gotta love it

Yes people, it's that time again. Playoffs. Gotta love it. Weather is turning warmer, the patios at the pubs are opening up, and nothing beats a pint in the sunshine while watching a hockey game. So I've got some obvious choices this year. Vancouver is of course number one in my books, and I think this year they have a team that might actually be able to pull something off. That's not to say they have a team that can take them all the way, but they have a team this year that has a little more depth to it than previous years. Back in the days of Burtuzzi and Nasland, the Canucks seemed more of a "run and gun" team, just hoping to outscore thier opponents rather than beat them. And with Cloutier in net, I don't blame them for trying to run up the score and demoralize thier opponent before they woke up. This year though they have a lot more depth at the blue line this year, with the exception of course being Sopel. He's good for at least one give away a game, and usually at the most inopportune time. Thankfully he's injured at the moment and Fitzpatrick is taking his place. He's listed as day-to-day cause he hurt his back... picking up a cracker. Good god man, why even tell people that? Claim you slipped on a wet floor if anything. No matter though. I'm firmly in the corner of the Canucks no matter who is playing the blue line. Doesn't hurt when they have an MVP candidate in the crease either...

I'm actually sort of glad they drew the Stars for the first round. I guess it's because I get to see so many division games, but I always cringe when they play against division rivals. For some strange reason Vancouver has this crazy ability to loose games against div teams that they should win easily. Need I remind you of how well they did against the Blues last season? At any rate, with the exception of the Red Wings, I don't think the Canucks could have pulled a better team to play against. I'm not basing this off any stats, or season record, but because when Vancouver plays against Dallas, they seem to bring thier "A" game for the most part. Here's hoping anyway.

As for the rest of the match-ups this year, I'm watching the Sens and Pens closely, and I would have to call this one 50/50 as to who I am chearing for. I want the Pens to do well, but as I am watching the game as I write this, they look a little too young out there. Gripping the sticks too tightly and the nerves seem to be showing. As my brother says, "They have to learn to loose in the playoffs before they can learn to win." The Sens are killing them too, obviously the bigger and more aggressive team, the game is fast but with the majority of the hitting being done by the boys in red, it's putting the Pens back on thier heels. I have some faith that the Penguins will get themselves snapped out of this mental block and make a series of it though and when they do, it's going to be good.

Finally, and strangely, I find myself a NY Islanders fan this year. Well, not so much of a fan, but just happy that Toronto didn't make it because of them. The Islanders have thier work cut out for them though against the Sabres and Miller. The few games that I've seen him in this year, he has been able to bail out his team more often than not.

Well that's all for me today. This game is all but iced, but I have a Canucks game in thirty and I still need to make something to eat.

Cheers.

ps I pick up my car tomorrow after work. Looking forward to it.