Round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs featured one sweep, one five game series, one six game series and one intense series that went the maximum seven games.
The Rangers and Capitals provided the best series in not only this year’s NHL post-season, but one of the best in recent memory. However, as a whole, the second round continued the trend of not matching the drama of round one.
To refresh one’s memory, the Conference quarters had one sweep (where Anaheim came from behind in each game to beat Winnipeg), one five game series (all decided by one goal), four series that needed six games and two others that went the distance with the home team winning a nail biter on both occasions in game seven.
Here’s a brief look back to the four second round Conference semi-finals and a letter grade for each based on competitiveness and excitement.
NY Rangers over Washington in 7. (A)
A Rangers rally and yet another Capitals collapse. A series can’t get much better than having seven one goal games with the 7th game determined in overtime. Four of the games, including the clincher, ended 2-1.
This series proved that high scoring games are not needed for maximum entertainment value. The combined goaltending performance was as superb as hockey fans have seen in many years.
Braden Holtby is second best, yet he allowed just 13 goals in seven games for a .945 save percentage, but he is not the King. Henrik Lundqvist holds that distinction as he gave up only 12 goals for a .946 save percentage.
Washington blew not only a 3-1 series lead but a 1-0 lead in game seven. There are some teams that consistently melt in the big moment. The Capitals are among the headliners on that list.
Tampa Bay over Montreal in 6. (B)
The Canadiens made it interesting after falling behind 3-0 but Montreal fell to a better team in the exact same manner they beat Ottawa in round one.
Carey Price wasn’t as sharp in the playoffs compared to his MVP regular season going from a .933 save percentage down to .920, but he was the least of the Habs problems.
The Canadiens pitiful offence struggled. Overall, Montreal scored a measly two goals or less in nine of its 12 playoff games; their power play (5.6 per cent) and penalty kill (70 per cent) ranked 15th out of 16 teams and their shooting percentage was dead last at a meager six per cent. Montreal has a phenomenal goalie, but the Habs overall talent, particularly up front, is undistinguished.
Meanwhile, Tampa has dramatically increased its performance since trailing Detroit 3-2.
Anaheim over Calgary in 5. (C)
Yes, the Flames had persistence, tenacity and dedication and was long on heart, drive and grit but in the end Anaheim’s superior talent prevailed. The Ducks outscored the Flames 19-9 over the five games. I know some Canucks fans don’t want to hear this, but Ryan Kesler was a dominant force at both ends of the ice. It’s almost laughable to refer to him as a second line centre.
The Flames turned some heads by making the playoffs and eliminating Vancouver but despite good young talent, it’s debatable as to whether they have turned the corner, or if this was a one year mini ride. My bet is next year we won’t see Calgary in the post-season.
Chicago over Minnesota in 4. (D)
This was the least interesting of the 12 playoff series completed. The Wild simply have a mental block against the Blackhawks with Chicago eliminating Minnesota in each of the last three years.
With no disrespect to Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, Minnesota’s top players are not on the level of Patrick Kane (five goals in four games), Jonathan Toews or Duncan Keith but then again few teams can match that trio.
I’m not sure why Cory Crawford has mastered the Wild, but he seems to play better against Minnesota than any other team. Crawford gave his best Tony Esposito impression allowing just seven goals in the series (two of them insignificant at the end of game four when the outcome was already decided).
Next up, the NHL Conference Finals.
On paper, the Tampa-NY Rangers plus Chicago-Anaheim match-ups look terrific, but often series don’t live up to the hype. The WHL championship series is a recent example. Kelowna and Brandon had similar records and their final series appeared to be a classic, yet the Rockets swept the regular season champion Wheat Kings.
In the Eastern Conference, the Rangers are only averaging two goals a game in the post-season, however, with Lundqvist that should be enough. Ben Bishop outplayed Carey Price but the odds are stacked against him he can match save for save with “King” Henrick.
The Pick: Rangers in six.
In the Western Conference, who has the better big two? Toews and Kane provide the best one-two punch in the league at this time of year with Getzlaf and Perry not far behind. The Ducks have home ice advantage, but more intangibles favor the Blackhawks who are making their 5th appearance in the West Final in the last seven years.
The Pick: Blackhawks in seven.
From the Quote Rack:
At a Connecticut golf course, a man in one group ahead brandished a gun on a second group behind who complained that they were moving too slow and demanded to play through. This gives new meaning to ‘approach shot’.
Rumours are swirling about the New England Patriots signing Michael Vick. Hmmm. Has he ever had any trouble with Airedales?
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Four game suspension for Tom Brady. Does this mean Roger Goodell is playing hardball?
“Reality TV Star” Kristin Cavallari just announced she is expecting her 3rd child with Jay Cutler. So sounds like the Chicago QB at least is completing some passes at home.
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
The Detroit Red Wings gave coach Mike Babcock permission to join another team. The Yankees begged A-Rod to do the same thing.
Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods have agreed to split up. One returns to going downhill fast; the other goes back to her skiing.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
And in case you missed it:
A new app called KardBlock will block all material for or about the Kardashians. Now if they can only invent one that will take care of Jim Rome.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
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