And the winner is....

This could be the year the Stanley Cup comes back to Canada, at least that's the opinon of the majority of poolies this year. Our look at the annual statistical story shows that a whopping 57% of you believe a Canadian team will be sipping from Lord Stanley's mug this June. Ottawa (31.6%) is the clear favourite among entrants this year but the defending Western Conference champion Calgary Flames are a close second at 23.7%. One brave soul even chose the Montreal Canadiens (2.6%).
As for non-Canadian winners, the Presidents Trophy winning Detroit Red Wings are the top contender (10.5%), but I'm sure the Edmonton Oilers will have a thing or two to say about that. The San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils both come in at 7.6%, tied with the already eliminated Dallas Stars. The Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes also got picked.

Naturally the Sens (55.3%) and the Flames (39.5%) were favoured to win their conference titles as well. Out east, Ottawa was followed by New Jersey (21.1%), Carolina (13.2%), Philadelphia (5.3%) and lone selections for Montreal and Buffalo.
Out West only four teams were picked as possible winners. Behind Calgary came Detroit (28.9%), Dallas (18.4%) and San Jose (13.2%). Needless to say the Stars fans are reeling right about now.

Finally, your picks for the first round match-ups. In the series that have wrapped up already, 94.7% of you picked Ottawa to beat Tampa, 81.6% picked the Devils to beat the Rangers but only 10.5% forsaw the Avs knocking off the Stars (this will become obvious when the next standings are released later tonight).

In the series that are ongoing, 86.8% have the Sharks beating the Predators, ditto for the Flames over the Ducks. Both of those teams are a win away from moving on. Only 18.4% were brave enough to believe the Oilers could slay the beast in the first round, while the rest of us will be rooting for a Red Wing comeback. A surprising 28.9% of poolies believe the Habs have what it takes to move on in their series, which is going on right now. Finally in the closest series of the bunch 42.1% believe Buffalo will beat Philly.

Playing with fire

Aside from the furious, but futile comeback attempt by the Ducks in the third period Saturday, that was by far the Flames best effort of the playoffs so far and as a fan gives me a lot of confidence heading into Monday's late night game.

The forecheck was absolutely dominant and the special teams were great. It was nice to see Lombardi step up with an outstanding effort. Here's hoping the Flames other speedster Shean Donovan can also get on track.

The negatives were few, but noticebale. Phaneuf is still adjusting to playoff hockey and Mike Leclerc isn't turning into the secondary scoring threat everyone hoped he would be.

On the bright side, Kipper still looks very solid in net. He didn't have to come up with the specatular, mind blowing saves fans are used to, but he is always in the right spot and gives the team a chance to win. Rhett Warriner was the best defenceman on the ice and Iginla was his usual superstar self.

Heck, the Flames even won both the fights.

As for the telecast, Andy Murray continues to impress. His discussion of the events taking place this summer in his hometown was both informative and ammusing. He continues to provide insightful analysis and witty comments (much like this blog does) and I sure hope CBC keeps him around in some capacity for the rest of the playoffs.

Finally, it's not often I agree with anything an Oilers player, coach or even fan says, but those two referees tonight were brutal. Mind you the bad calls went both ways, and the pair didn't go as overboard as they did in Edmonton Thursday night. Still if Stephen Walkom and his crew are paying attention, then Joanette and Warren should be done for the year.

Could just be I'm aging but...

I know I'm in my mid 20s now and my hearing isn't what it was when I was a young whippersnapper, but I'm pretty sure in the third period of tonight's Flames game Don Wittman got a Flames forward confused with a polish sausage.

Did anyone else here him say Kielbasa when he actually meant to say Chuck Kobasew?

A Penner...from Winkler?

When Don Wittman announced that Dustin Penner was recalled by the Mighty Ducks, I honestly didn't give it a second thought, but latter in the first period the ever informative play-by-play man told us he was from Winkler, Man.

A Penner from Winkler? Who would have guessed THAT?

Red Deer pride

The view from Red Deer is pretty good these days, for a number of reasons.

1)Both the Flames and Oilers are leading their series. That's good news because fans in this city are split pretty evenly, which is fitting for a city located smack-dab between Cowtown and the City of Champs. The Flames car flags have been out since the beginning of the playoffs, mostly because they've been sitting in the glove box for two years. Oilers car flags are available too, and are starting to make up ground on their Flames counterparts. And the Oilers fan have one up on their Red Mile rivals in terms of TV coverage, as Shaw Cable transmits the Edmonton CBC feed as opposed to the Calgary feed. Thus, in instances such as Tuesday and Thursday of this week, we see the Oilers game while Flames fans are forced to continue whining.

2)Red Deer native Chris Mason is getting his time in the spotlight as Nashville's starting goalie. Certainly, Nashville was disappointed when Tomas Vokoun went down with blood clots in his groinal region. But they knew they had a good one in Mason, who has plenty of AHL playoff experience and could be a #1 on many NHL clubs. He faced a tough test fending off the Sharks, one of the hottest teams coming into the second season, but has performed admirably.

3)Former Red Deer Rebels are also performing admirably. Everybody now knows about Dion Phaneuf and how he can kill the chances of an opponent. What they may not have known is Cam Ward can do the same thing from between the pipes. Some say he is strong, determined, willing - you can count on him. That's exactly what the Hurricanes need, after Martin Gerber decided the regular season was where his brilliance would end. Ward made several magnificent saves in getting his mates back in the series with Montreal.

All in all, Red Deer is nuts for hockey right now.

God bless the CBC

Nancy Lee has seen the light. The Flames and Ducks will get national coverage Thursday night for Game 4 of their series.

I'd like to think it's because the Oilers blew a third period lead today, whereas the Flames extended their lead and sealed the victory.

Figure skating

My previous comments about John Garrett notwithstanding, he has the line of the night so far. After a Red Wing player appeared to dive a bit he likened it to an Emanuel Sandhu jump. That, dear poolies, is pure comedy.

I'm still not happy but...

The only possible positive I can draw from having the Oilers/Red Wings game on the tube instead of the Flames match-up is that this is a heck of a lot less stressful to watch. Sure I hate to see the Oilers winning (it's 3-1 after two periods as I write this), but my heart is not skipping a beat every time there's a scoring chance like it would be if I was watching Calgary. Although I do tense up every time they throw to Ron McLean...

The computer age

Maybe it was Jim Hughson's voice, but I for a moment I could swear I was watching EA Sports computer hockey instead of the real thing in the first overtime period of the Montreal/Carolina game Monday. The Canes Kevyn Adams got a shorthanded two on one break. The Montreal defender cut off the pass, but Adams had a clear path to move in towards the net. Instead he stopped and took the longest slapshot wind up in playoff history. Unfortunately it's not like the computer game and the length of time you hold your stick in the air doesn't relate to the speed of the shot. Regardless Adams missed the net and we're off to the second OT period.

(Expletive deleted)

If I'm to believe Mike Beauregard, the CBC will not be showing the Calgary vs Anaheim game Tuesday night in the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario market.

This angers me greatly as a Flames fan, for a couple of reasons. First of all watching the Red Wings lay a beating on the Oilers (because we all know that's going to happen), doesn't interest me in the least. Second I'll be stuck listening to an inferior broadcast team. Mark Lee and John Garrett have been doing the Oilers/Wings series so far and there work has been far from impressive. Perhaps the grudge I hold against Garrett for making remarks along the lines that Winnipeg doesn't deserve an NHL team is clouding my judgment, but I'd even prefer Greg Millen over Garrett.

As it stands I have two night assignments Tuesday which I was hoping would rap up quickly but now with the Oilers game on, I could care less if the Business Improvement Zone's Annual General Meeting turns into a filibuster.

Good hire

I will have my annual ranking of Hockey Night in Canada play-by-play announcers and colour commentators later in the pool, but first I want to give some props to Andy Murray.

The former coach was fired earlier this year by the Los Angeles Kings and CBC quickly snapped him up for the play-off run. In my opinion he has done an outstanding job in the first two games of the Calgary/Anaheim series. My two favourite lines so far are:

From Game 1, early in overtime: "I'm new to this business Don, do we get paid overtime for this?"

From Game 2, speaking about Flames forward Craig McDonald's speed: "He learned that while playing for the national team."
Murray of course, coached McDonald on the national team.

If he doesn't get back into coaching, he'd be a steal as a full time analyst.

Booming Popularity

Just a quick note to announce that Part B of the pool, run out of the newly-opened Sons of Manitoba Western office in Red Deer, has set a new record for participation with 31! The more, the better, I say. Thanks again everyone!

On a charity-related note, I noticed at Petro Canada yesterday that you can donate your Petro-Points to the Canadian Cancer Society. So, to actually do something helpful when you're at the pumps, that might be something to consider.

Playoff wine

Ever since my dad started serving Bin 444s and 999s last summer, I've become interested in wine. I'm far from being a sommelier, with the noted health benefits, I decided over the past few months to begin sampling wines from around the world.

My first playoff bottle comes from Italy, it's a 2003 Chianti from Le Gaggiole in Tuscany. I find that is has a deep, somewhat nutty flavour. The label says it should be served with pasta, which is perfect because KD is on the menu tonight.

Suggestions on new wines are welcome, but they must be available at the KGBO.

Side effects of the lockout

It has not been a good start for the CBC today. We're only four hours into the playoffs, but here has what's gone wrong...

1) The bug didn't work at the start of the Detroit/Edmonton game

2) A problem with the satellite feed cost viewers a chance to see the Wings first goal, although we did hear Mark Lee's call.

Note: At this point I left for two hours to cover a snowmobile club meeting for the paper.

3) During the middle of the Oilers/Wings first OT the feed suddenly cut to the Flames/Ducks game. Personally this screw-up made me happy but I'm sure Oiler Fan was upset

4) After McLean sends the show to commercial the screen goes to black but we can still hear Hrudy planning out his next segment.

5) The screen freezes up before the Ford Up to the Minute segment, followed by a commercial with no audio.

Let's hope the iron out the kinks before the games start getting more serious.

UPDATE 10:09 p.m.

6) The out of town scoreboard didn't fit on my TV screen.

Pick formats

As the pool picks come rolling in from around the world, one of the aspects I enjoy most is seeing how people format their selections. It may seem silly, but I swear no two people fill out the pool in the same way. Sure those people who are fortunate enough to be in Kenora right now get a hard copy entry form and just have to fill in the blanks but the rest of you out there in cyberspace are own your own.

Most people just create some sort of long list of winners round by round, but some of you try to create brackets (with mixed results) by what I assume is "tabbing." One poolie to bold and italicize her selections every year, another entrant has sent me his picks three separate times today just to get the formatting right and my personal favourite was the poolie who went so far as to create a spreadsheet to make her picks. That's dedication folks.

The player side is more straight forward, but some people like to write out the full names, other just the last names and some even nicknames (Iggy, Kipper, Alfie and the like). Whether or not teams are included are hit and miss.

We're in the neighbourhood 25 or so entries right now, but I would expect that number to rise significantly tonight and tomorrow morning. Keep 'em coming...

Beasts of the East

Heading into the last couple of weeks of the season, it looked like the most exciting playoff battles were going to be in the Western conference, but thanks to the complete and utter collapse of the Vancouver Canucks the spots sorted themselves out rather quickly.

It was actually out East where all the action was. As late as Tuesday night three teams could still win the Atlantic Division. Early in the evening it looked like the Flyers had it in the bag. They had won their game, while the Rangers and Devils were both losing. New York eventually went down to defeat, but the Devils staged an impressive third period comeback to grab the division title and third seed.

Here's how things breakdown, in my books.

(1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay

Usually the 1 v 8 series is an easy one to pick. Sure it's fun to be counter intuitive sometimes and take the big upset, but in reality more than 90 per cent of poolies always go for the safe bet. It's not so easy this time. The last time the mug was up for grabs, it was the Lightning who got their names on it. The Lightning aren't as good this year, mainly because they've gotten weaker in net. But the Sens are coming in with goaltending questions of their own. In the end I like the Sens defence better and I'll take them to move on.

Prediction: Ottawa in 7

(2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal

Here's another series we're I'm willing to consider the upset. Montreal always seems to step it up a notch for the playoffs, at least the first round anyway. Their new goaltenders seem to be playing well and all it takes is for one to get hot and they can move on. On the other hand, the Canes have won a heck of a lot of hockey games this year and since I haven't seen them play even once I don't know why (but I hear that Staal kid might have something to do with it). Judging by regular season success alone, I'm taking Carolina.

Prediction: Carolina in 7

(3) New Jersey vs (6) New York

Other then the Flames series, this is the match-up that excites me the most. I don't know if it's because of the physical proximity of the two teams or the Jagr vs Brodeur duel but I think this is going to be a great series. The Devils are the hottest team in hockey, while the Rangers are one of the league's biggest surprises. I have a hunch we'll see a few overtime games in this series.

Prediction: New Jersey in 6

(4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia

Buffalo, despite their solid record has not impressed me this year. Sure they gave Ottawa a run for their money in the Northeast but I can't think of one compelling reason why they are a Stanley Cup contender (hint: this is your clue to take the Sabres to go all the way). The Flyers, as always, have a strong team on paper. This year they battled injuries all season long, but are healthier coming into the post-season. According to one source in the Flyers organization the game plan is to use Philly's size to counter act the Sabres speed.

Prediction: Philadelphia in 7

A quick technical note

I goofed when I set this blog up and didn't make the comments section available to everyone. That has now been fixed, so feel free to comment away.

About Our Charity

Once upon a time, we used to take money for this pool and offer a prize for the winner. As life took us to different places in the country, the mechanics of this system became too unwieldy and we scrapped it. In its place, we decided to select a charity and ask participants to consider making a donation.

This year, our charity is the Canadian Cancer Society. This has nothing to do with the fact that my astrological sign in cancer.

All of us have probably been touched by cancer in one way or another. My grandmother died of cancer in 1993, and some close members of my family are cancer survivors. Maybe you were just a fan of Tom Cheek, who passed away last year, not long after his cancer diagnosis. All good reasons to consider donating.

If you want to learn more about the CCS, please visit this site. It'll let you know about the history of the charity and what you can do to donate. You might also want to participate in the Relay for Life.

How the West was won

This is one of my favourite nights of the year - the last day of the NHL regular season. Hopes are still high for the pool, dreams of a record number of entries dance in my head. It's the time of year when fans from San Jose to Montreal can steal dream of a Stanley Cup parade rolling through their town (or in the case of New Jersey their arena parking lot).

In the first part of a two part series, I will break down the first round match-ups. Some of may chose to use this as advice. Be my guest, but remember I haven't won this pool since Dolly) was born.

I'll start with the Western Conference

(1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton

The Red Wings won the Presidents Trophy for having the best record in the National Hockey League, but they did play in the weakest division in the league beating up on St. Louis, Chicago and Columbus on a regular basis. But don't be fooled, they are still one tough hockey team. The Oilers have played them tough this year, but I don't think they have the horses to knock off the Wings in a best-of-seven series.

Prediction: Detroit in five

(2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado

This match-up really intrigues me. Both teams are proven play-off contenders and either of them can go a long way if things break in their favour. A lot is being made about the Avs goaltending situation. They picked up an injured Jose Theodore at the deadline. He healed in time for the playoffs, but hasn't proven anything in the last week of the regular season. Dallas has been the more consistent team game in and game out this year and that will translate into a first round win.

Prediction: Dallas in six

(3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim

This is the simplest series to breakdown in the entire playoffs. If Kipper plays like he has all season the Flames will win, if he falters the Ducks will upset. Since I've seen nothing to suggest his play has fallen off I will take the Flames.

Prediction: Calgary in six

(4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose

Don't let the seedings or their point totals deceive you, the Sharks are the favourites in this series in my books. They have been on a tear since the Olympics. Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo are downright scary. The Preds benefited from playing in the same division as the Wings and like the Flames relied on a hot goalie at times. Unfortunately Thomas Vokoun is done for the year with a blood disorder. So far Red Deer's own Chris Mason has filled in admirably but he'll be in tough against the powerful Sharks attack.

Prediction: Sharks in five