2011-12 NHL Season Predictions

2011-12 Eastern Conference Standings:

Atlantic Division:

1. Pittsburgh Penguins 51-22-9: 111 Points Y

2. Philadelphia Flyers 48-20-14: 110 Points X

3. New York Rangers 44-30-8: 96 Points X

4. New Jersey Devils 39-38-7: 85 Points

5. New York Islanders 31-41-9: 71 Points

Northeast Division:

1. Boston Bruins 48-22-12: 108 Points Y

2. Buffalo Sabres 45-29-8: 98 Points X

3. Toronto Maple Leafs 40-33-9: 89 Points

4. Montreal Canadians 39-34-9: 86 Points

5. Ottawa Senators 25-49-8: 58 Points

Southeast Division:

1. Washington Capitals 53-20-9: 115 Points Z

2. Tampa Bay Lightning 49-24-11: 109 Points X

3. Carolina Hurricanes 42-29-11: 95 Points X

4. Florida Panthers 35-35-12: 82 Points

5. Winnipeg Jets 30-41-11: 71 Points

Z = best record in conference Y = Division Champion X = Playoff Team

2011-12 Western Conference Standings:

Central Division:

1. Chicago Blackhawks 52-23-7: 111 Points Z

2. Detroit Red Wings 48-23-11: 107 Points X

3. Nashville Predators 45-26-11: 101 Points X

4. St. Louis Blues 41-33-8: 90 Points X

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: 34-36-12 80 Points

Northwest Division:

1. Vancouver Canucks: 50-24-9 109 Points Y

2. Minnesota Wild: 39-35-8 86 Points

3. Calgary Flames: 35-35-12 82 Points

4. Edmonton Oilers: 33-36-13 79 Points

5. Colorado Avalanche: 28-46-8 66 Points

Pacific Division:

1. Los Angeles Kings: 49-23-10: 108 Points Y

2. San Jose Sharks: 46-26-10: 102 Points X

3. Anaheim Ducks: 43-32-7: 93 Points X

4. Dallas Stars: 38-34-10: 86 Points

5. Phoenix Coyotes: 30-41-11: 71 Points

Z = best record in conference Y = Division Champion X = Playoff Team

2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

Con. Quarters         Con. Semis           Con. Finals      Stanley Cup Finals        Stanley Cup Champs


Eastern Conference:


1 Washington 4
                             } Washington 4
8 Carolina 2
                                                          } Washington 4
4 Philadelphia 4
                             } Philadelphia 2
5 Tampa Bay 3
                                                                                       } Washington 2
2 Pittsburgh 4
                             } Pittsburgh 4
7 NY Rangers 0
                                                          } Pittsburgh 2
3 Boston 4
                             } Boston 1
6 Buffalo 1


Western Conference:                                                                                          } Chicago


1 Chicago 4
                             } Chicago 4
8 St. Louis 0
                                                          } Chicago 4
4 Detroit  4
                             } Detroit 2
5 San Jose 2
                                                                                       } Chicago 4
2 Vancouver 4
                             } Vancouver 2
7 Anaheim 1
                                                          } Los Angeles 2
3 Los Angeles 4
                             } Los Angeles 4
6 Nashville 1


Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals:


#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Carolina Hurricanes:
Game 1: CAR @ WAS: WAS 2, CAR 1. WAS leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: CAR @ WAS: WAS 4, CAR 0. WAS leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: WAS @ CAR: CAR 5, WAS 4. WAS leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: WAS @ CAR: CAR 3, WAS 2. Series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: CAR @ WAS: WAS 2, CAR 0. WAS leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: WAS @ CAR: WAS 4, CAR 3 OT. WAS wins the series 4-2.  


#4 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lighting:
Game 1: TB @ PHI: PHI 3, TB 0. PHI leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: TB @ PHI: PHI 3, TB 2. PHI leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: PHI @ TB: TB 4, PHI 1. PHI leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: PHI @ TB: TB 3, PHI 2. Series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: TB @ PHI: PHI 5, TB 1. PHI leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: PHI @ TB: TB 3, PHI 0. Series is tied at 3-3.
Game 7: TB @ PHI: PHI 4, TB 3 OT. PHI wins the series 4-3.

#2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #7 New York Rangers:

Game 1: NYR @ PIT: PIT 2, NYR 0. PIT leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: NYR @ PIT: PIT 5, NYR 3. PIT leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: PIT @ NYR: PIT 5, NYR 1. PIT leads the series 3-0.
Game 4: PIT @ NYR: PIT 7, NYR 4. PIT wins the series 4-0.


#3 Boston Bruins vs. #6 Buffalo Sabres:
Game 1: BUF @ BOS: BOS 5, BUF 1. BOS leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: BUF @ BOS: BOS 2, BUF 1. BOS leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: BOS @ BUF: BOS 3, BUF 1. BOS leads the series 3-0.
Game 4: BOS @ BUF: BUF 2, BOS 0. BOS wins the series 3-1.
Game 5: BUF @ BOS: BOS 4, BUF 1. BOS wins the series 4-1.

Western Conference Quarter-Finals:

#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #8 St. Louis Blues:

Game 1: STL @ CHI: CHI 3, STL 2. CHI leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: STL @ CHI: CHI 4, STL 1. CHI leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: CHI @ STL: CHI 6, STL 4. CHI leads the series 3-0.
Game 4: CHI @ STL: CHI 5, STL 1. CHI wins the series 4-0.

#4 Detroit Red Wings vs. #5 San Jose Sharks:
Game 1: SJ @ DET: DET 6, SJ 5. DET leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: SJ @ DET: DET 1, SJ 0. DET leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: DET @ SJ: SJ 6, DET 4. DET leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: DET @ SJ: SJ 6, DET 2. Series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: SJ @ DET: DET 5, SJ 4. DET leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: DET @ SJ: DET 7, SJ 6 OT. DET wins the series 4-2. 
 

#2 Vancouver Canucks vs. #7 Anaheim Ducks:

Game 1: ANA @ VAN: VAN 6, ANA 3. VAN leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: ANA @ VAN: VAN 3, ANA 2 OT. VAN leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: VAN @ ANA: VAN 5, ANA 1. VAN leads the series 3-0.
Game 4: VAN @ ANA: ANA 4, VAN 1. VAN leads the series 3-1.
Game 5: ANA @ VAN: VAN 4, ANA 3. VAN wins the series 4-1.


#3 Los Angeles Kings vs. #6 Nashville Predators:
Game 1: NAS @ VAN: LA 6, NAS 0. LA leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: NAS @ VAN: LA 5, NAS 0. LA leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: LA @ NAS: LA 2, NAS 1. LA leads the series 3-0.
Game 4: LA @ NAS: NAS 4, LA 3 OT. LA leads the series 3-1.
Game 5: NAS @ LA: LA 6, NAS 0. LA wins the series 4-1.

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals:


#1 Washington Capitals vs. #4 Philadelphia Flyers:
Game 1: PHI @ WAS: WAS 7, PHI 5. WAS leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: PHI @ WAS: WAS 5, PHI 4. WAS leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: WAS @ PHI: PHI 3, WAS 2 OT. WAS leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: WAS @ PHI: PHI 3, WAS 0. Series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: PHI @ WAS: WAS 2, PHI 0. WAS leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: WAS @ PHI: WAS 5, PHI 3. WAS wins the series 4-2.


#2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #3 Boston Bruins:

Game 1: BOS @ PIT: PIT 2, BOS 1. PIT leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: BOS @  PIT: PIT 5, BOS 4. PIT leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: PIT @ BOS: BOS 6, PIT 4. PIT leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: PIT @ BOS: PIT 4, BOS 2. PIT wins the series 3-1.
Game 5: BOS @ PIT: PIT 3, BOS 2. PIT wins the series 4-1.

Western Conference Semi-Finals:


#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #4 Detroit Red Wings:
Game 1: DET @ CHI: CHI 6, DET 3. CHI leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: DET @ CHI: CHI 5, DET 1. CHI leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: CHI @ DET: DET 1, CHI 0 OT. CHI leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: CHI @ DET: DET 5, CHI 0. Series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: DET @ CHI: CHI 7, DET 3. CHI leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: CHI @ DET: CHI 2, DET 1 OT. CHI wins the series 4-2.


#2 Vancouver Canucks vs. #3 Los Angeles Kings:
Game 1: LA @ VAN: LA 6, VAN 2. LA leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: LA @ VAN: VAN 4, LA 1. Series is tied at 1-1. 
Game 3: VAN @ LA: LA 4, VAN 2. LA leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: VAN @ LA: LA 6, VAN 5 OT. LA leads the series 3-1.
Game 5: LA @ VAN: VAN 5, LA 4. LA leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: VAN @ LA: LA 5, VAN 1 OT. LA wins the series 4-2.

Eastern Conference Finals:

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #2 Pittsburgh Penguins:

Game 1: PIT @ WAS: WAS 2, PIT 1. WAS leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: PIT @ WAS: WAS 5, PIT 3. WAS leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: WAS @ PIT: PIT 5, WAS 2. WAS leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: WAS @ PIT: PIT 6, WAS 1. Series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: WAS @ PIT: WAS 5, PIT 4. WAS leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: PIT @ WAS: WAS 4, PIT 3 OT. WAS wins the series 4-2.2012 Prince of Wales Trophy Champions are the Washington Capitals.

Western Conference Finals:

#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #3 Los Angeles Kings:

Game 1: LA @ CHI: CHI 5, LA 1. CHI leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: LA @ CHI: CHI 3, LA 2. CHI leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: CHI @ LA: LA 4, CHI 3 OT. CHI leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: CHI @ LA: LA 4, CHI 1. Series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: LA @ CHI: CHI 5, LA 0. CHI leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: CHI @ LA: CHI 6, LA 0 OT. CHI wins the series 4-2.2012 Charence S. Campbell Champions are the Chicago Blackhawks.

2012 Stanley Cup Finals:

#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #1 Washington Capitals:

Game 1: WAS @ CHI: CHI 2, WAS 0. CHI leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: WAS @ CHI: CHI 6, WAS 5 OT. CHI leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: CHI @ WAS: WAS 4, CHI 3. CHI leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: CHI @ WAS: WAS 5, CHI 4. Series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: WAS @ CHI: CHI 6, WAS 1. CHI leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: CHI @ WAS: CHI 6, WAS 4. CHI wins the series 4-2.2012 Stanley Cup Champions are the Chicago Blackhawks.

2011-12 NHL Season Awards:

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP in regular season): Johnathan Toews, Chicago

Ted Lindsay Award (MVP voted by NHL PA): Johnathan Toews, Chicago

Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender): Tim Thomas, Boston

James Norris Memorial Trophy (Best Defensive Player): Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit 

Frank J. Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward): Ryan Kesler, Vancouver

Calder Memorial Trophy (Best Rookie): Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg
Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of Stanley Cup Playoffs): Johnathan Toews, Chicago


2011-12 NHL Performance Awards: 
Art Ross Trophy (Top Scorer in NHL): Johnathan Toews, Chicago at 106 Ponts.
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (Top Goal Scorer in NHL): Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay at 51 Goals.
NHL Plus-Minus Award: (Best Plus/Minus in NHL): Kevin Bieksa, Vancouver at +34.
Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award (Best Saving Percent in NHL): Tim Thomas, Boston at .940 %.
William M. Jennings Trophy (Fewest Goals Against in NHL): Roberto Luongo, Vancouver at 125 Goals.


2011-12 NHL Team Awards:
Stanley Cup (Stanley Cup Finals Champions): Chicago Blackhawks
Prince of Wales Trophy (Eastern Conference Champion): Washington Capitals
Charence S. Campbell (Western Conference Champion): Chicago Blackhawks
President's Trophy (Most Points in Regular Season by a Team): Washington Capitals with 115 ponts.

Justin Verlander & Clayton Kershaw Both Won The Pitching Triple Crown.

Both Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw won their league's triple by leading the in Wins, Strikeouts and ERA. This is the first time ever 2 players have won the triple crown in the same year. It is also the first time since Jake Peacy someone won it in the NL and since Johan Santana in 2006 in the AL.

Justin  Verlander: Justin Verlander won the AL Triple Crown. He had 24 wins, 5 more Sabathia, a 2.40 ERA, 0.01 less than Weaver and 250 Strikeouts, 20 more than Sabathia. Verlander had the most wins in a season since Bob Welch who had 27 in 1990. Verlander will probably win the Cy Young since he won the Triple Crown. Some people want him to win MVP and he would be the first pitcher in the AL since Dennis Eckersley who won in 1992. I would be fine if he won, but it is hard to give it to a player who played 34 games vs. 150-160 games. Verlander help his Detroit Tigers win 95 games and win the AL Central, their first division title since 1987. He won 25.3% of the Tigers wins, 2nd most in the MLB only behind Kershaw. Verlander also had the highest WHIP in the MLB at 0.92, 0.07 less than Kershaw. Also he had a BAA of .192 the lowest in the MLB. His was .015 lower than Kershaw's. Verlander could win Triple Crown, but it would be unlikely. Verlander also had a no-hitter on May 7th. It was the 2nd in his career. He only had 18 wins last year, a ERA of 3.37 and 219 strikeouts.

Clayton Kershaw: Clayton Kershaw won the NL Triple Crown. He had 21 wins, which was tied with Kennedy, a 2.28 ERA, 0.07 less than Halladay and 248 Strikeouts, 10 more than Lee. Kershaw will probably win the Cy Young since he won the Triple Crown, but Cliff Lee is a good choice too because he had 6 complete games  and 6 shutouts. He is a probably a MVP candidate. I would be very surprised if he won because he dominate like Verlander, players like Kemp who is his teammate and Fielder and Braun from Milwaukee should win. Kershaw help his Los Angeles Dodgers win 82 games and have a winning season, their first division title since 2009. He won 25.6% of the Dodgers wins, the most in the MLB. Kershaw also had the highest WHIP in the NL at 0.98, 0.01 less than Hamles. Also he had a BAA of .207 the lowest in the NL. His was .007 lower than Hamles'. Kershaw could win Triple Crown, but it would be very unlikely because he came out of no where to win it this year. He only won 13 games, a ERA of 2.91 and 212 strikeouts. 

2011 MLB Playoffs Predictions

2011 MLB Playoff Bracket:

National League:

1 Philadelphia 3

                                      } Philadelphia 4

4 St. Louis 0

                                                                            } Philadelphia 4

2 Milwaukee 3

                                      } Milwaukee 2

3 Arizona 2

American League:                                                                               } Philadelphia

1 New York Yankees 3

                                      } New York Yankees 4

3 Detroit 1

                                                                            } New York Yankees 2

2 Texas 2

                                      } Tampa Bay 2

4 Tampa Bay 3

2011 NLDS: 

(1) Philadelphia Phillies vs. (4) St. Louis Cardinals:

Game 1: STL @ PHI. PHI wins 2-1. PHI leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: STL @ PHI. PHI wins 6-3. PHI leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: PHI @ STL. PHI wins 4-2. PHI wins the series 3-0.

(2) Milwaukee Brewers vs. (3) Arizona Diamondbacks:

Game 1: ARI @ MIL. MIL wins 2-0. MIL leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: ARI @ MIL. MIL wins 5-4. MIL leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: MIL @ ARI. ARI wins 4-2. MIL leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: MIL @ ARI. ARI wins 6-4. The series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: ARI @ MIL. MIL wins 3-2. MIL wins the series 3-2.

2011 ALDS:

(1) New York Yankess vs. (3) Detroit Tigers:

Game 1: DET @ NYY. NYY wins 2-1. NYY leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: DET @ NYY. NYY wins 6-4. NYY leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: NYY @ DET. DET wins 4-3. NYY leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: NYY @ DET. NYY wins 7-5. NYY wins the series 3-1.

(2) Texas Rangers vs. (4) Tampa Bay Rays:

Game 1: TB @ TEX. TEX wins 6-5. TEX leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: TB @ TEX. TB wins 5-3. The series is tied at 1-1.
Game 3: TEX @ TB. TEX wins 4-0. TEX leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: TEX @ TB. TB wins 8-7. The series is tied at 2-2.
Game 5: TB @ TEX. TB wins 1-0. TB wins the series 3-2.

2011 NLCS:

(1) Philadelphia Phillies vs. (2) Milwaukee Brewers:

Game 1: MIL @ PHI. PHI wins 1-0. PHI leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: MIL @ PHI. PHI wins 5-1. PHI leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: PHI @ MIL. MIL wins 4-3. PHI leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: PHI @ MIL. PHI wins 5-2. PHI leads the series 3-1.
Game 5: PHI @ MIL. MIL wins 6-4. PHI leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: MIL @ PHI. PHI wins 4-1. PHI wins the series 4-2.

Philadelphia Phillies are 2011 Nationl League Champions.
Hunter Pence is 2011 NLCS MVP. 8 for 22 (.364), 4 Home Runs, 10 RBIs.

2011 ALCS:

(1) New York Yankees vs. (4) Tampa Bay Rays:

Game 1: TB @ NYY. NYY wins 3-2. NYY leads the series 1-0.

Game 2: TB @ NYY. NYY wins 6-1. NYY leads the series 2-0.

Game 3: NYY @ TB. TB wins 8-4. NYY leads the series 2-1.

Game 4: NYY @ TB. TB wins 6-3. The series is tied at 2-2.

Game 5: NYY @ TB. NYY wins 3-1. NYY leads the series 3-2.

Game 6: TB @ NYY. NYY wins 4-3. NYY wins the series 4-2.

New York Yankees are 2011 American League Champions.

Curtis Granderson is 2011 ALCS MVP. 8 for 21 (.381), 3 Home Runs and 9 RBIs.

2011 World Series:

Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees:

Game 1: NYY @ PHI. PHI wins 3-1. PHI leads the series 1-0.
Game 2: NYY @ PHI. PHI wins 3-2. PHI leads the series 2-0.
Game 3: PHI @ NYY. NYY wins 5-4. PHI leads the series 2-1.
Game 4: PHI @ NYY. NYY wins 4-2.The series is tied 2-2.
Game 5: PHI @ NYY. PHI wins 2-1. PHI leads the series 3-2.
Game 6: NYY @ PHI. PHI wins 6-4. PHI wins the series 4-2.
Philadelphia Phillies are 2011 World Series Champions.
Roy Halladay  is 2011 World Series MVP. 2-0, 1.20 ERA, 21 Strikeouts.

Mariano Rivera Is Now The All-Time Save Leader

Now we can officially call Mariano Rivera the best closer in MLB history. On Monday, Rivera got his 602nd save for his career. He passed Trevor Hoffman who hade 601 saves, he retired after last year. Last week, Rivera became the 2nd person to have 600 save. Before Hoffman and Rivera, there was no one with 500 saves. Lee Smith had the most saves at 478 saves. Rivera also has the most post-season with 42 saves. His 2.22 E.R.A. is higher than any MLB closer in history. His 0.71 E.R.A is highest in MLB Post-season history. He also has finished 881 games which is more than anyone in history. His 0.9983 is 2nd highest in MLB history, he is only behind Addie Joss. Rivera is a 12-time All-Star in his career. With the Yankees he has helped them win 5 World Series and he was the World Series MVP in 1999. He had a win and 2 saves in the World Series. Also in 2003 he was the ALCS MVP. He has won the Relief Man Award five times which is tied for the most with Dan Quisenberry. He has also won the MLB Delivery Man Award three times. The award was first in 2005 and no one has won more than once besides him. Rivera should easily be a Hall of Famer when he retires. Being 41 he could keep pitching until he is 45 and get up to 700 to 750 saves for his career. Yankees should retire Rivera's 42 when he retires. Rivera is the last play to wear 42 in MLB history because in 1997 and since he already had 42 he could keep until he retires. Now one besides him can say he was the last to wear a certain number in their league.

Record Setting Monday Night Football: 9/12/2011

There were 3 records set or tied on Monday Night Football last night. Tom Brady had the first one when he was 32 for 48 and passed for 517 yards vs. Miami. In the same game Wes Welker caught a pass from Brady for 99 yard touchdown. In the Oakland vs. Denver game Sebastian Janikowski kicked a 63 yard field goal at the end of the half.

Tom Brady's 517 Passing Yard Game: We already knew that Tom Brady was a great QB with 2 MVPs, 3 Super Bowls Rings in 4 Super Bowls and 2 Super Bowls MVPs. Tom Brady on Monday became the 10th player in NFL history to throw for 500 yards in a game. 517 Yards is the 4th most ever, only behind Moon, Esiason and Marino. He was the 2nd to have 4+ TDs passes and 500 yards, the only other was Y.A. Tittle. He was the first since Roethlisberger did it in 2009. Brady is a sure fire Hall of Famer when he retires. He did though an Interception the first in 358 passes and first since Week 6 of last year. Also became the 15th QB to have 3000 completions in his career and the 5th QB to do it with 1 team. He isn't even half way to Brett Favre who has 6300 in his career.
Wes Welker's 99 Yard TD: He caught the pass from Tom Brady. He is the 13th player to have a run or catch of 99 yards. 12 are catches and 1 is a run. He has the longest play on offensive you can have since you can't go over 100 unless it is a kick or punt return. Tom Brady loves to throw to Welker, so I won't be surprised if he has a huge year.
Sebastian Janikowski 63 yard field goal: Normally a coach would punt from this distance but after a facemask penalty and it being at the end of the half. Oakland went for it and Janikowski made it pretty easily. The game was in Denver and because of the thin air the ball travels further than normal. Janikowski actually hit a 70 yard field goal in practice before the game. This ties the NFL record, only Tom Dempsey and Jason Elam have had 63 yards field goals and Elam was in Denver has well. Janikowski probably has the 1st or 2nd best power in the game, I wouldn't surprised if he breaks the record in the future.