Extended Friday Five Focus: Playoff Edition

I haven't done a Friday Five Focus in over a month. To make up for all those missed five questions (or thoughts) I'm going to do a longer FFF for the playoff games I've watched thus far; I'll list five observations that stuck out the most to me.

Pittsburgh v. Ottawa (Game 1)

1. Pittsburgh looked so much better than Ottawa. I predicted Pittsburgh to win this series but I expected Ottawa to at least look like they wanted to win. In the third period I was actually rooting for Ottawa to score so the game would appear to be somewhat competitive.


2. Gerber looked shaky in the first period (how in the world did he not save Roberts's goal?) but looked great in the remaining two periods. I still can't get that glove save robbery out of my head!


3. I always laugh when I see a game that's played in Pittsburgh and I see the visiting backup goalie sit by himself. Poor Emery...that's gotta suck!


4. Marc-Andre Fleury should never play the puck behind the net. And if he does, he should never hold onto it for more than 2 seconds. I think he may be worse than Hasek at playing the puck.


5. Forget all the hype about Crosby, this was the Malkin Show! I am completely awestruck of his skills. I knew he was good but he looked damn good in Game 1.

San Jose v. Calgary (Game 1)

1. This game was televised on Versus through a CBC broadcast and watching this feed made me yearn for a pure Versus broadcast like never before. The play-by-play guy sucked; he was so incredibly boring to listen to. The red, white, and blue bar at the top of the screen that showed the team names, score, and time remaining bothered me so much. For one, the colors and format made it look archaic. Secondly, why not use team colors as the background color of each cell where the team names were placed rather than red and blue? Thirdly, if the color format is a tradition, then why not at least place the red and blue so they correspond somewhat closely to the team colors. Seeing a red block automatically made me think of Calgary, but no, it was placed with San Jose and the blue was for Calgary. Does that make sense to anyone? FSN's color and format are much more pleasing to the eye and even Versus does a much better job.


2. The highlights of the Minny/Avs game was terrible! It was like watching a highlight reel from the '60s. Is this what Canadians are subjected to whenever they watch a CBC broadcast?


3. Another rant about the broadcast: the sound was distorted so you could barely hear the fans. I love being able to listen to the sounds of the game and one component of this is the crowd. When you can't hear the crowd it makes it seem like the fans aren't into the game. I barely heard any other sounds outside of the play-by-play guy, which I already mentioned was not fun to listen to.


4. Kipper played frantically in the first period and looked out of position on several occassions. I was worried that this was just a sneak peak of what was to come. Fortunately, Kipper got back on his game and his teammates helped limit San Jose's opportunities.


5. The refs let so much shit go. There was definitely one play where it looked like Clowe (I think) and Phaneuf were taking shots at each other and both were going to go off for something, but only Clowe got the penalty. And other times players made blatantly obvious infractions and no penalty was called. I can't quite decide if I want the guys to be able to just play or if the games should be called to the same standards as the regular season games, but the 'law-abiding citzen' in me is saying that the penalties should be called if it's ruled an offense in the rulebook.

Continued after the jump.


Detroit v. Nashville (Game 1)

1. Zetterberg and Datsyuk are so awesome together. I still hate Tootoo.


2. Ellis was a machine throughout the entire game and really gave the Preds a chance to win. He always looked pretty good against the Kings but...yeah, it's the Kings.


3. I couldn't understand how the game was still tied after the second period. Nashville isn't going to go down easily and hopefully this game is a wake-up call for Detroit. Not that Detroit played poorly, but just that they'll have to bring their A-game every night against the Preds.


4. Zetterberg's game winning slap shot was sick. Zetterberg is amazing...and dreamy. I still hate Tootoo.


5. I couldn't believe Ellis didn't go back in the net when the faceoff was just outside of Nashville's blueline...I think everyone who saw that happened called the empty netter before the linesman dropped the puck. I don't think Nashville would have tied the game if Ellis had stayed in net, so it's kind of a moot point, but just an interesting move by Trotz that I wasn't expecting to see.

Check out the game review by Steph of No Pun Intended.

Anaheim v. Dallas (Game 1)
I actually didn't watch this game. But I kept the boxscore up to keep track of the punishment Dallas inflicted upon the Ducks.

4 Power Play Goals + Shutout + Dallas Win = Awesomeness


Washington v. Philadelphia (Game 1)

1. I've been looking forward to this game since the Caps qualified for the playoffs. Neither team disappointed and I loved watching every single second of it. I was partially hoping for the game to go to overtime because I wanted to continue watching these teams battle like it was win or die.


2. I did the "pumping two fists in the air" celebration when Brashear scored the first goal of the series. Seeing him score was awesome...he displayed patience and soft hands by finishing what looked like an easy scoring opportunity but could have been easily flubbed if he had panicked or rushed it.


3. I was very unimpressed with Washington's power play. As soon as they set up in the zone the players were relatively static. They don't move around too much and in essence, are pretty predictable. They caught a break when the Philly player painfully blocked a shot and crumpled to the ice, allowing the Caps extra time to make the next pass, which led to a power play goal. However, if the Caps want to go deep in the playoffs I think they need to improve their power play.


4. This game was so physical, yet clean. Every player made an attempt to finish his check and not back down. What was so refreshing about seeing this hard hitting game was that it never looked like either team was out their element by playing like this and neither team looked like they were in a frenzy just trying to line up guys for the sake of making hits. Props to both teams for making this game incredibly exciting.


5. Ovechkin's game winning goal was so f'ing awesome!!! What a way for him to start his playoff career.

Minnesota v. Colorado (Game 2)

1. I guess the broken man isn't so...broken...yet.


2. I don't ever recall analysts kissing Sakic's ass in previous playoff years, but I have heard them call him "Captain Clutch" way too many times in the past several days. I'm sorry, but didn't you guys give that nickname to Chris Drury? And also, I question whether it's appropriate to still call Ryan Smyth "Captain Canada" even though he doesn't play for a Canadian team...anyone have any thoughts?


3. These two teams tried to play a physical game but they didn't even come close to the physicality of the Wash/Philly game.


4. I was so excited when Koivu scored Minnesota's second goal to take the lead with little time left in regulation. His shot looked somewhat nonthreatening and I was shocked it went in. Theodore must have felt like shit for letting in that shot. I think I laughed and pointed at him.


5. I could not believe it when Colorado tied it, sending the game to OT. Seeing Colorado tie it made me doubt my prediction that the Wild would win this series, but thankfully the Wild took no time in winning the game in OT to tie the series. I guess Baby Hockey Jesus does listen to prayers!

I love the NHL Playoffs!! and my DVR!

Friday Five Focus

Here we go again. Five things (at least four of which are hockey related) that have been on my mind this past week. Feel free to speak your mind in the comments.

1. I am thrilled that Frolov is on such an amazing run. In the month of February he has 15 points in 10 games. In 2008 he has 31 points in 23 games. If he maintains his current points per game average (54 pts in 52 games = 1.038 ppg) through the remainder of the season (19 games) he could net 73 points and beat his career high of 71 points that he achieved last year when he played all 82 games.

2. Patrick O'Sullivan is making it difficult for me to choose a 'Sweetheart'. I've always liked Frolov and he's finally coming through and playing like a topline forward even though he's on the second line. And now we have O'Sullivan who last year had potential and all of a sudden exploded this season. I don't think I ever expected to him to be this good but he's displayed such tenacity and has a great sniper shot. I keep waiting for the Kings to re-sign him and after his 5-point game last night, I'm really anxious to see what kind of contract the Kings will (or, should) offer him.

3. When Philly beat the Kings earlier this month I was under the impression that Philly was really good and on their way to winning their division. Several weeks later and I see headlines about them losing 9 games in a row and now they're out of a playoff spot. OUCH! I thought Philly was the most improved team from last season and while they still have time to turn things around I was shocked by their recent position.

4. Going along with item #3, how in the world is Petit Briere a -24?! +/- is not a category I usually like to spend too much time dwelling over but for some reason Briere's -24 stunned me. I guess I always assumed poor +/- ratings were reserved for players on the worst teams (like the Kings!) but even Frolov is a '0'. Do Flyers fans feel that Briere is overpaid or are they willing to defend his pricetag? And what about Rangers fans and the salaries commanded by Drury and Gomez? Looking at my team, yes, I am ticked off that Blake is making $6 million because no, I don't think he's worth that much at all. If he re-signs with the Kings I hope he makes between $3 mill and $4 mill. I still think that's high but I am taking into consideration that he's a veteran who can still play. Ideally, I would like to see him bring in a paycheck closer to $2 million with bonuses attached to it depending on how well he and/or the Kings perform.

5. P and I are made for each other which is evident by our recent conversation:
P: Do I look good today?
me: Yes, but I look better. I'm having a really good mascara day and I'm very happy about it.

Last week I bought new mascara and I'm finally getting used to it (the brush, how it applies, the texture, etc.). I have never used this brand of mascara before but apparently it's good for curling, volumizing, and lengthening. It goes on very smoothly and doesn't clump. However, if you're not careful about how much gets on the brush then too much may end up on your lashes. It isn't waterproof, but it doesn't smudge and is easy to remove. If you're willing to spend a little bit extra on mascara, I highly recommend it --> Fresh Supernova Mascara. Don't hate, sometimes I really like being a girl.

Friday Five Focus

It's technically Friday when I remembered, so here we go with my weekly scheduled post:

1. Please, oh pretty please, will a GM take Nagy off our hands!? Puh-leeeeease!!


2. If Matt Moulson isn't called up after the trade deadline I will shit a brick. He is a much better player than Brian Willsie and I think he's had enough practice in the AHL. It's time for the Kings to stop carting him back and forth between LA and Manchester and keep him with the big boys.


3. I can't believe it's already February 15th...Looking at the upcoming schedule it's sad to see that the end of the season is quickly approaching. Soon I will have to say good-bye to my team and pick a different team to adopt for the playoffs. *sigh*


4. The Kings OWNED Phaneuf tonight and it was very, very sweet.


5. I think Carolina is going to make the biggest (and most suprising) trade before the trade deadline. They need a strong veteran who can score and attempt to replace Rod the Bod as the team enters the playoffs. I don't see any other team making a huge splash, but that assumption isn't based on any hard facts...just my gut feeling.

Belated Friday Five Focus

I'm beginning to think I should change this weekly post to "Saturday Six Seminar" because I cannot for the life of me remember to do it on Friday. Anyhoo, here's what's been on my mind this past week:

1. Will Rob Blake really waive his no-trade clause to go to Anaheim? And if he is willing, does Anaheim really need him? Don't they have enough power and stability in their defensive corps? Not that I know everything about Anaheim but I thought they were in the need for another first or second line scorer? Such as Hossa. Whatever, back to my initial question. My boss (the Ducks fan) and I had a discussion about this trade rumor. He doesn't think the "cross-town-rival" sentiment is that deeply ingrained in any former or present Kings and Ducks player. I partially disagree. I think there are definitely some players who wouldn't dare sign with the other team. Luc Robitaille? No way he would have played for Anaheim during his playing days. Teemu Selanne? He did play for SJ but I highly doubt he would ever play for the Kings;


2. The points system needs to change. The standings are ridiculous. Why is a team awarded a point if it loses? I don't care if a loss occurs in OT or the shootout, the winner receives 2 points and the loser receives absolutely nothing.


3. I think Cloutier will play between 7 and 10 games. What I'm worried about is Crow forcing Cloutier onto the team like he did last season. He kept starting Cloutier even though Garon was playing better. I think he did this to give Cloutier another shot and build up his confidence but it didn't work at all. Unless Barbs performs like he did against Detroit and Cloots turns out All-Star performances in every game he starts, I do not want to see Cloutier start more than 10 games.


4. ckim and I are going to the Kings game on Friday. We're going to have signs and while she knows what she's going to write on them, I'm having some difficulty figuring out what should be on mine. Keep in mind that the sign can't be bigger than 11x17. Right now my two favorite are "Re-sign Patty" and "Cammy, don't ever fight". I really wish I could bring a sign that says "Cammy, don't fucking fight" but Staples Center doesn't allow curse words on signs...go figure. Or, should I have a sign that says, "Sir Brian Boyle the Beast" because that should be his official name. Anyone have any suggestions?


5. In honor Hextall being inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame, here's a video (courtesy of YouTube) of Hextall jumping Chris Chelios.
   
   
   

   I didn't get to see Hextall play very much when I was growing up but I always remembered him being a badass.

Belated Friday Five Focus

I completely forgot about my FFF. I know it's Saturday but I'm still only listing five things that have been on my mind lately.

1. As of today Phoenix is only 4 points behind Anaheim AND the Coyotes have played 4 fewer games. How awesome would it be if the Coyotes made the playoffs and Anaheim became the next Carolina Hurricanes;


2. Lately it seems like the Kings are the Manchester Monarchs because of all the call-ups. Today was no exception as Brian Boyle made his NHL debut. He made quite a splash notching a goal and an assist and was just a scrum shy of getting a Gordie Howe hat-trick. Boyle looks like a fucking beast out there because he's HUGE! With Nagy and Thornton injured I'd like to see Boyle stay with the Kings so we can find out if his two-point game was a fluke or something we can expect in future games;


3. I'm going to do some shameless advertising but it's mainly because I don't want to write another post on the same topic. I've recently started doing a weekly column at SportsHubLA (a website dedicated to Southern California sports) and a couple days ago I wrote a column about the Kings prepping for the trade deadline. I'm interested to see who gets traded and what we can get in return. There are a couple Kings that could help other teams but I don't know what we could get in return that would be of much value except for more draft picks. I found out today that Nagy was put on IR, so now I'm not so sure he'll be moved unless he can get healthy quick or DL can work his magic wand;


4. Is Forsberg really going to sign with an NHL team? If he does, Philly is my guess. But will he have any impact at all? Do teams really want him? How much will he get paid?


5. Why the hell can't I get cool hockey shit at McDonald's? Just another reason why I like Canada and probably wouldn't mind living there. Even though I think it's cold in California when it's 55 degrees outside I suppose I could get used to actual cold weather if it meant that I would have easy access to hockey-related items.

Friday Five Focus

I almost forgot about my FFF:

1. The trade rumors are driving me nuts. Why do players tell the media that they'll waive a no-trade clause? Do they want their current teammates and fans to hate them?


2. How many goals will Kopitar have in the All-Star game? I don't expect him to net a hat-trick but I am looking forward to watching him play with an All-Star cast. Not that his Kings teammates suck, but I'm sure he'll look amazing playing alongside the best of the league.


3. How many more games will Cammalleri miss? I can't believe he's been out this long. And I bet when he returns it'll take him at least a couple weeks to get back in his groove.


4. My brother is too much of a snob to purchase season tickets in the 300 level. He's really my only hope of getting season tickets for next season. I guess I could get them in a lower level, but then I would eat ramen every night...and not the good ramen, but Top Ramen. Or, I suppose I could split season tix with a friend of a friend but I think it would be easier if the sharing was kept in the family. If only the Kings let fans customize their smaller packages...


5. I cannot wait till Thursday, January 31st!! And if you don't know what I'm talking about then we can't be friends. Who are the people coming to the island? If they're not there to save the Losties then what are they doing there and how did they find the island? How does Locke know they shouldn't leave the island? When will Michael and Walt come back? How many main characters will die this season and who will die?? Who in the world is Jacob?? So many questions!!!!

Friday Five Focus

I've wanted to do a weekly feature for some time so we'll see if this 'Friday Five Focus' lasts more than one week. If so, then every Friday I'll post five things I've focused on for the past several days.

1. I find great pleasure in other peoples' anguish. Does it make me a bad person for laughing on the inside knowing that the Buffalo Sabres have a longer losing streak this season than the Kings? I don't dislike the Sabres it's just that I can't believe the Sabres have lost 10 in a row while the Kings' longest losing streak this season is only 8 games. I bet my Kings will lose tonight because of bad karma...I knew I shouldn't have discussed this...


2. Is Peter Forsberg hot? Would you hit that? I've always said "No" but this pic has me questioning my answer. Take a look (courtesy of Getty Images), what do you say?



"Look at how clean I am!!"

3. I don't know a lick about Spector's Hockey, but the person who wrote the rumor about the Sens needing a defenseman suggested that Rob Blake could fill the void. So the question is: how much does this rumor starter know?? is there any truth to this rumor?? if it's just one guy/gal spitting out opinions, is this really how rumors get started? If any of you are familiar with Spector's Hockey, leave me a note explaining the truthiness behind their rumors. RudyKelly made a plea to the Red Wings and Senators to make a trade for Rob Blake because they're the only teams that have a chance at knocking out the Ducks in the post-season. I'm willing to get behind the Wings and Sens during the playoffs because I would poop my pants if the Ducks won the Cup again this year.


4. When will Dean Lombardi re-sign O'Sullivan? He's an RFA at the end of the season, is currently raking in $850,800, and has a career best 12-14-26 in 47 games of his sophomore season (but first full season). Deano won't trade him, right?


5. Why the hell can't I get my Katamari big enough to plug the Black Hole? Every time I fail I have to redo the level which takes a minimum of 18 minutes to finish. I bought Katamari last Sunday and have played it every night before I hit the sack, meaning I've averaged approximately 4-5 hours of sleep each night this week. If I can't beat this damn level pretty soon I'm going to end up with circles as dark as Anze's and the next week at the office will be absolutely brutal.
   

   Check out those dark circles!!