Without much to discuss regarding either the Toronto Maple Leafs or Calgary Flames, I figured I would share a few thoughts about the playoffs so far and hope you will all join!
For those who have read my predictions for the Western and Eastern conference first round games, I've been pretty bang on so far. That said, the one prediction which it appears that it may end up being inaccurate is toward the Canadiens and Lightning.
Thought to be a team who possessed the right amount of skill and grit, the Bolts have not seemingly been able to figure out their Montreal foes. The first game between the two was quite sloppy on both sides I felt, and as such would end in OT as both sides were getting their chances. With the number of inexperienced players on either side, I somewhat expected some sloppiness to get things going.
Then game two comes around and Montreal takes advantage of a second sloppy game from the Lightning. With Steve Stamkos as their captain, Tampa Bay was not able to muster up any strong offensive chances as it seemed that any or all attempts at an outlet pass was broken up by the Canadiens. Credit to Montreal's tighter defense here.
Outside of the fact that the Canadiens played a much simpler and organized defense, it seemed that Tampa was trying too hard to create offense rather than just trying to get a good cycle game going. Constant ill advised passes and lone dipsy doodles ultimately led to turnovers and the puck ending up back in their own end.
After the second goal was scored the Lightning would chase the game and looked lost. They will now have a tough time getting any energy out of their group heading to Montreal for their next two games. Stamkos will need to come up big for his team with an early goal or big play if they are going to tip the scales in their favor. It would also be nice to have Ben Bishop back, despite the fact that Lindback has played.....well. But we all know that a team needs top notch tending if they hope to yield success.
The other series which I'd like to comment on, for now, is that of the Sharks and Kings. This type of series, ladies and gentlemen, is what we all look forward to every passing year. Constant hitting (122 for the night), a few scraps, tons of scoring chances and opportune plays, and some great goaltending. What more can you ask for from these two teams who evidently showed up to play.
And good for the Sharks to walk away with a big win like they did. As my predictions suggested, they are due for some playoff success and while I feel that the Kings have the better numbers and slightly better roster, my gut still says the San Jose walks away with this one.
What about you? What games/moments of the playoffs so far have caught your attention?