Hawks Clinch Cup on Home Ice; First Time Since '38

77 years!

Stanley Cup Final Starts Wednesday!

It is that time.

But first, congrats to the Oshawa Generals on the thrilling OT win to win the 97th CHL Memorial Cup. CHL. Canadian Hockey League. Not Central Hockey League.

And now, to the Stanley Cup Final, where the Lightning are back in it for the first time since 2004. Remember that series? We all do. The last one before the lockout season in which the entire season was wiped out. Jon Cooper, the Bolts coach, won championships in various levels, and now this could be that chance. The Blackhawks are in their third Cup final in five years. The won in six against the Bruins in 2013.

STANLEY CUP FINAL
(best of seven)
(A2) Lightning v (C3) Blackhawks
Game 1 Wednesday
Game 2 Saturday
Game 3 Monday
Game 4 6/10
Game 5 6/13*
Game 6 6/15*
Game 7 6/17*
*-If necessary.

All games on CBC in Canada (and northern US!). All but the first two Chicago games are on NBC; those games-3 and 4-are on NBCSN.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals & IIHF World Championship 2015 Semifinals

It's that weekend. Not only the Stanley Cup playoffs reaching the conference final weekend, but also it is semifinal Saturday in the IIHF World Championship.

As far as the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Rangers came down from 3-1 to win their East semifinal series with the Capitals. The Bolts back in the conference final for the first time since 2011, after coming back against the Habs in the conference semifinals.

In the West, the Blackhawks returning to the conference final for the third consecutive year. But we want more Steve Darling! The Ducks back in the conference final since 2007, when they won the Cup in five against the Senators.

CONFERENCE FINALS
(Best of seven)

WEST
(1P) Ducks v (3C) Blackhawks
Game 1 Sunday (at the same time of the IIHF World's final)
Game 2 Tuesday
Game 3 Thursday
Game 4 5/23
Game 5 5/25*
Game 6 5/27*
Game 7 5/30*

EAST
(1M) Rangers v (2A) Lightning
Game 1 Saturday
Game 2 Monday
Game 3 Wednesday
Game 4 5/22
Game 5 5/24*
Game 6 5/26*
Game 7 5/29*
*-If necessary.

In Canada, from Saturday on through the Final series, all will be on CBC. In the US, it is on NBC and NBCSN.

As far as the IIHF World Championship is concerned, both semifinals on Saturday. The host nation Czech Republic takes on Hockey Canada at 8:15am NACDT, while at 12:15pm it is USA Hockey against Russia. Both games on tape later that night on NBCSN here in the states, while in Canada, both on TSN1. The final is on Sunday and live on NBCSN and TSN1, counteracting the West final game 1 on NBC and CBC. Ratings gold and a big boost for the sport.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2015: Conference Semifinals

For the first time in eons, the Flames are back in the conference semifinals. What a great turnaround at the team after missing the playoffs the past few years. With a resurgent Bob Hartley coaching and a promising rookie by the name of Johnny 'Hockey' Gaudreau, they are giving fans in Calgary something to cheer about. But it will be tough as the Ducks await them starting tonight.

Also, for the third straight year, the Wild and Blackhawks will meet in the playoffs, as does the Habs and Lightning, who will meet for the second consecutive playoffs.

Conference semifinals
(Best of seven)
WEST
(1P) Ducks v (3P) Flames
Game 1 tonight
Game 2 Sunday
Game 3 Tuesday
Game 4 5/8
Game 5 5/10*
Game 6 5/12*
Game 7 5/14*

(1C) Blackhawks v (1W) Wild
Game 1 Friday
Game 2 Sunday
Game 3 Tuesday
Game 4 5/7
Game 5 5/9*
Game 6 5/11*
Game 7 5/13*

EAST
(1A) Canadiens v (2A) Lightning
Game 1 Friday
Game 2 Sunday
Game 3 Wednesday
Game 4 5/7
Game 5 5/9*
Game 6 5/12*
Game 7 5/14*

(1M) Rangers v (2M) Capitals
Game 1 tonight
Game 2 Saturday
Game 3 Monday
Game 4 Wednesday
Game 5 5/8*
Game 6 5/10*
Game 7 5/13*
*-if necessary.

In the US it is on the NBC family, while in Canada on the CBC/Rogers platform. Also, the IIHF World Championship for men starts tomorrow, with host nation Czech Republic and USA Hockey in action among the five games on the schedule. USA Hockey's game is live at 9am Central Friday morning on NBCSN.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Quarterfinals 2015: More Canadian Than Ever!?

The 'Hamburglar' Andrew Hammond helped provided action within the last few weeks of the NHL regular season. After a year away from the postseason, the Sens are back in the tournament. What a run.

The Sens are one of five Canadian teams in the playoffs this year that is missing last year's Cup champions Los Angeles Kings. The Hurricanes were the last to miss the playoffs after winning the Cup the previous year, back in 2007.

(best of seven)
WEST
Quarterfinals
(P1) Ducks v (W2) Jets
Game 1: Thursday
Game 2: Saturday
Game 3: Monday
Game 4: 4/22
Game 5: 4/24*
Game 6: 4/26*
Game 7: 4/28*

(P2) Canucks v (P3) Flames
Game 1: Wednesday
Game 2: Friday
Game 3: Sunday
Game 4: 4/21
Game 5: 4/23*
Game 6: 4/25*
Game 7: 4/27*

(C1) Blues v (W1) Wild
Game 1: Thursday
Game 2: Saturday
Game 3: Monday
Game 4: 4/22
Game 5: 4/24*
Game 6: 4/26*
Game 7: 4/29*

(C2) Predators v (C3) Blackhawks
Game 1: Wednesday
Game 2: Friday
Game 3: Sunday
Game 4: 4/21
Game 5: 4/23*
Game 6: 4/25*
Game 7: 4/27*

EAST
Quarterfinals
(A1) Canadiens v (W1) Senators
Game 1: Wednesday
Game 2: Friday
Game 3: Sunday
Game 4: 4/22
Game 5: 4/24*
Game 6: 4/26*
Game 7: 4/28*

(A2) Lightning v (A3) Red Wings
Game 1: Thursday
Game 2: Saturday
Game 3: 4/21
Game 4: 4/23
Game 5: 4/25*
Game 6: 4/27*
Game 7: 4/29*

(M1) Rangers v (W2) Penguins
Game 1: Thursday
Game 2: Saturday
Game 3: Monday
Game 4: 4/22
Game 5: 4/24*
Game 6: 4/26*
Game 7: 4/28*

(M2) Capitals v (M3) Islanders
Game 1: Wednesday
Game 2: Friday
Game 3: Sunday
Game 4: 4/21
Game 5: 4/23*
Game 6: 4/25*
Game 7: 4/27*
*-if necessary

Rogers/CBC in Canada as this is their first postseason in over a decade. In the US, the NBC-Universal family, including the return of the NHL postseason to USA for the first time since 1985. USA was the NHL's first cable home in the United States for a few seasons, until 1985, when ESPN outbid the network.

Because it's the Cup.

The Kings are the Kings...AGAIN!

For the second time in two years. The Alec Martinez goal that won in second overtime on Friday the 13th:

One of the most memorable goals in Stanley Cup final history.

And the Cup still stays west.

Stanley Cup Final 2014 Begins Wednesday: Broadway Versus Hollywood

We'll guys, we have a New York-Los Angeles pro championship series for the first time since 2002.

When you think New York-Los Angeles championship series, what do you think of? Of course the Knicks-Lakers series of 1970 (featuring Willis Reed's return in game 7) and 1973, Dodgers-Yankees 1981 World Series (the last of the major championship series between the two series), and the 2002 WNBA Finals between the Sparks and Liberty (yes folks, it is still basketball).

Now we have a Kings-Rangers series. The Kings finished third in the Pacific this year, got through the Sharks in the first round, the Ducks in the semifinals, and the Blackhawks in the conference final. For the third straight year (second time in three years), Darryl Sutter and his staff know that it's "fuck the regular season, it's the playoffs that matter." And they live up to that mantra. Did you know after the West final series game 7 that they have been unbeaten in game sevens? That's the fact Jack.

The Rangers on the other hand became the first NYC area team since the Devils in 2011-12 to reach the final. It is also their first since 1994 (and the rest was history). They also have that fresh 1994 car smell. It was in the East final where they sent the Habs home in game 6. The Habs were the only Canadian franchise in this year's playoffs.

With that in mind, the series schedule.

STANLEY CUP FINAL
(3P) Kings v (2M) Rangers
(Best of seven)
Game 1: Tomorrow
Game 2: Saturday
Game 3: Monday
Game 4: 6.11
Game 5: 6.13*
Game 6: 6.16*
Game 7: 6.18*
*-If necessary, of course.

The real finals series. Forget about that other finals series that starts Thursday (see preview tomorrow). In Canada, it's all on CBC, while here in the states, games 1, 2 and 5-7 (if necessary) will be on NBC, while 3 and 4 are on NBCSN.

NHL Conference Semifinal Weekend Underway (And Farewell to TSN)

The NHL's version of the 'Frozen Four' is already underway!

The conference final weekend got started today when the Habs got destroyed at home 7-2 in game 1 of the Eastern final to the Rangers. Rangers lead the series. They play again on Monday.

The Kings are back in the Western final for the third straight season, in a rematch with the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks from last year.

Conference series schedules...
(Best of seven)

WEST
(3C) Blackhawks v (3P) Kings
Game 1 Sunday
Game 2 Tuesday
Game 3 5.24
Game 4 5.26
Game 5 5.28*
Game 6 5.30*
Game 7 6.1*

EAST
(3A) Canadiens v (2M) Canadiens
Game 1 Rangers won
Game 2 Monday
Game 3 5.22
Game 4 5.25
Game 5 5.27*
Game 6 5.29*
Game 7 5.31*
*-if necessary

Both series in the US are on NBC and NBCSN. All seven games of Habs/Rangers on CBC, while CBC will get the Hawks/Kings from game 3 on. TSN will finish their NHL campaign with the first two games of the Western series.

TSN's final NHL broadcast will be in that Kings/Hawks game 2 from Chicago on Wednesday. It will be an end of an era until 2026, so watch those two games for now. TSN has done a lot for the NHL, but they have an even stronger relationship with the IIHF, the sport's governing body. Will miss them, but will continue on a regional basis next season.

Boston Pizza Is At It Again!

Link.

I think they did this before. 2011 Stanley Cup final and a previous playoff series with the Bruins and Habs?

Also the renaming of Sam Adams 'Boston' Lager as Sam Adams 'Montreal' lager!

What about Montreal Baked Beans? Montreal Cream Pie? Montreal Scientific? Montreal Market?

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2014: Conference Semifinals Begin This Weekend!

A stunning come from behind win in OT sends the Wild to the semifinals as they begin their series with the defending Cup champions Blackhawks, on Friday night. The Wild has been 3-0 in game 7's since their first year in the NHL back in 2000-01.

The Habs and Bruins kick start the semifinal round tonight!

(best of seven)

WEST
(C3) Blackhawks v (W1) Wild
Game 1 5.2
Game 2 5.4
Game 3 5.6
Game 4 5.9
Game 5 5.11*
Game 6 5.13*
Game 7 5.15*

(P1) Ducks v (P3) Kings
Game 1 5.3
Game 2 5.5
Game 3 5.8
Game 4 5.10
Game 5 5.12*
Game 6 5.14*
Game 7 5.16*

EAST
(A1) Bruins v (A3) Canadiens
Game 1 TONIGHT
Game 2 5.3
Game 3 5.6
Game 4 5.8
Game 5 5.10*
Game 6 5.12*
Game 7 5.14*

(M1) Penguins v (M2) Rangers
Game 1 5.2
Game 2 5.4
Game 3 5.5
Game 4 5.7
Game 5 5.9*
Game 6 5.11*
Game 7 5.13*

In the US, it is on the NBC networks. In Canada, both East semifinal series are on CBC, while both West semifinal series are on TSN (watch it on TSN while you can).

GAME ON!

It's Spring and It's Stanley Cup Playoffs 2014 Time!

Every season there are some stories to chew on regarding the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including this weird new format. Nevermind on that.

For the first time in six seasons, the Stars are in the playoffs as they clinched the eighth and final spot in the West. Also the Avs are back for the first time in the postseason in a few seasons, surprising because when Patrick Roy took over as head coach, it was a major overhaul. And it worked. At least there will be playoffs in the Pepsi Center--but not the Nuggets!

In the east, the Jackets are finding life in their new digs. After a few seasons, they are back in the postseason fold. The Bolts also missed the playoffs last year, but bounced back this year.

However the biggest SCF story this year is the Habs. They are the only Canadian franchise in the big dance. The six others--including the Jets, Canucks and Senators--all missed the playoffs. Sad, considering that Lord Stanley was last won by the Habs in 1992-93, the last time it was done by a team north of the border.

With that in mind, the conference quarterfinal matchups:

(STOP! Before you proceed, they are best of seven)

(proceed.)

WEST
Quarterfinals
(C1) Avalanche v (W1) Wild
Game 1 4.17
Game 2 4.19
Game 3 4.21
Game 4 4.24
Game 5 4.26*
Game 6 4.28*
Game 7 4.30*

(C2) Blues v (C3) Blackhawks
Game 1 4.17
Game 2 4.19
Game 3 4.21
Game 4 4.23
Game 5 4.25*
Game 6 4.27*
Game 7 4.29*

(P1) Ducks v (W2) Stars
Game 1 4.16
Game 2 4.18
Game 3 4.21
Game 4 4.23
Game 5 4.25*
Game 6 4.27*
Game 7 4.29*

(P2) Sharks v (P3) Kings
Game 1 4.17
Game 2 4.20
Game 3 4.22
Game 4 4.24
Game 5 4.26*
Game 6 4.28*
Game 7 4.30*

EAST
Quarterfinals
(A1) Bruins v (W2) Red Wings
Game 1 4.18
Game 2 4.20
Game 3 4.22
Game 4 4.24
Game 5 4.26*
Game 6 4.28*
Game 7 4.30*

(A2) Lightning v (A3) Canadiens
Game 1 4.16
Game 2 4.18
Game 3 4.20
Game 4 4.22
Game 5 4.24*
Game 6 4.27*
Game 7 4.29*

(M1) Penguins v (W1) Blue Jackets
Game 1 4.16
Game 2 4.19
Game 3 4.21
Game 4 4.23
Game 5 4.26*
Game 6 4.28*
Game 7 4.30*

(M2) Rangers v (M3) Flyers
Game 1 4.17
Game 2 4.20
Game 3 4.22
Game 4 4.25
Game 5 4.27*
Game 6 4.29*
Game 7 4.30*

*-if necessary.

How to watch the games:

• In the US it is on NBC, NBCSN and CNBC.
• In Canada, it is on CBC and TSN (final playoffs ever for TSN) 

The Cup Returns to Chicago!

DA HAWKS!

 

Also Scott Bowman's 13th Cup, as he is in charge of player personnel and development with the Hawks.

 

Meanwhile, the Cubs are still waiting to end their drought. 105 years and counting...

 



Brent Seabrook Scores, KXAN Austin Pulls a Heidi!

Channel 36 in Austin mistakenly had to go to ads, including a promo of their morning newscast once Brent Seabrook scored the game winning goal Wednesday night in game 4:

Reminiscent of Heidi game of 1968!

As Bob Cole would say, "Everything is happening!"

2013 Stanley Cup Finals: An Original Six Masterpiece

It all comes down to this.

Starting Wednesday, for the first time since 1979 (Habs/Rangers, I think), there will be an 'Original Six' Stanley Cup final.

The Bruins and Blackhawks have won Cups in recent years, but a matchup like this is good for all of ice hockey, considering the rich history of both clubs. Both the Hawks and Bruins were among the NHL's 'Original Six' still in survival to this modern day (Leafs, Habs, Rangers and Wings the others).

Whilst the Hawks survived and outplayed the Wild, Wings and Kings to return to this point, the Bruins had to come back from behind 4-1 in the third of game 7 of the East Quarterfinal with the Leafs, a game in which they came back and won in Overtime. No one knew they would come back, and since then, it was solid performances, especially in the conference final, where they swept the best in the east, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With that in mind...the series schedule!

Game 1 Wednesday
Game 2 6/15
Game 3 6/17
Game 4 6/19
Game 5 6/22*
Game 6 6/24*
Game 7 6/26*
*-if necessary.

With the exception of games 2 and 3 (both on NBCSN), the rest of the series is on NBC. And once again, the finals are also on CBC, and since this is an original six final, it is a great way for CBC to close out their 60th Season of NHL telecasts, the longest running tenure anywhere on television.

Because it's the Cup.

16 Teams, One Cup. Stanley Cup Playoffs 2013.

 

"The Maple Leafs are coming back to the playoffs. The Maple Leafs are coming back."

Those are the words of the CBC's Bob Cole after the Leafs clinched their first playoff spot in nine seasons. The lockout-shortened NHL season will finally have their postseason. After four months and 48 games, it is now time for the NHL's version of the Sweet 16.

The Leafs will open playoffs play in their East quarterfinal with the Bruins. The Islanders are also back in the postseason, as they will open their series with the Penguins.

The Wild are also back in the playoffs, and the Red Wings are back for the 22nd consecutive time.

With that in mind, here are the matchups...

(best of seven)

EAST
Quarterfinals
(1) Penguins v (8) Islanders
Game 1 5/1
Game 2 5/3
Game 3 5/5
Game 4 5/7
Game 5 5/9*
Game 6 5/11*
Game 7 5/12*

(4) Bruins v (5) Maple Leafs
Game 1 5/1
Game 2 5/4
Game 3 5/6
Game 4 5/8
Game 5 5/10*
Game 6 5/12*
Game 7 5/13*

(3) Capitals v (6) Rangers
Game 1 5/2
Game 2 5/4
Game 3 5/6
Game 4 5/8
Game 5 5/10*
Game 6 5/12*
Game 7 5/13*

(2) Canadiens v (7) Senators
Game 1 5/2
Game 2 5/3
Game 3 5/5
Game 4 5/7
Game 5 5/9*
Game 6 5/11*
Game 7 5/12*

WEST
Quarterfinals
(1) Blackhawks v (8) Wild
Game 1 4/30
Game 2 5/3
Game 3 5/5
Game 4 5/7
Game 5 5/9*
Game 6 5/11*
Game 7 5/12*

(4) Blues v (5) Kings
Game 1 4/30
Game 2 5/2
Game 3 5/4
Game 4 5/6
Game 5 5/8*
Game 6 5/10*
Game 7 5/13*

(3) Canucks v (6) Sharks
Game 1 5/1
Game 2 5/3
Game 3 5/5
Game 4 5/7
Game 5 5/9*
Game 6 5/11*
Game 7 5/13*

(2) Ducks v (7) Red Wings
Game 1 4/30
Game 2 5/2
Game 3 5/4
Game 4 5/6
Game 5 5/8*
Game 6 5/10*
Game 7 5/12*

*-If necessary.

Every game, every night. On CBC, TSN, NBC, NBC Sports Network, NHL Network, RDS, CNBC and regional carriers.

Because it's the Cup.

44 Years is Worth the Wait...

Congrats Kings!

Unfortunately, no rioting reported. 

Stanley Cup Finals 2012-Starts Wednesday.

Marty. McSorley's. Illegal. Stick.

Those four words will haunt the Kings forever since their 1993 run to the Stanley Cup Final in which they lost to the Habs (last Canadian franchise to hoist Lord Stanley).

The Kings, with such youth in their lines, with a supporting role by goalie Jonathan Quick, who has been phenomenal throughout this postseason, could silence the naysayers to the fact that an eighth seed could win it all. We'll see.

On the other hand, with almost two decades in the league and three Cups to show for, could this be the last hurrah for Devils starting goalie Martin Brodeur?

Why am I posting these questions? Because this is it. One of the oldest trophies in sport will be awarded within the next couple weeks.

STANLEY CUP FINAL
(best of seven)
(6E) Devils v (8W) Kings
Game 1-5/30
Game 2-6/2
Game 3-6/4
Game 4-6/6
Game 5-6/9*
Game 6-6/11*
Game 7-6/13*
*-if necessary

Every game is on free to air on either CBC or NBC.

Why is this significant? BECAUSE IT'S THE CUP.

The NHL's Frozen Four 2012 Begins Tonight!

A month removed from the men's Division I Frozen Four in Tampa, so now there's the NHL's version of the Frozen Four.

The Kings, the number 8 seed in the west, could become the first number 8 seed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs history to go all the way. Could that happen? With Jono Quick performing brilliantly in goal in the postseason, along with supporting cast of Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar among others, could they carry on that 92-93 magic? We'll see tonight as the Kings open their Western Conference Final series with the Coyotes.

Meanwhile in the East, it's another throwback of itself. Rangers/Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals. It's 1993-94 all over again as both young teams trying to get back in the Stanley Cup Finals, neither one haven't done in almost a decade, especially the Devils.

WEST finals
Best of seven
(3) Coyotes v (8) Kings
Game 1 5.13
Game 2 5.15
Game 3 5.17
Game 4 5.20
Game 5 5.22*
Game 6 5.24*
Game 7 5.26*

EAST finals
Best of seven
(1) Rangers v (6) Devils
Game 1 5.14
Game 2 5.16
Game 3 5.19
Game 4 5.21
Game 5 5.23*
Game 6 5.25*
Game 7 5.27*
*-if necessary.

LIVE and EXCLUSIVE to NBC, NBC Sports Network, CBC and TSN. BECAUSE it's the CUP.

Also there's the 2012 IIHF Men's World Championships, follow along at the IIHF's facebook (or twitter) or IIHF.com!

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: The Elite Eight

Joel Ward brought in some exciting as the former Predator shocked the crowd at TD Garden on Wednesday's game 7 Eastern quarterfinal, which vaulted the Caps to a semifinal date with the Rangers beginning Saturday. The defending Cup champs Bruins are out.

Caps-Rangers will be one of four conference semifinal series that begins tonight with the Coyotes/Predators.

Sadly with the elimination of the Sens on Thursday night, no more Canadian teams in the postseason. The top seed in the west, the Canucks are out as well.

WEST semifinals
(2) Blues v (8) Kings
(3) Coyotes v (4) Predators

EAST semifinals
(1) Rangers v (7) Capitals
(5) Flyers v (6) Devils

Every game, every night on CBC, TSN, NBC, and NBC Sports Network. Because it's the Cup.

Celebration Fail!

After the Bruins' OT win in game one, check out a piece of glass striking the back of the neck of forward David Krejci...

Krejci was okay, will probably play in Game 2.