Just a quick update to tell you all that I am back from a vacation and ready to provide more opinions and updates on the latest EPL and NHL news, transfers and anything else.
Hope you didn`t miss me too much!
Just a sports fan and his ramblings taking you from the first half to the third period.
Showing posts with label NHL Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NHL Blog. Show all posts
Monday, 11 July 2011
Monday, 20 June 2011
Congratulations to the Boston Bruins: 2011 Stanley Cup Champions!
In a seven game series that changed momentum from game to game, the Boston Bruins proved that they had more nerve and more determination by overcoming the Canucks 4-0 in the deciding game in Vancouver. No easy feat. They also proved that they had made the right choices during the trade deadline, being one of the more active teams during that time and picking up talents such as Rich Peverley and Tomas Kaberle.
Vancouver will be kicking themselves for not taking their chances early on in the game but more than that, they will be worried at the disappearing act of their biggest stars; the Sedin twins. Henrik and Daniel barely showed up throughout the playoffs, with only the former contributing in a big way at any time. Ryan Kesler faded as the final series went on and Vancouver's best man in the faceoff circle (Manny Malhotra) posted some fairly terrible percentages.
Canuck fans and the media will no doubt be pointing the finger of blame at Roberto Luongo but you cannot lay all the blame at his feet. Yes he had a couple of bad games in Boston, but when the League's best offensive side can't score one goal at home in game seven of the Stanley Cup final, you have more problems that just bad goaltending.
Tim Thomas proved to us all that the regular season had been no fluke as he posted some amazing figures in the final series against Vancouver and throughout the playoffs, winning himself the Con Smythe trophy. Brad Marchand was fantastic for Boston too in his rookie year. He was a pest to Vancouver's better players and he got goals and assists too. Even Tyler Seguin played his part when he was called upon. Patrice Bergeron, Nathan Horton, Rich Peverley...the list goes on. I can't say the same for the Canucks and that was the difference.
Well done to Boston! Commiserations to Vancouver.
Who will lift Lord Stanley's Cup next year?
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| Chara lifts the cup for Boston |
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Game Seven Awaits Us - NHL Stanley Cup Final
So far we have been treated to a fairly schizophrenic series with every game in Vancouver being a closely fought, one-goal-in-it contest in favour of the Canucks and every game in Boston being a complete blowout in favour of the Bruins. It looks like neither team can get the job done away from home but I think game seven will be very different. We will see the Bruins offense turn up but I think Vancouver will match it.
Whoever wins it, this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs will produce a winner not seen in my generation. With that in mind, I look forward to what should be a scintillating final game.
Vancouver or Boston? What do you think?
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
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Monday, 30 May 2011
Vancouver Canucks vs Boston Bruins: The Stanley Cup Final
The Conference Finals are over and we have finally reached the Stanley Cup Final. What a series this promises to be as well with the Boston Bruins taking on the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver defeated the San Jose Sharks in five games and looked very comfortable all over the ice. San Jose, especially Joe Thornton, put in a lot of effort, but they could not compete with Vancouver's determination to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since '94.
The Bruins overcame the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games in one of the best series' of the Playoffs so far. Tampa Bay exploded offensively, like we know they can, several times throughout the series and scored plenty of goals. Their special teams were excellent as always and they were more than a match for the Bruins who probably went into the series as favourites. However, I think the fact that the Bruins are a better 5-on-5 team than the Bolts was the big decider in the end. The size advantage started to tell as the series went on too.
It was almost a fairytale story for 41 year-old Bolts' goalie Dwayne Roloson who put in some fantastic performances throughout these playoffs, perhaps none better than in the last game. Unfortunately for Roloson, another wily veteran in Tim Thomas sat between the pipes for Boston and played just as well.
How do the two teams stack up going into the final?
Well, I would say that Boston are the bigger team, but Vancouver have some heavy hitters too in Raffi Torres and Kevin Bieksa. Vancouver probably have the better (and deeper) defence and have more of a scoring threat from their defence too with Ehrhoff and Edler. Going forward you would also give Vancouver the edge now that the Sedin twins have decided to show up. Horton and Krejci have been fantastic for Boston and I would be surprised not to see them step up again. Kaberle, Seidenberg and Chara have also been as solid as ever and Patrice Bergeron has shown his quality in the faceoff circle too.
I think the one area that Boston are ahead on for sure is goaltending but that isn't to say that Luongo isn't an outstanding goalie on his day. Thomas just has added experience and comes off the back of a particularly amazing season.
It should be a great series and I can see it being a very close one. Both teams have been solid at home and I would not be surprised to see both teams win all of their home games, with the Canucks taking home their first ever Stanley Cup in seven.
My Prediction: Canucks 4 – 3 Bruins
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| Will it be Vancouver's time? |
Monday, 23 May 2011
Stay with Your Armchair Pundit over the summer!
Yes the EPL season is over and yes the NHL season will be over very soon.
However, don't despair! Your Armchair Pundit will be with you throughout the summer to keep you fully updated with all the trade and transfer rumours and dealings.
So remember to keep checking back regularly to see how your teams are faring over the summer.
Now you have read that, head over to the Your Armchair Pundit facebook page to like it! Get yourself involved on my twitter page too!
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
The NHL Conference Finals: Predictions
We are getting to the business end of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and the four teams left are Vancouver, San Jose, Boston and Tampa Bay. I guess the only surprising team there is Tampa Bay because they had to go through both Pittsburgh and Washington to get to the Eastern Conference final. However, they have shown, particularly through their special teams, that they are more than a match for any side.
Let's take a look at the match-ups.
Eastern Conference:
Boston Bruins (3) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (5)
Right now the series stands at 1-1. Tampa exploded offensively in the first period of the first game, scoring three goals in around 85 seconds. That was too much for the Bruins to contend with and they could not get themselves back into the game, losing it 5-2. However, in the second game, it was the Bruins, led by rookie Tyler Seguin, who exploded offensively, putting 6 past the Lightning who pulled Roloson. The game ended 6-5 to Boston after a late rally from the Bolts.
It is hard to see how the rest of the series will pan out but I can't help but think that Boston's size and defensive ability will swing the series in their favour. Yes the Lightning have huge scoring potential but I am not sure if they can score as freely as they did in the first game for four games. I think the team that wins this series will have to thank their goalie in a massive way.
My Prediction: Bruins 4 – 2 Bolts
Western Conference:
Vancouver Canucks (1) vs San Jose Sharks (3)
The two perennial underachieving franchises in the NHL are clashing in the Western Conference final. Out of the two teams I think Vancouver are the more complete side but you can't count out a team that includes Joe Thornton, Danny Heatley, Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture and the red hot Ryan Clowe.
However, it is defensively where Vancouver are considerably better than their Sun Belt counterparts and I think that will win them the series. Ryan Kesler will also play a huge part, and you have to think that the Sedins will, at some point, heat up and play to their potential. This should be a close series but I think the Canucks will triumph in the end.
My Prediction: Canucks 4 – 2 Sharks
Friday, 29 April 2011
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2
Prediction time! The second round of the playoffs starts tonight, so I hope you're all looking forward to it as much as I am.
Western Conference
Semi-Finals:
Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators
I think the Canucks are going to go forward and get better and better after putting out their biggest rivals. However, the Preds have already shown they can deal with the flair teams. This one could be close but I think the Canucks will take it.
My Prediction: 4-2 Canucks
Detroit Red Wings vs San Jose Sharks
This one should be a fantastic series. The Red Wings dominated the Coyotes in the opening round and San Jose made fairly simple work of Los Angeles. Two sides with plenty of size, strength and skill are going to collide here and I can see this one going on longer than it did last year when San Jose beat Detroit in five. I believe the Red Wings will take this one in seven games.
My Prediction: 4-3 Red Wings
Eastern Conference
Semi-Finals:
Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The Capitals look very strong this year and should take this series. They out-played and out-fought the New York Rangers in the last round and I think they will do it again against a Tampa side that are just beginning to find their feet in these playoffs.
My Prediction: 4-2 Caps
Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers
The Bruins are going to want to forget what happened last year against the Flyers at this same stage. Leading the series 3-0 they failed in each of the next three games to go forward. In Game 7 the Bruins were leading 3-0 only to see their lead vanish along with their Stanley Cup hopes as Philly went on to win the game and the series. This year I think the Bruins are better suited to going through and have the excellent Tim Thomas in net. In contrast, the Flyers are currently having major goalie issues.
My Prediction: 4-2 Bruins
What do you think? Let's hear your predictions!
Thursday, 28 April 2011
NHL Stanley Cup 1st Round
The first round threw up only a couple of surprises as most of the teams I expected to progress went on to the second round. Below you can see all the final scores and how they matched up to my earlier predictions.
Western Conference:
My Prediction: 3 - 4 (Phoenix win)
Well I was miles off with this one. I thought that Phoenix would be able to push Detroit just as far this year as they did last but, when their best player (Bryzgalov) doesn't play well, the Coyotes don't win, despite the brilliance of Shane Doan throughout the series and the emergence of Kyle Turris from his season-long slumber. Detroit were by far the better side and deserved to go through.
My Prediction: 4 – 1
I wasn't too far off with this one. San Jose proved to be too much for LA, as we all thought they would. The Kings played some great hockey and, had they defended their 4-0 lead in Game 3 of the series, things might have turned out differently. Thornton, Marleau and Heatley were fairly non-existent to begin with but they are building up a head of steam right now and march on.
My Prediction: 1 – 4 (Ducks win)
Again, my predictive powers failed me. Despite a great series for Ryan, Getzlaf, Perry and Selanne, the hardworking Nashville Predators had too much grit and determination for the highly skilled Anaheim Ducks. Despite being knocked out, Bobby Ryan can find some solace in having scored one of the best goals in Stanley Cup history.
My Prediction: 4 – 3
Spot on for this one. Probably the best series out of them all. Vancouver went 3-0 up and the Blackhawks came right back to tie it. Vancouver had goalie issues and even let in a short-handed goal at the end of Game 7 to take the game into overtime before they finally overcame the team that has put them out of the last two Stanley Cup playoffs. Vancouver have shown they have more about them this year and I fancy them to go far.
Eastern Conference:
My Prediction: 4 – 2
Washington proved to be too much for the Rangers who simply could not match the speed and power of the Capital's forwards. The Rangers did push Washington hard and, had a couple of bounces gone their way in overtime, we could have been looking at a much closer series. However, the better team did go through. Washington look dangerous.
My Prediction: 4 – 2
At one point I thought that the Bolts were on their way out. They were 3 – 1 down to the Pittsburgh Penguins after four games and that usually means only one thing. However, Steven Stamkos finally found his game in his first NHL playoffs and sparked a remarkable turnaround that ended with Tampa going through after a 1 – 0 win in Game 7. Pittsburgh will be wondering how this series got away from them.
My Prediction: 4 – 3
Nailed this one. With the history between these two sides, how could this series not have gone seven games? It would have been a travesty. It was another memorable seven games in the Bruins/Canadiens saga and, in the end, the better team went through for sure. The Bruins, now they have put out their biggest rivals, look very well placed to reach the Conference Final and even the Stanley Cup Final.
My Prediction: 4 – 0
I was way off with the series score, but not with the eventual winner. Philadelphia were without Chris Pronger for the early part of this series and it showed. However, on his return, the Flyers found their game and ground out some hugely important wins including a pivotal overtime win in Game 6 that allows them to move on. They will have to resolve their goaltending issues if they are to go as far as they did last year. Buffalo will be kicking themselves for letting this opportunity to progress to round 2 slip away.
I'll be back later to preview the next round!
Monday, 11 April 2011
NHL Playoff Match-ups.
It took all 82 games, but we finally have the 16 teams that have qualified for this season's Stanley Cup playoffs. As per usual, the first round has thrown up some juicy ties so read on, find out who plays who and then give me your opinion on who will beat who.
Eastern Conference:
Washington Capitals (1) vs (8) New York Rangers
It is hard to look beyond the Washington Capitals in this series, especially considering the quality of players they have on their roster coupled with the fact that the Rangers recently lost Ryan Callahan to injury. However, The Caps threw away a 3-0 series lead against the 8th placed Montreal Canadiens last year proving that anything can happen.
Prediction: Caps 4 – 2 Rangers
Philadelphia Flyers (2) vs (7) Buffalo Sabres
Philly have been very strong this year and the Sabres have not. Philly are bigger and more skilled than Buffalo so I can see this being a very one-sided series. Ryan Miller is going to have to be as good as he ever has been to get the Sabres through this one.
Prediction: Flyers 4 – 0 Sabres
Boston Bruins (3) vs (6) Montreal Canadiens
One of the most heated rivalries in Hockey comes to the fore here with probably the best first round match-up. Boston will be the favourites going into this one but that rarely matters when it comes to rivalries. Both teams will be pumped up for this one and I can't wait.
Prediction: Bruins 4 – 3 Habs
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs (5) Tampa Bay Lightning
There still is no set date for Crosby's return so it looks like Pittsburgh might have to play one or two more games without their star player. However, they have been doing just fine without both Crosby and Malkin in recent weeks so they should be ok. Tampa will be looking to secure as many wins as they can before Crosby returns and, with Lecavalier, St. Louis and Stamkos in the team, there is no reason why they can't knock the Penguins out in the first round.
Prediction: Penguins 2 – 4 Bolts
Western Conference:
Vancouver Canucks (1) vs (8) Chicago Blackhawks
Vancouver have simply dominated this year, even with all the injuries to their blue-line. Led by Kesler and the Sedins, Vancouver stormed their way to the President's Trophy and look set to finally destroy their reputation as perennial under-achievers in the playoffs. Luongo looks solid in net and the Canucks have a great back-up in Cory Schneider. Despite all that, the Blackhawks are the defending Stanley Cup champs and they have dumped the Canucks out of the playoffs in the last two years so this will not be easy.
Prediction: Canucks 4 -3 Hawks
San Jose Sharks (2) vs (7) LA Kings
The San Jose Sharks will want to go one step further than they did last year and reach the Stanley Cup final. They are up against a tough first round opponent but they definitely have the edge. The Sharks' top line will be key in this series and I can't see how LA can match them offensively without Kopitar.
Prediction: Sharks 4 – 1 Kings
Detroit Red Wings (3) vs (6) Phoenix Coyotes
A rematch from last year's first round sees the Red Wings go up against the Coyotes again. Last year the series went seven games (with Detroit prevailing) and I see no reason why this year won't be the same. The Red Wings and the Coyotes shared two wins each against each other this year during the regular season and every game they play is a close one. The Coyotes will be out for revenge for sure and, as a fan, I have to believe they can do it.
Prediction: Red Wings 3 – 4 Coyotes
Anaheim Ducks (4) vs (5) Nashville Predators
The class and skill of the Ducks' top line will go up against the hard working Nashville Predators and I can't see past a series win for Anaheim. With Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan in such great form, the Ducks should progress to the second round despite the fact that Nashville took three of the four games between the two this year.
Prediction: Ducks 4 – 1 Preds
Agree?
Disagree?
Give me your opinions.
Comment below!
Friday, 8 April 2011
Daily News: NHL and EPL
NHL News:
Torres suspended for four games – Raffi Torres has been handed a four game suspension for his hit on Jordan Eberle.
New stadium for Edmonton Oilers? Alberta Premier expects funding pitch – Exciting news for the Oilers. However, things are at a very, very early stage.
Race for final playoff spots rages on – The last games of the regular season should be fantastic.
Sens' GM Murray signs up for three more years – Fairly self-explanatory headline.
Interesting article discussing the 2010/11 NHL season in numbers – Go read, it's fun.
EPL News:
Chelsea players backing Torres and Ancelotti – John Terry has stated that the Chelsea squad are all behind their manager and star striker.
Park Ji-Sung is ready to get back to his best form for United – The hard-working winger is hoping he can play a big part in the Red Devil's remaining games.
Dalglish talks ongoing – Neither the FSG group nor King Kenny are rushing into a decision at Liverpool
Season for over for Liverpool skipper – Liverpool will be without their best player for the rest of the season.
Wenger putting his faith in youth – Wenger is pleading with the Arsenal fans to put their faith in his youthful squad. I think the fans are pleading with Wenger to buy in some experience and grit.
More news next week!
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Thursday, 7 April 2011
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Daily News: NHL and EPL
More news for you!
Click the 'Like' button over there on the right! Help promote this blog!
Click the 'Like' button over there on the right! Help promote this blog!
NHL News:
Miller won't play Tuesday, but is back on the ice – Sabres' goalie Ryan Miller did not practice with the team on Monday morning, nor will he play against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight, but he did skate on his own.
Who can clinch tonight? - Interesting article that shows which teams can clinch playoff spots or division titles after Tuesday's results are in.
No Semin for Caps – Alexander Semin has been given some time to rest to recover from “his injuries from the past.”
Ranger's Callahan out with a broken ankle – Ryan Callahan is out for the rest of the season and the playoffs after breaking his ankle blocking a Zdeno Chara shot. This is a huge blow to the Rangers.
Sharks beat Kings and clinch Pacific Division title – This is the fourth straight Division title for the Sharks, who beat the Kings by a final score of 6-1.
EPL News:
Newcastle boosted by Ben Arfa return – Talented French winger Hatem Ben Arfa has returned to training after recovering from a broken leg earlier in the season.
Higginbotham out for six months – After rupturing knee ligaments, Stoke City's Danny Higginbotham will miss six months of action, that will include the FA Cup semi-final.
Fergie would step down if asked – He doesn't have plans to retire yet, but Alex Ferguson insists he won't outstay his welcome.
Chelsea's John Terry isn't giving up on the title – But he should.
Bruce concerned about loss of form – Black Cats' boss Steve Bruce is worried about his team's slide down the Premier League table.
More news on Thursday!
Friday, 1 April 2011
Daily News: NHL and EPL
NHL News:
Phoenix and Atlanta on the brink of a move – The Coyotes and the Thrashers are both on the brink of moving. But which franchise will end up in Winnipeg?
Canucks win President's Trophy for the first time, poised to make more history too – The Vancouver Canucks are enjoying their best ever season.
Pronger out til playoffs – Flyers' captain, Chris Pronger is out until the playoffs while he recovers from hand surgery.
McCreary refs final game on Saturday – Veteran ref, Bill McCreary will officiate the final game of his 26 year refereeing career tomorrow night when the Caps take on the Sabres.
Wideman in hospital, no telling when he will return – Washington Capital's defenceman Dennis Wideman is in hospital suffering from a leg hematoma.
EPL News:
Saha to miss the remainder of the season – Everton striker Louis Saha will miss the rest of the EPL season after having undergone surgery.
Hodgson believes he never stood a chance at Anfield – Former Reds boss Roy Hodgson has stated that he never felt wanted at Anfield.
Arsenal join the hunt for Al Habsi – Arsenal have joined the race, along with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Celtic, to sign Bolton goalie, Ali Al Habsi. They desperately need him too.
Mancini warns Balotelli – Man City boss Roberto Mancini wants Balotelli to improve his behaviour on and off the pitch.
Spurs' Hutton out for a month – More injury woe for Spurs as right-back Alan Hutton is sidelined for a month with a knee problem.
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More news on Monday!
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Daily News: NHL and EPL
NHL News:
Malhotra prognosis 6-8 weeks away – Manny Malhotra underwent successful eye-surgery but it is too early to say whether he will return to the game or not.
Tim Brent comfortable in visor – After receiving a high-stick to the eye, Tim Brent has realised the importance of a visor.
Crosby cleared for practice – This is simply huge news for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Canucks claim clinch No. 1 seed in West – It has only been a matter of time for the Canucks, but they have finally clinched the top spot in the Western Conference.
Bruins' Thornton leaves game early after facial cut – How lucky was Shawn Thornton? A couple of inches lower and he loses an eye.
EPL News:
Charlie Adam concentrating on the present – Blackpool captain, Charlie Adam is only concentrating on keeping Blackpool in the Premier League, despite rumours linking him with several other clubs.
Lucas signs new deal at Liverpool – Lucas Leiva has signed a new long-term deal at Liverpool after enjoying his best season yet at the Merseyside club.
Perma-crock Woodgate gets new injury – Jonathon Woodgate has picked up yet another injury. What a surprise.
Ferguson happy with one trophy – Despite being in the hunt for three trophies, Alex Ferguson would be happy with only one. Doesn't sound like Ferguson at all.
McCarthy: It's never been tighter – Mick McCarthy cannot remember a Premiership season that was a tight as this one. A sign that the game is improving? Definitely.
More tomorrow!
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Top 50 NHL Blog 2011
Great news just in! This blog has been voted one of the top 50 NHL Blogs for 2011!
Onwards and upwards!
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