A Satire by B.D. Gallof
Revisiting Round 2 and New York
Unlike other bloggers or hockey news pundits…when I make predictions, I revisit them. I don’t mind looking like a fool or being wrong. So as I convalesce from my hockey injuries courtesy of a raging VP of Hockey Operations, on our way to Madison Square Garden and the REAL NHL headquarters in NYC, let us look at my previous predictions and analyze how they are going.
(1) Detroit and (5) San Jose
My Pick Was: Detroit in 6
Currently: San Jose leading 2-1
Right now, this is looking like a 7 game slug-out. I was right on the physicality, but San Jose has keep better poise. Sharks haven’t taken over yet, but have been the more explosive offense, hard-hitting, and with fantastic goaltending. Detroit remains a step behind unless they raise their game. Detroit came out hard last night, but San Jose woke up and took over later on. San Jose is on the cusp of taking this over if Detroit doesn’t ante up.
(2) Anaheim and (3) Vancouver
My Pick Was: Anaheim in 5
Currently: Anaheim leading 2-1
I seem to be right on track with this one. Luongo and company have just not been able to seal the deal vs. a more powerful team. Vancouver is full of flaws, and when someone applies pressure, those cracks get bigger. Vancouver made a step forward this season by solving their goalie issue…and Luongo took a step forward to show that he is one of the best goalies in the league right now. But, they have issues to sort out this coming off-season. Vancouver must win the next game or else Anaheim will just run them over.
(1) Buffalo and (6) NY Rangers
My Pick Was: Buffalo in 6
Currently: Sabres lead 2-1
Give NYR credit, they are playing hard. They outplayed the Sabres last two games, in fact. Islanders only outplayed Buffalo once in round 1. Tonight is the make or break for the Rangers. They must win this and carry that momentum back to Buffalo. Or my prediction might stand. NYR will apply a lot of pressure, but Buffalo with a quick attack and goal can deflate them fast. Tonight’s game should be another barnburner. The Battles of NY in this years playoffs have been shining examples of great hockey, close games, and good for bringing those who have shied away since the lockout, back into the fold.
(2) New Jersey and (4) Ottawa
My Pick Was: Ottawa in 6
Currently: Ottawa leads 2-1
Called this one right on the mark. NJ has not been the NJ we are used to. Ottawa has played well and look hungry. This is the Ottawa that Ottawa fans have been waiting for the last few years of playoff disappointments. Emery is the REAL deal, and Ottawa is playing NJ tough and tight. The pressure is all on NJ this round, and Ottawa can finish them by sweeping the leg. Sweep the leg, Johnny!
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