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Latest hockey videos added to 2 Minutes For Hockey on Thursday 10 July, 2008. Videos include interviews, fights, commercials and a truly amazing clip - goalie helmet cam!
NHL Draft day is always quite busy with regards to trades, and today didn’t disappoint. Not surprisingly, the Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Steve Stamkos as their first draft pick, but it’s possible that was overshadowed by the Florida Panthers trading Olli Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Nick Boynton (D), Keith Ballard (D) and a 2nd round draft pick (49th overall).
Philadelphia Flyers have traded R.J. Umberger (and their 4th round pick) to the Columbus Blue Jackets for their first round (19th overall) and 3rd round (67th overall).
Calgary has acqured Mike Cammalleri from the L.A. Kings in a 3-way deal that also saw Alex Tanguay going to the Montreal Canadiens. The Flames gave up their 1st round (17th overall) pick to LA.
The Kings gave their 17th and 28th picks in the 1st round to the Anaheim Ducks for their 12th pick.
Ottawa have placed Ray Emery on waivers, the first step towards a buyout.
The Canadiens have been given the OK from the Maple Leafs to “talk” to Mats Sundin.
After the first round i find myself only just above 50% in my predictions. Here’s how I did for round 1:
East: Montreal Canadiens - correct
Pittsburgh Penguins - correct
Washington Capitals - incorrect (but they were close)
New Jersey Devils - incorrect
West:
Detroit Red Wings - correct - I predicted a sweep, so i was far off.
Calgary Flames - incorrect - it went to 7 though.
Colorado Avalanche - correct
Dallas Stars - correct (i nailed this one)
So, for round 2 we have:
Montreal Canadiens - Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers only just scraped past the Washington Capitals, and pretty much fell apart the minute the Capitals put any offensive pressure on. They wont last long under the Canadiens attack.
Pittsburgh Penguins - New York Rangers
The Penguins dominated their first round opponent, but the Rangers wont be anywhere as easy. I believe this game will come down to M.A. Fleury Vs Henrik Lundqvist, and I simply don’t feel M.A.F. has what it takes to be the victor.
Detroit Red Wings - Colorado Avalanche
Detroit have just come off a long series with the Nashville Predators, and appeared to falter a number of times during that series. The Wings special teams were also a lot worse than they should have been. The Avalanche on the other hand are motivated and have their good players healthy again. I think special teams and netminders will decide who win this series.
San Jose Sharks - Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars showed dominance in their round against the Anaheim Ducks. They outplayed, outskilled and out-believed them in all areas of the ice in all but 1 of the games. They also have shaked the monkey off their back as far as expectations of these playoffs - pass the first round. The Stars have nothing to lose now, and everything to gain, so expect to see them give the Sharks all they have. The Sharks have 1 good offensive line, and it’s been their checking line… the Stars however have 3 solid scoring lines, all which scored 8-7-6 goals per line respectively in round 1. Special Teams will play a big role here, and the Sharks may be in danger if the Stars get Sergei Zubov back on the blue line. Turco Vs Nabokov, Zubov Vs Campbell are the 2 key matchups here.
Washington Capitals - incorrect (but they were close)
New Jersey Devils - incorrect
So, the predictions:
Montreal Canadiens in 5 games
New York Rangers in 6 games
Colorado Avalanche in 6 games
Dallas Stars in 6 games
After 2 weeks, countless hockey games, a few injuries and some surprising results, we are just 2 games from knowing who the matchups will be in the Stanley Cup semi-finals.
In the East, the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens are waiting to see who will win todays game between the Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers. If the Capitals win, the semi finals will be Pittsburgh facing Washington & New York against Montreal. If the Flyers in, Montreal will take on Philadelphia and New York will face the red hot Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the west it is a similar story, with the Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars all waiting to find the result in todays game between the Calgary Flames and the San Jose Sharks. If the Sharks win, the Stars will face the Sharks and the Red Wings will face the Avalanche. If Calgary come out on top, the Red Wings will face the Flames and the Stars will take on the Avalanche.
NHL Draft day is always quite busy with regards to trades, and today didn’t disappoint. Not surprisingly, the Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Steve Stamkos as their first draft pick, but it’s possible that was overshadowed by the Florida Panthers trading Olli Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Nick Boynton (D), Keith Ballard (D) and a 2nd round draft pick (49th overall).
