We are finally here. What a thrill ride this weekend was. So many ups and downs, so close for both the President’s Trophy and the last few playoffs spots each with the teams switching multiple times on Saturday and Sunday (well, maybe Saturday, I was drinking for more than 20 hours of that day (true story) and couldn’t really see anything).
First, congrats to Pete Shpak for making it back to the playoffs to defend the Anze Cup. And for joining the dumbest club on the planet this weekend. At least it was super fun.
To Luke, congrats on winning the President’s Trophy. Personally, I think it is the harder accolade to win, and you had an impressive season having Bert give away his best players to you make strategic moves. That reminds me, remember when I talked about Bertmetrics in the fourth ever blog post for this league? Good times.
And to Cole, for finishing ninth in an absolutely spectacular way; losing 13-0 to the then worst team in the league, including losing the goalie categories because you didn’t have enough appearances (that super high bar of “2”). This is just for you:
With that, lets take a look at the first round matchups. Those of you that remember my picks last year, I went 7-0 in matchup picks (prove me wrong).
1. Bizarrohawks versus 8. 3rd and Luongo to Go (regular season winner – 16-11 for Bizarrohawks)
I don’t see this being close. 3rd and Luongo’s loss of Kane (pick one) is just too much to do much against a fairly healthy Bizarrohawks. I think goaltending categories will be close, but it just won’t be enough, and Bizarrohawks easily advances.
Prediction: Bizarrohawks wins easily, 10-4-2
2. Super Sperm versus 7. Everett Silvertips (regular season winner – 8-2 for Super Sperm)
This matchup is going to come down to two things; the Wall and how many players get hurt for the Everett Silvertips this week. While 3 of the 4 who sat last week because they were all injured the week before that have returned, Everett Silvertips is a bruised and battered team. Super Sperm on the other hand has been a model of consistency and the team’s workhorses have continually performed and all have 3 or more games this week. Looking back at prior weeks and matching up totals, these teams are often close when healthy, and while the Everett Silvertips is the only team with two players currently sitting top ten in scoring, Super Sperm has gotten better production from the depth players overall.
Prediction: Super Sperm eeks this one out, 8-7-1
3. Anzoolander versus 6. Halifax Highlanders (regular season winner – 8-6 for Halifax Highlanders)
I think it would be hard to argue there is a hotter team in the league than the Halifax Highlanders, and initially I thought the upset would be a walk in the park. If anyone has been watching closely, Anzoolander has slowed down a bit, primarily as goals and shots fall in line with what they should be (3rd in goals, 8th in shots is a deviation from the mean). Anzoolander’s goaltenders have been dynamite though, but so have the crew for Halifax Highlanders.
And then tonight happened. What a night for Anzoolander, probably the best night he could put up with 11 points from seven players. But here is the thing, after that performance, Anzoolander is still tied with the Halifax Highlanders. This matchup is in my mind could be the best match up of the playoffs, the Gatti Ward of this year’s Anze Cup playoffs. I am looking forward to pouring myself a full glass of scotch, putting stattracker on the big screen and watching it unfold while I chirp both of the GMs.
Prediction: Heroic KO in the 7th round, and Anzoolander has a big Sunday to comeback and win 8-4-4
4. Pistol’s Hellcats versus 5. Jesse Loves Paymon (regular season winner – 13-9 for Pistol’s Hellcats)
Pistol’s Hellcats is limping into the playoffs as this team attempts to defend the Anze Cup. Meanwhile, the last time Jesse Love Paymon beat one of teams in the playoffs was week 10 (3rd and Luongo got in on a technicality). Both teams are already off to mediocre starts offensively, and both have goalies with no real history of success outperforming expectations this week. Not sure I get the logic of having Skinner in over Duchene while Duchene is on a little bit of a hot streak, but oh well. Should be fun to watch! Like watching wet cement into a side walk. At some point, one of their no name goalies has to give, it is just a question of who is first.
Prediction: Hammond gives first, Double D stays strong. Jesse Loves Paymon wins, 7-6-3
Good luck gentlemen.
No comments:
Post a Comment