Baily Deeter's NHL & NBA Updates from Europe
Baily Deeter’s Newspaper
May 24, 2010
Chicago Blackhawks make the Stanley Cup!
Well, it’s just about time. 1 team has booked their ticket to the Cup and they did it easily. After winning in 6 games over Nashville and Vancouver, Chicago held San Jose to 7 goals in a 4 game sweep to book their ticket to the Cup. Jonathan Toews scored at least 1 point for the 13th straight game (a franchise record) and Anti-Neimi, the goalie, continued to play well. Let’s break down Chicago’s 16 game road to the final stage.
Chicago vs. Nashville
The Hawks didn’t look like the team that had scored 112 points in the regular season. In Game 1, they were sloppy. Nashville scored 4 third period goals to take Game 1, but Anti-Neimi shut out Nashville in Game 2 to tie the series. Chicago lost Game 3, but they took Game 4 to even the series. After Patrick Kane’s goal with :14 left in regulation to send Game 5 into OT, Chicago knew they had the momentum and they won 5-4 on Marian Hossa’s goal. Chicago carried over the momentum to a Game 6 win to take the series.
Chicago vs. Vancouver
In Game 1, Chicago got dominated. Anti-Neimi and the defense stank, and they lost 5-1. They fell behind 2-0 in Game 2, but Kris Versteeg’s go-ahead goal helped Chicago beat Vancouver 4-2. They took Game 3 big, and Dustin Byfulgien’s hat trick in Game 4 helped Chicago go ahead 3-1. Vancouver helped continue what the road teams have done, and they won 4-1 by dominated Anti-Neimi. However, Chicago continued to dominate Roberto Luongo on the road and they took the series in 6 (again).
Chicago vs. San Jose
After the Sharks knocked out Detroit and improved their record to 8-1 over their last 9 games, about half or maybe even more people thought San Jose would advance to the title game. Chicago had a different feeling. Anti-Neimi made a great glove save in the second period, and Chicago beat Evgeni Nabokov for the GW goal. In Game 2 Jonathan Toews continued his playoff domination as Chicago won 4-2 to continue their road win streak (7 games). In Game 3 Dustin Byfulgien scored in the left corner of the goal in OT for a 3-2 win, and Byfulgien scored the go-ahead goal in Game 4 to help Chicago rally from down 2-0 in the game and grab their brooms.
Chicago is definitely very deep, and they have the talent to win the Cup. Jonathan Toews is the obvious Conn Smythe (Playoff MVP) Trophy winner, and they always have Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Hossa is making his third straight Cup appearance, but he has yet to win it. Patrick Sharp is good, and Brent Seabrook and Dustin Byfulgien are playing well. Chicago is very deep, and they are not like New Jersey, who had the quality of a 6 seed, Boston, who was a 6 seed, or Montreal, who was an 8 seed (assuming Philadelphia closes out Montreal). I know I have doubted the Flyers all playoffs, but Chicago can beat Philadelphia and Montreal (if they manage to come back).
Celtics, Flyers have chance to advance to championship
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been fantastic since losing Game 3 of the ECS 124-95 to Cleveland, and since then they have won 6 straight against the NBA’s 2 best teams. After 6 players scored in double figures in Boston’s 94-71 thumping of the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of the ECF, the Celtics have proved that their players are veterans, but they play like they have the energy of a 25 year old. Rajon Rondo had 11 points and 12 assists to add to his outstanding performance. The Magic are also a great team, but Boston is playing better.
Prediction: I think Orlando just has to show what they’re made of and have someone step up. I think Rashard Lewis will step up and Orlando will win 99-96.
Philadelphia Flyers
Since their blowout Game 3 loss to Boston in the ECS, the Philadelphia Flyers have been phenomenal. They rallied from down 3-0 to win that series, and they are up 3-0. Michael Leighton has recorded shutouts in 3 of Philly’s last 4 games, and in 4 of their last 7. They are finding ways to score on Jaroslav Halak, and Mike Richards, Chris Pronger, Simon Gagne, Claude Giroux, it’s all too much.
Prediction: Montreal is great with their backs against the wall, but Philadelphia is undefeated in games 4-7 throughout the playoffs. I think Philadelphia is very good and very capable, and Leighton will prove his point in a 3-1 win to meet Chicago in the Cup.
NBA Finals Pick: I made the mistake of picking Phoenix to knock out LA in 6 before the series, but that looks unlikely. Phoenix looked good in Game 3 and I expect the same quality (a W) in Game 4, but I have LA in 6. I think Boston has too much momentum to lose, and they will beat LA in 7 games.
Baily Deeter’s Newspaper
May 25, 2010
Philadelphia Flyers make the Stanley Cup!
After a long journey, a hard fought 7 game series and 2 1-loss series, the Philadelphia Flyers are in the Stanley Cup. They came back from down 3-0 to Boston on 2 GW goals by Simon Gagne, and 1 goal allowed in games 5 and 6 by Michael Leighton. They handled New Jersey easily because of Brian Boucher (backup goalie), and they made the playoffs because of Boucher’s great save in a SO against the NY Rangers. Michael Leighton shut out the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1, 2, and 4, and Jeff Carter scored 2 goals in Phialdelphia’s series-closing Game 5 win (4-2).
Prediction for Stanley Cup: If you look at the seeds and you have no idea what time of year it is, you may think this is a first round game. But it is not. Philadelphia plays like a 2 seed, and Chicago is a 2 seed. The thing about Chicago is that they have won 5 straight games, and 7 straight on the road. Jonathan Toews is on pace to be Playoff MVP (1+ point in 13 straight playoff games), Patrick Kane is always great, and Dustin Byfulgien has been big for Chicago. Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, and Michael Leighton have been good for Philadelphia, but Anti-Niemi is almost as good as Leighton and Chicago can score easier. Chicago is also used to harder competition, and Philadelphia hasn’t played great teams yet.
Prediction: The Blackhawks are also more experienced and they have more talent. If you put it all together Chicago has an advantage, but Michael Leighton won’t give up. I think he will pitch a shutout in Game 4, and he will allow 1 goal in a Game 5 win. But Chicago will continue their road dominance and win Game 6, and the Cup. I think Jonathan Toews scores 9 points in the series and wins MVP, while extending his 1 point every game streak to 19.
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
It’s not over yet. Dwight Howard scored 32 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, Jameer Nelson scored 23 and hit back-to-back 3’s in OT as Orlando upset Boston to avoid the sweep. Howard was the key to the win by grabbing rebounds down low, and by scoring on alley-oops, and put-backs. The 3 point shot was also added to the Magic’s gameplan.
Orlando led 85-78 late, but Ray Allen hit a 3 and Paul Pierce converted a 3 point play late to tie the game. However, they couldn’t win in regulation because Orlando forced a tie-up to run down the clock. Then, Nelson hit back-to-back threes to put Orlando up 92-86. Ray Allen hit 2, but Dwight Howard scored down low, and 2 free throws sealed the 96-92 win.
Series Prediction: The momentum carries over to Game 5 for Orlando, and Rashard Lewis will score 26 and Orlando will win 101-95. But the home crowd will give Boston the Game 6 edge, and the Celtics will win Game 6 98-94 on 26 points by Ray Allen.
May 24, 2010
Chicago Blackhawks make the Stanley Cup!
Well, it’s just about time. 1 team has booked their ticket to the Cup and they did it easily. After winning in 6 games over Nashville and Vancouver, Chicago held San Jose to 7 goals in a 4 game sweep to book their ticket to the Cup. Jonathan Toews scored at least 1 point for the 13th straight game (a franchise record) and Anti-Neimi, the goalie, continued to play well. Let’s break down Chicago’s 16 game road to the final stage.
Chicago vs. Nashville
The Hawks didn’t look like the team that had scored 112 points in the regular season. In Game 1, they were sloppy. Nashville scored 4 third period goals to take Game 1, but Anti-Neimi shut out Nashville in Game 2 to tie the series. Chicago lost Game 3, but they took Game 4 to even the series. After Patrick Kane’s goal with :14 left in regulation to send Game 5 into OT, Chicago knew they had the momentum and they won 5-4 on Marian Hossa’s goal. Chicago carried over the momentum to a Game 6 win to take the series.
Chicago vs. Vancouver
In Game 1, Chicago got dominated. Anti-Neimi and the defense stank, and they lost 5-1. They fell behind 2-0 in Game 2, but Kris Versteeg’s go-ahead goal helped Chicago beat Vancouver 4-2. They took Game 3 big, and Dustin Byfulgien’s hat trick in Game 4 helped Chicago go ahead 3-1. Vancouver helped continue what the road teams have done, and they won 4-1 by dominated Anti-Neimi. However, Chicago continued to dominate Roberto Luongo on the road and they took the series in 6 (again).
Chicago vs. San Jose
After the Sharks knocked out Detroit and improved their record to 8-1 over their last 9 games, about half or maybe even more people thought San Jose would advance to the title game. Chicago had a different feeling. Anti-Neimi made a great glove save in the second period, and Chicago beat Evgeni Nabokov for the GW goal. In Game 2 Jonathan Toews continued his playoff domination as Chicago won 4-2 to continue their road win streak (7 games). In Game 3 Dustin Byfulgien scored in the left corner of the goal in OT for a 3-2 win, and Byfulgien scored the go-ahead goal in Game 4 to help Chicago rally from down 2-0 in the game and grab their brooms.
Chicago is definitely very deep, and they have the talent to win the Cup. Jonathan Toews is the obvious Conn Smythe (Playoff MVP) Trophy winner, and they always have Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Hossa is making his third straight Cup appearance, but he has yet to win it. Patrick Sharp is good, and Brent Seabrook and Dustin Byfulgien are playing well. Chicago is very deep, and they are not like New Jersey, who had the quality of a 6 seed, Boston, who was a 6 seed, or Montreal, who was an 8 seed (assuming Philadelphia closes out Montreal). I know I have doubted the Flyers all playoffs, but Chicago can beat Philadelphia and Montreal (if they manage to come back).
Celtics, Flyers have chance to advance to championship
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been fantastic since losing Game 3 of the ECS 124-95 to Cleveland, and since then they have won 6 straight against the NBA’s 2 best teams. After 6 players scored in double figures in Boston’s 94-71 thumping of the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of the ECF, the Celtics have proved that their players are veterans, but they play like they have the energy of a 25 year old. Rajon Rondo had 11 points and 12 assists to add to his outstanding performance. The Magic are also a great team, but Boston is playing better.
Prediction: I think Orlando just has to show what they’re made of and have someone step up. I think Rashard Lewis will step up and Orlando will win 99-96.
Philadelphia Flyers
Since their blowout Game 3 loss to Boston in the ECS, the Philadelphia Flyers have been phenomenal. They rallied from down 3-0 to win that series, and they are up 3-0. Michael Leighton has recorded shutouts in 3 of Philly’s last 4 games, and in 4 of their last 7. They are finding ways to score on Jaroslav Halak, and Mike Richards, Chris Pronger, Simon Gagne, Claude Giroux, it’s all too much.
Prediction: Montreal is great with their backs against the wall, but Philadelphia is undefeated in games 4-7 throughout the playoffs. I think Philadelphia is very good and very capable, and Leighton will prove his point in a 3-1 win to meet Chicago in the Cup.
NBA Finals Pick: I made the mistake of picking Phoenix to knock out LA in 6 before the series, but that looks unlikely. Phoenix looked good in Game 3 and I expect the same quality (a W) in Game 4, but I have LA in 6. I think Boston has too much momentum to lose, and they will beat LA in 7 games.
Baily Deeter’s Newspaper
May 25, 2010
Philadelphia Flyers make the Stanley Cup!
After a long journey, a hard fought 7 game series and 2 1-loss series, the Philadelphia Flyers are in the Stanley Cup. They came back from down 3-0 to Boston on 2 GW goals by Simon Gagne, and 1 goal allowed in games 5 and 6 by Michael Leighton. They handled New Jersey easily because of Brian Boucher (backup goalie), and they made the playoffs because of Boucher’s great save in a SO against the NY Rangers. Michael Leighton shut out the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1, 2, and 4, and Jeff Carter scored 2 goals in Phialdelphia’s series-closing Game 5 win (4-2).
Prediction for Stanley Cup: If you look at the seeds and you have no idea what time of year it is, you may think this is a first round game. But it is not. Philadelphia plays like a 2 seed, and Chicago is a 2 seed. The thing about Chicago is that they have won 5 straight games, and 7 straight on the road. Jonathan Toews is on pace to be Playoff MVP (1+ point in 13 straight playoff games), Patrick Kane is always great, and Dustin Byfulgien has been big for Chicago. Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, and Michael Leighton have been good for Philadelphia, but Anti-Niemi is almost as good as Leighton and Chicago can score easier. Chicago is also used to harder competition, and Philadelphia hasn’t played great teams yet.
Prediction: The Blackhawks are also more experienced and they have more talent. If you put it all together Chicago has an advantage, but Michael Leighton won’t give up. I think he will pitch a shutout in Game 4, and he will allow 1 goal in a Game 5 win. But Chicago will continue their road dominance and win Game 6, and the Cup. I think Jonathan Toews scores 9 points in the series and wins MVP, while extending his 1 point every game streak to 19.
Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic
It’s not over yet. Dwight Howard scored 32 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, Jameer Nelson scored 23 and hit back-to-back 3’s in OT as Orlando upset Boston to avoid the sweep. Howard was the key to the win by grabbing rebounds down low, and by scoring on alley-oops, and put-backs. The 3 point shot was also added to the Magic’s gameplan.
Orlando led 85-78 late, but Ray Allen hit a 3 and Paul Pierce converted a 3 point play late to tie the game. However, they couldn’t win in regulation because Orlando forced a tie-up to run down the clock. Then, Nelson hit back-to-back threes to put Orlando up 92-86. Ray Allen hit 2, but Dwight Howard scored down low, and 2 free throws sealed the 96-92 win.
Series Prediction: The momentum carries over to Game 5 for Orlando, and Rashard Lewis will score 26 and Orlando will win 101-95. But the home crowd will give Boston the Game 6 edge, and the Celtics will win Game 6 98-94 on 26 points by Ray Allen.
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