82 Regular season games
3 Best of seven series
2 Teams left standing
1 Lord Stanley Cup
After 6 brutal and pulsating games the Boston Bruins head back to Vancouver and face off against the Canucks in an all or nothing Game 7 for the ultimate prize.
Vancouver came into the playoffs with the best record in the NHL and taking home the Presidents' Trophy for the first time. However a quest to win the franchises first Stanley Cup has eluded the team since they joined the league in 1970 is the only piece of silverware they truly cherish.
With stars such as the Sedin twins, Ryan Kessler and Roberto Luongo between the pipes everything was leaning towards the Canucks prevailing over the upstart Boston Bruins.
Daniel Sedin was the league leader in points with 104 and his brother not far behind in 4th with 94 points. Ryan Kessler continued his ascension into the top players in the league and finished 5th in the league with 41 goals. Could they prove the doubters wrong by dominating when it matters..in the postseason.
The challenger has risen from a tight affair in the Eastern Conference with only 4 points separating the top 5 teams in the league standings after 82 games in the regular season.
Lead by captain Zdeno Chara the imposing 6'9, 255lbs defender epitomizes the Bruins game style being tough and uncompromising. Behind him in net is the leagues best goaltender Tim Thomas who finished the season with a remarkable 2.00GAA and .938 save %.
The best of seven series was all that was left between them and having there name inscribed onto the famous Cup.
After Game 1 and 2 in Vancouver you would be a brave man in thinking the Bruins would be able to fight back after two heart breaking losses on the road. The Canucks took the opener after scoring the games only goal with only 18.5 seconds left and even more crushing scoring the game winner in OT after only 11 seconds.
Some home cooking and the Boston faithful certainly flipped the series on its head. Game 3 reminded everyone of that Boston grit and determination that made it clear they were not just making up the numbers. It would also begin the mental roller coaster for Canuck goaltender Roberto Luongo with Boston winning 8-1 and 4-0 that would even the series at 2-2.
With the focus on Luongo and his fragile mental state after being benched in Game 4 it was not an ideal way to go into Game 5 back in Vancouver. The home ice advantage continued on with Luongo bringing his A game and helping the Canucks take a pivotal 3-2 lead in the series after winning the game 1-0.
The Bruins headed home for Game 6 holding out hope they could cross the border for one more time. In the space of 4 minutes and 14 seconds in the first period, Roberto Luongo was simply hoping he didn't get left behind by the team bus as he was benched again after the Bruins took a 4-0 lead. With the game essentially over the Bruins took at 5-2 victory and were looking forward to seeing Roberto back in Vancouver.
Game 7 is now upon us with the Vancouver Canucks one win away from lifting Lord Stanley's Cup, one win away from redemption for Luongo, one win away from the Sedin twins shaking the tag of front runners and being able to the job when it really matters.
For Boston the unthinkable, a series clinching victory on the road against the leagues most dominating team during the regular season. With that passion and determination that seems to be ingrained in all the Boston professional teams, lead by the warrior Chara I certainly expect the game to go down to the wire.
In a series of bad blood that was highlighted when Vancouver player Nathan Horton was levelled by a late hit in Game 3 that would end his season, it is only right that we arrive at this point.
The ingredients are available for the making of an instant ESPN Classic. Will the Sedin twins stand up when it matters, Will Tim Thomas keep his Bruins in the game until the very end and which Roberto Luongo will turn up for the Canucks.
The Boston Bruins will carry my support (and $$$$) on the road as underdog. The money has come for them as the Canucks opened at -170 but are now into -150 at the moneyline.
I am expecting a tight low scoring affair and as such taken the total game score under 5. I have also had some interest on the Bruins winning 2-1 and 3-1.
When it is all said and done only one thing will be for sure, nothing will be left on the ice.
Hope you enjoy the game.
@JohnAnthonyOZ
Follow us on twitter @AusSportsGuys
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Sunday, 12 June 2011
NBA Finals - Game 6: On the Brink (Wiggum7534)
NBA Finals – Game 6: On the Brink
Miami heads home for Game 6 of the NBA Finals on the brink of elimination. The Heat have had a chance in winning all 5 games of this series, yet have faltered in crunch time. Dwyane Wade has had little support from LeBron James, who made the move to South Beach to win a title. LeBron? THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! THIS IS WHY YOU MOVED TO MIAMI! HELLO?
LeBron has scored a total of 2 points in the 4th quarter of Games 2-5. Not exactly the kind of numbers one would expect from a ‘superstar’. Superstars are at their best in crunch-time - when the stakes are at their highest. There is no higher stakes than the chance to compete for an NBA Championship.
We’ve seen brilliant performances in the Finals that have defined players’ careers. Magic (1980), Bird (1986), MJ (1991-93, 96-98), Olajuwon (1994).
Prior to Olajuwon’s title in 1994, he never truly was regarded as a great player – just a very good one, who was mentioned in the same breath has David Robinson and Patrick Ewing (other very good centres of his era). But Olajuwon’s complete domination of Ewing on the biggest stage then made us think of him in a different way. He was a champion.
LeBron still has this chance. The series is not yet over.
As we head into Game 6, let’s have a look at teams (and performances) that have been down 3-2 coming home, but ended up winning the title:
1988 – Los Angeles Lakers v Detroit
The Lakers were convincingly smashed in games 4 and 5 in Detroit, and many wondered whether this was the end of the Lakers dynasty. The upstart Pistons had beaten out Boston in the East Finals, and now looked like finishing off the job with victory over the Lakers. In one of the greatest finals series of all time (definitely top 5, sorry Mr Hollinger) the Lakers survived one of the greatest playoff performances (Isiah Thomas 43 pts, badly sprained ankle) to tie the series (103-102 Lakers). Magic led the way for the Lakers with 22 pts, 19 ast while James Worthy had 28 pts, 9 rebs – the two big guns firing.
The Lakers then finished off business in another fantastic game, holding off the Pistons 108-105. Worthy has his first career triple double (36 pts, 16 reb, 10 ast), again rising to the big occasion (earning the nickname Big Game James). Magic again solid (19 pts, 14 ast). The Pistons had a last second chance to tie the game, but the fans stormed the court with 2 seconds on the clock and…we’ll never know.
In any case, the huge performances from Magic and Worthy were the reason the Lakers were able to secure the title.
1994 – Houston v New York
The Knicks had a 3-2 series lead as the series shifted back to Houston. The Knicks had the momentum winning the last two games, and it appeared as though Patrick Ewing had FINALLY woken up in the series. However, Hakeem OIajuwon would again dominate Ewing (forcing him to shoot 30%) and blocked John Starks last second shot to lead the Rockets to victory. Olajuwon would finish with 30 pts, 10 reb and 4 blk.
Game 7 and the Rockets would prevail as Olajuwon again dominated Ewing, finishing with a near triple double (25 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast, 3 blk). Olajuwon’s big plays and domination of Ewing resulted in him being awarded the Finals MVP.
2010 – L.A Lakers v Boston
Last year the Lakers rallied from 3-2 down to beat the Celtics in a memorable game 7 at the Staples Center. Kobe’s strong performance in Game 6 (coupled with good performances from Ron Artest and Pau Gasol) forced a game 7.
The Lakers ended up falling over the line in game 7 as both teams did their best to throw the game away. Kobe (23 pts, 15 reb) shot only 25% for the game (6/24 FG). Gasol came up big (19 pts, 18 reb) as the Lakers repeated and defeated their nemesis.
This is not beyond Miami – but for the Miami to win games 6 and 7, they are going to require a lot more from LeBron. If LeBron is the superstar we all believe he is, there are no excuses - he must have stellar performances in the next two games. That’s what superstars do. That’s what truly great players do.
They lift regardless of health or mental state. They perform because they find a way to triumph against adversity. I know this is LeBron’s first finals series, and I could understand it if Miami were facing one of the great teams, but I’m not sure Dallas is that. They are good, and a worthy finalist, but a great team? A team that should force LeBron into some of the worst crunch-time performances of his life? No chance.
Don’t second guess it. These games will define LeBron’s place in the game. He will be remembered for what happens in these next two games.
As a Miami fan, I am not massively confident but I know Wade will put them in position to have their chance at winning. If only the ‘King’ could prove he is in fact that, once more.
From @wiggum7534
Follow the team at @AusSportsGuys
Miami heads home for Game 6 of the NBA Finals on the brink of elimination. The Heat have had a chance in winning all 5 games of this series, yet have faltered in crunch time. Dwyane Wade has had little support from LeBron James, who made the move to South Beach to win a title. LeBron? THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! THIS IS WHY YOU MOVED TO MIAMI! HELLO?
LeBron has scored a total of 2 points in the 4th quarter of Games 2-5. Not exactly the kind of numbers one would expect from a ‘superstar’. Superstars are at their best in crunch-time - when the stakes are at their highest. There is no higher stakes than the chance to compete for an NBA Championship.
We’ve seen brilliant performances in the Finals that have defined players’ careers. Magic (1980), Bird (1986), MJ (1991-93, 96-98), Olajuwon (1994).
Prior to Olajuwon’s title in 1994, he never truly was regarded as a great player – just a very good one, who was mentioned in the same breath has David Robinson and Patrick Ewing (other very good centres of his era). But Olajuwon’s complete domination of Ewing on the biggest stage then made us think of him in a different way. He was a champion.
LeBron still has this chance. The series is not yet over.
As we head into Game 6, let’s have a look at teams (and performances) that have been down 3-2 coming home, but ended up winning the title:
1988 – Los Angeles Lakers v Detroit
The Lakers were convincingly smashed in games 4 and 5 in Detroit, and many wondered whether this was the end of the Lakers dynasty. The upstart Pistons had beaten out Boston in the East Finals, and now looked like finishing off the job with victory over the Lakers. In one of the greatest finals series of all time (definitely top 5, sorry Mr Hollinger) the Lakers survived one of the greatest playoff performances (Isiah Thomas 43 pts, badly sprained ankle) to tie the series (103-102 Lakers). Magic led the way for the Lakers with 22 pts, 19 ast while James Worthy had 28 pts, 9 rebs – the two big guns firing.
The Lakers then finished off business in another fantastic game, holding off the Pistons 108-105. Worthy has his first career triple double (36 pts, 16 reb, 10 ast), again rising to the big occasion (earning the nickname Big Game James). Magic again solid (19 pts, 14 ast). The Pistons had a last second chance to tie the game, but the fans stormed the court with 2 seconds on the clock and…we’ll never know.
In any case, the huge performances from Magic and Worthy were the reason the Lakers were able to secure the title.
1994 – Houston v New York
The Knicks had a 3-2 series lead as the series shifted back to Houston. The Knicks had the momentum winning the last two games, and it appeared as though Patrick Ewing had FINALLY woken up in the series. However, Hakeem OIajuwon would again dominate Ewing (forcing him to shoot 30%) and blocked John Starks last second shot to lead the Rockets to victory. Olajuwon would finish with 30 pts, 10 reb and 4 blk.
Game 7 and the Rockets would prevail as Olajuwon again dominated Ewing, finishing with a near triple double (25 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast, 3 blk). Olajuwon’s big plays and domination of Ewing resulted in him being awarded the Finals MVP.
2010 – L.A Lakers v Boston
Last year the Lakers rallied from 3-2 down to beat the Celtics in a memorable game 7 at the Staples Center. Kobe’s strong performance in Game 6 (coupled with good performances from Ron Artest and Pau Gasol) forced a game 7.
The Lakers ended up falling over the line in game 7 as both teams did their best to throw the game away. Kobe (23 pts, 15 reb) shot only 25% for the game (6/24 FG). Gasol came up big (19 pts, 18 reb) as the Lakers repeated and defeated their nemesis.
This is not beyond Miami – but for the Miami to win games 6 and 7, they are going to require a lot more from LeBron. If LeBron is the superstar we all believe he is, there are no excuses - he must have stellar performances in the next two games. That’s what superstars do. That’s what truly great players do.
They lift regardless of health or mental state. They perform because they find a way to triumph against adversity. I know this is LeBron’s first finals series, and I could understand it if Miami were facing one of the great teams, but I’m not sure Dallas is that. They are good, and a worthy finalist, but a great team? A team that should force LeBron into some of the worst crunch-time performances of his life? No chance.
Don’t second guess it. These games will define LeBron’s place in the game. He will be remembered for what happens in these next two games.
As a Miami fan, I am not massively confident but I know Wade will put them in position to have their chance at winning. If only the ‘King’ could prove he is in fact that, once more.
From @wiggum7534
Follow the team at @AusSportsGuys
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Horse Racing Saturday 11 June 2011
Todays mail from @Wiggum7534 -
Sydney Race 4 - Squamosa
Melbourne Race 6 - Unanimously
Brisbane Race 4 - Glass Harmonium
Lay of the Day
Brisbane Race 5 Hot Snitzel
Good Luck
Follow the team @AusSportsGuys
Sydney Race 4 - Squamosa
Melbourne Race 6 - Unanimously
Brisbane Race 4 - Glass Harmonium
Lay of the Day
Brisbane Race 5 Hot Snitzel
Good Luck
Follow the team @AusSportsGuys
Friday, 10 June 2011
Horse Racing - Early Mail Sydney Race 4
Some further Early Mail from @wiggum7534
Sydney
Race 4
No 8 Squamosa
Currently around $2.70 on fixed odds
Follow us on twitter @AusSportsGuys
Sydney
Race 4
No 8 Squamosa
Currently around $2.70 on fixed odds
Follow us on twitter @AusSportsGuys
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Horse Racing Saturday
Our man @wiggum7534 has some early mail at Eagle Farm on Saturday. He is still enjoying the spoils from a big Doomben 10,000 day.
Race 3
No 11 - Willy Jimmy
Good Luck
Follow the team on twitter @AusSportsGuys
Race 3
No 11 - Willy Jimmy
Good Luck
Follow the team on twitter @AusSportsGuys
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
NHL Stanley Cup Game 4 Vancouver v Boston
Once the Vancouver Canucks gave up 4 quick goals in the 2nd period in Game 3 in Boston the cue was pretty quickly placed in the rack with a view of looking ahead to Game 4. The result 8-1 does not concern as the Canucks are flat out a star studded team and should bounce back.
After pushing with our play of +3 on the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the NBA Finals we are back in action taking Vancouver at the money line at $2.05.
A win in game 4 by the Canucks should allow them to close out the series at home and cash in @mal68au listed play with Vancouver winning the series in 5 games (As noted in the NHL Stanley Cup Preview).
Good Luck
We we on twitter @AusSportsGuys
After pushing with our play of +3 on the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the NBA Finals we are back in action taking Vancouver at the money line at $2.05.
A win in game 4 by the Canucks should allow them to close out the series at home and cash in @mal68au listed play with Vancouver winning the series in 5 games (As noted in the NHL Stanley Cup Preview).
Good Luck
We we on twitter @AusSportsGuys
NBA Finals Game 4 Miami v Dallas
Game 4 is upon us and as outlined by @wiggum7534 this is the game that can become an instant ESPN Classic.
Our Basketball man @wiggum7534 is all over Miami +3 today and even a smaller bet on Miami at the Money line.
Good luck.
Follow on twitter @wiggum7534
Our Basketball man @wiggum7534 is all over Miami +3 today and even a smaller bet on Miami at the Money line.
Good luck.
Follow on twitter @wiggum7534
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