Tonight’s the night, ladies and gents: It’s Game Friggin’ Seven.
How pumped are you? Because I’m too excited for words. I’m pulling for the Rangers, because they completely deserve it, but we shall see.
The winner of this game plays the who-would-have-thought-they’d-be-here New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals. Get excited, fans, it’s gonna be a rocking game in the Garden tonight!
-M
Time for M to show the Eastern Conference just a little bit o’ love. And heeeeeere we go! UPDATE: I know I’m posting this after the first day of games, but the internet in Italy doesn’t exactly understand timeliness. Or, for that matter, working in general. Booooo. -M
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
This would be a matchup to watch had the Capitals performed the way they should have during the regular season. But, inevitably as they always do, the Caps find a way to disappoint. But who knows, maybe that frustration will lead to a deep playoff run. Personally, I wouldn’t bet on it. The Bruins are just too good, even though I don’t think they’ll make it to the finals this year. Thomas is still an elite goaltender, and if you’re Washington, you can’t just expect those issues to go away. The Bruins have a grittier, deeper team, and they’re going to make a deep playoff run, starting with knocking off Washington. Bruins in 6.
Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers
Once again, this has to be no contest. The Rangers have dominated the regular season, and have an elite goaltender (with some sick flow) in Henrik Lundqvist. Not to mention, they have the character of a championship team. You see the guys in the locker room they have, they personalities on that team, and honestly I think because to the last few Stanley Cup Champions. With the Bruins last year you have Marchand, Ference, Seguin, all guys that know how to keep it loose in the locker room. With the Blackhawks, it was their role players like Burish, Versteeg, Byfgulien, Ladd, and Madden. This year, the Rangers have characters like Boyle to balance out the offense talents of Marian Gaborik, among others, and I truly think this team can be unbeatable if they keep their eyes on the prize. Rangers in 5.
New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers
I can’t tell you how happy I am that the Panthers made it into the playoffs. Dale Tallon made too many big offseason moves for them not to have drastically improved upon previous years, and they did. I don’t think this series will be a blowout, because they’re both fairly evenly matched, but just for the sake of nostalgia, I’m hoping for a Panthers win here. They deserve it. And, as you’ll recall, I did predict they’d win a Stanley Cup in the next five years, so they need to get a little more playoff experience under their belts so they can git ‘er done. Panthers in 6.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
It’s only appropriate that I put a picture up of these two teams getting into a scrum, because let’s face it: this is going to be an all out fight to the finish and a series for the record books. You couldn’t have scripted it any better. I see this series as the Vancouver-Chicago series from last years playoffs. It’s two teams that legitimately hate each other, both are extremely talented, and both like to get under the other team’s skin (though I think Philly is a bit better at that). This series is for sure going to 7 games, and I think there are a few keys to show which team could come out on top. For the Flyers, it’s their goaltending. Bryzgalov is a talented guy, no question, but when he hits slumps, he just takes an epic tumble like that girl Scarlett from YouTube. But, the Flyers have Giroux, Jagr, Hartnell, Briere, Talbot, and all these other offense threats on their teams that give them a chance to balance out potentially poor goaltending every night. With that said, the Penguins are just too good to be true. Crosby has scored 25 points in 12 games since coming back for the second time from his concussion. But when you hear the names Malkin, Neal, Dupuis, Staal, Kunitz, Letang, etc., you might start shaking in your skates a bit. Too many Penguins are having career years for them to waste away in the first round. They need to keep a cool head and not let Philly get under their skin, because we all know that’s what they do. And, to be honest, it works, so why stop? The Pens need to just play their game and respond to all the trash talk by winning hockey games. Penguins in 7.
-M
This is one of those times when “slow & steady” has no chance of winning the race.
Can you believe there is only a month & ONE week left in the regular season?! I find myself starting to panic thinking about the off-season. Anyway, this is when the season gets serious. The coaches lose sleep. The games get scrappy. And our boys power through their injuries. All for one reason. For a chance to compete for Lord Stanley’s attention for the next year. Let’s take a look at a few teams…
New York Rangers
With 86 points — they are absolutely blowing every team in the Eastern Conference away. And I don’t want to say word-for-word what I’m thinking in fear of jinxing myself, so I’ll say it a different way. I think something shiny is going to be visiting this team this summer. And I’m not talking about the Lombardi Trophy that has already been showcased.
So there ya have it. I made a prediction without ACTUALLY saying the words. I plan on using my special connections with the NYR to celebrate.
Boston Bruins
Here in Crazyville, MA — everyone is convinced that this team is capable of a repeat. I’m not necessarily saying they are wrong…but there are just BETTER teams this season. ::cough::RANGERS::cough:: But, I’m not here to burst anyone’s bubble. The great thing about hockey is the pace in which things change. Who knows?! This team could, once again, surprise the nation.
Florida Panthers
I really don’t have much to say about this team except: WHERE THE HELL DID YOU COME FROM?! Done.
And our beloved: Pittsburgh Penguins
It breaks my heart to admit this, but without Sid on that ice…I just don’t see anything shiny coming to the ‘Burgh this summer.The boys need the confidence & offensive power that he brings to the ice. Now, before all you Pens fans find your panties in a bunch, let me say that I’m not doubting the skills & abilities of Geno, Staalsy, Nealer, or ANY of the boys. Anything is possible with this team. Exhibit A: Last season. How many call-ups from Wilkes-Barre were there because of injuries!? And they still silenced the critics by powering into the playoffs.
I remember this moment like it was yesterday.
Dear Pens, this is me. Challenging you. Please, prove me wrong. I’d love to visit the ‘Burgh next fall for the Season Opener to see a special banner being raised. ;)
Now let’s jump down the standings a bit.
Washington Capitals
Poor Caps. Everyone’s gunning for their spot! The Jets are one thier heels. Toronto isn’t too far off. Hell, even Tampa has a shot! I hate the Caps just as much as any other Pens fan out there…but I can’t picture the playoffs without them. Hang in there, boys!
And just ONE more comment.
Montreal Canadians
You do realize that the hockey season starts in October, right?! Where are you!? As much as I dislike you (being from Boston and all) I still want to see a Bruins v Habs steel cage death match for the Cup! Seriously boys. Time to get your heads in the game. Especially since I’m coming to Montreal for a visit in 3 weeks. I want you to win when I’m there. It’d be no fun for the home team to lose! What kind of “WELCOME TO MONTREAL” would that be?! Mathematically, I don’t think it’s even possible to fix the hole you’ve dug throughout the season. But then again…I went to art school & took a “Math: for Art Students” class. (no offense to any readers in Art School)
*giggles*
*L
Well. Today has kind of been a whirlwind. S had her first day on the job in DC today which meant turning her phone off for EIGHT HOURS! Fail S, FAIL! So that left me to fend for myself when all hell broke loose. And when I mean hell, I really mean…
1. Bruce Boudreau was fired and replaced by ex-Cap Dale Hunter. [Click here] to watch his ‘Welcome to the team’ Presser.
If we took anything away from 24/7, it was the word 'shitbum'...
Raise your hand (or comment) if you’re surprised about this news! I, for one, am not. I was shocked when it didn’t happen last season during 24/7. Anyway, good luck Dale. Welcome to the big leagues. Lets hope you can get through to those “shitbums” and make them play like we all know they can. And one last thing…
Pants from What’s Up, Ya Sieve? couldn’t have said this any better.
fo' shizzle.
Well said, Pants. Well said.
2. Paul Maurice was fired as head coach of the Canes and replaced by Kirk Muller
Good Luck Kirk.
Check out the Canes site sometime after 5pm for his presser. Lets hope that a coaching change is just what this team needs to be successful. It hurts to see EStaal and Skinner struggle.
If Muller doesn’t work out I’m sure S will ditch school & I would be glad to quit my job to come coach the team ourselves. How hard can it be?! ;)
And in other news.
Kris Letang is still hot. Even with a broken nose. [Click here] to see what he had to say after practice today about his nose, imPACT testing and the possible suspension on Pacioretty.
I'm Sexy and I know it.
I’m crossing my fingers and toes until I hear that he has passed all testing and is cleared to play tomorrow night against the Rangers.
Sidney Crosby was named 1st Star of the Week by the NHL. Surprise. Surprise.
Good choice NHL!
And for all you James Neal fangirls (myself included), hurry on over to twitter!
...nothing good can come of this...
I’ve been pondering all day on what I should tweet in…but like always, the only thing that comes out of my mouth is “………..” nothing. I’m taking suggestions if you have anything clever. So far all I got is, “Will you marry me, @jneal_18 ? #PensQA” …
UPDATE: Well, shucks! I’m late. He already answered the questions. *shrugs* Oh well, just saves me from embarrassing myself.
PHEW! Ok, I think I covered everything for today.
So I crushed hardcore on this next guy during the 24/7 Pens Caps HBO Special and I can’t begin to tell you why. Half the time all you saw was this…
attracitve??
Thats right, Caps fans. I can’t believe I’m admitting another crush on one of your players. It tastes like vinegar coming out of my mouth, but yes…I have a crush on Matt Hendricks…
I think it’s his ability to beat someone to a pulp but then turn around and smile. I just think he’s so adorable.
But if you ask me on the street….I’ll never admit it.
Happy 26 days! :)
So my mom decided she needed to make a checklist to prepare for this “hurricane”.
1. Cover pool
2. Pull in furniture
3. Get rope & batteries
4. Get gas
….and the list goes on to about 10 different things. We spent the entire day completeing this checklist, making sure there is no possible way Irene could surprise us. By the way, as I’m writing this–I find out it has been downgraded to a Cat 1 which is just annoying to pick up after & no fun at all according to S (my resident Tropical Storm/Hurricane/Tornado Advisor).
Anyway, I decided to take it upon myself to make my own checklist. It’s simple, really.
1. Wine–more specifically, Dr. Loosen Reisling (2 bottles)
2. 24/7: Penguins/Caps DVD
...this list should pass the time by & cure my awful cold...
…although S told me I’m not allowed to drink because it will make my cold worse. But…since when do I ever listen to her?! (Sorry, S! You know I love you! :) )
Anyway, I feel like this will make for one awesome Tropical Storm/Hurricane (whatever Irene decides she wants to be). Wine + My FAVORITE boys EVER = 1 GREAT Hurricane Party. BRING IT ON IRENE! I’m so ready.
Gang's all here!!
PS– let’s hope I don’t loose power. I got some great guys coming up on the Countdown that happen to fall during the storm….
There are Mike Green days till the puck drops to kick off the new NHL season. (Oh, yum! -L)
What kind of female-run hockey countdown would this be without Mike Green? It would be boring…that’s for sure!
Love me!!!
And how could you not love him? He drives an orange Vespa for crying out loud! (And don’t forget the shoes…only M could pull those off… -L)
This picture will never get old.
So readers, I am pleased to announce that we are just 52 days away from seeing more of this face…
(Thank Jesus. I need some cute/adorable/hot/sexy men in my life again. Slim pickin’ in Beantown this summer… -L)
Give us a night off + any form of alcohol + Tumblr + Youtube–and you get a little something like this…..
(***The girls at Hockey’s Finest are not responsible for any drooling, hyperventilating or fainting that may occur as a result of this video. Cue the fan girl squeals in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…-S)
S & I are like kids in a candy store right now…
which shall we choose?
The NHL just released the 2011-2012 regular season schedule and we’ve already marked up our calendars. Road trip to Pittsburgh numero deux is already in the works for next March. The thought of seeing our Hockey Husbands has us squealing like little girls already. We only have 9 months to go…
Although we can’t decide which game we want to go to…help us decide. We’re thinking it’s between Phoenix and Toronto. We’d love to see Biz ….or Lupul and our Penguin boys. It’d be like killing 2 birds with 1 stone!
No we can't do them all.
Between the two of us, we have a game (if not 4) every month of the season. On my student budget, I am SO going broke this season. -S
Season opener = yes please.
Every Bruins fan in Boston will be trying to get season opener tickets…so the chances of me actually getting tickets are slim to none. I was challenged to a hockey trivia game last night with a friend from work’s boyfriend (yes, if you’re reading this–which I know you do– I’m talking to you). If I win, I apparently get season opener tickets. So let’s just say I’ll be “studying” until our Hockey Trivia Challenge. Bring.It.On. (Oooohh!!! I can quiz you! I am a very good studier. Nerd alert! – S)
And I gotta get to a Habs game. That’s just how it is here in Boston. It’s a must.
lucky S--gets the first Pens game
I’m very angry with the NHL. Why does Tampa get a home game against the Hawks and the Bruins dont. *sigh* A Toewsless season = a sad L. Muahahahaha I am so excited for that game. -S
one lonely game.
S needs her Staal fix at least once–if not every other–month. Girl gets 3 brothers to drool over every season and I just get one boy to drool over. Lucky me. I will proudly admit that I am addicted to those brothers. What is in that farm water? -S
S gets her dose of our boys....again.
Another Pens game AND Canes…really S?! Unbelievable. You have a great month of January. Filled with Penguins, Bolts, EStaal, JSkinner, RNash, JCarter, MGreen, and BLaich…good god. I don’t expect to find you alive after all this…
At least I will die one happy woman! Can I just state how excited I am at the prospect of Carter to the Blue Jackets? I don’t know how I will survive with Carter, Nash, and my Bolt boys all so close to me. I HAVE to make that game! -S
FINALLY.
I get some Penguin love. I will reppin’ my Tanger gear at the Garden. Sorry B’s fans. I also get to see Mr. Underwood. How awesome is that? Think Carrie will make an appearance?? …I suppose not, but one can dream.
what a way to end the season...
Just when I’ll be going through my Letang withdrawls, I’ll be able to see the B’s play the Pens one last time for the season…
Unless the dreadful happens and they end up playing in the playoffs. I have no idea how S made it through this season. Brave soul.
Well, our schedules are absolutely packed next season. Whether our bank accounts allow all this fun is another story entirely…
Looking forward to having you all with us to see how this season’s journey unfolds! -S
