This Weekend in Sports (27-Apr-2007)
NBA Playoffs
Friday and Sunday will see the Raptors and Nets in game 3 and 4 in New Jersey. The Raptors were able to pull out a win with only seconds left in game 2 to even the series 1-1. That was a big win for the Raptors because all their young players now know that they can win.
If the Raps went down 0-2 with the next 2 games on the road you know the pressure would too much for them to handle and the series would be over before they knew it. Jason Kidd, the Nets captain, did not practice on Thursday so he could have his knee looked at by a doctor. Apparently there was some swelling, but that won’t keep Kidd out. This will be a tough series that will go 7 games.
Detroit is showing why they were number one in the Eastern Conference. They are up 3-0 over Orlando and really the Magic haven’t shown anything to make anyone believe they will win the next game. Orlando is a one dimensional team with Howard in the middle. The rest of the guys just can compete with the experience, team work, and skill of the Pistons.
A big surprise in the Western Conference was Golden State beating Dallas in game one. Dallas, the best team in the NBA in the regular season, won 67 games and only lost 15. Of those 15 loses 4 came against Golden State who were only 2 games over .500 for the season. After that scare Dallas came back and one the second game to even the series. I expect Dallas to play with a lot of determination now and win the series in 5 or 6 games, but it’s hard not to route for the underdog in this series.
NHL Playoffs
The second round of the playoffs are upon us with 8 teams competing for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Ottawa was able to handle the future of the NHL in Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins and now have an even tougher battle with the New Jersey Devils and future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur. As much as I hate Ottawa I think this is their year. The core of the team has been together for a while, the overall talent cannot be beat, and they are getting good goaltending out of Ray Emery. I see Ottawa facing the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the finals.
Anaheim has the best defensive tandem in the league in Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer. They also have arguably the best goaltending tandem in Ilya Bryzgalov and J.S. Giguere. With those four players doing their best to keep the puck out of the net it is going to be very hard for any team to knock the Ducks out over a 7 game series. On the offensive side Teemu Selanne has had an amazing resurrection of his scoring touch over the last two years and the once no-body, Andy McDonald is now a serious scoring threat. If Ottawa and Anaheim meet in the finals it will definitely be a series worth watching.
Did you ever notice that both hockey and basketball have 5 players active for each team (except for the goalie)? Also, both sports involve fast-paced up and down action? But then again, hockey uses a puck instead of a ball - so I guess they really don’t compare.
The Canucks were dead tired and got spanked 5-1 the first game of our series but we sure came out and played a great game tonight. Bob McKenzie said it was the best performance by any team in the NHL playoffs so far and…that says a lot when compared to the Sabres. That team is freakin’ nuts.
I don’t know Ed. Losing 5-1 and then just squeaking one out in double overtime doesn’t instill much confidence. Luongo will have to stand on his head, like he has done all year, to get them through this series.
Whats your fav team for playoffs, i had my fav as Utah because Memo Okur plays there, but they couldnt start well, what you think about next games. Series is now 2-1
Don’t forget the NFL draft too.
QUACK QUACK QUACK
Ducks are takin it this year.
I’m cheering for New Jersey currently because I’m a leafs fan and I HATE THE SENS.
NFL draft is important too.
Sorry about that folks. Totally forgot about the draft even though my buddy was telling me everday that the draft was coming up. I tend to pay more attention to the NFL when it is time to do my own draft for the pool. GO Vikes!
The Dallas-Golden States series is looking interesting with GS up 3-1!
I just finished watching game 5 for the Raptors and the Mavericks. Toronto came out with a better game and look like they can carry some momentum forward. Dallas were plain lucky to win their game. Baron Davis is dead set on beating Dallas and I think he is going to do it. Both are great series to watch.
I think the Raptors would still come up short on this one .. I’m with you on the GS-Dallas series, we should see an upset. good series to watch regardless.