Penalties Stops Caps' Streak Cold

Capitals 1, Oilers 2
Game Summary

AP

The Capitals stormed out in the first period jumping on the young Oilers early with a 1-0 lead and out shooting them 6-1. But then they just could not stay out of the penalty box. The Caps were whistled for 9 penalties and gave up two goals to the Oilers' power play to see their best start in organization histroy halted at seven games. Edmonton jumps on the Caps misfortunes to beat them 2-1.

Karl Alzner scored his first of the season off of a nice slapper from the point to beat Nikolai Khabibulan over the shoulder. Joel Ward set the screen and the Oilers goaltender froze from the distraction. It would be the Caps high water mark in the game despite some heroic effort in the third period to try to tie up the game.

Oilers net minder Khabibulan only needed one good period and he was fantastic in the third. The Caps out shot the Oilers 18-6 in the final period and dominated the play for the most part. But shot after shot was turned away by the Edmonton goaltender. He was spectacular killing off a pair of late penalties for the Oilers. For all the offensive power the Caps poured on in the final period, it was all for not as Khabby got hot late.

The Caps inability to stay out of the box in the second period and having to play catch up for the rest of the game ends their winning streak at seven games. The power play did not see the time it could have, or should have, in this game but it is clear they miss number 52 back on the blue line.

Mike Green sat out for a tweeked ankle and the Caps seemed to miss the quarterback for timely break outs and setting up the power play. They missed his sneaks up the back side on the power play that kept the top penalty killer honest. The power play instead was a mortal 0 for 4.

A lot of this game could be excused away as unfair officiating as the Caps were called for 8 penalties including 5 calls in the second period alone. Four of them were hooking calls, some legit, some borderline. But the Caps just did not make good decisions on the ice and in the end it cost them. Credit the Caps' penalty killers for only allowing two power play goals against as it could have easily been 4-1 or 5-1 at the end of the second period.

Both of the Oilers goals came off of the power play. A tic-tac-toe passing play on the 5 on 3 goal, and a defensive break down and a juicy rebound on the second 5 on 4 goal. Both goals hard to avoid, but good lessons for the Caps to learn. Winning streaks sometimes hides imperfections and the Caps can use this game as a teaching tool, a lesson learned on their way through the season.

Caps catch up with the Western Conference Champs Saturday night and will have to bring a better game with them to Vancouver. The power play will have to reconfigure itself to better create chances with out Green on the back end.

Caps Notes:

• Alex Ovechkin had six shots in attempt to get the tying goal. But Khabibulan turned aside all six. Alex Semin went through most of the game with out a registered shot on net through most of the game until he snapped two on net in the third.
• Nine different Capitals were called for penalties, 5 penalties were stick infractions (4 hooking, 1 slash), 2 were delay of game (hand covering puck, puck over glass), a diving call and a holding the stick call.
• Green is still questionable for Saturday night, Jay Beagle remains a scratch with a concussion.

The Rumor Mill

Per the Globe and James Mirtle:

According to multiple sources, free agent centre Eric Belanger has a one-year deal in waiting to return to the Washington Capitals. The contract is believed to be a slight raise over the $1.75-million he made last season, to $1.85-million.

What's interesting is that he has been told not to announce where he's going, leading to Belanger telling the French language newspaper Le Soleil on Wednesday that he is about to sign but can't say where due to the fact the team he's headed to is working on a trade.

Washington apparently does not want to announce they've signed Belanger in order to help first complete another deal, potentially to move out a forward and bring in a defenceman. I'm told that one player the Caps are looking to trade is 26-year-old Tomas Fleishmann, who had 23 goals and 51 points in a bit of a breakout season last year and signed a one-year, $2.6-million deal this summer.

The rumor is the Caps are deep in talks with Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs to land Tomas Kaberle. Kaberle is certain he will be traded despite his no trade clause he has with the Toronto organization. In return, Fleischmann has been dropped in as bait. As a result, Belanger can't say he is signed until the deal is finalized.

Unfortunately, there are also rumors that 19 other teams are in trade talks with Burke for the 11 year veteran defenseman. Burke also has struck down the rumors in the very same article:

"We are not in discussions with the Capitals about Tomas Kaberle," Burke said. "Not once."

Hmm.

Another rumor circling the rounds concerning the Caps is a possible trade with the Oilers. While this one has far less steam and less national media attention. The trade would include Fleischmann and a prospect for Sheldon Souray. Souray wanted to be traded after the Oilers finished out of the playoff race last spring and it may have set the organization looking for the best offer before the season starts to depart ways with the hard shooting defenseman.

Souray's contract is for another two years with the Oilers at $4.5 million a season. Close to the same price as Kaberle who is his final year of his contract with Toronto at $4.25 million.

Something to chew on.

Editor's note: Washington Post and other sources have confirmed that Eric Belanger will resign with the Washington Capitals for a one year deal around $1.85 million. The announcement will not come until the Caps finish making their roster moves. Not sure what the wait is for, considering that sources have said that the resigning will happen whether a trade happens or not.

Go West, Young Man, Go West

Players in the Western Conference can breath easy knowing that they have dominated the Stanley Cup Finals in over a decade. The West have beaten the east 8 of the last thirteen finals. Those odds are pretty good and are only getting better as many of those teams have youth maturing.

Ranking the Western Conference is no easy task with teams on the rise and other teams in such turmoil. But there will be a lot of familiar faces back in the playoffs when the 82 games schedule comes to a close. Let's start with the bottom and work our way up.

15. Phoenix Coyotes: Three words, off ice drama. That is what keeps this team from moving forward. As far as player personnel are concerned, the 'Yotes had a busy off season. The signed goaltender Jason LaBarbera, forward Vernon Fiddler and defenseman Adrian Aucoin in free agency. They resigned Scottie Upshall to a one year deal and worked the trade route to acquire Lauri Korpikoski and Radim Vrbata. They seem like the right moves, but with ownership in question and a new coach to boot, there is a lot of chemistry questions to deal with. A team with this much turmoil up top is going to hinder this group through out the season.

14. Colorado Avalanche: Things in Denver are not good. With the departure of Joe Sakic over the summer, the team has lost its prolific leader and fallen from the elite grace they enjoyed just a few seasons ago. With a slew of veterans on their last year of their contracts, this looks more like a shopper's paradise for teams looking to beef up their line-ups come the trade deadline. Players afraid of being traded through out the season very rarely play their best. It is rebuilding time in Colorado.

13. Edmonton Oilers: They made a play for Danny Heatley, but in the end they couldn't pull the forward their way. The Oilers did however get a good goaltender in Nikolai Khabibulin. It is pretty much the only positive to come out of the off season for the beleaguered Oilers. They spent too much time on trying to get a deal done with Ottawa, there is not much improvement on this team from a season ago. They are going to have to rely on the players that gave marginal performances last year. It's a tough spot to be in.

12. Los Angeles Kings: Every time the Kings get some good news, something happens that dissolves it. But they may have some hope after signing Rob Scuderi in the off season and trading for Ryan Smyth to give them some leadership. What gives this team hope and heartache is youth. Jack Johnson, Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown make up the core of the Kings youth movement. If they can show some more mustard early in the season they could finish higher than 12th. But their goaltending is still marginal and they still need a super-star to make the big plays when they need it most.

11. Minnesota Wild: With the departure of some good talent late last season, the Wild replaced it by signing Martin Havlat, Greg Zanon and Shane Hnidy in the off season. The Wild are under new management though, getting a new GM and coach to lead the team in a new direction. It may take a season or two for the organization to get out of some old habits. They do have the pieces to possibly make the playoffs, but it remains to be seen if the Wild can pull it all together this season.

10. Nashville Predators: Nashville let a few players walk in the off season. They were able to keep Steve Sullivan and Joel Ward, but it may not be enough to make the playoffs. Part of Nashville's problem is the small amount of fans and money to work with. The management have failed to pull a team in around Sullivan and team captain Jason Arnott. The Preds still have a good core of defensemen and the combo of Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne should steal a few games this season.

9. Dallas Stars: This team made some smart moves in the off season, and it should show in the standings. Will they make the playoffs? They could, but it will depend on how well the changes at management and coaching affect the team. The big D signed some good defense in Karlis Skrastins and Jeff Woywitka. Jere Lehtinen resigned for another year and the Stars have a better back up in Alex Auld who was acquired in the off season. Low expectations may hinder the Stars this year, but if they grow in the right direction, they could knock off someone on the next list.

Playoff Bound

8. St. Louis Blues: On the verge of something good, the Blues have to build on their experiences from a season ago. But they have to be careful, they are also in a division that highly competitive. One bad stretch could be doom for this young team on the rise. Veterans Keith Tkachuk, Jay McClement, Mike Weaver and Brad Winchester were all resigned and goaltender Ty Conklin should be a capable back up. Head coach Andy Murry has to get the youth of his team to start to believe in themselves. Once the kids start to buy in to the system, the Blues will have a good team on their hands.

7. Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are a shell of their former selves. Chris Pronger, Rob Niedermayer, Francois Beauchemin and Brett Hedican all left for greener pastures. What saves the team from total breakdown is what they got in return. Saku Koivu, Nick Boynton, Steve McCarthy were signed in the off season and Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa and Ryan Dingle were acquired in the Pronger trade. The Ducks should make the playoffs again.

6. Columbus Blue Jackets: After making the playoffs for the first time in their franchise history, it is understandable that they might have a bit of hangover when teams start taking them more seriously. Lucky for the fans, the Jacks resigned Rick Nash. They also added Sammy Pahlsson to add some punch at center depth. But the BJ's need consistency in the division they are in. If they can build on what they started last year, this team should find a comfortable spot in the post season and will look for their first playoff win.

5. Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks shed some big contracts in the off season. Some of that shedding will hinder them, and maybe they won't win their division. But with Roberto Luongo in net and the Sedin Twins signed on for another go, there is no reason this team should miss the playoffs. They took advantage of San Jose's roster shedding by getting Christian Erhoff and Brad Lukowich in exchange for some prospects. They also pulled Mikael Samuelsson from the Red Wings pool. The Canucks should have a good year, but they have to grow some tougher skin to get further in the playoffs.

4. Detroit Red Wings: How can the Red Wings not win their division but still get home ice advantage? Because they are the Red Wings. Whether fans show up to the games or not, the Wings is a hard team to beat night in and night out. A few support players found spots on other teams, but the core of Johan Franzen, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, the Wings will be okay. Their hold on goaltending greatness in Chris Osgood may prove their downfall if Osgood is not playing his best.

3. Calgary Flames, Northwest Division Champion: Theo Flurey certainly created a lot of buzz in camp this off season, but his comeback was dealt a huge blow when he was released a week before opening night. It was a distraction for Flames' fans, but the real excitement will be the arrival of Jay Bouwmeester. Acquired in the off season, Bouwmeester's arrival bolsters Calgary's defensive squad that is already beefed up with Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr. If the Flames can score, their defense should hold up fine, and they will win their division.

2. Chicago Blackhawks, Central Division Champion: This team is riding a good vibe right now and it should carry through to another playoff run. There are few messy ends for the Hawks, the change in GM after Marion Hossa was signed to a ridiculous contract and the release of Martin Havlat and the NHLPA filing grievances with the team after they resigned a bunch of their young talent. The core of Chicago's youth is really is what is exciting about this team. Patrick Kane and Johnathan Toews make this team an offensive juggernaut. Solid defense led by Brian Campbell and good goaltending by Cristobal Huet can make this team a dangerous Conference foe.

1. San Jose Sharks, Western Conference Champion: The Sharks have been a tough team to play in the West for quite some time. But getting over that first playoff series seems to give the Sharks fits. San Jose did change up their look a little bit by shipping off Jonathon Cheechoo and Milan Michalek to Ottawa for Danny Heatley. The Sharks are looking for that certain something to push them over the edge. They should win the West again, but it still remains to be seen if they can do any real damage in the playoffs.

The Sharks have the talent to top the West again, but they need to show their stuff in the post season to really get any respect. I like the Blackhawks despite their off season shenanigans. They have now the experience and the coaching to help them win games, it will be hard to count them out come spring. The Coyotes are in trouble, which is sad since hockey did take root in the desert for a few years. I just don't see them coming out with a whole lot of get up and go when their coach was forced out and the league is fighting with a billionaire over their future.

Tomorrow, the Eastern Conference preview.

Can't Keep It Bottled Up Anymore

Okay a lot of NHL drama going on, I can't keep my opinions to myself much longer. Some if it is older news, I know. But I've been busy.

First, Danny Heatly asking for a trade and refusing to be traded to Edmonton. The drama seems to be in limbo at the moment. I think the very action of asking for a trade waives any kind of trade clause on any contract. Also, if you ask your general manager for a trade after you publicly committed to money and time to be with a particular team you give up any say over what team you may be traded too. At first I thought Heatly was an okay guy, not any more.

Second, Chicago and their paperwork. I guess when you live in the windy city, one should get a paper weight (sorry old joke). Now the NHLPA has filed a grievance with the league over the paperwork. At worst, some big players for the Blackhawks get a taste of the free market as unrestricted free agents. But they were already restricted free agents and Chicago had a right to match the contract offered them. It may not be a huge deal. Plus the other 29 general managers may just give the "too bad" signal to the players association and not sign any of the players with bad paperwork, allowing Chicago to resign them. At least the PA is looking out for their own.

Third, Alex Ovechkin becomes an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. There is a possibility the NHL will pull out of letting players play in the Olympics, but that is maybe why they made Ovi a full fledged ambassador. It's also a great pick up line for the ladies I'm sure. You have to admire Ovi's countryman's spirit.

Lastly, Brian Burke successfully gets his goaltender. TSN reports Burke has gotten Jonas (the Monster) Gustavsson to be the starting goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Possibly leaving long time Capital Olaf Kolzig with out a team if the Leafs do not resign him. He is a Free Agent this summer. Gustavsson comes highly touted from the Swedish Elite League. He has size (he looks big in net, hence the nickname 'Monster') speed and good basics. However, he hasn't seen scorers like Evgeni Malkin, Jerome Iginla, Ilya Kovalchuk or Ovechkin. So he is basically a wild card for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Some of his highlights are on YouTube.

Caps Notes:

• Barrack Obama mentioned Alex Ovechkin's name in a speech and some fans were quick to jump on the "why doesn't he come to Caps' games?" critic. Honestly, I think he has much more important things to do rather than take in hockey games or basketball games. Like finding jobs for hundreds and thousands that will be on the street after the States budgets get slashed. Just my gut reaction.
  
• Okay, back to hockey. Development camp is less than a week away and as usual the Caps are going to lean heavily on the kids for the future of the team. The names to watch will be Anton Gustafsson (who missed last year's camp due to injury), Joe Finley (the big meany from North Dakota), Jake Hauswirth (who made quite the splash in last year's camp) and first round pick in the '09 Entry Draft Marcus Johansson is not confirmed to be there, but is likely to show. Camp is from July 13 - 18.
• All this week, be sure to turn on NHL Network as they will be replaying the Rangers/Capitals series starting with game one today. Relive the Caps first series win in nearly 11 years.
  

Oilers Spoil

Capitals 2, Oilers 5
Scoresheet - Wash Post

Apparently, the Caps may have the Penguins on the brain. Per Tarik on his blog: "Boudreau said he warned his players this morning about looking past the Oilers and ahead to Wednesday's showdown with Pittsburgh. We'll know by about the middle of the second period tonight whether they were listening."

Obviously they weren't.

Tomas Fleischmann scored a highlight reel goal and Mike Green added another power play goal. But both goals weren't enough to beat former 'Cane Eric Cole who pounced on some Caps turnovers and put up the hat trick against the Capitals.

The Capitals outshot, outhit, out-took-away the Oilers. But they also gave up the puck 26 times. Alex Ovechkin finished the game with out a point, 7 shots on goal and four give aways. In the third he was pushed to the second line with Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Fedorov. Or Nick Backstrom and Alex Semin were pushed to the second line with Brooks Laich. Either way, Bruce Boudreau sent the message loud and clear.

Green had a career night of sorts. He scored his ninth power play goal leading all defensemen in the league in power play tallies. He also scored his 100th and 101st points of his NHL career.

Fleischmann had a spectacular goal. His speed caught three Oilers off guard as he broke down the middle into the Oilers' zone. When he crossed the blue line the puck started to ride on it's edge, Flash split the defenders but flipping the puck up over the stick checks and his speed was too much for them to recover. The puck settled back down with Flash through the defense and he beat Dwayne Roloson blocker high.

Jose Theodore played okay, not great, but not his best. Part of the problem was the giveaways and poor defensive coverage after the turnover. It would have to take some pretty outstanding goaltending for him to make those saves, but Theo just wasn't on.

Dwayne Roloson, who some think this was an audition for a possible trade with the Caps, played much better. Controlling his rebounds and gobbling up shots. If he is rumored to be possible trade fodder, he made his case turning away 34 shots, including a barrage of early first period shots.

The Caps drop their second straight at home and lost their third straight which matches two other times they have lost three in a row. I would not want to be on the plane ride to Pittsburgh, as the Caps play their second back to back. The Caps have never won both games of a back to back, why start now.

Photo AP, Lawrence Jackson

Okay, Jersey Talk

Everyone has their opinion on the new league mandated jerseys. Now that they have all been revealed (thanks Rangers for leaving it to the last possible second just to show that there was no change to your jersey design), I guess I can bestow upon you my glorious position on some of the new sweaters.

Amongst the jerseys I like are the Caps sweaters (which at first I hated, but after seeing them in action, I am actually enjoying the new look). I also loved the new St. Louis Blues jerseys. They put a new spin on the same basic design from their old look. I have to admit, I really do like the home jersey look. I am glad to see Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and the Rangers not deviate from their original look. There is just something sacred about those jerseys that modernization shouldn't touch.

The sweaters I hated were both Dallas and San Jose. What the hell happened to San Jose? They tried to go for a classic look, but it just looks awful. The only thing good about the Sharks look this season is their new logo. I was expecting more I guess.

Dallas just doesn't make sense. On the home jerseys it says "Dallas." Huh, yea, I think that the home fans know where the team is from. It would have made more sense to have that on their away jerseys. But what do I know.

I know a lot of Oiler fans are upset about their jersey look, but I kind of like it. Like a classier look to their away jersey with the piping down the front. I did not like Phoenix's jerseys, the shoulders just look stupid on the away jerseys. There was a lot of grumbling about about Vancouver's sweater too, but there is some history there with the lettering so I am okay with it. And at least it's both on the home and away jerseys, unlike Dallas.

There has been issues on the new jerseys ripping during fights, which could be a problem for the goons of the league. If a players jersey rips and slips over his head during a fight, it's cause for injury, which in a fight isn't that the point? Also due to the fitted style of the jersey, punching and grasping is a much harder exercise, and limits full range of motion during a fight. No word though if that is going to be fixed.

McPhee Short Circuts Oilers On Nylander

GMGM may have literally stole Michael Nylander from under the noses of the Oilers. At least that is what the Edmonton management claims. TSN.ca reports.

If that is true, what changed Nylander's mind. Was McPhee that convincing? Whatever the reason Kevin Lowe is not a happy camper. They complained to the NHL about the Caps signing Nylander after apparently sending Nylander the paperwork. But they never got the papers back signed.

If you want a more detailed look at it, Colbycosh.com goes into details on the Oilers end. Tarik also covered it in the Wash Post.

The whole thing is turning out to be quite the drama, at least in Edmonton. While here in DC the 4th of July and recent bombings overseas seems to be more on the minds of Washingtonians than a signing of a Swede to play hockey at the phone booth.

Why the Oilers are making some noise about this, I have no explaination other than they did everything they could except sign Nylander. There has to be a specific reason why Nylander would get the papers from the Oiler organization and set it down and sign with Washington.

In other free agent moves, Dainius Zubrus is now a NJ Devil. The Capitals did not resign the forward after his trade to Buffalo. Also Jiri Novotny was signed by Columbus after his option was not picked up by the Capitals after the Zubrus trade with the Sabres.

Caps Run Out of Offense

Capitals 0, Oilers 4
Official Scoresheet - Wash Post - Edmonton Sun

The Caps played themselves into a shutout. Dwayne Roloson says, “Thank you.”

Roloson didn’t have to do much but show up against the Capitals in the most boring game I have seen them play thus far. They had better control of the puck, clearly learning the lesson from Vancouver. However, the Caps, who are nothing but offense, just couldn’t find any.

What is the point of getting all this high powered offense just to see them not even shoot. 19 shots on net. That’s it, 19. The Caps looked sloppy in this one, taking bad penalties. Every time the momentum was looking to go the Caps way, it would be another short-handed series for the Caps.

Didn’t the Caps hire Donald Brashear to mix it up some? Where was he tonight? It looked like he was going to scrap with Oiler Captain Jason Smith, but he never did it, and the Caps looked like they were just going through the motions. The Caps are becoming the team that everyone beats. There was just no jump in their play tonight at all.

Overall Grade: F

The Caps earn their second “F” in back to back games for good reason. There was a lack of focus, none were working hard for loose pucks and the Caps could only shoot from the outside. There is not much I liked about this game. Edmonton didn’t look that sharp, it was the Caps that looked that bad.

I am wondering if the new banana curve on Alex Ovechkin’s stick isn’t a factor in his inability to hit the spots he wants. It seems his shot is either too high, too low or off the mark. Ovie’s shots were all smothered by “Rolie.”

In the category of “What were you thinking?” Glen Hanlon pulls Brent Johnson with a little over a minute left for the extra attacker. The Caps were already down 3-0. Of course it didn’t take the Oilers long to score making it 4-0. I really don’t understand that reasoning at all.

The only thing the Caps can do now is learn from their mistakes. Then head to Calgary where on Monday the Caps will look to at the very least score a goal. Let’s hope they do.

Congratulations to Carolina, Stanley Cup Winners

Carolina wins in seven games, who would have guessed?

The Hurricanes gave Carolina its first major championship in the big four of professional sports. The ‘Canes were close to collapse after a rough game at Rexall Place in Edmonton. But a dominate game 7, where Carolina was more physical than in the previous two games, gave the Hurricanes the right to lift the Cup.

Cam Ward is your Conn Smythe winner, although I was sure that Rod Brind’Amour was your lock for the MVP. Cam Ward is only the fourth rookie goaltender to lift the unusually heavy MVP award (as far as I know it doesn’t come with a car either) to the rafters.

Although my writing is somewhat award winning, or at least my mom thinks so, I decided to let the experts let you know of the story of what it takes to win a Stanley Cup. Whatever it takes.

The News & Observer – Cup Stops Here

The Charlotte Observer – Inspired Hurricanes Win Stanley Cup

The Durham Herald Sun – ‘Canes Claim Stanely Cup

Let’s not forget one hell of a team that made a game 7 possible. The Edmonton Oilers played a great series. In fact, their entire playoff run is something legends are made of. While it was fun to see Carolina win the Cup at home, it was also heartbreaking to see the emotion of a game 7 loss on the faces of the Oilers as they quietly watched the ‘Canes celebrate.

Edmonton Journal – Oilers Stormed

Edmonton Sun – A Bitter Ending

So ends an interesting season. My wife is so happy that this will be the last night of hockey. For about three months she will get her TV back and we will be watching tons of home improvement shows and the WE Channel. I can’t wait for draft day.

Puckhead's Fearless Finals Prediction

Nothing like waiting until the last minute. Tonight is the big night, and I am ready for the Stanley Cup to be lifted by the most deserving team. I think there is little doubt that the two teams that are in the Finals belong. From the never say die Oilers, to veteran experience coxing through the tough games for the ‘Canes, both teams have squarely laid their claims on the Cup.

So it’s fearless prediction time.

Stanley Cup Finals

Edmonton Oilers (12-5) at Carolina Hurricanes (12-6)

Craig MacTavish was getting nervous. After dealing with Anaheim in convincing fashion, the Edmonton coach had a few days to ponder who he would play. The Oilers’ practices were attracting too much attention and local media was hounding players at home. MacTavish knew something had to be done before waiting would become complacency.

MacTavish made a few calls and the next thing the Oilers knew they were on a plane for New York, away from the fanatics, the persistant media, and the overshadowing legend and lore that was Edmonton hockey. They would simply not wait idly by, like the team that had no problem disposing of Colorado, they just wouldn’t let history repeat itself after witnessing it just weeks before. "By the time they got their game back they were down a game or two," MacTavish said. "We want to make sure that doesn't happen."

Carolina or Buffalo, it just didn’t matter. MacTavish needed to get this team battle ready, not just waiting. "We have to be diligent in our preparation so we are really game-ready for Game 1," the Edmonton skipper said.

In the end we will soon see if that was the smartest move to make, but it seems to be a satisfactory response from Oiler fans. They see what MacTavish is doing, so they are complacent themselves to see their Oilers from afar, if it means a Cup.

Teams that stay active, can easily get that grit back when starting the next series. With just a weekend off, the ‘Canes realize what is in front of them. For some on the veteran squad, they can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

As the latest acquisitions of the Hurricanes look forward to the NHL’s greatest prize, one may look at this series as ironic. He was to be the backbone of the Edmonton Oilers and the promise of their rise to greatness once again. Nine seasons with the Edmonton squad there seemed a bad taste in the mouths from Oiler faithful, and when Doug Weight was traded to St. Louis, it seemed the perfect chance to rebuild the team.

Weight struggled with the Blues floundering in the Central Division that he soon was looking for somewhere to get his chance. He didn’t have too many more years in him. The trade was worth mentioning to Carolina, but no one thought it was a ground breaking. Yet what seemed as a desperate chance at going far in the playoffs, now became a real threat at Weight getting to lift some hardware.

He wasn’t asked to take the team on his shoulders, or to take personal responsibility over rookies to get them NHL-ready. Weight’s ice time was merely 10 minutes a game. But he made good use of his time. Weight’s penalty late in game 6 was a heavy burden for the all star center, but he lifted that burden with an important goal in game 7. Who would have thought that those 10 minutes could mean so much?

Now there is light at the end of the tunnel, and Weight’s resolve is clear. He is not the only one on this Carolina squad. "It's about the whole group of guys in here," Veteran Glen Wesley said. "It's about Ray Whitney, Doug Weight, Rod Brind'Amour, Bret Hedican, myself. It's about every single guy in here." That may be a big enough mountain in itself to overcome.

Two stories of Stanley Cup contenders. Many will write about the 1’s and 0’s of each teams strengths and weaknesses. But unlike NHL ’06 by EA Sports for Playstation 2, it’s hard for me to go by numbers alone. In the NHL, it’s about the story, the journey that teams take to make it just to play in this best of 7 series. They may have not been the favorites, but they are here. Both are ready.

My fearless prediction is simply based on feel, if not some knowledge of both teams:

Carolina Hurricanes defeat Edmonton Oilers in 7 games. Series MVP: Rod Brind’Amour

Not only should this series be physical, but also surgical in a way. Look for the Oilers to be tentative in the first game, which maybe their downfall. I like the way Carolina has been playing and if they can stick with a hot goaltender long enough will win Carolina’s first ever Cup.

Finally, Cup Final Set!

Carolina just beat their opposition into submission, and in the end Buffalo lost the war of attrition. Four starting defensemen sidelined, Veteran Jay McKee (staff infection), Teppo Numminen (hip flexor), Henrik Tallinder (broken left arm), and Dmitri Kalinin (ankle) were not dressed for this all important game.

Not to take away from the fact that Carolina played a perfect game 7, but Buffalo seemed satisfied after taking the lead to keep it and were just outplayed in the third period. I had said before that it was Buffalo’s series to lose, and that is how it played out for the most part.

Rod Brind’Amour willed this win for his team. He along with the rest of his veteran players for the ‘Canes vowed they wouldn’t be beat on a late second period banked shot from Jochen Hecht as they sat in the locker room between periods. And a tying goal by Doug Weight, and later a seemingly innocent dump that was shot over the glass by the Sabres that resulted in a penalty led Brind’Amour to score the game winner with eight minutes left in the third.

Carolina’s play was consistent, a virtue that is sometimes over looked in playoff hockey. And Buffalo just couldn’t stay healthy enough in the end. These two teams battled hard, but to hear nothing but respect for each other after this hard battled series speaks of class and sportsmanship of both.

And then there were two…

Even though I had correctly predicted how the east would shake out, Edmonton crashed every prediction I had made for the Western Conference. I will expect that this series will be tentative at first, but then will step up a few levels after the first two games.

Predictions for said Stanley Cup final will come soon, as soon as I figure out what the hell is going on in the west.

And now for something completely different…

Local news NBC4 (WRC) made no mention in their sports minute this morning that there is even a Stanley Cup final. No mention of Carolina’s win, or which teams would be playing for the Cup. After having to get up ridiculously early, they reported most of their time on the Yankee/Tigers game. Wha? And they wonder why DC isn’t a hockey city?

I am getting more and more frustrated with the local media here in DC about the lack of hockey coverage. I expect that if the Capitals ever make it to the playoffs let alone the finals, the most coverage they will have is a 2 sec. sound bite at the end of the broadcast. I am almost embarrassed for them if after one of the most thrilling game sevens in the NHL, NBC4 would rather talk about the Yankee/Detroit game (neither team by the way resides in DC).

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.

Kolzig Traded?

Breaking news from Edmonton, they are looking for a netminder and Olaf Kolzig is on the menu according to sources at the Edmonton Sun. While other goaltenders were mentioned, Kolzig might be the ideal choice.

It may just be a rumor. Let's hope.

Jussi Markkanen: 2-4-1, 2.87 GAA, .902 SV% (the Probable Trade w/ draft pick?)

Olaf Kolzig: 3-5-0, 4.08 GAA, .894 SV%

Also there seems to be a little bit of interest in Brendan Witt. Teams looking at the 30 year old defenseman, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Edmonton, and Boston. No word on who Witt will be traded with, but the Caps may not be able to land a more verteran D-man.