Stanley Cup Finals Baby!!

Dominance. One word that defines an unimaginable feat that one team has proven to accomplish one game after another. Some may have seemed a bit less impressive as others, however they still managed to overrun their opponents and continue to frustrate the other players on and off the ice.


Although the Chicago Blackhawks are a young team, their grit and determination has proven them to be a successful group and appear as an experienced squad of veterans. Not only have they done this throughout the entire playoffs but have done it as a whole not just a single line or player. Points coming from 3rd and 4th liner players and hits from the first line all stars. In game two Duncan Keith had already laid out 5 hits in the first period alone, a feat hard enough to attain from a fourth line aggressor. The goalie side of things was even more impressive with Antti Niemi coming up with a star performance of  32 saves looking calm and relaxed yet again under all the pressure resting on his shoulders.

With only 2 goals coming from the Blackhawks this time, some speculated that shooters were not as sharp but taking a deeper look into things you can see that a few streaks were broken and may have triggered new ones. Marian Hossa has not scored in the last Stanley Cup Finals in the past 3 seasons and with this goal coming in the second game, perhaps the Slovakian sniper has broken loose from his curse and start finding the back of the net within the next few rounds remaining in the finals.With added pressure being placed on the Hawks by having to play on the Flyers turf during the next two games, it will be interesting to see who steps up to play as an aggressive and determined individual.


Everyone knows the outcome will determine how the series may go for one team and where it will end for the other. However, don't count the Flyers out just yet, as they have surprised us in previous series and shown us they do too have what it takes to dominate the opposing teams and win games when everything goes right. If I were to choose what happens, I would definitely like to see a game 7 with the Hawks taking it in the end. Until then, lets look forward to the outcome of the next game and either be comfortable with a 3 game lead or on edge with a one game advantage. 

 Keiffer Clarke - Out.

 

NHL Playoffs

NHL 10

Yes, another blog about the playoffs but this one is during them commenting on how things have gone so far. Who would have expected to see so many upsets this early and from these series? I know that my self and a few handful of friends didn't and are now facing the consequences with a little less cash flow to the bank haha. 

Zach Parise White Reebok NHL Premier New Jersey Devils Jersey - XX-Large

Philadelphia Flyers Reebok Alternate Premier NHL Jersey - X-Large

                                     Highlights of Game 4

To begin, my favorite (yet, not so favorite) upset would have to be the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers series. Perhaps only because I'm a little bias and love my Devils but also because almost every single sports broadcaster or die hard hockey fan could not even depict the future of this series as it has turned out to be. Yes, the Flyers have a lot of talent but when they barely make it in the playoffs and have to contend with the one of the most consistent teams in the past decade, one could hardly believe they had a chance to even come close to making it hard for New Jersey. Especially with the best goaltender in the history of the game backing them up (once again, my biast opinion but I'm sure many smart and handsome folks believe the same). I mean c'mon to lose the series to the flyers is one thing, but losing it 4-1 and being beaten on nearly every column of the scoring sheet and playing for that matter. I personally have a lot more to say on this one, but that's not what this blog is about. Even if I wanted to I couldn't because I would bash the Flyers to much but hey, what can I say. They're a pretty darn good team and I wish them the best, only because they managed to beat my beloved Devils. 

Franklin NHL Mini Hockey Goal Set

I will only talk about a couple more series because many have yet to be finished and to make a comment on them would be silly and premature for goodness sakes, and no body like premature. An interesting one that comes to mind off the bat is the Phoenix Coyotes and Detroit Red Wings series only because it is yet another awkward one where many believe could go either way. However, at the beginning of the playoffs, many were leaning towards the Red Wings to win this one easily only because of their previous late season dominance in the regular season. Not only did they have the streak at their side, but as per usual they had the ever more strengthened offense with their veterans at the top of their games. As for the Coyotes, well lets just say some of their players are young enough to be the sons of those elderly players. When the first game took place, it had seemed as if their powerful play had continued and this was going to be an easy win but one win can easily turn into a loss if leaving the opponent's strength and precise play under estimated. This is exactly what had happened to the Wings the following game falling 4-2 and allowing the series to be tied up 1 all. The next 2 games would become some what of a replay as the first two and leave us with an interesting series tied up at 2 a piece. If either team wants to come out on top on Friday, they mustn't leave anything off the table and for that matter bring a little extra gravy to get the job done, and done well. I can't wait to see what happens in this series and won't take any sides until one has come out on the winning side and onto the second round. 

I will be posting more on the ever exciting NHL Playoffs (www.nhl.com) tomorrow once more series have either come to an end, or come that much closer to upsetting another favorite once again. Also, be on the lookout for online pools (Yahoo Fantasy Pool) if you want to have fun with some buddies while also enjoying a nice cold brewskie. Or..what ever tickles your fancy. 

This has been another blog by your one and only, Keiffer SutherClarke. 

Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

Cheers. 

Time for some exploring this summer

Well I recently moved to Edmonton, Alboyta. It's an alright city with lots of hidden adventures that one must seek out to have fun with and partake in regularly. Especially in the summer with events such as the Music Festival, K Days ( however, this name has changed since the last time I attended I believe it is now called Capital X or some crazy thing like that. Who knows why Edmonton does these ridiculous name changes, I just think they're all shenanigans.)

Back to the events now, I personally enjoy the Heritage Festival which I have attended a couple times that involves many different cultures from all around the world setting up tents and stages and food stands displaying their culture and many cool facts about their country and heritage. A cool event which I would like to make it to this year would be the Dragon Boat Races which take place on the McKinney River and also involves a multicultural theme to it and is fun for pretty much anyone that likes the outdoors and seeing crazy looking boats going super fast.

I know there are many more hidden festivals and cool places I have yet to see and explore this year and look forward to being a part of every single one of them or, at least try the next year haha.

I will post some pictures of these upcoming affairs in the near future to allow you to see what Edmonton has to offer and show everyone that it still has some kick to it and more room to grow yet.

Cheers,

Keith a.k.a Keiffer