Stanley Cup Finals Preview

After a long NHL season, the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins are the final two teams that have a chance to hoist the Stanley Cup.

            It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. We’re just about in June, school’s coming to a close, the weather’s starting to finally improve and the Stanley Cup Finals are here. Vancouver and Boston have taken two very unique approaches to get to the Finals. The Canucks nearly blew a 3-0 series lead, but hung on to edge Chicago in 7 and easily dismantled Nashville and San Jose in 6 and 5 games respectively. Boston’s had a bit of a tougher climb. The Bruins battled through the Habs in 7, took full advantage of the Flyers goaltending soap opera in 4 straight and barely snuck by the Lightning in a thrilling 7 game series. So far my predictions are 3-3, so the Finals will decide my fate as well.

Vancouver (1) vs Boston (3)

Season Series: 1-0 Bruins

            This is Vancouver’s first appearance in the Finals since 1994. However, this time around the Canucks are the favourites. They’ve proven that they’ve been the best team all season and this is their final test.  During Vancouver’s past two series, one player has been the go-to hero. Against Nashville, Ryan Kesler notched 11 points in 6 games, while Henrik Sedin tallied 12 points in the Canucks 5 game trouncing over the Sharks. If Vancouver wants to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, both of these players will have to come up big.

            If you thought the Canucks already had a lot of depth, think again. In what seems to be a minor medical miracle, Manny Malhotra appears to be ready to rejoin the lineup for Game 1. He has missed all of the playoffs with an eye injury, which some originally thought could permanently damage his vision. The Mississauga, Ontario native brings more depth to the Canucks lineup and is an excellent penalty killer.

            The Bruins are back in the Finals for the first time since 1990. They’re also on a championship-less streak of their own, as their last Stanley Cup victory was back in 1972 when Bobby Orr scored his famous goal flying through the air. Ironically, the last time these teams lost in the Stanley Cup Finals, Mark Messier was the opposing captain lifting the Stanley Cup over his head at the end of the series. The Bruins are another team that has a lot of depth. Boston's forwards not only have skill, but they have the will too. All of their defensemen know their roles and play them well. However, Vancouver’s core of agile forwards may be too much for the Bruins to handle.

Tending the Twine

            I think this series is going to be won in net. There’s a huge difference between these two teams. For Boston to win the Stanley Cup, Tim Thomas will have to steal some games and be their best player. He’s had a remarkable playoff run so far, but on several occasions he’s allowed a weak goal at the wrong time.

            The Canucks are a different story. Roberto Luongo has been solid throughout much of the playoffs and after round one, he hasn’t individually lost a game for the Canucks. What I mean by this is that his performance hasn’t been the reason Vancouver’s lost a game. That’s all he has to do moving forward this series. Plus, he’s got the unlimited potential to put his team on his back and steal a few games of his own (case in point, making 54 saves in the Canucks clinching victory over San Jose).

            Montreal hosted the 1976 Olympics and the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup the next year. Calgary hosted the 1988 Olympics and won the Stanley Cup in 1989. Of course, Vancouver hosted last year’s Winter Olympics in what was one of the most exciting two weeks in Canadian history. Will the Canucks follow the trend set by the Canadiens and Flames? I think so.

Final Prediction: Canucks in 6

Player Profile: Matt Stinson

Homegrown talent Matt Stinson has climbed all the way up the soccer ranks to the professional level. He doesn't want to stop there.

           Right from birth, a child’s personality begins to form and strong characteristics prevail. From the day he was born on September 9, 1992, Matt Stinson was both competitive and determined. He wanted to be the best at everything, whether it was playing tag at recess or being the first student to finish a math test. It was also clear from a young age that Matt displayed a lot of raw athletic talent. One day when Matt was about six years old, he was playing at a friend’s house, whose father happened to be his older brother Jeff’s soccer coach. 
 
            “My brother’s soccer coach Arthur Avanesi saw me kick a ball in his backyard when I was hanging out with his son Alex. After he saw me kick the ball he decided to start a team around me! He told me I would become a soccer player!” 

            A future superstar had been born. 

            Stinson has always been one of the most competitive people I have ever met. That competitiveness translated into rapid success on the soccer pitch. He joined the Clarkson Comets Soccer Club and played there for several years. But Matt’s athletic ability wasn’t just limited to soccer. He played hockey at a competitive level as well. He was a member of a very skillful squad for many years and I had the pleasure of being his teammate. 

            After winning the Eastern City GTHL AA Championships with the Hillcrest Summits in 2005, Stinson played one final year of hockey. Coincident with hockey, his soccer skills really started to excel. Both sports demanded a lot of time and energy. Matt had to make a tough decision, because he really believed that he wanted to excel at one sport and be the very best he could be. In the end, it was a difficult choice, but one that he wouldn’t later regret. 

            “Choosing soccer over hockey was tough, but I knew I had more of a future in soccer. I felt I was a more natural soccer player, but in hockey I was playing on pure athleticism. I’ve never looked back on my decision, it’s been a fun ride.” 

            Matt continued to play very well on the soccer field as he graduated from Grade 8 at Willowdale Middle School. The local high school in his district was Northview Heights Secondary School. Fortuitously, the school had a special athletic program known as APGA (Academic Program for Gifted Athletes). This program provides academic support throughout high school for elite level athletes to accommodate their need for training and excellence in their sport of choice. Matt and his mother Sylvia knew this program was perfect for him. Matt and I were classmates and often studied for tests together. When not training at our respective sports, we hung out a lot. 

            Just before entering grade 10, Stinson signed to play with the Toronto FC Academy Club. This enabled him to practice with the club and train like a pro at the tender age of 16. Even with his extremely busy soccer workout schedule, he performed admirably in the classroom. He was an honour roll student for two full years while taking business and science courses. 

            “APGA was great. The support from all of the teachers and all of my classmates was awesome. It really made high school enjoyable for me.” 

            As a result of his soccer achievements, Matt was named team captain of the U18 Academy squad. It was at this point that he first legitimately thought that he could make it as a professional. 

            “When the TFC took interest in me in the Academy I gained a lot of confidence. I was always pretty sure that I would get a scholarship but didn’t know about going pro.” 

            Another important decision that he faced was selecting which post secondary school he would attend. Many schools had actively recruited him to join their squad and he visited several campuses. His final choice was an extremely tough one, but he elected to attend Winthrop University, one of the newest schools in South Carolina. 

            After only one season at Winthrop, he was forced to make another life changing decision. He was very successful throughout his school’s season, as he was named team MVP and earned an All-Big South Conference Second Team honour. At just 18 years old, teams at the professional level were courting his services. He was faced with a huge dilemma. Should he stay in school, or start pursuing his professional aspirations right away? 

            “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to be a professional soccer player. Sure I’m young, but might as well start now. This chance isn’t going to come everyday. You can only live life once.” 

            At this point, it was early February 2011. I hadn’t spoken to Matt in a while, as I knew he was very busy. I remember one day I was in the car with my family and the radio was on. It was 680 News’ Sports Report. I was kind of zoning out and not really listening to the update. The anchor provided hockey highlights and then moved on to other sports. “In soccer news, the Toronto FC edged the Red Star Belgrade 1-0 in preseason action in Antayla, Turkey. Matt Stinson had the lone marker.” I shook my head in amazement and wondered whether I’d actually heard the report correctly. Immediately I sent Matt a text message and learned of his recent soccer successes. 

            “Trying to go pro man. Close to a full time spot on the TFC. Will keep you posted,” he later texted me. 

            A few days later, the story broke that Stinson had signed a deal with the Toronto FC professional squad. I remember his Facebook page absolutely exploded with many congratulatory messages from friends and family. At this time, Matt was in Guatemala trying to help Canada qualify for the U20 World Cup. Unfortunately, the team lost in the semi-finals, but that meant Matt was coming home. 

            After getting in touch with Matt several times, I attended a Toronto FC game. He wasn’t dressed, but it was a great experience at BMO Field. After the game, some fans were huddled outside the stadium anxiously awaiting a Matt Stinson autograph. When I saw this, I was thinking, “Wow, my boy’s made it!” Although Matt has advanced through the ranks at an extraordinary pace, he doesn’t want to stop here. 

            “It’s always been a dream of mine to play soccer in Europe. That’s the home of soccer. All of the guys known in soccer- the David Beckhams, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo- all started their careers overseas. They’re now some of the most popular people in the world.” 

            While this may seem like a bit of a stretch, Matt has no shortage of confidence and belief in himself. 

            “I’ve always been a hard worker. I’ve made it this far. I think that if I keep up my attitude and my work ethic, as well as get some luck, maybe I’ll get a chance to play in the English Premier League.” 

            The way Matt Stinson has progressed, Canada could boast homegrown talent on the world soccer stage, which is something that currently doesn’t exist. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that kids around the world will look up to him as a soccer idol in the very near future.

No Need for Afternoon Games

Gary Bettman has done many things to help the National Hockey League. However, his choice to implement afternoon games in the playoffs is a big mistake.

         

        Did anyone realize that there were two NHL games this weekend? For those of you that didn’t know about this, I don’t blame you. Tampa Bay came back in thrilling fashion, rallying from a 3-0 deficit to take the game 4-3 over Boston. Vancouver could only muster 13 shots on net, but four of them snuck through Antii Niemi. The result was a 4-2 Canucks win. They’re now one victory away from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994. But most people didn’t even know that games were going on. Why? Both contests were played in the afternoon.

            I really don’t understand why the NHL schedules games to be played in the afternoon. Commissioner Gary Bettman claims that he’s trying to reach out to American fans. In certain parts of the States, plain and simple, people just don’t watch hockey. Ponder this. If you’re in Florida on a Saturday afternoon, are you going to sit inside and watch a hockey game, or be outside enjoying a beautiful day on the golf course? I think that’s an easy answer.

            It’s also Victoria Day weekend here in Canada. Lots of people are at their cottages and finally enjoying some good weather. Instead of sitting inside and watching hockey, they’re using the time to get their boats out, sit on the dock, work on their tans and enjoy a noon cocktail (hey it’s 5:00 somewhere, right?). If the games were scheduled at night, these cottagers could spend all day outside, then have a nice meal and spend the night watching these exciting playoff games.

            Fans are also used to watching different sports during the afternoons. There were so many sporting events going on, from David Toms winning at the Colonial to Jose Bautista clubbing another two homers just to name a few.

            Both games that were played this weekend were thrilling. It’s just too bad that not many people could tune in. Hockey is a game that’s meant to be played at night. Figure it out Gary Bettman and schedule games when they normally would be. It’s only going to increase the viewers that watch the games and create more popularity about the sport.

Third Round NHL Playoff Predictions

Rookie coach Guy Boucher has led the Tampa Bay Lightning into their first Eastern Conference Finals since they won the Stanley Cup in 2004.

           

          With the first two rounds in the books, we’re exactly halfway through the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Since the first round was so close, I was expecting an even tighter second round. For half of the series, I was dead wrong. Boston and Tampa Bay both made quick work of their opponents. The Lightning’s victory was a huge shock, but the 1-3-1 neutral zone trap implemented by coach Guy Boucher simply wore down the Capitals forwards.  Philadelphia couldn’t decide who they wanted in net as Boston trumped them in four straight.  Vancouver survived the Nashville Carrie Underwood’s in six, and San Jose avoided the epic collapse, sneaking by Detroit in seven. My predictions were a respectable 2-2 in round two, so I hope to give better advice this time around.

Eastern Conference Finals

Boston (3) vs Tampa Bay (5)

Season Series: 3-1 Boston

            Heading into these playoffs, many predicted the Bruins to be in this spot. Tampa Bay, not so much. This team is led by 38 year old rookie coach Guy Boucher, whose stern approach has resulted in a very disciplined Lightning squad. Tampa Bay’s unsung heroes have been their go-to guys thus far, with unexpected scoring from Sean Bergenheim, Dominic Moore, Steve Downie and Teddy Purcell. Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St.Louis have also had strong post seasons. Dwayne Roloson has been an absolute monster in net, battling through traffic to make some incredible saves. I’m sure most 41 year old men wished they could bend their bodies the way he can. If you looked up the term ‘battle’ in the dictionary, Roloson’s face would show up.

Tampa Bay’s X Factor: Steven Stamkos

The Lightning have made it through two rounds without much production from the 21 year old. Stamkos has only 6 points through 11 games. If Tampa Bay wants to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2004, he must be their best player.

            The Bruins are a team with a lot of depth scoring. Brad Marchand, Nathan Horton and David Krecji are all averaging about a point a game. But on the offensive side of things, Patrice Bergeron has led the way with 12 points. Unfortunately for Boston, he suffered a mild concussion and is out for at least game 1. Rookie Tyler Seguin will make his playoff debut, replacing him in the lineup. Tim Thomas has been Boston’s MVP all season and the playoffs have been no different.  Thus far, he has sported a 2.03 goals against average and a .937 save percentage during the post season. Zdeno Chara bolsters the Bruins blueline. He seems to have toned down his play since the Max Pacioretty incident, but he still is an incredibly dangerous player on the ice. If the chemistry can improve between Chara and Tomas Kaberle on Boston’s powerplay, they’ll be dangerous.

Boston’s X Factor: Milan Lucic

Lucic has the skill and tenacity to take over a game and a series by himself. He hasn’t needed to do that through two rounds, but against the Lightning, he’ll have to bring his A game if the Bruins want to play for the Stanley Cup.

Final Prediction: Lightning in 7

Western Conference Finals

Vancouver (1) vs San Jose (2)

Season Series: 3-0-1 Canucks

            The President Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks didn’t have as hard of a time eliminating the Nashville Predators than they did against the Chicago Blackhawks. However, Ryan Kesler was an integral reason why the Canucks beat Nashville in six games. The Michigan native put his team on his back with 11 points in the second round. He’s the team’s MVP thus far and they’ll need him to continue dominating the action. The Sedin twins combined for only seven points during the second round, but the stat that’s more worrisome is that together they had a -10 rating. Not only do they have return to regular season form in the offensive zone, they must do the same in the defensive zone. Also, the Canucks’ depth scoring has to improve. Players like Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows and Mikael Samuelsson have to step up their game for the Canucks to move on.

Vancouver’s X Factor: Roberto Luongo

The Sharks play a very ‘in your face’ style of hockey, so they’re going to have plenty of chances on Luongo. Vancouver’s only going as far as their netminder takes them. I really believe that he’s going to have to steal at least one game if the Canucks want to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1994.

            San Jose is going as far as their powerplay takes them. In each of their victories against Detroit, they scored a goal on the man advantage. Coincidentally, in all of their losses, they failed to score on the powerplay. Guys like Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture will have to continue their strong offensive play. In their game 7 win over the Red Wings, Joe Thornton looked like a man on a mission. The Sharks will need that kind of effort from ‘Jumbo Joe’ if they want to succeed against the Canucks. Antti Niemi overcame his first round struggles by shutting the door in round two. The Vantaa, Finland native had a 2.36 goals against average and a .931 save percentage in the seven game victory over the Red Wings. He still has never lost a playoff series in his career. The Sharks were swept in last year’s Western Conference Finals by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. They’re definitely looking for a better result this time around.

San Jose’s X Factor: Patrick Marleau

Marleau was basically useless for the first six games and two periods of the Sharks’ series against the Red Wings and that nearly cost them their season. He led the squad with 73 points during the regular season, but has faltered with just six points thus far during in the post season. If San Jose wants to move on to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history, Patrick Marleau will have to improve his play.

Final Prediction: Vancouver in 7

Player Profile Teaser: Matt Stinson

Matt Stinson has worked his way up the ranks to become one of Canada's top soccer prospects

      

       When looking towards the future of Canadian soccer, many don't think of it in a positive way. One of the best young Canadian prospects is Toronto native and personal friend Matt Stinson. He has been through a lot throughout his entire sporting career. He's had to make some very important decisions, which included his choice to quit competitive hockey and focus on soccer full time.

       Stinson has always been one of the most competitive people I have ever met. That competitiveness translated into rapid success on the playing field. After starring for the Clarkson Comets Soccer Club, he moved on to the Toronto FC Academy squad at the tender age of 16. He really began to get comfortable at that level, and eventually became the team captain.

     Throughout his three years with the TFC Academy, he attended Northview Heights Secondary School in the Academic Program for Gifted Athletes. Even with his extremely busy soccer workout plan, he performed marvelously in the class room. He was an honour roll student for two full years while taking business and science courses.

         Another important decision that he had to make was the university he was going to attend. Many schools had recruited him to join their squad and he visited several campuses. His final choice was an extremely tough one, but he elected to attend Winthrop University, one of the newest schools in South Carolina.

       After only half a season at Winthrop, he was faced with another life changing decision. He was very successful during those games, as he was named team MVP and earned a nAll-Big South Conference Second Team honour. At this point, teams at the professional level were courting his services. Will Stinson stay in school, or start pursuing his professional dreams at the young age of 18? Find out in the full version of this story, which will be released in a few weeks.