Who would have thought - Ducks rock

As much as people have liked to make fun of their name over the years, you can laugh no more because the Anaheim Ducks are Stanley Cup Champions.

NHL Playoffs - The Stanley Cup

After going 10 for 12 in Round 1 and 2, I missed the mark in the Conference Finals going 0 for 2. Here's my chance for redemption, the Stanley Cup.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators

Thoughts: The Ducks and the Senators have rolled all the way through the playoffs. This pick is going to be more of a gut feeling than of statistical breakdowns. The Cup's coming back to Canada.
Pick: Senators in 6-games.

NHL Playoffs - Conference Finals

I went 3 for 4 with my Round 2 predictions for the NHL Playoffs. After going 7 for 8 in Round 1, my overall record has risen to 10 for 12. Not too bad at all.

Here are my predictions for the Conference Finals...

The Western Conference:

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs (2) Anaheim Ducks
Thoughts: Some people wonder if age will be an issue in this epic battle. After all, the Red Wings roster has the oldest average age in the NHL. Yes, age will be an issue - but not in the way that you think. The Red Wings to take advantage of the Duck's youth and inexperience.
Pick: Red Wings in 6-games.

The Eastern Conference:

(1) Buffalo Sabres vs (4) Ottawa Senators
Thoughts: The Sabres have had the most wins in the NHL the last two years. That has to count for something.
Pick: Sabres in 7-games.

Killer squirrel?

I played my first round of the golf season this weekend at Vancouver's Fraserview Golf Club. It was an up and down day, but I was fairly pleased with my play.

I recently purchased a new R5 Taylor Made driver and it really agreed with my swing. There's a little rust still to wipe off in my game, but it was a great start to the year.

As for the killer squirrel...

As I prepared to tee off on the 8th hole a squirrel came down from a tree and ran towards me. Within moments, it was only a few feet away from me on the other side of my golf bag. I looked at him, he looked at me. After a few seconds had passed I jokingly asked him "what's up?". At that moment he went up on his hind legs and gave me the look you see in this posting. He even held it long enough for me to grab my camera and take this shot. Either he was challenging me to a fight or he was trying to intimidate me. Either way, it makes for a good photo.

Thanks to my friend Woosang for joining me on the course. Lots of fun, we'll do it again.

NHL Playoffs - Round Two Predictions

I went 7 for 8 with my Round 1 predictions in the NHL playoffs. So, let's see if my luck will continue in Round 2.

The Western Conference:

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs (5) San Jose Sharks
Thoughts: Year after year people pick the Sharks to go to the Cup and they disappoint. This will be no exception.
Pick: Red Wings in 6-games.

(2) Anaheim Ducks vs (3) Vancouver Canucks
Thoughts: The Ducks looked very good against the Wild. They are fast, strong, and have some scoring punch. The Canucks have Luongo - that will only go so far without some goals to accompany his play.
Pick: Ducks in 6-games.

The Eastern Conference:

(1) Buffalo Sabres vs (6) NY Rangers
Thoughts: The Rangers looked good against the Thrashers. The Sabres are no Thrashers.
Pick: Sabres in 5-games.

(2) New Jersey Devils vs (4) Ottawa Senators
Thoughts: This is the series to watch. Both teams are going strong, but the Devils usually find a way to come out on top and the Senators always find a way to fall short. It will be close...
Pick: Devils in 7-games.