Kotsy's Playoff Picks

The second season begins Wednesday and Thursday for the NHL. The teams that made into the top 8 in their respective conferences will do battle for the right to hoist up Lord Stanley’s Cup. It’s really the best time of the year for players, coaches, and last but not least- the fans. There is no feeling like playoff hockey. It’s just an major rush of adrenaline, energy, and emotion all mixed into one for a player. It’s simply put, one of the greatest feelings you could have knowing that every play could be the play that makes you or breaks you. I for one can’t wait , let’s get it going already!

Okay now for my “Expert” picks in this years playoffs. Here we go!

NY Rangers/Ottawa Senators. I got the Rangers in six. If the Rangers play their game of tight defensive hockey and score first I see no problem. The Rangers cannot get into a shootout type game. I know that they have struggled with Senators this year, But it’s the playoffs and it’s totally different. Lundqvist as always will be the key. Senators are dangerous offensively and have plenty of talent, But I don’t see the upset here. Call me a homer LOL.

Boston Bruins/Washington Capitals. Bruins in 5. Unless Alex Ovechkin and his merry men have found their hearts and game, I don’t see them beating the Bruins. Boston are tried and true. They are solid in all areas up and down the roster and Tim Thomas is a huge advantage. Washington’s roster isn’t especially in goal.

Florida Panthers/NJ Devils. Panthers in 7. Okay if you want to call this an upset go ahead, But I’m going with Kevin Dineen’s squad. Devils are good, no question however the feeling here is the Panthers will continue their remarkable year and advance.

Pittsburgh Penguins/Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins in 6. This is the one a lot of people are waiting for. Some fans are expecting a blood bath and are salivating for it to begin. The Flyers have owned the Penguins lately and feel real good about themselves. Pitt is finally healthy and Crosby and Malkin the two dirty whiners (Not my words just some coaches around the league’s words) will be handful. I still feel there is too much talent with Pitt for the Flyers to deal with.

Vancouver Canucks/ LA Kings. Vancouver in 6. How much longer are the Canucks going to be knocking on door of Lord Stanley’s Cup? If not now when? I think the Canucks have one last run left in them, and this is it. The Sedin twins must put up or just fade away. Too many times you would have and could have. It’s getting old. The Kings struggled most of the year and I liked this team going into the season, not now… they don’t have what it takes.

St. Louis Blues/ SJ Sharks. I’m going with the Blues in 7. I don’t fully trust this team, but head coach Ken Hitchcock has done a fantastic job since he took over ( Probably saved John Davidson’s job). The Blues are tough at home and don’t lose often. San Jose is kind like Vancouver to me, Last chance for redemption of being touted year after year? I know one thing this will be a physical series.

Phoenix Coyotes/Chicago Blackhawks. I’m going with the Coyotes in 7. This one was tough for me. I played with both head coaches Dave Tippett and Joel Quenneville. Chicago’s been there and done it and has a load of talent there is no questioning that. How can you not love the way Phoenix continues to persevere with all the crap it go’s through with NHL and it’s pending sale or relocation? It’s simply amazing.

Nashville Predators/Detroit Redwings. Going with the Preds in 6. Nashville continues to be the NHL’s under the radar team. You don’t get much news or highlights on TV about them. Barry Trotz is one of the best coaches no one has ever heard of. His team the same. As for me going against Detroit? If I have to explain myself, then you don’t know me too well.

I would like to end it with the hope of a great playoff hockey. One that is not disturbed by uneven officiating. Call the obvious, but for the most part let the players decide the outcome of the games.

Remember to check out my website for some interesting stuff and tune in Wednesday nights 8:30 for the Instigators Hockey Show with myself and Pauly D. That’s it feel free to agree? Disagree? Or give me your picks if you dare. I’ll be waiting. Over and out.

ChrisKotsopoulos.com Link
http://www.chriskotsopoulos.com

Instigators Link
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pauly-d

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Hail to the King!

Let’s get this one started with a bang. Is there anyone in the league playing their position better New York Ranger goal tender Henrik Lundqvist? I seriously doubt it. First I’ll deal with his own team. With all due respect to the high quality of play by the Ranger team overall this year (A well deserved respect I might add) players like Ryan Callahan, Marion Gaborik, Dan Girardi, MDZ are all having super seasons and you can’t disregard that. Anyone who has watched the Rangers this year knows that Lundqvist has been absolute backbone to this team with his spectacular play. He has, by himself, stole games for the “Boys in Blue”. To me it’s not even close Lundqvist is hands down the MVP of the Rangers team. But I’m going further than that. He in my opinion is the MVP of the league. Just look at the numbers: 42GP-27W-11L-4OTL-75GA-1.77GAA-941SV% and a league leading 7 shut outs. I realize that players like Evgeni Malkin, Steven Stamkos, Pavel Datsyuk, Claude Giroux, and many more are all having great years. Each one in their own way are key to their respective teams and I don‘t discount that. However, not one of the above mentioned or who ever you may feel is deserving in this debate can be counted on as heavily by his team than Lundqvist. In the end there can only be one who stands alone as to who has the greater importance to his team and that my friends is the “King Henrik Lundqvist”. To all Rangers fans and pure hockey fans ask yourself this question… “Where would the Rangers be with out him”? Case closed!

As for the Rangers themselves, they are sitting a top of the Eastern Conference Standings with 79 points. There’s lots of hockey to go but I’m beginning to feel like it’s theirs to lose. With 27 games left and 7 point spread over the Boston Bruins. People have been waiting all year to see the Rangers fall and it hasn’t happened and probably won’t. It will be interesting to see what if anything happens at the trade deadline with names like Rick Nash, Jeff Carter, and even Ryan Smyth being thrown around. The Rangers certainly could use a proven scorer and a big shot from the point on the PP. Will anything happen? At what price? and what cost? is the only question…Stay tuned .

Some other news around the NHL former team mate of mine in Hartford. Joel Quenneville is apparently under pressure in Chicago. The Blackhawk’s have lost 9 in a row. All of sudden people want to blame Joel? Really? It’s not like he’s forgotten how to coach, But some people want you to believe that. I believe it’s a bunch of crap! How about pointing the fingers at the less than stellar goaltending by Corey Crawford and Ray Emery. As well as the lackluster play by the players during this losing streak. This is on the players, Not the coaching plain and simple.

Not a big fan of the Detroit Redwings, but I have got to give them their props for setting an NHL record of 21 straight wins at home. Impressive. They are leading the west at this moment but it will be a dogfight down to the end as Vancouver and San Jose are not going away in the west.

Anyhow that will just about do it for this post. Agree to disagree please post your thoughts on the blog itself. I dare you! Also please check out my new website chriskotsopoulos.com I think you will enjoy it! It was built by my son Cody Kotsopoulos of Kotsy’s Designs and what a fantastic job he did! I’ll be away this weekend doing the Quinnipiac Bobcats at RPI game on Friday. Saturday it will be the Bobcats at Union. I’ll doing the game with my play by play partner extraordinaire Bill Schweizer so check us out! One last thing make sure you check out and tune in to the Instigators Hockey show” every Wednesday night 8:30. Over and out!

ChrisKotsopoulos.com Link

http://www.chriskotsopoulos.com

Instigators Link
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pauly-d

Quinnipiac Bobcats Radio Link
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x981.xml

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I'm Back... Again!

It’s been awhile since my last post. No, I have not given up Kotsy’s Korner and I apologize for taking so long to get back in the swing of things again. I have been busy and lazy at the same time so that’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it! I am in the process of launching my own personal web site “ChrisKotsopoulos.com” thanks to my brilliant son Cody Kotsopoulos whose work is incredible (You can check his website here: http://www.kotsysdesigns.com). There will be plenty of nice surprises so be sure to check it out when it’s launched.

Okay now let’s talk about the New York Rangers and the wonderful season they have going on so far. With 10 weeks to go the Rangers are sitting nicely at the top of the Eastern Conference with 66 points. Home record is 15-5-2 while on the road this team has a NHL best of 16-7-2. Backed by a stingy defense and great goaltending the Rangers have allowed a league best of 96 goals against. The goals for at 132 is right in the middle of the pack and has been sufficient for now. Things are looking good for the Boys in blue and I think going forward the Rangers are a serious contender for the cup. However I feel that they need to do a couple of things in order for that to happen. One is picking up a proven scorer at the trade deadline (Jeff Carter anyone)? They also need to think about picking up a true PP blue liner who can make a difference. How about Ryan Suter or Shea Weber? They should at the very least be explored as to what it might take acquiring one of the two. When you are this close to winning a Stanley Cup, sometimes you have to sacrifice some of the future or prospects so you can go for it. It’s a cruel world, but let me remind you a chance at a cup doesn’t come along that often. Therefore, you look at all options to make your team better. I’m pretty sure Glen Sather and his staff are looking into the possibilities and will make something happen when the times right.

Other musings from the NHL. First I want to add my name to list of potential buyers of the Phoenix Coyotes. I hear there are 3 potential buyers according to Gary Bettman. Well I want in … as long as the NHL is willing to loan me the money to purchase the Coyotes. I don’t think I could make the situation any worse than it has been? Right? Just a thought!

I have no problem with Tim Thomas and his refusal to show up at the White House with the rest of the Boston Bruins. Look, no man or woman has a right to tell another person what to do. It wasn’t a “Mandatory” team function it was an invite. He chose not to go. Get over it people.

I see Mr. Ovechkin declined to participate in the NHL All Star game this year in Ottawa. The fans vote you in and you pull a no show? Funny… when the star was shining brightly on Ovechkin he slurped it up and bathed in it big time. Pure arrogance at it’s best.

Trouble brewing in Pittsburgh? Sidney Crosby and his agent Pat Brisson apparently aren’t too happy with the team doctors on the Penguins staff. Word is they have mishandled Crosby’s concussion and neck problems. Not a good for the Penguin brass. Boy! The last time a high profile name complained about team doctors was Eric Lindros when he was with the Flyers and we all know how that worked out don’t we!

Well that’s it for now. Don’t be afraid to give your opinion and remember to check out the “Instigators Radio Show” with Pauly D and I every week for the best in hockey news. Over and out!

Instigators Link
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pauly-d

Quinnipiac Bobcats Radio Link
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x981.xml

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Rangers on a Roll, Joe Frazier

Well, well, well, how things have turned around for the New York Rangers from what many were calling, and I’ll be nice a “Slow Start”. Not only did I have to hold hands with some Ranger fans, I also had to walk them gently off the cliff. Their record is now 8-3-3. The Rangers are on a roll (5 wins) and you can attribute much of this to the maturing of players not named Gaborik, Richards or Lundqvist. Starting with Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Derek Stepan, Artem Anisimov have all stepped up their games (Dubinsky’s goals will come trust me). On the backline how good has Dan Girardi been? With the Marc Staal situation not looking too good, Girardi has turned into a super all around D-man and leader of the D-Corps. Michael Del Zotto finding his offensive game and Ryan McDonaugh blossoming into a upcoming star. This is what most in the organization has projected from these players and it’s now happening before our very eyes.

I’ve said it all along for the Rangers to be successful this year and compete with the elite they will have to have contributions from others. There can be no more excuses about them being too young. It’s all a learning process for these players. They need to understand that you are on the roster for a reason and are important to the team and must contribute.

Couple of things that are bothering me… first, when a player decides to drop the mitts with a shield on please take your helmet off. What happened to Andre Deveaux and Jared Cowen in their tussle in Ottawa is cowardly. Sorry, just that’s how I see it. The NHL must step in and hand out an extra 2 minutes, an ejection, or something. With all the rules they have put in over the last few years why not this one? It only makes sense to add that one.

The other thing that’s bothering me is how is a gargantuan of a player like Andy Sutton or a Zdeno Chara, for example, going to make a clean body check on a player who is half their size? It’s almost impossible by the rules today. I know the NHL has sent videos to all teams about what is legal and what is not about head hits and hits from behind etc. Where’s the video of one of these monsters hitting a Marty St. Louis for example? Just asking…

I will be in Hamden CT. Friday (7:00) and Saturday (4:00) as the Quinnipiac Bobcats will take on Clarkson and St. Lawrence in two big home ECAC conference games. The Bobcats gave away precious points to Dartmouth and Harvard last weekend and need a bounce back big time. If you’re in the area come on by and check out it out. It’s really entertaining hockey!

One last thing, Smokin’ Joe Frazier, one of my favorite heavyweight boxers of all-time has passed away. His battles with Muhammad Ali are legendary and the first fight in 1971 at MSG was as historical sporting event as there ever was. A piece of my childhood has left me with Joe’s passing. We will miss you Joe… rest in Peace.

Instigators Link
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pauly-d

Quinnipiac Bobcats Radio Link
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x981.xml

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Scratchin’ and Clawin’

After a sluggish start with 2 losses in Europe (Shoot out/OT) and the first game on US soil against the hated Islander’s (4-2 loss) the New York Rangers have scratched and clawed their way to 2 straight wins.

On a 4 game swing through western Canada, The Rangers shut out the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 (Lundqvist stole the game) and dropped the Calgary Flames in OT, 3-2. Before I get too carried away I had to talk (Basically yell at) a few close friends and Rangers fans off the cliff about the Rangers slow start. I reminded them that 3 games into the season, and you are already chirping? Please! Passionate as they are, as Ranger fans, I believe they jumped the gun way to early. Look, it’s a long season and the Rangers have a ton of work to do that is clearly obvious. Ugly or not, give them credit for scratching out the wins out west.

So far here’s my take on what I‘ve seen. The offense needs work. You got give the King Henrik Lundqvist some help and how do you do that? By scoring goals, it’s that simple. The Rangers must get the power play going in this “New NHL” (Seems like every year I say that) penalties are being called by the bushel full and that can be a deadly weapon. Getting the team healthy would help, especially on the D (Staal and Sauer). What the Rangers have got out of their young D is quite remarkable. When you think about the ages of Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, Tim Erixson they are gaining valuable experience. In the end though, they are going need Marc Staal, Michael Sauer, Dan Giradi to be the Rock solid foundation.

Some other thoughts. Love the Kris Newberry call up. If you are not going have Sean Avery (One of my favorites) in the line up then Newberry is a decent replacement. He’s got a little edge to him and will drop his gloves for his teammates. Something the Rangers need, in my opinion. Also what about the offensive production out of Ryan McDonagh? Those close to me know that I kind of predicted this. He got his feet wet last year and now feels comfortable with the speed of the game. In turn, he now has the confidence to join in on the rush which is something the Rangers have lacked in a long time. Still has a little trouble in his own end with giveaways, but I can live with that and I’m sure the coaching staff can as well. 2 games to go on the western road trip. Edmonton Oilers are up first and then the Winnipeg Jets (Doesn’t that sound good?) to finish the trip up before the home opener next Thursday at the new improved MSG against the Toronto Maple leafs.

Remember to check out the Quinnipiac Bobcats D1 Hockey team, who are off to a great start, and tune into the “The Instigators” radio show every Tuesday night 8:30 (subject to change). That’s it for now but feel free to opine if you agree or disagree. I might even answer back, you never know! Over and out!

Instigators Link
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pauly-d

Quinnipiac Bobcats Radio Link
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x981.xml

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I'm Back

Alright everybody, I’m back, which could only mean one thing it must be Hockey time again. I apologize for the long wait of my first posting on Kotsy’s Korner and hope my followers will continue to check it out and opine. Unfortunately it’s been a very dark off season for the NHL and Pro Hockey in general with all the tragic events that occurred this summer. I’m not going to get into the how’s and why of what happened, But I do want send my condolences to all the friends and family of all players who passed away. It has to be a hard time for them and we in the hockey world feel for you.

Let’s start off with the New York Rangers as they open the season in Europe against the Los Angeles Kings Friday afternoon our time 1:00. Not going to get too detailed about the roster and who’s in and who’s out. Most pundits have had their say (Usually wrong) and I for don’t want to speculate what the starting lineup will be when the puck drops against the Kings. I do know that I expect big things out of the Rangers this year as the core of this team is at a point where the maturation level should start to provide the results we have all been waiting for.

The signing of Brad Richards once again proved that GM Glen Sather did his job by securing the number one free agent out there. The Rangers have needed a legitimate number one center to compliment Marion Gaborik and here’s to hoping things work out for Richards and the Rangers. I do have a concern like many others over the Marc Staal headache problems that have lingered since the hit he took from his brother last year. This is something to keep a close eye on and how it all unfolds only time will tell.

Some ramblings, on the selection of Ryan Callahan as Captain of the New York Rangers. Was there really a doubt? This man exemplifies what a leader means. He gives his all, hits, blocks shots, contributes offensively, and lastly is a great communicator with his teammates and media. The last part is extremely important, believe me. As a former player I know. Just hoping Callahan can stay healthy is all Rangers fans could ask.

Not sure what’s going on with Sean Avery, but I have been a huge supporter his for years now. Whether he passes waivers or not I feel it might be a mistake by the Rangers we’ll have to wait and see. I will say this though, Avery probably would have been better served playing back in 70s or the 80s. Things were not so politically correct and soft in life like they are now. What happened in the arena and ice surface back then stayed in the arena and ice surface. The things we said to each other back then… you have no idea.

One last thing NHL teams might have to expand their rosters to the NFL number of 45 the way Brendan Shanahan is handing out the suspensions. It’s quite clear there’s a new sheriff in town, but I’m not sold on his plan and decisions just yet. This could lead to no hit Hockey faster than we expected.

Well that’s about it for now, but yes I’m still doing color commentary on the radio with Quinnipiac Bobcats with my good friend Bill Schweizer as the play-by-play guru. I will also be doing some select Princeton Tigers men’s hockey games on television as well. I’m also looking forward to another great year with Paul Scaglione AKA Pauly Dee on the “Instigators Hockey Show” every Tuesday night. You can be sure of some off the off-the-wall opinions and fun with every show. Remember, don’t be afraid to have your opinion heard and respond on the blog. Should be a great year and let’s go Rangers. Till next, time Over and out.

Instigators Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pauly-d

Quinnipiac Bobcats Radio Link: http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x981.xml

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