Panthers are first to fill coaching vacancy with Kevin Dineen, Thrashers to move to WInnipeg is official.

The Florida Panthers are going to try to steal the spotlight from the Stanley Cup Finals Game 1 tomorrow and announce their new coach in Kevin Dineen. Dineen has been the coach of the Sabres AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine. Dineen has been considered for many head coaching vacancies in the NHL the past few years, but fell short. He deserves a shot much like MacLean did, but I think Dineen will do a much better job than John MacLean did with the Devils. Congrats to Kevin. The Panthers are the first of five teams this offseason to name a coach. Other teams still looking are the Devils, Stars, Wild and Senators. No word on who is rumored for the Devils.

In other news, the Atlanta Thrashers have been sold to True North Sports and Entertainment and the deal was announced today in Winnipeg. The deal facilitates the relocation from Atlanta to Winnipeg in Canada and will become the 7th Canadian team for the 2011-2012 season. This deal is pending Board of Governors approval on June 21st and will need a 3/4 vote. Winnipeg will play one year in the Southeast division, but will be moved likley to the Northwest division in 2012-2013 forcing one Western Conference Team to move to the Eastern Conference likley to be the Detroit Red Wings or the Nashville Predators.

Stanley Cup Finals Preview: Vancouver Canucks vs Boston Bruins

In what will be a battle between the league's premier goaltenders, this series might have to be very tight checking. You have an offensive powerhouse in Vancouver when its not one Sedin, its the other. The Canucks also have Selke trophy candidate Ryan Kesler. And now you can figure in Manny Malhotra into the equation. Malhotra suffered a season ending eye injury late in the regular season, but was cleared for practice with contact today by doctors. He is one of the league's best shut down forwards and take lots of pressure of Kesler, Raymond, Lapierre. In Boston, you have Tim Thomas, who play a very confusing hybrid style of goaltending. You also have team unity and support and multiple players who can score by committee. There is no question, Chara and Seidenberg will be tasked against the Sedin's. But this series will come down to discipline and special teams and which goalie can make the big save.

Offense: Canucks

Defense: Even

Goaltending: Even

Intangibles: Bruins

X-Factors: Lucic for Boston, Bieksa for Vancouver

Prediction Canucks in 7

Bieksa's bizarre OT goal lifts Canucks to Stanley Cup Finals

Well folks, it is official, the San Jose Sharks will have to wait at least another year to get a taste of the Stanley Cup Finals. This time the Vancouver Canucks are the latest team to add a disappointing chapter to the Sharks huge playoff aspirations. It was a Kevin Bieksa bizarre overtime goal which lifted the Canucks to its first final since 1994, when they lost to the Rangers in 7 games. Alexander Edler shot a puck, which appeared to be going into the safety netting according to Sharks players, but instead took a bounce of the belt buckle close to the corner and went right to Bieksa for the slapper, which knuckled into the net.

The Sharks were the better team in the game, but it was not enough as it appeared they wasted their last effort. In fact the Sharks maintained a 2-1 lead until Ryan Kesler about 8 seconds left deflected the puck into the net to tie the game. Shots were 56-34 for the Sharks, but Luongo had the killer instinct and it seems like the Canucks are a team of destiny.

As for the Sharks, their playoff disappointments continue. In 2004, they lost in 6 games to the Calgary Flames, in 2010 they lost to their current goaltender Antti Niemi and the Blackhawks. And now, its the Canucks. If you ask me Joe Pavelski was not big Joe that he was in 2010, but the biggest disappointment was Dany Heatley. Next up for the Canucks, they await the winner of Bruins-Lightning. If Boston wins tonight, they will face Vancouver in the Finals. It seems that Monday May 30th is the target start date for the Finals.

Atlanta Thrashers could move to Winnipeg for 2011-2012 Season and be called the Jets

Well, now that the Coyotes will stay in Phoenix in 2011-2012, it now seems that the Atlanta Thrashers, who have no local interests from prospective new buyers are on the their way to Winnipeg. They will don the Winnipeg Jets name, the same name of the Phoenix Coyotes before their move from Winnipeg to Phoenix. If the Thrashers move to Winnipeg, the divisions will re-align for 2011-2012. Here is the rumored realignment:

Pacific:
Phoenix Coyotes
Los Angeles Kings
Colorado Avalanche
Anaheim Ducks
San Jose Sharks

Central:
Dallas Stars
Columbus Blue Jackets
St. Louis Blues
Chicago Blackhawks
Nashville Predators or Detroit Red Wings

Northwest:
Winnipeg Jets
Vancouver Canucks
Minnesota Wild
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers

Atlantic:
New Jersey Devils
Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers or Boston Bruins
NY Rangers
NY Islanders

Northeast:
Buffalo Sabres
Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Boston Bruins or Detroit Red Wings

Southeast:
Washington Capitals
Carolina Hurricanes
Nashville Predators or Philadelphia Flyers
Tampa Bay Lightning
Florida Panthers

2011 Playoffs: Western Conference Final Preview, Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks

Well back in September I predicted it would be Detroit vs Vancouver, but I was one team off. I think this series will be very octane in terms of offense. Vancouver will have an easier time getting through the Sharks defense as oppose to Nashville, who was more in your face and closing the gap type of team. However, the Canucks have a major road block and that is Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi, who beat the Canucks in Round 2 of last year as a member of the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks. However, the X-Factors in this series will be the Sedin's for Vancouver and Marleau for San Jose. The Sedin's have struggled in the Predators series and are poised for a breakout against San Jose. Marleau also struggled against Detroit and got his first point of the series in Game 7 last night and it was the game winning goal.

Offense: Even

Defense: Canucks

Goaltending: Canucks

Special Teams: Sharks

Intangibles Canucks

Prediction: Canucks in 7

Atlanta Thrashers could become the Winnipeg Jets in 2011-2012

Well, now that the Coyotes will stay in Phoenix in 2011-2012, it now seems that the Atlanta Thrashers, who have no local interests from prospective new buyers are on the their way to Winnipeg. They will don the Winnipeg Jets name, the same name of the Phoenix Coyotes before their move from Winnipeg to Phoenix. If the Thrashers move to Winnipeg, the divisions will re-align for 2011-2012. Here is the rumored realignment:

Pacific:
Phoenix Coyotes
Los Angeles Kings
Colorado Avalanche
Anaheim Ducks
San Jose Sharks

Central:
Dallas Stars
Columbus Blue Jackets
St. Louis Blues
Chicago Blackhawks
Nashville Predators or Detroit Red Wings

Northwest:
Winnipeg Jets
Vancouver Canucks
Minnesota Wild
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers

Atlantic:
New Jersey Devils
Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers or Boston Bruins
NY Rangers
NY Islanders

Northeast:
Buffalo Sabres
Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Boston Bruins or Detroit Red Wings

Southeast:
Washington Capitals
Carolina Hurricanes
Nashville Predators or Philadelphia Flyers
Tampa Bay Lightning
Florida Panthers

Canucks close out pesky Predators, await winner of Sharks-Wings

It looked like the Vancouver Canucks were going to go through another grueling 7 game series, but it was not meant to be. Ryan Kesler and Daniel Sedin scored first period goals to lead the Canucks to a close 2-1 victory over the gritty Nashville Predators. David Legwand scored a reviewed goal and the lone one for the Preds. Shots were 24-19 Predators.

Next up for Vancouver are either Detroit or San Jose. Both will play Game 6 tomorrow in Detroit with the Sharks having another chance to close out the Red Wings. The Canucks will have home-ice advantage in Round 3 and for the rest of the playoffs should they advance even further. The next series will likely be more wide open as both the Wings and Sharks are not as pesky and gritty as the Predators are. Look for the Sedin's to have more space and chances.

Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins

Who could have predicted it in the beginning of the season that these two teams were going to face off for the Eastern Conference Crown. The Bruins have not reached the Conference Finals since 1992 and the Lightning last reached in 2004 when they won the Stanley Cup. That year they beat the Flyers in 7 games. However, this series will come down to goaltending and defense. The main question is which team will be more prepared? Both teams just completed sweeps of their respective series's. That only means one thing. There will be a long lay-off and it can kill any momentum they may need to win the next series. Back in 2006, the Devils swept the Rangers in Round 1, but were close to being swept by Carolina in Round 2 eventually falling in 5 games. So, here is the breakdown:

Offense: Lighting

Defense: Even

Special Teams: Lightning

Intangibles: Even

Goaltending: Bruins

X-Factors: Milan Lucic for Bruins, Simon Gagne for Lightning

Prediction: Lightning in 6

What's next for the Washington Capitals?

The Washington Capitals have joined teams like the San Jose Sharks as one of the most underachieving teams in the NHL. In fact, they are probably worse than the Sharks since they are yet to go past Round 2 in the playoffs in the Ovechkin era. This year's exit will definitely hurt the most since obviously last year. Here are some of the questions that are left to be answered by the Capitals and their organizations:

Will Bruce Boudreau be fired?

This is a tough question to answer. The Capitals have made the playoffs every year since Bruce Boudreau took over for Glen Hanlon in 2007. Last season, they won the President's Trophy for the best team in the NHL during the regular season, but in Round 1 blew a 3-1 series lead to the much lower 8th seed Montreal Canadiens. In 2008, Boudreau won the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year for leading the Capitals to the playoffs for the first time since 2003. However, since Boudreau took over, they have not advanced past Round 2. In 2008, they lost Game 7 at home in Overtime in Round 1 to the Flyers, in 2009, they got embarrassed by Pittsburgh at home in Game 7 in Round 2 and yesterday the Lightning completed their sweep of Washington. Boudreau is known as an offensive minded coach with little emphasis on structured defensive play, but he did think defense in this years playoffs, so that could be the only thing that brings him back next year.

My gut tells me, he will be fired by owner Ted Leonsis, not General Manager George McPhee. However, McPhee himself could be on the hot seat. But, I do not think a coaching change would change much in terms of trying to find playoff success. So, we shall see. Someone I see replacing him is Andy Murray.

Should the Capitals sign a long-term goaltender

In a short answer, I believe the Capitals have a goaltender of the future in Michal Neuvirth, who was not their problem against Tampa. Simeon Varlamov also has time to develop as one. But, since Ilya Bryzgalov is a free agent and with the Coyotes ownership uncertainty, I believe Ovechkin will vie for Bryzgalov's services. I believe Varlamov, Holtby or Neuvirth will be moved. Trading for Tomas Vokoun is another option.


Finally, who needs to have a big year next year?

In a list other than Ovechkin,

-Mike Green (must stay healthy)

-Nicklas Backstrom

-Alexander Semin

-Capitals Defense

-Capitals Special Teams

Lightning embarrass Capitals, complete sweep, Bruins in familiar territory again

If there is one word to describe the Washington Capitals at his moment, it is embarrassing. The Tampa Bay Lightning completed their sweep by defeating the Capitals 5-3 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Dwayne Rololson was stellar again and has not lost a playoff game since Game 4 in Round 1 against Pittsburgh. Sena Bergenheim continues his storybook playoff for the Lightning with 2 goals, Ryan Malone, Marc-Andre Bergeron, and Martin St. Louis scored the others to complete the huge upset. John Erskine, Marco Sturm, and John Carlson scored for the Caps.

There really is not a feeling to describe yet another disappointing playoff for Washington. They looked nothing like the team that disposed of the Rangers in Round 1. In fact they looked like a team that did not belong in the playoffs against Tampa. Congratulation yet again to GM Steve Yzerman and first year coach Guy Boucher. The Lightning are back in the Conference Finals for the first time since 2004 when they won it all in a 7 game series against the Flames.

Elsewhere, the Bruins find themselves in that familiar territory, up 3-0 against the Flyers in Round 2. They do not need any extra motivation other than remembering what happened last year, when they became the 3rd team in NHL history to blow a 3-0 lead in a best of 7 series. The Bruins defeated the Flyers 5-1 in Game 3 and can close out the series on Friday in Boston. Zdeno Chara had two goals and Nathan Horton, David Krejci and Daniel Paille had the others for Boston. Tim Thomas was great for Boston. Andrej Meszaros scored for the Flyers, but Philly's goaltending issued continue as Boucher was pulled for the second time in the series. Now coach Peter Laviolette has to pull the 2010 magic rabbit out of the hat for the Flyers to have any chance to repeat its history.

Capitals on the Brink, Canucks find a way in Nashville

Looks like I might have to change my pick from the Eastern Conference to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. The Tampa Bay Lightning scored a 4-3 victory in Game 3 to take a commanding 3-0 series lead against the heavily favored Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference. Sean Bergenheim, Vincent Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, and Ryan Malone scored for Tampa while Alexander Ovechkin, Mike Knuble and John Carlson for the Capitals. With the win the Lightning are now one win away from reaching the conference finals for the first time since 2004 when they won the Stanley Cup. Ironically, they swept the Montreal Canadiens in Round 2 that year. Looks like a familiar pattern for them. Dwayne Roloson continues to provide the Lightning with stellar goaltending while the Capitals continue to have huge defensive breakdowns.

Should, the Capitals lose this series, it might spell the end of the line for coach Bruce Boudreau, though I think he will be given one more shot, but a poor start next year or poor finish will definitely be the end.

Elsewhere, the Vancouver Canucks solved Pekka Rinne and defeated the Nashville Predators in overtime on a Ryan Kesler deflection. Kesler had two goals, while Chris Higgins had the other for Vancouver. With the win, the Canucks have taken a 2-1 series lead against the pesky Preds.

Niemi give Sharks 2-0 series lead on favored Red Wings.

So far 2 games through the series, Antti Niemi is looking more like goaltender that lead the 2010 Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup. Niemi made 33 saves in the winning effort. Niclas Wallin and Ian White scored for the Sharks while Henrik Zetterberg scored for the Red Wings. Detroit is still showing the effects of the long layoff after beating the Phoenix Coyotes in Round 1.

Elsewhere, the Capitals host the Lightning in Game 2 tonight hoping to tie up the series. The Lightning defense stymied Washington in Game 1 on Friday night. So, the playoffs keep getting more interesting everyday.