1) Well the NHL's version of The Final 4 has been set with last night's endless Dallas-SJ game. If you live in the East it may be doubtful you stayed all the way for the conclusion as it took an additional 69 minutes of OT to decide the series. (That's 3 1/2 additional periods for the mathematically challenged) The undisputed star for the night was Marty Turco. Making spectacular save after save. Stopping an amazing 61 shots on the night. Praise also should go out to Nabokov who played amazing himself to keep the Sharks in the game, finishing with an impressive 53 saves.2) So that leaves TWO 'Martys' playing goal in the round that decides who plays for Lord Stanley's Cup. Probably prior to the post season beginning few would have penciled in THESE Marty's: Turco and Philadelphia's Biron as the goalies who would be out in front helping propel their teams this deep into the playoffs. Until last season Turco had been known as a great regular season goalie but a mediocre playoff backstop. While Biron had yet to play a single minute of playoff hockey until this spring! Helping his team beat the East's hottest club, the Washington Capitals, and then the East's top seed, Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile the NHL's most famous Marty, Brodeur managed to win but a single playoff game, and is long gone from the scene.
3) We at FAUXRUMORS to be fair have been as critical as anyone of both of these guys, but credit needs to be given where its due, and both of these Marty's deserve it, and are a huge reason why their teams are where they are. Of course now we have to decide which, if any of the Marty's will go further. Its our prediction that we will not see either advance further, but we'll leave our semifinal predictions for another time. The next couple of days lets allow The Marty's to enjoy their playoff success. Job well done guys.
7 comments:
Good post, Faux... Here's the thing regarding your Marty analysis... I stayed awake to view the SJ-Dallas game in its entirety last evening... I watched Marty TURCO make more phenomenal saves in the overtime periods than Marty BIRON has made in the first two rounds combined... Sure, BIRON has been there when he's been called upon, but he is certainly NOT playing at the same level that TURCO is... I have never really been a TURCO fan, but he is slowly winning me over... He may have to take his game to yet another tier to get past Detroit and FRANZEN, but he has earned his stripes thus far this year...
I love the ROGO picture, btw... Maybe one of the Martys will "GET THEM THROUGH" to the Cup finals...
1) We also witnessed Turco's coming out party last night. He officially shed his mediocre playoff persona once and for all. He has played very well the past 2 seasons, but was amazing last night!
2) We agree that Biron has won and played as well as he was required to do, but he was NOT the difference in either series. To his credit he wasn't the difference on the negative side like many, including us, thought he would.
3) Biron will have to step up his game if the Flyers are to have a shot in the next round. Look for our official predictions out before the next round commences
A Biron - Fleury matchup is even frankly...which will leave it up to those defending the blueline. Philly has played a great defensive game throughout (I dont' like them) and I believe Fleury will be overwhelm with Flyers throwing themselves at the net....this will turn out to be one of the most physical series of the playoffs. I won't miss a beat.
Turco is on fire! My vote is Dallas - because in the end, it all goes with the best goaltender.
tdr
1) TDR: The best goalie usually wins. We wonder what our resident goalie advocate Vlad has to say on that. (He's a Wings fan) Lets see if he's consistent on that issue.
2) The Pens would seem to have too much fire power for philly to contain.
Good point, TDR, regarding Fleury and Biron... I don't think either is a front line guy... However, if the best goalie usually wins, what happened to your Rangers? Speaking of the Rangers-Pens, I am the ONLY one who believes the OT goal was offside? There was no protest by NY, but each time I watch that play, I see it to be a fraction offside... I am glad it wasn't called, but I have been adamant that the officials play role in the outcome of EVERY game... They blew that one, as well as the Drury spilled blood high stick...
1) Antz: We agree that the play appeared to be close and we even mentioned this fact on several ranger blogs. Unlike you though Antz we are NOT glad it was called this way.
2) We want teams to win fairly whenever possible. Though officiating this spring has been especially abysmal!
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