Thursday, April 28, 2011

Get Ready For Round Two!


Write down these dates, here's the schedule for round two. The action begins tonight with the Nashville/Vancouver series opening up in Vancouver. Can't say i'm too happy with the results in the first round, most of my predictions were off, but there was a record number of game 7's so it was very exciting. I'll give you my picks later when I have a chance to think...

2011 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
SERIES I
#1 vs. #5
Network
Friday, April 29 at Washington, 7:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 1 at Washington, 7:00 p.m. VERSUS, CBC
Tuesday, May 3 at Tampa Bay, TBD VERSUS, TSN
Wednesday, May 4 at Tampa Bay, 7:00 p.m. TSN
*Saturday, May 7 at Washington, 12:30 p.m. NBC, TSN
*Monday, May 9 at Tampa Bay, TBD VERSUS, TSN
*Wednesday, May 11 at Washington, TBD VERSUS, TSN
SERIES J
#2 vs. #3
Network
Saturday, April 30 at Philadelphia, 3:00 p.m. NBC, CBC
Monday, May 2 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
Wednesday, May 4 at Boston, 7:00 p.m. VERSUS, CBC
Friday, May 6 at Boston, 8:00 p.m. VERSUS (JIP), CBC
*Sunday, May 8 at Philadelphia, 3:00 p.m. NBC, CBC
*Tuesday, May 10 at Boston, TBD VERSUS, CBC
*Thursday, May 12 at Philadelphia, TBD VERSUS, CBC
2011 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
SERIES K
#1 vs. #5
Network
Thursday, April 28 at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m. CBC, VERSUS
Saturday, April 30 at Vancouver, 9:00 p.m. CBC, VERSUS
Tuesday, May 3 at Nashville, TBD CBC, VERSUS
Thursday, May 5 at Nashville, TBD CBC, VERSUS
*Saturday, May 7 at Vancouver, 8:00 p.m. CBC, VERSUS
*Monday, May 9 at Nashville, TBD CBC, VERSUS
*Wednesday, May 11 at Vancouver, TBD CBC, VERSUS
SERIES L
#2 vs. #3
Network
Friday, April 29 at San Jose, 10:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 1 at San Jose, 3:00 p.m. NBC, TSN
Wednesday, May 4 at Detroit, 8:00 p.m. VERSUS (JIP), TSN
Friday, May 6 at Detroit, 7:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
*Sunday, May 8 at San Jose, 8:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
*Tuesday, May 10 at Detroit, TBD VERSUS, TSN
*Thursday, May 12 at San Jose, TBD VERSUS, TSN


- * denotes if necessary
(All times are EASTERN, an hour earlier in Manitoba!)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

2011 NHL Playoff Picks (Round 1)


I don't have much time, it's 15 minutes before April 13 the first day of the playoffs and I want to make my predictions without the influence of seeing the results of the first game. The first round is my favourite round of the playoffs, guaranteed to see at least a couple of upsets!


EASTERN CONFERENCE
Washington (1) vs New York (8)
I have my doubts about the Caps, though they did finish first in the conference. They must have done something right despite Ovechkin having an unspectacular season. I still can't see the Rangers pulling an upset...seriously.
Washington in 6

Philadelphia (2) vs Buffalo (7)
The Flyers are ripe for being upset, Pronger probably won't be available and he's a big reason the Flyers made it to the finals last year. The Sabres are hot and with Ryan Miller back this could be the year of redemption the Buffalo fans have been waiting for. I would pick the Sabres, but I chose too many Flyers players in some hockey pools already...it will be close!
Philadelphia in 7

Boston (3) vs Montreal (6)
A classic battle, two long time rivals, with extra animosity carried over from a couple intense head to head clashes in the regular season. The Bruins have size and brawn while the Habs have speedier, but smaller forwards. Goaltending will be the key and both goalies had stellar seasons. Carey Price will have to be the best player on the ice if the Canadians have a chance... I have a hunch.
Montreal in 7

Pittsburgh (4) vs Tampa Bay (5)
No Crosby? Why would he practise with the team if they didn't think he will play this season? I think he'll be back, maybe not this series, but maybe the next if they make it that far. The Lightning seriously outmatch the Pens, at least offensively, but as we know in the playoffs defensive play and most importantly, goaltending makes the difference. Fleury has been good and has carried this team through their key injuries, while the Lightning's goalies have not been good. Even with a Crosby and Malkin-less team, the Penguins will score...enough to win the series.
Pittsburgh in 6

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Vancouver (1) vs Chicago (8)
Chicago barely made the playoffs and they have the Wild to thank for beating the Stars on the final day of the regular season. When these two teams met last year in the playoffs their rankings were almost reversed. This year the Canucks have been touted as the team to beat for the cup and wouldn't it be a major downer if they were eliminated in the first round. The Hawks aren't neared as deep as last year and the Canucks probably have the most solid team from front to back, but as you might have guessed...I love the Hawks! Sorry Vancouver, give Hodgson and Oreskovich back to the Moose for their playoff run!
Chicago in 7

San Jose (2) vs Los Angeles (7)
The Sharks quietly had a great year, despite modest stats from their stars, Thornton, Heatley and Marleau. The Kings will be missing their two best players, Kopitar and Williams, so they pretty much don't stand a chance no matter who they're playing. Short series.
San Jose in 5

Detroit (3) vs Phoenix (6)
The Coyotes should have beaten the Wings last year, but the Jets curse still haunt the Coyotes. This franchise hasn't won a playoff series since 1987, when they were still in Winnipeg and when Dale Hawerchuk was in his prime...pathetic! I think the Red Wings are in for a fight and if Zetterberg misses most of the first round, the curse might be broken.
Phoenix in 7

Anaheim (4) vs Nashville (5)
Big time scoring from the Ducks. Corey Perry is having a MVP season, Getzlaf is healthy, Bobby Ryan is maturing and Teemu Selanne is playing like he did with the Mighty Ducks 15 years ago! Despite being close in the rankings, this might be the most lopsided series of the playoffs. Speaking of droughts, the Predators have never won a playoff series and they won't in 2011 either.
Anaheim in 5

Monday, April 11, 2011

In Case You Had Any Doubt

The other thing on my mind nowadays is the federal election. Since the NHL playoffs haven't started yet, take the time to watch this educational little cartoon to help you decide who NOT to vote for!

My TV Schedule For April


This is my favorite time of year! It's gorgeous outside today and I really should take advantage and spend as much time as possible in the sun. Right now, I am writing this post on my deck outside with a long extension running from the basement, wearing my Hawk's cap trying to block the glare of the sun shining on the laptop screen (I apologize for any typos, it's hard to see!). I'm trying to take advantage now because starting Wednesday the NHL playoffs begin and I'll be sitting inside almost every night for the next couple of months watching the playoffs on TV. I will leave the house to go to work and also I have some committee commitments I have to fulfill and I might take in some Moose playoff games, but other than that, I'm booked!

Hold on tight, bring on the playoffs!!

2011 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES A
#1 vs. #8
Network
Wednesday, April 13 at Washington, 7:30 p.m. TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
Friday, April 15 at Washington, 7:30 p.m. TSN, VERSUS
Sunday, April 17 at New York, 3:00 p.m. NBC (HD), TSN
Wednesday, April 20 at New York, 7:00 p.m. TSN, VERSUS
*Saturday, April 23 at Washington, 3:00 p.m. TSN, NBC (HD)
*Monday, April 25 at New York, TBD TSN
*Wednesday, April 27 at Washington, TBD TSN
SERIES B
#2 vs. #7
Network
Thursday, April 14 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. TSN, VERSUS-JIP
Saturday, April 16 at Philadelphia, 5:00 p.m. TSN
Monday, April 18 at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m. TSN, VERSUS
Wednesday, April 20 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. TSN, VERSUS
*Friday, April 22 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. TSN, VERSUS (JIP)
*Sunday, April 24 at Buffalo, 3:00 p.m. NBC (HD), TSN
*Tuesday, April 26 at Philadelphia, TBD TSN
SERIES C
#3 vs. #6
Network
Thursday, April 14 at Boston, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
Saturday, April 16 at Boston, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
Monday, April 18 at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. CBC (HD), RDS
Thursday, April 21 at Montreal, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
*Saturday, April 23 at Boston, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD), RDS, VERSUS
*Tuesday, April 26 at Montreal, TBD CBC (HD), RDS
*Wednesday, April 27 at Boston, TBD CBC (HD), RDS
SERIES D
#4 vs. #5
Network
Wednesday, April 13 at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD)
Friday, April 15 at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD)
Monday, April 18 at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS (JIP)
Wednesday, April 20 at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. CBC (HD)
*Saturday, April 23 at Pittsburgh, TBD CBC (HD), VERSUS (JIP)
*Monday, April 25 at Tampa Bay, TBD CBC (HD)
*Wednesday, April 27 at Pittsburgh, TBD CBC (HD)
2011 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
SERIES E
#1 vs. #8
Network
Wednesday, April 13 at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
Friday, April 15 at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
Sunday, April 17 at Chicago, 8:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
Tuesday, April 19 at Chicago, 8:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Thursday, April 21 at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Sunday, April 24 at Chicago, 7:30 p.m. CBC (HD)
*Tuesday, April 26 at Vancouver, TBD CBC (HD)
SERIES F
#2 vs. #7
Network
Thursday, April 14 at San Jose, 10:00 p.m. TSN, VERSUS
Saturday, April 16 at San Jose, 10:00 p.m. TSN, VERSUS
Tuesday, April 19 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. TSN, VERSUS
Thursday, April 21 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. TSN
*Saturday, April 23 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. TSN, VERSUS
*Monday, April 25 at Los Angeles, TBD TSN
*Wednesday, April 27 at San Jose, TBD TSN

SERIES G
#3 vs. #6
Network
Wednesday, April 13 at Detroit, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
Saturday, April 16 at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. NBC (HD), CBC (HD)
Monday, April 18 at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
Wednesday, April 20 at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Friday, April 22 at Detroit, 7:00 p.m. CBC (HD), VERSUS
*Sunday, April 24 at Phoenix, TBD CBC (HD)
*Wednesday, April 27 at Detroit, TBD CBC (HD)
SERIES H
#4 vs. #5
Network
Wednesday, April 13 at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m. TSN
Friday, April 15 at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m. TSN
Sunday, April 17 at Nashville, TBD TSN
Wednesday, April 20 at Nashville, TBD TSN
*Friday, April 22 at Anaheim, 10:00 p.m. TSN
*Sunday, April 24 at Nashville, TBD TSN
*Tuesday, April 26 at Anaheim, TBD TSN


- * denotes if necessary
- All Times are Eastern (this is important, don't wanna miss anything! Subtract an hour if you're in Winnipeg)

Next: My first round picks.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Thank You Minnesota!!


Thanks to the Minnesota Wild's win over the Dallas Stars, the Chicago Black Hawks will make the playoffs and have an opportunity to defend last years Stanley Cup victory. The Hawks almost let the season slip through their fingers by losing to the Red Wings 4-3 earlier today and had to wait and see what happened in St. Paul, letting their playoff chances rest on the a Dallas lose.

The Hawks will face the Stanley Cup favoured Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs starting later this week (the NHL will announce the schedule soon), as the Canucks hope to avenge their eliminate the last two years at the hands of the Hawks. Here's hoping history repeats itself!

In the upcoming days, I'll post the post-season schedule and give you my picks for the first round. God, I love this time of year!!

Monday, April 04, 2011

Vote Compass


I've been having a difficult time keeping this blog updated, but with the announcement of the upcoming federal election, I suspect my posts will become more frequent. Sometimes I can't keep my mouth shut and my opinionated views need to be expressed somewhere.

An interesting tool to determine or at least find out which way you're leaning, is found at CBC.ca, the Vote Compass. On this survey, you will be asked 30 questions on various issues that the parties have taken a stand on. It will reveal not only which party you are closest matched to, but also which leader fits your viewpoints.
  • Part 1- Each question gives you a statement such as, "Marriage should only be between a man and woman", then you are asked to strongly agree, somewhat agree, neither agree or disagree, somewhat disagree and strongly disagree.
  • Part 2- You are asked about the leaders and rate them: 0-10 (0> not at all trustworthy or 10< very trustworthy) on how trustworthy, competent and how suitable for Prime Minister they are.
  • Part 3- Rate the parties. Also 0-10 rating, higher for likeliness of voting for them.
The results will be displayed on a grid that places your position of social liberalism, social conservatism, economic left and economic right, as well as where the parties stand. If you click on the party's name, you can compare that parties position on every question with your own. this is also a useful tool to find out what stand the parties take on all these key issues. I took the quiz and I was tabbed as a Liberal (no surprise) and Jack Layton is my preference for PM, my wife is a Green. My co-worker was also a Green and his daughter was (to her surprise), a Liberal. I know what your thinking, why has Liberal and Green only come up so far? That's the same question the National Post posed as supposedly many feel this quiz is biased and leaning Liberal. I've been spreading the word to friends and family to take the quiz, so it will be interesting to see how accurate we think our political stand is with who we support. If they truly are my friends and family, I don't expect any of the results to point to the Conservative (PC) party!
Let me know your results!