NHL Sunday

[VegasVic]

Calgary Flames -125

A five game series left and the Flames accomplished what they had to. By taking one of two in Vancouver the home ice advantage swings back to them. Only problem with that is in the last 17 meetings of these clubs going over the last three years only twice has the home team won a game. And both of those were Vancouver victories. In the last 8 meetings at Calgary the Flames have gone 0-6-2 against the Canucks.

But all of that came B.K., (before Kiprusoff, 2-2 vs. Vancouver). This one man changes all the rules. When their backs were to the wall last Friday Kiprusoff made all the plays that needed to be made, as he has done all year long. This guy set the lowest GAA in the history of the NHL for the regular season. It was not by accident. He is that good and capable of carrying this team deep into the playoffs.

Picking a playoff game is not easy. There are too many bounces of the puck, lucky breaks and with this year far too many power plays. How can anyone handicap what a referee is thinking or understand his perspective. When games come down to a single play that decides the outcome. The angle traveled by a puck after glancing so slightly off a skate with the result of a millimeter difference between victory and defeat, how can anyone with all confidence predict who will win? Lopsided victories like you see in the regular season just don’t occur in the post season, (at least not often). Picking winners in the regular season is far easier.

But there is one constant through all the years of playoff hockey. A hot goaltender is gold. And to me there is no comparison between Mikka Kiprusoff and Dan Cloutier.

The Flames have home ice advantage and the Saddledome will be rocking. Give me the better of the two goalies and let’s hope that puck glances the right way.



NHL single unit plays………99-71-8.…..+ 28.39
Unit and a half plays………..14-6-1.…… + 10.62

NHL total to Date…………...113-77-9.……+ 39.01

 

[slapshot]

you aint kidding vic!
nice job
gl

 

[jwblue]

OK

IS

 

[GLJJNOVA]

Gotcha! I'm on it.

GL
GP

 

[SportSavant]

hey vic, I was reserving comment on R Esche till after yesterday's game...but I must say, whoever it was...coach or GM...who decided Esche would start, it seems like a good decision to date...the kid has stepped up to the plate & is playing good hockey for the Flyers...Brodeur on the other hand seems 'disinterested' in this year's cup quest.

I stayed away from wagering last night as my head said Toronto & New Jersey but my heart wanted Philly & Ottawa. Turns out I would have got a split either way.

Am in agreement on the flames, best of luck....

 

[Proman]

Vic:

You have some valid points, but I disagree. I like Vancouver tonight. I think it will be a lot of pressure on Calgary tonight playing at home in the playoffs for the first time. Not sure how well Calgary will respond. This is one of thoses instances where I think the home ice is not an advantage. Too much pressure to impress the home folks. Vancouver has a little more experience, and that I am hoping will be the difference. Naslund was quoted as saying that the team is ready for the hostile crowd.
Anyway, you are right that anything can happen and that blowouts are especially rare in playoff hockey. This should be a close game either way.

 

[VegasVic]

Savant,
I love the way that the Flyers are playing right now and not just Esche. They are taking it to the Devils in every possiblw way and unless they wake up, (as well as a very disinterested looking Brodeur), they could find themselves out in four straight. Who would think that was possible a week ago?

That being said…I’m on the Flyers again tomorrow as well as Toronto. Both with confidence I might add. And both for similar reasons that I’ll elaborate on in my post tonight.

Proman,

I suspect that you will be right in that I’m expected a very tight and entertaining contest tonight. It really is a hard game to pick until I keep the handicapping simple and think who would I want in net for me? Then it becomes a simple choice.


Lastly to all you Canadians

One thing I need to point out is, after watching the Canadian National Anthem being performed in Vancouver.

As an American I was so impressed with the pomp, circumstance, and crowd’s performance. Both the Vancouver organization and their fans take it to a higher level and it left me, (as a unbiased spectator), with goosebumps. At the point where the singer holds up the mike and every voice takes over…..well all I can say is Wow! The sport of Hockey is your stage for the world to see your pride in your country and you display it well.

I tip my cap to you.

 

[ExpertPicks]

Take calgary and the under!

It worked on the last game.... And it will work tonight too!

Kiprusoff is unreal....

Go Calgary!

 

[WildBill]

Vic,

I remember a time around the first Gulf War that Vancouver was like any other stadium during the anthems. Back then they games were at the PNE Coliseum and that place was LOUD! But everyone was saying that Chicago Stadium was louded partially because of their noise during the national anthem due to the patriotic sentiments of the time. So Vancouver fans decided they would do the same, lest they lose their place as hockey's loudest stadium. Even after they moved to the noticeably quieter new stadium, the fans still make a lot of noise during the anthems. That is the history behind it.

 

[VegasVic]

Thanks Bill

 

[SSI]

Hey Vic, how about an old tip of the hat to the nashville predators, they got their first ever playoff win today, over the might redwings.. sereis now 2-1, id love to see nashville tie the thing up, that would make detroit sweat.. i think detroit knows that the preds match up very well against them and Voukan has been great.. I listen to alot of nashville area sports talk at my office, tomorrow should be interesting.. im on calgary as well tonight..

 

[VegasVic]

I have to admit the Preds have given the Wings all they can handle and with the right breaks could be up 3-0 instead of down 2-1. Vokoun has been terrific and is soley responsible for today's victory. But what's up with......"The Predators started celebrating this historic moment by throwing a party outside the arena for their fans, and they had such stars as country singer Vince Gill on hand inside to mark the occasion"?

Do you think winning one game is time to pop the champaigne? Personaly I think the loss today will wake the sleeping bear that is called Detroit.

But trust me I'm pulling for you guys. Having Detroit make a early exit works just fine for me.

 

[SSI]

Vic, trust me these guys and the city are just happy to be there and are playing with no pressure at all.. the owner had made such a big deal of making the playoffs and now has finally delivered.. you have to remember that hockey is new to alot of people here and hey everyone likes another reason to have a party.. The matchup is what im liking, Nashville won the season series with these guys and at times they frustrate detroit big.... Dont think they can win the series but id love to see a game 6, back in nashville..

 

[VegasVic]

Funny how some teams just have another's number. And you're right the more they get under their skin the more they get frustrated and the more they lose their composure and get away from their game plan. Hey if the Ducks could do it last year why can't the Preds this year?

You go Nashville. Light up that party lamp!

 

[WildBill]

Why not have a party? That is the beauty of low expectations. Besides just a bad mistake by Vokoun in Game 2 or maybe the Preds are up 2-1 right now. I don't think Detroit needs a wake up call, they are playing right where they have been for the last couple of months. One thing I do think could be a factor is who knows when age catches up to them. A lot of people thought that was a factor last year when they came up empty with the Ducks. Could be interesting although the Preds really don't have enough offense to make the Wings pay for their lack of attention to the D side and having Legace behind them. Nothing against Manny, but he won't win many games by himself and in the playoffs you need a goalie who can do that if you plan to lift the Cup.