The Lightning did everything they needed to do to win Sunday night and cut the series lead down to 2-1. For the first time in the series they were not thoroughly outplayed and they deserved to win. They, however, did not win and now face a 3-0 series deficit.
The game started off horribly, as Montreal got on the board just eleven seconds in to take a 1-0 lead. the rest of the game however, would be controlled by the Bolts. Their hard work finally got them a tie game early in the second, off the stick of Ondrej Palat.
Then halfway through the second, it happened. Ondrej Palat put another one in the net, seemingly putting Tampa up 2-1 and giving what could be a momentum changing goal for the entire series. The lead referee however, ruled the goal off, citing goaltender interference. Replay showed very clearly the call was atrocious, as nothing even close to resembling goalie interference took place. But the game remained tied due to the refs incompetence. Predictably, just a few moments later Montreal took a 2-1 lead of their own. Early in the 3rd, they stretched it to 3-1.
The Bolts cut the lead to 3-2 in the 3rd and made a valiant attempt to tie it, even hitting a couple posts, but luck was not on their side this night, and they now face a sweep directly in the eyes.
175 teams have faced a 3-0 series deficit in NHL history, and only 3 have come back to win the series, so the odds are not in the Bolts favor. Not only that, but the effort and energy that would need to be extolled to make such a comeback would virtually guarantee the Bolts would be too worn down to legitimately win in the second round. So the season is all but over. Right now I am just hoping for a win tomorrow to get one more home game out of this season.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Habs drub Lightning 4-1 in disastrous outing for Bolts
If you include overtime of game one, the Lightning have played seven period so far in the 2014 playoffs, and only one of them have resembled anything close to the intensity and quality of play a playoff team should be playing with.
The period came in the first period last night. In the first period the Lightning managed eleven shots, played disciplined defense, got good goaltending, and looked much improved from game one. Even though the score remained 0-0, the play was encouraging, as it appeared the team made adjusments and was fully committed to improving upon their poor game one play.
Then they came out for the second period, and immediately regressed back into their game one selves. two minutes into the second period Richard Panik committed a penalty putting Montreal on the power play. It took only seconds into the power play for Montreal to score and take a 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, a terrible breakaway led to another goal and a 2-0 lead. The Lightning were shell shocked, and did practically nothing the rest of the game.
For the final 35 minutes the Bolts played lifeless, without any energy or intensity. The couldnt get a single iota of offensive pressure, as every time they attempted to mount an attack, Montreal stifled them away immediately. Despite this lifeless play, the game remained in reach, at still just 2-0 with ten minutes remaining, as many fans clinged to a shred of hope, hope that seemed unlikely. Finally with 8 minutes left, Brendan Gallagher put everyone out of their misery, offically ending a game that was probably over anyway, making it 3-0. A couple minutes later it was made 4-0 on a hilariously awful goaltending play by goalie Kristers Gudlevskis.
With three minutes left the Bolts were given them a power play, and they pulled their goalie giving them a two man advantage. Thankfully they were spared the embarrassment of not being able to score on a two man advantage, as with less than two minutes left Teddy Purcell found the net to avoid a shutout, making the final score 4-1.
This series is a sweep waiting to happen IF the Lightning dont find urgency immediately. Maybe its Naive hope of a fan, but I still have some optimism they will find that urgency and make this at the very least a competitive series.
There is also the important fact that this is not the first time Montreal has done this. In 2006, 2009, and 2011 they won the first two game on the road in the first round, and all three times they blew that lead and eventually lost the series. Oh yes, and all three of those teams that came back and beat Montreal in that series went on to win the Stanley Cup. Could history repeat itself?
Game three is tomorrow night, it will be interesting to see how the team will respond.
The period came in the first period last night. In the first period the Lightning managed eleven shots, played disciplined defense, got good goaltending, and looked much improved from game one. Even though the score remained 0-0, the play was encouraging, as it appeared the team made adjusments and was fully committed to improving upon their poor game one play.
Then they came out for the second period, and immediately regressed back into their game one selves. two minutes into the second period Richard Panik committed a penalty putting Montreal on the power play. It took only seconds into the power play for Montreal to score and take a 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, a terrible breakaway led to another goal and a 2-0 lead. The Lightning were shell shocked, and did practically nothing the rest of the game.
For the final 35 minutes the Bolts played lifeless, without any energy or intensity. The couldnt get a single iota of offensive pressure, as every time they attempted to mount an attack, Montreal stifled them away immediately. Despite this lifeless play, the game remained in reach, at still just 2-0 with ten minutes remaining, as many fans clinged to a shred of hope, hope that seemed unlikely. Finally with 8 minutes left, Brendan Gallagher put everyone out of their misery, offically ending a game that was probably over anyway, making it 3-0. A couple minutes later it was made 4-0 on a hilariously awful goaltending play by goalie Kristers Gudlevskis.
With three minutes left the Bolts were given them a power play, and they pulled their goalie giving them a two man advantage. Thankfully they were spared the embarrassment of not being able to score on a two man advantage, as with less than two minutes left Teddy Purcell found the net to avoid a shutout, making the final score 4-1.
This series is a sweep waiting to happen IF the Lightning dont find urgency immediately. Maybe its Naive hope of a fan, but I still have some optimism they will find that urgency and make this at the very least a competitive series.
There is also the important fact that this is not the first time Montreal has done this. In 2006, 2009, and 2011 they won the first two game on the road in the first round, and all three times they blew that lead and eventually lost the series. Oh yes, and all three of those teams that came back and beat Montreal in that series went on to win the Stanley Cup. Could history repeat itself?
Game three is tomorrow night, it will be interesting to see how the team will respond.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Bolts fall in Playoff opener 5-4 in Overtime
Excitement was in the air. The forums ice was painted for the playoffs for the first time in three years. The atmosphere inside the Tampa Times Forum was electric as playoff hockey returned to Tampa Bay. And then the puck dropped and the sobering reality set in that this is a young, inexperienced team on the big stage for the first time.
The game started off innocently enough. The two teams both played it safe the first ten minutes, getting a feel for each others style. Finally, a turnover gave the Lightning the first goal of the game off the stick of Nikita Kucherov halfway through the first period. The lead would be short lived however, as just nineteen seconds later Montreal tied it up 1-1. The Lightning from a quality of play standpoint, never recovered.
The game went back and forth the rest of the way. Stamkos put the Bolts on top 2-1 midway through the second, before Montreal came right back and tied it again.
It was the Canadiens turn to take the lead early in the 3rd, before Alex Killorn, another rookie came back and evened it at 3. Montreal responded by taking the lead yet again, before the regulation scoring finally ended with Stamkos knotting it up at 4 with six minutes left.
Overtime was basically dominated by Montreal, and with 1:52 left in the extra session, they finally scored, thanks to a defensive lapse that allowed Stephen Weiss room wide open right in front of the net. The goal felt like only a matter of time the way the Bolts were playing.
The Lightning spent the whole game in Deer in the headlights mode. A bit understandable given all the rookies getting a taste of playoff action. The defense played atrocious and the offense generated little throughout the game. Overall the Bolts were outshot 44-25.
There are several ways to look at this game. First, the Bolts played about as poorly as possible and still almost won. if they tighten it up a bit, they are very capable of winning this series. But scoring 4 goals in 25 shots is a 1 in 6 average. There is no way they score at that clip the whole series, so they absolutely have to find a way to get more shots on net.
On the other hand, if the Bolts play the same way they play last night, it will be an early offseason. There is no way they will come that close to winning playing that way again, it will lead to blowouts and a probable sweep. Game 2 is tomorrow at the forum, and it is truly a must win, as going to Montreal, one of the best home ice advantages in any sport, down 2-0 is basically a death sentence.
The game started off innocently enough. The two teams both played it safe the first ten minutes, getting a feel for each others style. Finally, a turnover gave the Lightning the first goal of the game off the stick of Nikita Kucherov halfway through the first period. The lead would be short lived however, as just nineteen seconds later Montreal tied it up 1-1. The Lightning from a quality of play standpoint, never recovered.
The game went back and forth the rest of the way. Stamkos put the Bolts on top 2-1 midway through the second, before Montreal came right back and tied it again.
It was the Canadiens turn to take the lead early in the 3rd, before Alex Killorn, another rookie came back and evened it at 3. Montreal responded by taking the lead yet again, before the regulation scoring finally ended with Stamkos knotting it up at 4 with six minutes left.
Overtime was basically dominated by Montreal, and with 1:52 left in the extra session, they finally scored, thanks to a defensive lapse that allowed Stephen Weiss room wide open right in front of the net. The goal felt like only a matter of time the way the Bolts were playing.
The Lightning spent the whole game in Deer in the headlights mode. A bit understandable given all the rookies getting a taste of playoff action. The defense played atrocious and the offense generated little throughout the game. Overall the Bolts were outshot 44-25.
There are several ways to look at this game. First, the Bolts played about as poorly as possible and still almost won. if they tighten it up a bit, they are very capable of winning this series. But scoring 4 goals in 25 shots is a 1 in 6 average. There is no way they score at that clip the whole series, so they absolutely have to find a way to get more shots on net.
On the other hand, if the Bolts play the same way they play last night, it will be an early offseason. There is no way they will come that close to winning playing that way again, it will lead to blowouts and a probable sweep. Game 2 is tomorrow at the forum, and it is truly a must win, as going to Montreal, one of the best home ice advantages in any sport, down 2-0 is basically a death sentence.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
MLB Power Rankings After Week Two
30. Arizona Diamondbacks LW: 30
29. Houston Astros LW: 24
28. New York Mets LW: 28
27. Kansas City Royals LW: 18
26. Baltimore Orioles LW; 27
25. San Diego Padres LW; 29
24. Texas Rangers LW: 23
23. Chicago Cubs LW: 20
22. Boston Red Sox LW:22
21. Philadelphia Phillies LW: 10
20. New York Yankees LW:16
19. Cleveland Indians LW: 17
18. St Louis Cardinals LW: 21
17. Colorado Rockies LW: 14
16. Pittsburgh Pirates LW; 8
15. Tampa Bay Rays LW: 3
14. Detroit Tigers LW; 6
13. Cincinnati Reds LW: 19
12. Miami Marlins LW: 1
11. Minnesota Twins LW; 15
10. Chicago White Sox LW; 11
9. Toronto Blue Jays LW: 26
8. Washington Nationals LW; 5
7. San Francisco Giants LW: 4
6. Los Angeles Angels LW; 25
5. Seattle Mariners LW; 2
4. Los Angeles Dodgers LW: 13
3. Atlanta Braves LW: 9
2. Oakland Athletics LW: 12
1. Milwaukee Brewers LW: 7
29. Houston Astros LW: 24
28. New York Mets LW: 28
27. Kansas City Royals LW: 18
26. Baltimore Orioles LW; 27
25. San Diego Padres LW; 29
24. Texas Rangers LW: 23
23. Chicago Cubs LW: 20
22. Boston Red Sox LW:22
21. Philadelphia Phillies LW: 10
20. New York Yankees LW:16
19. Cleveland Indians LW: 17
18. St Louis Cardinals LW: 21
17. Colorado Rockies LW: 14
16. Pittsburgh Pirates LW; 8
15. Tampa Bay Rays LW: 3
14. Detroit Tigers LW; 6
13. Cincinnati Reds LW: 19
12. Miami Marlins LW: 1
11. Minnesota Twins LW; 15
10. Chicago White Sox LW; 11
9. Toronto Blue Jays LW: 26
8. Washington Nationals LW; 5
7. San Francisco Giants LW: 4
6. Los Angeles Angels LW; 25
5. Seattle Mariners LW; 2
4. Los Angeles Dodgers LW: 13
3. Atlanta Braves LW: 9
2. Oakland Athletics LW: 12
1. Milwaukee Brewers LW: 7
NHL 1st round playoffs preview, predictions
The NHL regular season has finally ended, and its playoff time. 11 of the 16 playoff teams are returning from last year. Two of the three worst teams in the league last year are also in it (Lightning, Avalanche.) The Stars return for the first time since 2008, as do the Blue Jackets, who are making only their second appearance in their franchises 12 year history. The Jackets got swept the first time so they are still looking for their first franchise playoff win. Finally, the Flyers return after missing out last year. The Flyers have made 29 straight playoff appearances without winning a championship, a major league sports record. Lets make it 30.
This year debuts a brand new playoff format, a format that has confused even the most die hard of hockey fans. it is so confusing I will not even attempt to explain it, Im not even sure I could, so lets just look at the matchups and get my predictions.
Boston Bruins (117 points) Vs Detroit Red Wings (93 Points): The Bruins finished with the best record in the NHL for the first time in seventeen season, and their reward is to face the Red Wings, the only team that had a winning record against the Bruins this season and making a sports record 23rd consecutive playoff appearance. The Wings snuck in this year after a hot finish, as that streak was in jeopardy. This could get very hairy for the Bruins, but I think they are to good to get bounced, and the Wings have been too inconsistent this year in my opinion to pull off the upset. Pick: Bruins in 6
Tampa Bay Lightning (101 Points) Vs Montreal Canadiens (100 Points): A year after having the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens were a slight disappointment. A year after a terrible season, the Bolts came out of nowhere to contend. This will be the first time since 2004 the Bolts will have home ice advantage in a playoff series, and in what should be a low scoring, yet entertaining series, home ice will prevail. Pick: Lightning in 7
Penguins (108 Points) Vs Blue Jackets (93 Points): Making just their second postseason appearance in franchise history, the Jackets wont be swept this time around, they have the defensive talent to steal a game or two, but lack the offensive talent to win four. Pick: Penguins in 5
New York Rangers (96 Points) Vs Philadelphia Flyers (94 Points): A battle of former Bolts, Vincent Lecavaliers Flyers Vs Martin St Louis's Rangers. Both teams got off to terrible starts, then got hot and finished with impressive records. As has been the case the past three playoff outings for the Flyers, their lack of goaltending talent will hurt them. Pick: Rangers in 7
Colorado Avalanche (111 Points) Vs Minnesota Wild (98 Points): What an amazing season for the Avs, no one expected them to make the playoffs, let alone win their division. The Wild were a slight dissapointment, as many expected them to break 100 this year. Both teams have great goal tending and defense, but the Avs have superior offense. Minnesota will push this to the limit, but the offensive advantage wins out eventually. Pick: Avalanche in 7
St Louis Blues (111 Points) Vs Chicago Blackhawks (107 Points): Probably the most intriguing series. The Blues made it through February with by far the best record, and best offense in the league. Then out of nowhere, they collapsed, and the offense stopped scoring, eventually finishing the year on a six game losing streak. Meanwhile the Blackhawks, the defending champs, very quietly put together 107 points, flying under the radar the whole season. They didnt light the world on fire like last year, but 107 points is still fantastic. The defending champs is not a good team to face for a scuffling team, and the Stanley cup favorites just a month ago, will face a first round exit. Pick: Hawks in 5
Anaheim Ducks (114 Points) Vs Dallas Stars (91 Points): My big upset pick. The Ducks were dominant through December, and very good from January through April, but not nearly as dominant. The Stars needed to be hot to get in the playoffs, and heres saying they stay hot and pull off the upset. Pick: Stars in 6
San Jose Sharks (111 Points) Vs Los Angeles Kings (100 Points): A fantastic rivalry matchup, and exactly what the NHL was hoping for with their new format. The Kings were another team to put together a solid season under the radar. The big thing here is the Sharks are an offensive machine while the Kings simply arent even close. The Sharks have been upset a lot in the playoffs the past ten years, but this time wont be one of them. Pick: Sharks in 6
In case you want my Stanley Cup pick right away, Its Sharks Vs Bruins with the Sharks pulling it out in 6.
This year debuts a brand new playoff format, a format that has confused even the most die hard of hockey fans. it is so confusing I will not even attempt to explain it, Im not even sure I could, so lets just look at the matchups and get my predictions.
Boston Bruins (117 points) Vs Detroit Red Wings (93 Points): The Bruins finished with the best record in the NHL for the first time in seventeen season, and their reward is to face the Red Wings, the only team that had a winning record against the Bruins this season and making a sports record 23rd consecutive playoff appearance. The Wings snuck in this year after a hot finish, as that streak was in jeopardy. This could get very hairy for the Bruins, but I think they are to good to get bounced, and the Wings have been too inconsistent this year in my opinion to pull off the upset. Pick: Bruins in 6
Tampa Bay Lightning (101 Points) Vs Montreal Canadiens (100 Points): A year after having the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens were a slight disappointment. A year after a terrible season, the Bolts came out of nowhere to contend. This will be the first time since 2004 the Bolts will have home ice advantage in a playoff series, and in what should be a low scoring, yet entertaining series, home ice will prevail. Pick: Lightning in 7
Penguins (108 Points) Vs Blue Jackets (93 Points): Making just their second postseason appearance in franchise history, the Jackets wont be swept this time around, they have the defensive talent to steal a game or two, but lack the offensive talent to win four. Pick: Penguins in 5
New York Rangers (96 Points) Vs Philadelphia Flyers (94 Points): A battle of former Bolts, Vincent Lecavaliers Flyers Vs Martin St Louis's Rangers. Both teams got off to terrible starts, then got hot and finished with impressive records. As has been the case the past three playoff outings for the Flyers, their lack of goaltending talent will hurt them. Pick: Rangers in 7
Colorado Avalanche (111 Points) Vs Minnesota Wild (98 Points): What an amazing season for the Avs, no one expected them to make the playoffs, let alone win their division. The Wild were a slight dissapointment, as many expected them to break 100 this year. Both teams have great goal tending and defense, but the Avs have superior offense. Minnesota will push this to the limit, but the offensive advantage wins out eventually. Pick: Avalanche in 7
St Louis Blues (111 Points) Vs Chicago Blackhawks (107 Points): Probably the most intriguing series. The Blues made it through February with by far the best record, and best offense in the league. Then out of nowhere, they collapsed, and the offense stopped scoring, eventually finishing the year on a six game losing streak. Meanwhile the Blackhawks, the defending champs, very quietly put together 107 points, flying under the radar the whole season. They didnt light the world on fire like last year, but 107 points is still fantastic. The defending champs is not a good team to face for a scuffling team, and the Stanley cup favorites just a month ago, will face a first round exit. Pick: Hawks in 5
Anaheim Ducks (114 Points) Vs Dallas Stars (91 Points): My big upset pick. The Ducks were dominant through December, and very good from January through April, but not nearly as dominant. The Stars needed to be hot to get in the playoffs, and heres saying they stay hot and pull off the upset. Pick: Stars in 6
San Jose Sharks (111 Points) Vs Los Angeles Kings (100 Points): A fantastic rivalry matchup, and exactly what the NHL was hoping for with their new format. The Kings were another team to put together a solid season under the radar. The big thing here is the Sharks are an offensive machine while the Kings simply arent even close. The Sharks have been upset a lot in the playoffs the past ten years, but this time wont be one of them. Pick: Sharks in 6
In case you want my Stanley Cup pick right away, Its Sharks Vs Bruins with the Sharks pulling it out in 6.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
MLB Power rankings After Week One
Every week during this MLB season I will be doing my own power rankings, ranking how I think each team is doing during the season. Since this is only after one week, these rankings will be tough, and many teams that will probably be very good (Red Sox) will be ranked low, while many teams who probably wont be so good but are off to a hot start (Marlins) will be ranked high, for now. Within a few weeks these ranking will straighten themselves out, but for the first three or four weeks they will probably be erratic.
30. Arizona Diamondbacks (2-7)
29. San Diego Padres (2-4)
28. New York Mets (2-4)
27. Baltimore Orioles (2-4)
26. Toronto Blue Jays (3-4)
25.Los Angeles Angels (2-4)
24. Houston Astros (3-3)
23. Texas Rangers (3-3)
22. Boston Red Sox (2-4)
21. St Louis Cardinals (3-3)
20. Chicago Cubs (2-4)
19. Cincinnati Reds (2-4)
18. Kansas City Royals (2-3)
17. Cleveland Indians (3-3)
16. New York Yankees (3-3)
15. Minnesota Twins (3-3)
14. Colorado Rockies (3-4)
13. Los Angeles Dodgers (5-3)
12. Oakland Athletics (3-3)
11. Chicago White Sox (3-3)
10. Philadelphia Phillies (3-3)
9. Atlanta Braves (4-2)
8. Pittsburgh Pirates (4-2)
7. Milwaukee Brewers (4-2)
6. Detroit Tigers (4-1)
5. Washington Nationals (4-2)
4. San Francisco Giants (5-2)
3. Tampa Bay Rays (4-3)
2. Seattle Mariners (4-2)
1. Miami Marlins (5-2)
30. Arizona Diamondbacks (2-7)
29. San Diego Padres (2-4)
28. New York Mets (2-4)
27. Baltimore Orioles (2-4)
26. Toronto Blue Jays (3-4)
25.Los Angeles Angels (2-4)
24. Houston Astros (3-3)
23. Texas Rangers (3-3)
22. Boston Red Sox (2-4)
21. St Louis Cardinals (3-3)
20. Chicago Cubs (2-4)
19. Cincinnati Reds (2-4)
18. Kansas City Royals (2-3)
17. Cleveland Indians (3-3)
16. New York Yankees (3-3)
15. Minnesota Twins (3-3)
14. Colorado Rockies (3-4)
13. Los Angeles Dodgers (5-3)
12. Oakland Athletics (3-3)
11. Chicago White Sox (3-3)
10. Philadelphia Phillies (3-3)
9. Atlanta Braves (4-2)
8. Pittsburgh Pirates (4-2)
7. Milwaukee Brewers (4-2)
6. Detroit Tigers (4-1)
5. Washington Nationals (4-2)
4. San Francisco Giants (5-2)
3. Tampa Bay Rays (4-3)
2. Seattle Mariners (4-2)
1. Miami Marlins (5-2)
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