a short leash. If he struggles early, go with Mike Smith.
Please give me your opinions.
Please give me your opinions.
Smith comes on in relief
Mike Smith came out of the bullpen Saturday and led Tampa Bay to a 5-3 victory over Boston in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals at Tampa.
The series is tied at 2-2 with Game 5 coming in Boston, not that home-ice advantage has helped in these playoffs.
Although I missed the game, trying to apply for another job can be rough, I liked how Smith was able to come on and save the day for Tampa.
The Lightning have shown so much resiliency this postseason, it is hard to go against them. I believe they will win the next two and close out the series.
In the West finals, San Jose held off Vancouver for a 4-3 victory in Game 3. The Canucks are still my favorites to win the Cup. They will win Game 4 before closing out the series at home.
The Stanley Cup finals should be interesting. I guess it will not be a popular matchup if its Tampa Bay-Vancouver, but that looks like the case.
I think it would be an intriguing series. A young up-and-coming team, with the exception of the goalie, against a talented team that is notorious for choking in the playoffs.
Should be exciting.
The series is tied at 2-2 with Game 5 coming in Boston, not that home-ice advantage has helped in these playoffs.
Although I missed the game, trying to apply for another job can be rough, I liked how Smith was able to come on and save the day for Tampa.
The Lightning have shown so much resiliency this postseason, it is hard to go against them. I believe they will win the next two and close out the series.
In the West finals, San Jose held off Vancouver for a 4-3 victory in Game 3. The Canucks are still my favorites to win the Cup. They will win Game 4 before closing out the series at home.
The Stanley Cup finals should be interesting. I guess it will not be a popular matchup if its Tampa Bay-Vancouver, but that looks like the case.
I think it would be an intriguing series. A young up-and-coming team, with the exception of the goalie, against a talented team that is notorious for choking in the playoffs.
Should be exciting.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Bruins tie series
Boston scored five goals in the second period en route to a 6-5 victory over Tampa Bay Tuesday in the Eastern Conference finals at Boston.
The Lightning jumped out to an early 1-0 lead before the Bruins tied the game at one. Tampa Bay scored in the last minute of the first to take a 2-1 lead into intermission.
The Bruins responded by scoring three goals in the early stage of the second for a 4-2 lead with two goals by Tyler Seguin and a goal by David Krejci.
Seguin wasn't even supposed to play in the this series, but a concussion to Patrice Bergeron has inserted the 19-year-old into the lineup.
Tampa Bay cut the lead to 4-3 on a goal by Vincent Lecavalier, but two goals by the Bruins' Michael Ryder put the home team up 6-3 heading into the third.
Dwayne Roloson was pulled after the second, which was his first bad game of the playoffs, and Steven Stamkos and Dominic Moore scored to cut the deficit to one, although Boston was able to hold off the Lightning.
Although he gave up five, Tim Thomas made 36 saves for Boston, including several breakaway chances in the second.
The Bruins also won the special teams battle by going 2-for-6 on the power play and allowing only one goal against Tampa Bay's vaunted PP.
That said, I still like the Lightning to win Games 3 and 4 at home before closing out the series in Boston.
The Lightning jumped out to an early 1-0 lead before the Bruins tied the game at one. Tampa Bay scored in the last minute of the first to take a 2-1 lead into intermission.
The Bruins responded by scoring three goals in the early stage of the second for a 4-2 lead with two goals by Tyler Seguin and a goal by David Krejci.
Seguin wasn't even supposed to play in the this series, but a concussion to Patrice Bergeron has inserted the 19-year-old into the lineup.
Tampa Bay cut the lead to 4-3 on a goal by Vincent Lecavalier, but two goals by the Bruins' Michael Ryder put the home team up 6-3 heading into the third.
Dwayne Roloson was pulled after the second, which was his first bad game of the playoffs, and Steven Stamkos and Dominic Moore scored to cut the deficit to one, although Boston was able to hold off the Lightning.
Although he gave up five, Tim Thomas made 36 saves for Boston, including several breakaway chances in the second.
The Bruins also won the special teams battle by going 2-for-6 on the power play and allowing only one goal against Tampa Bay's vaunted PP.
That said, I still like the Lightning to win Games 3 and 4 at home before closing out the series in Boston.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Conference finals update
I don't know if the Stanley Cup playoffs are lacking sizzle or what, but I don't hear too much about it. Maybe it's because the Penguins are out. Besides hardcore sports fans, most cities don't care once their team is eliminated from the playoffs. Just my opinion.
As of 2:18 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, Tampa Bay leads Boston 1-0 in a best-of-seven in the East finals and Vancouver holds a 1-0 series lead over San Jose.
Game 2 of the Lightning-Bruins series will be on tap tonight.
Tampa Bay easily dispatched Boston in the first game, but I believe the Bruins will rebound to win Game 2 if they stay out of the penalty box. In addition, Boston's power play is awful, so five-on-five play is where the Bruins will flourish. Tim Thomas needs to outplay Dwayne Roloson, too. I guess a bunch of things have to go right for Boston.
I can't believe how good the Lightning have been in these playoffs.
The Canucks-Sharks series is intriguing. Both teams have been notorious playoff chokers in the past, but one will be in the Stanley Cup finals. San Jose has never made it, while Vancouver lost in its only appearance to the New York Rangers in 1994.
I believe the Canucks are the best team left in these playoffs. They have the offense in the Sedin twins, who haven't played up to their potential, which is scary because they will. Ryan Keslar is a force at both ends of the ice, and will shut down the Sharks' offensive weapons. Roberto Luongo is the best goalie left, and even though he has never been to the Cup finals, he will finally get past his failures in the playoffs.
Anttii Neimi did win a title last year, so he knows what its all about, and Roloson led Edmonton to the finals, which I like for him to do again, but Luongo is going to be the man this year.
He had his rough stretch in the first round, but has rebounded from that, and will be good again Wednesday night in Vancouver.
It's just getting good.
If you so choose to, go out and vote. That's my one political order for the day.
As of 2:18 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, Tampa Bay leads Boston 1-0 in a best-of-seven in the East finals and Vancouver holds a 1-0 series lead over San Jose.
Game 2 of the Lightning-Bruins series will be on tap tonight.
Tampa Bay easily dispatched Boston in the first game, but I believe the Bruins will rebound to win Game 2 if they stay out of the penalty box. In addition, Boston's power play is awful, so five-on-five play is where the Bruins will flourish. Tim Thomas needs to outplay Dwayne Roloson, too. I guess a bunch of things have to go right for Boston.
I can't believe how good the Lightning have been in these playoffs.
The Canucks-Sharks series is intriguing. Both teams have been notorious playoff chokers in the past, but one will be in the Stanley Cup finals. San Jose has never made it, while Vancouver lost in its only appearance to the New York Rangers in 1994.
I believe the Canucks are the best team left in these playoffs. They have the offense in the Sedin twins, who haven't played up to their potential, which is scary because they will. Ryan Keslar is a force at both ends of the ice, and will shut down the Sharks' offensive weapons. Roberto Luongo is the best goalie left, and even though he has never been to the Cup finals, he will finally get past his failures in the playoffs.
Anttii Neimi did win a title last year, so he knows what its all about, and Roloson led Edmonton to the finals, which I like for him to do again, but Luongo is going to be the man this year.
He had his rough stretch in the first round, but has rebounded from that, and will be good again Wednesday night in Vancouver.
It's just getting good.
If you so choose to, go out and vote. That's my one political order for the day.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Lightning keep on rolling
After falling behind Pittsburgh 3-1 in the first round, Tampa Bay has won eight straight games, including a 5-2 victory over Boston Saturday night in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Lightning scored three goals in 1:25 and added another power-play goal to surge past the Bruins.
Boston couldn't shut down Tampa Bay's high-powered offense, and it looks like the Lightning could have too much firepower for the Bruins to overcome.
With offensive stars like Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay can defenitely put the puck in the net. Plus, it's 1-3-1 defensive scheme is working just fine and Dwayne Roloson is looking very good.
I believe the Lightning will win this series in five games.
The Lightning scored three goals in 1:25 and added another power-play goal to surge past the Bruins.
Boston couldn't shut down Tampa Bay's high-powered offense, and it looks like the Lightning could have too much firepower for the Bruins to overcome.
With offensive stars like Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay can defenitely put the puck in the net. Plus, it's 1-3-1 defensive scheme is working just fine and Dwayne Roloson is looking very good.
I believe the Lightning will win this series in five games.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Redemption for Boston
The Bruins didn't give Philadelphia any chance to come back in their Eastern Conference semifinals series Friday.
Boston beat the Flyers, 5-1, to sweep the series and move onto the conference finals against Tampa Bay.
The Bruins added two empty-net goals for good measure. Boston didn't want any miracle comeback.
It was just one year ago that Philadelphia came back from being down 3-0 to beat the Bruins in the a conference semifinals matchup. It didn't happen this year.
I did pick the Flyers to win this series before, although their lackluster goaltending proved costly.
The conference finals will feature Boston and Tampa Bay. I'm going to go with the Lightning in 6. They are playing really well, and should continue.
Tim Thomas and the Bruins' defense has been tremendous, but Tampa Bay has strong blue liners and Dwayne Roloson has taken an underdog to the finals before when he led Edmonton to the Stanley Cup finals.
The Lightning have won seven straight, however Boston will take Game 1.
Boston beat the Flyers, 5-1, to sweep the series and move onto the conference finals against Tampa Bay.
The Bruins added two empty-net goals for good measure. Boston didn't want any miracle comeback.
It was just one year ago that Philadelphia came back from being down 3-0 to beat the Bruins in the a conference semifinals matchup. It didn't happen this year.
I did pick the Flyers to win this series before, although their lackluster goaltending proved costly.
The conference finals will feature Boston and Tampa Bay. I'm going to go with the Lightning in 6. They are playing really well, and should continue.
Tim Thomas and the Bruins' defense has been tremendous, but Tampa Bay has strong blue liners and Dwayne Roloson has taken an underdog to the finals before when he led Edmonton to the Stanley Cup finals.
The Lightning have won seven straight, however Boston will take Game 1.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
2nd Round Lacks Sizzle
The 1st round of the NHL was chalk full of intrigue and drama. It was packed full of controversial hits, overtime thrillers, epic combacks, and many tightly contested series. The 2nd round? Not so much. The dissapointing Washington Capitals have already been swept out by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Philly Flyers and Detroit Redwings both find themselves down three games to none, facing down near insurmountable deficits. The closest series has been Vancouver and Nashville, but I fear an overtime victory for the Canucks in game three on a ridiculous penalty call will be too much for the already overmatched Predators to overcome.
The least surprising outcome of this round has been watching the Flyers goaltending implode once again. Has there ever been a team in sports that fails so spectacularly at the same position over and over again in the playoffs.
The biggest shock has been the Tampa Bay Lightning looking like a well tested playoff juggernaut. The 41 year old journeyman Dwayne Roloson is playing some of the best hockey of his life in net. Sean Bergenheim has been unreal good on a line with Dominic Moore. Ryan Malone has battled his way to the front of the net, stepping in for an again injured Simon Gagne. And Eric Brewer has been a dominate two way defensemen, especially with veteran Pavel Kubina going down. If the Bolts can keep this level of play up, they are going to be very hard for any team to knock off.
Meanwhile the Capitals showed a lack of heart, desire, and commitment that has become an unexplainable habit for them in the NHL playoffs. I really thought this would be their year to shine. Now Caps fans have to really wonder if it wouldn't be best to have some major changes down in DC. Alex Ovechkin deseves to have a better squad put around him. He is a force and Brooks Laich is a proven warrior. Everyone else on that team should be fair game for discussion about possible changes.
The least surprising outcome of this round has been watching the Flyers goaltending implode once again. Has there ever been a team in sports that fails so spectacularly at the same position over and over again in the playoffs.
The biggest shock has been the Tampa Bay Lightning looking like a well tested playoff juggernaut. The 41 year old journeyman Dwayne Roloson is playing some of the best hockey of his life in net. Sean Bergenheim has been unreal good on a line with Dominic Moore. Ryan Malone has battled his way to the front of the net, stepping in for an again injured Simon Gagne. And Eric Brewer has been a dominate two way defensemen, especially with veteran Pavel Kubina going down. If the Bolts can keep this level of play up, they are going to be very hard for any team to knock off.
Meanwhile the Capitals showed a lack of heart, desire, and commitment that has become an unexplainable habit for them in the NHL playoffs. I really thought this would be their year to shine. Now Caps fans have to really wonder if it wouldn't be best to have some major changes down in DC. Alex Ovechkin deseves to have a better squad put around him. He is a force and Brooks Laich is a proven warrior. Everyone else on that team should be fair game for discussion about possible changes.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
My second-round picks
The Penguins' season is over, but the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs live on. Here are my picks for the second round, or the conference semifinals if you want to get technical.
In the Eastern Conference, I pick Washington to upend Tampa Bay in six games. Dwayne Roloson played well in the first round against Pittsburgh, but the Capitals are a much better scoring team with a solid power play.
The Lightning can light the lamp, although it won't be enough against Washington. This could be the Capitals' year.
Philadelphia, yes I'm going with them, will top Boston in seven games. The Flyers were the top team in the league for a long time, and after surviving a scare against Buffalo, has a renewed focus.
The goalie situation is suspect in Philadelphia, although it will play tough defense in front of whoever the goalie is. This will be an exciting series.
For the Western Conference:
Vancouver takes care of Nashville in six games. The Canucks showed tremendous character against Chicago. Yes, the Blackhawks took them to a seventh game after trailing 3-0, but Chicago wasn't your average No. 8 seed.
The Predators have some tremendous players in Shea Weber, Mike Fisher and Pekka Rinne, but I believe the Canucks have too much fire power. Roberto Luongo will have a bounce back series. Nashville doesn't have the scoring punch.
Detroit has it all, and the Red Wings will fly past San Jose in six games.
The Sharks have some offensive firepower, although Los Angeles played them a little too tough for my liking.
I believe goaltending is a liability for San Jose. Although Antti Niemi won a Stanley Cup with Chicago last season, I doubt that he can lead the Sharks over the Red Wings.
I don't know if revenge is on the Red Wings' minds, but San Jose took them out of the playoffs in five games last year.
Once again, Washington over Tampa Bay (six games), Philadelphia over Boston (seven game), Vancouver over Nashville (six games) and Detroit over San Jose (six games).
Also, check out Pucks_and_Pols' picks. Feel free to respond to both.
In the Eastern Conference, I pick Washington to upend Tampa Bay in six games. Dwayne Roloson played well in the first round against Pittsburgh, but the Capitals are a much better scoring team with a solid power play.
The Lightning can light the lamp, although it won't be enough against Washington. This could be the Capitals' year.
Philadelphia, yes I'm going with them, will top Boston in seven games. The Flyers were the top team in the league for a long time, and after surviving a scare against Buffalo, has a renewed focus.
The goalie situation is suspect in Philadelphia, although it will play tough defense in front of whoever the goalie is. This will be an exciting series.
For the Western Conference:
Vancouver takes care of Nashville in six games. The Canucks showed tremendous character against Chicago. Yes, the Blackhawks took them to a seventh game after trailing 3-0, but Chicago wasn't your average No. 8 seed.
The Predators have some tremendous players in Shea Weber, Mike Fisher and Pekka Rinne, but I believe the Canucks have too much fire power. Roberto Luongo will have a bounce back series. Nashville doesn't have the scoring punch.
Detroit has it all, and the Red Wings will fly past San Jose in six games.
The Sharks have some offensive firepower, although Los Angeles played them a little too tough for my liking.
I believe goaltending is a liability for San Jose. Although Antti Niemi won a Stanley Cup with Chicago last season, I doubt that he can lead the Sharks over the Red Wings.
I don't know if revenge is on the Red Wings' minds, but San Jose took them out of the playoffs in five games last year.
Once again, Washington over Tampa Bay (six games), Philadelphia over Boston (seven game), Vancouver over Nashville (six games) and Detroit over San Jose (six games).
Also, check out Pucks_and_Pols' picks. Feel free to respond to both.
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