hockey
We talk pucks and objects of that kind. We yell, complain, and analyze in the language of hockey fandom. Gretzky can do no wrong.
2026 Conference Finals Preview
The Final Four is all set, folks! As I stated before, there is always something special about the last round before the final round. Whether it's the Conference Championship (NFL), League Championship Series (MLB), or the Conference Finals (NHL & NBA), that certain round is always extra special. As I said before, it's the last true playoff round, because I've always believed that the playoffs are the rounds that precede the championship.
By Clyde E. Dawkins5 months ago in Unbalanced
A Heartfelt and Honest Assessment of the Sabres' 1st Playoff Run in 15 Years
Some of you know my rules for the "What Went Wrong" series that I've been writing since the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. For those who don't, here goes. Standard playoff eliminations get the "What Went Wrong" banner. The tone depends on the team who gets eliminated, and on how the elimination happens. If the team played well but lost out, it's a normal tone. If it's a team who choked, the tone gets humorous and/or biting. If the writer flat out hates the team, it really gets humorous and/or biting. If it's a combination of Columns B and C, oh good god.
By Clyde E. Dawkins5 months ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: Ducks Amucks
This year's Stanley Cup Playoffs has, so far, been quite amazing and memorable, as we enter the final day of the Division Finals and prepare for the Conference Finals. One of the attributes that has made this year so fascinating is the fact that the Anaheim Ducks actually made it. It had been a tortuous drought for the Ducks, which included being one of the seven teams who missed out of the modified "bubble" playoffs in 2020.
By Clyde E. Dawkins5 months ago in Unbalanced
Somers Holds Heads High in 15-9 Loss to Yorktown
On Tuesday April 14, Yorktown came across town and exchanged runs with their hosts. The Huskers scored five of six to open, and Somers almost returned the favor. Five of seven for the Tuskers, a fierce 7-6 game emerged. But unfortunately, the trend continued and not in favor of the Tuskers
By Rich Monetti5 months ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: How to End a Season in 32 Minutes and 52 Seconds
I hate the Minnesota Wild with a passion. They are fun to watch, though; been that way for the last few years. Regarding this year, it was fun to watch them show that they're much better than the Dallas Stars. It was fun knowing that the Wild and Stars would officially face each other in this year's playoffs. It was absolutely fun watching them beat and humiliate the Stars in the Central Semifinals in six games, that was truly a fun sight.
By Clyde E. Dawkins5 months ago in Unbalanced
It's Getting Better
Okay, this photo might need some context... I was out for the evening on a Sunday, trying to find some last-minute groceries before my stomach rebelled. I knew that there was a game that night, but a part of me wondered if it would be worth my time to see the whole thing after an early goal was let in by the wunderkind Jakub Dobeš (more on him later). In less than a minute, my beloved Habs were already down by a goal and it looked like the return to the hometown battlefield would be wasted.
By Kendall Defoe 5 months ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: Flyers Rocked by Hurricanes
A lot of amazing thing had been happening in Philadelphia sports in recent years. The Eagles have become a juggernaut, winning a pair of Super Bowls. The Phillies reached the World Series in 2022, and served as a top force in the National League. The 76ers have had quite a few good seasons with Joel Embiid leading the way.
By Clyde E. Dawkins6 months ago in Unbalanced
Somers Thrills with Sudden Death Victory over John Jay
Scroll to end for Photos On Saturday April 18, Somers came roaring back from a 7-1 first half deficit, but even though the Tuskers took a late 14-13 lead, there was still overtime work to do. And when Shea Mullins stood poised by herself with the win in her sights, destiny overtook any doubts.
By Rich Monetti6 months ago in Unbalanced
2026 Division Finals Preview
So we are now fully in Round 2 mode--two days after it started. An occurence like this hasn't happened (Round 2 beginning before Round 1 ending) since the 2021 playoffs, and I remember why that was. The North Division finished their regular season late because the Vancouver Canucks were hit with COVID. So the North still had postponed regular seasons to play while the East, Central, and West Divisions were in Round 1. The first second round game--Game One of the East Division Final between the Boston Bruins and the New York Islanders--started on the same day as the memorable Game Six of the North Division Semifinals between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montréal Canadiens.
By Clyde E. Dawkins6 months ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: Power Outage
Amazing how the Tampa Bay Lightning have gone from the great superpower to a team who finds all sorts of ways to lose, and to anyone. Let's get one thing straight: the Bolts had quite the year. They were a Wild Card last year, but they improved this year. They finished a close second in the Atlantic Division behind the Sabres, and they received home ice in their series against the Montréal Canadiens. This was a very close series. Seven games. Back and forth. Four OT games. Every game decided by one goal.
By Clyde E. Dawkins6 months ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: A Mammoth-Sized Blunder
Well, Salt Lake City, you got your first taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. You got your first wins, your first sliver of hope for something, and for the first time ever, you totally blew it. Congratulations, you are truly a hockey city.
By Clyde E. Dawkins6 months ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: Bruins Ousted in Six Despite Game Effort
Last season was absolute hell for the Boston Bruins. The year before that year saw them in Round 2, but they would somehow crash and burn last year. Nothing was going right for them, and with their season over, the Bruins dealt away the last longtime piece left, Brad Marchand. They were starting over, kind of. They still had David Pastrnak, they still had Jeremy Swayman, but as far as any and all playoff aspirations, well, they appeared to be shot.
By Clyde E. Dawkins6 months ago in Unbalanced
