hockey
We talk pucks and objects of that kind. We yell, complain, and analyze in the language of hockey fandom. Gretzky can do no wrong.
2025 Division Semifinals Preview
Well, folks, we're here! The regular season's ending, and the beautiful annual madness known as the Stanley Cup Playoffs is all set. The matchups are locked in, as is the overall schedule, which is flat out nuts this year. Of the eight series, two of them start on Saturday, three start on Sunday, two start on Monday, and one actually starts on Tuesday. And the one that starts on Tuesday isn't the one you'd think. The opening round of any sport's playoffs is always magical. Whether it's this, the Conference Quarterfinals in the NBA, Wild Card Weekend in the NFL, or (since 2022) the Wild Card Series in MLB, Round 1 is always just amazing, because from the moment the first game begins, the atmosphere and aura let fans know that this is a whole new game.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
Le Doux Seize: Canadiens Grab Final Playoff Spot
I love this damn league, I really do. Nothing is cut and dry in the National Hockey League. The race for that 2nd Wild Card in the East was supposed to be over on Friday, but the Columbus Blue Jackets kept on winning when they needed it. As a result, the gap between the Blue Jackets and the Montréal Canadiens shrank. Two points separated them entering the penultimate day of the regular season. Each team had one game left. The Canadiens played first. They still controlled their own destiny. This was their last chance to get in on their own, and all they needed was one point in the standings. If they didn't get that, they would have to watch the Jackets tomorrow, and hope that the New York Islanders have enough in them to at least get that game to overtime.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
Blues Complete West's Elite Eight Field
Hockey is a funny sport, isn't it? Six years ago, the St. Louis Blues finally did it. Their first Stanley Cup Championship in their long franchise history; the last team from that 1967 group to win the big one. After that, a hard fall. First round exits in each of the last two seasons, and then in 2022, an embarrassing second round loss to the Colorado Avalanche. That year ended up breaking the Blues, as the team sank to near rock bottom. They cleaned house. Let go of anyone relevant. It showed in the last two years. Terrible seasons all around. Even this year looked like it would be more of the same.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
Wild Reach Playoffs Against All Odds
On this day, the 15th of April, everything could end up in place in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. This included the Minnesota Wild, who had a number of chances to clinch, and while they didn't get in entering this day, they kept moving closer and closer. On this Tuesday, the Wild were finishing the regular season, playing Game #82. They faced off against the Anaheim Ducks, and I swear, I can't watch a Ducks/Wild matchup without thinking of 2003 and how this was somehow the Western Conference Final that year. All Minnesota needed was just one point--get to OT.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
California Dreaming
For the Colorado Avalanche, the last few games saw one clear mission: get ready for the playoffs. The foregone conclusion that we'd be facing the Dallas Stars was there for weeks. Now it's official. We entered our home finale with nothing else to play for, and we entered the last two games of the regular season with that same motivation. After hosting the Vancouver Canucks, the Avalanche's regular season ended in Southern California with back-to-back games against both clubs.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
Stanley Cup Playoff Push 2025: The Remaining Pieces
Well, fellow puckheads, we are down to just four days left in the 2024-25 NHL regular season. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are less than a week away. I figured that all of the spots would be locked up by this point, but surprisingly, it's been a challenge. With very, very little time remaining, there's still quite a bit to decide. Let's talk about what we know for sure.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
Preparing for the Playoffs
There's always something special about the last home of the regular season in any sport; though in baseball, it would be the last home series. In the case of hockey, similar to basketball, it's 82 total games, 41 at home, 41 away. The Avalanche played our 41st and final home game of this regular season with really nothing much to play for other than thanking the fans for another great regular season.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
How, oh How Will the Edmonton Oilers Blow it This Time?
Well, folks, the Edmonton Oilers are back in the playoffs. What, do they want a parade? Let's make one thing perfectly clear. This is the tenth year of the "Connor and Leon" Era in Edmonton. Hard to believe, isn't it? Yes, it's now been a full decade since the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been leading the Oilers together. Let's look at how that's fared for them, shall we? Playoffs don't come to them until 2016-17, which is Year Two of the duo playing together. Not bad. Beat out the defending West champs in San Jose, and made it to Game Seven of Round 2. More's to come, right? Not so fast.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
Jack Nicklaus’ Legendary Masters Legacy.
The Masters Tournament at Augusta National is more than just a golf championship—it’s a tradition steeped in history, drama, and unforgettable moments. As the 2025 Masters teed off on Thursday, April 10, fans around the world tuned in to watch stars like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau battle for the iconic green jacket. But even as new heroes emerge, the shadow of Jack Nicklaus, the greatest Masters champion of all time, looms large over Augusta’s pristine fairways. Let’s dive into the action from Round 1, explore how today’s players measure up to the “Golden Bear,” and celebrate why Nicklaus’ legacy remains unmatched.
By AB C10 months ago in Unbalanced
Devils Horn Their Way Into the Stanley Cup Playoffs
I am very excited that we are so very close to the end of the regular season, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs that come with it. Entering the final nine days of the regular season, five overall playoff spots remain open: two in the East, three in the West. Three teams entered this day with a chance to clinch spots, but two of them faced each other. The other team, well, they were off on this day. That team was the New Jersey Devils.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
The Century Mark
The Colorado Avalanche's three game swing ended with the team winning two of the three games, and it was during that stretch that the Avs locked in a playoff spot. Now it was time to play the last two home games in the regular season, and the first of those two games was a meeting with the Vegas Golden Knights. Scott Wedgewood was in net against Akira Schmid, and it only took nearly three minutes for the Knights to get a free power play. Honestly, that's longer than usual.
By Clyde E. Dawkins10 months ago in Unbalanced
