Maple Leafs @ Bruins Game 5 Preview

Game 4 was probably the best hockey game I have seen this year. Not that the Bruins played awesome, but in terms of excitement it was off the charts. One thing that has bothered me is that I keep hearing these whispers of not liking Rask. I thought he played unreal in that game. Yea, he let up 3 goals, but he also made some incredible saves and kept them in it while the Bruins played a lot of flat footed hockey.

The Bruins don't like to make things easy on themselves, which has been worried about tonight. Logic would say that going home after beating them in overtime on their ice, that the Bruins should roll over them. Yet, it's just as likely that the Bruins play uninspired hockey, and get blown out.

So, why am I picking the Bruins. Well because Seguin is do for a big game, and I think it's happening tonight. He has been flat out terrible in my eyes in this series, but I have faith in him. I think he comes through big tonight (2 goals), and the Bruins win.

Bruins win 4-1
Player of the Game: Seguin
Game starts at 7pm

Stanley Cup Roundup

As always, there are some seriously good series being played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. All Original Six teams made the playoffs, the top two markets in the country (New York, LA) each have two teams in the mix, Canada was well-represented, and there are no teams from truly poor hockey markets like Phoenix or Nashville. And we're already rid of the Vancouver Canucks.

Sharks 4, Canucks 3 (OT) - Sharks win series 4-0

Vancouver went with Cory Schneider and it didn't really work out. This was a matchup between teams that perennially choke in the playoffs, so one of them had to advance and one had to be embarrassed. I had to post a pic of a hot girl in Vancouver colors, since I won't have a chance to post anymore in the upcoming weeks.

Blackhawks 3, Wild 0 - Blackhawks lead series 3-1

Chicago only lost 7 games in regulation this season, and Minnesota doesn't appear to be much of a match for them. The Wild aren't healthy and the Blackhawks have Patrick Sharp, who had 2 goals in the game and has 4 in the series.

Senators 3, Canadiens 2 (OT) - Senators lead series 3-1

Only 8 penalty minutes in this game. There were about 30 times as many penalty minutes in the previous game. Montreal got conservative in the 3rd period and it screwed them. Ottawa grinded out a pair of goals. Carey Price appeared to hurt his groin at the end of the 3rd and backup Peter Budaj allowed the Kyle Turris game-winner. Ottawa scares me more than any other team in the East. They're getting 110% from their talent and they've been working their asses off all season. Every game they played against the Bruins was close and they got better and better against the B's as the season progressed.

Islanders 6, Penguins 4 - Series tied 2-2

The Penguins have the best skaters in the NHL. No doubt about it. They're stacked. Unfortunately, their goalie is Marc-Andre Fleury. He allowed 6 goals on 24 shots. One fourth of the shots on goal went by him. And some of them were hideous. He's allowed 14 goals in the last 3 games, and Vokoun might get the start in Game 5.

Tonight's games...

7:00pm - Bruins @ Maple Leafs - Bruins lead series 2-1 - NESN/NHL Network
The Bruins need to remain consistent. Tonight they have an opportunity to start burying Toronto's grave. They also have an opportunity to give Toronto a second life.

7:30pm - Capitals @ Rangers - Capitals lead series 2-1 - NBC Sports
The Rangers were up against it and Game 3 and came through. Washington looks good, they have Ovechkin, they have depth, and the Rangers don't seem to know how to win playoff series. However, the Caps will have to find another gear to knock them out.

9:00pm - Kings @ Blues - Series tied 2-2 - CNBC
The defending Champions don't look as sharp as they did last year. I haven't seen much of this series but St. Louis has looked good from what I have seen. And Jonathan Quick has looked human.

10:00pm - Red Wings @ Ducks - Series tied 2-2 - NBC Sports
This series is a big reason why Detroit will be moving to the Eastern Conference. A fanbase in the Eastern Time zone is forced to watch playoff games at 10:00pm. On weeknights. Not good for business. One good thing is if Detroit wins they could face Midwest rival Chicago in the next round. And if Anaheim wins they could face California rival LA.

-The Captain

Bruins @ Maple Leafs Game 3 Preview

The Bruins were tough to watch in Game 3. They were flat footed, and other than some small flashes really didn't do anything right, which was their problem during the end of the season they are just too inconsistent.

I really don't think the Maple Leafs are that good. They have some good offensive players, but the Bruins have a good enough defensive team to shut them down. They question with the Bruins seems to be energy. They go through these lulls that ruin them. I agree with Rob, it's starts with Lucic. When he is hitting and player hard, the Bruins are a much better team. When he disappears, I feel it kills that line and makes life a lot harder.

I think the Bruins bounce back tonight. They are going to need to get through the first 5 minutes, as I think the Maple Leafs will come out with a lot of energy.

Bruins win 3-1
Player of the Game: Rask
Game starts at 7pm

Maple Leafs @ Bruins Game 1 Preview

The NHL playoffs are finally here. Yet, I think you'll notice that most Bruins fans are pretty nervous. The Bruins haven't been playing well. They are just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games, and really haven't looked sharp in awhile.

Peverley and Hamilton are expected to be scratched for tonight. I get Hamilton getting scratched, but I am shocked with Peverley. I know he had a tough year, but he was their leading scorer in last year's playoffs.

Anyways, it will be interesting to see if the Bruins can play a complete game. Also, it'll be interesting to see how Jagr plays since he is said to be really sick. The Bruins have had very good luck against the Maple Leafs winning 11 of their last 13 at TD Garden, but Boston has to find a way to put the puck in the net. They have scored just 8 in their last nine games.

I don't believe in Toronto at all, and I think the Bruins will play inspired hockey now that the playoffs are finally here.

Bruins win 4-2
Player of the Game: Seguin
Game starts at 7pm