I am making calls again today as we launch back into hockey after a few days of reflection. The Rumor Chart will be updated later today and I will post another blog getting into all of it...
But first...
We have some MAJOR games today, and after a few days off these games have taken on an even bigger sense of purpose...Let's get into it.
On Tampa vs Boston... The last we saw these two the Lightning were rolling and the Bruins were going the wrong direction. The 7-2 trouncing felt completely uncharacteristic for this matchup, and you get the feeling that embarrassing a team as proud as the Bruins won't go down today without their own statement. As I have stated before teams who are beaten badly in a game in a playoff series tend to rebound and more often that no actually win the next game and often the series. In this round already we have seen Philly and Vancouver win the games that followed. The big question right now is on Halak. Thrust into the #1 slot can Halak support the weight of this intense franchise? All I know is not much can throw the Bruins... I expect a HUGE rebound. My Pick: Boston 4-1
On Philly vs. Islanders The Flyers rebounded after their Game 1 embarrassment, but almost lost it after dropping a 3-0 lead and heading to OT in Game 2. So far, the Islanders have really looked like the more sound team in this series and the speed the Islanders forwards play has had the Flyers young D looking skittish in their own zone. The Flyers have yet to see Giroux and Konecny find their offense in the playoffs, but there are signs that they may be slowly working their way out of the slump. Couturier scoring last game was major. Today's game will have extra importance because today you give Trotz the final change. My Pick: NY Islanders 3-2(OT) On the Canucks and Knights This series has shown us two very different games, but the one common theme is the Knights offense is sizzling, taking more shots than any team in playoff history. The Canucks only way pf slowing this team down is their own offense and Elias Pettersson is playing other worldy with a swagger and confidence that reminds me more of Gretzky than any player since. The Knights goalie controversy will come to a head today...Robin Lehner holds the #1 spot but MAF will see time in this series. And I believe the way the Canucks play may actually be more suited to Fleury's style... My pick: Vancouver 3-2 (OT)
What are your thoughts?
More to come....