Second Round Picks

Since I did so well in my 1st round picks, including my pick of Montreal over Washington, I figured I should probably blog it this time so that there was some more tangible proof besides my conversations with people. So here are my second round picks, with some basic explanations as to why I'm making them.

Pittsburgh vs. Montreal

My pick: Pittsburgh

Why?: Once again, just I said for the Habs series versus the Caps, I'm warning that this is going to be a much more difficult series than people realize. A lot of that is based on the goaltending of Jaroslav Halak, but it's also because of Jacques Martin's ability to create a defensive game plan. In the end though, the Pens will be just too much for the Habs to handle. There are fundamental differences between the Caps and the Pens that makes this series infinitely more difficult for Montreal to win. Chief among those is Pittsburgh's ability to play defense when it matters. Unlike Washington, who has some very subject goaltending, it's very difficult to score on the Pens from the perimeter. That means getting to the front of the net and getting a lot of dirty goals on Fleury. While Fleury hasn't looked stellar so far in these playoffs, it is hard to get clear net drive through the centre lane against the Pens. Their strength is down the middle, and with that strength is both size and speed which will make it much more difficult for Montreal to score goals in this series. Is it likely that Halak can steal a game or two in this series? Absolutely. And if he manages to steal the right one or two, this could become a very interesting series in a real hurry, but in all fairness, and with loads of respect to Halak, I think the Pens get this done.

Boston vs. Philadelphia

My Pick: Boston

Why?: If you look at these two teams on paper, they are actually remarkably similar. Both have oversized forwards, and both have a singular tower of strength on the back end. The biggest difference between these teams is goaltending. Boston has two, and the Flyers have to hope Brian Boucher doesn't falter. The Bruins have the luxury of knowing that Rask is going to hold them in pretty much every game they play. He may manage to steal a game, but in all likelihood, he's not going to lose you game. This series will be incredibly physical though, and that essentially means that neither team, regardless of the winner will survive the Eastern final, no matter who they play. In the end, I'm counting on Boston's goaltending to be just a little bit better than Philly's and get them the win.

Dalton Smith: NHL Prospect Profile/Scouting Report

Photo courtesy of Blitzen Photography & Ottawa 67's Fan Blog

Team: Ottawa 67’s
League: Ontario Hockey League
Position: LW
Born: June 30, 1992
Hometown: Oshawa, ON
Height: 6.01
Weight: 195

Report Card (Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor)

Tyler Toffoli: NHL Prospect Profile/Scouting Report

Photo courtesy of Blitzen Photography & Ottawa 67's Fan Blog

Team: Ottawa 67’s
League: Ontario Hockey League
Position: RW / C
Born: April 24, 1992
Hometown: Scarborough, ON
Height: 6.00
Weight: 180

Report Card (Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor)

Killing The Game We Love

Sunday morning, if you're a real hockey fan, you woke up to watch a tournament that is under appreciated year after year in Canada. The under 18 World Championships are something that just haven't consistently gotten a whole lot of media attention. The fact that the tournament consistently starts around the same time as the first round of the NHL playoffs doesn't exactly make it an easy sell to the typical fan of the game. It is a great tournament though, and it gives the diehard fan a chance to peak into the future of the NHL. It's also a great indication of where the national program is heading, and this year, more than any other, I'm terrified about the future of hockey in Canada.

That's right, I said terrified. That's not meant to belittle the young men who have dedicated themselves to the game and earned the right to wear the maple leaf of their chests. The young men playing for Canada put up a valiant effort in their game against Sweden this morning. There is no doubt about the heart and the courage that they showed. They even showed that typical Canadian hockey attitude that says you never ever give up, and you're never out of it. For that, those young men can't be faulted. Still, the result is cause for concern. A lot of concern.

For those that haven't been following here are the pool standings before Sunday's loss:

Now, in fairness, Canada has never done particularly well at this tournament. The fact that is conflicts with the CHL playoffs means that there are still many eligible players that aren't on Team Canada's roster. Still, there should be more than enough players available to make Canada competitive, just as it has been in the past. This year is a sign of something different.

There has to be great concern at this point, that we are pricing talent out of hockey. Hockey has never been a cheap sport to play. I can't remember a time in my involvement in the game that parents have chosen hockey for their kids because it's cheap. The fact is that hockey will always be a financial obstacle for most families. It should never be a financial impossibility though; and that's precisely what it has become.

All one has to do is consider the cost disparity between rural or small urban organizations, and large urban population centres. I grew up playing the vast majority of my minor hockey in Carleton Place, Ontario. Carleton Place is a bedroom community to Ottawa, loaded with government employees and small industry. This is what their current registration pricing looks like:

Without question, the current pricing structure creates huge access issues. Most families simply can't afford $500 for one child to play hockey. Especially when the cost of equipment, and travel enter the equation. There is one particular detail that I want to point out though. There is no pricing based on talent or potential.

Next, the pricing structure for Nepean Minor Hockey, Ottawa's largest minor hockey association:

How the Sens can crush the Pens

via B_Hurdis

The playoffs are kicking off tonight, and the talking heads have had their say. Few are picking the Sens to really challenge the Pens in the first round. Almost every prognosticator, regardless of the team they chose say this series ends in 6 games. Most, including the formerly bias Ian Mendes, are saying that Ottawa gives the Pens a run, but Pittsburgh comes out on top. But, there's also the belief that if Ottawa plays this series right, they can move on to the second round. Here's how they do it:

The primary focus of every "expert" is Sidney Crosby. Crosby, they say, is an immovable object; an unstoppable force. And against most of the league, that's true. But, here's Crosby's stat line against the Sens this year:

vs. Ottawa 4 0 3 3 -3 2 12 0.0 0 2 0 0 0 0 21:19 28:25

That's 3 assists, with 12 shots on goal over 4 games averaging 21:19 on ice.

That's an impressive stat line if you're Ottawa, but what does it mean? Well, it means taking Crosby out of the equation is a simple formula that's hard to succeed at. First, you need to make him play defensively. That means matching him up against your top line. Second, you have to limit his shooting avenues. That means keeping him to the outside and making sure you have back pressure from your forwards. You can't let the 80 year old Bill Guerin beat you up the ice if you're Jason Spezza, or Daniel Alfredsson, or whoever gets thrown onto the other wing. Simple enough. Keep Sid to the outside and clog the middle of the ice with backchecking forwards.

Obviously the first two games will be difficult in that regard because the Pens will have last change. The 2nd period, with the long change will be especially hard. That means constant awareness by every player. The matchup in this series is very important. But, as the Sens have proven so far this year Sid can be shut down if everyone is on their game.

Stopping Sid from scoring is possible, but you still have to manage to score your own goals. Marc-Andre Fleury has proven over the last two years that he is an elite goalie come playoff time, so how do you beat him?

In order to prove my point, here's a goal map from Ottawa's 6-2 win over the Pens earlier this year:

Mike Hoffman: Ottawa Senators Prospect/Scouting Report

I had the chance to check out Saint John Sea Dogs star forward and Ottawa Senators prospect, Mike Hoffman at the Rob Guertin Arena in Gatineau tonight. Hoffman did not disappoint.

Mike Hoffman is a 20-year old native of Kitchener, Ontario. He was drafted 130th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2009. Considering his late round status, I really didn't go into the game expecting much.

Boy was I wrong. Mike Hoffman was all over the ice tonight. He was playing the point on the power play, taking faceoffs and even playing along the wing. Hoffman's skating and hard shot are two things that stood out the most.

Everything about Hoffman's skating impressed me. Not only was he fast, but he had very quick feet. His mobility was phenomenal - his footwork, his pivots, and over all his agility were all signs that complement the argument that his skating is already at the NHL standards.

Hoffman also showcased his shot. He had a great slapshot and an even better wrist shot. Not only was the shot quick and hard, but it was, for the most part, very accurate. He is was a great addition on the point for the Sea Dog's powerplay.

I wouldn't consider Hoffman a gritty player, but he sure doesn't shy away from physical play. If he could add a few more pounds and a few more muscles during the off season, I feel this could elevate his game to a whole new level.

Another positive was Hoffman's great vision and his hockey IQ. Hoffman was very aware of where his teammates were and tried to put himself in positions to open lanes and create more open ice.