Saints Advance to Round 2...
The Saskatoon Saints defeated their Round 1 opponents, the Indianapolis Ignite, in five hard-fought games. Four of the games were 1 goal affairs while the Saints won Game 4 in a 2-0 shutout. Tuukka Rask (G) had a solid first round series against the Saints' Division Rivals and is the obvious starter for Round 2 against the Rednexs. The short season series between the Saints and Rednexs was tied with both teams winning one game each: various predictions have been made but it is clear that this will be another close series. The two teams have met before in the playoffs and the Rednexs have usually been the dominate club. However, this is a new Rednexs club - minus the ol' Bertuzzi-Kovalev duo. The Saints, too, have a new look and this year GM Geoffrey Young has raised expectations: "I believe we are the best club in the Eastern Conference and we should be able to make it the TFHL Finals this year...hopefully, we can challenge for our first TFHL Championship...there are few variables, as always; including injuries and streaks, but we are confident that we have the best all-around team in our conference."
The Saints' Powerplay, ranked #6 in the TFHL, will need to be dominate in this series. The Rednexs have a wicked offensive punch: their PP is a surprising #4 in the TFHL.
The Saints' Penalty Kill is the #1 in the TFHL and will have to be solid against the Rednexs. The Rednexs' Penalty Kill is a serious lacuna, ranking only #13 in the league.
The Saints, #1 in the East Conference, are the clear favourites in this contest against the seventh placed Rednexs. The Saints had a .596 win% compared to the Rednexs sub-par .465. This being said, expect this series to be a close one, with a possible upset - it is not unprecedented, this playoffs or in the past. Brent Johnson will have to stand on his head, again this series - he had a .923 save % and a 1.99 GAA in upseting the Bonnyville Pontiacs in six games. The Saints' best players - Christopher Higgins, Markus Naslund, Keith Ballard and Tuukka Rask - will have to dominate the relatively young Rednexs club. The puck drop for Game 1 is tonight in Saskatoon: the Saints have never made it past the 2nd round throughout the entire Ancient and Modern TFHL history - GM Young: "the time is now...this is our year."
Monday, March 31, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
PR - Pontiacs - TFHL19 Playoff Round 1 Predictions
Because I felt that someone should make a playoff prediction for the first round, here I go. There are no big surprises, as the regular season match-ups were my basic guide. Good luck!
Ignite vs Saints
During the regular season these teams met seven times with the Saints winning the series with a 4-1-2 record. The Saints have dominated the meetings between these two teams and should continue doing so throughout this series.
Saints in five.
Rednex vs Pontiacs
Of the six games between these two teams during the regular season, the Pontiacs held a 5-1-0 record. However, the Pontiac wins were all extremely close as is evident by the GF/GA between these two teams at 19-18 in favour of the Pontiacs.
Pontiacs in six.
Aces vs Owls
With only two games between these two teams in the regular season, it is difficult to point to a definite advantage for one team over the other, but if it seems as if the Owls have a distinct scoring advantage in this series, having had one win and one tie with the win being a 5-0 blowout.
Owls in seven.
Spirit vs Mustangs
While the Spirit dominated during the two meetings of these teams during the season, it should be noted that the Mustangs received a serious goalie upgrade in Bryzgalov and this should greatly improve their chances. The Mustangs are also the defending champions and cannot be cast off lightly.
Mustangs in seven.
Wheat King vs Achaeans
These teams ended up tied in their six matchups with 2-2-2 record, however the goals were largely in favour of the Achaeans. Both teams have been hot of late and should make this an incredible series.
Achaeans in seven.
Raiders vs Renegades
This is another very close matchup but the edge is slightly in favour of the Renegades.
Renegades in six.
Blackhawks vs Flames
The Flames have edged the Blackhawks winning four of their six meetings with only two wins going to the Blackhawks.
Flames in six.
Sioux vs Pain
This is definitely the closest matchup in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams have three wins during their six games of the regular season and the only advantage is that the Pain edged the Sioux 22-20 in the goals category. This series could easily go either way, but will very likely go to seven games.
Sioux in seven.
Ignite vs Saints
During the regular season these teams met seven times with the Saints winning the series with a 4-1-2 record. The Saints have dominated the meetings between these two teams and should continue doing so throughout this series.
Saints in five.
Rednex vs Pontiacs
Of the six games between these two teams during the regular season, the Pontiacs held a 5-1-0 record. However, the Pontiac wins were all extremely close as is evident by the GF/GA between these two teams at 19-18 in favour of the Pontiacs.
Pontiacs in six.
Aces vs Owls
With only two games between these two teams in the regular season, it is difficult to point to a definite advantage for one team over the other, but if it seems as if the Owls have a distinct scoring advantage in this series, having had one win and one tie with the win being a 5-0 blowout.
Owls in seven.
Spirit vs Mustangs
While the Spirit dominated during the two meetings of these teams during the season, it should be noted that the Mustangs received a serious goalie upgrade in Bryzgalov and this should greatly improve their chances. The Mustangs are also the defending champions and cannot be cast off lightly.
Mustangs in seven.
Wheat King vs Achaeans
These teams ended up tied in their six matchups with 2-2-2 record, however the goals were largely in favour of the Achaeans. Both teams have been hot of late and should make this an incredible series.
Achaeans in seven.
Raiders vs Renegades
This is another very close matchup but the edge is slightly in favour of the Renegades.
Renegades in six.
Blackhawks vs Flames
The Flames have edged the Blackhawks winning four of their six meetings with only two wins going to the Blackhawks.
Flames in six.
Sioux vs Pain
This is definitely the closest matchup in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams have three wins during their six games of the regular season and the only advantage is that the Pain edged the Sioux 22-20 in the goals category. This series could easily go either way, but will very likely go to seven games.
Sioux in seven.
PR - Pain
Sioux on the Hunt for Pain DETROIT - The Michigan Pain will open up the 19th TFHL playoffs at home against the Saskatoon Sioux. The Pain ended the season in a pre-playoff matchup against the Sioux. The last game of the season was easily won by Michigan by a score of 6-1. Bad blood is expected as in that final game Zherdev was knocked unconscious by a streaking Vincent Lecavalier. The check never received a suspension but the Sioux were in an uproar by the incident. It is expected that Zherdev will start game 1 but will not be 100%. The season series was tied at 3 wins each which has many suggesting it will be a tight series. If Theodore, TFHL 18 Con Smyth winner, plays as solid as he did last year it will be a close series. If Theodore does not show up, this series may be over quick as the Pain are much improved at the deadline. Bringing in veteran defenseman Skoula to an already good defense has only helped. The Pain allowed the fewest shots against in the league. Of course it will be all for not if Gigy does not play to his Vezina standards of years past. Now with an already potent power play they added superstar Tessier to the fold. In his 18 games with the Pain, he has amassed 24 points. If Tessier can stay healthy, he could be the edge the Pain need to get back to the Finals for a second straight year. Game 1 goes tomorrow night at 7:30pm est.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
PR - Hurricanes
LIVE AFTER THE HURRICANES LOSS TO THE SAINTS IN A 3-0 DECISION
Ron MacLean: Ladies and gentlemen we're live from our studio at the Olympic Saddledome and today we we have with us live via satellite today Al Strachan from the Toronto Sun, and in studio Eric Duhatschek and Vancouver hockey columnist Ian Macintyre. I guess we'll just start with it, what has happened to the Hurricanes this season? Eric, go ahead and start.
Eric: Well Ron, I think it has come down to leadership. This team has seen some of its great leaders moved out over the years and I think the final kicker to the team was Naslund. I think Markus made his statement against the team tonight scoring his 32nd of the season in the 3rd period. There isn't a Hurricane that has reached the 30 goal plateau and unless Jason King gets hot I doubt anybody will.
Al: You know guys I think the biggest problem has been quick fixes for this team. They relied on veterans for so many seasons and never really started to get involved with the farm team up until a season or two ago and unfortunately for GM Major he missed the mark and that ugly transition year hit him earlier and harder than ever expected. I think the Roman Hamrlik deal was to be a band aid for a mediocre defense, yet he turned out to be a 9.5 million dollar bust.
Ron: Do you think the Hurricanes will make these kinds of offers again?
Al: I can't imagine they would nor any team for that matter. The new RFA rules are going to see salaries for younger players increase, I don't see too many teams taking on salaries higher than 6 or 7 million. They'll likely handcuff themselves down the road as their RFA's increase in the value. The gravy ride is over for GM's now that RFA's could potentially lower their salary expectations.
Ron: So Ian, what are some of they key things that the 'Canes will need to address in the upcoming season?
Ian: I'll be quite honest I think this team is brimming with talent for the future. They have stocked a lot of prospects and got a lot younger. The farm team used to be full of overpaid veterans and now we're seeing a lot of those guys moved out. The defensive talent looks good and the team managed to pick up some guys entering their prime years in Alex Sulzer and David Turon, these two guys along with Ryan Parent and Badass Jack will be the cornerstone of the team. It will all come down to the off season to see how improved the forwards become. The Simon Gagne pick up was a great move and he'll be great along with fellow sniper Jason King next year.
Al: They have no goal tending. I predict right now because of that they will find themselves with the worst GAA again. The moved the wrong goalie at the beginning of the season, Bryzgalov should of been the #1 guy. I think that was a salary move but now they are finding themselves out of the playoffs and nearly dead last.
Eric: One thing to consider on the goal tending. The Hurricanes started the season off quite well, it all fell apart at about week 9 or 10. Boucher was playing average but after that he just tumbled out.
Ron: On to our next topic, who is considered the favorite for the TFHL Cup? Let's start with you Eric.
Eric: Hands down the Flames. With Jeff Carter having a career year and Ryznar and Christensen not far behind him on the 100 points you can't go wrong here. Goaltending isn't bad with Barry Brust back there but what makes them really strong is Mark Schwarz gives them great insurance.
Ron: Al?
Al: Achaens. Gregory Campbell is just as hot as Calgary's Jeff Carter and has the same support role as well. Brent Seabrook has come a long way too.
Ian: I'll go with the dark horse Saints. I only call them a dark horse because of the disparity between the two conferences. If the Saints were in the Western conference this season they would be tied for 6th place instead of 1st in the east. I think with the guns like Naslund and especially Christopher Higgins this team could go far.
Ron: Alright, well I'll pick the Hurricanes....ok I'm kidding. We're back next week with Hockey Night in Canada for the wrap up the TFHL season. Good night everyone.
Ron MacLean: Ladies and gentlemen we're live from our studio at the Olympic Saddledome and today we we have with us live via satellite today Al Strachan from the Toronto Sun, and in studio Eric Duhatschek and Vancouver hockey columnist Ian Macintyre. I guess we'll just start with it, what has happened to the Hurricanes this season? Eric, go ahead and start.
Eric: Well Ron, I think it has come down to leadership. This team has seen some of its great leaders moved out over the years and I think the final kicker to the team was Naslund. I think Markus made his statement against the team tonight scoring his 32nd of the season in the 3rd period. There isn't a Hurricane that has reached the 30 goal plateau and unless Jason King gets hot I doubt anybody will.
Al: You know guys I think the biggest problem has been quick fixes for this team. They relied on veterans for so many seasons and never really started to get involved with the farm team up until a season or two ago and unfortunately for GM Major he missed the mark and that ugly transition year hit him earlier and harder than ever expected. I think the Roman Hamrlik deal was to be a band aid for a mediocre defense, yet he turned out to be a 9.5 million dollar bust.
Ron: Do you think the Hurricanes will make these kinds of offers again?
Al: I can't imagine they would nor any team for that matter. The new RFA rules are going to see salaries for younger players increase, I don't see too many teams taking on salaries higher than 6 or 7 million. They'll likely handcuff themselves down the road as their RFA's increase in the value. The gravy ride is over for GM's now that RFA's could potentially lower their salary expectations.
Ron: So Ian, what are some of they key things that the 'Canes will need to address in the upcoming season?
Ian: I'll be quite honest I think this team is brimming with talent for the future. They have stocked a lot of prospects and got a lot younger. The farm team used to be full of overpaid veterans and now we're seeing a lot of those guys moved out. The defensive talent looks good and the team managed to pick up some guys entering their prime years in Alex Sulzer and David Turon, these two guys along with Ryan Parent and Badass Jack will be the cornerstone of the team. It will all come down to the off season to see how improved the forwards become. The Simon Gagne pick up was a great move and he'll be great along with fellow sniper Jason King next year.
Al: They have no goal tending. I predict right now because of that they will find themselves with the worst GAA again. The moved the wrong goalie at the beginning of the season, Bryzgalov should of been the #1 guy. I think that was a salary move but now they are finding themselves out of the playoffs and nearly dead last.
Eric: One thing to consider on the goal tending. The Hurricanes started the season off quite well, it all fell apart at about week 9 or 10. Boucher was playing average but after that he just tumbled out.
Ron: On to our next topic, who is considered the favorite for the TFHL Cup? Let's start with you Eric.
Eric: Hands down the Flames. With Jeff Carter having a career year and Ryznar and Christensen not far behind him on the 100 points you can't go wrong here. Goaltending isn't bad with Barry Brust back there but what makes them really strong is Mark Schwarz gives them great insurance.
Ron: Al?
Al: Achaens. Gregory Campbell is just as hot as Calgary's Jeff Carter and has the same support role as well. Brent Seabrook has come a long way too.
Ian: I'll go with the dark horse Saints. I only call them a dark horse because of the disparity between the two conferences. If the Saints were in the Western conference this season they would be tied for 6th place instead of 1st in the east. I think with the guns like Naslund and especially Christopher Higgins this team could go far.
Ron: Alright, well I'll pick the Hurricanes....ok I'm kidding. We're back next week with Hockey Night in Canada for the wrap up the TFHL season. Good night everyone.
Monday, March 10, 2008
PR - Pontiacs
The first game of Sunday's double header saw the Bonnyville Pontiacs not only pull off a win but in fact shutting out the Chicago Blackhawks who seemed to have their number this season winning all two previous encounters this season.
However, the win came at a great price. Both Jonas Johansson and Ryan O'Marra received unfortunate injuries, taking them out for a month and a week respectively. This basically means that Johansson is out for the rest of the season, along with Danny Fritsche, but that O'Marra may be lucky enough to find himself in the last game of the season along with Teemu Laakso who is also on the injury list.
Both perpetrators of these injuries, Blackhawk players Hugh Jessiman and Matthew Corrente were only slapped on the wrist with a game misconduct. However, when Brad Stuart stepped up to defend his teammates and injuring Dmitri Kalinin in the process, he was not only ejected from the game but also received a four game suspension. Kalinin will also be out for the rest of the season.
That win along with a couple of losses by the Marauders has secured a playoff spot for the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the first time in franchise history. One fan was quoted as saying, "I am already on the waiting list for the first round! It is going to be AWESOME!!!" At the moment, the Pontiacs are sitting in first place in the Hitman division, but with the Owls and Spirit only five points behind anything can happen. Especially with so many key players out of the lineup.
When asked about the teams bad luck with injuries coach Craig MacTavish was quoted as saying, "Every team has to go through this sometimes, and it is never fun, but fortunately for us, we have some solid prospects coming up the ranks in the person's of Alzner and Petrecki and this gives us a chance to see how they perform in the pros. Alzner showed great promise earlier in the season when we struggled with a number of injuries on defense. We definitely miss Danny, Jonas, Ryan, Teemu and Brad, boy I almost ran out of breath with that list, but seriously, it will be difficult but I am sure that we will continue to push on.
The team's next game is against division rival, the Miami Misconduct, a team that they have had limited success against during the season winning only two of the past five games. The challenge will be even greater with such a wounded roster, and with the Misconduct under the pressure of getting into the playoffs, this game should be exciting.
The Pontiacs find themselves in a position where they still have a slim chance of catching the Saskatoon Saints for top spot in the Eastern Conference, but also with the real possibility of losing home ice advantage in the playoffs if the Owls, Spirit and Mustangs continue to put on the pressure.
However, the win came at a great price. Both Jonas Johansson and Ryan O'Marra received unfortunate injuries, taking them out for a month and a week respectively. This basically means that Johansson is out for the rest of the season, along with Danny Fritsche, but that O'Marra may be lucky enough to find himself in the last game of the season along with Teemu Laakso who is also on the injury list.
Both perpetrators of these injuries, Blackhawk players Hugh Jessiman and Matthew Corrente were only slapped on the wrist with a game misconduct. However, when Brad Stuart stepped up to defend his teammates and injuring Dmitri Kalinin in the process, he was not only ejected from the game but also received a four game suspension. Kalinin will also be out for the rest of the season.
That win along with a couple of losses by the Marauders has secured a playoff spot for the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the first time in franchise history. One fan was quoted as saying, "I am already on the waiting list for the first round! It is going to be AWESOME!!!" At the moment, the Pontiacs are sitting in first place in the Hitman division, but with the Owls and Spirit only five points behind anything can happen. Especially with so many key players out of the lineup.
When asked about the teams bad luck with injuries coach Craig MacTavish was quoted as saying, "Every team has to go through this sometimes, and it is never fun, but fortunately for us, we have some solid prospects coming up the ranks in the person's of Alzner and Petrecki and this gives us a chance to see how they perform in the pros. Alzner showed great promise earlier in the season when we struggled with a number of injuries on defense. We definitely miss Danny, Jonas, Ryan, Teemu and Brad, boy I almost ran out of breath with that list, but seriously, it will be difficult but I am sure that we will continue to push on.
The team's next game is against division rival, the Miami Misconduct, a team that they have had limited success against during the season winning only two of the past five games. The challenge will be even greater with such a wounded roster, and with the Misconduct under the pressure of getting into the playoffs, this game should be exciting.
The Pontiacs find themselves in a position where they still have a slim chance of catching the Saskatoon Saints for top spot in the Eastern Conference, but also with the real possibility of losing home ice advantage in the playoffs if the Owls, Spirit and Mustangs continue to put on the pressure.
PR - Wheat Kings
WILD RACE IN WEST HEADIN' DOWN THE STRETCH
For the entire history of the FHL-TFHL the Western Conference has had a clear dominance over the East and every season that advantage has become more pronounced. The result of such a discrepancy is that the West is full of powerful teams the must keep looking for a new edge even to maintain their chance at playoff qualification. The Darwinian consequences are that the while the East due to lack of competition becomes evermore the Dodo, the West is evolving (or creatively designed-ing) evermore into a supra sentient homo hockilibis just waiting to snack on that juicy little bird.
This year has seen perhaps the most intense and deep competition in an already notable history. With about 25 games remaining every team from 12th through 7th was within six points of the 7th seed. Within the last fifteen games three teams have played at well over .600 to distinguish themselves from the rest and make this the tightest and most exceptional race to date. With ten games remaining, the Wheat Kings, who currently sit ninth, have a win percentage better than ten Eastern Conference teams
The Raiders (39-34-5-2 .544), L10: 8-2-0
A surge after the All-Star break made them look like a safe bet to make the playoffs at the Trade Deadline. However, a gamble on Gaborik disrupted team chemistry and it looked for a second as if the Raiders would be the team to fall from contention, but they've recouped and have come on strong in the last few games and are again looking like a safe bet.
The Resevoir Dogs (37-33-8-2 .538), L10: 6-4-0
Although Bergenheim hasn't played well for them, the Dogs have performed well since his addition and were able to solidify their place in the race. Steady .600 hockey has been their standard for the last 30 games, a streak by the Kings and/or Raiders could unseat them, but slow and steady usually wins the race.
The Wheat Kings (36-34-8-3, .532), L10: 7-2-1
Twenty games ago they were at the bottom of the West, but since then they have been scorching hot. They didn't make any moves at the deadline, but about a week previous they did do a couple deals that have paid off in spades. Daymond Langkow since being acquired from the Spirit has been on fire, scoring well over a point a game. Braydon Coburn has been solid on defence since coming over from the Pontiacs. These additions, combined with outstanding play from Dimitri Kazionov, Sergei Samsonov, Peter Forsberg and Jimmy Howard, means that the Kings are starting to play up to expectations... but is it too late?
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