Scores and Standings 4/29, "The second round has already started?" Edition

1. Hawks Fan: 61 (61+0)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos)
Rafalski (D-Det) 
Keith (D-Chi)
Miller (G-Buf)


2. Cousin Kovalev: 59 (57+2)
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van) W=1
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van) W=1
Rinne (G-Nas) 0
Subban (D-Mon)


3. Bride of Kovalev: 51 (51+0)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ)
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Thomas (G-Bos)
Visnovsky (D-Ana)


4. P-Stone: 50 (47+3)
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van) W,SO=3
Perry (F-Ana) 


T5. Mother of Kovalev: 46 (46+0)
Giroux (F-Phi)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)


T5. Derek: 46 (45+1)
D. Sedin (F-Van) W=1
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 41 (40+1)
H. Sedin (F-Van) W=1
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ)
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)
Letang (D-Pit)

Scores and Standings 4/28, "Sonuvabitch" Edition

What can I say? Habs lose, Bruins win. The better team won. Jacques Martin will suffer no consequences for getting out-coached, since everyone will blame the lack of healthy players (which was, admittedly, a factor).

Here's an interesting look at Montreal playoff success:
Since 1993, Montreal has won the first playoff round five times. Three of those first-round wins came against the Bruins. In 1998 they beat the Penguins, and last year they beat the Capitals.
And by the way, last year's win against the Penguins was Montreal's ONLY win in the second round since 1993.
And six other times they failed to advance out of the first round.
The rest of the time (six years) they finished out of the playoffs.






1. Hawks Fan: 61 (58+3)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB) W=1
Lucic (F-Bos) A,W=2
Keith (D-Chi)
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf)


2. Cousin Kovalev: 57 (55+2)
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van)
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van)
Subban (D-Mon) G=2
Rinne (G-Nas)


3. Bride of Kovalev: 51 (50+1)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ)
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos) W=1


4. P-Stone: 47 (45+2)
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB) W=1
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos) W=1
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van)


5. Mother of Kovalev: 46 (45+1)
Giroux (F-Phi)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos) W=1
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit) 0
 
 
6. Derek: 45 (45+0)
D. Sedin (F-Van)
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 40 (39+1)
H. Sedin (F-Van)
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit) 0
Kaberle (D-Bos) W=1
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)

Scores and Standings 4/27, "Ow, my head" Edition

Well um, so, that was interesting. I guess Chris Lee and Kevin Pollock (another ahem-questionable official) read the blog yesterday. Bruins get eight penalties while Montreal gets four. Can't say I've ever seen a game like that when either of those guys have been on the ice.

Condolences to Saddletramp, otherwise known as Hawks fan. They fought the good fight, and proved why it's so dang rare to see a team overcome a 3-0 deficit. Overtime! I hope you had your cardiologist on speed-dial.

Bad Guys win in Philly. Good for my team, bad for Rob Niedermayer, and bad for the game of hockey.




1. Hawks Fan: 58 (58+0)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos) 0
Keith (D-Chi) 0
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf) 0


2. Cousin Kovalev: 55 (45+10)
Briere (F-Phi) G,A,W=4
Kesler (F-Van) A,W=2
Hartnell (F-Phi) W=1
Ehrhoff (D-Van) W=1
Subban (D-Mon) A,W=2
Rinne (G-Nas)


3. Bride of Kovalev: 50 (50+0)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ)
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos) 0


T4. Derek: 45 (44+1)
D. Sedin (F-Van) W=1
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)


T4. P-Stone: 45 (43+2)
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi) W=1
Chara (D-Bos) 0
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van) W=1


T4. Mother of Kovalev: 45 (39+6)
Giroux (F-Phi) 2A,W=3
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos) G=2
Meszaros (D-Phi) W=1
Fleury (G-Pit)
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 39 (37+2)
H. Sedin (F-Van) W=1
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit)
Kaberle (D-Bos) 0
Bobrovsky (G-Phi) W=1

The Canadiens will NOT win tonight

And here's why:

Chris Lee.

I guarantee my Bruins fans friends that they will see Boston go on the power play at some crucial point in the game on a questionable call.

Take it to the bank.

And speaking of bank, that's exactly where Mr. Lee will be going after the game to deposit his mystery check, one of many he has received in exchange for his corrupt, NBA-like officiating.

Scores and Standings 4/26, "Joe Thornton scored a playoff goal?" Edition

1. Hawks Fan: 58 (55+3)
Marleau (F-SJ) A,W=2
St. Louis (F-TB) W=1
Lucic (F-Bos)
Keith (D-Chi)
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf)


2. Bride of Kovalev: 50 (48+2)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ) A,W=2
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos)


3. Cousin Kovalev: 45 (45+0)
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van)
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van)
Subban (D-Mon)
Rinne (G-Nas)


4. Derek: 44 (43+1)
D. Sedin (F-Van)
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ) W=1
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)


5. P-Stone: 43 (42+1)
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB) W=1
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van)


6. Mother of Kovalev: 39 (39+0)
Giroux (F-Phi)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit) 0
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 37 (33+4)
H. Sedin (F-Van)
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ) G,A,W=4
Letang (D-Pit) 0
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)

Scores and Standings 4/25, "Let's go to game seven" edition

Just like the Habs, the Canucks seem to have an aversion to winning. They once again fail to clinch the series, and now anything can happen in game 7. In another game 6, the Flyers come back to win in OT, and, news alert, they're just as dirty and cowardly as ever. And the NHL does not care.

Preds win. Told ya so. 



1. Hawks Fan: 55 (53+2)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos)
Keith (D-Chi) W=1
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf) A=1


2. Bride of Kovalev: 48 (47+1)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ)
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana) A=1
Thomas (G-Bos)


3. Cousin Kovalev: 45 (34+11)
Briere (F-Phi) 2G,W=5
Kesler (F-Van) 0
Hartnell (F-Phi) G,A,W=4
Ehrhoff (D-Van) 0
Subban (D-Mon)
Rinne (G-Nas) A,W=2


4. Derek: 43 (41+2)
D. Sedin (F-Van) G=2
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)


5. P-Stone: 42 (41+1)
Perry (F-Ana) 0
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi) W=1
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van) 0


6. Mother of Kovalev: 39 (34+5)
Giroux (F-Phi) 2A,W=3
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi) A,W=2
Fleury (G-Pit)
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 33 (31+2)
H. Sedin (F-Van) A=1
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit)
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi) W=1

Scores and Standings 4/24, "Which of these two Bruins in front of the net would you like me to cover?" edition

1. Hawks Fan: 53 (46+7)
Marleau (F-SJ) G=2
St. Louis (F-TB) 2A,W=3
Lucic (F-Bos) A,W=2
Keith (D-Chi)
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf)


2. Bride of Kovalev: 47 (42+5)
Ovechkin (F-Was) G,A,W=4
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ) 0
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos) W=1


T3. Derek: 41 (39+2)
D. Sedin (F-Van)
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was) W=1
Boyle (D-SJ) 0
Wideman (D-Was) W=1
Howard (G-Det)


T3. P-Stone: 41 (34+7)
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB) 2G,A,W=6
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos) W=1
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van)


T5. Cousin Kovalev: 34 (34+0)
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van)
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van)
Subban (D-Mon) 0
Rinne (G-Nas)


T5. Mother of Kovalev: 34 (30+4)
Giroux (F-Phi)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR) 0
Laich (F-Was) 2A,W=3
Seidenberg (D-Bos) W=1
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit) 0
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 31 (27+4)
H. Sedin (F-Van)
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ) A=1
Letang (D-Pit) A=1
Kaberle (D-Bos) A,W=2
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)

Hate to say "I told ya so..."

So, here's my question:

Am I the only person who noticed that, even during the first period of Thursday's Bruins-Habs game, the Bruins were actually controlling the neutral zone?

When my dad taught me to play chess, he explained that the center four squares of the board are key to controlling the entire field. In hockey, center ice is the same. The team that controls the neutral zone can control the pace, and will more likely win than not. Sure, Montreal out-shot the Bruins in that first period, but they didn't capitalize as much as they could have. Throughout the game, Boston forced Montreal to dump-and-chase, ice the puck, or turn it over. Montreal got their chances, but the results speak for themselves.



As a total aside, many thanks to my friends and fellow horn-dogs over at Four Habs Fans for coming through for me.

Scores and Standings 4/23, "The Sabres did what?" edition

1. Hawks Fan: 46 (45+1)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos)
Keith (D-Chi)
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf) W=1


2. Bride of Kovalev: 42 (42+0)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ)
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana) 0
Thomas (G-Bos)


3. Derek: 39 (39+0)
D. Sedin (F-Van)
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)


T4. P-Stone: 34 (34+0)
Perry (F-Ana) 0
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi) 0
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van)


T4. Cousin Kovalev: 34 (31+3)
Briere (F-Phi) G=2
Kesler (F-Van)
Hartnell (F-Phi) 0
Ehrhoff (D-Van)
Subban (D-Mon)
Rinne (G-Nas) W=1


6. Mother of Kovalev: 30 (25+5)
Giroux (F-Phi) 2A=2
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi) G,A=3
Fleury (G-Pit)
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 27 (27+0)
H. Sedin (F-Van)
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit)
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi) 0

Scores and Standings 4/22, "A bad day to be a fan of Canadian teams" edition

Wow. Montreal's defensive zone coverage=the suck.  Spacek, Hamrlik, and Gomez are the Unholy Trinity of Suck. Carey Price's glove hand=sucks as much as last year.

Hey! Hawks are STILL alive.


Some game happened out west, I think. 


1. Hawks Fan: 45 (35+10)
Marleau (F-SJ) A,W=2
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos) W=1
Keith (D-Chi) 2G,2A,W=7
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf)


2. Bride of Kovalev: 42 (38+4)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ) G,W=3
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos) W=1


3. Derek: 39 (37+2)
D. Sedin (F-Van) 0
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ) A,W=2
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)


4. P-Stone: 34 (33+1)
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos) W=1
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van) 0


5. Cousin Kovalev: 31 (29+2)
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van) 0
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van) 0
Subban (D-Mon) G=2
Rinne (G-Nas)


6. Father of Kovalev: 27 (22+5)
H. Sedin (F-Van) 0
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ) G,W=3
Letang (D-Pit)
Kaberle (D-Bos) A,W=2
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)
 

7. Mother of Kovalev: 25 (23+2)
Giroux (F-Phi)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos) A,W=2
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit)

Scores and Standings 4/21, "Is the writing on the wall?" edition

OK, I'll admit it: I've had a problem getting accurate scores lately. Part of the problem is that I've been extremely busy and preoccupied with work matters, and haven't had my head completely in this thing.
I know I need to build back some credibility, and I apologize to all of you. I also thank all of you who have gently nudged me and informed me when I've screwed up. Your comments have all been good-natured, and I thank you for your patience.
I'll try to do better.



1. Bride of Kovalev: 38 (32+6)
Ovechkin (F-Was) W=1
Datsyuk (F-Det) A,W=2
Pavelski (F-SJ) 
Lidstrom (D-Det) W=1
Visnovsky (D-Ana) A,W=2
Thomas (G-Bos)


2. Derek: 37 (33+4)
D. Sedin (F-Van)
Franzen (F-Det)W=1
Backstrom (F-Was) W=1
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was) W=1
Howard (G-Det) W=1



3. Hawks Fan: 35 (28+7)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB) G,A=3
Lucic (F-Bos)
Keith (D-Chi)
Rafalski (D-Det)W=1
Miller (G-Buf) SO,W=3


4. P-Stone: 33 (25+8)
Perry (F-Ana) G,2A,W=5
Stamkos (F-TB) 0
Carter (F-Phi) 0
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det) G,W=3
Luongo (G-Van)


5. Cousin Kovalev: 29 (29+0)
Briere (F-Phi) 0
Kesler (F-Van)
Hartnell (F-Phi) 0
Ehrhoff (D-Van)
Subban (D-Mon)
Rinne (G-Nas) 0


6. Mother of Kovalev: 23 (20+3)
Giroux (F-Phi) 0
Brian Boyle (F-NYR) 0
Laich (F-Was) A,W=2
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi) 0
Fleury (G-Pit) W=1
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 22 (20+2)
H. Sedin (F-Van)
Zetterberg (F-Det)W=1
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit) W=1
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi) 0

Scores and Standings 4/20, "I'm not quite dead yet" Edition

1. Derek: 33 (28+5)
D. Sedin (F-Van) G=2
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ) 2A,W=3
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)


2. Bride of Kovalev: 32 (29+3)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ) G,W=3
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos)


3. Cousin Kovalev: 29 (27+2)
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van) A=1
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van) A=1
Subban (D-Mon)
Rinne (G-Nas)


4. Hawks Fan: 28 (21+7)
Marleau (F-SJ) G,A,W=4
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos)
Keith (D-Chi) G,W=3
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf)


5. P-Stone: 25 (25+0)
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van) 0


T6. Mother of Kovalev: 20 (20+0)
Giroux (F-Phi)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit)
 

T6. Father of Kovalev: 20 (18+2)
H. Sedin (F-Van) 0
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ) A,W=2
Letang (D-Pit)
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)

Scores and Standings 4/19, "Mama said there'd be days like this" edition

1. Bride of Kovalev: 29 (26+3)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det) W=1
Pavelski (F-SJ) 
Lidstrom (D-Det) W=1
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos) W=1


2. Derek: 28 (24+4)
D. Sedin (F-Van)
Franzen (F-Det) G,W=3
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det) W=1


3. Cousin Kovalev: 27 (21+6)
Briere (F-Phi) G,W=3
Kesler (F-Van)
Hartnell (F-Phi) A,W=2
Ehrhoff (D-Van)
Subban (D-Mon) A=1
Rinne (G-Nas)


4. P-Stone: 25 (15+10)
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB) A=1
Carter (F-Phi) G,A,W=4
Chara (D-Bos) A,W=2
Kronwall (D-Det) 2A,W=3
Luongo (G-Van)


5. Hawks Fan: 21 (15+6)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB) 2G=4
Lucic (F-Bos) W=1
Keith (D-Chi)
Rafalski (D-Det) W=1
Miller (G-Buf) 0


6. Mother of Kovalev: 20 (14+6)
Giroux (F-Phi) A,W=2
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos) A,W=2
Meszaros (D-Phi) W=1
Fleury (G-Pit) W=1
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 18 (12+6)
H. Sedin (F-Van)
Zetterberg (F-Det) W=1
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit) 2A,W=3
Kaberle (D-Bos) W=1
Bobrovsky (G-Phi) W=1

REVISED Scores and Standings 4/18

1. Bride of Kovalev: 26 (23+3)
Ovechkin (F-Was) G,A=3
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ) 
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana) 0
Thomas (G-Bos)


2. Derek: 24 (19+5)
D. Sedin (F-Van) G,A,W=4
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was) A=1
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was) 0
Howard (G-Det)


3. Cousin Kovalev: 21 (15+6)
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van) W=1
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van) G,A,W=4
Subban (D-Mon) 
Rinne (G-Nas) W=1


T4. Hawks Fan: 15 (13+2)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos)
Keith (D-Chi) G=2
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf)


T4. P-Stone: 15 (12+3)
Perry (F-Ana) 2A=2
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van) W=1


6. Mother of Kovalev: 14 (13+1)
Giroux (F-Phi)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR) W=1
Laich (F-Was) 0
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit)
 

7. Father of Kovalev: 12 (9+3)
H. Sedin (F-Van) 2A,W=3
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit)
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)

Scores and Standings 4/17

1. Bride of Kovalev: 23 (14+9)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det) G,3A,W=6
Pavelski (F-SJ) 0
Lidstrom (D-Det) 2A,W=3
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos) 0


2. Derek: 19 (17+2)
D. Sedin (F-Van)
Franzen (F-Det) W=1
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ) 0
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det) W=1


3. Cousin Kovalev: 15 (9+6)
Briere (F-Phi) G,W=3
Kesler (F-Van)
Hartnell (F-Phi) A,W=2
Ehrhoff (D-Van)
Subban (D-Mon) W=1
Rinne (G-Nas)
 

T4. Hawks Fan: 13 (10+3)
Marleau (F-SJ) 0
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos) 0
Keith (D-Chi)
Rafalski (D-Det) G,W=3
Miller (G-Buf) 0


T4. Mother of Kovalev: 13 (6+7)
Giroux (F-Phi) G,A,W=4
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos) 0
Meszaros (D-Phi) 2A,W=3
Fleury (G-Pit)
 

6. P-Stone: 12 (10+2)
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi) W=1
Chara (D-Bos) 0
Kronwall (D-Det) W=1
Luongo (G-Van)


7. Father of Kovalev: 9 (7+2)
H. Sedin (F-Van) 
Zetterberg (F-Det) W=1
Thornton (F-SJ) 0
Letang (D-Pit)
Kaberle (D-Bos) 0
Bobrovsky (G-Phi) W=1

Scores and Standings 4/16

1. Derek: 17 (9+8)
D. Sedin (F-Van) 2G,A,W=6
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was) W=1
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was) W=1
Howard (G-Det)  


2. Bride of Kovalev: 14 (10+4)
Ovechkin (F-Was) A,W=2
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ)
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana) A,W=2
Thomas (G-Bos)


T3. Hawks Fan: 10 (6+4)
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB) G,A,W=4
Lucic (F-Bos)
Keith (D-Chi) 0
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf)



T3. P-Stone: 10 (4+6)
Perry (F-Ana) G,2A,W=5
Stamkos (F-TB) 0
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van) W=1
 

5. Cousin Kovalev: 9 (5+4)
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van) A,W=2
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van) A,W=2
Subban (D-Mon)
Rinne (G-Nas) 0


6. Father of Kovalev: 7 (5+2)
H. Sedin (F-Van) A,W=2
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit) 0
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)


7. Mother of Kovalev: 6 (4+2)
Giroux (F-Phi)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR) 0
Laich (F-Was) A,W=2
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit) 0

Scores and Standings 4/15

1. Bride of Kovalev: 10 (7+3)
Ovechkin (F-Was)
Datsyuk (F-Det)
Pavelski (F-SJ) G,W=3
Lidstrom (D-Det)
Visnovsky (D-Ana)
Thomas (G-Bos) 0



2. Derek: 9 (8+1)
D. Sedin (F-Van)
Franzen (F-Det)
Backstrom (F-Was)
Boyle (D-SJ) W=1
Wideman (D-Was)
Howard (G-Det)


3. Hawks Fan: 6 (2+4)
Marleau (F-SJ) W=1
St. Louis (F-TB)
Lucic (F-Bos) 0
Keith (D-Chi)
Rafalski (D-Det)
Miller (G-Buf) SO,W=3

 
T4. Cousin Kovalev: 5 (4+1)
Briere (F-Phi) 0
Kesler (F-Van)
Hartnell (F-Phi) 0
Ehrhoff (D-Van)
Subban (D-Mon) W=1
Rinne (G-Nas)


T4. Father of Kovalev: 5 (4+1)
H. Sedin (F-Van)
Zetterberg (F-Det)
Thornton (F-SJ) W=1
Letang (D-Pit)
Kaberle (D-Bos) 0
Bobrovsky (G-Phi) 0


T6. Mother of Kovalev: 4
Giroux (F-Phi) 0
Brian Boyle (F-NYR)
Laich (F-Was)
Seidenberg (D-Bos) 0
Meszaros (D-Phi) 0
Fleury (G-Pit)


T6. P-Stone: 4
Perry (F-Ana)
Stamkos (F-TB)
Carter (F-Phi) 0
Chara (D-Bos) 0
Kronwall (D-Det)
Luongo (G-Van)

Scores and Standings--First day edition!

1. Derek: 8
D. Sedin (F-Van) W=1
Franzen (F-Det) G,A,W=4
Backstrom (F-Was) W=1
Boyle (D-SJ)
Wideman (D-Was) W=1
Howard (G-Det) W=1


2. Bride of Kovalev: 7
Ovechkin (F-Was) G,W=3
Datsyuk (F-Det) G,W=3
Pavelski (F-SJ)
Lidstrom (D-Det) W=1
Visnovsky (D-Ana) 0
Thomas (G-Bos)


T3. Mother of Kovalev: 4
Giroux (F-Phi)
Brian Boyle (F-NYR) 0
Laich (F-Was) W=1
Seidenberg (D-Bos)
Meszaros (D-Phi)
Fleury (G-Pit) SO,W=3


T3. P-Stone: 4
Perry (F-Ana) 0
Stamkos (F-TB) 0
Carter (F-Phi)
Chara (D-Bos)
Kronwall (D-Det) W=1
Luongo (G-Van) SO,W=3


T3. Cousin Kovalev: 4
Briere (F-Phi)
Kesler (F-Van) A,W=2
Hartnell (F-Phi)
Ehrhoff (D-Van) W=1
Subban (D-Mon)
Rinne (G-Nas) W=1


T3. Father of Kovalev: 4
H. Sedin (F-Van) W=1
Zetterberg (F-Det) W=1
Thornton (F-SJ)
Letang (D-Pit) A,W=2
Kaberle (D-Bos)
Bobrovsky (G-Phi)


7. Hawks Fan: 2
Marleau (F-SJ)
St. Louis (F-TB) 0
Lucic (F-Bos)
Keith (D-Chi) 0
Rafalski (D-Det) G,W=2
Miller (G-Buf)

Are we smarter than ESPN?*

By the way, I created a group named Kovalev's Kousin on the ESPN challenge, if you want to join. Original, I know. 

*Editor's note: In my original article, I made a mistake by not accounting for the fact that Bride of Kovalev had actually picked Tim Thomas. That has been changed, and the article now reflects it.


I am entering a team on ESPN's Playoff Hockey Challenge, and it ranks players by dollar value.

If ESPN were to enter our pool right now, based on their valuations for who is left over, their team would look like this:


Best of the rest (rank in respective position):
Sidney Crosby (1)
Jonathan Toews (8)
Ryan Getzlaf (10)
Keith Yandle (2)
James Wisniewski (6)
Jonathan Quick (3)


Here are the very top players, according to ESPN:

Crosby
Sedin
Sedin
Visnovsky
Yandle
Thomas

We picked four of those top-ranked players. Let's see how we do compared to ESPN's "Best of the rest" team, shall we?

The breakdown:

Here is what the draft results tell us:

Detroit: 7

Philadelphia: 6

Vancouver: 5
Boston: 5

Washington: 4
San Jose: 4

Anaheim: 2
Pittsburgh: 2
Tampa Bay: 2

Chicago: 1
Buffalo: 1
Montreal: 1
Nashville: 1
New York: 1


It seems our poolers have given a ringing endorsement for seeing the Red Wings beating the Flyers in the Stanley Cup Final. We seem to think the Canucks also have a decent shot at the Western Conference, and the Bruins could win the East.

People are hesitantly picking the Capitals and Sharks. Based on their past performances, the numbers are very telling. Is this the year the Sharks finally win it all? Have the Caps learned from last year's upset?

We're giving the Ducks, Lightning, and Penguins an outside chance of going far, and one has to wonder if their past reputation is what really recommends them.

And then there are the five dark horse picks: the Rangers, Blackhawks (the defending champs!), Sabres, Habs, and Preds. These could potentially be a huge picks, or just wasted roster spaces.

The Draft is complete!

Here are your final rosters.
Notably absent: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Are we all going to be kicking ourselves in June?

Derek
F D. Sedin (Van)
F Franzen (Det)
F Backstrom (Was)
D Boyle (SJ)
D Wideman (Was)
G Howard (Det)

Bride of Kovalev
F Ovechkin (Was)
G Thomas (Bos)
F Datsyuk (Det)
D Lidstrom (Det)
D Visnovsky (Ana)
F Pavelski (SJ)

Mother of Kovalev
G Fleury (Pit)
F Giroux (Phi)
F Brian Boyle (NYR)
F Laich (Was)
D Seidenberg (Bos)
D Meszaros (Phi)


Hawks Fan
F Marleau (SJ)
F St. Louis (TB)
F Lucic (Bos)
D Keith (Chi)
D Rafalski (Det)
G Miller (Buf)

P-Stone
G Luongo (Van)
F Perry (Ana)
F Stamkos (TB)
D Chara (Bos)
F Carter (Phi)
D Kronwall (Det)

Cousin Kovalev
F Briere (Phi)
F Kesler (Van)
D Ehrhoff (Van)
F Hartnell (Phi)
D Subban (Mon)
G Rinne (Nas)

Father of Kovalev
F H. Sedin (Van)
F Zetterberg (Det)
F Thornton (SJ)
D Letang (Pit)
D Kaberle (Bos)
G Bobrovsky (Phi)

Postponed due to...ahem...circumstances within The Hawks Control

Thanks to the Chicago Blackhawks, today's draft has been postponed until after the Stars game.
It is 7:00 pm and the second period has just begun in the Stars-Wild game. We'll see if we can begin tonight. Otherwise, we'll have to wait until tomorrow.

Thanks, Hawks!

Draft order unveiled

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you, the draft order for the playoff pool!

1. Derek
2. Bride of Kovalev
3. Mother of Kovalev
4. Hawks Fan (a colleague of mine who is this year's guest pooler)
5. P-Stone
6. ME
7. Father of Kovalev

As you all probably know, the draft order goes down, then back up, each round.

Points are: Goal = 2; Assist = 1; Win = 1; Shutout = 2 ADDITIONAL pts.

Injured players still earn points for team wins; suspended players do not.

You pick six players: three forwards, two defensemen, one goalie. In cases where players play both F and D, you decide which position to lock them in for the duration of the playoffs.

No trades.

Additional rules:
I make mistakes. If you think I've made an error, bring it up to me. But do so in a timely fashion. If a score hasn't been disputed within 24 hours, I assume everyone concurs. Still, I typically re-check my math at the end of each round.

In the unlikely event of a tie, the player with the most total goals wins.

Draft begins on Sunday, depending on the playoff implications of the remaining games.

That was fun

I had lunch riding on last night's game. A colleague of mine is a Blackhawks fan, and we both enjoy talkiing hockey before and after we talk business. So I was watching last night's game, knowing that he was doing the same, and we bothe knew that the otehr was saying "What a great game."

So the Habs clinch, the Hawks get a point, and PK Subban and Carey Price are the best thing since sliced bread.

Now, it's time to start prepping for the playoff pool.

Get excited.