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Posts Tagged Philadelphia

Thanks for the Blowouts

Nov 28

Posted by admin in Uncategorized | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

Thanksgiving, probably my favorite holiday of them all. I get to sit at home eat, drink, and watch some good old fashioned American football.

Just one problem with Thanksgiving circa 2008…every single game was a blowout. Let’s begin with the first game on today , Detroit and Tennessee. While most of us were dining on some finger foods, chips n’ dip , and perhaps a few adult beverages we were all “treated” to watching the worst team in football take on one of the best and of course hilarity ensued.

Why are the Lions even on national TV at this point? The team is 0-11 and very likely headed for an  0-16 season. They are a complete disaster to watch and outside of Calvin Johnson have no players that inspire enthusiasm.

So basically unless you are a Titans fan the game was a complete bust to watch. In fact, I’m betting that most Titan fans didn’t even watch the entire game and witness their teams 47-10 drumming of the hapless Lions.

I moved past the tragedy that was the first game in the NFL’s Thanksgiving day lineup, filled myself up with some delicous turkey, stuffing, mashed potatos, and more adult beve’s and tuned in for the second game, the Dallas Cowboys and the Seatlle Seahawks.

Love em or hate em the Cowboys are an interesting team to watch and while the Seahawks have been pretty dismal this year I had my fingers crossed for a tight game. So much for crossing your fingers. The Cowboys scored on their first three drives, quickly ending any notion that this game would be even remotely competitive. I’d like to say that I watched the entire game but, I didn’t and it was probably for the best because 34-9 doesn’t exactly sound appealing.

Ahh, but there was hope yet, the Eagles and Cardinals we’re coming on and this game had to be a good one! I mean what are the chances of three blowouts in a row? Apparently pretty damn good! This game was pretty much over at half time and the score was surprising even to myself. The Eagles and their much malinged QB Donovan McNabb simply dominated the game leading by 24-7 at the half. I actually did stay tuned in to this game, but only because Westbrook is on my fantasy team and I’m fighting for a first round bye. Once Westbrook left the game, so did I.

The games were a bust, but at least the food and drinks we’re enough to satisfy.

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McNabb Doesn’t Know Overtime Rule

Nov 19

Posted by admin in Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, online sports community | 1 Comment

By Matt Valentine

In what has to be on eof the most ridiculous things to ever come out of a professional quarterbacks mouth, Donovan McNabb stated during a postgame press conference, that he was unaware of the overtime rule in the NFL.

The rule McNabb was referring to is of course the fact that an NFL game can end in a tie if neither team scores during the overtime period. This was the case when the Eagles and Bengals played on Sunday ending in a 13-13 tie.

When asked McNabb said, “I’ve never been a part of a tie. I never even knew that was in the rule book. It’spart of the rules and we have to go with it. I was looking forward to the next opportunity to get out there and try to drive to win the game.”

McNabb in a postgame press conference talks about the overtime rule.

McNabb in a postgame press conference talks about the overtime rule.

I mean this really has to be the silliest thing a professional QB could possibly say. Not only did McNabb not know the rule, but he didn’t help his team much on the field either, turning the ball over 4 times in the contest, the first time he’s done that since 2003.

While the tie does not entirely destroy the Eagles post season hopes it sure doesn’t help. At 5-4-1 the Eagles find themselves in last place in the NFC East and unless they go on a winning streak have little chance at a wild card berth either.

Now to be fair many people have suggested that had McNabb known the rule perhaps he would have played more agrresively in overtime. One, McNabb has been throwing the ball agressively all day long and it resulted in the 3 interceptions. Two, to suggest that he would have some how tried harder to win the game had he known that it would end in a tie is just plain silly. McNabb was out there trying to win no matter what the rule was that’s his job.

The Eagles will move on this season and make no mistake about it, McNabb will be the quarterback, despite Eagles fans calling for his job and possibly his head. What should be noted is that McNabb’s contract is up next season and its likely that the two will part ways. The real question is will head coach Andy Reid remain in Philadelphia if they don’t make the playoffs this season? That remains to be seen, for now the Eagles must refocus their attention on making a postseason run.

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Improbable World Series is What Makes Sports Great

Oct 22

Posted by admin in 2008, 2008 Tampa Bay Rays, 2008 World series, Boston, Philadelphia, Pro Sports, Rays, Red Sox, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Tampa Bay, Uncategorized, World Series, american league, baseball. MLB, champs, impossible, improbable, national league, online sports community, series, unlikely, world champions, world champs | 1 Comment

By Matt Valentine

With the first pitch of the World Series due to be tossed in less then 24 hours I have to take stock of how improbable this match up between the Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays really is.

Baseballs ultimate prize.

Baseballs ultimate prize.

Well, really the only improbable part of the equation is the Rays, unfortunately for me (sorry Philly I’m not a big fan…deal with it…I’m kidding…sort of) the Phillie’s have been an up and coming team for quite some time now. They have captured the NL East title two years running, and have been priming themselves for their first World Series appearance since 1993 and possibly their first World Series title since 1980. Despite my hatred for most things Philadelphia, except for cheese steaks, and It’s Always Sunny, I actually feel for Philly fans. They have not seen any of their major professional sports teams win a championship since 1983, to put that into perspective not only could I not write, I couldn’t do anything, cus’ I wasn’t even born yet. Still, their misery is my joy. Hell, I’ve seen every single team I love win a championship, most of them multiple times. People my age who love Philly teams have yet to see one…ouch.

So, actually it is fairly improbable that a Philly team has made it this far, but not nearly as much of an improbability as it is for the team they’ll be playing. If you want some perspective on just how improbable it is for the Rays to be in the World Series check this out.

The Rays came to life in 1998. In the decade since their birth they have finished out of last place just twice. Once in 2004, and once again this year. The Rays have NEVER had a winning season until now. They’ve never even had a .500 season until this year. The team was pretty much a joke. A triple A team playing way out of their own league. Constantly signing veterans well past their prime in a desperate effort to make themselves appear legit. And legitimacy was hard to come by for this franchise. They brought in legitimate managers like Sweet Lou Pinella, but could never put a legitimate team on the field.

Then something changed , someone in the Rays organization finally had the bright idea  to build from within, to start with youth and let them mature. And after a decade of futility came a major surprise…a winning season! Not just a winning season, but an AL East title season. And now a shot at one of the most improbable World Series titles in recent memory.

Oh, and we can’t forget that in the franchises’ first ever postseason appearance they handily defeated the Chicago White Sox in 4 games, and even more impressively  were able to hold off the defending World Champion Red Sox in seven, a team which has made a living doing some improbable things of its own.

So yes, we’re all about to see a World Series most of us probably thought would never happen. The Tampa Bay Rays will play the Philadelphia Phillies for a chance to say, for one year at least, that they were the best. So, instead of mourning your teams lost season, sit back, rejoice, and marvel at the fact that in the wold of sports, absolutely nothing is impossible. Just pretty damn improbable.

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Fantasy Football Start em: Quarterback

Oct 10

Posted by admin in Browns, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFL, Pro Sports, Quarterbacks, Secondary, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, defense, fantasy football, giants, online sports community, passing game | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

Week six is approaching and if your fantasy team isn’t looking good thus far you still have plenty of time to get back into playoff contention. With that said, let’s take a look at some week 6 match ups that should be beneficial to fantasy quarterbacks.

1.  Kyle Orton- Chicago Bears

Wow,what a difference a year makes. The Chicago Bears easily had one of the NFL’s most dismal passing attacks last season but all that has changed with Kyle Orton under center. Orton has tossed multiple TD’s n his last two games and should do the same this week against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are surrendering 222 yards and 1.8 passing touchdowns per game. Now that the Bears are finally beginning to utilize the speedy Devin Hester in their passing attack Orton could end up being one of this weeks best fantasy options.

2. Jason Campbell- Washington Redskins

Campbell is QB on the rise. He has posted back to back wins on the road against division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Now he gets to go up against one of the worst teams in the NFl in the St. Louis Rams whose passing defense ranks 28th in the league allowing 245.8 yards and 2 TD’s per game. Campbell finally looks comfortable in coach Jim Zorn’s offense and with a number of nice options including Santana Moss and Chris Cooley  he should have an explosive day against the woeful rams.

3. Kurt Warner- Arizona Cardinals

Warner came off another nice fantasy performance against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday and looks to return with another strong performance agaisnt a banged up Dallas secondary at home this week.  Terrence Newman is out, Roy Williams is most likely out, and the Dallas pass rush has been very inconsistent thus far this year. Thats all good news for Warner who should post his fourth straight multiple touchdown game in what should be a shootout in the desert.

4.  Brett Favre- New York Jets

After posting a career high 6 TD’s against the Cardinals in his last game Favre and the Jets hope to continue the trend in this weeks game against the Bengals. If you look at the numbers it doesn’t look like a good match up for Favre with Cincy’s D ranking 6th in the league in passing defense. That is a more then deceptive number becuase everyone just dominates Cincy’s D on the ground instead of through the air. The Jets have yet to establish their ground game this year and Favre has had an extra week to heal and work on his timing with his receivers, that should bode well for a strong fanatsy day.

5- Eli Manning- New York Giants

Make no mistake about it the Giants are the nest all around team in the NFL right now. Thanks in large part to their consistent ground game Eli has had ample time to pick opposing secondary’s apart this season and has the Giants passing attacked ranked 6th in the NFL. The Giants face off against the dissapointing Cleveland Browns who have a weak secondary and have yet to play well on either side of the ball. Consider also that Plaxico is back from his one game suspension and that the Giants have one of the deepest receiving corps in the league with the likes of Steve Smith, Amani Toomer, Sinorice Moss, Mario Manningham and last weeks fantasy darling Dominick Hixon and the Browns secondary shouldn’t stand a chance.

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NLCS: Phillies Win Game One

Oct 10

Posted by admin in Baseball, Dodgers, Fantasy Sports, Los Angeles, MLB, NLCS, Philadelphia, Phillies, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, national league, online sports community, playoffs | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

The Dodgers rolled into Philadelphia on a hot streak, having just swept the Cubs, the team with the best record heading into NLDS. They were going to  take the first game in the NLCS and steal away homefield advantage from the Phillies. The only problem was someone forgot to mention this to the Phillies.

Powered by a pair of sixth inning home runs off the bats of Chase Utley and Pat Burrell the Phillies squeaked out a game one victory and sqaushed the Dodgers hot streak.

Utley celebrates after his game tying 2-run Home run

Utley celebrates after his game tying 2-run Home run

The outcome looked in doubt early on when Manny Ramirez drilled a two-run double in the first inning narowly missing a home run. Those few feet would prove to be costly.

Cole Hamels looked shaky in the first inning, but settled down allowing only those 2 first inning runs on six hits, and eight strikeouts in seven innings of work. The Phillies Ryan Madson tossed a scoreless eighth inning and Brad Lidge a dark horse candidate for this years NL Cy Young , finished with a perfect ninth to secure his third save of the postseason and his 44th save in 44 tries.

Hamels counterpart Derek Lowe pitched outstanding, surrendering just 4 singles through 5 innings, but couldn’t make it out of the sixth. After a Rafael Furcal throwing error allowed Shane Victorino to reach base Utley came up to bat. Utley hammered the first pitch over the right-center field wall tying the game at 2. Just one out after Utley’s homer Pat Burrell stepped up to the plate, Burrell was nearly sidelined with a lower back injury in the NLDS, but worked his way into the lineup anyway. He was dismal in the first three games going 0-8, but surged in the series clinching game hammering two home runs, driving in four.

Pat Burrells sixth inning homer gives the Phillies the lead and the win

Pat Burrell's sixth inning homer gives the Phillies the lead and the win

Burrell stepped to the plate Thursday night and worked the count to 3-1 on Derek Lowe. He ripped the next pitch in the left-field stands sending the sellout crowd of 45,893 into a frenzy.

This is the Phillies first trip to the NLCS in 15 years and there is no doubt that Philly fans are hungry for a championship with none of their major professional team having captured one in a long time. The Phillies having retained homefield advantage may be Phialdelphias best shot.

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The Super Bowl Champ Will Come From the NFC East

Sep 19

Posted by admin in AFC, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFC, NFC East, NFL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, online sports community | No Comments

For a long time all of the so called experts in the NFL have been declaring the AFC as the superior league in professional football.

Now, many of them seem to be changing their tune and for a damn good reason. If you watched any of the ridiculously entertaining shootout on Monday night between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys then you know why they suddenly seem to all be siding with the NFC as the  best league in the NFL and the NFC East as perhaps the best division in all of sports.

Take a look at the NFC East and you’ll find that even its presumably weakest team, the Washington Redskins, just beat the team many predicted to win the NFC South, the New Orleans Saints. Now consider, that the Dalls Cowboys are perhaps the leagues most talented team, the New York Giants are the defending Super Bowl champs and have continued to perform exactly like that through the first two weeks, and the Philadelphia Eagles nearly defeated the Cowboys and you have one tough division and the makings of a Super Bowl champ.

Yet, its not just the fact that the top three teams in the NFC East all have the potential to beat any other team in the league on any given Sunday it’s also the fact that all the “top” teams in the AFC haven’t looked anywhere near as prolific as the “beasts of the East”.

The Colts for example,who lost to the underdog Bears in a game that frankly wasn’t even close and then came back the next week to win a squeaker against the improved, but still unstable (especially at the QB position)  Minnesota Vikings.

Then there is the San Diego Chargers another favorite in the AFC, whose record now stands at 0-2 with loses to the Denver Broncos (though Ed Hoculi played a fairly major role in that one) and the unheralded Carolina Panthers. And who now may have to deal with an injury to star running back Ladanian Tomlinson that may nag him throughout the season and are playing without All-World linebacker Shawn Merriman for the rest of the season and their Super Bowl hopes look a bit dimmer.

Need I even mention the other heavy favorite in the AFC whose record setting quarterback suffered a season ending injury, dramatically altering the landscape of the entire NFL? Yes, the Patriots are still a good team without Tom Brady, but a Super Bowl contender with Matt Cassel at QB,….I don’t think so.

The fact is that there are no teams in the NFL and certainly no division NFC or AFC that can match the talent in the NFC East.

Let’s start with the defending Super Bowl champs. Though they lost the defensive prowess of both Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora their defense has yet to miss a beat. In their first two games the Giants D has surrendered just 20 points, scored 1 TD, sacked the QB 7 times and picked them off once.  Not to mention that Eli looks much improved, Plaxico Burress is an absolute beast, the rest of the receiving corps is solid as can be and they have what could be considered the best running back committee in the NFL with Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Bradshaw in the backfield and the G-Men look poised to make another deep run into the playoffs.

The Cowboys, the popular Super Bowl pick at the start of the season have thus far lived up to their star status. Romo continues to develop into an elite QB, connecting with Terrell Owens and Jason Witten both excellent receivers and their defense is as strong as ever (Monday night being the exception). The addition of Felix Jones as a change of pace back to the bruising Marion Barber has paid big dividends in the first two weeks and has added a threat not just in the backfield, but on special teams as well. Player for player Dallas is the most talented team in the league if they can avoid an upset like last year they could be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl and if they get there, there is no reason to think they shouldn’t win it all.

Now, perhaps the biggest surprise thus far has been the play of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have always had a strong defensive team with Jim Johnsons exotic blitzing schemes giving opposing QB’s fits. Yet, they haven’t had a healthy Donovan McNabb in a long time, that is until this year and its showing in their play. Brain Westbrook is in my opinion the best all-around running back in the league and the addition of rookie Desean Jackson has aided a passing game that has suffered a number of injuries to their starting wideouts, that is if he manages to cross the goal-line with the ball (come on buddy let’s not be silly!). If McNabb stays healthy, and with Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown due to return at some point this season the Eagles should be a major player for the rest of the year and a definite Super Bowl contender.

It’s a long road to the Super Bowl, but when its all said and done look for one of these three teams to be holding the Lombardi Trophy at the end of season.

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Are the Mets Due for Another September Collapse?

Sep 17

Posted by admin in Basbeball, Baseball, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Historic collapse, Mets, New York, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, Wild Card, online sports community, playoffs | No Comments

It’s that time of the year again for Mets fans and I’m sure many of them are cringing, and feeling almost the exact same emotions as the did the same time just one year ago.

If you recall it (and I’m sure every Mets fan does) it was this time last year that all Mets fans were watching their teams historic September collapse, giving away a 7 game lead with just 17 games to play and surrendering their NL East lead to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Well, here we are in September again, and here the Mets are, this time surrendering a 3 game lead to the Phillies who now own sole possession of first place in the NL East after Ryan Howard’s go-ahead homer in the 8th inning Tuesday night gave the Phillies an 8-7 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Once again, the Phillies and Howard in particular, seem to thrive in September while the Mets and their offense seem to fold.

The Mets who lost to the Nationals in back-to-back games while surrendering their NL East lead just can seem to get  it clicking on all cylinders when it matters most. They received an outstanding pitching performance from Mike Pelfrey but let it go to waste by providing him with no offense in a 1-0 nothing loss to who else, but the Washington Nationals, the same team that squandered the Mets playoff hopes late last season.

This loss came just one day after John Lannan held the Mets to one hit over seven innings, New York managed just two hits against Odalis Perez Tuesday night.

This time around there will be no one to blame except for the Mets players themselves, no Willie to take the heat for a team that just cannot get it done when the pressure is on. If its not the bullpen surrendering runs in late innings of what should have been wins, then its the Met offense whose bats go quiet at the most inopportune times.

And while the Mets remain just a 1/2 game behind the Phillies for the NL East lead their fans grow restless that another September swoon may be on the horizon.

There is still the wild card, even if the Mets do surrender the division to the Phillies, but even that is not a certainty as another team whose had a September to forgot, the Brewers, are just a 1/2 game back.

Perhaps worst of all for the Mets is that they’ve now lost both Fernando Tatis and Damion Easley to injuries. Two right handed bats that the Mets can ill afford to lose down the stretch. Tatis has been an especially nice surprise for the Mets returning from baseball after a prolonged absence to put together some clutch performances when the team needed them most.

Speaking of clutch performances that’s exactly what the Mets are going to need down the stretch to avoid their second consecutive season without a postseason appearance. They need their stars to step up now more then ever, players like David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Pedro Martinez need to demonstrate to their team, and most importantly their fans that this September will not end like last years did.

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Fantasy Baseball Update

May 15

Posted by admin in Baseball, ERA, Eastern Conference, Fantasy, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Sports, MLB, Pro Sports, RBI, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, Western conference, World Series, american league, batter, national league, online sports community, pitcher, runs, stats, stolen bases, update | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

The draft is long over by now, and you may or may not like the team you have assembled. Don’t worry just yet though the season is young, and one of the best part parts of fantasy baseball is finding those waiver wire gems, and making some savvy trades to fatten your wallet and bring the championship home.

There are certain types of players that everyone wants on their team they are the players that have shown consistent production throughout their career and have been hot since the season began. Here’s some players who can become cornerstone’s of your team and who you should target for a trade if they’re not on your current roster.

1. Lance Berkman

No player in baseball is hotter right now then “Fat Elvis”. He has been on an absolute tear lately putting up one of the most productive nine game streaks in the history of the game. Check out this stat line: A batting average of .628 with 15 hits, 10 runs scored, a 1.136 slugging percentage and a .741 on-base percentage. Berkman’s seasons totals now stand at .382 BA, 12 HR’s 36 RBI’s 40 runs scored and 6 stolen bases. Berkman is putting the “disappointment” of last season behind him and is a player everyone should be looking to acquire.

2. Hanley Ramirez

Hanley has been one of the best and most consistent fantasy players over the past 2 seasons in traditional 5×5 leagues and is proving that he is at the top of his game once again. He’s got all the tools you need, he steals bases (102) over the past two seasons, has shown increased power going from 17 HR’s his rookie season to 29 in his sophomore season and he hits for average, .292 in his debut season to .332 in last years campaign. This year seems to be no different for this outstanding young player. He’s batting at a .336 clip, he’s tallied 8 HR’s and stolen 13 bases thus far. No other SS in the league produces like Hanley and at this point it’s a guarantee, barring injury, that he’ll finish in the top 10 of traditional fantasy leagues.

3. Chase Utley

Utley like Ramirez produces in every category you need to win a 5×5 league. He’s been consistent all year and throughout his career. He’s currently batting .327 with 13 HR’s, 28 RBI’s, and 3 SB. Utley draws walks too,(18 BB ) just another plus to his fantasy game . Unless you have Hanley, try and grab Utley, offering up a slumping player like Jose Reyes, who seems to have been in a funk since the second half of last year, may be the perfect trade bait.

4. Chipper Jones

Chipper has been a fantasy producer for quite a while now. His only problem is staying healthy. Wait for Chipper to find his way onto the DL and offer up a trade for him because if there is one thing this man does it is produce great fantasy numbers when he’s on the field. Chipper leads the majors with his. 400 BA , he’s demonstrated power and patience with 10 HR, and 16 BB, he’s never really been a threat on the base paths so if you need help in that category look elsewhere. Find a way to get Chipper on your team and you will not be disappointed.

5. A-Rod

A-Rod had a monster season last year and was the catalyst for many a fantasy team’s championship. Simply put, if you want a guaranteed 30+ homers, 100+ RBI’s , 100+ Runs and double digit SB’s then look no further than A-Rod who has put up that type of production throughout his career. He’s been hurt this season and wasn’t putting up stellar numbers like he did at the beginning of last year, but you just can’t argue with this guys talent. In fact, his injury may be the perfect time to offer up a trade for him as some owners tend to get impatient with players on the DL.

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2008 NHL Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions

Apr 10

Posted by admin in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

It is the time of the year for every NHL fan to flash that empty toothed grin because for all of us it is the best time of the year…the playoffs. Every player will be pushing towards hockey’s ultimate prize… Lord Stanley’s Cup. This year features some storied rivalries and some tight match ups. Let’s examine the opening round of the 2008 Eastern Conference playoffs.

Eastern Conference-

In the East the Devils and Rangers will square off and add another chapter to their cross river rivalry. Look for the talented Rangers offense to outscore the sometimes stagnant offense of the Devils in a tight series that should go 6 or 7 games. The Devils only saving grace will be the play of goaltender Martin Brodeur, if he can be a stone wall between the pipes the Devils have an excellent chance to move on to the conference semifinals. If Brodeur is anything less than stellar look for the Rangers and their goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who has played outstanding hockey against the Devils this season to take the series in 6.

(Rangers Jagr slips a shot past the Devils Martin Brodeur)

Another long and storied rival rooted in the NHL’s past takes place between the Montreal Canadians and the Boston Bruins. These two teams have a long history of heated playoff series. However, Montreal’s potent offense and talented, hard hitting blue-liners should give the Habs the edge. Once again, the play of Bruin’s goalie Tim Thomas, who was incredibly hot in net leading the Bruins to the playoffs, could be the difference maker. Consider also, that Montreal’s Carey Price is an inexperienced playoff goaltender, making his first ever post-season appearance this year. The emotion of this rivalry should keep the games close but I’m taking the Canadians in 5.

Montreals Carey Price celebrates a win with his teamates.

(Canadians goalie Carey Price celebrates a win with his teammates.)

Another interesting series to watch is between the second seeded Pittsburgh Penguins and seventh seeded Ottawa Senators. Both of these teams have incredible offensive talent, with top lines that should rival or be considered the best in the NHL. Pittsburgh has a great mix of young explosive talent, and grizzled veterans in the form Sydney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marion Hossa, and veterans Petr Sykora, Gary Roberts and Sergei Gonchar. Ottawa can counter with some extremely talented players of their own in Daniel Alfredson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza. However, the Penguins look to be a team primed to make a deep run in the playoffs, and Ottawa has under preformed all year… I don’t see that changing anytime soon and I’m taking the Penguins in 5.

(Penguins Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin celebrate a goal.)

Perhaps the toughest series to call is between third seeded Washington and sixth seeded Philadelphia. The Capitals have what some say is the most talented player in the NHL in Alexander Ovechkin, who tallied a league leading 65 goals this year. The Flyer’s have their share of talented players as well and the talent level between the two teams forwards is not as decisive as some may think. Philly has the edge with its tough and experienced defense but Martin Biron (Philly’s goalie) has never been a number one goalie in the playoffs and Cristobel Huet, (the Capitals backstop) gained some valuable playoff experience with Montreal last year. This series though, will hinge on the play of Alexander Ovechkin if he takes his game to the next level there is no slowing him down and given that its his first crack at the playoffs, I think he will. I’m taking Washington in 7.

(Capitals Alexander Ovechkin celebrates one of his 65 goals.)

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