2 St. Louis vs 3 Chicago Playoff Breakdown

The St. Louis Blues will  face the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2014 playoffs. These two Central Division rivals have heated things up this year: Both teams are incredibly strong, both teams are true contenders to win the Stanley Cup, and both are in rabid hockey markets. The main differences we see in these two teams are their styles of play. That being said, here is the short breakdown of each team headed into this matchup, followed by what to look forward to, and finally, my winner prediction:

ST. LOUIS BLUES (52-23-7, 111 Points):

Strengths: 

Stifling defensive play

Very strong goaltending

Very deep

Norris Trophy Candidate in Alex Pietrangelo

Diversified scoring (5 players with 50+ points)

Well-coached

Style of Play: Physical/Defensive

SRS (Simple Rating System): 0.71

Leading Scorer: Alexander Steen (33G-29A-62P)

Worries:

Oshie, Backes, Sobotka, Berglund,  Morrow all questionable for Game 1, Tarasenko out

6-Game losing streak entering playoffs

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (46-21-15, 107 Points):

Strengths:

Arguable top offense in the league

Norris Trophy Candidate in Duncan Keith

Four 28+ goal scorers (Sharp, Hossa, Kane, Toews)

Have 5 60+ point scorers

Very deep

Well-coached

Playoff tested

Style of Play: Flowing/Offensive

SRS (Simple Rating System): 0.60

Leading Scorer: Patrick Sharp (34G,44A,78P)

Worries:

Goaltending can be an issue

Players just now returning from injury might be tentative/fragile

Losing streak headed into playoffs

Things to Watch:

Both the Blackhawks and the Blues are major Cup contenders, and this series was the hardest for me to pick a winner for. That being said, there are some things to watch in this series:

1. Tentativeness: With both Kane and Toews returning from injuries, there is a possibility of tentativeness or hesitation in their games. Look for a physical first game in which the Blues attempt to rough up both Toews and Kane

2. Response to Recent Losing Streaks: Each team has a losing streak heading into the playoffs. The Blues need to respond well to their 6 game losing streak if they want to contend in this series, and the Blackhawks, with their 2 game streak, need to shake it off and move forward.

3. Faceoffs: Sobotka and Toews are two of the best faceoff men in the game. Look for faceoffs to play an integral part in this series.

Players to Watch:

Chicago: Jeremy Morin

How hot is Morin? How about 4 goals since he was called up on April 4th? Proved himself in Rockford, should be a Blackhawk for years to come.

Blues: Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller has proven himself in the Olympics while not really having an opportunity to play for a contender in the playoffs. Look for him to play some of his best hockey.

OUTCOME:

BLUES IN 7

St. Louis may be up against the defending Cup champions, but they are no strangers to adversity and no strangers to challenges: they have proven themselves all year, and it's time to show up in the playoffs. Physical/Defensive play will stifle the Blackhawk offense.

The Dynamic Duo: Kane and Toews

Chicago sports fans should be used to dynamic duos: They have already one.

For years, Hull and Mikita were the greatest one-two punch the sport had ever seen. Mikita would make a great move, flip the puck to an open Hull who would rocket the shot into the back of the net. The two combined for 969 goals and 2109 points as fellow Blackhawks, with numerous All Star Game appearances, MVP awards, Hart Trophies, and a Stanley Cup to boot. The Hawks were the darlings of Chicago sports fans for years.

But by the early 2000’s, Chicago was looking for new heroes. The Blackhawks were abysmal. Then, all of a sudden, came Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Kane and Toews, Toews and Kane, Tazer and Kaner, however you want to say it, were both extremely young entering the league. They were both highly touted prospects, and were both drafted in the top 3 of their respective drafts. The similarities with each other end there, but they extend to the first duo mentioned in this article: Hull and Mikita. Whenever I see Toews and Kane, I think of Hull and Mikita. From their personalities to their playing style, I see flashes of the Hawks heroes in each of them.

Compare Toews to Mikita. Serious, businesslike. He has a quieter playing style than his counterpart Kane, with flashes of the unbelievable and an “it” factor that is undefinable, something intangible that just makes him better than anyone on the team. Call it heart, guts, balls, whatever you want, Toews has it.

Kane is like Hull in many ways. His flashy style of play extends off the ice too, with parties and a slight immaturity that makes him who he is. Hull was the darling of Chicago, signing thousands of autographs and smiling for hundred of photographs. Kane is the same. He loves the spotlight. He enjoys playing on the highest stage possible, and his playing style reflects that. There is an electricity in his game that moves fans to the edge of their seats. He has a wicked shot and loves to celebrate.

The two have combined for 356 goals and 899 points in the short time they have been in the league. In many ways they have exceeded Hull and Mikita. They have together won two Stanley Cups. They have each won the Conn Smythe Trophy. More importantly, they have won the hearts of Blackhawks fans throughout Chicago and around the World. Just as an example, Patrick Kane leads the entire league in jersey sales. Before the two superstars, one would be hard pressed to find ANYONE with a then-current Blackhawk on the back of their sweater (Arnason, Bell, and Calder, anyone?). Perhaps someday those jerseys will hang in the rafters of the United Center for all to remember, waiting for the next two.

Matchup of the Day 11/23/13

Blackhawks at Canucks!

This heated rivalry will add another page to it's storybook tonight when the Blackhawks take on the Canucks at Rogers Arena. Here are my predictions:

Hawks 5, Canucks 2

Kane gets 2, Toews gets 1, Saad gets 1, Hjalmarsson gets 1

For the Canucks,

Burrows gets jack squat, Kesler gets both goals.

Fighting In The NHL: Why It Needs To Stay

With all the talk of fighting in the NHL being banned or more strictly enforced, I am here to present my humble opinion. Fighting has been in the league since its inception. Fighting is as much a part of the game as a body check or a clean pass. It helps to weave the fabric of the game together. Most importantly, it keeps the game honest. No other league in the NHL has an honor code when it comes to fighting: Don't fight a player with hurt hands, don't fight for selfish reasons, fight to protect teammates, etc. This helps keep the fabric of the game woven tightly together. It creates bonds between the fans and the players, and also creates a bond between players.

Hockey is an honest game.

Let's keep fighting for that.

EARLY CUP CHAMPION PREDICTIONS:

I predict that your 2013-2014 Stanley Cup Champion will be...

The Chicago Blackhawks!

The Hawks will repeat, making it the first time a team has won 2 Stanley Cups back-to-back since the '97 and '98 Red Wings. I also (boldly) predict that Patrick Sharp will win the Conn Smythe trophy.

I'M BACK!

I'm back! I have decided to begin the blog again, now that times are getting settled a little bit. Finals are the week of the 2nd of December, but then I should be able to post on a regular basis again.

Season Standings Predictions: Review

West:
1. Vancouver
2. St. Louis
3. San Jose
4. Los Angeles
5. Detroit
6. Chicago
7. Nashville
8. Colorado
9. Phoenix
10. Minnesota
11. Calgary
12. Dallas
13. Anaheim
14. Columbus
15. Edmonton

East:
1. Pittsburgh
2. Winnipeg (yes, Winnipeg)
3. Boston
4. New York Rangers
5. Carolina
6. Toronto
7. Washington
8.  Buffalo
9. Ottawa
10. Montreal
11. Philadelphia
12. New Jersey
13. Tampa Bay
14. Florida
15. New York Islanders

All-USA vs All-Russia

Thanks to whatifsports.com

GAME 1	HOME	AWAY
PERIOD 1	USA	RUSSIA
Goal scored by Adam Deadmarsh assisted by Brian Leetch and Brett Hull	1	0
Goal scored by Phil Kessel assisted by Joe Mullen and Mike Modano	2	0
Goal scored by Alexander Ovechkin assisted by Sergei Fedorov and Andrei Markov	2	1
Goal scored by Alexander Semin assisted by Sergei Makarov and Sergei Gonchar	2	2
Goal scored by Keith Tkachuk assisted by Drew Doughty and Patrick Kane	3	2
PERIOD 2
Goal scored by Phil Kessel assisted by Joe Mullen and Brian Rafalski	4	2
Powerplay - Goal scored by Keith Tkachuk assisted by Brian Leetch	5	2
PERIOD 3
Sergei Fedorov shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Alexander Mogilny	5	3
Goal scored by Alexei Zhitnik assisted by Alexander Semin and Sergei Nemchinov	5	4
Sergei Fedorov shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Sergei Zubov	5	5
OVERTIME 1
Goal scored by Ryan Kesler assisted by Pat LaFontaine and Brian Rafalski	6	5
GAME 2	HOME	AWAY
PERIOD 1	USA	RUSSIA
Goal scored by Pat LaFontaine assisted by Brian Rafalski and Adam Graves	1	0
Goal scored by Keith Tkachuk	2	0
Joe Mullen shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Mike Modano	3	0
PERIOD 2
Goal scored by Alexander Mogilny assisted by Sergei Zubov and Sergei Gonchar	3	1
Joe Mullen shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Phil Kessel	4	1
Goal scored by Brian Rafalski assisted by Keith Tkachuk and Adam Deadmarsh	5	1
PERIOD 3
Phil Kessel shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Joe Mullen	6	1
Goal scored by Alexei Kovalev assisted by Alexander Mogilny and Sergei Fedorov	6	2
GAME 3	HOME	AWAY
PERIOD 1	RUSSIA	USA
Goal scored by Joe Mullen assisted by Brian Leetch and Phil Housley	0	1
Goal scored by Alexander Mogilny assisted by Alexei Kovalev	1	1
PERIOD 2
Goal scored by Alexander Ovechkin assisted by Ilya Kovalchuk and Sergei Fedorov	2	1
Goal scored by Pat LaFontaine assisted by Adam Graves and Brian Rafalski	2	2
Sergei Fedorov shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Alexander Mogilny	3	2
Goal scored by Sergei Fedorov assisted by Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Ovechkin	4	2
PERIOD 3
Goal scored by Sergei Gonchar assisted by Sergei Zubov and Sergei Nemchinov	5	2
GAME 4	HOME	AWAY
PERIOD 1	RUSSIA	USA
Goal scored by Phil Kessel assisted by Brian Leetch and Joe Mullen	0	1
Goal scored by Brian Leetch assisted by Gary Suter	0	2
Goal scored by Brett Hull assisted by Keith Tkachuk and Adam Deadmarsh	0	3
PERIOD 2
Goal scored by Pat LaFontaine assisted by Drew Doughty and Ryan Kesler	0	4
Goal scored by Brett Hull assisted by Brian Leetch and Keith Tkachuk	0	5
PERIOD 3
Alexei Zhitnik shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Sergei Nemchinov	1	5
Brian Leetch shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Mike Modano	1	6
GAME 5	HOME	AWAY
PERIOD 1	USA	RUSSIA
Goal scored by Phil Kessel assisted by Joe Mullen and Brian Leetch	1	0
Goal scored by Pat LaFontaine assisted by Drew Doughty	2	0
Ryan Kesler shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Pat LaFontaine	3	0
Goal scored by Ryan Kesler assisted by Adam Graves and Drew Doughty	4	0
PERIOD 2
Goal scored by Phil Housley assisted by Mike Modano and Patrick Kane	5	0
Goal scored by Ilya Kovalchuk	5	1
Goal scored by Sergei Nemchinov assisted by Sergei Gonchar and Alexander Semin	5	2
PERIOD 3
Goal scored by Alexander Mogilny assisted by Alexei Kovalev and Sergei Fedorov	5	3
Goal scored by Alexander Mogilny assisted by Sergei Fedorov and Vladimir Konstantinov	5	4
TEAM USA WINS
MVP: Brian Leetch (2G, 6A)

We're Back!

After a long hiatus, The Sin Bin Hockey is going to be back! Keep checking back for updates!

KHL to NHL stats

I'm a little bit through my research of the KHL, and I've found that, according to behindthenet.com, the NHL is given a difficulty level that basically calculates to a player's stats being 63% of what they were in the KHL. For example, if a player scored 20 goals in 54 games in the KHL, he should expect to score about 13 goals in 54 games in the NHL. Alexander Radulov is one of the top scorers in the KHL, and, had he played in the NHL, he would have registered 24 goals and 36 assists in 76 games played (the equivalent of his 50 games played in the KHL). Quite good, actually, but not superstar status like he achieves playing in the KHL. Another player that could be of great value to a team in the NHL is Kevin Dallman. In fact, I will go so far as to say he would make the first All-Star Team in the NHL if he were to play here. Playing an 82 game season in the NHL, he would have played 80 games, had 22 goals, and 36 assists. All-Star? Yes, he is a defenceman. A defenceman scoring 22 goals in the NHL would be quite an accomplishment! A good rule of thumb for calculating stats in the KHL is this: in a 54 game season, The number of goals, assists, for points a player gets will be about the same number he would get playing 82 games in the NHL. For example, if a player scores 10 goals in 54 games in the KHL, he would score around 10 goals in the NHL in 82 games.

KHL Scores 10/1/12

Here are your KHL scores for the day, along with notable NHL players stats, if they had any points.

Avangard 2 - 1 Sibir in OT
Barys 3 - 1 Amur
Yugra 4 - 3 Metallurg Nk
Avtomobilist 3 - 5 Lev (Christensen had 2 goals)
Traktor 3 -1 Slovan
Metallurg Mg 1 - 2 CSKA in SO
SKA 5 - 2 Ak Bars (Bobrovsky has 2 assists (!), Kovalchuk with 2 assists)
Dynamo Moscow 5 - 1 Neftekhimik (Ovechkin scores 1 goal and has 1 assist)
Dynamo Riga 2 - 3 Salavat Yulaev in OT

Вот ваши KХЛ баллов за день, наряду с заметным игроков НХЛ статистика, если у них одного очка.

Авангард 2 - 1 Сибирь в овертайме

Барыс 3 - 1 Амур

Югра 4 - 3 Металлург Нк

Автомобилист 3 - 5 лев (Christensen было 2 гола)

трактор 3 -1 Слован

Металлург Мг 1 - 2 ЦСКА в SO

СКА 5 - 2 Ак Барс (Бобровский имеет 2 передачи (!), Ковальчук с 2 передачи!)

Динамо Москва 5 - 1 Нефтехимик (Овечкин оценки 1 гол и имеет 1 передачи)

Динамо Рига 2 - 3 Салават Юлаев в овертайме

Star of the Day 9/27/12: Evgeni Malkin

Today's SOTD is Evgeni Malkin. He led his team to a convincing 6-1 Victory today with 1 goal and 2 assists. The fans cheered loudly whenever Malkin touched the puck, and he seems to be very welcome on KHL's Metallurg, his team during the (hopefully temporary) NHL Lockout.

Goal of the Day: Nikolai Zherdev, KHL

In Lieu of the NHL...

This blog was originally created to follow the NHL. However, due to the lockout, in lieu of the NHL, this blog will be following the KHL, AHL, OHL, WHL, and QMJHL instead. I will switch off as I see fit, but MAINLY I will follow the KHL and AHL, as those are the two leagues I prefer. I hope you continue reading!

Playoff Predictions: VERY EARLY!

Here are the predictions for the playoffs if they were to happen with my predicted NHL standings:
WEST
1st ROUND

1. Vancouver
8. Colorado

Vancouver's depth overwhelms young Avalanche team and wins in 5 games.
 Winner: VAN
2. St. Louis
7. Nashville

St. Louis' goaltending and solid Defense stymies the Nashville Predators for the full 7 games.
 Winner: STL

3. San Jose
6. Chicago

Chicago's star power overwhelms San Jose and players like Stalberg and Bickell step up, this series goes 6 games.
Winner: CHI

4. Los Angeles
5. Detroit


The reigning champs and their stunning offense and goaltending outmatch the aging Red Wings in 5 games.
Winner: LA

 2nd ROUND

1. Vancouver
6. Chicago

The home ice advantage is no plus to Vancouver as the Road Warriors take the series in 7 games with the help of superstar Jonathan Toews.
Winner: CHI

2. St. Louis
4. Los Angeles

This goaltending duel between Halak/Elliot and Quick comes to a head in the 7th game, which sees Quick reign supreme.
Winner: LA

3rd ROUND

4. Los Angeles
6. Chicago

In a thrilling 6 game series, Chicago's offense overwhelms Los Angeles and win the series.
Winner: CHI

EAST:
 1st ROUND

1. Pittsburgh
8. Buffalo

Buffalo shows real heart taking the series 6, but Pittsburgh's outstanding star power and offense gets it done.
Winner: PIT

2. Winnipeg
7. Washington

Ovechkin has his way with the regular season surprise Jets, and Washington wins in 7.
Winner: WSH

3. Boston
6. Toronto

Tuuka Rask shows he is playoff ready, and this Original Six matchup goes 5 games as Boston is victorious.
Winner: BOS

4. New York Rangers
5.  Carolina

The much-improved Hurricanes take this series to game 6 with the Staal brothers, but Nash and Company win the series.
 Winner: NYR

2nd ROUND

1. Pittsburgh
7. Washington

In a surprise upset, Ovechkin and Holtby/Neuvirth take center stage and thwart Pittsburgh, winning the series in 7
Winner: WSH

3. Boston
4. New York Rangers

In an Origianl 6 matchup, the solid depth of the New York Rangers will outlast the defense of the Boston Bruins, leading to a 7 game series victory for New York.
Winner: NYR

3rd ROUND

1. Pittsburgh
4. New York Rangers

The New York Rangers will move to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994 with this surprisingly short 5 game victory over the Penguins.
Winner: NYR

FINALS

6. Chicago
4. New York Rangers

In an epic O6 matchup, New York's supreme goaltending and stellar depth will overcome Chicago's massive amount of starpower in 7 games, leading to their first championship since '94.
STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS: NEW YORK RANGERS

Top 5 Captains in the NHL Today

5. Sidney Crosby: Possibly the most talented on this list, he led his Penguins to their first cup since '92 and became the youngest captain in history to win the Stanley Cup in 2009.
4. Jarome Iginla: One of the best players in the game, he has scored over 500 goals in his career, which has been based entirely in Calgary for the Flames organization, leading his team to the Finals for the first time since 1989.
3. Ryan Callahan: Always willing to go down to block a shot, take, or give a hit, he leads his team by example, and is a great role model in terms of playing style and energy.
2. Shane Doan: Shane Doan is the spark for his team, the Phoenix Coyotes, and he never says die. He has played for the same organization for his entire career. He has led his team to the playoffs (an accomplishment for the Coyotes) multiple times and last year led them to the Western Conference Finals. He always plays hard and is a great leader.
1. Jonathan Toews: "Captain Serious" is the heart and soul of Chicago, especially after leading the before hapless Hawks to the Stanley Cup for the first time in 49 years. He is all business, plays as hard as he can every shift, drops the gloves, scores goals, racks up points, blocks, assists, hits, and is one of the takeaway leaders in the league. He leads by example and will speak up in the lockerroom to get his team riled up. The number one captain in the league today.

Luongo Says Trade to Florida "Makes Sense"

Roberto Luongo, who was recently found skating in the Florida Panthers practice facility (he made sure to leave before Jose Theodore arrived there) was quoted in saying a trade to Florida "makes sense". Is he trying to force a trade to Florida? It is obvious he wants the majority of starts for his club and since he no longer holds the number one job in Vancouver, Florida seems to be a good fit for him. The Florida Panthers already have a history with Luongo, whom they traded to Vancouver years ago.

Landeskog Named Captain

Gabriel Landeskog has been named captain of the Colorado Avalanche, at the age of 19 years, making him the youngest captain in NHL history. This is certainly an interesting move by the Colorado Avalanche, and we will have to see how it plays out next season.

Jordan Eberle Signs Big Deal

Jordan Eberle has signed a six year, $36 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Congrats to him,  will say!

EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS PREDICTIONS ARE HERE!

After many hours of analysis and formulas and statistics, here are the predictions for the Eastern Conference:

Pittsburgh	111
Winnipeg	106
Boston	105
NYR	102
Carolina	104
Toronto	93
Washington	91
Buffalo	89
Ottawa	88
Montreal	87
Philadelphia	84
New Jersey	78
Tampa Bay	69
Florida	68
NYI	59

Beast of the East (Offense): Steven Stamkos
Beast of the East (Defense): Erik Karlsson
Beast of the East (Goalie): Henrik Lundqvist