St. Louis Blues win Stanley Cup!

Game 7 Final Score: St. Louis Blues 4 - Boston Bruins 1

I am SO FCUKING GLAD BOSTON LOST!

CONGRATS BLUES! 

This is a historic win for St. Louis!

Stanley Cup Game 7; Boston v St. Louis; Tonight 8PM Eastern Time

Game 7, NHL Stanley Cup, 8PM tonight, in Boston. Series tied 3 games apiece.

The Blues have never won The Cup. I'd like to see them win tonight.

Predictions

Oddssharks predicts a final score of Bruins 3.6 - Blues 1.8.

My prediction: Boston 3 - St. Louis 2 in OT.

Happy Hockey!

Disclaimer: The above and future fantasy "final score predictions", are not meant to be, or intended to be, or construed as, or subconsciously suggested as, advice on which to make wagers or betting. It is simply the observation of an NHL fan. If you have even the slightest desire to gamble based on anything written here, immediately seek help from your doctor and/or call 911. You are INSANE to consider my fantasy NHL musings as a basis on which to gamble, “sportsbet” or other type of wager. I am not responsible for any losses, financial, emotional or otherwise. On the other hand, good natured comments of childish taunting, ad-hominem attacks and name-calling by hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike in the comments section is encouraged.

Stanley Cup Game 6; Tonight in St. Louis; Blues lead series 3 - 2. One game away from their first Cup.

NHL.com: Stanley Cup Game 6 preview and Game 5 Recap. 

Game 5 Final Score: Blues 2 - Bruins 1

My prediction for Game 5 was Blues 4, Bruins 3. I picked the winning team, but not the right final score. Oh well, I'll take that.

 

Should the Blues win tonight, expect the ground under St. Louis to liquefy due to the celebrating, causing an earthquake with rolling aftershocks hitting all four corners of the country. Inside Enterprise Center...the decibel level tonight? Man...a level that will make an AC/DC concert seem subdued and reserved by comparison.

Predictions

Oddsshark predicted final score: Boston 3.2 - St. Louis 2.2

Game 6, Blues on Home Ice. I originally predicted this series will go all seven games. I'll maintain that prediction.

But I'd sure like to see the Blues win their first Stanley Cup - in 52 years.

My Prediction: Blues 3 - Bruins 2 in OT.

Game 6, 7PM Eastern Time - FREE! - on broadcast NBC.

Go Blues! Happy Hockey.

Disclaimer: The above and future fantasy "final score predictions", are not meant to be, or intended to be, or construed as, or subconsciously suggested as, advice on which to make wagers or betting. It is simply the observation of an NHL fan. If you have even the slightest desire to gamble based on anything written here, immediately seek help from your doctor and/or call 911. You are INSANE to consider my fantasy NHL musings as a basis on which to gamble, “sportsbet” or other type of wager. I am not responsible for any losses, financial, emotional or otherwise. On the other hand, good natured comments of childish taunting, ad-hominem attacks and name-calling by hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike in the comments section is encouraged.

Stanley Cup Game 5; Tonight in Boston. Series tied 2 - 2.

Barclay, the St. Louis Blues' dog training for a greater mission.

The Stanley Cup series is tied, two games each for Boston and St. Louis. Game 4 Recap here.

Monday's Game 4 final score was Blues 4, Boston 2.

My Prediction for Game 4 was: Blues 3 - Bruins 1. While my final score prediction was wrong, I did accurately pick the winner of the game. I'll give myself one point for that.

Game 5 tonight, 8PM Eastern Time in Boston and it's on FREE network NBC-TV. FREE! It's FREE! Of course, you'll have to sit through television commercials which pay for the FREE broadcast, but you likely already own a fleet of Lincolns for no other reason than Matthew McConaughey drives them.

Monday's Game 4, statistically - or for trivia purposes - was the first Stanley Cup game EVER won by St. Louis, in St. Louis. Kinda neat.

Game 5 - ESPN: What to watch for.

Predictions:

Oddsshark has Bruins over Blues, 3.1 - 2.4. 

Playing on Home Ice...Boston will probably win tonight. I'll be contrarian I'm often told I am:

My Prediction: Blues 4, Bruins 3

GO Blues! Happy Hockey!

Disclaimer: The above and future fantasy "final score predictions", are not meant to be, or intended to be, or construed as, or subconsciously suggested as, advice on which to make wagers or betting. It is simply the observation of an NHL fan. If you have even the slightest desire to gamble based on anything written here, immediately seek help from your doctor and/or call 911. You are INSANE to consider my fantasy NHL musings as a basis on which to gamble, “sportsbet” or other type of wager. I am not responsible for any losses, financial, emotional or otherwise. On the other hand, good natured comments of childish taunting, ad-hominem attacks and name-calling by hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike in the comments section is encouraged.

Stanley Cup Game 4; Tonight in St. Louis. Series: BOS 2 - STL 1

Saturday's Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup had Boston winning 7 to 2 over St. Louis. P1 ended with a score of the Bruins leading the Blues 3 - 0. The Blues picked up a goal in P2 while the Bruins picked up two. Going into P3, the score was 5 - 1, the Blues managed one goal while Boston nailed two more.

St. Louis couldn't catch or make a break for themselves on Monday night and Boston was on top of their game. Blues' defense was sluggish, which is in keeping with their inconsistent play during regular-season. Some nights they had it (defense), other nights they didn't.

Game 3 Final Score: Bruins 7 - Blues 2.

My Game 3 Score Prediction: Blues 5 - Bruins 2. I'm 0 for 3; on a roll!

Tonight's Game 4 preview here.

The Puck hits the Ice at 8PM Eastern time and it's televised on Teh NBC FREE TV! FREE!! FREE!! That must make Crazy Bernie and Teh Cortez happy...because... it's FREE!

Predictions

Oddsshark predicts tonight's Final Score: Bruins 3.2 - Blues 2.2

My Prediction: Blues 3 - Bruins 1

GO Blues! Happy Hockey!

Disclaimer: The above and future fantasy "final score predictions", are not meant to be, or intended to be, or construed as, or subconsciously suggested as, advice on which to make wagers or betting. It is simply the observation of an NHL fan. If you have even the slightest desire to gamble based on anything written here, immediately seek help from your doctor and/or call 911. You are INSANE to consider my fantasy NHL musings as a basis on which to gamble, “sportsbet” or other type of wager. I am not responsible for any losses, financial, emotional or otherwise. On the other hand, good natured comments of childish taunting, ad-hominem attacks and name-calling by hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike in the comments section is encouraged.

Stanley Cup Game 3; Tonight in St. Louis. Series tied 1 - 1.

St. Louis won Game 2, a final score 3 - 2 in OT on Wednesday night, in Boston, tying the series one game each.

My Game 2 prediction for a final score was Boston 3 - St. Louis 1, so I'm 0 for 2, my inability to accurately predict a final score consistent as it's been in past seasons. Once in awhile I get one right, but then a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then.

Game 3 is tonight, at 8 PM Eastern time. It's the first game of the series with the Blues playing on home ice with Game 4 also in StL.

Injury List: Scroll halfway down the page and on the left, at Oddsshark you'll find an injuries "box". Click on BOS and STL for player injuries; both teams affected.

Game 3 Predictions

Oddsshark predicts a final score of Game 3 with the Bruins over the Blues, 2.8 to 2.6.

I don't know...I'm pulling random numbers out of the ether here...My prediction:  Blues 5 - Bruins 2.

Go Blues!

Happy Hockey!

Disclaimer: The above and future fantasy "final score predictions", are not meant to be, or intended to be, or construed as, or subconsciously suggested as, advice on which to make wagers or betting. It is simply the observation of an NHL fan. If you have even the slightest desire to gamble based on anything written here, immediately seek help from your doctor and/or call 911. You are INSANE to consider my fantasy NHL musings as a basis on which to gamble, “sportsbet” or other type of wager. I am not responsible for any losses, financial, emotional or otherwise. On the other hand, good natured comments of childish taunting, ad-hominem attacks and name-calling by hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike in the comments section is encouraged.

Stanley Cup Game 2 Tonight: Blues v Bruins

 
Monday's Game One of the NHL Stanley Cup was a win for Boston over St. Louis.

Final score of Game #1: Bruins 4 - Blues 2.

My Game #1 prediction: Blues 4 - Bruins 3 (in OT).

The Blues took a 2 to 0 lead into the second period. Bruins Connor Clifton fired a puck past Blues' goalie Jordan Binnington, followed minutes later by teammate Charlie McAvoy, tying the score at 2 - 2.

It stayed at 2 - 2 until P3, when Boston's Sean Kuraly scored, giving the Bruins 3, St. Louis 2. Teammate Brad Marchand nailed the puck into an empty net with a minute, 48 seconds left in the game, making the final score of 4 - 2.

The Blues played well, basically, the whole game. They got a little sloppy, Boston capitalized on it, and St. Louis couldn't pop back.

The Blues' Robert Thomas and Vince Dunn are on the injured list for tonight's Game 2, in Boston, at 8PM Eastern Time.

NHL.com: Are the Blues poised for a rebound in Game 2?

The Blues don't need to win tonight's game, but they really do. Going into game 3 - in St. Louis - down by two, kind of...sucks.

Predictions

Oddsshark predicts a final score in tonight's game of: Boston 3.2 - St. Louis 2.2.

I'd like for the Blues to win and tie the series tonight. The realist in me speaks differently.

My Prediction: Boston 3 - St. Louis 1

Happy Hockey!

Disclaimer: The above and future fantasy "final score predictions", are not meant to be, or intended to be, or construed as, or subconsciously suggested as, advice on which to make wagers or betting. It is simply the observation of an NHL fan. If you have even the slightest desire to gamble based on anything written here, immediately seek help from your doctor and/or call 911. You are INSANE to consider my fantasy NHL musings as a basis on which to gamble, “sportsbet” or other type of wager. I am not responsible for any losses, financial, emotional or otherwise. On the other hand, good natured comments of childish taunting, ad-hominem attacks and name-calling by hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike in the comments section is encouraged.

2019 Stanley Cup: Game One, Blues v Bruins.

Game One of The Stanley Cup starts tonight on broadcast NBC ("free"..."FREE !!" "FREE !!!"), at 8PM Eastern Time.

St. Louis Blues vs Boston Bruins; the Blues easily the underdog in this match-up.

Oh, the factors...

Boston on home ice, always nice. For the Blues, nothing better than that feeling of winning the first "away" game; really a boost for both morale and endorphins.

USA MacPaper: NHL injury list lists three players for the Bruins listed as "Probably Monday" while one Blues player, defenseman Vince Dunn is definitely out for tonight's game.

Goalies: 

Blues Goalie Jordan Binnington has done a wonderful job in the playoffs.

Bruins Goalie Tuukka Rask is everything any team wants guarding the net. 

Here's a side-by-side comparison of Binnington and Rask at Daily Face Off.

Predictions

Oddsharks: Blues 2.3 - Bruins 3.1.

My Predictions:

* This series goes the full seven games.

* Tonight's Game One: Blues 4 - Bruins 3 in OT.

Happy Hockey!

Disclaimer: The above and future fantasy "final score predictions", are not meant to be, or intended to be, or construed as, or subconsciously suggested as, advice on which to make wagers or betting. It is simply the observation of an NHL fan. If you have even the slightest desire to gamble based on anything written here, immediately seek help from your doctor and/or call 911. You are INSANE to consider my fantasy NHL musings as a basis on which to gamble, “sportsbet” or other type of wager. I am not responsible for any losses, financial, emotional or otherwise. On the other hand, good natured comments of childish taunting, ad-hominem attacks and name-calling by hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike in the comments section is encouraged.

NHL Stanley Cup (Not a really long boring NHL post).

St. Louis v Boston

Game One, Monday May 27, 2019

The Puck hits the ICE in about 24 hours from now for Game One of the NHL Stanley Cup.

This year, it's the St. Louis Blues vs the Boston Bruins. Games one and two are on Boston home ice.

In past years, I wrote more often during the playoff series. This year, I kind of lost interest after some of my favorite teams were eliminated early on. The Penguins, NY Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Preds, the Washington Caps (last year's Champ) and the Columbus Blue Jackets...I thought they'd make it further than they did.

Click image to enlarge.

The interesting development with St. Louis is that for most of the season, they ranked last, or second to last. St. Louis started 2018 Pre-Season games (see September 30 image #4) in the Number Two slot! Soon into regular season, they sank. They couldn't get anything right and wins were scattered. The Blues got a few things going in January 2019, one being a win against the Caps. No one saw that coming. Their play in March started to simmer, their playing improved, they found a cohesive plan and strategy.

Still, the Blues struggled in the Second Round of playoffs against the Stars. They fought their way through and won. And I didn't expect the Blues to win their series against the Sharks.

Boston maintained solid play all season. They're going to be hard to beat, but considering how the Blues spun 180 degrees from looking like they had no chance of going anywhere against any team, they may pose more of a challenge than the Bruins see coming.

The Blues haven't been in a Cup game since 1970 - and coincidentally it was against the Bruins - and they've never won the Stanley Cup. Boston won The Cup in the 2010-2011 season and they have six Cups to their name.

The Blues have momentum and desire. The Bruins have history and a solid, well-played season. This should be a good series.

As The Puck Glides, an NHL Stanley Cup Soap Opera

Hey - I mean "soap opera" in the best way.

This entire NHL Playoff Season is one of the most memorable in recent years. This year's playoff brackets saw teams returning to The Cup who've played and won, and lost, in the past. We also saw some teams making their first appearance in the playoffs.

We have the Nashville Predators, a new, or expansion team from 1998-1999  making their first Cup appearance. Were they even on anyone's radar at the start of the season? They are tearing a$$ in the playoffs and are now playing the Pittsburgh Penguins, four time Cup Winner .

Previous game 1 predictions made by sports betting sites and yours truly, were all wrong:

Who will win Game 1?

Fansided predicts Penguins over Predators by 3 - 2, in one OT.

Odds at Vegas Insider have Pens over Preds by  2 - 1.

And sports bet guru Oddsshark echoes Vegas with a Pens win over Preds by 2 - 1.

My Game 1 Prediction:  Predators 1,  Penguins 0.

The final score Monday night was Pens 5,  Preds 3.

I thought that what we'd see Monday night is a game where 0 - 0 is the score up until the middle of the Third Period. One of those games where for two-and-a-half periods defense on both teams is unstoppable, ending with one goal by Nashville where Pittsburgh wouldn't have sufficient time to tie the score, or win. That was my rationale and why I picked Nashville on Monday.

Monday night's Game 1 was a tale of two teams in constant mode shifting. Nashville's P.K. Subban made the first goal of the game, temporarily giving the Preds 1 and the Pens 0. Pittsburgh challenged the shot based on Subban's teammate Filip Forsberg being offside.  Nashville's point was taken away, returning it to a scoreless 0 to 0 game.

Watching the agonizingly slow and repeated viewings of the offside, in slo-mo and stop action, it had to be a very difficult call for the Refs. But, as I say in so many times on all different subject, all things being equal, they made the right call.

The Pens then scored three goals before the end of the first period. The first, by Evgeni Malkin, has to be the 8th Greatest Goal Wonder of the World. How he saw the opening -- a channel, a tiny galactic black hole path big enough only for the size of a puck --  and glided it past Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne was poetry in motion. It was a spectacular shot and Malkin has the vision of a hawk.

The Second Period began with a gutted catfish thrown onto the ice . An arena employee was dispatched with a snow shovel to scoop up the chum and play of the game resumed. Who threw the fish? Well, so far all evidence points to Russia.

Anonymous gutted catfish.

The rest of this period was unremarkable. The Pens did what I've seen them do before with a 3 - 0 lead; they get a little bit complacent and then they become vulnerable.

Nashville outplayed The Pens during the second half of the second period. Near the middle of the Third Period, the stat was noted that the Pens had gone 26 (36?) minutes without a shot on goal. Then in the Third Period, Nashville sailed two goals past goalie Matt Murray, making it Pens 3, Preds 2.

I first thought, this will run into at least one OT. But a little over three minutes left, Jake Guentzel glided the puck past Rinne making it goal 4 for the Pens.

Pens # 13 Nick Bonino's following goal put the Pens up 5 to 3. And that would be the final score. Nashville pulled Rinne, but it was too late. Game 1 belongs to The Pens.

Neither team scored during any of their power plays. This is an ongoing - years - problem with the Pens. The MN Wild have this problem too. And I've never been able to figure out why. At one point, the PP favored the Pens by 5 on 3. What did the Pens do with this power play? Nothing. Well, at least they prevented Nashville from scoring, which would have been very embarrassing for The Pens.

Tonight, look for Nashville making serious adjustments in their strategy on all future games, especially on offense. They've got the speed, the "bodies", an excellent goalie. Their mantra needs to be, "one goal at a time," instead of, what seemed Monday night, a long-range vision of the series as a whole. The Preds will rebound and they will be a different team tonight from the team we watched Monday.

Going by shots on goal - or the lack of them Monday night - Pittsburgh should never have won. The Pens need to do what they have been doing - mainly, when they have a 2 point lead they need to keep it and stay focused. Their ability to come from behind and win playoff games that they seem destined to lose is their second most strongest ability (at least that how I see it). Pittsburgh has Cup experience, they've  won The Cup before, they know the mental acuity that comes with The Cup series and their "bodies" don't take a second seat to Nashville.

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Okay - Prediction time.

Game 2, Stanley Cup - Penguins v Predators at Pittsburgh:

Fansided  predicts Preds 3; Pens 1

Odds at Vegas Insider Pittsburgh 4, Nashville 3

And sports bet guru Oddsshark  aligns with Vegas' prediction of Penguins 4, Predators 3

The Pens do not want to head into Nashville for Game 3 with the series tied 1-1.

My Game 2 Prediction:  Pens 5, Preds 4 in one OT

Watch for the Pens to be slamming the puck every chance they get for a shot on goal.

Disclaimer: The above is purely guesswork on my part and is not in any way to be taken as advice on sports betting or engaging in gambling or wagering; legal, illegal or other. Not responsible for material at linked sites.