What you missed last night while you were voting in any of the governor or mayor elections around the country

Lightning beat the Maple Leafs in OT, 2-1: Phil Kessel, whatever. He was impressive last night because he took a lot of shots? Alright Toronto media, I guess this is the honeymoon period. The vegas line for games until the Toronto media rips him for not scoring is 4.5. I'm taking the under. "The Monster" - I don't even care about remembering the Maple Leafs goalie's name - had a good game. The one goal he gave up was the result of 2 mistakes: First, he played the puck right to Matias Ohlund. Ohlund then ripped a low hard shot on net, that rebounded perfectly to Vinny Lecavalier. Whoever was doing color commented that Euro goalies have trouble playing the puck in smaller NHL rinks, but also, rebound angles are different as well. With Vinny's slow start, I'm surprised he hasn't fought more.

Thrashers beat the Canadiens, 5-4: If I was clever, this entire recap would be in French. I don't understand, was this game not broadcast in English anywhere? I think the next time this happens, I'm going to open a nice bottle of red and really explore the French space. This also makes me realize how important the play-by-play guy is.

Canucks win over the Rangers, 4-1: The line of Mason Raymond-Ryan Kesler-Rick Rypien might be the fast in the NHL. Also they need a nickname. I'm going with "The Law Firm." Think about it: "Raymond-Kesler-Rypien and Associates will represent you!" I'm sold.

Red Wings shut-out the Bruins, 2-0: Was this shut-out a result of a) Osgood turning the corner or b) the piss-poor Bruins offense? I'm going to say B with a little A sprinkled in. Osgood made some good saves and even 1 or 2 great ones, but the Bruins miss Sarvard and no one else is really stepping up consistently for their scoring.

Penguins beat the Ducks, 4-3: I think the Ducks have to make a decision with their goaltending. Pick a starter already and trade the other one. Nashville, Toronto, Florida (maybe), and Detroit (eventually) are probably looking for tenders.

What you missed last night while you were making last minute adjustments to your halloween costume

Oilers beat the Red Wings in the shoot-out, 6-5:
I can't believe that
Howard didn't get pulled. I
guess Osgood ain't good.

Canucks beat the Kings in the shoot-out, 2-1:
Kopitar did all
he could, but couldn't score. Nucks,
do fine with guys hurt.

Lightning beat the Senators, 5-2:
No sophomore slump for
Stamkos. Can we call it a
Sophomore step up? Slam?

Capitals beat the Thrashers, 4-3:
As long as Ovy
keeps on pace, I am happy.
50 in 50!

Coyotes shut-out the Blues, 2-o:
If the Coyotes
make the play-offs and no one
comes. Does it still count?

Devils beat the Bruins, 2-1:
Both of the Devils'
goals literally slipped through
Tim Thomas' legs

Predators shut-out the Blackhawks, 1-0:
This is a score you
hardly ever see at all
anymore. I'm done!

What you missed last night while you were eating a superb burger

Red Wings beat the Canucks, 5-4: Maybe the Wings shouldn't start Osgood until the 2nd half of the season or maybe he gets all his bad start out of the way now. The 2 goals he have up last night were softer than soft. So air? Yes, they were air goals. That doesn't make sense. Anyway, the Wings came back, because they are the Wings. And Tomas Holmstrom was in front. And thats how it goes

Avalanche shut-out the Oilers, 3-0: I know we are only through 1/8 of the season, but are the Avalanche actually good? And can Craig Anderson keep this pace up? The answers to these questions are yes and maybe. The Avalanche were terrible last year, but mostly because of injuries and terrible goaltending. Not only is there 1st round pick playing, but their 2nd round pick is in the lineup and actually playing better. Plus it seems like some of the west (ducks, wings) have gotten worse.

Capitals beat the Flyers, 4-2: Semin's game winner was so amazing. His wrister isn't even fundamentally sound. He shots off his back foot with no weight transfer. Its all wrist. Unreal.

What you missed last night while you were watching some unknown bands at a CMJ show

Friday, haikus, you know the drill.

Canadiens beat the Islanders, 5-1:
Islanders got their
first win and then go right back
to their losing ways.

Oilers beat the BJs, 6-4:
Best game of the night
and not just because of the
sweet Oiler jerseys.

Predators beat the Senators in OT, 6-5:
A back and forth game
with tons of goals ends with a
Weber game-winner.

Kings beat the Stars, 5-4:
Kopitar's hat trick
had 3 good goals, but the first
was pure skill and stretch.

Coyotes beat the Red Wings in OT, 3-2:
Every year I
am down on Osgood, but come
on! What a soft goal!

Capitals beat the Thrashers, 5-4:
How can the Caps score
5 and Ovy has zero?
He needs to keep pace!

Lightning win over the Sharks, 5-2:
Mike Smith always wants
to play the puck. Stamkos scored
again. Worst haiku?

Devils beat the Rangers, 4-2:
Nemmy texted me,
"I love when the rangers lose
at home." Me too, Nem.

Flyers beat the Bruins in the shoot-out, 5-4:
When will we get to
see the Bruins third jerseys?
Not till the Classic?

What you missed last night because you were drinking since 11

Penguins beat the Red Wings, 4-2 (series tied 2-2): What a game. I'll just run through the goals:
1-0 PIT - lots of shots from the slot and Osgood made a good first save. How exactly did Malkin slide that puck far side under Osgood? Great celebration.
1-1 - Great active stick (copyright: edzo) by Darren Helm. He first took away the boards, but then jumped the breakout pass and sniped a quick release shot, short side and high.
2-1 DET - What is Bill Guerin doing screening Marc-Andre Fleury on that play? MAF had no chance on a professional shot from Brad Stuart. Speaking of MAF, is Andre his middle name or does he have another middle name, could he be Marc-Andre Pierre-Luc Fleury?
2-2 - Just a sick goal from Jordan Staal. It was Eric-esqe. It was short-handed. It was huge. Tiny Rafalski had no chance once Staal decided to power move it. And Osgood had no chance either with that long reach and perfect low, stick side shot.
3-2 PIT - How does Malkin regain that puck and make a perfect pass on the second try? And Kris Letang absolutely crushed Crosby in the celebration.
4-2 PIT - SICK pass from Crosby. Anyone (not anyone in the league, actually anyone) could score that goal that Tyler Kennedy did. But that pass from Crosby - wow. As a fan, you see it develop, but to one touch it cross ice perfectly. Well, thats just special.

I really, really liked, that when they showed the Penguins getting off the ice at the end of the game no one looked happy. That shows me that they know they haven't accomplished anything yet. I like that anger and determination

Now its a best of 3, and unfortunately for the Penguins 2 of those games are at the Joe. This series has been great. Maybe some OT - that'd be nice.

Rematch!

Thank god that the Finals can start this weekend and we don't have to sit through the dreaded bye-week.

I don't care about Marian Hossa. He's been mostly invisible this post season except for one game. Either he'll make a difference or he'll completely shirk, because he's embarrassed that he's facing the team he dissed.

Although the Pens team has changed more than the Wings from last year, its like they also got Malkin back who sucked in the playoffs in 08.

If the Wings win, wouldn't Osgood get the Conn Smythe. Maybe regardless of the winner the Conn Smythe will go to either Crosby or Malkin.

Let's get it on!

Its hard to go against the Wings, but with Malkin grooving and the Wings sneaky banged up, I'm taking the Penguins in 6.

-Bress

Make your pick in the comments. Here are the leaders:

Bress – 53

Cornelius– 51

Nemmy – 42

Alex – 74

Moe –41

Heals – 46

Brando – 41

Mac – 43

What you missed last night because VersusHD was frozen

Red Wings beat the Blackhawks in OT, 2-1 (DET wins series 4-1): Great game and the result was needed so that we (the fans) didn't have to wait and wait for the finals to begin. Huet was surprisingly fantastic and so was Osgood. "The Shift" this year belongs to Darren Helms forecheck on the penalty kill. Pat Kane's backhand was sick, but it took too long for him to get going. I love the rematch. I'll update The 2Man play-off game and give a prediction tomorrow.

What you missed last night because you were fundraising for a 3-day breast cancer walk

Red Wings beat the Ducks 4-3, (DET wins series, 4-3): Nik Lidstrom had a sneaky bad game. He didn't clear out the front of the net or make great break out passes. Datsyuk still didn't score. And you know what - the Red Wings still won. It took a sick goal with great hand-eye coordination from Dan Cleary, but they won. Chris Osgood played pretty darn well also.

Hurricanes beat the Bruins in OT, 3-2 (CAR wins series 4-3): Well, that sucked. First of all regulation was great. Joni Pitkanin's pass to Sergei Samsonov was superb, so was Sarvard banking it off the side of the net to Lucic, whose sneaky quick hands got the puck upstairs quickly. In OT, it didn't look like the Bruins had it, but I also didn't think that Scott Walker would knock in a rebound of mid air. Nice sprint out by Tim Thomas - guess he forgot about the handshake.


I'll have the updated standings and picks in a post later today

The Final 4... series that is

Bruins vs Hurricanes:

• Besides the Rangers, this is the best match-up the Bruins could have asked for. Cam Ward might be able to steal a game, but Eric Staal is going to face Zdeno Chara every freaking game, so who knows how much Carolina will be able to score.
• Bruins in 6

Capitals vs Penguins:

• The only guarantee besides Pierre Maguire creaming himself while being between these benches is that you will see some great hockey.
• The key to this series is Simeon Varlamav - Is he to dumb to realize where he is or will the pressure get to him. Caps fans, if you see Theodore in net, the series is over.
• Penguins in 7

Red Wings vs Ducks

• This series has all the makings for an upset for the Wings
• Hot goalie, physical team, and superhot scoring line on the Ducks might chase Osgood.
• I'm going to follow Scotty's logic though (I know) - In seven games can anyone beat the best?
• Red Wings in 7

Canucks vs Blackhawks

• Probably the best goaltending match up of the 4 series
• I like the youth and scoring of the Hawks over the experience and grit of the Canucks
• Blackhawks in 7

Here is the leaderboard after the 1st round (put your 2nd round picks in the comments)

Bress – 28

Cornelius– 40

Nemmy – 24

Mr. W – 22

Moe -31

Heals – 27 (swept the east)

Brando – 17

Lars – 16

Alex – 51

Mac – 24

Hark -31

What you missed last night while you were changing too slow

Devils shut-out the Hurricanes, 1-o (NJD lead series 3-2): Brodeur was one better than Cam Ward and thats all it came down to. A tip from David Clarkson - shot actually broke his stick - was all the Devils needed. I like how Brodeur, in the game after his meltdown, pitched a shut-out. Thats leadership and a veteran calm. Not much more to say about this game, except that between this and the Caps/Rangers series, its showing that 1-0 games can be exciting.

Ducks shut-out the Sharks, 4-0 (ANH leads series 3-1): The Ducks have one line. Really. Teemu Selanne is playing with Andrew Ebbits. Rob Neidermayer is a great grind guy. The Ducks only have one scoring line and Sharks can't keep up. Bobby Ryan (rookie stud), Corey Perry (freak stud), and Ryan Getzlaf (stud stud) roll through San Jose like they roll through SoCal. Is this really how its going to end for the Sharks? Also, Nabakov sneaky sucks this series.

Flyers shut-out the Penguins, 3-0 (PIT leads series 3-2): Holy crap, there were a lot of shut-outs last night. Not much to say about this game. Flyers did what they need to do. Penguins seemed slow. Back to Philly.

Red Wings win over the BJs, 6-5 (DET wins series 4-0): Heartbreaker for the BJs. Not that they would have won the series or even the game if it went to OT, but to comeback (twice!) and lose it shorthanded because of too many men on the ice call. That hurts. Also, imagine if Steve Mason actually played like he did in the regular season. This could have been a series or at least one more game. For everyone else in the West, if you can shut-down that offense, Osgood didn't look too sharp last night.

What you missed last night while you were miss-playing a line drive to left field

Canucks beat the Blues in OT, 3-2 (VAN win series 4-0): I finally got an OT call right. Anyway, the OT was probably the best (almost) period that the Blues played all series. If not for repeatedly shooting at Roberto Luongo's chest, they might have won that game. Chris Mason actually made the better of the saves, but was once again supsetable to the weak five-hole shot. Did you catch Burrow's celebration? Yea, it was the bow-and-arrow tribute to Luc Bourdon. Got to love that.

Penguins beat the Flyers, 3-1 (PIT leads series 3-1): Marc-Andre Fluery was the difference in this game. He got peppered with 46 shots and made 45 saves, some in that you might categorize as sensational. The Flyers played well, real well. Mike Richards was an absolute beast on the ice, but it came down to Fleury making saves and Biron, not.

Sharks beat the Ducks, 4-3 (ANH lead series 2-1): The Sharks persevered last night in spite of Evegeni Nabakov. He was kind of awful - Carey Price level soft goals. Scoring 4, should give the Sharks confidence, especially since it was their big guns doing the work.

Red Wings beat the BJs, 4-1 (DET leads series 3-0): Before the puck dropped, Fox Sports Ohio (or whoever shows the BJs games on Center Ice) gave the viewers a look inside the BJs locker room. Wow, they were fucking tense. Not one smile. Just a lot of guys saying cliches ("play our game," etc). Then the Red Wings killed the crowd with that early Holmstrom goal. How impressive was it, that Hossa got the rebound upstairs so quickly off his backhand? Anyway, story of the series, Nash a non-factor and Osgood non-sucking.

Hurricanes beat the Devils, 4-3 (series tied 2-2): What a comeback ruined! Devils fight back from 3-0. Score 2 in the final period and then let up the game winner with less than a second. This is when a short memory comes in handy. Does anyone else think Brodeur acts the same way he did at the end of this game as when some takes the last drumstick at dinner?

Weekend Wrap Up OR Twitter makes me look like a fool

So a little background, ever since I can remember when a play-off game goes into overtime, everyone who I am with picks a winner from each team. If you follow The2Man twitter, you can see a time line of Bress' incorrect picks.

Anyway, the first weekend of playoff hockey was a great one. I'm not sure if its obvious to everyone, but you can just feel the players turning it up, tightening the D, and its only the first round!

Here are some surprises from the first round:

• The Rangers - seriously. Look everyone knew that only shot they had was Lundqvist, but I don't htink anyone expected him to pitch a shut-out on the road and have the Rangers be up 2-0 going back to the garden.
• Claude Giroux - kid had 51 points in 19 play-off games in the Q play-offs last year. And then with the big boys does plays like this:

that, my friends, is a penalty kill

• Chris Osgood - look, its not like he's the reason the Wings are up 2-0, but come on, he's doing what he needs to do and didn't Theodore a game. (yes, Theodore is now a verb).
• John Toews - Yes, he's the captain, doing what a captain should do in the play-offs. But my god, he's only 19 in his first play-offs ever (I don't count the frozen 4, those are single eliminations games)
• 
  

Its a sick pass, but Toews knows to put it upstairs.

Not Surprises:

• The Red Wings dominating
• 
  

If you can not hit Holmstrom, you'll score.

• The Canadiens/Bruins and Philly/Pitt series being all out wars.
  
• The Devils/Canes series being very low scoring.
• St.Louis about to get swept
• The Sharks getting upset. Jonas Hiller is not Swiss cheese.

What did I miss?

-bress

What you missed last night while you on a late night duane reade run

Blackhawks beat the Flames in OT, 3-2 (lead series (1-0): I incorrectly called the winner, but didn't mind, at all, watching Havlat finish off a hell of a game. I'm not going to talk about the goalie interference - everyone just stop it. Part of this game is the human factor of the refs. Everyone always gets calls for and against them. Its frustrating, but don't let it ruin the game for you. The crowd at the United Center was out of control - surging with the Hawks rushes. I love that - you know when you here the crowd get excited just their team is developing an opportunity. Watch high-lights and listen to the crowd on Kane's semi break away. Anyway, there was so much goodness in this game. Toews was an absolute beast. He'll be in our top 5.

Red Wings bet the BJs, 4-1 (lead series 1-0): This game was a pleasant surprise in the physicality, but otherwise I was dissapointed with the Jackets game. Osgood was a nice surprise and thats not good for Red Wing haters or even fans who think Osgood is the achilles heel of the team.

Bruins beat the Canadiens, 4-1 (lead series 1-0): This game had a little bit of everything to please all hockey fans. Great saves by Timmy Thomas, for those who love to the most athletic players on the ice show off their stuf. Great hitting, all you have to do is watch Lucic. Some super vision - Metropolit seeing and moving the puck quickly to Higgins for the Canadiens first goal or Ryder putting the puck into perfect space for Krejci's backhand goal. It was all there and Kovalev's goal shows why he is the mayor of Snipe City. And of course, don't forget all the salt.

Ducks shut-out the Sharks, 2-0 (lead series 1-0): This was the absolute worst case scenario for the Sharks. Losing the first game, getting shut-out, all of it. If you take away one thing to remember from this game, let it be - Getzlaf's snap shot. It was the nail-in-the-coffin goal and it was bar and in. For that goal, Getzlaf get an honary key to Snipe City.

What you missed last night while you were dreaming about Doug Weight

Senators beat the Canadiens, 3-2: Alexei Kovalev is the mayor of Snipe City. He beat Gerber saturday night with a sick shot on the power play. And his quick release beat Auld to the far side last night. If Kovalev's the mayor, then Heatley must be the deputy sheriff of Snipe City. He walked into the wrister that was the game winner. Halak never had a chance. Tonight the Canadiens need the win versus the Rangers. Anyone know what channel that game is on?

Red Wings beat the Sabres, 4-1: Hossa got 39 and 40 last night. He is just having a superb year and should probably win the Selke. Osgood played very solidly last night except on the one goal he gave up, he kind of pulled the ol' statue of liberty hold up the glove, but I don't have the puck move. Reminds me of Pat Roy in the playoffs years ago.

Flames win over the Kings, 4-1: The Flames really, just kind of dominated the game last night. It was like they knew they were better and just played that way. A nice ugly goal from poor-man's Owen Nolan, Craig Conroy. Then a sweet one-timer from Iggy and a nice pass from Conroy to Moss who finished. When Calgary plays this well they will dominate.

What you missed last night while you were learning the samba with LT

Flames beat the Red Wings, 5-3: Chris Osgood got pulled after giving up 3 goals on 14 shots. Thats bad in itself, but have you seen the goals? Two of them were banked off Osgood and the other, well, he just should have had it. Think about Osgood's career arc in Detroit: Goat (losing the sharks in 7 games>contributor (Wings win cup with him)>hero (last years cup win)>possible goat again. Also, did anyone see Nik Lidstrom's neutral zone slap pass to Maltby? Silly.

Flyers beat the Devils, 4-2: Jeff Carter was trade bait last year and now he has 40 goals. A little patience goes a long way. The Devils now look like last weeks Bruins and the Flyers look like last years team. That is good stuff for Philly fans. Also, how good of a hockey name is Darren Powe? Awesome.

Hurricanes beat the Panthers, in OT, 3-2: The Panthers got a point, but are falling apart down the stretch. Its unfortunate. I want to see them in the playoffs. They have good youth and smart veterans and good keepers. Seriously, Carolina is playing super good hockey right now and will probably upset someone in the first round of the playoffs. Ray Whitney, one-timer, was the game winner. The pass was from Joni Pitkanen, who faked a slap shot and passed it cross-zone.