1-No. Hollywood vs. 8-St. Louis
Game 1 Muhlstein-76 (NHN) vs. ummm... Speedy, who you gonna play? Kise is at 84 health, Voronin at 70. Muhlstein is a stud. Came back from injury just in time to win the Cup clincher in Season 3. Kise is a solid backup, Voronin is one of three ****-hot rookie goalies that came in this year. Gonna be a good one. NHN's #1 PP vs. STL #14 PK is a me likey.
Game 2 Olinsky-69 (NHN) vs. (TBD) Olinsky had 15 wins and 6 SHOs, but mostly handled our light work. Hasn't faced a steady diet of this level of competition.
2-Raleigh vs. 7-Capitals
Game 1 Gilyard-91 (RAL) vs. Vanloh-74 (CAP). Vanloh has had a helluva year (18 wins, 3rd in SV%) after getting away from me, but Gilyard is in a league of his own, and just MAY have the stamina to go back-to-back. Vanloh's stamina could be a problem if it goes three.
Game 2 Fupocyupanqui-72 (RAL) vs. Hartgrove-62 (CAP). Fupo is a quality starter on a playoff team (8th ranked goalie in the league). Having him for Game 2 against the opponent's back up in any series = HUGE edge Sparky.
3-Salisbury vs. 6-New York
Game 1 Desautelle-75 (SSS) vs. Petrov-69 (NYG). Desautelle led the league in wins, Petrov led the league in GAA, and tied for the lead in SV% and SHOs. Desautelle is one of the three true thoroughbred goalies still alive. Petrov to face the league's #1 offense.
Game 2 Larionov-69 (SSS) vs. Benenati-70 (NYG). Upset alert. Both Benenati and Petrov are climbing the rankings. Either could win a goalie duel against Larionov if the Groove can get one. Larionov is another good young 'un himself though.
4-Steel City vs. 5- Dakota
Game 1 Kreusch-69 or Philips-70 (SCK) vs. Barreiro-70 (DAK). Goaltending is dead even in this series. Kreusch and Philips are the Champs until someone beats them. Barreiro and Gionest solid tandem.
Game 2 Philips or Kreusch vs. Gionest-69
The six best defensive teams all made the playoffs (1-NYG, 2(T)- Raleigh and Dakota, 4-NHN, 5-SSS, 6-Caps). Steel City was 10th, St. Louis was 12th.
The top five offensive teams made the playoffs (1-SSS, 2-NHN, 3-SCK, 4-RAL, 5-Caps). Dakota was 7th, St. Louis 8th, New York was 10th.
The top three power plays made the playoffs (1-NHN, 2-SSS, 3-Caps). Raleigh and Steel City were 5th and 6th, St. Louis 8th, Dakota 10th. New York was 15th.
The top three PK units made the playoffs (1-DAK, 2-RAL, 3-NYG). Caps and SSS were 6th and 7th, NHN 10th, SCK 13th and STL was 14th.
NHN gave up the fewest shots (782 or 20.6/gm), and led in faceoff win % at 55%. Steel City (33.6/gm), Salisbury and St. Louis all fired over 1200 shots on goal.
Capitals come in the hottest team winning their last six. Defending Champs Steel City won their last 5.
All of the past Champions (Raleigh, Salisbury, No. Hollywood and Steel City) are in the playoffs and all have home ice in the first round.
6/23/2010 12:11 AM (edited)