The Blog is Back
Playoffs In Full Swing
After a very long semester at school, it is great to have the NHL Blog back up and running again. Writing these articles are for nothing but pure enjoyment and the love of the game of hockey for me. Thanks to those who read before and those who will return to read again ongoing!
Nearing the midpoint to end of round two of the playoffs, there are a number of great things that I have been noticing in games that have really made this year special. After almost losing the season to the lockout, the NHL and NHLPA came to an agreement to save a season. To be serious, I don't think many of us were expecting much from a shortened season, however, it has proved to be nothing short of pure excitement so far. These are just a few things that have been enjoyable in the first two rounds of the playoffs so far.
Third and Fourth Line Playing Time
In season's past, teams have relied heavily on their first two lines to carry to bulk of the ice time and scoring. However, with a season that produced 48 games in a short span of time, it is a much different story this season. Injuries were a major factor in the regular season, causing teams to have to make changes in order to try and sneak into the playoffs. In the playoffs, with fatigued and battered players, coaches have had to use all their players and lines in order to eat up ice time. Therefore, this is giving a greater chance for some grinders to become playoff heroes. For example, the Ottawa Senators saw star players like Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson, and Craig Anderson suffer long-lasting injuries that have just started to see them come back and produce. They not only made the playoffs relying on a team game and contributions from everyone, but knocked off the Northeast Division Champion Montreal Canadians. In game three against Pittsburgh, it wasn't Spezza, Karlsson, Michalek or any of the top scorers that won the game in overtime. It was Colin Greening, who had 3 career NHL playoff goals prior to that one. Props to the grinders!
Hard-Hitting, In Your Face Action
Every year, for a die-hard hockey fan, the playoffs are the greatest thing that you can watch. It is a full 2 months of some of the best sporting action one can catch. This year though has been something overly special to watch. The playoffs have been more intense, more urgent, and more fun. Teams are laying everything on the line in this shortened season to try to take home the Stanley Cup heading into a summer where many changes are coming. With the salary cap dropping almost $10 million, teams will have to re-work contracts and let players go, changing the dynamic of their core. The hitting in the playoffs have also been unbelievable as referees are letting teams sort their problems out and play hard. Most of the penalties have been stick penalties as oppose to checking penalties, which have only come in injury-potential hits so far.
Overtime Thrillers and Game 7's
Almost every night, there is one or two games heading for an overtime period. It just shows how close these teams really are that are left and that a lucky bounce or two could literally let one of them win the Cup. Although OT has been short up to this point averaging under 10 minutes before the game-winner is scored, all the action has been heart-pounding as it literally can end at any second. Goaltenders have had their work cut out for them and we have seen some great displays of heroics so far. There have also been a few Game 7's in the first round and a few ahead in the second. The thrilling Game 7 between the Leafs and Bruins was just an example of the great hockey seen so far. To watch that 3rd period and overtime was one of the greatest displays of hockey in a long time. Nothing is better than NHL Playoffs and within that, nothing is better than OT hockey and Game 7 hockey.
It is really nice to have the blog back. Expect articles every 2-3 days as I try to keep the writing coming every few days during the summer. There is plenty of hockey left and plenty to talk about as the summer goes on. Hope the first article sparks your playoff bug! Enjoy all!
Overtime Thrillers and Game 7's
Almost every night, there is one or two games heading for an overtime period. It just shows how close these teams really are that are left and that a lucky bounce or two could literally let one of them win the Cup. Although OT has been short up to this point averaging under 10 minutes before the game-winner is scored, all the action has been heart-pounding as it literally can end at any second. Goaltenders have had their work cut out for them and we have seen some great displays of heroics so far. There have also been a few Game 7's in the first round and a few ahead in the second. The thrilling Game 7 between the Leafs and Bruins was just an example of the great hockey seen so far. To watch that 3rd period and overtime was one of the greatest displays of hockey in a long time. Nothing is better than NHL Playoffs and within that, nothing is better than OT hockey and Game 7 hockey.
It is really nice to have the blog back. Expect articles every 2-3 days as I try to keep the writing coming every few days during the summer. There is plenty of hockey left and plenty to talk about as the summer goes on. Hope the first article sparks your playoff bug! Enjoy all!
