NHL Playoffs

I have not paid any attention to the NHL this year at all.

The Blackhawks looked at the beginning of the season to have a chance this year, but once again fizzled.

I will start watching during the playoffs.

 

Two words: Go Predators!!!!!

 

Go Avs!
I haven't watched a whole lot of hockey this year due to the fact that i'm in the hot and humid deep south where most people still aren't aware of a sport called hockey.
In fact, when i wear my Avs jersey, a lot of people wonder what in the world am i wearing.

I'm looking forward to the playoffs, hopefully i'll be able to watch a few more games.

Did i mention Go Avs? LOL

 

Well since the Blackhawks have tanked again this season, I need a team to cheer for in the playoffs....

Any suggestions?

 

Any team? Even the Dead Things?

I don't even know who's in the playoffs this season. I'll have to do a bit of research and pretend to be an "expert". You know, like I do for every other sport.

 

I'm sorry I should have made myself clear. I cannot cheer for the "Dead Things" or any Detroit or St. Louis team.



Now any serious suggestions?

 

The Predators were hit hard today with word that Thomas Vokoun, they're outstanding goalie, is lost for the year. He posted a record of 36-18-7 with a 2.67 goals-against average and .919 save percentage in 61 games for the Predators this season. Chris Mason will likely fill in, and he's gone 8-5-1 this year. Not good news for us here in Hockey Top.

Who said hockey isn't popular in the south? The Predators have a huge following, and the local minor league team here in Knoxville sells out almost every night. A great atmosphere.

 

My boys also hit a milestone last night. In beating the Blues 2-0, the team notched 100 points for the first time in team history. With every point, we're adding to a team record.

Detroit is obviously the team to beat. What surprises me is that Carolina has the best home record in the NHL and Nashville has the best home record in the Western Conference. That means Detroit must get a lot of points on the road. That makes you tough to eliminate in the playoffs.

I really liked our chances with Vokoun. Mason has played well (his GAA is close to Vokoun's), but I don't think we can get to the Finals with him. Then again, you never know! The NHL playoffs can be squirrely. Right now, we have to worry about locking up home ice in the first round. Then we have to improve our PP if we're going to advance in the postseason. Along with the goaltending of Vokoun, our improved penalty killing has helped our climb up the standings.

 

How about my boys, the Predators? Not terribly far from you geographically, I wouldn't think. You gotta love a cinderella story. Nashville has steadily improved over the years. They're incredibly popular here in Tennessee - just as popular as the Titans, if not more so in some pockets.

 

Here's hoping for that this year

I have actually been thinking about the Preds or the Carolina team.

 

Carolina is my fave eastern team, too.

I thought the Preds would have a good chance to make one of those deep runs with Vokoun. Their record on home ice and improved penalty killing made me have high hopes about Lord Stanley's Cup coming down Broadway. Maybe Mason will come up big.