2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs

So, I’m watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs and it’s a bit meh to be honest.

Now, it doesn’t help that last year’s playoffs were epic.  Remember the Detroit-Phoenix series?  Remember Halak?  Montreal? Philly?  Last year was so damn exciting that it kinda spoilt this year’s just a little bit.

So, back to my original point, this year has just been ok so far.  Here are my thoughts from the first round thus far.

Eastern Conference

(1-8) Washington-New York: Boring.  Semin’s Game 1 overtime goal was incredible though.

(2-7) Philadelphia-Buffalo: Mildly interesting.  I just can’t believe that Buffalo could eliminate Philly.  If you asked me a month ago I would’ve bet Philly to take the Eastern Conference and have a really good shot at the final.  Now, I’d be surprised if they make it far, to be honest.

(3-6) Boston-Montreal: Now, this series is interesting.  Both teams are playing for keeps.  Game 4 and Game 5 both went to OT and were quite exciting.  Here’s to hoping things start going Montreal’s way again.

(4-5) Pittsburgh-Tampa Bay: This series was going just as I expected it, right up until today.  Tampa Bay turned it up, just in time.

Western Conference

(1-8) Vancouver-Chicago:  Sadly for the Canucks, this series is just starting to get interesting.  Here’s to hoping they don’t turn into complete headcases and can finish it in Chitown.  And seriously, what is with that Bolland guy.  Honest to goodness, the one thing the Sedins and I probably have in common is the way this guy grinds my gears.

(2-7) San Jose-LA: Actually, this series has been pretty interesting.  Game 3 - when San Jose scored 5 goals in the second period - was a really great game to watch.

(3-6) Detroit-Phoenix: Don’t even get me started.  Their series was practically my favourite last year so I had high hopes.  Let’s just say that I was disappointed.  I really felt for the Coyotes – I was totally rooting for them as the underdog and all.

(4-5) Anaheim-Nashville: Wow, this was the series I was least looking forward to and it’s quickly turning out to be the best one (this year’s Detroit-Phoenix, anyone?)  I’m supporting Nashville with this one as I like the team and the whole underdog thing they've got going for them.  I’ve got mad respect for them - I mean no one pays any attention to them on the regular yet the often make the playoffs with one of the lowest salary cap teams.  Did I mention that I really like Shea Weber.  Captain Caveman, I salute thee.

And Bobby Ryan’s goal?  Just press play.  Oh, and the poor guy can’t go a damn game without them mentioning that he was drafted 2^nd after Crosby.  Talk about a loooooong shadow.


All in all, as a Leafs fan I think that I might’ve underestimated the Western Conference.  So far, I’m enjoying it more than the Eastern.  But in the end, I’m just hoping everything gets just a little bit more exciting as it goes on.