The Stanley Cup Playoff Preview! Part 2

By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Eastern Conference

#1 Seed - Boston Bruins
The Bruins, for the first time in years, have a real chance to advance deep in the playoffs. Bruins GM, Peter Chiarelli, has put together a team that has excelled in all facets of the game. The key for the B's success starts with their defense and goaltending. Captain Zdeno Chara headlines a group of tall strong defensemen, that when they hold both blue lines, they initiate Boston's opportunistic offsense. Tim Thomas will have to prove himself worth of his new stout contract this postseason. Look for a long series against the hated Canadians.

#2 Seed - Washington Capitals
The Caps rely on their top three offensive stars, Alex Ovenchkin, Nichlas Backstrom, and Alexander Semin, to get most of the goals and assists. Mike Green, 23 year-old defensemen, finished the season playing in only 68 games, attaining the most goals (31) and points (73) by a defensemen in the NHL. He's the best young offensive defensemen in the league, no doubt. Washington's power play is outstanding with all of those goal scorers. Goalie, Jose Theodore has never propelled a team deep through the playoffs.

#3 Seed - New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Govenor, Jon Corzine, declared April 14, 2009, Martin Brodeur Day. Jersey should declare the season of Spring the "Season of Brodeur". If the Devils do go deep in the playoffs, which I don't see happening, Brodeur will be the reason for there success, his 3 Cup Wins came on his best playoff performances (1.64 GAA), not that his career postseason 1.96 GAA is to shabby. Unlike other years, Jersey does have a pretty good offense led by 24 year old Zach Parise's 94 regular season points. If Brodeur does get hot watch out.

#4 Seed - Pittsburgh Penquins
Pittsburgh is the most dangerous lower seed in the playoffs. They have a great offense and a great goalie. The downfall is that they are a very young team. However, with last year run to the Stanley Cup Finals will help the youth factor. The Penguins are facing their hated rival, the Flyers, in the first round which they should win in 5.

#5 Seed - Philadelphia Flyers
Philly had a chance with a win or overtime loss in the final game against a Rangers team that had nothing to play for, to sew up home ice in the first round. They were winning 3-2 after two periods came out and let up a goal 4 1/2 minutes in and the another 4 1/2 minutes later let in another goal which put them in Pittsburgh for game 1 of the first round of the playoffs. That showed me a lot about the Flyers; they'll be out of the playoffs quick.

#6 Seed - Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina may give the Devils all they can handle in the first round of the playoffs. They play with grit and determination especially in the defensive end which leads to offensive opportunities. If goalie, Cam Ward, can bring back his 2006 Stanley Cup winning performance we would have a show down of two great goalies. But really, how likely is that?

#7 Seed - New York Rangers
The Rangers are the only playoff team that doesn't have a player that scored 30 goals or attained 60 points for the regular season. With that said, they have a good defense and a great goalie in Henrik Lundqvist so they have a chance but highly unlikely against the Capitals. Lundqvist would have to steal a few games to advance.

#8 Seed - Montreal Canadians
Montreal is another defensive minded team but, unlike the Rangers, their goaltending situation is shaky to say the least. Carey Price has had a sophomore slump, coming off of a great rookie year, including a playoff series win against the Bruins. This year's Bruin team is more balanced and is ready to pound the cheap shot Canadians. Not even the refs can win this series for the Habs.

NHL Playoffs: FFS Staff picks

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The 2009 NHL Playoffs begin tonight, so it's time for several of our staff to put their opinions on the line.  Chad, Matt and I have listed our picks for the first round below.  I am going to go on record and say that the finals will be Detroit and Boston, but I'd love to see the Sharks and B's in the finals.  Joe Thornton versus his old team.  It couldn't get any better than that.  We're going with just the first round for now because the NHL reseeds after the first round. Well, take a look at our picks and stay tuned for updates throughout the playoffs.

So much for getting a soft schedule when you don't make the NFL playoffs

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So the Patriots finish 11-5, don't make the playoffs last season and get stuck with this schedule? 

Thank you National Football League.

If you look at this schedule, courtesy of patriots.com, you would think that the Patriots DID make the playoffs last year and got "rewarded" for their success.

Well, so much for taking the foot off coach Bill Belichick's throat. It's bad enough that he had to watch the playoffs from his couch - he was probably thinking that his team would have had a good chance to at least make the AFC Championship Game if they got into the playoffs -- now he and Pats get a playoff-type of schedule.

Oh, and thank you for the trip to London vs. Tampa Bay on Oct. 25. Nice short flight. How many diehard football fans in Tampa or Foxboro would have loved to have that game in their backyard? Instead, soccer fans -- we play football, the game in England is called soccer, got it! -- get to watch a sport they could care less about. Quick, buy your Tom Brady jerseys now, he's No. 12 if you don't know.

Anyway, at least they have the bye after that soccer game.

After opening with AFC East games -- Pats kick off season on Monday night, Sept. 14, at home vs. Buffalo and then travel to the Jets -- they host Atlanta and Baltimore (2 very good playoff teams last year) and then visit former offensive coordinator turned head coach, Josh McDaniels, in Denver. You'll learn your lesson for leaving Joshy boy. The teacher always win the first 7 or so matchups, so be prepared for a whoopin'.

Things get a lot easier -- ya, right -- with the Titans. Then QB-less Tampa and the bye.

I'm tired already. If the Pats go 5-2 in that stretch, I'll be doing the shimmy-shake in my living room ... 4-3, I'll be cautiously optimistic about the rest of the year.

Take a look at the next stretch, it's a cupcake schedule (another joke): vs. Miami, at Indianapolis (Nov. 15, Sunday Night Football), vs. New York Jets, at New Orleans (Nov. 30, Monday Night Football), at Miami (Dec. 6, Sunday Night Football), and vs. Carolina.

I'll call sweep on the final three games: at Buffalo, vs. Jacksonville and at Houston.

On paper, it looks like a very tough schedule. But the way the NFL is -- you can go from the penthouse to the outhouse in only one season -- I guess you really never know.

But right now, if the Pats can make the playoffs, you can say they definitely earned it. 

Thanks again, NFL.

 

The Stanley Cup Playoff Preview! Part 1

By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Spring is here, the temperature is heating up and so are the Stanley Cup Playoffs! The next two month of dramatic hockey will determine who will skate around the ice with the Cup raised above his head. This is one of the most evenly matched playoffs that I can remember, every team had at least 91 points to end the year. Here is a breakdown of the 16 teams who have earned the chance to bring home a championship.


Western Conference


#1 Seed - San Jose Sharks
The Sharks amassed the most points in the NHL (117) during the regular season claiming home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Led by their two offensive stars, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, can San Jose finally break through the past years of playoff disappointment? With that in mind GM Doug Wilson brought in three former Cup-winning defensemen to sure up the blue line; Dan Boyle, Rob Blake and Brad Lukowich. Goalie Evgeni Nabokov will have to drastically improve his sub-par 30-27 lifetime postseason record to help his team to a cup.

#2 Seed - Detroit Red Wings
Detroit, Central (Norris) Division champs, were the last team to win back-to-back Cups, 1997 and 1998, will be trying to duplicate that feat. The remarkable thing is five of the players who competed for both of those '97 and '98 championship teams are on the Red Wings' active roster in 2009 (Kris Draper, Tomas Holmstrom, Nicklas Lidstrom, Kirk Maltby and Chris Osgood). Detroit kept its nucleus together from the 2008 Cup team and didn't make any big acquisitions in the off-season. Goaltending will be an issue, Chris Osgood and Ty Conklin split time during the season. In the playoffs, a team needs stability in net, so who will it be Osgood or Conklin? I'd go with the experienced Osgood.

#3 Seed - Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks beat out the Flames for the Northwest Division Title. The Sedin boys led the way each accumulating 82 points, what do you expect from a set of twins. The key for them to win is defense, they have big blue liners and a great goalie in Robert Luongo that's a recipe for a nice playoff run.

#4 Seed - Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are led by 3 former 1st round picks; Martin Havlat, Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews. Their defense in decent backed by Brian Campbell and Brian Keith. Nikolai Khabibulin, goalie, had one great posteseason with the Lightning winning a Stanley Cup. This year he's been splitting time with Cristobal Huet, another journeyman goalie. The Blackhawks will need to score five goals a game in hopes of getting past the first round. They're in luck, they'll be playing the Flames!

#5 Seed - Calgary Flames
The Flames have 2 great players in Jarome Iginla and Mike Cammalleri, and nobody else worth mentioning. Their goalie, Mikka Kiprusoff had one great run in the playoffs 5 years ago and has done nothing since.

#6 Seed - St. Louis Blues
The Blues are a young gritty team with hopes of an upset over the Canucks in the opening round. They probably should have traded away Keith Tkachuk at the trade deadline to better themselves for the future. Besides Tkachuk, their top 5 players, led by former Bruin, Brad Boyes, are 26 years old and younger. Look for St. Louis to be deep in the playoff a year from now, if they can acquire or develop a goalie.

#7 Seed - Columbus Blue Jackets
This the 1st playoff appearance for the Blue Jackets since they came into the league in 2000. The only way they can stay in the playoffs longer than one series is if their rookie goalie, 20 year old Steve Mason, continues the phenomenal run he's had this season. Mason's my pick for rookie of the year. In 61 games this season he has a 2.29 goals against average and a .916 save percentage. I see Mason shocking the Red Wings.

#8 Seed - Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have the hardest task of all the teams in the Playoffs, going up against the top ranked Sharks. Anaheim has the talent to actually compete with San Jose but the roster isn't set right. Their talent is very young and very old with nobody decent in their prime. Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan all future stars are 23 or younger. Scott and Rob Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne, and Chris Pronger all 34 or older. Not a good mix .


Eastern Conference preview coming soon...

Fantasy Baseball: Between the White Lines

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome to the very first edition of Between the White Lines.  BTWL is an inside look at the numbers from the previous week and how they translate into pick up trends, and players who should be on your radar.  BWTL will be a weekly entry that comes out on Wednesday morning that takes a harder look inside the numbers.  While Chad did a great job leading off Monday and letting us know who the best and worst players are for the first week, I want to take a look and provide you some insight on what you can expect for the near and distant future.  

Let me first start with the pick up trends I've seen during the first week of the season.  I'll review the top 5 added and dropped players each week and let you know what you can expect going forward.  The top 5 added and dropped players will be taken from the Fantasy Baseball section of ESPN.com.  

(Editor's note: Also be sure to check out more must-have fantasy baseball information Fridays every week.)

Top 5 Added:

1. Emilio Bonifacio (2b, 3b) Florida Marlins

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.500	9	1	5	4

Bonny has been the hottest player in the majors through the first week.  Before the season he was only on 12% of fantasy teams, but has shot up to 89% after the best week of his life.  He also had a hot start after he joined the Nationals, but pitchers quickly learned how to throw to him.  He'll be good in the short term, but don't think you're going to get .300, 10+HR, 75+RBI, with an OBP of .380+.  It looks like he's going to get plenty of playing time at third, and is also eligible at second which is a big upside.  I wouldn't be surprised with 20+ steals though.  He'll soon cool down, so trade him now if you have the chance.

2. Brandon Inge (C, 3b, Of) Detroit Tigers 

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.269	7	4	7

I've long been a fan of Inge because of his catcher eligibility, but you have to know what you're getting from him.  He'll never hit for average, but will get you 15 homers and 75 RBI when healthy.  He was drafted in only 7%, but is now on 73.5% of fantasy teams.  He's a decent overall player and good to have at the end of your bench.  His production is sure to cool down, but I'd hold onto him if you have the spot on your bench.  

3. Marco Scutaro (ss, 2b, 3b) Toronto Blue Jays

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.333	10	2	5	0

Scutaro is another one of those players you don't mind having on your bench, especially in an AL only league.  Scutaro was only owned in 2% of leagues going into the season.  He's still a free agent in nearly 50% of all leagues so make sure to grab him if you need someone to spot start in the infield.  As I'm sure you know already, I am a sucker for multi positional eligibility.  Last year was the first of his career that he had more than 500 at bats and ended up being the 16th most productive shortstop in fantasy.  I think it's safe to say he'll have a .270, 7 HR, 60RBI type season again.  Don't look for him to put up much more than that.

4. Nick Swisher (1b, Of) New York Yankees

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.450	9	3	10	0

Chicago White Sox fans must be besides themselves right now.  Swisher had his worst season in the bigs during his only season with the Sox, and looks to be revitilized in New York.  He's still availalbe in 54% of ESPN leagues so grab if you can. He should be a very good utility player this season playing all three outfield positions, first base and DH.  He's had a strong start to this season in a deep lineup, and shouldn't lose any time when Arod returns.

5. Jordan Schafer (Of) Atlanta Braves

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.348	6	2	3	0

Schafer, the exciting rookie centerfielder, is still eligible in 69% of leagues.  I doubt he's still out there in NL only leagues, but make sure to double check in your league.  Despite the fact he hasn't stolen a base yet, he should easily swap 20 bags this season.  His 1.110 OPS should drop into the .7oo's, if not lower as the season goes on.  He's only hit 10 homer once in his minor league career so don't expect much more than that as well.  I would suggest waiting if you can.  Let's see how he's doing in early/mid May.

Top 10 Dropped:

1. Joey Devine (RP) Oakland A's

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
0-0	0	0	0.00	0.0

Don't look at all the zeros and questions why someone would drop Devine.  He's on the 60 day DL and have no conclusive tests on his right elbow.  For all anyone knows he could be out for the season.

2. Jason Motte (RP) St. Lious Cardinals

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
0-1	0	3	15.43	3.0

Motte has had a disastrous start to the season for the Cardinals.  He broke camp as the closer and the allowed 4 runs in the ninth inning of the season opener to blow the game.  He's looked better in his two outings since, but Tony La Russa loves spreading the saves around these days.  If you absolutely need a reliever pick him up, but I would suggest holding off for now.  You never know how many opportunities he'll get.  

3. Brandon Lyon (RP) Detroit Tigers

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
1-1	0	0	9.00	1.67

Have you noticed a trend within a trend here with the most dropped players.  Brandon Lyon is yet another opening day closer who has lost his job a week into the season.  Like Motte, he blew the season opener letting up 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th in Toronto.  After that, Jim Leyland gave the job to Fernando Rodney who has already notched 2 saves on the season.  Like St. Lious, the closer job in Detroit should be a fluid situation throughout the season.  Lyon is a more consistent pitcher than Rodney, so stash if you can.  If not, keep a close eye on the situation.

4. Chris Ray (RP) Baltimore

W-L	SV	K	ERA	WHIP
0-0	0	3	15.43	3.4

In 2006 Chris Ray had 33 saves and an additional 16 in 2007 before he blew out his arm.  After missing the entire 2008 season, he's just trying to return to form. He pitched well in the spring so many people assumed he'd take some save chances from George Sherrill.  That has not happened, so it's time to jump ship.  

5. Khalil Greene (SS) St. Lious Cardinals

AVG	R	HR	RBI	SB
.276	4	0	4	1

Let's say hello to the only position player in the top 5 dropped.  To say that I strongly dislike Khalil Greene would be a major understatement.  In my opinion, he's a constant underacheiver that will never be close to his potential.  Thanks to a 3 hit day on April 12th, he was able to raise his average from .190 to .280.  Ah, the wonders of early season baseball averages.  He's had two multi hit games along with 4 runs and RBI.  The shortstop position is still thin within the majors, so keep him on the back burner.  He did hit 27 homers with 97 RBI two season ago, so don't give up on him yet. 

Players who need to be on your radar:

Chad Tracy is having an oustanding start to the season and he's finally healthy.  He's owned in only 3% of leagues and is the starting 1st baseman for the Diamondbacks.  He needs to be picked up right now.  If you need a catcher, go ahead and pick up John Baker of the Marlins.  He's owned in only 6% of leagues and is currently hitting .308 with an .855 OPS.  Ricky Romero, the rookie lefty from Toronto, should also be on your radar.  He pitched well in his major league debut.  He was the 6th overall pick in the 2005 draft and does have good upside.  Don't give up on Jamie Moyer.  I know he had a terrible first start, but does have two starts coming this week. Both starts are on the road where he had a 2.92 ERA last season.  Kyle Davies has translated his amazing spring to the regular season.  He threw 7 shutout innings against the White Sox last week and is owned in only 25% of leagues.  

Well, that's all for the first entry.  Make sure to check back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for in depth fantasy baseball analysis all year.