Again, like yesterday's post with the NFC East, I'm going to preview this division from the bottom to the top. But, my prediction is probably like most other "experts" out there. Plus, this is a two team race for the division title. You can guess who those teams are, but now, on to the picks!
Buffalo Bills
Much like the Redskins, I see nothing in this team I can truly attach myself to. Yes, Steve Johnson is becoming a pretty good wide receiver in the league, Leodis McKelvin is a pretty good defensive back, and the Bills pray there's something left in the tank with Shawne Merriman. But, I just don't see this team going anywhere in the next few seasons, other than staying in neutral and being satisfied with continually bad seasons and a mediocre quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Prediction: 5-11
Miami Dolphins
This team has some nice pieces to it, with Brandon Marshall and an up and coming Davone Bess at the wide receiver slots. Marshall was a perennial pro bowler in Denver, but was unhappy, so he got traded, unfortunately for him, to a bad quarterback in Chad Henne. Bess was part of the run and shoot offense in Hawaii, but has run routes effectively in the NFL, and could be a 1,000 yard receiving guy at some point. Then, the Dolphins signed Reggie Bush, who will be the lead back and have Daniel Thomas as the bruising 3rd down back. Thomas is primed to become the lead back at some point once Bush leaves. Then, the defense has some redeeming qualities with Karlos Dansby and Cameron Wake, who are good leaders and good cover guys when it comes to linebackers, and Vontae Davis is a pretty good cornerback, but overall, this team is incredibly mediocre to me.
Prediction: 7-9
New York Jets
The past two seasons the Jets have won one of the two wild card spots in the AFC. In 2009, they had to fight and claw their way for the playoffs, which they got in the last week. Last season, once they were killed by the eventual division champion Patriots, they could cruise into the final wild card spot with an 11-5 record. Then, in the postseason, the Jets get to the AFC title game and fail. Now, with two years of experience under his belt, the "Sanchize", Mark Sanchez can perhaps lead his team over the hump into the promised land of the Super Bowl. The Jets have all the pieces to do it, with Sanchez, a great offensive line, a very solid running game, a year in year out top flight defense now with Rex Ryan as the head coach. Now, all that needs to happen is execute in the playoffs, as I think they'll get the wild card once again.
Prediction: 10-6, number 6 seed wild card.
New England Patriots
How can I pick against the class of this division for the past decade? The Patriots just seem to keep reloading talent through shrewd trades, and amazing draft classes. Take for instance last year's draft class, which produced starters Rob Gronkowski, Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes and Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots just reload every year. I do not see a weakness on this team, as every single player is of pro bowl quality, except for the running backs, but even then, they've got a rotation of four which they can plug in and out to keep fresh. This team is just too good for me not to pick them to win the division for the ninth time since 2001, when they had their breakout year. Now, will I pick this team to win the AFC? You'll have to find that out when I do my playoff preview on opening night!
Prediction: 13-3, number 1 seed.
Tomorrow will bring not one, but two posts. The first will be the start of my 10 best football games, and then the other will be the preview of the NFC North. Will the Packers win the division this year? Will the Bears go back to the playoffs? Will the Lions actually make some noise in the division? Will the Donovan McNabb led Vikings improve from last season's debacle? All these questions will be answered tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
NFL: NFC East preview
Wow, it has been a long time since I blogged. So, for those of you truly wondering where the heck I've been over the past nearly four months, I've been a lazy bum and haven't had any motivation whatsoever to blog. But, now that America's favorite sport is coming back, I've decided to preview each and every division. And, of course, like last year, I will do from bottom to top in order of how I think each division will finish and give each teams record at the end of each team preview.
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Ok, let's get one thing straight here, this team is in shambles. All the owner wants to do is overspend on free agents, the head coach decided he hated one of the 20 best quarterbacks of all time, and now it's between Rex Grossman and John Beck as the starting quarterback. This team is not looking to be a good team at all. I do not see a big redeeming quality in this team either. So, to any Redskins fans who may read this, I'm sorry.
Prediction: 4-12
New York Giants
In Tom Coughlin's ninth season, this team does look really good, along with the Cowboys and Eagles. This team has so many good components, that it will be hard for them not to succeed. Eli Manning is very good at managing the game, the defensive ends on this team are probably some of the most feared in all of the NFL, with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Both of whom can get 10 sacks in a season easily., Then, the running game will pound you to death with the combination of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, both of whom can go over 1,000 yards in a season easily. But, for some reason, I see the Cowboys as slightly better than this team.
Prediction: 9-7
Dallas Cowboys
After a completely horrendous start to last season, where they went 1-7 and got Wade Phillips fired, they turned it around with a backup quarterback and went 5-3 down the stretch with former offensive coordinator Jason Garrett at the helm. Now, I don't think that this team is going to falter like the Chicago Cubs or Baltimore Orioles did in this baseball season, as this team definitely has the capability to succeed. Those two baseball teams did not. Plus, with a fully healed Tony Romo, this team should definitely succeed, and meet expectations this year. Now, does that mean Super Bowl? Probably not, but you never know. There is a question mark regarding this team at running back, and that is if Felix Jones can really handle the load for the entire season. But, Tashard Choice is also a very capable backup, and Jones could be primed for a breakout season of over 1,000 yards if he can stay healthy. Then, the receivers on this team are some of the most dynamic on any team in the NFL, with Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten, these three guys are just amazing, all three could have a 1,000 yard season, that's how good they are. The defense isn't too shabby now either, with a really good linebacking corp, and a pretty good young secondary, led by Mike Jenkins, a shutdown corner from South Florida. So, this team is good, and will probably make the playoffs for the first time since 2009, where they killed the Eagles.
Prediction: 10-6, just missing out on wild card
Philadelphia Eagles
I'm a homer, and with all of the moves the Eagles made, they are considered by many in the media to be a "dream team" thanks to Vince Young's joking comment. The Eagles have two huge question marks in their team though. The linebacking corps and the offensive line. The Eagles linebacking corps is incredibly inexperienced, with Moise Fokou, the weak side linebacker as the most experienced at three years. So, it's going to be tough, with Fokou, Jamar Chaney, and Casey Matthews as the starting linebacking trio. That trio is going to need to be able to step it up in the regular season, as thus far in the preseason, this trip has not performed up to par. Then, the other true problem area is with the offensive line. As they are going to be the ones protecting Mike Vick and being sure he doesn't get injured that easily. This offensive line didn't look too good against the Browns, so this line needs to step it up a bit. Granted, Winston Justice is injured, but he only accounts for a small portion of the line. So, that's a true concern. But, the rest of the team looks absolutely loaded. Michael Vick had a breakout season last year, although he did struggle down the stretch. And, if Vick gets injured, there is a quarterback right behind him in that same mold, a mobile quarterback who knows how to win games in Vince Young. The running back trio of LeSean McCoy, Ronnie Brown and Dion Lewis should be dynamic. Then everyone knows that Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek are some of the best receivers in the league. Then, on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles signed one of Green Bay's good defensive lineman in Cullen Jenkins to get even more penetration, along with Jason Babin who had a breakout season last year. Then, the Eagles signed the most coveted free agent out there in Nnamdi Asomugha, who is going to be great alongside Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. Plus, in nickel situations, the Eagles have traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. So, therefore, the team looks amazing and on paper, should run away with the division.
Prediction: 12-4, number one seed in the NFC.
Tomorrow will bring the AFC East preview. Will the Jets and Patriots duke it out for the division title again? Will the Bills continue to stink? And, what about the Dolphins? Where will they finish in the division? Come back tomorrow to find out!
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Ok, let's get one thing straight here, this team is in shambles. All the owner wants to do is overspend on free agents, the head coach decided he hated one of the 20 best quarterbacks of all time, and now it's between Rex Grossman and John Beck as the starting quarterback. This team is not looking to be a good team at all. I do not see a big redeeming quality in this team either. So, to any Redskins fans who may read this, I'm sorry.
Prediction: 4-12
New York Giants
In Tom Coughlin's ninth season, this team does look really good, along with the Cowboys and Eagles. This team has so many good components, that it will be hard for them not to succeed. Eli Manning is very good at managing the game, the defensive ends on this team are probably some of the most feared in all of the NFL, with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Both of whom can get 10 sacks in a season easily., Then, the running game will pound you to death with the combination of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, both of whom can go over 1,000 yards in a season easily. But, for some reason, I see the Cowboys as slightly better than this team.
Prediction: 9-7
Dallas Cowboys
After a completely horrendous start to last season, where they went 1-7 and got Wade Phillips fired, they turned it around with a backup quarterback and went 5-3 down the stretch with former offensive coordinator Jason Garrett at the helm. Now, I don't think that this team is going to falter like the Chicago Cubs or Baltimore Orioles did in this baseball season, as this team definitely has the capability to succeed. Those two baseball teams did not. Plus, with a fully healed Tony Romo, this team should definitely succeed, and meet expectations this year. Now, does that mean Super Bowl? Probably not, but you never know. There is a question mark regarding this team at running back, and that is if Felix Jones can really handle the load for the entire season. But, Tashard Choice is also a very capable backup, and Jones could be primed for a breakout season of over 1,000 yards if he can stay healthy. Then, the receivers on this team are some of the most dynamic on any team in the NFL, with Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten, these three guys are just amazing, all three could have a 1,000 yard season, that's how good they are. The defense isn't too shabby now either, with a really good linebacking corp, and a pretty good young secondary, led by Mike Jenkins, a shutdown corner from South Florida. So, this team is good, and will probably make the playoffs for the first time since 2009, where they killed the Eagles.
Prediction: 10-6, just missing out on wild card
Philadelphia Eagles
I'm a homer, and with all of the moves the Eagles made, they are considered by many in the media to be a "dream team" thanks to Vince Young's joking comment. The Eagles have two huge question marks in their team though. The linebacking corps and the offensive line. The Eagles linebacking corps is incredibly inexperienced, with Moise Fokou, the weak side linebacker as the most experienced at three years. So, it's going to be tough, with Fokou, Jamar Chaney, and Casey Matthews as the starting linebacking trio. That trio is going to need to be able to step it up in the regular season, as thus far in the preseason, this trip has not performed up to par. Then, the other true problem area is with the offensive line. As they are going to be the ones protecting Mike Vick and being sure he doesn't get injured that easily. This offensive line didn't look too good against the Browns, so this line needs to step it up a bit. Granted, Winston Justice is injured, but he only accounts for a small portion of the line. So, that's a true concern. But, the rest of the team looks absolutely loaded. Michael Vick had a breakout season last year, although he did struggle down the stretch. And, if Vick gets injured, there is a quarterback right behind him in that same mold, a mobile quarterback who knows how to win games in Vince Young. The running back trio of LeSean McCoy, Ronnie Brown and Dion Lewis should be dynamic. Then everyone knows that Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek are some of the best receivers in the league. Then, on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles signed one of Green Bay's good defensive lineman in Cullen Jenkins to get even more penetration, along with Jason Babin who had a breakout season last year. Then, the Eagles signed the most coveted free agent out there in Nnamdi Asomugha, who is going to be great alongside Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. Plus, in nickel situations, the Eagles have traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. So, therefore, the team looks amazing and on paper, should run away with the division.
Prediction: 12-4, number one seed in the NFC.
Tomorrow will bring the AFC East preview. Will the Jets and Patriots duke it out for the division title again? Will the Bills continue to stink? And, what about the Dolphins? Where will they finish in the division? Come back tomorrow to find out!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Stanley Cup Final preview/prediction
This is the final installment of Bryan and I co-authoring the Stanley Cup playoffs. We will give different arguments as to who will win the Stanley Cup. He will give his argument of why the Vancouver Canucks will win the Stanley Cup for the first time, and for them to win the Stanley Cup for Canada for the first time since 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens won their 24th title. I will be giving my argument as to why the Boston Bruins will win the Cup for the first time since 1972. Hope you all enjoy it! Also, my apologies for the delay, Bryan just got his in this afternoon, and I was away from my computer for most of the day.
PJ's prediction
Boston has been going through the playoffs in one of two modes, go seven games or sweep the other teams. Currently, they're down 1-0, will that trend continue here in the Stanley Cup Final? My guess is no, as Tim Thomas is probably the Vezina trophy winner and he's going to steal a game in Vancouver to even out the series and help Boston win their sixth Stanley Cup. He will need help from the Bruins pathetic power play though. The Bruins through game one of the Stanley Cup Final are now 5-67 in power play opportunities. Granted, they excel in killing off their opponents power play, killing off 56 of a possible 69, so they're doing well on that front. Plus, Boston will need their big defenseman Zdeno Chara to step up big time to help control the Sedin twins and Ryan Kessler's scoring line, as those are three of the top 10 players in the NHL right now. Finally, it'll be great if the Bruins find a way to get Tyler Seguin to keep up and play hard and be effective throughout the rest of this Stanley Cup Final. If they can do all that, they can bring Boston to a hockey town for at least a day, which would make this guy very happy. However, it will be one hard fought low scoring series, and I'm hoping the B's can pull it off.
Pick: Boston in 7.
Bryan's Prediction
The Vancouver Cnucks are the Western Conference Champions. Returning to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994. Where stars like Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden, and goaltender Kirk McLean were the teams stars. Now they are led by the Sendin teins, Ryan Kessler, and goaltender Roberto Luongo.
This Series will be a hard fought battle with the Boston Bruins. Given that the Canucks have had a full week off to recover from injures. Getting Ryan Kessler back to almost 100% and also getting the addition of Manny Maholtra back from the IR since January from getting hit in the eye with a puck is a big plus.
Keys to this series:
The Canucks have to be stellar on the power play. They have the best power play in the playoffs and have to utilize it. They need to have a great penalty kill as well. The Bruins have been horrible on the power play in the playoffs and if the Canucks can kill off penalties they will keep Boston from building any momentum. The Bruins are the best 5 on 5 team in the playoffs so Vancouver has to take advantage of any odd man breaks as they have, as they will not come often.
I see this being like another Pittsburgh vs. Detriot series 2 years ago. The Vancouver Canucks have the best team on paper. And the Boston Bruins have the best defense in the playoffs and maybe even the league. It will come down to which goaltender shows up and gets some help. Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas are both playing very well. Ryan Kessler has to be the player he was the last two series for the Canucks to win this thing. Also help from the Sendin Twins will help a lot since they have been vert qiute this post season.
Prediction:
I see the Canucks winning in 7 giving the Vancouver Canucks their 1st Stanley Cup Chamiionship and Canada's 1st Stanley Cup in 18 years since the Montreal Canadians won in 1993 over the Los Angelses Kings. Giving Canada even more to cheer about along with the Return of a Winnapeg Franchise.
P.S. Thanks to Pete for letting me write this post season. And hope you enjoy reading this.
PJ's prediction
Boston has been going through the playoffs in one of two modes, go seven games or sweep the other teams. Currently, they're down 1-0, will that trend continue here in the Stanley Cup Final? My guess is no, as Tim Thomas is probably the Vezina trophy winner and he's going to steal a game in Vancouver to even out the series and help Boston win their sixth Stanley Cup. He will need help from the Bruins pathetic power play though. The Bruins through game one of the Stanley Cup Final are now 5-67 in power play opportunities. Granted, they excel in killing off their opponents power play, killing off 56 of a possible 69, so they're doing well on that front. Plus, Boston will need their big defenseman Zdeno Chara to step up big time to help control the Sedin twins and Ryan Kessler's scoring line, as those are three of the top 10 players in the NHL right now. Finally, it'll be great if the Bruins find a way to get Tyler Seguin to keep up and play hard and be effective throughout the rest of this Stanley Cup Final. If they can do all that, they can bring Boston to a hockey town for at least a day, which would make this guy very happy. However, it will be one hard fought low scoring series, and I'm hoping the B's can pull it off.
Pick: Boston in 7.
Bryan's Prediction
The Vancouver Cnucks are the Western Conference Champions. Returning to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994. Where stars like Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden, and goaltender Kirk McLean were the teams stars. Now they are led by the Sendin teins, Ryan Kessler, and goaltender Roberto Luongo.
This Series will be a hard fought battle with the Boston Bruins. Given that the Canucks have had a full week off to recover from injures. Getting Ryan Kessler back to almost 100% and also getting the addition of Manny Maholtra back from the IR since January from getting hit in the eye with a puck is a big plus.
Keys to this series:
The Canucks have to be stellar on the power play. They have the best power play in the playoffs and have to utilize it. They need to have a great penalty kill as well. The Bruins have been horrible on the power play in the playoffs and if the Canucks can kill off penalties they will keep Boston from building any momentum. The Bruins are the best 5 on 5 team in the playoffs so Vancouver has to take advantage of any odd man breaks as they have, as they will not come often.
I see this being like another Pittsburgh vs. Detriot series 2 years ago. The Vancouver Canucks have the best team on paper. And the Boston Bruins have the best defense in the playoffs and maybe even the league. It will come down to which goaltender shows up and gets some help. Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas are both playing very well. Ryan Kessler has to be the player he was the last two series for the Canucks to win this thing. Also help from the Sendin Twins will help a lot since they have been vert qiute this post season.
Prediction:
I see the Canucks winning in 7 giving the Vancouver Canucks their 1st Stanley Cup Chamiionship and Canada's 1st Stanley Cup in 18 years since the Montreal Canadians won in 1993 over the Los Angelses Kings. Giving Canada even more to cheer about along with the Return of a Winnapeg Franchise.
P.S. Thanks to Pete for letting me write this post season. And hope you enjoy reading this.
Monday, May 30, 2011
NBA Finals Preview/Prediction
The NBA season is mercilessly coming to an end, and I, for one am looking forward to a prolonged lockout next season. The rest of the country isn't, as evidenced by the ratings from the Western and Eastern Conference Finals. Plus, the NBA and David Stern couldn't be more pleased with this year's match up between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks. These teams met in the finals just five years ago where Dallas took an early 2-0 lead in the series but then proceeded to choke it away to give Dwyane Wade his first title. Now that Wade has hooked up with his two best friends in Chris Bosh and LeBron James, to go along with a cast of pretty talented role players like Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mike Bibby, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller. The Heat have one very talented team and the fact that Bosh, Wade and James score nearly 75 percent of their team's points in the postseason is no mistake, they have designed it that way. Erik Spoelstra has done an excellent job this season keeping everyone's mission focused to win a title, and they very well may do it.
However, they are also running into another great team, and I mean team with the Dallas Mavericks. most folks associate Dallas with just Dirk Nowitzki, and for good reason, he has been the face of the franchise for 12 seasons, and has been a dominant player in the playoffs, averaging over 28 points a game, including over 32 in the Western Conference Finals victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dallas has a good reason to believe in themselves as well, since they want revenge on the Heat from 2006, and they want to prove themselves to everyone that they can win a title. Dallas is a team of veterans, as they average just under 8 years of experience. Rick Carlisle has expertly led this group of savvy veterans into this title clash and they could do it. Plus, it doesn't hurt that noted talker Mark Cuban, the Mavs owner has stayed surprisingly silent throughout the playoffs, which hasn't been detracting from his team's success.
Both teams have a lot of veterans, and both teams are deserving of this title, but I think Miami will do what they set out to do at the beginning of the season, win a title to show to everyone that Wade, Bosh and James all made the right decision to join together and win this title.
Pick: Heat in 6.
However, they are also running into another great team, and I mean team with the Dallas Mavericks. most folks associate Dallas with just Dirk Nowitzki, and for good reason, he has been the face of the franchise for 12 seasons, and has been a dominant player in the playoffs, averaging over 28 points a game, including over 32 in the Western Conference Finals victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dallas has a good reason to believe in themselves as well, since they want revenge on the Heat from 2006, and they want to prove themselves to everyone that they can win a title. Dallas is a team of veterans, as they average just under 8 years of experience. Rick Carlisle has expertly led this group of savvy veterans into this title clash and they could do it. Plus, it doesn't hurt that noted talker Mark Cuban, the Mavs owner has stayed surprisingly silent throughout the playoffs, which hasn't been detracting from his team's success.
Both teams have a lot of veterans, and both teams are deserving of this title, but I think Miami will do what they set out to do at the beginning of the season, win a title to show to everyone that Wade, Bosh and James all made the right decision to join together and win this title.
Pick: Heat in 6.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Western Conference Finals Preview/prediction
As a foreword to this, I did not write this, I passed it off to someone else of much better knowledge than myself on the subject of basketball, my good friend Timothy Smither. Here is his preview and prediction of the Western Conference Finals.
Back in the mid to late 90's I was a fan of two teams in the NBA. The Seattle Supersonics (now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder) and the Chicago Bulls (and honestly who wasn't a fan of MJ and the Bulls). They both met each other in the 1996 NBA finals. Chicago prevailed in the end, as Michael Jordan had an emotional game 6 win to end the series on Father's day. Fast forward to the 2011 playoffs, and I believe they will both meet again (15 years after the first time they met) for a rematch. The Bulls are currently playing the Heat and if they keep up their level of ball playing they will be well on their way to the finals. The Thunder are about to square off with the Dallas Mavericks. It's hard for me to assess this match-up. I know it will be tough for the Thunder to win this series for a few different reasons, but I believe the Thunder will beat Dallas in 6. They won't beat Dallas if it goes to 7. The challenges that the Thunder are facing are that it is the first series they do not have home court advantage, Dallas has become well rested after sweeping the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, Dirk is seemingly unstoppable, and the bench for Dallas poses a real threat as they did for Los Angeles. I think that as long as Durant puts up some big points as he is known to do alongside of Westbrook they will keep up with Dallas. But they have to play defense and their bench has to step it up. I am not sure who will be able to guard Dirk. Maybe Perkins can do it or maybe even Durant. If they cannot stop him hopefully they will look to close out other options. Forgive me for my bias but let's go Sonics! I mean, Thunder.
Prediction: Thunder in 6.
Back in the mid to late 90's I was a fan of two teams in the NBA. The Seattle Supersonics (now known as the Oklahoma City Thunder) and the Chicago Bulls (and honestly who wasn't a fan of MJ and the Bulls). They both met each other in the 1996 NBA finals. Chicago prevailed in the end, as Michael Jordan had an emotional game 6 win to end the series on Father's day. Fast forward to the 2011 playoffs, and I believe they will both meet again (15 years after the first time they met) for a rematch. The Bulls are currently playing the Heat and if they keep up their level of ball playing they will be well on their way to the finals. The Thunder are about to square off with the Dallas Mavericks. It's hard for me to assess this match-up. I know it will be tough for the Thunder to win this series for a few different reasons, but I believe the Thunder will beat Dallas in 6. They won't beat Dallas if it goes to 7. The challenges that the Thunder are facing are that it is the first series they do not have home court advantage, Dallas has become well rested after sweeping the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, Dirk is seemingly unstoppable, and the bench for Dallas poses a real threat as they did for Los Angeles. I think that as long as Durant puts up some big points as he is known to do alongside of Westbrook they will keep up with Dallas. But they have to play defense and their bench has to step it up. I am not sure who will be able to guard Dirk. Maybe Perkins can do it or maybe even Durant. If they cannot stop him hopefully they will look to close out other options. Forgive me for my bias but let's go Sonics! I mean, Thunder.
Prediction: Thunder in 6.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
NBA Eastern Conference Finals
The time has come for the Heat to show if they really do belong in the NBA Finals, as they now face the top seed in the East, the Chicago Bulls, who are making their first trip to the Conference Finals since Michael Jordan's last season in 1998. But, now the Bulls have a very good young core beginning with the league's MVP, Derrick Rose. Rose leads Chicago in points per game and assists per game, which will be incredibly hard for any of Miami's combo of point guards to defend. Luol Deng will be key for the Bulls, as he defends LeBron. Deng is one of the better defenders in the league and can definitely wreak havoc on Miami's scoring chances.
These teams are just about equal, but the biggest thing is coming into this series, Miami lost all four regular season games to the Bulls. LeBron had a chance to go to the Bulls when nearly every team in the league was trying to woo him to their city. LeBron will find out that he made a mistake when he didn't go to Chicago when the Heat lose to the Bulls in six games.
These teams are just about equal, but the biggest thing is coming into this series, Miami lost all four regular season games to the Bulls. LeBron had a chance to go to the Bulls when nearly every team in the league was trying to woo him to their city. LeBron will find out that he made a mistake when he didn't go to Chicago when the Heat lose to the Bulls in six games.
NHL Conference Finals preview
I have not had my computer for the past few weeks due to a fan error, so hence no blogging on the NBA conference semis or an April game of the month. Right now the NHL conference finals are about to begin on Saturday with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins, while the Western Conference will begin on Sunday in Vancouver. Allow me to begin with the East. As usual, my friend Bryan Miller will do the Western Conference Final.
Eastern Conference Final: Boston vs. Tampa Bay
Both teams have had significant layoffs since their last conference finals appearance, as this is Tampa Bay's first trip since winning the Cup in 2004 and Boston's first since 1992, where they lost to the Penguins in four games. Both teams had almost the exact same path to get here, as both teams went to game seven in the quarters and then swept their respective opponents in the semis. Both teams also have relatively old goalies who are pretty darn good. Boston has a Vezina trophy finalist this year with Tim Thomas, 37, and he won only two years ago. While Roloson, being 41 is old and has lost some of his reflexes, he's still better than most. Roloson brings a veteran grittiness to a team filled with young stars like Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos and Steve Downie.
Tampa has depth of scoring, meaning that they could score at anytime on any of their three lines, which makes them a dangerous team, plus Boston's beat of a defenseman, Zdeno Chara cannot be out there 60 minutes per game, as its impossible to be a top flight player playing that long. Tampa could also easily win this series with their power play alone, as they have been excellent in killing it, only giving up 3 goals in 54 chances, while scoring in 12 of their 45 chances.
Boston however, seems to be a team of destiny, to get past their biggest rivals in the first round, the Canadiens in a physical tough series going seven games, then killing off and shaking off the monkey off their back from last year against the Flyers when the Bruins were ultimately dispatched in seven games after having a 3-0 lead. Finally, they would love to capture their sixth Stanley Cup and first since 1972. Boston is likely to be dominating the game when it's a regular 5-on-5 game, with Boston scoring over two goals a game more when it's at full strength. The biggest thing for Boston is when a leading scorer like Patrice Bergeron will be back, as he has been the sixth leading scorer in the playoffs. Both teams are very equally matched, but it will ultimately come down to goaltending, and I will go with Thomas over Roloson. Go with Boston in seven.
Same info taken from: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2011-05-12-eastern-conference-finals-preview_N.htm?csp=34sports&dlvrit=110938.
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver Canucks Vs. #2 San Jose Sharks
During the Regular season the Canucks were 3-0-1 against the Sharks with two wins in the San Jose. United States star Ryan Kessler finally showed up last series against the Nashville Predators. He scored big time goals and had some big defensive plays. The Sedin twins were kinda silent in the first two series which is surprising don't be too surprised if they break out of that bubble they are in and put on a show. Roberto Luongo played fairly well last series after his shaky first series. He will need to be on top of his game for the Vancouver Canucks to do anything in this series. The defensive six for the Canucks are all very talented and contribute in their on unique way and will need to help out Luongo in every way possible and not leave him hanging. Any lurking injures for the Canucks could be hurtful to them cause they have great team chemistry going and throwing someone new in there could be disastrous.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are going to have to bounce back have a hard hitting and draining series against the Detroit Red Wings. Patrick Marleau finally got that monkey off his back scoring the goal that helped get the Sharks past the Red Wings. Big Joe Thornton has been very consistant this postseason like others which is needed from him being the captain and a great set up man. Look out for Dany Heatley who seems to be the sniper to go to with the Sharks. Ryane Clowe leads the sharks with 13 points this post season expect a lot out of him this series. Rookie phenom Logan Couture has been doing amazing things all season and postseason. Expect him to make a big splash this series because the pressure and big game atmosphere doesn't seem to bother him. Antti Niemi is back to the conference finals in back to back years with different teams. He will have to stand on his head like he did last year and this postseason so far. He is the key to the Sharks winning this series. Dan Boyle and the defensive core for the Sharks will have to contribute offensively and defensively for the Sharks to set the tempo for the Sharks in this series.
Both of these teams had 3-0 leads this postseason and blew that lead before winning their respectful game 7's. I expect this series to be a long and tiring series 7 games will be needed for these two great organizations.
Final Prediction: #2 San Jose Sharks in 7 Games. Advance to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals.
That does it for the NHL Conference Final previews. I'll be posting quick short previews and predictions of the NBA conference finals later today.
Eastern Conference Final: Boston vs. Tampa Bay
Both teams have had significant layoffs since their last conference finals appearance, as this is Tampa Bay's first trip since winning the Cup in 2004 and Boston's first since 1992, where they lost to the Penguins in four games. Both teams had almost the exact same path to get here, as both teams went to game seven in the quarters and then swept their respective opponents in the semis. Both teams also have relatively old goalies who are pretty darn good. Boston has a Vezina trophy finalist this year with Tim Thomas, 37, and he won only two years ago. While Roloson, being 41 is old and has lost some of his reflexes, he's still better than most. Roloson brings a veteran grittiness to a team filled with young stars like Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos and Steve Downie.
Tampa has depth of scoring, meaning that they could score at anytime on any of their three lines, which makes them a dangerous team, plus Boston's beat of a defenseman, Zdeno Chara cannot be out there 60 minutes per game, as its impossible to be a top flight player playing that long. Tampa could also easily win this series with their power play alone, as they have been excellent in killing it, only giving up 3 goals in 54 chances, while scoring in 12 of their 45 chances.
Boston however, seems to be a team of destiny, to get past their biggest rivals in the first round, the Canadiens in a physical tough series going seven games, then killing off and shaking off the monkey off their back from last year against the Flyers when the Bruins were ultimately dispatched in seven games after having a 3-0 lead. Finally, they would love to capture their sixth Stanley Cup and first since 1972. Boston is likely to be dominating the game when it's a regular 5-on-5 game, with Boston scoring over two goals a game more when it's at full strength. The biggest thing for Boston is when a leading scorer like Patrice Bergeron will be back, as he has been the sixth leading scorer in the playoffs. Both teams are very equally matched, but it will ultimately come down to goaltending, and I will go with Thomas over Roloson. Go with Boston in seven.
Same info taken from: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2011-05-12-eastern-conference-finals-preview_N.htm?csp=34sports&dlvrit=110938.
Western Conference
#1 Vancouver Canucks Vs. #2 San Jose Sharks
During the Regular season the Canucks were 3-0-1 against the Sharks with two wins in the San Jose. United States star Ryan Kessler finally showed up last series against the Nashville Predators. He scored big time goals and had some big defensive plays. The Sedin twins were kinda silent in the first two series which is surprising don't be too surprised if they break out of that bubble they are in and put on a show. Roberto Luongo played fairly well last series after his shaky first series. He will need to be on top of his game for the Vancouver Canucks to do anything in this series. The defensive six for the Canucks are all very talented and contribute in their on unique way and will need to help out Luongo in every way possible and not leave him hanging. Any lurking injures for the Canucks could be hurtful to them cause they have great team chemistry going and throwing someone new in there could be disastrous.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are going to have to bounce back have a hard hitting and draining series against the Detroit Red Wings. Patrick Marleau finally got that monkey off his back scoring the goal that helped get the Sharks past the Red Wings. Big Joe Thornton has been very consistant this postseason like others which is needed from him being the captain and a great set up man. Look out for Dany Heatley who seems to be the sniper to go to with the Sharks. Ryane Clowe leads the sharks with 13 points this post season expect a lot out of him this series. Rookie phenom Logan Couture has been doing amazing things all season and postseason. Expect him to make a big splash this series because the pressure and big game atmosphere doesn't seem to bother him. Antti Niemi is back to the conference finals in back to back years with different teams. He will have to stand on his head like he did last year and this postseason so far. He is the key to the Sharks winning this series. Dan Boyle and the defensive core for the Sharks will have to contribute offensively and defensively for the Sharks to set the tempo for the Sharks in this series.
Both of these teams had 3-0 leads this postseason and blew that lead before winning their respectful game 7's. I expect this series to be a long and tiring series 7 games will be needed for these two great organizations.
Final Prediction: #2 San Jose Sharks in 7 Games. Advance to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals.
That does it for the NHL Conference Final previews. I'll be posting quick short previews and predictions of the NBA conference finals later today.
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