Conference Semis Features Winners And Losers

First, kudos to the Edmonton crowd. After being told to be on their best behavior after Shark’s fans booed the Canadian National Anthem, the Edmonton crowd cheered so loudly for the American National Anthem that it drowned out the singer. I know some may have done it out of spite, but San Jose is full of idiots. As an American I apologize for the whole bay area, we are waiting for it just to fall off at the next big earthquake.

Okay, I am sucking on my predictions when it comes to the Western Conference. Who would have thought that Craig MacTavish actually had it in him to motivate the Oilers? Right now the hottest team in the playoffs is Edmonton.

So since my predictions are in serious jeopardy, I will have to re-examine my stance in the Western Conference. So give me some time for more fearless predictions. Right now I am going to give you a Puckhead look at some of the winners and losers of the playoffs thus far.

Winners

Michael Peca – Talk about a sleeper. Peca has been a shadow for the Oilers until he decided to take game 6 into his hands and secure the win for the Oilers to make in to the Conference Finals for the first time in 14 years.

Anaheim Mighty Ducks – The whole team needed some recognition, which was either the best series played by the Ducks or the worst by the Aves. Don’t worry there is a special place for Colorado below.

Ryan Miller – Being a goaltender for Buffalo can sometimes make one’s hair turn gray, against the Senators Miller could have easily lost confidence. But he didn’t and he maybe the biggest reason the Sabres are sitting pretty.

Cam Ward – This guy is 8-1 for his career playoff starts. Are you kidding me? Looks like a battle of the youngster goalies that will highlight the Eastern Conference Finals.

OLN – A major “A++” to OLN’s coverage of the playoffs thus far. When was the last time ESPN ever cut into the intermission to bring us live look-ins at other games going on? Umm, I will take “Things ESPN Never Does” for $1600 Alex. Not only has OLN given live look-ins, they are actually working with the CBC to get just about every game on including the late games from the Canadian cities. And OLN is not about to cut into the game with the live at-bats of some steroid user trying to chase down the Babe. Besides, ESPN is too jack happy about having Monday Night Football, running promos since March. March for crying out loud!

Losers

San Jose’s Fans – You’re just stupid if you booed the Canadian National Anthem. So Sharks fans, where do you think Steve Bernier, Matt Carkner, Jonathan Cheechoo, Ryan Clowe, Rob Davison, Josh Gorges, Scott Hannan, Patrick Marleau, Ayln McCauley, Kyle McLaren, Nolan Schaefer, Mark Smith, Grant Stevenson, Scott and Joe Thornton are from? (Hint: Starts with a C and ends in “anada”) It must be karma though, because now all the Sharks fans have to look forward to are their commutes to San Francisco.

Colorado Avalanche – How about showing up for a game?

Zdeno Chara – Tall guys are just not supposed to raise the Cup. Chara never was a factor in this series, and all of Ottawa is just scratching their heads. What do you have to do to win?

Marty Brodeur – He just didn’t look like himself in goal against Carolina. Bottom line for the Devils, if Brodeur isn’t playing well, New Jersey doesn’t play well.

A Winner Honorable Mention – Dwayne Roloson. He is just making Wild fans upset, and as you can see, his teammates don’t mind.

So we are all set for the Conference Finals. Buffalo against Carolina, and Anaheim matched with Edmonton. And I will have to make a serious effort at my picks this time.