Friday, May 13, 2011

I missed the second round so here is your third round picks...

So I missed making my picks for the second round.  Friggin' Bettman and his idea to play the last game of the first round and then start the second round less than 24 hours later.  What was his rush?  He has never been in a hurry to get through the playoffs before, why start now?  I mean, game seven of the Sharks/Wings series is Wednesday and the first game of the Conference final is Sunday.  I can't wait for the annual ritual of booing  Bettman when he brings out the Stanley Cup.  I love that.  That is my favorite part of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Really.



Another reason why I missed the second round is McKenna had her 9th birthday and she had a big party planned so I had to try to juggle work and her party so I really had no time to get to this.  Plus, posting your picks after the round starts is a bit douchey.   So I just passed.

How were my stats from the first round?  Well let me tell you.  I went six out of the 8 series right so I was right on target.  I really think the Kings could have won that series but the pucks just did not bounce their way.  Oh well, I will get it right this round.  Believe it. 


WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS


Vancouver Canucks (1) vs. San Jose Sharks (2)

Had I picked in the second round I would have picked, reluctantly the Canuckleheads.  I know TT vetran Don Granato is scouting for this team and that they have a ton of talent but I just can't get behind this team.  They are those west coast granola eating hippies with those idiots who wear those Green Leotards to the games.  I hate those guys.  Really, you pay huge bucks on Stanley Cup Playoff tickets to watch a game through green fabric.  You suck and so does your team.  The Sedin sisters have yet to show up and I don't think they will in the Conference Final or, god forbid they get there, the Stanley Cup Final.

That said, I kind of hate to get behind one of these southern teams in a market where they like hockey, but not really.  Since it is the only show in town, at least until the Minnesota viqueens move there and become the San Jose Orca's, so they get behind them.  The still are not the most educated hockey fans.  Their team on the other hand is skilled and tough as nails.  I like Thornton and Pavelensikeynov, or whatever his name is.  I spent some time in San Jose covering the Oilers back in 2006.  Love the town.  Great city.  The rink is nice also.  So therefore I will pick the lesser of two evils, Sorry Donnie I just can't do it.  I am going to take the Sharks in 6.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Boston Bruins (3) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (8)

Wow, can you believe it?  Tampa Bay in the final.  They just kicked the holy living crap out of the Capitals.  Ovetchkin could not even will his team to ONE FREAKING GAME.  Probably cost me some money in the CBC hockey playoff pool.  Stupid Capitals.   Dwayne Roloson, former Edmonton Oiler, and a TT veteran has been standing on his head.  He has been playing amazing.  Probably inspired by Aaron Rodgers and the WORLD CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS.  If you are a regular here at TundraTalk you know that Roli is a HUGE Packer fan.  I used to record the Packer games for him on DVD on the days that the Oilers played on Sunday so he could watch it on the plane in between tilts.  Tampa also has huge talent on their roster.  St. Louis, Lecavalier, Stamkos, the list goes on and on.  They also have some grit and right now it looks as if they have the killer instinct.  BUT, and this is a huge BUT.  They have to face the Boston Bruins.  Boston has been my favorite to win it all this year and they definitely have their work cut out for them in this series.  Boston is tough, has skill, and also has a goalie that is playing out of his ass.  Tim Thomas in the last series played as if he was going to whip Philly himself and the other guys on the ice were just his extras.  He played awesome.

So what do I see for the Conference Final?  Contrary to popular belief I see lots of scoring.  I think a few of these games could get out of hand.  This is going to be ultra physical with Boston winning most of the battles in deep and along the boards.  I think Tampa has the edge on skill, but after a game or two of getting beat up by Chara they will not be able to finish.  I love Roloson so I would not be surprised if he does not have a great series and steal it but Tampa also has against it my bias as a southern team.  So I think this one will go the distance but Boston just is too tough, Boston in 7.
McKenna Rules

Well there you have it.  My picks for the third round.  Enjoy, call your bookie, and bet the house.

Check this picture of McKenna at flag football.  She is definitely on the right team.