Western Conference Playoff Picks

1. San Jose Sharks vs. 5. Detroit Red Wings

This may have been just the match-up that Mike Babcock and co. were looking for in Round 2. Detroit has had San Jose’s number for quite some time and looks to continue their dominance. Jimmy Howard was solid in Round 1, and now has one playoff series victory in his arsenal after a great seven game set with Phoenix. Howard, one of the top rookies in the game, was battle-tested but withstood and now carries Detroit into a new series, this one against a team that has been a regular-season monster over the past few seasons. Though, when it truly matters in the POST-season, Detroit is indeed a force.

Pavel Datsyuk, is one of the most unselfish players in the game, and did I also mention one of the very best. Datsyuk is so explosive, often times he alone can and will carry the team’s play, he has that type of ability on both offense and defense. Paired with Henrik Zetterberg, Datsyuk becomes even more of a force, together the “European Connection,” if you will, is fearsome. They are one of the league’s top scoring duos and lead one of the deepest teams in the league. Detroit will need them both healthy and in full force if they are going to defeat a likewise deep San Jose team. Not to mention that their Swedish Captain Nicklas Lidstrom is one of the greatest players to ever lace a pair of skates. Just to add that in there.

Big Joe, Little Joe, will not be a “Cup o’ Joe” for the Red Wings by any means. Though Big Joe Thornton often can be found at the bottom of any score sheet once spring time hits, when he wants, he can be a major threat for any team. Who knows, maybe he just simply does not want to in the playoffs? Fact is, Thornton has failed epically throughout his playoff career. Little Joe Pavelski, along with Ryan Clowe have undoubtedly been the unsung heroes of a Sharks squad that eked by a valiant effort from a tenacious Colorado Avalanche team. Patrick Marleu continues to amaze and be the cog in the Sharks’ tank. While this year he had a breakout year with 44 goals, we have seen in the past that his effects on this team go far beyond the score-sheet. He has been the most steady player that the organization has ever seen and continues to fuel them.

Goaltending will be the biggest factor in this series. Detroit’s 24-year-old stud Jimmy Howard appears ready to answer the call as the games increase in importance. Evegeni Nabokov is one of the best goalies around and with a wealth of talent in front of him, his job is made easier, except of course when Dan Boyle decides to lob one into his own net. But aside from that Nabokov has a better defensive support system around him than Howard and also has the experience factor. Whichever goalie is able to capitalize and make the most off of his team’s offense and in some cases, out-duel his counterpart will send his team to the Western Conference Finals. In the end, the rookie Jimmy Howard is surrounded by too much Detroit firepower to go down here, this resilient squad keeps on rolling. Red Wings in 6.

2. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 3. Vancouver Canucks

Guided by the likes of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, Chicago was able to tiptoe around a nasty Nashville team in Round 1. These are guys that you build a franchise around, and in doing so, Chicago has improved steadily ever since. This is a very engaging series that should be very physical and can come down to a Game 7. Last season, when these teams met it was a series that kindled a rivalry, one that apparently will be continued when this series opens on Friday night in Chicago. It is pretty safe to say that these squads do not like each other one bit. This seems like the one series that everyone is anticipating most, hopefully it will fulfill the hype.

Vancouver’s Captain…Roberto Luongo? Yes you heard it right, Goaltender Roberto Luongo, the captain of the Canucks is the most valuable player in this series. In order for the Canucks to prevail, he must come up huge and will need to steal at least one game. He really did not look that good against the L.A. Kings with a GAA near 3.00. Some may argue that he was hurt in Game 5, but even so, Luongo is a much better goalie than he showed in that opening round. Luongo must be ready because chances are Chicago’s offense will come out to play in this round more so than against Nashville. The captain must prove that his Canucks are battle-ready in what should be yet another physical altercation with a nasty, intimidating Blackhawk bunch.

Annti Niemi must be solid once again to carry his team passed the more experienced Canucks. Much like Brian Boucher vs. Martin Broduer in Round 1, Niemi does not necessarily have to out-duel/outplay Luongo four times, (even though Boucher did) he just needs to make key stops and put his team in prime position for the victory. At least one luxury for Coach Joel Quennville is that in case of emergency, he always has Cristobal Huet, the primary starter during the regular season, on the bench in a baseball cap. That works to his advantage if need be. Chicago can be a very intimidating place for any visitor, so expect the crowd to play a role in this series, especially with the start coming in The Windy City.

The injury to Brian Campbell does hurt and it showed against Nashville as they sometimes were able to exploit the Chicago defense. But with their scoring depth (11 double-digit goal scorers) and physicality they can put themselves in a position to win just about any series. One thing is for certain, these ARE your grandfather’s Blackhawks! They play with excitement, scoring and physicality, much like the Blackhawks of old. If Chicago is able to keep The Brothers Sedin off the score-sheet consistently, this series will be shorter than expected, but that will be very difficult. Blackhawks in 7 epic games.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2010 Draft Review

The Philadelphia Eagles, if nothing else, were certainly the league’s most active team over the weekend during The NFL Draft. Trading down was a common theme for the team in midnight green over the 3-day period that was The NFL Draft. All in all though, they selected 13 players (primarily on defense) that will start mini-camp very soon. They were in prime position to pounce on some fantastic talent that littered the seven rounds of this draft, and in knowing their needs they did just that. The draft is often won/lost in the later rounds, well if so, the Eagles appear to have acquired some steals in Day 3.

1. Brandon Graham - It came as no surprise when the Eagles moved up 11 spots in The NFL Draft’s 1st round on Thursday night. Yet, their decision after that in not drafting Texas Safety Earl Thomas was a shock. The stars had seemed to have aligned for the Eagles to take Thomas, one of the draft’s top players. Instead, they traded up for an undersized, speedy Michigan lineman in Brandon Graham. General Manager Howie Roseman and co. are banking on Graham as the perfect compliment to Trent Cole, as now they have two d-ends that teams will need to game-plan for individually. Graham, a “high motor“ guy needs to be able to pose a threat for opposing teams the same way that Cole does. If so, these two will be a fearsome duo for Philly up front. Sean McDermott, a Jim Johnson disciple, is salivating at his new defense, that is for certain.

2. Nate Allen (The Donovan McNabb Pick) - This had to be a pretty safe, logical choice for the Birds after passing up on Thomas. With this pick they were still able to fill a major void early on in the draft. Allen though, from a small school (USF) and not on the level of either Eric Berry or Thomas, can definitely make an immediate impact in a fading secondary. The sect of the defense that was a primary concern for the Eagles was shed light upon with this pick, Allen was too talented to pass up on in round two. He will be able to contribute on special teams and should compete with Quintin Demps, Victor “Macho” Harris and newcomer Marlin Jackson for the starting free safety job. This is a position that Brian Dawkins vacated and probably will never be able to be filled quite like it was from 1996-2008 by #20.

3. Daniel Te’o-Nesheim - Another defensive end selected with pick three, though Te’o-Nesheim was mid-range on Philly’s radar. Te’o-Nesheim, also a “high motor” athlete (freak athlete from what I hear) may have been a reach here, but the Eagles knew what they were doing when they chose him. Again, there seems to be a shift in drafting preference from the Eagles’ brass as opposed to in the past. Rebuilding the defense was the focus in 2010 through the draft for Philly, this was the first time in a long time that this has occurred. With deep talent in this draft, the Eagles, like many squads, were able to fill holes every, particularly on defense. Te’o-Nesheim, who will be forever known as the “ceiling starer,” appears to fit into McDermott’s defensive scheme and could also make an initial impact.

4. Trevard Lindley - The Eagles are pretty thin at corner even with Asante Samuel leading the way. His poor tackling and distrust in Philly’s brass could hurt his stock in the long run, not saying he will be moved, but quite frankly, you never know. Lindley, an SEC guy from Kentucky, seems like a clone of Samuel in his assets and detriments alike. The Eagles must have seen something in the injury-prone corner that was appealing. Many just simply do not see it in Lindley particularly, yet, regardless they were able to plug another hole here midway through the weekend.

5. Keenan Clayton - Little is known about this linebacker, a position that the Eagles could have filled a bit earlier in the draft mind you. One thing that is for sure was that Oklahoma had the power in this draft as Bob Stoops had seven players taken overall, and three of the first four on Thursday evening. This was a team that went 8-5 in 2009, much of which can be attributed to injuries. Clayton, yet another small athlete that the Eagles select, could also be an impact special-teams player.

6. Mike Kafka - Similar to starter Kevin Kolb, Kafka has good football sense and thinks the game through well out of its most important position. Although he threw more interceptions (20) than touchdowns (19) in his collegiate career, (only season as starter might I add) this appears to be a necessary gamble for Andy Reid. In obtaining Michael Vick, the depth chart looks to be Kolb-Vick-Kafka, in that order as Kafka has a lot to learn about playing the Quarterback position. Kafka, who once threw for 78! passes in ONE game (Outback Bowl vs. Auburn) is a decent pick-up at a position of need. Check out his stats from that Outback Bowl game. WOW!

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=300010002

7. Clay Harbor - This blocking tight end from small school Missouri St. could be an insurance policy for Cornelius Ingram from last year’s draft. He could be used as a hybrid athlete playing both the tight end and fullback positions. Impressively, Harbor had at least one reception in each of his 36 games in college. Another freak athlete for the Birds, adding another weapon to a young, action-packed offense.

8. Ricky Sapp - Sapp may very well be “the steal” of this year’s draft. This guy is a first-round quality talent and barring injuries, he, instead of Graham may have been drafted 13th overall on Thursday evening. Though scouting reports have claimed that his work ethic is not what it should be for a player of his caliber, if he plays up to his potential, Sapp could be a major player for this rebuilding defense. Sapp, Graham and Cole will be a force on the ends for years to come in this city and could help bring back a fearsome Eagle D.

9. Riley Cooper - First thing that comes to mind, what an athlete! To have been drafted in baseball twice, (by the Phillies and Rangers) have two National Championships and now be drafted in the NFL all at the age of 22 is one hell of an accomplishment. Cooper, with his 6-4 frame, could be the red-zone, jump-ball threat that the Eagles have envied for a very long time.

10. Charles Scott - Yet another SEC talent, after all, no one makes ‘em like the SEC right? Scott should compliment LeSean McCoy well, he who now carries the workload for Philly. Scott may also be the short-yardage back that the Eagles have longed since, well….FOREVER! Not only is he physical and stocky at 5’11-253, but he also hits the hole very hard and runs it right up the middle. Does not sound like your typical Eagle draftee, but mark my words, his immediate impact will help fuel this offense.

11. Jamar Chaney - Chaney ran the best 40-yard dash of all linebackers at the Combine. He could be a guy that may not even make the team when it is all said and done to be honest. It is not discussed much right after the draft, but cuts to rookies do occur and most likely in this case will with Chaney.

12. Jeff Owens - Coming off of an injury from 2008 Owens is expected to help clog the middle for the Eagle defense in the near future. He is the fourth SEC guy in a row drafted by the Birds, fifth altogether, WOW! He will fit into the Eagles’ rotation very well and can be a beneficial to Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson up the middle. First Te’o (T.O.) and now Owens (Jeff) what’s this world coming to people.

13. Kurt Coleman - He is not expected to make the team, and if he does it will be in a role far far away. Special Teams ought to be his niche in the NFL, if nothing else.

Psychological Game Rules!

The Philadelphia Flyers, with just two more victories, will seemingly beat the New Jersey Devils at their own brand of hockey. INTIMIDATION!

Brian Boucher has been solid thus far; he has made fewer mistakes than the immortal Martin Brodeur, which is why his team in in this position. If they apply pressure on the Devils for just two more hours of game time (120 minutes) they will find themselves in round number two, facing another top seed. While Brodeur has kept N.J.’s ship sailing as usual, he is more human now than in the past. Maybe after one and a half decades, the Flyers have finally figured out the 37 year-old Devil net minder.

The Flyers have the clear psychological edge in this series right now. This was vividly established in Game 1 and has remained so throughout. They are no longer intimidated by New Jersey and its trap defense, yet now it appears as if the Flyers are the intimidator in this series. They have been able to put a damper on New Jersey’s system of play, thwarting any changes in momentum.

Philadelphia has been able to institute such a great sense of fear and doubt into the New Jersey locker room to the point where Jacques Lamaire’s crew knows they cannot defeat their divisional foe in this best-of-seven set. The intimidation factor could ultimately decide this series as the Flyers have been, as their slogan states, “relentless” in these first three games.

Kimmo Timonen and Chris Pronger have each played intricate roles in this series. They have continuously shutdown Lou Lamoriello’s top rent-a-player in sniper Ilya Kovalchuk. They managed to hold the trio of Patrick Elias, Zach Parise and Kovalchuk to just 3! shots in 68:22 of ice-time. If this keeps up, the Flyers should be able to put this series away relatively soon. Yet, offense is not what Jersey is notorious for, nor has it been the driving force behind three cups. The main asset over the past 15

years of N.J. dominance has been its goaltender Martin Brodeur of course.

Brodeur has started 70+ games twelve times in his career. He is very durable, but many wonder if his reign is coming to an end. The Jersey netminder is no longer complacent and is now more vulnerable than ever before. The Devils’ capabilities begin and end with Brodeur as he will continue to be the catalyst, but for how long? The Flyers have appeared to figure out his weaknesses and are exploiting them, hence their 2-1 series lead.

This series will be continued on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia in front of a raucous crowd. A pivotal Game 4 in which yours truly will be attending. Trying to be objective, but I have hated this team for as long as I can remember, so that being said, LET'S GO FLYERS!

Eastern Conference Playoff Picks

1. Washington Capitals vs. 8. Montreal Canadiens

In an unfortunate turn of events, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves facing Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in round 1. Due to a late push from the 7th seeded Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal was forced into facing the Presidents’ Trophy winners.

Led of course by Alexander Ovechkin, Washington dominated the league in the 2009-2010 season. Suspecting many to believe that this is indeed the team of the new decade. They have some of the best scoring depth and balance in the league and they are not just a one-man show anymore.

Mike Green also has been a force on the blueline throughout his young career and often jumps in on the offense as well. It appears now as if all of their talent will hit their primes in unison. The only question mark could be where it matters most actually, in the between the pipes. Jose Theodore will start the series for Bruce Boudreau, but who is to say that Semyon Varlamov will not finish (as it occurred last season against the New York Rangers in game 1.) Yet, there is much more riding on this season for an emotionally-charged Theodore who lost his infant son in the off-season.

Montreal is riding the wave of a hot net minder right now and surprisingly enough, his name is not Carey Price. Jaroslav Halak has been the best goalie down the stretch and if he continues to do so, Montreal may challenge Washington. While it will take far more than this to put their backs-to-the-wall, anything is possible when a goalie is playing out of his mind like Halak is currently. Montreal has scoring depth, and will need a lot of it to win this series. Their main aspects will be Halak and a shutdown defense in front of him because quite frankly, there is no reason to get into a high-scoring affair with Washington.

The first 2 games of the series will be rather telling. Washington boasts the league’s best home record. If Montreal can halt Washington at home, they immediately boost their chances of taking the series. This though is easier said than done as the Caps have lost only 11 games at The MCI Center this season. Caps in 6.

2. New Jersey Devils vs. 7. Philadelphia Flyers

This could very well be the best series of the 1st round of play. Brian Boucher is the key to this entire series. He does not necessarily need to steal games or even outplay Martin Brodeur (we are not holding our breath waiting to see that.) He just has to make key saves when they count and be steady all the way around for Philadelphia. And for those that do not recognize the head-to-head stats are foolish. Trust me!

Once he arrived in Philadelphia, Head Coach Peter Laviolette’s plan was put into place to make teams like New Jersey second guess their blueprint. Laviolette has out-coached Jacques Lemaire, hell, I’ll go as far as to say that his team has outworked the Devils this season. Laviolette has the “system” guys that are playoff-built and can pass the test that the trap defense presents.

Chris Pronger is a major player for Philadelphia. While he may not always be able to oppose Devil sniper Ilya Kovalchuk, he can make his shifts miserable when they do match up. Jeff Carter and Mike Richards need to be the leaders that will push their club into The Eastern Conference Semifinals. Yet, keep in mind that Jersey is not thin on leadership by any means.

This will be an interestingly, physically draining best-of-seven set with the winner being the squad that makes fewer mistakes. Philadelphia may have actually engraved fear/doubt into the 20 heads of the New Jersey locker room. If the Flyers are able to apply the psychological game to the series, it will be an obvious swing their way. For the first time in a long time, maybe (EVER!) facing New Jersey is not a nightmare for the Broad St. Bullies.

New Jersey plays a very disciplined system while the Flyers play quite physical and often take boneheaded, uncharacteristic penalties. Welcome Scott Hartnell! Even though New Jersey’s Power Play has not been a threat, there is no reason to give them a chance with a man advantage. Flyers in 6.

3. Buffalo Sabres vs. 6 Boston Bruins

Ryan Miller can steal games during this time of year and may have to against divisional rival Boston. Opposing Miller will be Finnish sensation Tuuka Rask, the league leader in Goals Against Average and Save Percentage. Miller, the goalie who lead Team U.S.A. to within one shot of an Olympic Gold, has been the NHL’s best this season. Miller should finally be able to claim the Vezina Trophy as his own this season (crazy to think that Tim Thomas, now Boston‘s backup took home that piece of hardware last season.)

Buffalo is a team with much offensive weaponry that should have the firepower to make some noise in the playoffs this time around. Their leading scorer Derek Roy has evolved over the past few years into a formidable option as an offensive threat. While Buffalo has not fully recovered over losing co-captains Chris Drury and Daniel Briere a few summers ago, they are back playing post-season hockey thanks to Miller’s play.

The Bruins are a team that has been trying to form its own identity all along. They do not have the scoring to contend with many teams in the league, but they will stay with Buffalo thanks to Rask and their tenacious defense. They are not naïve enough to think that they can score with other teams, so it is no longer a part of their gameplan. Their defense is sufficient enough for them and could possibly win them a series.

This would most likely work against anybody but Miller. Many may not believe this but this may be an epic series and a defensive struggle for seven games. It should be thisclose and if Rask is willing to go shot-for-shot with Miller, it very well could be just thatclose. Sabres in 7.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators

Pittsburgh’s two missiles are locked, loaded and ready to launch at any time. Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, fresh off of a Stanley Cup title, are two of the best players in the league and once again, the Pens go as far as this terrific duo leads them. While they were not quite as dominant as they were a season ago, they remain a force to be reckoned with in a wide open East. Now they face a 1st round test with an Ottawa Senator team that is thin on depth, yet play well together as a unit.

Ottawa continues to be engineered by Captain Daniel Alfredsson, one of the best leaders in the sport. But if they are going to succeed in this series, they are going to need Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek to step up greatly, especially in the absence of the well-seasoned Russian Alexei Kovalev. Mike Fisher remains one of the top grinders in the game and now is the Sens’ leading goal-scorer as well. Mr. Carrie Underwood (Fisher) must continue to add to his career year.

Marc Andre Fleury, he who has not been the same since the Olympics, must return to his past playoff forms if Pittsburgh is going to return to the Finals for a 3rd consecutive time. Brian Elliott, not the Sens’ offense could be the beneficiary of Fleury’s troubles in this series. The emergent Elliott does not need to steal games in this series, rather his being able to be more steady and consistent than Fleury ought to be sufficient enough.

Then, on second thought, the Sens will need a lot to contain the Pens’ explosive offense, not just Malkin and Crosby. Pittsburgh’s machine is among the best in the league around this time of year and they will not be stopped, their depth is unsurpassed as they boast numerous scoring lines. This series will be determined by which goaltender falters ultimately since Fleury’s poor play as of late, but even so, Pittsburgh’s firepower will be too much in the end. Pens in 6.

Western Conference Playoff Picks

1. San Jose Sharks vs. 8. Colorado Avalanche

Same scenario, yet hopefully a much different outcome for a very deep San Jose team. They faced a rather embarrassing 1st round exit at the hands of a California rival, The Anaheim Ducks. Not much has changed as now a young Avalanche squad comes in hungry along with a nothing-to-lose approach.

Colorado suddenly found itself in 8th place in what was possibly the deepest Western Conference race EVER (7 of the 8 playoff teams had 100+ points)! A young Colorado team that is on the rise awaits San Jose in round 1. The Avs were near the top of the West early on in the season, but were in freefall during the 2nd half and found themselves clinging to an 8th seed as of late.

It has been a changing of the guard for Colorado with new names like Paul Stastny, Matt Duchene and Chris Stewart replacing the likes of Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and Rob Blake. All in all, this was a huge turnaround for a team that finished last season in dead last in the West.

San Jose has also been able to spread its depth. With Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleu and Dany Heatley leading the way, the Sharks have to like their chances against a wily Colorado team that may be too young to realize the magnitude of the situation

This series will be won/lost where it counts, in the intangibles and coaching. Expect Special Teams to also play a major role in the outcome of this series. Ultimately, San Jose’s advantage in that particular department could be intricate when every game counts in April. Nabokov can steal a game himself, yet will not even have to do so.

These two teams split their season series and look to provide a rather entertaining 1-8 pairing for West Coast fans. San Jose will be a bit too much this season for their 8th seed opponent, they can not possibly get caught off guard again. Sharks in 6.

2. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 7. Nashville Predators

A 47-win team has reached the playoffs in the 7th spot under perennial Coach of The Year candidate Barry Trotz. This unselfish team is very talented and get it done year in and year out. Nashville spreads its scoring wealth around and with great balance they can actually give Chicago a series to ponder.

Chicago is a very intimidating team that is supported by a rabid fan base. The youth have taken control of the Blackhawks and have them heading back to the top. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews alone will deliver Cups to “The Windy City.” Their goaltender Antti Niemi has been a stonewall in Chicago’s net. Yet many have criticized their goaltending situation with Niemi and Cristobal Huet sharing time.

This will be a tighter series than many think with Nashville being a team that can potentially figure out and maybe even thwart Chicago’s gameplan. That being said, Nashville may frustrate Chicago to a certain extent, but do not expect much more than that as they are highly overmatched in this series.

These two squads boast top-flight blue-lines in the rugged Western Conference. Led by names like Duncan Keith, Brian Campbell and Shea Weber, each team has been able to shutdown top offenses all season long.

Chicago is built to win in the playoffs and set a franchise-record with 52 wins in the regular season. In fact, they are a team that will enjoy much success in the future as well, let the future begin now because this team is ready to take the next step. Blackhawks in 5.

3. Vancouver Canucks vs. 6. Los Angeles Kings

Roberto Luongo gives Vancouver an obvious edge in this series on paper. Though, the youthful Kings do not play on paper, they actually tend to thrive off of their inexperience in a sense and use their speed as a major asset.

There is an underlying balance in the L.A. arsenal that needs to break free if they are to advance against the battle-ready Canucks. The Brothers Sedin head a laundry list of scorers for the Canucks as they boast six 25-goal scorers. Do not underestimate the Kings though who had 11(!) 10 goal scorers this season. This should be a very intriguing match-up that is certainly favorable for each team.

The Anze Kopitar-led Kings have the correct formula to surprise in the playoffs and have given critics reason to believe that they will be in the playoff picture for years to come. Jonathan Quick’s emergence in goal was key to the turnaround. Also, the fact that a kid named Drew Doughty, currently 20 years of age, will lead his team in ice time once again and will be a Norris Trophy candidate this season.

Vancouver seems like the pick in this series on paper, but what is not to like about L.A. This will be tough to decide on and will be an absolute seesaw series that should be the best of the West. Both teams are hungry and are looking to solidify their spot among the elite. They may have to nearly dismantle each other to do so, but the end result will be as it was intended. Expect many close games in this back-and-forth series that will be quite interesting. Kings in 7.

4. Phoenix Coyotes vs. 5. Detroit Red Wings

This is a match-up that may turn a few heads as it will likely need a full slate of 7 games to decide as well. Phoenix, one of the better teams in the West all season long, has also been able to use its youth to its advantage, yet that concept is immediately abolished in drawing an opponent as deep and playoff-ready as Detroit.

Despite their losing 307 man games to injury, Detroit remained poised all season, knowing that if they got into the playoffs, they would be a threat to any opponent, especially a young team like Phoenix. Their depth carries on past their top lines and goes all throughout. Detroit has been the deepest team in the NHL for quite some time and even with injury, that does not change as talent can be replaced.

Detroit has the clear advantage on special teams, while PK is virtually identical, Detroit has a major advantage with the PP, which could ultimately help determine this series. Also add in that Detroit was the hottest team in the league after an Olympic Break which saw Coach Mike Babcock lead Team Canada to a Gold Medal.

Phoenix is also a very deep team that misses Scottie Upshall’s offensive presence. With other significant depth at both ends of the ice, the Coyotes actually could make a push in the West. That would be if they did not draw Detroit in round 1 of course. Their inability to score goals will hurt them in the long run, but remember this, Ilya Bryzgalov will not be the reason for a 1st round exit.

Being led by Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Nicklas Lidstrom and Jimmy Howard among numerous others, there is no shortage of talent by any means in HockeyTown, U.S.A. Once again, this time though as a low seed, Detroit is expected to win in these spring months. Not much should change again this year with a deeper, far more experienced Red Wing team will take this series. Not all things are easy though, especially with a feisty opponent such as Phoenix. Red Wings in 7.

Amaro's Deal Comes Full Circle: Halladay Shines, So Does President Obama (Well, Sort Of)

Ruben Amaro Jr. seemingly traded away four prospects last summer for “Plan B.” As far as I was concerned, “Plan B,” a.k.a. the services of Clifton Phifer Lee, was not necessarily a bad thing for a team looking to repeat as World Champions. Considering that we had dealt four UNproven prospects that would suit another team better anyway, Amaro Jr., once again came out looking like a genius. Philadelphia Phillies fans and the baseball world alike would soon learn that this form of “highway robbery” was only the beginning for Amaro Jr. on his way to the top. He may not be the best General Manager in the league just yet, but he damn sure is the ballsiest. At this point some are probably still asking what exactly “Plan A” was and why Amaro settled for Lee. Well, you are about to get your July memory refreshed, so fast-forward ahead to nine days before Christmas Day 2009; December 16, 2009, that day truly was Christmas for a Philadelphian.

On December 16, 2009, Philadelphia received its ace in the form of Roy Halladay. Amaro Jr. was finally able to pry his original “Plan A” away from the Toronto Blue Jays. Not that he was not content with Lee, the man who had dominated his way through October and into November, but for the betterment of the franchise, while the window was still open, Amaro Jr. was able to shoot right through the ceiling and shatter the glass. Another handful of prospects were lost, and also “Plan B,” but this time Amaro Jr. was able to achieve his goal and lock up his top priority through 2013 with a vesting option for 2014.

Plans A & B have now come full circle as the 2010 season commences. Roy Halladay is now 1-0 for the Philadelphia Phillies, while Cliff Lee is on the DL in Seattle, yet, once he is healthy, he should form a powerful 1-2 punch with “King” Felix Hernandez in the AL West. While the Phillies appear to have “Plan A-Team” in place with both Halladay and Cole Hamels. Much of which of course is contingent on Hamels and his hopes of a rebound campaign in 2010.

Well, Roy Halladay got his work done yesterday and came as advertised in an 11-1 romping of the lowly Washington Nationals. The Nats hit Halladay a tad in the early going, but one thing appears to be for certain as far as that sentiment goes, Halladay is better when he’s bad. At any point in the early going that the Nats felt a surge coming on, Halladay was quick to snuff it out. His power pitching prowess may be better than advertised, quite frankly, I am not so sure that Phillies fans knew just what they were getting.

The highlight, or lowlight of the day (whichever you prefer) for the Nats may have actually been the first pitch by President Barack Obama. Not only did he have the willpower to throw an absolutely awful pitch, but at the same time, had the decency to sling on a Chicago White Sox cap on to boot. Credit Ryan Zimmerman with the grab, yet that was one of the better pitches thrown from anyone donning Nats paraphernalia. At least that pitch would not have allowed for Ryan Howard to hit a bomb as he did off of a hanging John Lannan curveball in the 4th, instead it would have clunked the big lefthander in the head.

2010 National League Preview

NL East

1. Philadelphia Phillies 94-68 - The Phightins possess the gutsiest GM in all of pro sports in Ruben Amaro Jr., and now thanks to his willingness to explore, they have acquired an AL phenom in Roy Halladay. Now the key is Cole Hamels and his expected bounce-back 2010 season after a dismal ‘09 campaign. If Cool Cole returns to his ‘08 form, there will be no stopping this potent team. Seemingly, this is a tale of 3 seasons for Cole, yet also, possibly, three World Series appearances for Philadelphia. Oh, and did I mention that this may very well be the best line-up in the Majors.

2. Atlanta Braves 87-75 - Their rotation alone will keep them around until those sweaty-palms days of September. All in all though, this will not win a division in which the NL Champions have dominated for much of the past two seasons. The Braves are indeed a team that the Phillies can not take lightly, and with this being Bobby Cox’s swan song, expect the Braves to stay right in the mix this season.

3. Florida Marlins 83-79 - The young Fish still have much to learn and need some growing up in order to dethrone the NL Kings. They have the potential to make some noise and possibly play spoiler for some other opponents, this team, and even with the league’s lowest payroll, leaves it all on the field 162 times per year.

4. New York Mets 80-82 - The Mets could not find a groove in ‘09 with many injuries inflicted on them all season long. Do not expect the Metropolitans to just make everything click this time around either. They are still very far away from regaining their prowess as NL East Champs. September 30, 2007 is still very much so in the dashboard instead of the rearview mirror for this organization.

5. Washington Nationals 67-95 - The lowly Nats have to be good one of these days right? Yet, that day is not 2010. Ryan Zimmerman, John Lannan and Stephen Strasburg will be a joy to watch though for the time being.

NL Central

1. St. Louis Cardinals 95-67 - The Cardinals have protection locked up behind “King” Albert Pujols with Matt Holliday. He is their “big ticket” insurance policy for the next seven seasons. Along with a stellar pitching staff consisting of Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter among others, they are going to be able to lead the Central wire-to-wire.

2. Chicago Cubs 86-76 - The Cubbies will once again supply a lot of talent across the board and can may give St. Louis a fight in the early going, but will not be there when it counts. They simply do not have the weapons to go head-to-head with the Cards over a six-month period. It just will not happen!

3. Cincinnati Reds 79-83 - They definitely have put the pieces into place to contend some time very soon, and they are getting there. This team is better than people give them credit for and will turn some heads across the league. Their rotation, if healthy, can carry them throughout much of the season and they now have a solid line-up as well. At some point in the foreseeable future, they will be a team that people will be talking about consistently.

4. Milwaukee Brewers 76- 86 - Nothing has went the Brew Crew’s way recently. Despite some top-notch young talent with Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, they can not seem to string together an all-around formidable roster of a contender. They have become lost in the shuffle of a gradually improving Central division.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates 73-89 - The Pirates are another very young team that is on the rise and will be breaking through their ceiling any year now. They are not horrible, in fact, talent like Andrew McCutchen has people in The Steel City turning their heads. They are not solely thinking about Sidney Crosby and Ben Roethlisberger. Well, I guess they still kind of have to considering those guys brought home three titles in a matter of four years.
6. Houston Astros 69-93 - What is Ed Wade doing out in Texas. I know that nothing is taxed, but WOW! At least pull off some moves to acquire decent FA’s not just your old team’s “sloppy seconds.” The ‘Stros need an entire re-building process to save them right now, and Wade is not going to get that done for them, he pretty much depletes farm systems.

NL West

1. San Francisco Giants - 90-72 - Tim Lincecum. Matt Cain. And some day soon, Madison Bumgarner. Those three names may represent the best pitching rotation since the Braves of the 1990s. The offense does not need much mention here, not saying pitching alone will necessarily get them to the playoffs, but in a division like the West, it just may do so. The signing of Mark DeRosa was key for their line-up and Pablo Sandoval is ready to take his game to the next level. Brian Wilson remains one of the game’s best in the 9th inning.

2. * Los Angeles Dodgers 88-74 Matt Kemp, (Rihanna’s new man) if positioned properly in this line-up, is baseball’s best kept secret and the ideal five-tool player. He leads a good team that may have the assets necessary to head to the playoffs for a 3rd straight season. This may be the best division in all of baseball with a multitude of teams able to contend.

3. Colorado Rockies 88-74 (lose 1-game playoff to LAD.) The Rockies may be the best NL team to miss the playoffs in quite some time and potentially one of the better small-ball baseball squads this generation will ever see. They play the game the way it is supposed to be played and use Coors Field as a strong asset, it shapes the demeanor of the team, and they thrive off of that. Especially during ROCKTOBER when the temperatures are around freezing point by that time. A rather intimidating environment to enter.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks 83-79 - ’Zona is a team back on the rise after an abysmal 2009 season which saw them lose ace Brandon Webb on Opening Day. They did win this division in ’08, yet, now since the West has tightened up immensely, they have become lost in the shuffle. Edwin Jackson compliments Webb well (if they both manage to stay healthy) and they will manage to keep games close for the most part. The offense must respond and swing the bats better as a team if they wish to succeed in the ultra competitive NL West.

5. San Diego Padres 70-92 - A trade involving star 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez seems inevitable. It should definitely happen this year, at or around the July 31st deadline. Theo Epstein’s Red Sox seem high on the radar for Gonzo’s services and they definitely have the resources to strike a deal of such caliber. They should be able to receive numerous key prospects in return, thus starting the re-building process. Maybe this time they should primarily focus on pitching as Safeco is indeed a pitchers’ park.

NL MVP - Albert Pujols .343-44-146
NL Cy Young - Roy Halladay 19-5 2.89 ERA