NHL 2008 Stanley Cup Conference Semi-Final Previews

At NHL.com, the conference semi-finals previews have been posted at their Stanley Cup website. Check out the preview of each series, times games will be played, and who will broadcasting the games. The second round of the quest begins Thursday.

Eastern Conference

Montreal – Philadelphia
Series | Gamebreakers

Montreal swept Philadelphia in the regular season series. But, a continuing dreadful power play in this series may give Philadelphia a chance in winning this series. If it happens, the Flyers would have to take the Canadiens to 7 games.

My pick: Canadiens in 6

Pittsburgh – New York Rangers
Series | Gamebreakers

I believe that Pittsburgh won the regular season series 5-3 over the Rangers. But, coming off a sweep in the first round, there may be rust on these Penguins. Yet, I think that the Penguins with a scoring punch on 2 or even 3 lines may doom the Rangers chance to win it this time.

My pick: Penguins in 7

Western Conference

Detroit – Colorado
Series | Gamebreakers

This is a tough series to call. It has a history. Yet, the Red Wings swept the Alvanche in the regular season series. But, the playoff are a different story. Colorado’s trade deadline acquisitions seems to be paying off. This series will go the distance but give the edge to the home team. But, Colorado can pull an upset.

My pick: Red Wings in 7

San Jose – Dallas
Series | Gamebreakers

San Jose survived the first round and will have to do again in the second round against Dallas. They split the regular season series so it may be difficult to pick a winner here. Yet, the only remaining California team must be destined to win with the players they have acquired for this year run for the Cup. But, Dallas could pull an upset here as well.

My pick: San Jose in 7

I was 5-3 in the first round. We’ll see if I do better in the second round.

Get additional playoff details at NHL’s Stanley Cup website, Yahoo NHL Playoffs, or CBC Sports.

NHL – Calder Finalists

NHL announced today the Calder Memorial Trophy finalist for top rookies.

This year’s finalist are:

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals

Again, three great choices for the top rookie in the NHL. And a difficult choice with no clear winner. This is a toss up. But, if I had to pick someone, it has to be the Buffalo native Patrick Kane.

Who do you think will the Calder this year?

Tomorrow the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Finalist will be announced.

Shape of My Heart – Backstreet Boys

Well, I am certain that there are some who are tired of my recent political and/or opinion posts or even my hockey posts of late, so here is another video just for you. Although I was never into the boy bands of late 1990s, I heard this recent hit at the YMCA last night. The Backstreet Boys released this song from their Black and Blue album in 2000 called Shape of My Heart:

Hopefully, you can share with your spouse the shape of your heart tonight.

Hold on Loosely – 38 Special

Well, I have posted before that there are not many artist today who write good songs I like in the Rock genre. This genre has seemed to be dominated by other modern day genre I think that have destroyed the music business. So, I missed the hits of the 1980s like 38 Special’s Hold on Loosely.

Thanks to YouTube we can relive these songs. After researching on Yahoo, I was glad to see that this band still makes good ol’ fashion rock and roll music on their website. Check it out.