Drop the Puck...

The Riders still suck.

Elsewhere in sports,....

The first round of the play - off's have been nothing short of enjoyable to watch. Three of the four series will go the distance. Tonight the Tigers and Doug Fister take on Ivan Nova and the Evil Empire in the Bronx while tomorrow will see a fantastic match - up of former Blue Jays as Roy Halladay and the Phillies take on Chris Carpenter and the Cards. Tomorrow alsos see the Diamondbacks travel to Wisconsin to take on the Brewers. One can only hope that the Phillies, Brewers and Tigers move on.

The only series not going the distance is the Texas/Tampa series and you can thank Adrian Beltre for that. The Rangers 3B hit three dingers on Tuesday afternoon as they took out the Rays in four games.

And now, a night I have been looking forward to for months. The NHL will kick off another season tonight on three fronts. The oldest rivalry in the game will be renewed as the Maple Leafs and Habs square off, the Bruins will raise their banner to the roof as they take on the new look Flyers and the Canucks, still reeling from a painful loss in Game Seven of the Finals host the Crosbyless Penguins on the left coast.

I could go into a long winded, several page long prediction as to who I think will finish where and why, but I am not going to. Rather, I will provide a brief synopsis of what I think will pan out in the seven Canadian NHL cities (I nearly wrote six as it is still hard to believe the Jets are back), the Conference Finals, Stanley Cup Finals and Award winners.

Working our way from the east....

The Montreal Canadiens are one of three Canadian teams who should be a play - off team. The really lost very little from last year's team who gave the Champs all they could handle in the first round. Carey Price continues to provide solid goaltending, and the young Habs move into the second season. There achilles heel continues to be size up front even though the addition of Eric Cole helps in this area.

I cannot believe I am saying this....if things go as they should in Toronto, the Leafs should squeak into the play - offs. Granted it will be seventh or eighth, and this will all depend on whether or not they have truly found a bonafide #1 goaltender in James Reimer, who I wish the media would stop referring to as Optomus Reim. That is a horrible nickname for a guy who has like two months of NHL experience. Regardless, in order for this to happen, the best of the Leafs need to be the best EVERY night. Phil Kessel needs to be there everynight, not once a week. Guys like MacArthur need to continue their play from last season, Connolly needs to stay healthy (knock on wood) and Dion Phaneuf needs to be the leader. Speaking of Phaneuf, is it just me or did he peak at like twenty and hasn't gotten any better since????

Off to Winnipeg where the fanbase will be loud and proud all season long. The Jets will be competitive and a lot of fun to watch with the plethora of young talent. Unfortunately they aren't there yet, but don't fret Winnipeg, your team is close and when they get there, I belive they will remain there for a while. Mark Scheifle will be one of the premiere rookies in the league this year.

Calgary, Calgary, Calgary. You aren't getting any younger, you aren't getting any better and that all adds up to what I see as a 14th of 15th place finish in the West. Nowhere close to being a play - off team. In reality, don't be surprised if the trade deadline sees the departure of Iginla, and depending on the season he is having, possibly Kiprusoff.

Edmonton...the Oilers continue to improve. They continue to be a very fun team to watch. Unfortunately they are still on the outside looking in. Some issues with the backend, along with continued development and maturation of the young guns has them on the outside looking in. They will not have the first pick in next year's draft. Imagine the possibilities with this team in two to three years???? Scary good.

Vancouver. It is no secret I dislike the Canucks, always have, always will. Unfortunately I won't get to watch them struggle much this season as I see them once again winning the west and President's Trophy. To save myself from headaches, and the city from becoming a gong show again, they don't make the Finals...WOO HOO!!!!!


Eastern Final

Tampa Bay over Washington

Western Final

Los Angeles over San Jose

Stanley Cup Final

Los Angeles over Tampa Bay

Hart Trophy: Steve Stamkos
Art Ross: Henrik Sedin
Rocket Richard Trophy: Steven Stamkos
Norris Trophy: Drew Doughty
Vezina Trophy: Pekka Rinne
Calder Trophy: Ryan Nugent Hopkins or Mark Scheifle
Jack Adams Trophy: Lindy Ruff
Surprise Team: St. Louis Blues
Flop Team: New Jersey Devils
First Coach fired: Brent Sutter, Calgary

I know you are all laughing and giggling. What do you think????