Question Period – Playoffs Edition

The New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils were all victorious in Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs. What sort of matchups will we see tonight? Will the Boston Bruins beat the Montreal Canadiens to a bloody pulp? Will the San Jose Sharks choke once again? All those questions and more… RIGHT NOW:

1) The Habs have had a successful playoff history against the Bruins, holding a 24-7 playoff record vs. the Bruins going into tonight’s match-up. I don’t have to tell you where both teams currently stand, so what’s your prediction? Will the Habs pull off the upset? Also, how many fights do you expect in this series, and more specifically, from George Laraque?

2) Nik Antropov scored his 3^rd career playoff goal last night – in 28 games, mind you. He was the Rangers’ most productive player during the regular season; do you expect similar results in the playoffs?

3) Mats Sundin and the Canucks have won Game 1. Sundin recorded 2 shots, and couldn’t find the scoresheet. How will he fare throughout the rest of the playoffs? Do you expect the Canucks to go far? Will you support Sundin?

4) Do you think the Columbus Blue Jackets will upset the Detroit Red Wings? What will be the deciding factor? Will Rick Nash have to perform at an exceptional level? Can Osgood repeat his brilliant performance from last year?

5) The St.Louis Blues made the playoffs. That is an accomplishment in itself. Do you expect them to do anything in the playoffs? Do they have a chance against the Canucks, or is their playoff berth just letting them get their toes in the water?

6) Joe Thornton and the Sharks are in the playoffs once again. So, will Thornton finally show up and lead the Sharks to the Cup, or will he disappear and lead the Sharks to another quick exit? Who else specifically needs to step up?

7) The Flames acquired Jordan Leopold and Olli Jokinen to bolster their lineup for the playoffs. However, they struggled at season’s end. How will the Flames fare tonight? Will they make a push for the Cup, or will they crumble once again? Does Mikka Kiprusoff have what it takes?

8 ) The Devils, judging from their performance last night, are rolling on all cylinders. Will Brodeur lead the team to a fourth Stanley Cup? If not, what will be their downfall?

9) Do you think the Penguins can find themselves in the Stanley Cup Final once again? Will Crosby have a better post-season than Alexander Ovechkin?

10) Can Ovechkin lead the Washington Capitals to glory? Or are the Capitals too young? Can Theodore backstop the team past the Eastern Conference Finals?

11) Do the Philadelphia Flyers have what it takes? The team showed little emotion last night, and struggled to a) apply pressure on the Pens’ defense, and b) score on Marc-Andre Fleury, who is on fire. Do they have a chance to make the ECF again?

12) Do you believe the hype surrounding the Carolina Hurricanes? They were easily disposed of last night, and the question persists if Cam Ward can backstop the club to another Stanley Cup. What is their fate?

13) Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks are too young to advance in the playoffs? Do they need more size? Or, do you think they can actually do some damage? If so, how far do you see them going?

14) Can the Anaheim Ducks beat the Sharks? They’ve been dismissed by analysts everywhere, but let’s not forget that the Sharks HAVE choked before. The Ducks are strong in all facets of the game, although their goaltending worries me a bit this time around. Can they pull off the upset? Are they the dark horse of the playoffs?

15) The Stanley Finals will be between ____________ and _____________. ___________ will win the Stanley Cup.

Bonus Question!

If someone claims they have never puked in their life, you punch them in the __________.

You stay classy, MLHS.

ronguillet@mapleleafshotstove.com