Full Lockout Hurts Goalies

Say what you want about defence winning championships but if you don't have solid goaltending to accompany that defence you wont get anywhere near the championship. Both the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings had outstanding offence and defence and proved they were the best of the best when they accomplished the dream of winning the Stanley Cup. But if wasn't for the outstanding play of Tim Thomas and Jonathan Quick who both won the Conn Smythe, both the Bruins and Kings would not have their latest Cups. Goaltending is crucial to winning.

While a full season lockout effects everyone, it especially impacts the netminders. While forwards and defence are still able to work on their skating and shots in practices, on their own and at player organized training camps, goalies for the most part can't keep up the reflexes they utilize every night to stop some of the best shooters. With many top players over in Europe and practices unable to match game intensity many goaltenders don't get the practice they need to keep their skills sharp during a lockout.

Coming out of the 2004-2005 lockout goalies were left out in the cold. By the time games started up for 2005-2006 the 'tenders were left dazed and a step behind the sharp shooters of the NHL, and while it did provide some entertaining high scoring hockey the goalies production went downhill. In 2003-2004 goaltenders were arguably at their peak and the average save percentage for NHL goalies was .911, but after the lockout the save percentages dropped drastically to a dismal .901 the lowest since 1985. Before the lockout goaltending was at it's high, the highest it's ever been, the goalies were good, smart, quick and stoning shooters left, right and centre, whereas after the lockout one could have mistaken NHL goalies for minor league or rookie netminders.

To further prove that a lockout hurts the goaltenders more than anyone else, let's see how the players faired after the 2004-2005 lockout. Before the last lockout the players were having a difficult time scoring goals and as a result more times than not the game would end by a 1 goal difference as there was an average of 5.1 goals a game, the lowest since 1955. After the lockout during the same time the goalies were struggling the goals per game jumped to 6.

After save percentages took a downhill turn in 2005, it took until 2009 for goalies to regain their form and skill from before the lockout, thats 4 seasons do you know how many goalies may have lost their jobs due to their poor play after the lockout?

Let's look at 2 veteran goalies who play went downhill after the lockout;

Martin Biron-- 2003-2004: 2.52 GAA and .913 Save Percentage Vs. 2005-2006: 2.88 GAA and .905 Save Percentage

Biron's numbers became notably worse in 2005-2006 after taking the whole season off because of the



lockout. Due to his poor play he ultimately lost the starting job to Buffalo Sabres franchise goalie Ryan Miller who benefited from a full season in the AHL during the 2004-2005 NHL lockout. In 2006-2007 Biron was limited to just 19 games between the pipes for the Sabres and even in those 19 games he had very poor stats racking up a 3.04 GAA and .899 Save Percentage. Biron is now the New York Rangers backup goal seeing the net when Henrik Lundqvist needs some rest.

Ed Belfour-- 2003-2004: 2.13 GAA and .918 Save Percentage Vs. 2005-2006: 3.29 GAA and .892 Save Percentage

Now there's a name from the history books, but believe it or not the last time the Toronto Maple Leafs had a decent team he was between the pipes. Belfour led the Leafs to 2nd place in their conference and into the playoffs with his stellar play pre-lockout. That was his last of 3 seasons with the blue and white before he headed south to join up with the Florida Panthers where his game improved but it was to little too late for the aging tender.

There you have it two goalies who careers were decimated by the last lockout. Who's careers may be forever changed because of this lockout? Every goalie is keeping their fingers crossed that this one doesn't last as long so they can get back into game action and get back to proving they're the most valuable netminders to their teams.

 

10 Games to Watch

As you can see thanks to the handy countdown clock to the right, they're roughly 93 days until the puck is dropped on the 2012-2013 NHL season. Hockey fans need to plan their hockey watching schedules ahead of time, there are just too many distractions during the season. So here are 10 must see NHL games for the upcoming season.

*Please note these games are not in order of when they occur*

10. October 11, 12 and 13
Guess what happens on October 11th? Hockey is back and the regular season gets kicked off, hopefully with a bang. Unfortunately the NHL likes to draw out the process and teams like the Sabres and Leafs have to wait till the 13th to play their first games. But make sure you check the schedule to see when your team kicks off their season. You don't want to miss the first game of the season, it's your first chance to see your team play in a meaningful game.

9. November 15th Kings vs. Blue Jackets
Everyone is still talking about the Jeff carter trade and how it effected the Kings and how he ultimately won a Stanley Cup with long time friend and teammate Mike Richards. But what people forget is the player that lost out on the deal being sent from the Cup winning Kings to the lottery picking Blue Jackets, Jack Johnson. It will be the first time Johnson faces his former teammates who are now Stanley Cup Champions.

8. New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers October 16th
A rematch of the Eastern Conference final. A rematch between two of the best goalies in the league Brodeur vs. Lundqvist. The Devils were able to prevail in the series long playoff match, but who will be able to win the one game battle?

7. New York Rangers vs. Los Angeles Kings October 12th
The second night of opening games will see the match up everyone was hoping for in the Stanley Cup Finals. Rangers vs. Kings Lundqvist once again will have a tough challenge 200 feet from him in Jonathan Quick. Which goalie will come out victorious? The Kings will also see their Stanley Cup banner raised to the rafters before the game.

6. Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens October 16th
The Bruins vs. Habs rivalry will be kicked off with a home and home set between the two teams. It begins in Montreal and ends in Boston two days later. But that will be just the start to the rivalry for the season. What would make this game/rivalry perfect? If the Bruins would be willing to play Malcolm Subban in one of the games against the Canadiens. P.K Subban taking slapshots from the point at his little brother, could anything be more entertaining?


5. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers October 18th
Perhaps one of the most exciting games to kick off the season. Everyone remembers the drama following these two teams in the playoffs. Heck the Flyers won their "Stanley Cup" after they beat the Penguins in round one. In a 6 game series the two teams combined for 56 goals over 300 PIMS and some coach yelling. The Flyers and Penguins will meet an additional 6 times this season, grab your popcorn and make sure you catch at least one of the hard fought battles. Plus we get to hear Sidney Crosby talk about how "He doesn't like them, not one guy on their roster".


4. Hockey Day in Canada February 9th
This isn't just one game it's a big event and for Canadians it's important. Hockey is our game, we need a day to remember it and honour it. There are festivities all around Canada to honour the great game. All 7 Canadian teams will be in action and playing fellow Canadian teams. Including the Leafs against the Canadiens and the Canucks against the Jets. It's a celebration of hockey, make sure you join in the party if you're Canadian. If you're American just wait a week, February 17th is your hockey celebration.

3. Winter Classic January 1st Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Who doesn't love a good Winter Classic battle where the teams take the game outdoors where it all started. Every year I tune into the Winter Classic and watch the excitement. While it isn't always the best quality of hockey (Due to the weather) it's a fun game and a fun experience for players. Who better to have play in the Winter Classic than the Toronto Maple Leafs the centre of the hockey universe, the biggest hockey market in the league. The fact they're playing the classy Red Wings and they may have the opportunity to face Jonas the Monster Gustavsson just makes the game that more exciting. Not to mention two original 6 teams will be battling it out and it's the only game being played that day. I'm already excited, can you tell?

2. Los Angeles Kings vs New Jersey Devils February 9th
This game may overshadow Hockey Day in Canada, however it is the first and only meeting between the two Stanley Cup finalists. Who will win the rematch? How different will both teams look by then? How badly will the loss of Parise affect the Devils? All key questions that will be answered when these two teams square off.

1. Last Chance Saturday April 13th
As hockey fans we love to watch hockey games. We can sit down on the couch all day and watch hockey, and the best games to watch are ones that have playoff implications. So what better day to spend lounging around your house than the last day of the regular season while teams are battling for playoff spots and series' are decided? While it would be near impossible for the NHL to fit all 30 teams in one day, they did their best and have scheduled 14 games which adds up to 28 teams. Talk about excitement!

Right now hockey fans are holding their breaths and hoping the season starts on time and these 10 exciting game are able to happen. Let's stay positive, here's to the 2012-2013 NHL regular season starting on time! Be sure to mark these games on your calenders, call in sick, break your phone whatever you have to do, to be able to watch these games.

How the Kings got Crowned

This post is a follow up of sorts to my last piece: L.A Kings Stanley Cup Champions and will be breaking down how the Kings won the cup. It will talk about some of the key players, key scenarios and how the Kings were able to defeat the Devils in 6 games.

So as you should know by the now the Los Angeles Kings are the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Champions after defeating the Devils 6-1 on Monday night. The Kings went on a Cinderella run after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, going on to eliminate the first 3 seeds in the West (Canucks, Blues, Coyotes) and became the first ever 8th seed to lift Lord Stanley's Cup.
So how did they do it, it sure as heck didn't come easily. I've done the research and ran the numbers and came up with some key points.

3 Reasons the Kings won:


1. Jonathan Quick

No matter how good a team is if they don't have good goaltending to go along with it the team will not be successful. That's not the case with the Kings (or the Devils) Jonathan Quick was exceptional throughout these playoffs and was a major reason why they were lifting the cup on Monday. Quick went 16-4 with a 1.41 GAA and .946 Save Percentage add 3 shutouts and 10 consecutive road victories and you have your Conn Smythe winner. He was able to keep the Kings in games even when they weren't scoring, letting in 2 or less goals in 18 of 20 games.
In the Stanley Cup finals he let in just 7 goals in 6 games and stopped 125 of 132 shots.
His 1.41 GAA and .946 Save Percentage were enough to earn him the lowest goals against average and highest save percentage honours. (All done in one playoff year).
In 20 games this post season quick faced 538 shots and stopped 509 of them.
Needless to say Quick was very worthy of his Conn Smythe trophy as he was a major key to the Kings Stanley Cup victory playing lights out hockey. He vitually put an end to Roberto Loungo's career in Vancouver and Zach Parise's career in New Jersey.
He out duelled the legendary Martin Brodeur and that's how the Kings won, they got better goaltending when they needed it most.

2. No place like the road
The Kings were able to do something that hockey fans may never see again, throughout the playoffs they went 10-1 on the road. Including 10 consecutive road wins. In all 4 series they played they started on the road and all 4 times they came back with a 2-0 series lead. Which further proves the myth of home ice advantage, it doesn't matter where you play you can still win and be dominate... the Kings did. You want to talk about home ice advantage, ask the Canucks how well that worked out for them!

3. Top players stepped up

All a team can ask from their star players is that the produce in big games. On Monday night the Kings couldn't have asked for much more from Dustin Brown. Brown opened the scoring by tipping in a Drew Doughty point shot and added 2 assists before the night was over. Putting up 3 points in game 6 and leading by example. The line of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Justin Williams was the best line for any team in playoffs together they combined for 35 points and a plus/minus of 40. Brown and Kopitar both racked up 20 points and took turn leading the team during the playoffs. Although they were relatively quite during the Finals, Brown came up big when his team needed him most!

3 Stars


1. Jonathan Quick
16-4 - 1.41 GAA- .946 S%-- 3 shutouts and 10 consecutive road victories
The stats speak for themselves.


2. Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar
Combining these guys together as their stats are identical and they play on the same line!
8 goals - 12 Assists - 20 points with a +/- 16


3. Drew Doughty
Huge leader on defense for the Kings, also came up big in game 6.
4 goals - 12 assists - 16 points He led all defenseman in points in the playoffs.


Honourable Mention


Willie Mitchell--- was on the for 73:43 of Short handed time throughout the playoffs one of their best and most reliable defenseman. He was able to contribute on the score board by adding a goal and 2 assists for 3 points and remarkably was a +7 despite playing almost 75 minutes short handed.

Dark Horse


Dwight King-- a guy very few had heard of before the playoffs began proved to be an important member of the Kings roster and now very deservedly gets his name on the Stanley Cup. King didn't score his first NHL goal until February of this year and was drafted 109th overall in 2007, not exactly the kind of guy you expect big production from. He racked up 24 points in 27 goals during the regular season and didn't stop there. He racked up 5 goals and added 3 assists for 8 points during these playoffs, although those aren't crazy stats they're pretty solid for a 4th line rookie. In fact he outscored Kings Dustin Penner and Justin Williams. He also led the Kings with a 15.2 shooting percentage.
King was able to put the puck in the net when it mattered most and scored some goals that "broke the back" of opponents. He was also responsible for the 3rd goal in which the Kings scored on the 5 minute major, when he got the puck in the neutral zone, breezed past some defenders and left the puck sitting there for his line mate to tap in.
He's a real Don Cherry type of player and he's Canadian to boot!


2 Key Moments


1. Penalty Trouble
This one is obvious, the hit by Steve Bernier on Rob Scuderi which resulted in Bernier being kicked out of the game and the Kings going on a 5 minute power play in which they capitalized 3 times. This play unfortunately set the tone for the rest of the game and spelled the beginning of the end for the Devils who had all the momentum up until that hit. The Kings rallied around that opportunity and seized it which led to them winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

2. The trade Deadline

What the kings were able to do and didn't do paid huge dividends in the end. They were able to acquire former Flyer and Mike Richards party mate Jeff Carter from the Blue Jackets. Carter scored 2 goals in game 6 including the clinching goal that led to the Kings raising the Cup. Carter and Richards Combined for 28 points during the playoffs and needless to say the Kings are great full they were on their roster. Turns out they are capable of winning a Stanley Cup. The Flyers should be getting that thank you card any day now.
Another move or lack there of by the Kings was deciding to keep captain Dustin Brown who was rumoured to be on the trade block. I be they're glad they kept him now! Brown came up big in game 6 recording a goal and 2 assists to lead his team to their first ever championship.
After the King acquired Jeff Carter and Kept Dustin Brown they went on a remarkable 29-9-3 run (much like the Sabres) which ultimately landed them in the 8th and final playoff spot. Brown kicked off the run with a hat trick in a 4-0 win.

Interesting stats
1. The Rangers who only made it to the Conference played the same number of games as the Kings
2. The New Jersey Devils played in 24 games which is 4 games more than the Kings.
3. 29 other goalies in the NHL have a higher cap hit than Jonathan Quick (that will be changing)
4. The Kings went 12-2 during their run through the Western Conference during the playoffs. 
5. The Kings are now the third straight Stanley Cup Champions to have started their season in Europe. (2009 Penguins, 2010 Blackhawks and 2011 Bruins)
6. Dustin Brown is just the 2nd American born captain to raise the Cup.
7. The Kings had 25 Canadian players on their roster, 

2011-2012 Stanley Cup Champions- L.A Kings

The Sun has set on yet another NHL season. It's a bitter sweet moment for hockey fans: on one hand most are happy for the Stanley Cup Champions but on the other hockey is finished until October, and with the impending lockout who knows how long we could have to wait until hockey is back.

On Monday night the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New Jersey Devils 6-1 to become the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Champions. Winning their first Cup in franchise history (44 years) an exciting moment for the Kings and not even an ending Hollywood could have written as they become the first 8th seed to win a Stanley Cup.

It was quite a remarkable Stanley Cup Finals, the Kings jumped out to an early 3-0 strangle hold on the series and proved once again the fourth game was the hardest to win. The Kings had a chance to win game 4 at home in front of their family, friends and faithful fans but were unable to close it out. They then travelled back to New Jersey where they once again had a chance to win the Cup but fell short yet again. They headed back to L.A for game 6 almost a must win for the Kings. The Devils had all the momentum and had they tied the series up at 3 games a piece they would have been in control for game 7.

The Kings came out firing early, you could tell they wanted to win. They showed more effort in the first period than in games 4 and 5 combined! But just like in games 4 and 5 they couldn't find a way to put one past Martin Brodeur early. That was until the Devils Steve Bernier did something incredibly stupid. By hitting Kings defenceman Rob Scuderi from behind which landed Bernier back in the Devils dressing room before the end of the first. Bernier was given a game misconduct, ejected from the game and a 5 minute penalty, which ultimately turned the game around and virtually handed the Kings the Cup.

So what did he do? Bernier attempted to make Scuderi apart of the boards at Staples Centre in LA. Scuderi went back for a puck in his own end and stopped near the boards, Bernier skated full speed at him from around the blue line and cross checked Scuderi into the boards. Scuderi went flying head first into the boards and left the game for repairs and check ups, likely not knowing his own name when he skated off. Bernier made no attempt to ease up on or avoid the hit, which deemed it worthy of 5 minutes plus a game.

The Kings would go on to score 3 goals on the 5 minute power play before the end of the 1st which ultimately put the game out of reach. The Kings charge was led by their captain Dustin Brown who scored the opening goal on a tip in off a Drew Doughty shot. Brown then shot the puck which was tipped by Jeff Carter for the second goal. Trevor Lewis was in the right spot at the right time and potted a lose puck after a phenomenal rush by Dwight King. Just like that the Devils were in a hole down 3-0.

The Kings would go on to score 1 in the second period to extend their lead to 4-1 and scored 2 in 15 seconds in the third period (including an open net) to put the game to bed and solidify their Stanley Cup Championship.

It was a remarkable run for the Kings who just snuck into the playoffs after claiming the 8th seed. They were able to knock off the first seeded Vancouver Canucks in 5 games, the second seeded St. Louis Blues in 4 games and the third seeded Phoenix Coyotes in 5 games. They were the underdogs in each of the first 2 series, until they started getting more and more attention and then became the team to beat going into the Conference Finals and then the Stanley Cup Finals.

With a record of 16-4 in the Playoffs the Kings were able to win the Stanley Cup in just 20 games, and they lost just 1 game on the road truly remarkable. Jonathan Quick was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy as the MVP of the playoffs, he too played remarkable and was a major reason the Kings were hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup on Monday night.

It's just an honour to be on this team, I'm glad to be a part of it" Said Quick after the game Monday night.

Quick was more than just "a part" of this team for the first 3 rounds he was virtually the reason they succeeded. Finishing the playoffs with a 16-4 record and a 1.41 Goals Against Average which is the lowest goals against average in a single playoff year. He also set the record for highest Save Percentage with a .946. Adding to that list Quick set the record for most consecutive road victories in a single playoff year (10), and set a Kings record for most shutouts in a playoff year (3). But perhaps most remarkably Quick let in 2 or fewer goals in 18 of 20 games!
Quick has primed himself to win the Team U.S.A starting goaltending job for the 2014 Olympics making it even harder for Tim Thomas to come back and win the job.

Although the actual Philadelphia Flyers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs (by the New Jersey Devils) the Flyers played a huge role in the Kings winning the Stanley Cup.
Remember Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, the two guys who Paul Holmgem didn't feel were the right type of leaders to lead a team to a Stanley Cup? Now they both have won a Stanley Cup and were instrumental in the playoffs. Richards assisted on both of the first 2 goals and racked up 4 goals and 11 assists for 15 points while Carter finished with 8 goals and 5 assists for 13 points including 2 goals to help solidify the win. It was also very fitting that Richards passed the Cup to CarterWhile they weren't the "leaders" of the Kings their veteran presence and production went a long way in the Kings winning the Cup. But the connections to the Flyers don't just stop at Richards and Carter, fellow Kings teammate Simon Gagne who battled all season with concussion symptoms. Also joining the list of players with ties to the Flyers, Colin Fraser (drafted by Flyers in 2003) this was Fraser's second Stanley Cup. Ron Hextall, John Stevens, Dean Lombardi and Justin Williams all have tied to the Flyers organization.

The Los Angeles Kings have two thank you cards to hand out; One to Steve Bernier for giving them a 5 minute power play in which the Kings capitalized 3 times. And the second card to the Flyers for letting go of Richards, Carter and Gagne who played parts in the the Kings win and for letting go of so many players who have made the Kings (and other teams) very successful.

Hats off to the Los Angeles Kings for becoming the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Champions.

Kings vs. Devils Stanley Cup Preview

Show of hands how many of you picked the Stanley Cup final to be between the Los Angeles Kings and the New Jersey Devils? Now put your hands down and stop lying, no one saw these two teams making it to the Stanley Cup Finals. It wasn't until the Kings beat the Canucks that I knew they had a slight chance, and I never believed the Devils would make it all the way until they took the Rangers to game 7. Shoot, I was mildly surprised when they beat the Panthers.

Two teams that finished 8th and 6th are in the finals, just goes to show that once you make the playoffs anything can happen. So let's take a look back at each team's journey and then preview the match-up.

Los Angeles Kings
In their first series the 8th seeded Kings were up against the 1st seeded Canucks, not a place you want to be in to start off the playoffs. Many had the Canucks as the favorites to go all the way this year and prove they could win a cup. But the Kings had other plans and beat the favored Canucks in 5 games and possibly put an end to Roberto Loungo's tenure in Vancouver.

After upsetting the first seed team, they went on to face the #2 seeded St. Louis Blues. Once again the Kings were able to manhandle the Blues and knocked them off in 4 straight games. The coveted sweep made people start believing the Kings were the real deal.

Then in round three the Kings were up against Garry Bettman's team the Phoenix Coyotes. Despite some controversial overtime happenings in game 5, the Kings had little difficulty knocking off the desert dogs. They finished off the Coyotes in 5 games and won the series 4-1, and at this point you can't call it an upset anymore. The Kings have solidified themselves as the real deal.

Through the first 3 rounds of the playoffs the Kings have played in just 14 games, playing nearly flawless hockey.

New Jersey Devils
The Devils started their Stanley Cup run against the Florida Panthers, in a series that was mostly an afterthought Both teams play a rather boring style of game, making it painful to watch. None the less the Devils prevailed in 7 games, narrowly edging out the Panthers to win the series 4-3.

Next up for the Devils was the enormous task of the Philadalphia Flyers, who had come off a major win over the Penguins. Luckily for the Devils the Flyers left too much emotion in Pittsburgh and got overly happy with their first round win against their cross-state rivals, there wasn't much left for the Devils. To many people's surprise the Devils tore apart the Flyers fairly easily as they won the series in 5 games.

Next up was the first seeded team from the East, the New York Rangers. It was the battle of the goalies, Brodeur vs. Lundqvist, the old gaurd vs the new.Tthe 40 year old Brodeur surprised many a expert and played fantastic showing no signs of aging. In large part due to their goaltending the Devils were able to upset the Rangers in 6 games, winning the series 4-2.

Teeing up the series
These two teams met twice during the regular season with the Devils winning both games, so there is some familiarity between the two teams. But the Kings have changed a lot since last playing the Devils, a coaching change, acquiring Jeff Carter and having Jonathan Quick catch fire. It's likely to be a very close hard fought series that may very well go to 7 games (for the second final in a row).

Key factors


Goaltending:
This series, like many a finals before it, is likely to come down to goaltending. Arguably one of the best goalies in the league right now Jonathan Quick against a former best goaltender, an all-time great, the legend himself Martin Brodeur. This will likely be Brodeur's last playoff run/season in the league, while Quick is just beginning his career. Whichever goaltender performs better will end up winning the series for their team and perhaps skating away with the Conn Smythe trophy and well you know, the Stanley Cup. With the way these goalies play most games will likely be low scoring affairs, so expect some 2-1 games.
Edge Brodeur

A second chance:
Some players play hockey all their life, get drafted and play in the NHL but fail to reach the Stanley Cup finals, and even fewer make it back there for a second time. But for some former Flyers now on the Kings roster it's a second chance at glory. Mike Richards and Jeff Carter were part of the Flyers run to the Cup Finals in 2010. They lost. But now they're back for another crack at winning proffesional sports most prized possession, and they aren't the only former Flyers looking to win big. Kings assistant coach John Stevens is a former Flyers head coach, Kings forward Justin Williams is a former Flyer, Simon Gagne is also a former Flyer, King GM Dean Lombardi is a former scout for the Flyers and assistant GM Ron Hextall is one of the Flyers greatest goaltenders.
But the biggest ex-Flyers Richards and Carter have all eyes on them, how will they perform, will the trade end up biting Philly in the butt?

Role Players:
Both teams have superstar players they are counting on to produce and help them win the Cup. Ilya Kovalchuck and Zach Parise must be huge for the Devils and Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar must come up huge for the Kings. But the Cup will be decided by secondary scoring from guys you don't expect a great deal of. For the Devils rookie Adam Henrique and veteran David Clarkson both have 3 goals in these playoffs, and are the type of players you win with. They play a hard 2 way game and aren't afraid to get physical.
For the Kings Dustin Penner is a guy who could really step his game up. He had a rough season, but it's time to put that behind him and help his team win the cup!
Edge Devils

Americans
For the first time since 1999 the Stanley Cup will be lifted by an American born captain, both Zach Parise and Dustin Brown are American.
Edge Kings

Parise's possible last games as a Devil
Devils Captain Zach Parise will become an un-restricted free agent at the end of the year (July 1) and he hasn't signed a new contract with the Devils. He is 6th in playoff scoring with 14 points in 18 games, and will be one of the, if not the, most sought after free agents. It's not every day a top-line talent like Parise becomes available. But if the Devils are able to win the Cup it may convince him to stick around.

The European streak
The past two Stanley Cup champions started their season in Europe. The 09-10 Blackhawks played their first games in Finland, while last season's Bruins started in the Czech Republic. The Kings started this season in Europe as well, and are prepared to see the streak continue.

While this series doesn't hold the glamour a New York Ranger vs. Los Angeles Kings would hold, it still looks to be a pretty solid series. The series may get a little boring at times, but we should be in for an exciting finals.
My prediction Kings in 6

Penguins and Canucks in a hole

View this article on The Hockey Writers ----> Penguins and Canucks in a hole!

It's the best time of the year, or at least the best time of the NHL season, the playoffs! Sixteen teams battle it out for a chance to lift the Stanley Cup-- it's the NHL's second season. We're roughly 3 games into the playoffs and Stanley Cup favorites Pittsburgh and Vancouver find themselves in a rough spot, down 3 games to their opponents and on the verge of elimination. What the heck happened?

Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia: 3-0 series lead for the Flyers
This series has been by far the most physical series, anytime you get two teams who really don't like each other as much as these two you know stuff is going to happen. Even though it's a team effort during the playoffs, a lot of the blame for the Penguins mess falls squarely on the shoulders of Marc-Andre Fleury. In each of the first 3 games the Penguins came out and grabbed an early lead. In game 1 they were up 3-0, game 2 3-1, and game 3, 3-1 yet in each game they let the Flyers storm back and come out with the victory. The majority of the goals the Flyers have scored are not goals that should go in on a elite level goalie like Fleury, if the Penguins want to get back into this series they need their goalie to stop a puck and keep them in the game. Acquiring a lead but then losing it does no good, especially in the playoffs and against a team like the Flyers who never give up!
The other reasons the Pens find themselves in this hole is the Flyers have been dictating the play of this series. After seeing the WWE type of game Sunday it looked like the Penguins were trying to out tough the Flyers and that's not going to happen. What happened instead was the Penguins completely lost control and took far too many stupid penalties and shot themselves in the foot, the game yesterday quickly spiraled out of control and the game itself was lost.


Key players


Evgeni Malkin- Has anyone even noticed Malkin out there?
The Flyers have done an amazing job of shutting down the Penguins star player and have held him to just 4 assists in the 3 games. Malkin has yet to score and really get his game going in this series, he has not been benefiting the Pens, he's been hurting them and is a -4 through this series. He doesn't look like he wants to win.
If the Penguins want to claw their way back into the series and move on they need Malkin to score some goals and be a difference maker!
Claude Giroux and Daniel Briere- Talk about clutch, Briere has been putting the puck in the net and really breaking the back of the Penguins, he's proving that he is an amazing playoff player. Briere's scored 4 goals and lead or fuelled the Flyers comebacks.
Giroux has been another amazing player for the Flyers. Before the playoffs he said "I don't just want to be another player, I want to make a difference". Boy has he made a difference for the Flyers; hits, fights, and goals great leadership from such a young player! He's racked up 4 goals and 8 points and leads all players in points, goals and assists in the playoffs, the Flyers have a real gem in this kid.

If the Penguins want back in this series they will need Malkin to score a few goals and be more physical and get Fleury to stop some pucks and make key saves at the right time. But at the same time Flyers fans shouldn't just rest their hat on this series and with Bryzgalov, he too has not been anywhere near as good as the Flyers need him to be! Both these goalies have been off this series and really need to star playing like they should, the one that does make the key saves and steals a game for their team will be the winner.
For the Penguins sake I hope it's not too late!

Vancouver Canucks vs Los Angeles Kings: 3-0 series leads for the Kings

Oddly enough the problem with the Canucks has not been the goaltending, Luongo has actually been playing fairly well. It's the rest of the Canucks who haven't been playing well, it appears that not having Daniel Sedin in the lineup is taking a bigger effect on the Canucks than most expected. Henrik Sedin looks lost out there without his twin, there must have been a reason why they wanted to go to the same team! The rest of the Canucks forwards have not been able to pick up the play missing from their top player, because of the lack of production the Canucks are on the verge of elimination! Even putting Cody Schnieder in wasn't enough to spark the Canucks, he played extremely well in game 3 but his teammates didn't score a goal for him! The worst part for the Canucks is they aren't going to score a lot of goals on Kings goalie Jonathan Quick, this could be the beginning of the end for the Canucks. The proverbial window is closing!
If the Canucks are swept in 4 games, they will become the first team to win a President's trophy and then get swept in the first round of the playoffs.

Key Players


Henrik Sedin and Roberto Luongo- Even though Henrik is badly missing his brother out there, he needs to get over it and start producing for the Canucks. If he plays better his brother can get a chance to get back out there with him. If he doesn't start scoring he won't have the opportunity to win a cup or have his brother back with him. He's got some great line mates replacing his brother they are more than capable of scoring goals, it's about time to start scoring again!
Luongo had been great for the Canucks in the start of this series and is not the reason for them being behind the 8 ball. Luongo needs to keep playing like he is and the Canucks will have a chance to climb back into their series and make history.
Jonathan Quick- Quick is a major reason why the Kings have manhandled the Canucks in the first 3 games. He's a great goalie and has been shutting down the door, not allowing rebounds and limiting his opponents to just 2 goals. In the third game he faced 41 shots and stopped all of them earning his first career playoff shutout. If the Kings manage to eliminate the Canucks, the next team they face should be fearful of Quick and be able to score.

Bottom line is the Canucks and Penguins have been out played and out smarted by their opponents, the two teams most fans picked to come out of their respective conferences and face off for the Stanley Cup are on the verge of being eliminated after just 4 games. This proves that the playoffs are a different ball game whatever happened during the season is gone, no matter where teams ranked going into the playoffs it seriously no longer matters. It now comes down to what you do night in and night out. You can't get by on reputation alone!