What do you get when you throw two GMs who can't manage their team out of a wet paper bag, an agent who wont even begin to talk contract until July 1, and a monkey who wears glasses?
THE EXPERTS
RECAP:
Sorr for the delay as our main carrier pre-empted us for some curling match in the middle of who the hell knows. These picks were completed after Game One of the series, seeing has how the league wanted to get going again before they found out who we, The Experts, liked.
On to the re-cap.
(1) Florida Panthers vs (7) Atlanta Thrashers
Axe: ATL
Martin: FLA
Rob: FLA
D'Arcy: FLA
(4) Washington Capitals vs
(6) Pittsburgh Penguins
Axe: WAS
Martin: PIT
Rob: WAS
D'Arcy: PIT
(2) Minnesota Wild vs (8) Dallas Stars
Axe: MIN
Martin: MIN
Rob: MIN
D'Arcy: DAL
(5) Chicago Blackhawks vs
(6) Vancouver Canucks
Axe: VAN
Martin: VAN
Rob: CHI
D'Arcy: CHI
Martin ran the board, while the other three EXPERTs went .500.
1st: Martin - 10/12
2nd: Rob - 9/12
3rd (tie): Axel/D'Arcy - 6/12
Axel and D'Arcy are still battling it out for the bottom spot, while Martin leapfroged Rob to take top spot with his perfect round. Time to not suck like Spidey 3, with 4 teams left in the hunt, who do we take?
Gretzky Conference
(1) Florida Panthers vs (6) Pittsburgh Penguins
Axel: Well at the beginning of these playoffs, we could have called this the Battle of The Rock, but recent changes in the Panthers organization took that wonderful phrase and made it obsolete. Given the fact that the Panthers are without a GM, I firmly believe that it will cost them the series. A GM, will take his team and mold them and set his lines accordingly as only he knows how to do. The Panthers don't have that luxury right now. The Penquins on the other hand should not be taken lightly. GM Goffie has done an amazing job in getting the flightless Birds to where they are right now. Pens have plenty of firepower and a solid tender. This game will go 7 games but I am leaning to the Pens, who I think have the right hands guiding the team.
Martin: The GM less panthers (MJK WILL BE BACK, count on it) have been outshot in a few times this playoff time and Fernandez has be steller. He is the key to this series. The Panthers cup chances ride on him. Panthers in 6 Dick with the game winner.
Rob: I don't want Florida to win. The franchise is tainted, the team is in disarray, and after the year that Goffie had, and all the injuries, he deserves it more. But this isn't about who I want to win, or who deserves it more. This is won out on the ice, and I don't think the Penguins have it to move on. It's becoming clear as day that this will be a Minnesota vs. Florida finals. I can't bet against the Panthers yet.
Howe Conference
(2) Minnesota Wild vs (6) Vancouver Canucks
Axel: Well boooyah! on this one. Beauty against Brains(sorta). This one has the makings of a great series. Mango has been fortunate and also crafty in making her way into the conference finals. Mango took it to the Hawks in a great series and one has to wonder how much fuel is left in the tank. Grant being here is no surprise. Great team, Great GM and even better Simmer! but in all seriousness, I believe that this one is the Wilds to lose. I think they are too powerful for the Canucks, too much offense, strong defence and a strong commitment to winning. Take the Wild in 5 on this one.
Martin: I was going to say the Biron is the key to the series but since we are doing this after game one things changed alittle. Biron was the key to the Canucks (HAHAHAHAH STUPID CANUCKS IN THE NHL OT LOSS HAHAHAHAHA) and he is gone (although I cannot find for how long on the website.) If he comes back the Canucks have a chance if not the Wild win.
Rob: Again, I'm going to bet against my better judgement. For once, I'd like to see a banner go up in a barn not run by a simmer. Sandra has rallied the troops, and their playing the best hockey they've played all season. Grant's team is strong, and built the way teams should be built, not bought like most of the champions we've seen in this league. The CPHL champion will come out of the west this season, and I don't think Sandra has enough left in the tank to beat the Wild. If she can, the city of Vancouver will be able to put a banner up that isn't a CFL one.
PREDICTIONS
Including...
(1) Florida Panthers vs (6) Pittsburgh Penguins
Axe: PIT (Go away MJK!)
Martin: FLA
Rob: FLA
D'Arcy: FLA
(2) Minnesota Wild vs (6) Vancouver Canucks
Axe: MIN
Martin: MIN
Rob: MIN
D'Arcy: MIN
Everyone is in agreement here, except Axel. A Florida/Minnesota final is shaping up, if the EXPERTS have their way. It will be interesting to see how many games each series will take. Will the victors have anything left when it comes down to the last 7 games of the season? Find out, next time, on...
THE EXPERTS
The Experts 3: Better Than Spidey
