Rantin' and Ravin'

Well here we are, round 1 of the 2011 NHL playoffs are complete. If you're not on the edge of your seat, then you are not a sports fan. Back to back nights, we have game 7's going into overtime, with the home team advancing in each. Not a happy first round for this guy, who's top 2 teams, the Blackhawks and the Penguins, are bested in game 7. Also, it is my opinion that the top 2 goalies in hockey are sent packing as well in Ryan Miller and Marc-Andre Fleury.

Anyone who was able to see the Pens/Lightning game tonight was witness to a hard-nosed, gutsy performance by both teams. The lone goal in the game, scored by Tampa's Sean Bergenheim, simply highlighted Fleury's largest flaw as a goaltender. He is the most athletic tender in the league, and he makes his money by being aggressive. It often times gets him into trouble, but he is usually able to recover with an ESPN highlight save because of his raw athleticism. Almost identical to a goal earlier in the series, Fleury heads to the far pipe as Dominic Moore skated behind the net. As he crossed Fleury's back, he no look passes backwards, and lays the puck out to the vacant post he had just skated past. Bergenheim rocketed the puck into the empty net. You have to take this kind of goal, and cannot blame MAF for his play, as it is this same play which makes him an elite NHL tender.

So round 2 of the playoffs is set, and you should expect nothing but more excitement. I haven't been hitting too well thus far, but here are my picks for round 2.....

Capitals v. Lightning

An intriguing matchup, made even more intriguing by the recent play of veteran goalie Dwayne Roloson. This guy has proven year after year that he can throw an entire team on his shoulders and carry them a VERY long ways. I think this one is a high flying series, very fast paced, and has the potential to have a few 10+ goal games. They could turn around the next day and have a 1-0 game. I am up in the air with this matchup, but I think in the end...Michal Neuvirth stands tall, and the powerful Caps offense breaks Roloson. Caps win 4-2.

Flyers v. Bruins

Talk about a series with history, potential, and a whole lot of bloodshed. You can count on these teams to beat each other until they can't see straight anymore. Personally, not a fan of either team, but am excited to watch just because they hate each other THAT much. The over-under on suspension games issued to players in this series is 3. As much as I hate Tim Thomas, he is the new age version of Dominik Hasek, and dammit he gets the job done. Patrice Bergeron, Krejci, Lucic, Peverley, and Ryder are all absolute weapons, and Chara, Boychuk, Ference (if hes not suspended), and Tomas Kaberle make one stiff defense in front of Thomas. Once the smoke has cleared, and the body count tallied, there is 1 Bruin left standing, and to no surprise, it is 20 year veteran and former Flyer, Mark Recchi. Bruins win on a game 7 OT goal.

Sharks v. Wings

Yet another series for the ages. The Red Wings are an NHL playoff stamp, and unusually, have some youth to support all of the 40 year old throw away players they pick up from everyone else. The Sharks are my favorite team left, and you have to love the squad they put on the ice. Heatley, Pavs, Thorton, Clowe, Couture, Marleau, and Setoguchi leave an offensive attack to rival anyone. Toss in Dan Boyle, Demers, and Wallin on defense, and you have one of the top squads in the league. Unfortunately, they have a habit of flopping in the playoffs, and Niemi has not proven he can win a game for them on his own. I hope I'm wrong, but I think the Wings experience, coupled with the superb goaltending of Jimmy Howard takes this series. Wings win it 4-3. Over-under on games Niemi is pulled from is 2.

Canucks v. Predators

Again, a huge congratulations to the Preds for winning the first series in franchise history. This should not have been a surprise, considering the Milwaukee Admirals have been stacked with young talent for a while, and it is starting to feed the beast that is in Nashville. Unfortunately, they now run into the President trophy winning Canucks, who have finally slain their playoff dragon, and are starving for a taste of the Cup's nectar. Their offense is ridiculous, and if Luongo can stop all of the shots he should, and not throw the puck into his own net, the Canucks should run through this easily. I want to call sweep here, but the Preds have a respectable roster, and steal one at home. Canucks win 4-1, and take a long break into the semis. The over-under on people+teeth knocked out by Shea Weber and Ryan Suter is 4.

There you have it, Canucks v Wings, Caps v. Bruins.

Trivia question: How many former Wisconsin Badgers are on 2011 NHL playoff rosters? Who are they?