I'm aware there was no formal departure or excuse of the last 38 days. I didn't expect it either, but there is a lot to fill you in on. Various attractions and thrills and spills - this is becoming a theme park, if you didn't get it just yet.
Off the top of my head, my exams have taken priority. The burden of these results weighs heavily amidst the chaos and discipline my schedule feeds. I bet you know exactly what I'm talking about. In other words, I'll be back yet again. I don't know how long I'm absent for but just wanted to tell you all is well... I'm not sure if anyone is actually reading this, so I may have just typed to myself...
"Well, Ankur, good to know you're doing well"
"Thanks bro!"
Hahahaha. Just kidding.
Exams, radio, comrades, jobsearch, home, contests? sssshhh. --- I'm looking forward to an exciting and relieving summer! However, these things need to wait. Thus, this literary skyscraper has postponed construction until further notice, because we all know construction takes forever in any city. I speculate no earlier or later than April 23rd. Until then, I want to leave you with my playoff predictions.
I came back for one more reason. My 2010 NHL Playoff Predictions. These meean everything to me.
WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
[1] SAN JOSE SHARKS VS [8] COLORADO AVALANCHE
I'm not sure where to start with these two teams. Goaltending? Alright. I think Nabakov is expected to carry the team because he hasn't slipped since his return from the Winter Games. However, how many people expected Craig Anderson to redeem Colorado? I think fans have forgotten he even played on Florida because there was no notable contribution on his part. However, Colorado was close to home ice advantage at one point in the season, but slipped. Both teams have impressive forwards, but I think San Jose has the upper hand when it comes to the front lines. Everyone has huge expectations for Calder trophy prospect Matt Duchene. Now is his time to shine. I'd love to see San Jose advance because they have been infamous for not going all the way, when they have had the most potential than any other team the last few seasons. The Avalanche can pull off an upset here. Go Avs Go!
[2] CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS VS [7] NASHVILLE PREDATORS
We see a dynastic and memorable lineup in the works when the Chicago Blackhawks take the ice. It's hard to forget that the Blackhawks, captained by Olympic gold medalist Jonathan Toews, made it to the Conference Finals last year. Toews, Kane, Hossa, Campbell, Sharp, Seabrook. Hearing these names, it's hard not to get excited and expect big things. Chicago has the most memorable names, but unfortunately Seabrook and Campbell are still out of action. How crucial will their absence be? The team has managed the best record in franchise history and every player has contributed effectively on that team. I think we can expect a sweep at most.
[3] VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS [6] LOS ANGELES KINGS
This is the series in the West I am most excited for. Vancouver is my overall choice for Western Conference champions because the scenarios are exciting. Led by Hart trophy favourite Henrik Sedin, the team has arguably the most competitive offense in the Conference - Ryan Kesler, Pavol Demitra, Alex Burrows, among many others who are regarded as the strength of the Canucks. Plus Luongo was hot in the Olympics, and how great would it be to win the gold medal and the Stanley Cup in the same building just months apart? It is very possible that the Canucks can reach the finals and I have total faith in such results. Los Angeles is a dream team candidate as well, so I can see this one going to the max - seven games? Could be.
[4] PHOENIX COYOTES VS [5] DETROIT RED WINGS
I think if one team is going to shock the world and take the playoffs by storm, it will be Phoenix Coyotes. They're my favourites for dream team. For a franchise on the brink of sale, the team has stuck together and showcased a relentless pursuit for home ice advantage. This is the first time the Wings have not had home ice advantage in... well, I'm not sure how many years but it'll be unusual to see a Red Wings playoff series not opening at Joe Louis Arena. This team has been the closest thing to a dynasty in the previous decade and they're well on their way to achieving such acclaim. Arguably the best team in the league, they have had the best roster in the last 20 years, a roster which has delivered to the point of bringing two Stanley Cups and three Stanley Cup finals to the city of Detroit in ten years. As much as I'd love to see Phoenix be the surprise team, they have the aggression and endurance to push for a game seven, but in the end the Wings will get the best of them.
EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER FINALS
[1] WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS [8] MONTREAL CANADIENS
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to say, I stick with what I said on March 4th. These playoffs begin with my expected Cup champions taking on one of the most struggling teams in the league. Players such as Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Symien Varlamov were gold medal hopefuls at the Winter Games, but after that bittersweet defeat at the hands of the eventual champions, they're thirsty for the next best thing - and they certainly deserve it. The Capitals have been the most favourable and fascinating squads the last few seasons, but this year was undoubtedly their most impressive in franchise history. Montreal has struggled all season long and thanks to the mistakes of other teams, they barely squeezed in. I smell sweep for the Capitals and they are well on their journey towards the holiest grail.
[2] NEW JERSEY DEVILS VS [7] PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
This is another game which comes down to goaltending and let's face it, Martin Brodeur outshines Brian Boucher. The beauty of this series is the fact that while it comes down to goaltending, how can each last against the other's vicious snipers? The Devils have Ilya Kovalchuk, Brian Rolston, Zach Parise, while the Flyers maintain Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, and Simon Gagne. However, Philly has heavy hitters like Chris Pronger, Ian Laperriere, and the pounding wrath of Daniel Carcillo. I'd expect New Jersey to outlast the seven games, but the Flyers' gritty offense might carry the team to the second round.
[3] BUFFALO SABRES VS [6] BOSTON BRUINS
While the name Ryan Miller strikes you when one hears of the success of the Sabres, this week might steer your thoughts in another direction. Thomas Vanek scored five goals in the final two games of the season, including four in one night against the Ottawa Senators. This is the real series where goaltending will be the main focus. Ryan Miller has arguably been the most successful since the Olympics, but he is second to Tuukka Rask in save percentage and goals against average. The two best goalies of the season meet in what is to be the most memorable match of the first round. It could go to seven games, but all eyes on Miller and Rask as to who prevails and who falls short. I want to see the Sabres advance, but Miller may get caught off guard and I won't be surprised if Bruins get ahead.
P.S. I do expect Rask to atleast be a Vezina nominee.
[4] PITTSBRUGH PENGUINS VS [5] OTTAWA SENATORS
These two again! Along with Steve Stamkos, Sidney Crosby has tied for the Rocket Richard trophy. Was it a surprise he scored the most memorable goal in recent memory? I'm talking about the golden goal in Vancouver on February 28. He's the best captain any franchise could ask for. He is the ultimate franchise player - the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins for years to come. I can say that right? Or has Mike Modano not 'officially' retired yet? A gold medal, the Rocket Richard, and yet another Stanley Cup? All in the same year, it's likely. I don't know how many games it will take, but the Penguins will move on.
There. Now I can get to my real work. I'd like to advertise but I've initiated a hiatus with my main medium for online communication - facebook. With all going on, I get way too interested with updating fascinating stories and occurences and right now they're not that interesting. I'm living every struggle a university freshman encounters towards the end of the school year. I'm going to have to rely on word of mouth or text messages, kinda like the olden days. My expected return is April 23rd, and we will pick up from there. Expect big things. Like my raunchy playoff/post-exam beard.
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