Stanley Cup Finals!

If you are not excited for the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, just watch game one tonight, and I dare you not to watch the rest of the series.  Tonight starts the best sporting event you can watch.  The intensity, speed, grit, teamwork, and skill that will be displayed by the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings is unmatched in the athletic world.  What makes it better is we get at least four games and in this series the likelihood of six or seven!  The Kings are hot, and it is hard seeing them stumble at all with the pace they have played at the first three rounds.  This extra time off since the Conference Finals means they will be rested and eager to continue the high flying run they are on.  The Devils have built their confidence through the playoffs to where they are now, poised to play their best hockey of the season at the most important time.

The lead is of course the goaltenders.  Jonathan Quick has turned in the best performance of the post season only losing two games and backstopping the Kings to eight straight road victories.  He has been unflappable between the pipes and allows the Kings to open up their game offensively with constant pressure on opposing team's defense.  Quick has never been in this position at the highest level, but continues to make game changing saves and instill confidence in his team.  He will need to continue this play for the Kings to win the series, and if he does, will undoubtedly be the Conn Smythe winner.

You cannot talk Quick, however, without talking about the man standing across from him.  The man that will go down as the greatest goalie of all time with or without winning this series.  Martin Brodeur is a phenomenon still playing at this level as he reaches forty years old.  His athletic style always makes games an adventure, but there is no questioning his ability to stop the puck.  He makes all the "easy" saves that always keep his team in games and more importantly with a chance to win night in and night out.  His leadership and experience is unmatched and this gives the Devils a slight edge.  Young guys bring enthusiasm and energy, but the veterans like Brodeur are the even keel that keeps a team focused and mentally prepared to be great and excel on the biggest stage. 

It's a good thing there are two quality goalies in this series because there will be a lot of offense with many great scoring chances to be had.  Both teams are deep showing the ability to score with their third line and put pressure on with their fourth.  Both teams also have offensive stars.  The King's Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Mike Richards are matched by Zach Parise, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Travis Zajac.  All these guys make game changing plays every night and this must continue for their team to hoist the Cup.  Brown and Kopitar need to find the back of the net shorthanded at least once this series while maintaining their excellent penalty kill.  Kovalchuk has been a goal scoring machine on the powerplay so he will be ready to bury the biscuit when given the chance.  The Kings seem to have more proven guys that can score, but the Stanley Cup loves unlikely heroes.  The team that maintains their speed of play will be the winner.

Defensively the Kings get all the press led by Drew Doughty.  Doughty has played exceptionally well this postseason becoming an anchor in the defensive zone.  The Kings roll six d-men which keeps the legs fresh and allows them to be more active offensively while still dominating in their own end.  Rob Scuderi, Willie Mitchell, and Matt Greene bring the veteran grit of successful playoff defensemen while young guys Alec Martinez and Slava Voynov round out an impressive d-corp.  All can make plays and defend against any line in their own zone. 

The Devils back line, while not as talked about, is just as an impressive group of blueliners.  Bryce Salvador has had a surprisingly impressive offensive playoffs with more points in 18 playoff games than he had in 82 regular season games.  Salvador, Andy Greene, Marek Zidlicky, and Mark Fayne have been the backbone of a strong defensive team moving away from the clutch and grab trapping Devils of the past to a quick puck moving, gritty play making group.  They defend below the hash marks and make all the simple outlet passes so that their forwards can take care of business at the other end.

To say one of these teams has an advantage going into the series is crazy.  The Devils and Kings truly mirror one another which excites me even more.  There will be great play in all areas of the game leaving the door open for heroes each night.  These will all be close one goal games that will have us fans on the edge of our seats.  Within two weeks the Stanley Cup will be raised and a group of 20 guys immortalized in hockey history.  I may or may not have some stake in this, attending game six in LA, but here it goes anyways.  Kings in 6!

NBA Conference Finals Picks

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

Tonight is the start of what could be a very quick series between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.  It is a repeat of last season's Eastern Conference Semi-Finals and features all the same major players.  This reason alone could stand as to why the Heat should win this series without too much issue.  Maybe having two of the best seven players in the league, including the best player in Lebron James, is another reason why the Celtics will hope to not get swept.  Let's take a look at each team going into the series.

The original, modern day big three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen will all be looking to not keel over in this series as each of them has a battle tested and banged up body.  It is almost sad to watch Allen hoist up 3's as he shoots off one leg and throws up brick after brick.  Pierce has been nearly as ineffective, capable of getting his shots and getting to the line at times, but never being a sustained force for the opposing team to worry about.  Garnett has actually been the one shining light, but even with his rejuvinated play, KG can no longer carry a team through a grueling seven game series.  The Celtics can probably count on two huge games from him at most.  So what does that leave the Celtics?  Rajon Rondo is great in one game and disinterested in the next.  He is a walking triple-double when he wants to be, but he relies on rebounding especially at the offensive end which is not a good thing when playing a quick transition team like the Heat.  The Celtics have lost their young defensive energy guy in Avery Bradley.  They have no bench to speak of whatsoever.  Doc Rivers is a great coach, but this is not a team to go to battle with.

The new big three, now down to two, of the Miami Heat are looking in prime form to dismantle the Celtics and have a nice long rest before playing the Spurs/Thunder winner in the NBA Finals.  Lebron is consistently playing at the highest level of anyone in the playoffs.  Let's disregard the "can't close" talk as this is a new playoff season, and to this point he has made good decisions and taken over games multiple times when necessary.  The pace Lebron can play at, all while remaining fully in control, is incredible and unmatched.  He has appeared to take on this postseason's challenges with a more aggressive attitude than in year's past.  Dwyane Wade is the other factor that makes Lebron great.  Wade is arguably the second best player in the playoffs which takes pressure off Lebron and lifts the Heat to new heights.  As long as both guys continue their own high level of play and each take over when the time is right each of them, the Heat will be hard to stop. 

There are, however, question marks about the supporting cast of the Heat.  Chris Bosh can hopefully make a return to the lineup soon, but for now it is up to guys like Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem, Mike Miller, Shane Battier, and Joel Anthony.  All have been serviceable at times, but need to show more consistency shooting from beyond the three point line and defending inside to keep opposing teams off the boards.  The Heat do not always have the best supporting cast or bench, but if a few guys can step up each night this is a team that is hard to beat right now.

The Heat are the trendy pick and with good reason.  They have superior talent, and actually have a deeper team at the moment.  The Celtics will battle as any good veteran team does, but the Heat will just be too much.  Game one tonight will not even be close with a worn down Celtics team and the rest of the series will favor the high tempo Heat.  Miami in 5.


From Sunday:

San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs begin their series at home tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  It is of course the old guard against the young budding team, and makes for an interesting matchup.  The Spurs are a model franchise in the NBA.  They routinely find unknown players to fill in spots on their team and keep quality character guys on the roster.  They find a way to get every ounce of talent out every man on the roster.  Let's not discount however the big three of the Spurs.  Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan are a formidable core of the team and whether plays run directly through them or they just bring experience and leadership to the floor, these guys keep their team consistently playing at a high level.  Basketball truly relies on experience as games often come down to the last seconds requiring players to make great plays under immense pressure. 

Tony Parker has proven to be an elite point guard in the league and continues to drive this Spurs team on a surprising title run.  Tim Duncan is certainly not the player he once was but the character and drive to win are unquestioned.  He has adjusted his game to accommodate other scorers and found a way to be continually effective on defense and rebounding.  If the Spurs won it all this season, I would not be surprised to see the big man hang it up.  The Spurs have played great basketball the first two series, but the Jazz and Clippers are no where near the level that the Thunder are at.

OKC has arguably the best player in the NBA in Kevin Durant.  The man can score at will and has done so thus far in the playoffs.  You just simply cannot teach 6'11" with a deft touch and the ability to shoot from anywhere on the court.  The Spurs have no one that can straight up guard him, so Durant must make a big impact in this series.  35 point games had better be routine for him, otherwise the Thunder may struggle.  Certainly the most intriguing matchup is between Parker and Russell Westbrook.  Russ is so athletic and an electric player to watch.  His speed with the ball is only matched by a healthy Derrick Rose. It will be his lack of experience, however, against Parker that makes this matchup so great.  If Parker is creating turnovers and making life difficult in anyway for Westbrook it will again be tough for the Thunder to hang. 

There is then of course the wild card in sixth man of the year winner James Harden.  Harden had a fantastic season and has had moments to remember in these playoffs.  The Thunder completely rely on him to be the third scoring option for them and he must continue to rise to the occasion in this series.  Harden is excellent at getting to the basket, but watch out for the Spurs clogging the middle and making this difficult on him.  If Harden isn't getting to the basket he is not always a very effective player.

Tonight's game one should be exciting and fun to watch. It should also tell us where each team stands entering this series. Both teams are rested and will be well prepared.  The Spurs will not give this one up easily and could, in the end, be moving onto the Finals.  I think it is time for the Thunder to step up.  They have the team they want.  The play a complete game and have a couple guys that can score when necessary.  They have the opportunity to use their athleticism to wear down an older Spurs team.  This is going to be a great series to watch and is very hard to pick.  Thunder in 7.

mf

Love and Honor

The Stanley Cup Finals begins Wednesday in New Jersey with the Devils and LA Kings facing off to crown the next Stanley Cup champion.  It is a big event and there are plenty of stories and angles to look at.  As an alum of Miami University, it is exciting to have two friends and teammates battling for the Cup, ensuring that Miami will have a Stanley Cup winner this season.  It is is more meaningful, however, than just the cliched "6 AM workouts together" or "Brotherhood" terminology thrown around.

Miami University has ascended to the top of college hockey over the past decade.  The hockey program has played in 7 straight NCAA tournaments and two Frozen fours, once losing in OT in the national championship game.  Miami has won two CCHA championships, one CCHA playoff championship, and perennially been ranked in the top ten for the better part of this time.  Numerous players have played in NHL games and many more future NHL players are either currently at Miami or recruited to be there soon.  When you talk recent college hockey powers, you would be remiss not to list Boston College at the top.  Miami is in the elite group right behind that powerhouse university and with a national championship win would be the unquestioned number two program in college hockey.  Hard work and commitment from it's players and staff have put Miami in the fortunate position it now finds itself.

What makes this Cup final more exciting is having Andy Greene and Alec Martinez facing each other in a seven game battle for the Stanly Cup.  Greene went to Miami before it was a national power.  He helped lay down a foundation for a strong program.  One where Seniors and Freshmen would hang out together.  One where teams were more than just teams.  They were families that of course did the 6 AM workouts together, but more importantly did everything away from the rink together, truly enjoyed each others company no matter what was going on, and built a culture of excellence in all that you do. 

Alec Martinez came to a program that was on the brink of fulfilling all the promise that had been built at Miami. He was part of a class that continued the culture of family and excellence, and was the first to reach 100 career wins also graduating as the winningest class in the country for 2005-2009.  These two players, along with every other member of the Miami hockey program, built a tradition of excellence on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community. 

Greene and Martinez are the current face of the Miami hockey tradition on the grandest stage of hockey.  With such a great program in place, others will soon come along to take the place of them.  But for now, being two guys I got to play with and share some great times, I will excitedly watch this finals series and know that what has been accomplished by these two is proof of the excellence every member of Miami hockey has shown through the programs history. 

mf

Why the Rangers Will Win Tonight

We are just a few hours away from the drop of the puck in what will not be the series deciding game six in the Stanly Cup Eastern Conference finals.  There are always lots of areas to look at when evaluating an upcoming game and an entire playoff series.  The Rangers and Devils have played five very close games and this one will be no different.  The outcome of game six, however, will favor the Rangers and give us another game seven in the exciting postseason.

This will be an amazing game to watch that will be up and down the ice with chances left and right.  I expect Kreider to continue having a great playoff run.  Gaborik will even play a strong offensive role in this game, he is too talented not to.  Callahan is as good a leader as there is in the league and he will continue his steady play and cause problems for the Devil's defense all night. 

The Rangers will be playing with the highest level of urgency.  This is not to say the Devils will not be, because they have strong leadership and a great coaching staff that will have them ready to play.  Tonight we will see the full Henrik Lundqvist factor take effect.  The Rangers will be pressing hard to put pucks in the net and put constant pressure on Martin Brodeur.  Often times this sort of play leads to breakdowns and pucks in the back of your own net, but tonight Lundqvist will play his best game of the playoffs.  He will make unbelievable saves to keep the Rangers up in the game and protect the lead late when the Devils are looking to force OT.  The Devils will be left scratching their heads as they head back to MSG for game seven.

Hockey is also a sport that has a lot of history and this series will fit right into that continuing theme.  Not many people from 1994 are involved in this series, but regardless, we will have a game seven back in NYC just like that series.  With two teams that are so close geographically and on the ice, it is only right that we get seven games.  3-1 Rangers

mf

Don't Talk About Kobe

The Thunder have taken down their playoff nemesis, Los Angeles Lakers, and the future remains bright for the young, talented team.  But let's take a moment to discuss the Lakers and their not so bright future.  Seriously, don't talk about Kobe.  The man can still play.  He is a winner, and combined with the right pieces around him the Lakers can contend for titles over the next few years. 

Big change needs to come to the Lakers franchise.  I'm talking blowing things up on a massive scale to right the ship and put a playoff competitive, complete, younger team.  Let's get a little crazy and think outside the box.  First, trade or release, or do whatever it takes to get rid of Pau Gasol.  He is an extremely talented player that never shows up when it matters.  Maybe a change of scenery will boost his career, but he needs to be done in LA without question.  The best thing the Lakers could do is get cap room for Gasol.  There are not too many big men with high skill that would be worth trading for, but no matter what Gasol is gone.

Complete the Bynum for Dwight Howard trade.  I do not care that the Magic cleaned house for Howard, he is done in Orlando.  He went down a dark path this season and needs that same change of scenery as Pau.  And the same can be said for Bynum.  Yes he is showing promise as a big man in the NBA, but his mental state is not built for success.  He will always be a good player in the league, but not a championship piece.  Howard can come to LA, not be the center piece, and play his game of rebounding and defense.  He does those two things better than anyone and having the scoring burden taken off of him a bit would make him dominant again.

A few others to cut loose.  Lose Metta World Peace.  He is insane, not even Kobe can keep him in check.  You can count on some sort of suspension each season, and Metta brings little to the court anymore.  Ramon Sessions must either be a backup PG or gotten rid of.  He is just simply not an NBA caliber point guard.  The Matt Barnes experiment has not worked, lose him as well. 

Now who to add.  These are still the Lakers and they can make things happen in the off season.  Trade Pau for Steve Nash.  Yes the number of years you get out of Nash will not be big, but the man can still ball and would give LA a legit point guard for the first time in many years.  Nash will also be willing to take a pay cut because his career is winding down and he is desperate for that championship.  This is a big move on and off the court and with Nash, Kobe, and Dwight you have an amazing core group of players.

The Lakers need to go and get Monte Ellis and Stephen Curry.  Reunite these two dynamic shooters and help the Lakers field goal percentage go up to a respectable level.  These two will be interchangeable as to who starts and who comes off the bench and each will raise their level with, again, not having to be the main scoring focus.  Another piece to add is Lamar Odom.  Kiss and make up with the man, have Kobe give him massages, do whatever to get Odom's head back on straight and playing to the level he was at last season.  One last piece is Tyreke Evans.  He is not wanted in Sacramento anymore and he can come to LA and be big points off the bench.  He is young and athletic and needs to play in a new place.  He would grow a lot around Nash and Kobe and would compete with Ellis and Curry for playing time making all three better or weeding out the one that doesn't want it.

This would become a team that is younger instantly and able to put the ball in the basket.  The defense would also be improved with the younger, more dedicated players.  There would be hope and optimism for a big run that could last more than just one year.  Kobe is still a huge piece for a team to build around.  With a younger team that is hungry for success, Kobe will be happier with the outlook of the team.  Nash will be reinvigorated for a two year run at winning a title.  This will be an exciting team for Hollywood and a team that can make noise for a championship.

Starters: Nash, Kobe, Dwight, Odom, Curry
Bench: Evans, Ellis, Blake, Josh McRoberts, Jordan Hill, Sessions, Troy Murphy, (insert a defender that can play the 3/4)

mf

NBA/NHL Weekend Wrapup, May 18-20

Heat/Pacers

Well, we now know what it takes for the Heat to win with Bosh out.  Lebron throws down a near ridiculous triple-double with 40-18-9 and the Pacers can't quite put enough balls in the basket to beat the Heat.  Miami will end up winning this series, but next round will be tough with a likely matchup against the impressive Celtics.

Celtics/Sixers

Speaking of the Celtics, they are tied at two games apiece, but they have impressed with their experience and strong play from Garnett in the middle.  The Sixers have put up a good fight and will force the Celtics to take the series from them, but in the end the Celtics will be too much.  I like Rondo to continue on his near triple-double pace and win in six games.

Lakers/Thunder

The Lakers sit on the verge of elimination, and once again it all rests on their "bigs".  Gasol has not shown up again and against a front court that should not be able to contain both him and Bynum.  Kobe has played like himself and Metta World Peace has had a solid series, but there has just been too much Durant.  He has made clutch baskets and led a calm and collected Thunder team to a 3-1 lead in the series that should end in a game five massacre back in OKC.

Spurs/Clippers

The west is ending quickly and the Spurs will be the first to move on.  The Clippers were the darlings of round one, but the high flying style has be thwarted by great team defense and excellent all around shooting.  Parker continues to cement himself as one of the premier point guards, Duncan a premier leader, and Popovich a premier motivator.  It's the same old same old with San Antonio, and they will be a difficult out for anyone they see the rest of the playoffs. Look for the sweep tonight.

Kings/Coyotes

The Kings have been the best team in the NHL during the current playoff run.  Apparently they needed a game off after today's lackluster effort.  They did not have the jump from previous games and looked like a team that knew it was in control and could afford giving one game away.  It's not a good mindset and I would expect them to jump all over the Coyotes in game five to lock up the series before Phoenix gets any upset thoughts.

Rangers/Devils

This series is just getting more and more exciting.  We have a suspension with Prust serving a one game elbowing penalty.  Coaches are going back and forth.  It's New York and New Jersey!  Goaltending has been the continued story and this should be no different as it moves along.  The Rangers look like the stronger team and could finish things out in six games, but I'm still calling for seven and exciting end to this eastern conference final.

mf

Why the Kings Will Win the Cup

Many call the run the Kings are currently on a hot streak or even a miracle as an eight seed.  In reality it's a combination of building an organization, playing the right brand of hockey for today's game, and peaking at the right time.  The regular season is a grind that teams try to survive.  There are ups and downs and the Kings have had no shortage of those with firing their coach in the middle of the season and even trade talks involving their captain Dustin Brown.  This all seems like a distant memory now as the Kings are poised to make an unprecedented Stanley Cup run, but let's lay out the reasons they are in this position.

 

Key Free Agent Signings

The Kings brought on some high level talent and proven playoff performers in the off season.  They have continually picked up players that needed a change of scenery and the energy of a young, up and coming team like Kings.  That is why players like Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, and Dustin Penner fit in and eventually found ways to contribute.  These guys have all had success with other teams.  If you have an organization that understands how to put the pieces in the right place, you have success.  The Kings, led by new coach Darryl Sutter, have figured this out and are currently reaping the rewards.

 

Goaltending

Some teams strike gold with free agent signings at this position, but long term success comes from getting young goalies in your system and letting the develop their physical skills as well as their mental strength.  Jonathan Quick is no different, even playing games for the Kings ECHL team.  Their guys do their time and must prove that they belong.  They work hard and know what it takes to get to the top because they have already done by climbing through the minor league ranks.  Combine this situation with some talented players and you will find yourself with solid goaltending for years to come.

 

Excellent Farm System

15 players on the Kings playoff roster were either drafted and went straight to the Kings or played in their farm system.  The Kings organization took it's time and built a franchise from the ground up.  They have the right pieces in place and know what to expect from each one of them.  This is great scouting, excellent coaching and talent management, and players working hard to make their dreams come true.  It's a group of guys that has gone through it all together and will always sacrifice for the good of the team.

 

High Pace of Play

This is the most important key to the Kings success this postseason.  The Kings play faster than any other team in this years playoffs.  I'm talking about non stop forchecking, relentless pressure in the defensive zone, making hits and getting right back in the play, getting a defenseman in the rush every time, every player keeping their feet moving whenever they are on the ice, and let's face it, speed kills.  You do not get a rest when playing the Kings.  They are led by their energizer bunny captain Dustin Brown, but it filters it's way down through every man on the roster.  No other team plays like this and therefore cannot withstand this pressure.  There is always talk of the playoffs stepping up another level.  The Kings step it up three levels.  They are quicker, faster, and seemingly want it more than any other team.

It feels right when the best team to make the playoffs wins the Cup.  The Kings are without question the best team this year's playoffs. I fully expect the LA Kings to hoist the Stanley Cup and it should be a fun ride watching the rest of the way.

mf