BANANAS. This years playoffs have been INSANE. The Habs coming back from 3-1 against the Cup-defending Penguins!? The Flyers, without Carter and Boucher, coming back from 3-0 against the Bruins!? I love it. This is the greatest game on the planet. Last round I went 2-2, so I’m now 8-4.

Eastern Conference

(7) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

I haven’t got a clue who’s winning this. Chris Pronger’s streak of leading his new team to the Stanley Cup final could continue (Anaheim, 2007 and Edmonton, 2006), and the team itself is deep defensively. That said, the Canadiens are faster, have more balance and have the nod in goaltending. It’s hard to imagine a team with more momentum coming into this one, since they came back from 3-1, but the Flyers are back from 3-0. The Penguins were the most well-rounded team in the playoffs, and with the Habs beating them, you’d have to think that gives them the advantage.

Pick: Habs in 6

Western Conference

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (2) Chicago Blackhawks

This is the Sharks year that they win the Cup. This team finally has some playoff confidence, and that’s going to go a long way. I’d love to see the Blackhawks/Canadiens in the Cup, making it a nice Original Six matchup, but I don’t see it happening. San Jose has the edge in goal, and with more than one productive offensive line, it’s going to be tough for anyone to stop them. The league’s best regular season shutdown tandem – Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook – will need to find a way to stop Heatley-Thornton-Marleau-Pavelski, while Dan Boyle and company will need to stop Kane-Toews-Hossa-Sharp. This has the makings of a great series.

Pick: Sharks in 7

NHL
2008: 12-3 (80%)
2009: 10-5 (67%)
Total: 22/30 = 73%

NBA
2008: 11-4 (73%)
2009: 9-6 (60%)
Total: 20/30 = 67%

MLB
2008: 5-2 (71%)
2009: 4-3 (57%)
Total: 9/14 = 64%

NFL
2008: 9-2 (82%)
2009: 7-4 (64%)
Total: 16/22 = 73%

VoV

- Email – captaincharisma [at] hotmail.com
- Twitter – @VoiceofValeri
- FB Group
- FB Fan ap

Can you feel the FEVER!? It’s that time of year again! The 2010 NHL playoffs begin TODAY! We’ve got a bunch of great matchups this year, and hopefully, we’ll be strapped in for an intense 2.5 months of playoff hockey. Is there anything better?

Below, I’ll take a look at the top matchup for each conference, my pick to win the series and why, as well as picking an X-Factor for each time. It’s usually someone that is either underrated, under-the-radar, undervalued, a keyplauyoff performer, or someone needing to step up. They’re players with the potential to rise up in the postseason and win a series for their team, and maybe even a Stanley Cup.

Eastern Conference

All eyes should be on the Penguins and their attempt to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. The Capitals, however, ran away with the Presidents’ Trophy. So, who gets the nod? Sid the Kid or Alexander the Great?

Washington, with a franchise-record 54 wins and 121 points, finished head-and-shoulders above of the East’s next closest pursuer, the Devils, at 103 points.

But, as critics would ask all season long, are they that good? The Caps were one of only four teams in the East to eclipse 100 points. All but one of the West’s eight qualifiers crested the century mark. The Caps are also playing in a brutal Southeast Division, so wins are much easier to come by. The Southeast was the only division that has one playoff team.

There’s no denying that the Caps are the East’s most potent offensive team, having scored nearly 100 more goals than the second-place Devils (318-222), but everyone knows that offence alone will not win you a Stanley Cup. Pittsburgh’s ability to play shutdown hockey was consistently overlooked last season, and that’s the reason why they were able to oust the Red Wings in the Cup Final on their second time around.

The Capitals made good use of the NHL trade deadline to add third- and fourth-line role players who bring playoff savvy and experience into the dressing room and onto the ice. The additions of F Eric Belanger, F Jason Chimera and F Scott Walker will pay dividends, even though it may not show on the scoresheet. Those could be the kind of pieces that make the difference in winning a deciding game this season, as opposed to getting blown out at home against Pittsburgh in Game 7 of the second round last year.

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

Game 1 @ WAS, Thu, Apr 15 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 2 @ WAS, Sat, Apr 17 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 3 @ MON, Mon, Apr 19 7:00pm EDT, TV: TSN
Game 4 @ MON, Wed, Apr 21 7:00pm EDT, TV: TSN
Game 5 @ WAS, Fri, Apr 23 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 6 @ MON, Mon, Apr 26 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 7 @ WAS, Wed, Apr 28, TBS, TV: TSN

The regular-season series was tied, with the teams splitting four games and each winning once at home and once on the road. Three of the four games were decided by a single goal (the other by two), with one by a shootout and another in overtime. Usually, any series involving Montreal would mean the pressure would be on the Habs, who have won a record 24 Stanley Cups, but this year, that’s not happening – The pre-series pressure is squarely on F Alex Ovechkin and the Caps, who haven’t played a meaningful game since last year’s playoffs.

Montreal just barely hung on to make the postseason, while the Capitals are still a finely-tuned machine even when they’re running at less than full capacity. This series will come down to one wild card – goaltending, as both sides have been mediocre at best. The Caps goaltending has been questioned all season long, while G Jaroslav Halak the ability to steal games. And what about G Carey Price? If Halak sutters, can Price do anything to get his trade value back up? Both Halak and G Jose Theodore are in their contract years and playing for their salary next season, so you can expect both to stand on their head in this matchup. Thedore making his return to Montreal will be something fun to watch. You know he’ll be trying extra hard to stick it in Habs fans’ faces for the disappointing end to his Canadiens career.

Ovie broke out of his late-season goal-scoring slump, which is bad news for the Habs. Montreal will have to try and find a way to slow down Washington’s high-powered attack. But because Montreal is so soft in their style of play, it’s hard to see them doing anything against such a potent offence. They lack offensive punch, they’re slow on defence, and they don’t play a physical game. The Caps offensive dominance will be too much for the Habs to handle, but they’ll still come away with a game or two.

X-Factors: Canadiens’ F Travis Moen and Capitals’ G Jose Theodore. For a team that’s going to need physical play and someone to do the dirty work, not to mentioned being undersized, Moen is key to the Habs’ success. While he only has one goal since December 16, he did score seven playoff goals for the Ducks during their Cup run in 2007. And that’s exactly why Montreal signed the 6’2″, 215 pound forward last summer – for his experience, his grit, his leadership and his size.

Washington’s defence and goaltending are criticized this postseason, and rightfully so. Time and time again, the playoffs have proven the “offence wins games, defence wins championships” phrase right. Washington can score all the goals they want, but if they want to make it deep in the playoffs, they’ll need to learn to keep the puck out of the net and to defend. Last year, Theodore lost Game 1 to the Rangers and never played again. This year, he gets another chance to prove he’s still the same netminder as the one who won the 2002 Hart Trophy. And the fact he goes up against his old team gives him plenty of reason to get back to form.

Pick: Caps in 5

(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (7) Philadelphia Flyers

Game 1 @ NJ, Wed, Apr 14 7:30pm EDT, TV: TSN
Game 2 @ NJ, Fri, Apr 16 7:30pm EDT, TV: TSN
Game 3 @ PHI, Sun, Apr 18 6:00pm EDT, TV: TSN
Game 4 @ PHI, Tue, Apr 20 7:30pm EDT, TV: TSN2
Game 5 @ NJ, Thu, Apr 22 7:00pm EDT, TV: TSN
Game 6 @ PHI, Sun, Apr 25, TBD, TV: TSN
Game 7 @ NJ, Tue, Apr 27 7:30pm EDT, TV: TSN

Philadelphia beat New Jersey in all but one of their six regular-season meetings, so the Flyers at least go into the series as somewhat confident underdogs. Keep a close eye on G Martin Brodeur, who’s recent playoff performances have been sub-par to say the least. He also appeared in 77 of 82 games for the Devils this season, and as usual, Brodeur will be gassed come the second season. The Flyers come in with an odd goalie tandem, set by Brian Boucher and Sebastien Caron, rather than Ray Emery (hip surgery) and Michael Leighton (high ankle sprain, out at least for the first round). Boucher is years removed from his incredible regular-season shutout record with Phoenix, but he is an experienced netminder who plays well under pressure. One thing Boucher will need to watch for is his rebound control.

Philly’s best chance to win is through their style of play – blue collar, physical hockey along the boards. Playing into Jersey’s system won’t do them any good. D Chris Pronger and D Kimmo Timonen will have to set the tone on the blueline, while F Mike Richards, F Simon Gagne, F Danny Briere, F Scott Hartnell and F Jeff Carter will need to produce up front.

While we know what the Devils will do defensively, they’ll need to put the puck in the net. F Zach Parise showed his offensive potential on Team USA, and he’s the first Devil to record back-to-back 80-point seasons. F Ilya Kovalchuk’s playoff psyche is unknown, having only played 4 career postseason games. He’ll need to be the difference maker. The Devils will also need to rectify the powerplay issues that plagued their team towards the end of the season if they want any chance at making a run for the Cup.

On paper, this looks like a blowout. Brodeur vs. Boucher? A structured Devils team vs. an unpredictable Flyers team? All of this means that there’s potential for an upset. Will the Flyers pay the price for not upgrading in net at the Trade Deadline?

X-Factors: Flyers’ F Claude Giroux and Devils’ F David Clarkson. Giroux scored the shootout winner in the final game of the season against the Rangers, which got the Flyers into the playoffs. He’ll need to be that clutch and more in the playoffs. In the ’09 playoffs, Giroux was the Flyers’ best player too, scoring two goals and five points in a six games against the Pens. Carter’s health remains a concern, so expect Giroux to get a lot of ice time.

Clarkson, 26, is the Devils’ version of Bruins’ F Milan Lucic. He hits, fights and plays aggressive, not to mention score. He’s their go-to power forward. He missed nearly half of the 2009-10 season due to injuries, but when healthy, Clarkson has been an impact player, contributing 11 goals and 24 points in 45 games – great numbers for a third-liner on a defensive-structured team.

Pick: Devils in 6

(3) Buffalo Sabres vs. (6) Boston Bruins

Game 1 @ BUF, Thu, Apr 15 7:00pm EDT, TV: CBC
Game 2 @ BUF, Sat, Apr 17 1:00pm EDT, TV: NBC, CBC
Game 3 @ BOS, Mon, Apr 19 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 4 @ BOS, Wed, Apr 21 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 5 @ BOS, Wed, Apr 21 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 6 @ BOS, Mon, Apr 26 7:00pm EDT, TV: CBC
Game 7 @ BUF, Wed, Apr 28 7:00pm EDT, TV: CBC

These two teams have been so surprising this season: who would’ve thought that the B’s would have so much trouble to just make the playoffs, and who thought that the Sabres would dismantle the Northeast? If G Tuukka Rask folds under the pressure, G Tim Thomas has plenty of reason to pick up the slack – he’ll be dueling his fellow Team USA netminder, G Ryan Miller. After a great postseason last year, he lost his starting gig after a terrible first half this year.

This series has the potential to be a great goalie matchup. The Bruins’ total of 206 goals scored is the fewest among the 16 playoff teams.  Miller should be rested for the series. He played in one of the final three games in the regular season, and he will be key to Buffalo’s hopes, along with their great penalty kill that’s been very hot as of late.

The Sabres are getting bitten by the injury bug at the wrong time – currently, the Bruins start the playoffs without No. 1 centre F Marc Savard, and top-six D Dennis Seidenberg, D Mark Stuart and D Andrew Ference – all of whom are great players. The Sabres aren’t fully healthy either, as F Tim Connolly, F Jochen Hecht, F Drew Stafford and F Patrick Kaleta were all out at the end of the regular season with unspecified timetables for return. Rask was 4-1 against the Sabres this season, and I think he steals a first-round victory from Miller. This matchup has the potential for another upset. Even if Boston loses, they’re immediately consoled: they get either F Taylor Hall or F Tyler Seguin at the 2010 Entry Draft, and they have the Leafs’ 1st-rounder in 2011, as another bad season in T.O. could mean another top-5 pick for Boston. Either way, I sense an upset.

X-Factors: Bruins’ F Milan Lucic and Sabres’ F Tomas Vanek. Lucic, 21, is a beast and is the model example of someone who is capable of single-handedly changing a series. He hits, he scores, he fights, and he plays that ‘style’ of playoff hockey – everything needed for postseason success comes naturally to him. Like the rest of the Bruins, however, Lucic has struggled through an injury-plagued season. He broke his finger (14 games) early in the season and suffered a severely twisted ankle (18 games) at mid-season. After an encouraging 17-goal, 42-point effort in 2008-09, Lucic was limited to nine goals and 19 points in 49 games this year, and he hasn’t been the dominating physical presence that had Bruins fans had projected him to be – the next Cam Neely. He does, however, enter the playoffs on a three-game point streak.

Vanek’s skill must come through this postseason. He recorded 27 goals after seasons of 43, 36 and 40, and thus, fall well short of expectations. Rather than competing for the ‘Rocket’ Richard trophy every year, he raises questions about his performance. Can he step up? After missing six games with a groin injury, Vanek returned for the season finale and scored four goals – by the end of the second period – against Washington in a 5-2 Buffalo victory. The Sabres hope he’s clicking at the perfect time.

Pick: Bruins in 7

(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Ottawa Senators

Game 1 @ PIT, Wed, Apr 14 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 2 @ PIT, Fri, Apr 16 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 3 @ OTT, Sun, Apr 18 6:30pm EDT, TV: CBC, VS.
Game 4 @ OTT, Tue, Apr 20 7:00pm EDT, TV: CBC, VS.
Game 5 @ PIT, Thu, Apr 22 7:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 6 @ OTT, Sat, Apr 24 7:00pm EDT, TV: CBC, VS.
Game 7 @ PIT, Tue, Apr 27 7:00pm EDT, TV: CBC

The Penguins are starting with the same seed they had last year when they won the Stanley Cup. The Pens have been successful in pacing themselves this season – Pittsburgh went 45-28-9 for 99 points last season and went 47-28-7 for 101 points this season. The Penguins appear to be healthy as they begin their title defense. With F Evgeni Malkin healthy, this team is much more dangerous than they have been of late. The goaltending experience alone should be enough for the Pens to come out on top – but, both teams rank 14th and 16th among playoff teams in goals allowed.

The Senators are missing a huge ingredient to their success. F Alex Kovalev (torn ACL in left knee), the team’s fourth-leading scorer, is out of the playoffs. Kovalev scored 18 goals and contributed 31 assists in 77 games. Regardless of Kovalev’s inconsistency, his offensive talent will be missed this postseason.

Usually, the No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchups are close, but not this year. The Penguins, who are much deeper offensively, more experienced on defense and superior in goal. The Pens move across the street to the Consol Energy Center and the NHL’s newest arena next season, so they’ll be looking to shut down Mellon Arena with a second straight Stanley Cup.

The Senators and Penguins meet in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. The last time the Sens and Pens met, Ottawa was sent packing after four games. An argument can be made for the Sens getting stronger and the Pens getting weaker. There remains a big talent gap, however, and I don’t expect a very different result. The Pens are my team to beat in the East.

X-Factors: Penguins’ wingers and Senators’ F Matt Cullen. Pittsburgh is deep down the middle, with F Sidney Crosby, F Evgeni Malkin and F Jordan Staal on the draw. But the only Penguin to reach the 20-goal plateau this season was F Bill Guerin. F Chris Kunitz, F Ruslan Fedotenko and F Pascal Dupuis continue to look for permanent spots on lines, and with the acquisition of F Alex Ponikarovsky at the Trade Deadline, they wanted to add some production. But not to the tune of two goals, nine points and a minus-6 rating in 16 games. Poni is in a contract year, and with Malkin as his centre, he’s got a prime opportunity to play big.

Cullen, acquired from the ‘Canes at the Trade Deadline, is a scoring, faceoff-winning bigman. He plays the point on the PP, and his big frame is great along the boards fighting for pucks. Cullen will need to produce in the absence of Kovalev if the Sens want any chance of beating the Pens.

Pick: Penguins in 4

Western Conference

In the West, seven of the eight playoff teams reached 100 points. No one would be surprised if a lower seed were to knock off a higher one in the conference quarterfinals, or any round for that matter. The matchups are just that close.

The Sharks won the West for the second straight season after the Blackhawks failed to earn the extra point at home against the Red Wings on Sunday. The Sharks are once again in the drivers’ seat, and while many are counting them out early, this year, that may be a mistake.

While San Jose has a terrible post-season track record, this year could be different. The Sharks better built for playoff success this season, with the additions of F Dany Heatley, F Manny Malholtra, F Scott Nichol and D Niclas Wallin will do for a positive playoff outlook. In addition, the big-three of Heatley, Marleau and Thornton each won Olympic gold medals in 2010, and with the experience of winning on the grandest stage, it might be just enough to will them deep into the playoffs.

That said, Chicago is the most well-rounded team this post-season, finishing 6-0-1 in their last 7. Coming off a conference finals appearance last spring, Chicago didn’t skip a beat in the regular season. The Blackhawks forced opponents to play their style of game by maintaining puck possession, scored goals and showing that they work together as a cohesive unit, ready for a run at the Stanley Cup.

The rest of the field is up in the air. The Canucks are more than a dark horse. They’re often overlooked in the West, and they easily have what it takes to rise above. Detroit’s chances for a three-peat as conference champion are great with a spectacular 17-3-2 run to end the season.

But the real question is how the newcomers will react. Who could have guessed that the Coyotes, Kings, Predators and Avalanche would all make the top eight? The three youngest teams – the Coyotes, Kings and Avalanche – all started fast and were able to maintain their level of play, holding off the likes of the surprisingly disappointing Flames, Ducks, Stars and Blues.

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Colorado Avalanche

Game 1 @ SJ, Wed, Apr 14 10:30pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 2 @ SJ, Fri, Apr 16 10:30pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 3 @ COL, Sun, Apr 18 9:30pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 4 @ COL, Tue, Apr 20 10:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 5 @ SJ, Thu, Apr 22 10:30pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 6 @ COL, Sat, Apr 24, TBD, TV: CBC
Game 7 @ SJ, Mon, Apr 26, TBD, TV: CBC

San Jose is healthy as it enters the post-season, vastly different from last spring. While G Evgeni Nabokov has been up and down following his disappointing Olympics, he was strong in his last couple appearances and he, like F Patrick Marleau, wants to atone for last year’s early exit.

Denver is a two-hour flight from San Jose, much easier to deal with in terms of jetlag than journeying to Nashville or Detroit. The Avs shouldn’t be able to handle the size and speed of the Sharks’ forwards, and Colorado is very young and lacks postseason experience at key positions. The Avalanche have to be very proud of simply reaching the playoffs. There’s no pressure on them to perform – the exact opposite of what the Sharks will be facing. But Colorado is truly outclassed in almost all facets of this matchup.

Another early exit for San Jose would spell big changes in the Tank. While Marleau isn’t expected back, an opening round loss would also likely spell the end for several other high profile Sharks. The Avs are playing gutsy, aggressive hockey. That leads to at least one win against the Sharks, but it also leads to mistakes. They’ve have cooled down considerably since their early season dominance and are still too young to hang around with the big boys. The Sharks are 5-1 in their last six conference quarterfinals, then the trouble historically starts. The Sharks are squeezing horseshoes and 40leaf clovers that they didn’t draw the Kings or Red Wings in the Quarters.

X-Factors: Sharks’ F Joe Thornton and Avalanche’ G Craig Anderson. Thornton and company have a long reputation of being playoff chokers, and they get a little kid in the form of the Avs to take it out on. Will this give them any momentum heading into the next round? As for Anderson, he’ll need to do everything possible to stop the biscuit. He’s struggled during the second half of the season, and I don’t see that changing now.

As for the Avs, no other team in the NHL has gotten more mileage out of its rookies. They’ll need a big swig from the fountain of youth to get by. Speaking of youth, F Darcy Tucker, 35, hasn’t been in the postseason since 2004, so you know he’ll be psyched. Plus, five of his 10 goals this season came in Colorado ‘s final 13 games; will it carry over?

Pick: Sharks in 5

(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Nashville Predators

Game 1 @ CHI, Fri, Apr 16 8:30pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN2
Game 2 @ CHI, Sun, Apr 18 8:30pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 3 @ NSH, Tue, Apr 20 9:00pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 4 @ NSH, Thu, Apr 22 8:30pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN2
Game 5 @ CHI, Sat, Apr 24 3:00pm EDT, TV: NBC, TSN
Game 6 @ NSH, Mon, Apr 26, TBD, TV: TSN
Game 7 @ CHI, Wed, Apr 28, TBD, TV: TSN

The Preds will rely on D Shea Weber, D Ryan Suter and D Dan Hamuis to not only stop the ‘Hawks’ balanced attack, but to generate offense in transition. G Pekka Rinne is a young goalie getting his first taste of the big game, and he’ll need to be stellar to give Nashville a shot at making this a competitive series. The big question is in the other net – G Antti Niemi. If he falters, they go to G Cristobal Huet, also unproven in the playoffs. This is a big series for unproven G Antti Niemi, who started only one of six against the Preds this year. Will the decision not to trade for a goalie come back and haunt the Hawks?

The Blackhawks are very deep, an understatement for a team that’s been so finely tuned, even with D Brian Campbell out. He’s expected to remain out until early next month. The Predators are healthy with the exception of D Denis Grebeshkov.

The Predators finally get someone other than Detroit or San Jose in a playoff matchup, but they still won’t win a game on the road and they still won’t advance. The Predators have failed to break through for even a single road win in 10 tries. That has to change if they want to entertain thoughts of a major first-round upset. It’ll be the Predators’ underrated defence against the Blackhawks’ pressure and puck possession. Only once during the six-game regular-season series between them did a game feature more than five goals combined. Nashville is underrated in just about every facet of the game. They’re also very physical, but Chicago’s offensive firepower will be too much to handle.

The Hawks are nearly perfect – offensively and defensively, the team is sound. Despite the huge question marks between the pipes, they are my team to beat in the West.

X-Factors: Blackhawks’ G Antti Niemi and Predators’ G Pekka Rinne.

They’re going with first-year NHLer Niemi over the veteran Huet. Niemi started Chicago ‘s final nine games of the regular season and finished the year with an impressive 26-8-3 record and a 2.25 GAA that was among the top five in the league. The 26-year-old Finnish native, who’s about a month too old to qualify as an NHL rookie, had a six-game win streak snapped when Chicago lost to Detroit in overtime on the final day of the season. The ‘Hawks have a stacked team up front and on the blueline, but their Stanley Cup hopes will hinge on whether Niemi can carry over his regular season success into the spring. As for Rinne, he’ll have to stand on his head. Playoff hockey starts from the net out, and he’ll have to stop every puck his way if the Preds want to stand a chance.

Pick: Blackhawks in 5

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) Los Angeles Kings

Game 1 @ VAN, Thu, Apr 15 10:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 2 @ VAN, Sat, Apr 17 10:00pm EDT , TV: CBC, VS.
Game 3 @ LA, Mon, Apr 19 10:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 4 @ LA, Wed, Apr 21 10:00pm EDT, TV: VS., CBC
Game 5 @ VAN, Fri, Apr 23 10:00pm EDT, TV: CBC
Game 6 @ LA, Sun, Apr 25, TBD, TV: VS., CBC
Game 7 @ VAN, Tue, Apr 27, TBD, TV: CBC

Easily the best series of the Quarters. This matchup has the potential for a long, hard-fought battle – just the way it should be. Both teams should like the easy travel and consistent schedule in this series – simple flights up and down the coast without having to cross any time zones and games set up for every other night.

The major question remains how the Kings’ young talent will adjust to playoff hockey. F Anze Kopitar, D Drew Doughty and G Jonathan Quick are all inexperienced, but with F Ryan Smyth and D Rob Scuderi being playoff vets, they should be able to make the adjustments.

Los Angeles didn’t play as well after the Olympics, but the Kings are still a dangerous opponent because, like the Avs, Preds and Coyotes, they don’t have any expectations or pressure.

The Canucks will be looking to F Daniel and Henrik Sedin, F Ryan Kesler, and of course, G Roberto Luongo to be difference makers. And while the Kings are healthy, the Canucks hope to have several defensemen back in time to start the playoffs. D Sami Salo, D Shane O’Brien and D Aaron Rome all suffered injuries in the final two games of the regular season, but all are expected to be back in time for Game 1. The Canucks, defensively deep, will be tested.

Quick had a great season in L.A.’s net, but he went cold in the final weeks. I think the Kings will adapt quickly to the postseason style of play and force the Canucks to a seventh game. With Luongo’s gold medal win, he’s finally gotten a taste of what a big win feels like. Will it help him in the playoffs?

X-Factors: Kings’ F Justin Williams and Canucks’ F Kyle Wellwood. Williams, 28, is a two-time 30-goal scorer with Carolina in 2005-06 and ’06-07 (seven goals and 18 points in 25 playoff games during Carolina ‘s ’06 Cup championship). Since those days in Carolina, Williams has had a bad run of injuries, including missing 28 games with a broken right leg this season. He returned from that setback on March 12 and was slow to regain his form, collecting just one assist in his first 10 games. Come April, Williams started to pick it up, with two goals and four points in six contests. The Kings are a young team playing in the postseason for the first time since 2002; they need their veterans, like Williams and Smyth, to lead the way.

Wellwood is a head-scratcher. He’s not big, he’s not physical, and is often criticized for disappearing for long stretches. He’s also very skilled near the net, and he proved in last year’s playoffs that he can elevate his play and be a two-way player. After coming to camp in the best shape of his career, the undersized Wellwood had a rough first half, not scoring his first goal of the season until Game 20. He’s woken up and has collected seven goals since the Olympics. Vancouver gets another offensive weapon if Wellwood continues his scoring success.

Pick: Canucks in 7

(4) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings

Game 1 @ PHO, Wed, Apr 14 10:00pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 2 @ PHO, Fri, Apr 16 10:00pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 3 @ DET, Sun, Apr 18 3:00pm EDT, TV: NBC, TSN
Game 4 @ DET, Tue, Apr 20 6:30pm EDT, TV: TSN, FSAZ
Game 5 @ PHO, Fri, Apr 23 10:00pm EDT, TV: VS., TSN
Game 6 @ DET, Sat, Apr 24 2:00pm EDT
Game 7 @ PHO, Tue, Apr 27, TBD, TV: TSN, FSAZ

The Coyotes are in their first playoff appearance since 2002, but how much do the Wings have left after a wicked run to fifth in the West coming off of back-to-back Stanley Cup Final showings? Phoenix management look like geniuses after adding F Lee Stempniak, F Wojtek Wolski, D Derek Morris and D Mathieu Schneider. Coach Dave Tippett has turned the ‘Yotes into a feared competitor.

So what does Phoenix’ great season get them? A date with Detroit, who has been to back-to-back Cup finals, winning in 2008. The Coyotes have the speed and skill to compete with the Wings. The Wings are still recovering from injuries, and haven’t had much time to gel – their late-season streak was the team that they expected to have on opening night. Who knows what spot they’d be in had they been healthy all season.

I think it’ll come down to goaltending, although I’m not sold on rookie G Jimmy Howard, despite the solid numbers. If he falters, how short is the leash before G Chris Osgood comes in? Coach Mike Babcock only hoped he could get his injured troops back on the ice to make a run at it, and that has happened since the start of the calendar year. Detroit’s top players came through as they have so many times, and Howard finally lived up to the expectations of management. At the other end, the Vezina Trophy favourite G Ilya Bryzgalov gives his teammates plenty of confidence going into this best-of-seven series.

If Howard remains stabilized, the Wings take it in 6. Phoenix wins two at home. Detroit’s depth and experience prevails against Phoenix’ youth. Detroit is too experienced, too healthy and too hot. They closed with a 17-3-2 run and put the fear in everyone’s head that the Red Wings were the one lower-seeded team to try and avoid in the first round.

X-Factors: Coyotes’ F Lee Stempniak and Red Wings’ G Jimmy Howard. 14 goals in 18 games after being moved from Toronto, Stempniak has found his niche as a go-to scorer on a team that was desperate for offense. Only four full-time Phoenix players scored more than Stempniak’s 14 goals as a Coyote.

Like their Original Six opponent in the Central Division, Chicago, the Wings are riding a 26-year-old goalie into the postseason. Howard, unlike Niemi, is eligible for the Calder Trophy and figures to be one of the three finalists. He was in the minors for a long time before finally getting his chance this season. After a slow start in October, he stepped into in when Osgood fell apart and hasn’t looked back since. The fact remains, though, that Osgood was a stellar performer for the Wings in the past two postseasons as Detroit advanced to back-to-back Cup finals, winning in 2008. It’s a lot to ask of Howard to deliver the same calibre of play in his first postseason appearance, but thus far, he’s shown the ability to succeed under Red Wings franchise pressure, as well as against difficult Western Conference opponents. This year, Hockeytown’s playoff expectations remain the same – anything less than the Cup is considered a disappointment.

Pick: Red Wings in 6

Since VoV started predictions on the site, I’ve had some good years and some bad years. VoV.com’s predictions record are as follows:

NHL
2008: 12-3 (80%)
2009: 10-5 (67%)
Total: 22/30 = 73%

NBA
2008: 11-4 (73%)
2009: 9-6 (60%)
Total: 20/30 = 67%

MLB
2008: 5-2 (71%)
2009: 4-3 (57%)
Total: 9/14 = 64%

NFL
2008: 9-2 (82%)
2009: 7-4 (64%)
Total: 16/22 = 73%

VoV

- Email – captaincharisma [at] hotmail.com
- Twitter – @VoiceofValeri
- FB Group
- FB Fan ap

NHL

– Team Canada has named its’ Olympic roster for the 2010 Olympics: G Martin Brodeur, G Roberto Luongo, G Marc-Andre Fleury, D Chris Pronger (A), D Shea Weber, D Brent Seabrook, Scott Niedermayer (C), D Dan Boyle, D Drew Doughty, D Duncan Keith, F Sidney Crosby (A), F Jarome Iginla (A), F Jonathan Toews, F Rick Nash, F Eric Staal, F Mike Richards, F Brenden Morrow, F Dany Heatley, F Joe Thornton, F Ryan Getzlaf, F Patrick Marleau, F Corey Perry, F Patrice Bergeron.

– Team Finland has named its’ Olympic roster for the 2010 Olympics, which includes: G Niklas Backstrom, G Miikka Kiprusoff, G Antero Niittymaki, D Lasse Kukkonen, D Sami Lepisto, D Toni Lydman, D Janne Niskala, D Joni Pitkanen, D Sami Salo, D Kimmo Timonen, F Valtteri Filppula, F Niklas Hagman, F Jarkko Immonen, F Olli Jokinen, F Niko Kapanen, F Mikko Koivu, F Saku Koivu, F Jere Lehtinen, F Antti Miettinen, F Ville Peltonen, F Jarkko Ruutu, F Tuomo Ruutu, F Teemu Selanne.

– Team Finland has named its’ Olympic roster for the 2010 Olympics which includes: G Ondrej Pavelec, G Tomas Vokoun, D Jan Hejda, D Tomas Kaberle, D Filip Kuba, D Zbynek Michalek, D Roman Polak, D Marek Zidlicky, F Petr Cajanek, F Patrick Elias, F Martin Erat, F Tomas Fleischmann, F Martin Havlat, F Jaromir Jagr, F David Krejci, F Milan Michalek, F Tomas Plekanec and F Josef Vasicek.

– Team Germany has named its’ Olympic roster for the 2010 Olympics, which includes G Thomas Greiss, D Christian Ehrhoff, D Dennis Seidenberg, D Alexander Sulzer, F Marcel Goc and F Marco Sturm.

– Team Switzerland has named its’ Olympic roster for the 2010 Olympics, which includes G Jonas Hiller, G Martin Gerber, D Mark Streit, D Yannick Weber and F Luca Sbisa.

MLB

– Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse believes that Mets OF Jason Bay’s four-year/$66M contract has a $17M vesting option, bringing the total to a five-year/$80M deal. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense on the surface, but his best guess is that it becomes $66M over four years if the fifth year option doesn’t vest – in other words, he would receive a $3M buyout. If the option vests as easily as many expect it will, most likely with a games played clause, Bay will simply earn $80M over the course of five years. Bay will have to pass a physical before the contract is official.

– Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Cardinals’ offer to free agent OF Matt Holliday is “believed to be” over $100M. Scott Boras might not net an eight-year/$180M contract for his client like he did with Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira last winter, but the $100M threshold is a significant one. With Jason Bay off the table, there’s little reason for the Cardinals to increase their offer at this time, so the previously reported eight-year/$140M offer sounds like a stretch.

– The Giants have re-signed UTIL Juan Uribe. The deal, which is thought to be a one-year contract with a club option for 2011, is only pending a physical. The 30-year-old Uribe hit a respectable .289/.329/.495 this past season with 16 home runs and 55 RBI. He’ll probably serve in a super-utility role for the Giants in 2010.

WWE

– “Dr. Death” Steve Williams has lost his battle with cancer and has passed away at the age of 49. He had been battling throat cancer for a number of years, first apparently beating it in 2005. It came back this year and his health had worsened in recent months.

Williams held numerous titles in North America and Japan throughout his lengthy career in the wrestling industry. He also achieved All-American status as a collegiate football player at the University of Oklahoma. Williams, a close friend of Jim Ross, wrestled for WWE, WCW, UWF, All Japan among other organizations around the world. After the death of longtime rival and friend Mitsuharu Misawa this past June, Williams made the decision to retire from the ring after twenty-seven years of service. His final match was held on October 25, 2009 in Tokyo.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Steve Williams.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with his thoughts on Bret Hart hosting Monday’s edition of WWE RAW. Here’s what Ross said about the Hit Man’s return:

Bret Hart Hype on Monday’s RAW: The Bret Hart content on Monday Night Raw really added to the overall viewing experience of the program. I watched the show from start to finish and I felt like it was one of the better Raw broadcasts WWE has presented in several weeks. To say that I did not feel compelled to be sitting there at ringside with so many new developments on tap would not be truthful…What a great video package on Bret Monday night and it was timely as many younger fans likely were not as familiar with the WWE Hall of Famer since his last appearance on WWE TV was in November of 1997 excluding his HOF, TV exposure.

The King Returns: Ironically, Bret will return to WWE TV from Dayton, Ohio the site of the 1993 King of the Ring that I had the opportunity to broadcast. Bret won the tourney which was my 2nd WWE PPV after debuting at WM9 in Las Vegas.

Other Top Legends Returning: With Bret Hart returning to Raw as the G.M. next week, some fans are curious as to what that does to the chance of a return in the same role for either Dwayne Johnson or Steve Austin. I don’t have an answer to that question but I do feel that both men will eventually return to Raw in either the guest G.M. capacity or another role that provides them a “one off’ opportunity to entertain their fans and to promote what it is that they are involved….likely their films.

– According to the PWInsider, Melina has suffered a torn ACL. She suffered the injury at Tuesday night’s WWE Raw house show in Manchester, New Hampshire. During a Divas tag match, Melina slipped on the mat and was immediately grabbing her knee. The match was ended abruptly, with Melina getting pinned quickly and helped out of the ring. She did not take any further bumps in the match after going down. She was examined backstage and is seeing a specialist this week to diagnose the extent of the situation.

– The 12/28 edition of WWE Raw drew a 3.6 rating, up from last week’s disappointing 3.2. The show did hours of 3.49 and 3.73.

NFL

– 49ers WR Isaac Bruce stated in a conference call with St. Louis media Wednesday that there’s a “75%” change he’ll retire after this year. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “those who know Bruce say it’s closer to 100 percent.” The 49ers do plan to let Bruce play in their season finale Sunday against the Rams, with whom Bruce spent nearly his entire career. It will be interesting to see if Bruce makes the Hall of Fame. While he does rank second all-time in receiving yards and fifth all-time in receptions, Bruce made only four Pro Bowls and was never named All Pro.

NBA

– The NY Times reports that the Knicks are discussing the possibility of acquiring Rockets F Tracy McGrady. The Knicks like his expiring one-year/$23M remaining on his deal, as it comes off the books in time for the big free agent summer of 2010.

– Kings G Kevin Martin had a CT scan showing improvement and healing in his broken wrist, but won’t be cleared to play before January 12, when he’s scheduled to meet with doctors. “Splint is off. Just rehab to work on range of motion. So when that’s good I’m good. I got cleared to do all basketball activities without contact until my motion is good. And I’m not putting any dates on anything.” We should have a better idea of when he’ll play again after the January 12 meeting.

– The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Bulls are considering Lawrence Frank and Doug Collins for Vinny Del Negro’s head coaching job.

– The Columbian is reporting that the Blazers are set to sign F Shavlik Randolph. The 6’10″, 236-pound played 10 games for the Blazers last season.

VoV

– Email – captaincharisma@hotmail.com
– Twitter – @VoiceofValeri
– Facebook – facebook.com/marc.valeri

NHL

– Flyers F Simon Gagne (hernia/abdominals) is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday and will be out six-to-eight weeks. Gagne has two hernias, but he initially looked into ways he might be able to play through the injury. Gagne has been forced to miss a significant amount of time in two of his last three seasons.

– Speaking of the Flyers, they are again scouting F Peter Forsberg for a possible NHL return. The team is sending a scout to Europe, where he will join scouts from the Avalanche, Canadiens and Capitals. Stay tuned.

– Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has filed a grievance against Sharks F Dany Heatley over his $4M bonus. Heatley received a $4M bonus this season as part of his contract, but even before the bonus was paid, Heatley demanded that the Senators trade him. Ottawa tried to put together a trade before they were due to pay the bonus and they did manage to negotiate a trade with Edmonton before the deadline. However, Heatley didn’t want to play for the Oilers either, and he exercised his no-trade clause to prevent the deal. As a result, Ottawa was responsible for Heatley’s $4M bonus. The Senators were finally able to trade Heatley to San Jose before the start of the season, but Melnyk was furious about having to pay Heatley the bonus.

– Capitals F Alex Ovechkin (upper body) is week-to-week.

– Ducks D James Wisniewski has been suspended for two games by the NHL for punching Coyotes F Shane Doan during Anaheim’s 3-2 shootout loss to Phoenix on October 31. Doan will be eligible to return to the Ducks in time for their rematch against the Coyotes on Saturday.

NBA

– Grizzlies F Rudy Gay will not sign a contract extension with the Grizzlies yet. Negotiations have broken off and it’s highly likely that Gay will become an RFA next summer. Austin said, “We’ve agreed to not agree. It will not happen. We looked at different ways we might try to get something done and we weren’t able to agree.” Gay is now playing for a contract.

– Lakers F Pau Gasol (torn hamstring) is out indefinitely.

– Nets G Devin Harris (hamstring) is out indefinitely.

MLB

– According to MLB.com, the Rangers are entertaining the possibility of bringing back OF Milton Bradley. Bradley was with the team in 2008 when he had a .321 average and led the American League in OPS. He’s got two more years and about $20M left on his deal with the Cubs but they want to unload Bradley. Stay tuned.

– SI reports that the Braves are now in on 21-year-old LHP Aroldis Chapman. They join the Orioles, Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Tigers, Mariners, Yankees, Athletics, Giants and Cardinals.

TNA

– Sting is not expected to return to TNA action soon. Word going around is that he won’t return until several months into 2010.

– TNA President Dixie Carter announced via her twitter account that Knockouts champion ODB has signed a “new multiyear deal” with the promotion.

UFC

– Paul Heyman has written a blog detailing the recent health issues of UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, who had to pull out of a title defense later this month due to illness.

“It was about three and a half weeks ago, when I was on the phone with Brock, and he sounded just so tired. I asked him if this training camp was harder than the others. He shocked me with his answer. ‘I’m just exhausted,’ he admitted, ‘I train, I come home, and I crash. I’m going to take a day or two off and just try to shake this thing.’ That was hint number one. Something was wrong.

“About a week later, Brock told me he was behind in his training camp. ‘I’m still going to beat Shane Carwin’s ass,” Brock said ‘then let’s go ice fishing or something. Whatever I have, it’s throwing me off my game.’??Uh oh. Hint number two. NOTHING throws Brock Lesnar off his game. Not injury, as I’ve seen him work through those. Not personal turmoil. I’ve seen his home life get turned upside down. He works through that as well.”

Heyman says Brock Lesnar has a great responsibility to compete at the highest level and simply cannot fight without proper training.

“He really had no choice. He’s worked so hard, for so long, to find his passion in life. And now that he’s found it, he’s not going to half-ass a fight, whether Shane Carwin is the man to take the title from Brock, or whether Brock could whip Shane Carwin’s ass even if he’s battling pneumonia, swine flu, diarrhea, gonorrhea, syphilis, and sickle cell. The point is that Brock Lesnar could not train properly for a fight that would most likely be purchased by upwards of 1,000,000 people. More people are expected to pay to see Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin on pay per view than this year’s WWE Wrestlemania. Just think about the responsibility of being that main event fighter.”

Heyman rejects any claims that Lesnar is full of himself and reveals that the champ passed on what could have been an epic movie role.

“As for being spoiled by success, that’s LOL-funny. Brock has turned down movie roles, including an easy generous payday to do a fight scene with Dwayne “Don’t Call Me Rock” Johnson. He’s not looking for prime time exposure except when he steps into the Octagon and defends his title.”

WWE

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what JR said about:

Ric Flair: “Ric Flair called me Saturday as I was pulling into Owen Field in Norman about two hours before the Sooner game. Ric is staying very busy and the state lottery, promotional endorsement that he’s doing may be growing to other states outside the old, Mid Atlantic Territory area. Ric told me he was working out twice a day, when he could, in preparation for the upcoming Australian tour on which he’s booked. After talking to ‘Naitch’ it’s obvious to me that he still has the passion and the fire to perform inside a wrestling ring which should come really as no shock or surprise and I don’t think that his passion to perform will ever wane. Mother Nature might cause Ric more ‘female problems’ but Ric’s will to compete and perform can’t be deterred.”

Steve Austin: “Steve Austin called me Sunday afternoon during the Packers-Vikings game and most of our discussion centered on football and how I was doing battling my ‘little friend’ Bells palsy #3. Steve is preparing to head up to Vancouver to film another action/adventure movie that is going to be largely done outdoors in the beautiful terrain of Vancouver, British Columbia. The Texas Rattlesnake expects to encounter plenty of ‘weather’ including ample rain which apparently is what they want for the film to have the organic grittiness to fit the script. I don’t know the release date but one can assume some time in 2010 nor do I know the title. I obviously don’t know much but as I said we talked football and not work.”

– The on-again off-again feud between Hulk Hogan and ex-wife Linda appears to be on again due to Hulk described Linda as an “abusive alcoholic” in his new book, “My Life Outside the Ring.”

“As far as what he has said about Linda, it’s not accurate about her being involved with heavy alcohol and being abusive, and trying to hit Nick with a wine bottle? Absolutely false,” attorney Ray Rafool stated. “It’s disappointing and it is irritating. We disagree and wish he would have stuck to the facts instead of sensationalism to sell his book. It does reheat a lot of stuff, but it makes her feel all the more happy that she’s divorced and away from him. He’s Jennifer’s problem now.”

“You can now understand the fear that Linda had when she was going through the divorce because she knows his personality, heard these rumors, knew what he was doing, and that’s the reason why she was so concerned. We’re thankful that at this point, he has straightened his life out,” Rafool said.

A rep for Hulk says that he “stands by what is written in the book.”

NFL

– 49ers LT Joe Staley (MCL, PCL) is out six weeks.

NHL

– The Senators have finally traded their disgruntled two-time 50 goal scorer F Dany Heatley and a fifth-round pick to the Sharks for F Milan Michalek, F Jonathan Cheechoo and a second-round pick. Heatley said, “It was tough. It wasn’t the greatest summer. No question. “I’m relieved and excited to be going to San Jose…I don’t think I did anything wrong asking for a trade. I had my reasons and if people think different of me that’s fine, but I feel I’ve done nothing wrong and I’m happy to move on.” The 28-year-old Heatley signed a six-year/$45M extension less than two years ago with the Sens.

Both Heatley and the Sharks have finally gotten what they’ve wanted. Heatley will get to avoid the unwelcome return to the Sens’ lineup lineup after demanding a trade all summer long, and the Sharks get another big offensive weapon that they’ve been searching for after successive postseason failures. Heatley should be depositing pucks left, right and centre with F Joe Thornton feeding him all the time. If they can develop some on-ice chemistry, Heatley could easily have a 50-goal season.

– The Blue Jackets have re-signed F Derek Dorsett to a two-year deal. The 22-year-old Dorsett had four goals and one assist with 150 penalty minutes in 52 games as a rookie with the Blue Jackets last season. He ranked second on the club and led all NHL rookies in penalty minutes and added 116 hits.

WWE

– As noted earlier, WWE scrapped Dolph Ziggler’s match with John Morrison for tomorrow’s Breaking Point PPV. The reason given for the match’s elimination from the card was finish-related, as officials couldn’t come up with one. Instead, the match is currently penciled in for the Hell in the Cell PPV in three weeks, but plans can always change.

WWE has instead added a match between US Champion Kofi Kingston and The Miz for tomorrow night’s show. It was obviously a late decision, since neither even appeared on this past week’s episode of RAW.

– It was reported earlier this week that WWE’s original plan for Undertaker vs. CM Punk at tomorrow night’s Breaking Point pay-per-view was a Taker victory. Internally, many feel the time isn’t right for Undertaker to beat Punk, but the idea of a clean submission win for the champion was not believed to be under serious consideration.

– According to FayObserver.com, Chief Deputy Neil Godfry of the Moore County Sheriff’s Office says that the Fayetteville Police Department actually received a tip several days ago that Jeff Hardy was in possession of a large quantity of drugs. That tip led to an investigation and subsequently, a search warrant.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is speaking out about Jeff Hardy’s shocking drug arrest, calling the incident “disturbing.” Here’s what JR said at JRsBarBQ.com:

“The news of Jeff Hardy’s apparent arrest on drug charges is disturbing. I have spoken to no one about this matter and only know what info that I have read that was distributed by the police in North Carolina.

I hope that there is better news on this matter forthcoming from Jeff or his attorney. Hopefully, Jeff has retained sufficient counsel to help him address these issues. I know that Jeff Hardy is a good young man with endless talents who finished his stint in WWE in grand fashion. Jeff, as are none of us, isn’t perfect and I only hope this matter can be resolved quickly and efficiently so Jeff can move on with his life in a healthy and positive way.

Jeff Hardy is innocent until proven guilty as there is likely much more to this matter than we know at this time.”

– Lance Storm posted a message on his website on Friday reflecting on September 11, 2001 as well as Jeff Hardy’s arrest. Storm says he believes police charged Jeff with drug trafficking simply because of the large quantity of drugs found, not because he was actually a drug dealer. Storm said:

“I think having your own personal drug problems (no matter how severe) and being a drug trafficker are two completely different things. If the quantities of drugs, reportedly found in Jeff’s possession, are accurate then we have to assume he has a very serious drug problem, and that, even more so than his pending legal woes, is my biggest concern.

When Jeff was suspended from WWE the last time, for a Wellness violation, and then shortly there after lost his house and dog in a fire my heart went out to him. I think a lot of people (myself included) thought and hoped that was a turning point for Jeff and he had gotten his life in order since. Unfortunately that does not appear to be the case.”

TNA

– In an interview with Diva-Dirt.com which will be published tomorrow, former WWE Diva Kristal Marshall addressed Internet rumors saying she is joining TNA Wrestling in the near future.

“I haven’t been in talks with anyone over there,” Marshall said.

Although, it should be noted that Marshall will go into further detail including the extent of her dealings with TNA. Marshall will also talk candidly of her and Bobby Lashley’s respective departures from World Wrestling Entertainment and reveal the “shocking details” of how one company official treated them.

NBA

– The Clippers have re-signed F Steve Novak.

NHL

– The Sharks, Senators and Kings continue to deny that a trade has been made involving F Dany Heatley. According to a reliable source, the teams are negotiating, meaning that a deal in principle has not yet been reached. Stay tuned.

NBA

– Michael Jordan tops the list of an elite cast of players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame today. Air Jordan finished his career third in all time scoring with 32.393 points and tops in playoff scoring. He was a five time league MVP, six time Finals MVP, and won the NBA Finals six times with the Bulls. Jordan will be inducted alongside Jerry Sloan, John Stockton, David Robinson, and Rutgers woman’s coach C. Vivian Stringer in what’s a very impressive HOF class.

As noted, Stockton is also joining the Hall this year. Stockton was most noted for his amazing passing skills, quick hands and longevity. His 15,806 assists is a record that may never be broken, and he also racked up a whopping 3,265 steals in the course of his career. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that in 19 seasons (all with the Jazz) he missed a total of 22 games. Stockton made two NBA Finals appearances but lost both times to Jordan’s Bulls.

TNA

–After months of speculation about whether Mr. Kennedy will sign with TNA not, we could find out as soon as next week’s iMPACT! tapings.

Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson is officially a free man, as his 90-day no-compete clause expired earlier this month. Anderson just recently ended his video blog series, and the earliest he could appear for TNA would be at next week’s iMPACT tapings.

The former WWE superstar is booked for an event promoted by the NWE company in Spain, but it does not conflict with any TNA tapings.

The fact that Anderson and TNA official Jeremy Borash have teased the former WWE star possibly joining TNA, and combined with The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reporting that TNA has shown interest in Anderson, has many insiders and fans alike believing his debut could be imminent.

MLB

– According to the Atlanta Constitution-Journal, Braves 3B Chipper Jones is contemplating retirement following next season. Jones is unhappy with his performance this season, and if next season’s performance follows likewise, it’s believed that he’ll walk away from the game. That would mean not playing the final year of a three-year/$42M extension he signed this year, or take the chance of the option for the fourth year to be vested that would bring the value up to $61M. Jones has spent his entire career with the Braves, beginning in 1993.

– According to the Atlanta Constitution-Journal, the Braves are expected to shop RHP Javier Vazquez and RHP Tim Hudson this offseason. The team feels that Vazquez and Hudson are paid too much, and that they need to free up money. Hudson has an option for $12M next season and Vazquez will make $11.5M next season in the final year of his contract.

NFL

– Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated after Thursday’s game that SS Troy Polamalu was initially diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his left knee. There is no concrete information yet, and Tomlin said that the injury could be more serious than expected. His current timeline is three-to-six weeks.

NHL

– F Theo Fleury has reportedly been re-instated by the NHL. He is currently a UFA.

NHL

– According to ESPN, the Senators have traded their two-time 50-goal scorer, F Dany Heatley in a three team deal.

To Sharks: F Dany Heatley
To Kings: F Patrick Marleau
To Senators: F Alexander Frolov, F Jarret Stoll

Heatley signed a six-year/$45M contract extension less than two years ago. Heatley’s contract comes with a $7.5M cap hit towards the $56.8M salary cap next season. He had 39 goals and 33 assists in 82 games last season, the lowest point total in four seasons with the Senators.

WWE

– Regarding CM Punk’s title defense against Undertaker at this Sunday’s Breaking Point PPV, plans called for Taker to beat Punk and win the title when the match was initially laid out. No word yet if those plans still stand. Punk will be defending his title in a Submission match.

– Mr. Kennedy’s no-compete clause with WWE expired today, thus meaning he is free to negotiate with any wrestling company.“Something about midnight tonight…can’t quite put my finger on it.” Anderson wrote yesterday on his Twitter account.

Likewise, Umaga’s no-compete clause with WWE expired this past week as well. Umaga was released from his WWE contract on June 8, 2009 after violating the company’s drug testing policy a second time and his subsequent refusal to enter a rehabilitation centre. Former WWE developmental wrestlers Dakota Darsow, Jon Cutler, Lupe Viscara, Kafu and Matt Walsh are also to free negotiate with any wrestling organization as all five up-and-comers were released from their respective contracts during the first week of June.

– According to the PWTorch, internally, many feel the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony has developed enough name value as part of WrestleMania weekend that they don’t need to deliver a huge name each and every year. While many within the company would love to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson accept the honor one of these years, as well as “Macho Man” Randy Savage, there is no sense of desperation to find a major name.

Instead, the company may take the ensemble approach such as in 2007 when Dusty Rhodes was the biggest name to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Many feel the company can lure enough notable names from the past who may not be mega-stars on the level of Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair, yet would still satisfy viewers as a package deal. Furthermore, WWE can also use big name presenters as they did with Johnson when he inducted his father and grandfather if need be.

– John Graziano, the Iraq War veteran who suffered severe brain damage two years ago after being involved in a car wreck with Nick Hogan, was released from the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida this morning. Debra Graziano said her son was leaving “the best hospital imaginable”, and that he will continue to need 24-hour care and will be assisted by nurses, friends and family. Debra said, “I just thank God this day did happen. I have a strong faith in the Lord. He will get me through it.”

– There was a wardrobe malfuction at Tuesday night’s ECW on SyFy tapings during Zach Ryder’s squash match victory over indy wrestler Rory Fargo. Ryder pulled the front of Fargo’s shorts down while throwing him into the corner, giving the fans in attendance an eyefull to say the least. Luckily for WWE, the show was taped and there was enough time to edit the match and cut to a camera angle that did not show Fargo’s exposed parts.

NHL

– The Blues are not interested in acquiring Senators F Dany Heatley. St. Louis had sparked up as a possible destination for Heatley, but Blues president John Davidson squashed the rumour. “For us to acquire a contract of that magnitude and give up two or three pieces of value that can rebuild a franchise — I don’t think the Blues should rebuild somebody else’s franchise,” Davidson said. Heatley still wants to be traded, but he’ll probably end up starting the season with the Senators.

TNA

– One TNA source said Lauren “Angel” Willams’ (professionally known as Angelina Love) contract was about to expire and there was internal fear because she had not signed a new deal that she would attempt to negotiate with her former employer, WWE. With that being said, WWE sources believe she will be backstage at this Monday’s RAW taping when it emanates in her native Toronto. However, she won’t be there looking for work, but rather, just to be there.

Regarding Williams’ visa situation, there doesn’t appear to be anything new on that front, although the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer corroborated our story over the weekend saying TNA hastily terminated her contract once they realized the amount of trouble they could possibly face due to employing an llegal immigrant for two years without proper working papers. The Observer also noted that TNA never applied for a working visa for Williams.

Regarding Williams being subject to possible deportation, banned from entering the United States for ten years, and having to pay back any money she garnered by working as an illegal immigrant in the United States, it is very much a possibility if the government “wants to stick it to her,” but it is unlikely to occur.

NFL

– The San Diego County D.A. has begun deliberating whether to charge Chargers LB Shawne Merriman for his alleged role in domestic abuse of girlfriend Tila Tequila. Accused of two felonies, Merriman claims he “in no way caused any harm” to Ms. Tequila. “Paramedics were called and she was examined but no injuries were reported,” a statement from Merriman read. We’re guessing he won’t be charged, but if he is a four-game NFL suspension could be forthcoming.

– ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Broncos have opened talks with Broncos RB Brandon Marshall about a contract extension. The report is a surprise considering Marshall’s spring and summer. It’s probably just a show of good faith from the Broncos after Marshall was a good soldier during his team-imposed suspension. It’s also encouraging for Marshall’s chances of resuming an immediate and major role on offense.

TNA

– DirecTV.com’s advertisement for WWE pay-per-view events lists Sting as one of the wrestlers of the promotion. The advertisement reads:

Enter the world known as WWE. Here’s your ringside seat. DIRECTV Pay Per View delivers the force, fury and finishing moves of superstars like Triple H, Batista, Matt Hardy, The Big Show, Randy Orton, and Sting. Catch the best of the up-and-coming contenders.

WOW. Could this be true, or just a mistake? STAY TUNED!

WWE

– PWInsider.com is reporting that a “huge WWE name” is considering joining TNA, and that person is none other than Good ‘Ole J.R. His contract with WWE is set to expire at the end of the year, and company officials have yet to offer him a new one. It should be noted, however, that Ross is considering all of his options and joining TNA is very much a possible scenario he’s taking very seriously. He could just as well stay in WWE though. Stay tuned.

– Mr. Kennedy’s 90-day no-compete clause expires this Wednesday, September 9. WWE released Kennedy on May 29.

– In the new PG era, WWE has changed the Armageddon pay-per-view on 12/13 in San Antonio, Texas to a TLC-themed event. Ticketmaster.com has the show listed as the following:

WWE World Wrestling Entertainment – TLC: Tables, Latter & Chairs

Presumably, they mean “Tables, Ladders & Chairs.”

NHL

– The Maple Leafs are expected to take another run at acquiring Bruins F Phil Kessel. Toronto acquired a second-round pick in a deal Saturday and now has the necessary picks that need be forfeited if Kessel is signed to an offer sheet and the Bruins decline to match. The Leafs were very close to swinging a deal for him in exchange for D Tomas Kaberle, but the deal fell through. The Rangers and Predators are also allegedly interested in Kessel. Stay tuned.

– There is nothing new to report on the Senators F Dany Heatley’s situation. No new teams have reportedly stepped up to make trade offers and the Sharks, Rangers and Oilers have been very quiet regarding their pusuit of the former 50-goal scorer. All signs point to Heatley reporting to Senators’ camp on Saturday. It’ll be very interesting to see how he deals with his teammates and how they deal with him.

– Red Wings G Chris Osgood expects to be much better this year than he was in the regular season last campaign. He posted a disappointing .887 SV% and 3.09 GAA in 2008-09. “It’s not going to happen again. That was because I had a hangover from winning. This year, I just approached the off-season a lot differently. I don’t think it has to do with the length of the season. It’s just that when you win, you approach the summer a lot differently than when you don’t. You work out earlier, you go on the ice earlier; you do everything a little earlier than what you would do if you’d won. Those things — not having had as much fun this summer as the previous summer, to be honest, that is going to make a difference.” Osgood was miraculous for Detroit in the playoffs after the regular season.

– Ducks F Ryan Getzlaf was on the ice on Saturday and is progressing well from sports hernia surgery. It was the third time Getzlaf has taken to the ice this week and he said he expects to be ready to go when training camp opens next weekend. “I may have restrictions. We’re going to ease into this thing. There’s no point of jumping into camp and going at it full bore right away. We’ve got to be ready for October, not for next week. I’m sure I’ll be a part of practices but not games. I’m playing it by ear.”

NBA

– According to sources, G Allen Iverson could be on the verge of accepting the Grizzlies’ one-year offer. The two sides are arranging a face-to-face meeting, so an official announcement could soon follow. The Grizzlies can offer at least $3.5M, though that could increase to $4.4M if they waive G Juan Carlos Navarro. Either way, it’s peanuts from the $20.8M he made last season.

MLB

– Agent Gregg Clifton told the Boston Globe that LHP Tom Glavine is not likely to attempt a comeback for the 2010 season. Back in June, Glavine said he would not return to the majors in 2009 after being released by the Braves. He mentioned returning for 2010 and has been linked to the Nationals, but apparently that has changed. If true, the left-hander ends his career having played from 1987-2008, all but five years (Mets) with the Braves. He has a 305-203 record with a 3.54 ERA in 682 starts and has punched his ticket for the Hall of Fame. The 43-year old won the Cy Young in 1991 and 1998, finishing second or third three other times. Clifton mentioned that he has received calls about broadcasting opportunities for the 10-time All-Star, so look for him on the tubes, not on the mound, in 2010.

– Mariners OF Ichiro Suzuki has become the second-fastest player in MLB history to reach 2,000 hits. Ichiro, who accumulated 1,278 hits in Japan, recorded it in his 1,402 major-league game. The fastest, Al Simmons, did it in game 1,390.

NFL

– The Giants have released WR David Tyree.

– The Eagles have released QB A.J. Feeley. The move saves $1.3M in cash and opens a roster spot for QB Michael Vick. Keep an eye on the Packers, Rams and Redskins – Feeley would be an upgrade over any of those teams’ current backup quarterbacks and is versed in the West Coast system. The rest of the NFL likely knew he’d get cut, so there was no sense in trying to acquire him.

– The Seahawks have signed S Lawyer Milloy to a one-year deal.

– Chargers LB Shawne Merriman was arrested early Saturday and charged with suspicion of assault of his girlfriend. Merriman allegedly “choked and restrained” MTV reality show personality Tila Nguyen (better known as Tila Tequila) as she was trying to leave their home. Merriman was arrested on the premises, while Nguyen was taken to a local hospital. Nguyen’s citizen arrest report also accuses Merriman of false imprisonment and battery. Merriman was suspended in 2006 for violating the league’s steroids policy, but this is his first arrest as an NFL player.

– Raiders acquired DL Richard Seymour from the Patriots in exchange for Oakland’s first-round pick in 2011. Seymour was set to become a free agent at season’s end. Seymour’s play remains solid, but he’s injury-prone and isn’t nearly as dominant as early in his career. There was no chance the Pats would have re-signed him, and now they get a potential high draft pick in what could be the first year with a rookie salary pay scale, all in exchange for one season from Seymour. The Pats remain deep defensively, so there’s no need to worry on their front.

– The Broncos submitted the paperwork necessary to lift RB Brandon Marshall’s team-induced suspension late Sunday.

NHL

– Senators GM Bryan Murray is apparently ready to put a deadline on trade proposals for F Dany Heatley. If nothing comes of it, Murray is fully expecting Heatley to live up to his contract and show up to training camp, which starts in 11 days. Murray is likely attempting to try and stop things from getting too out of control when Heatley eventually shows up. Rumour has it that this Saturday is the drop-dead date for deals.

– D Jason Smith will retire from hockey Wednesday. The 35-year-old defender has called a news conference with GM Bryan Murray to make the announcement. Smith had just one goal and zero assists in 63 games with the Senators last season. He missed the last 19 games with a knee injury and wasn’t the same brute player these last few seasons that he was before. Smith finished his career with 41 goals and 169 points in 1008 career games and was one of the better leaders in the league. Wiping his $2.6M cap hit from the books means the Senators are now under the cap heading into training camp, even with Dany Heatley and his $7.5M salary. Best of luck in retirement to one of my favourite blueliners of all time.

– The Sharks have signed F Torrey Mitchell to a three-year deal, C Benn Ferriero to a two-year deal and F Brad Staubitz to a one-year deal.

– Sabres F Adam Mair (hip) has undergone successful arthroscopic surgery. He’s out at least six weeks.

WWE

– In regards to the status of the Intercontinental Championship, the issue has been resolved. John Morrison defeated Rey Mysterio to win the Intercontinental Championship at tonight’s SmackDown! taping in Cleveland, Ohio.

The former title holder will be suspended for thirty days effective tomorrow as a result of his first violation of the company’s drug testing policy. He was originally scheduled to face Dolph Ziggler at the Breaking Point pay-per-view on the 13th.

Speaking of Ziggler, he became the number one contender for the title by winning a three-way bout on last week’s episode of Superstars. It remains unclear how it will be explained that Morrison bypassed him despite earning said shot.

– This week’s RAW drew a 3.6 rating with 5.1 million viewers.

MLB

– The White Sox have shut down RHP Jake Peavy (elbow) for the rest of the season. Manager Ozzie Guillen said, “Believe me, if we fall more and I don’t think deep inside my heart and my guts that we have a chance. I will tell [general manager Ken Williams and pitching coach Don Cooper] to just shut him down and wait for next year.”

– Mets LHP Johan Santana (bone chips in elbow) and LHP Oliver Perez (scar tissue in patella tendon) have undergone successful surgeries.

– The Reds have transferred 3B Danny Richar to the 60-day DL.

NFL

– The Dolphins have signed RB Ricky Williams to a one-year/$4.35M extension through 2010. He plans to retire after the deal. Williams can now collect $7.75M over the next two seasons, although it’s doubtful any of the money is guaranteed. The Fins appreciate Williams’ versatility and work ethic, but he’s been unimpressive in camp and the preseason.

– The 49ers have released QB Damon Huard.

– According to Newsday, the Jets are “seriously exploring” the possibility of trading for Broncos RB Brandon Marshall. The Jets are in dire need of a back, and Denver appears willing to part with Marshall. A trade still seems like a long shot.

NBA

– The Knicks are highly unlikely to negotiate a deal for Wolves G Ricky Rubio. Knicks team president Donnie Walsh has apparently kept busy since then talking about sign-and-trade deals for restricted free agents F David Lee and/or G Nate Robinson, but now he is expecting to sign the pair for the coming season. Both wanted long-term deals, but Lee is reportedly likely to get a one-year deal for around $7M and Robinson for around $5M.

– The Celtics have officially signed G Marquis Daniels to a one-year/$1.99M deal. Daniels accepted less money to sign with the C’s than taking a raise playing elsewhere. The Hornets, Mavs, Rockets, Knicks and Magic were also vying for his services.

UFC

– The UFC has confirmed that it will have a card in Vancouver, B.C. at GM Place in June of 2010.

F1

– FIA, the governing body of motorsport, has opened an investigation into “alleged incidents at a previous F1 event” believed to be Renault’s win at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. At last year’s inaugural event, Fernando Alonso took the win following a safety car period which was caused by a crash involving then-teammate Nelson Piquet. While theories were floated that Piquet was ordered to deliberately crash his car to help Alonso’s race strategy, there was no evidence to support the claims.

Now, however, the FIA says new evidence has emerged which prompted the investigation into the unnamed race. It’s uncertain where the new evidence has come from but it’s being speculated that Piquet himself may be the source. He has been outspoken of the Renault team since being fired last month. At the time of the incident, Piquet admitted to making a “mistake” and being overly aggressive. If the FIA were to find evidence that the outcome of the race was due to foul play, it could call a hearing before the World Motor Sport Council where further sanctions could be levied.