EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SERIES PREVIEW | NYR VS TBL

Again, apologies this is late but school and blogging is sometimes rather difficult to juggle. We're already 1 game into the series, which was won by the Rangers so spoiler alert. Anyways, I think this is very interesting match-up we have here between NY and TB. You've got a quick offense-first team of kids in Tampa and a more veteran all-around powerhouse in New York. Let's take a look in depth.

OFFENSIVE COMPARISON

RANGERS
The Rangers are full of star-power up front, as they have 3 solid play-making centers down the middle in Brassard, Stepan and young Kevin Hayes. They don't have an eye-popping superstar but they have depth, which you need. On the wings you have vets Rick Nash and Marty St. Louis, as well as youngsters in Chris Kreider, Jesper Fast & J.T. Miller. There's speedy Carl Hagelin and then a two-way fourth line of James Sheppard, Tanner Glass & Dominic Moore. Up front the Rangers are very rounded, they have grit, play-making ability, goal scoring, youth, speed etc. I still think Tampa matches up better offensively, lets have a look.

LIGHTNING
The Bolts are very rounded, but also boast the star-power. You've got all-star Steven Stamkos, playing mostly with 'The Killer' Alex Killorn and gritty Ryan Callahan who literally has appendix surgery and then came back 4 days later saying put me in coach. Callahan, former captain of the Rangers definitely have something to prove in this series. Then, the kid line, the amazingly talented offensive line of Kucherov, Johnson & Palat. These 3 are good, and they've shown it all season. You still have Valterri Filppula, Brian Boyle, J.T. Brown, Cedric Pacquette, Brenden Morrow & Vladislav Namestnikov. Appearances from Jonathan Drouin and Jonathan Marchessault make this an offense-first extremely lethal and dangerous forward corpse, which NY must watch out for.

DEFENSIVE COMPARISON

RANGERS
The Rangers boast a great back-half, which they made even better at the trade deadline. Ryan McDonagh, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Keith Yandle, Dan Boyle & Kevin Klein form a combination of defense and offense which is a force to be reckoned with. They have the Lightning cleanly beat in this category, as this D Glen Sather put together is one word - lethal. Mix that with The King in net, you have an outstanding d-force.

LIGHTNING
Victor Hedman has found his way in the NHL this year as a top-flight defenseman, but his supporting cast is only decent. Stralman, Garrison, Coburn, Sustr and Carle are decent, but not comparable to the Rangers. Bishop has been good these playoffs, but he's no Lundqvist which is why the Rangers win this matchup.

PREDCTION
It's a close series, as we wait to see when the Rangers one goal game streak ends. I think it ends this series, but I also think the Blue Shirts prevail. Expect a 7-game grueling series from these 2 Eastern Conference power-houses.

Thanks for reading,

~UWNHL TEAM

SECOND ROUND SERIES RECAP | NYR 4, WSH 3

First off, I apologize for this being so late - if you didn't already know I am in school and the year is coming to and end and that means exams.. yeah. I'll do my best to make sure this doesn't happen again. Anyways, back to hockey. Washington blew a 3-1 series lead to the relentless Rangers, who rally from 3-1 down for the second straight year to win in 7. Ovechkin's game 7 guarantee wasn't enough to get those Capitals by - let's look at in in some depth.

GAME 1 - NYR 1, WSH 2 (FINAL)
The Rangers were upset by a chippy Capitals team in game 1, as Joel Ward's late game heroics sparked the Caps. Alex Ovechkin's rocket wrist shot opened the series in the 1st, and you could already tell this was going to be a hard-fought, tight series. A deflection from Jesper Fast tied the game relatively late in the 3rd, and OT looked certain. Joel Ward would argue that, after Backstrom's controversial hit on Dan Boyle led to a stuff-in goal from Ward with under 2 seconds to go in the game. A great performance by Braden Holtby, who continues to show he is an elite goaltender. In game 1 we saw more of the new-look chippy Capitals, and they were able to outlast NY. Onto game 2.

GAME 2 - NYR 3, WSH 2 (FINAL)
The one-goal games continued for the Rangers, as they held off the Caps in another close game. They were able to get off to a 2-0 lead after Kreider & Boyle (PP) goals respectively. Evgeny Kuznetsov responded for the Caps in the 2nd, as he continues to cement his spot as the #2 center over there in Washington. Derick Brassard put home his 4th of the postseason in the 3rd, followed by an Ovi goal from the Caps. That was all they could muster, as the 3-2 score stood. These chippy games continue, as they do all series.

GAME 3 - WSH 1, NYR 0 (FINAL)
You think those chippy 1-goal games are going to continue? Yeah. Jay Beagle's second period goal was the only one in a 1-0 defeat. Holtby played absolutely stellar for Washington, as they took a 2-1 series lead here. I really like the new Capitals, the team that finishes every check, and plays these type of games - all kudos to Barry Trotz. Don't count out those Rangers, who continue to battle hard against this stingy Washington team.

GAME 4 - WSH 2, NYR 1 (FINAL)
This has to be the stingiest series I've ever witnessed. Another 1 goal game, and another goaltender battle. Holtby out-dueled Lundqvist once again, as the Caps took a commanding 3-1 series lead (will it hold though? Mmhmhm idk.) Derick Brassard opened the scoring in the second, followed by a response from Caps youngster Andre Burakovsky. Then 28 seconds into the 3rd, who else but Burakovsky to put the Caps up 2-1, as they held off the Rangers. Don Cherry did a piece on Burakovsky the following day, and that must feel good as Don doesn't usually praise Europeans. Andre blocked shots, scored goals, did all he could to make his presence felt in this one, and make his presence felt he did.

GAME 5 - NYR 2, WSH  1 (FINAL OT)
Heading back to NY, the caps had a chance to eliminate the Rangers, but they were unable to. Another 2-1 game, jeez this has to be some sort of record. It was scoreless until the 3rd, where the Caps depth stepped up as Curtis Glencross opened the scoring. Just when it looked like the Glencross goal might stand, Chris Kreider tied the game with under 2 minutes to go. We have OT folks! Less than halfway through, who else but the captain Ryan McDonagh to end it with a bomb from the line. This game the Rangers seemed to dominate a bit more, as Holtby just couldn't hold these guys off. Could the Caps respond back home in game 6?

GAME 6 - WSH 3, NYR 4 (FINAL)
No, as another 1 goal game goes by in favour of New York once again, as a game 7 is forced (exciting!) 2 first period goals from Chris Kreider (1 on the PP with 1 second left) game the Rangers a commanding 2-0 lead after 20. Jason Chimera responded for Washington in the second, cutting the lead in half. Now into the 3rd, a couple quick goals from Dan Boyle and Rick Nash put the Rangers up 4-1. Those Caps refused to give up, as they completely DESTROYED the Rangers in the final half of the 3rd, as Evgeny Kuznetsov and Joel Ward goals put them back within 1. I really thought they were going to tie it, but The King shut the door, as those relentless Rangers forced a 7 at Madison Square Garden.

GAME 7 - NYR 2, WSH 1 (FINAL OT)
Every goal in this series was won by 1 goal, that's chippy if I've ever seen it. The Rangers came all the way back from 3-1 down just like they did last year against Pittsburgh, and sent Ovi and the Caps home crying. The Caps did open the scoring, as it was the man himself Alex Ovechkin who dented the scoreboard first. The kid Kevin Hayes responded on the PP in the 2nd, as the game remained tied 1-1 until the end of regulation. A hard fought, close game and series as a whole was going to overtime. Game 7 OT is so fun to watch, I can't begin to explain it. Washington was dominating early in OT, and for a second I thought they might win. You can never count out those Rangers, as a Dan Girardi screen shot failed to get through, and it came right to Derek Stepan who ripped it past Holtby to win the series.

This series was so close and hard-fought, even though they blew the 3-1 series the lead the Caps exceeded all expectations made for them. Every game was so chippy (I've said that word more in this post than in my life) and so exciting but non-exciting at the same time to watch. In the end, the Rangers outlasted the Caps, as they continue to show why they won the Presidents Trophy. New York, we'll see you my friends in the Eastern Conference final vs. Tampa Bay.

Thanks for reading,

~UWNHL TEAM

SECOND ROUND SERIES RECAP | MTL 2, TBL 4

The Atlantic Division champions are packing up, as their run to try and come back from 3-0 down has failed in the 6th game. Ryan Callahan was absent for game 6 because of an emergency appendectomy, rookie Jonathan Marchessault was fine in relief. My reasoning behind Tampa winning this series is one simple point - Montreal isn't that good. I know that's pretty bold to say. considering they made it here, but seriously - Carey Price may have back problems this offseason because he pretty much dragged this team into round 2. Their offense is nothing to drop your jaw at, as other than Pacioretty and MAYBE Gallagher, they aren't dangerous. They finished 25th in goals per game this season, horrendous for a round 2 playoff team. Subban's in charge of the D, but even though he's great to watch he gives away his fair share of pucks, and everyone else is relatively slow and weak defensively (some exceptions). The reason they're here is the work of Carey Price, who in my opinion is the surefire Hart Trophy winner. This series Tampa's lethal offense was able to solve him, and because of that, they're off the Eastern Conference Final.

GAME 1 - TBL 2, MTL 1 (FINAL 2OT)
Game 1 of the series in Montreal was a chippy game, as there wasn't a goal through 2 periods, some good goaltending from both sides. Tyler Johnson's 7th of the postseason (impressive) opened the scoring 2 and a half into the third. Max Pacioretty would tie the game a bit later, and we head to OT squared up at 1. In OT Nikita Kucherov thought he won the game, but upon review he pushed Carey Price into the net with the puck, and his bid was waived off - but as we head into double OT who's the hero? Nikita Kucherov of course. His snapper beat Price low, and Tampa wins game 1. There was controversy with this goal, as the refs missed an offside call on the play, but that can't be changed now. I still believe Tampa would have won nonetheless, so it doesn't change my perspective.

GAME 2 - TBL 6, MTL 2 (FINAL)
This is the type of game where Montreal tries to let Carey carry them (see what I did there) but he showed he was, well, human. Montreal d-man Jeff Petry opened the scoring in the 1st, but a PP goal from Val Filppula tied it with little to go in the frame. Stamkos 'shake and bake' breakaway goal put Tampa ahead, followed by a pair of PP goals from Kucherov, and a late one from Victor Hedman respectively. 4-1 was the score heading to the 3rd, and it only got worse for the Habs. Kucherov's second of the game on the PP made it 5, followed by a Tom Gilbert retaliation, and finally TB winger J.T. Brown put up the 6th goal, as the game finished 6-2. Again, this game showed Price is NOT in fact a superhuman (though arguable) and Tampa found a way to light him up.

GAME 3 - MTL 1, TBL 2 (FINAL)
This was the game Tampa stole, as I think Montreal deserved the 2-1 series, not 3-0 after this one. Tampa's Alex Killorn opened the scoring in the 1st. and that goal stood on the board up until halfway through the 3rd, when Brendan Gallagher's hack & wack rebound goal tied things up. Then, the infamous goal with less that 1 second left on the clock, a nice sequence of passing by the Bolts, coming off the stick of Tyler Johnson, who's 8th of the postseason won game 3. Tampa looked slow this game, and  I do believe Montreal badly wanted it, but the late goal was an absolute stab in the back for the Habs.

GAME 4 - MTL 6, TBL 2 (FINAL)
Montreal refused to get swept, coming out with an exceptional game 4 effort, outplaying and beating the Lightning. Tampa looked absolutely unwilling and lazy this game, and Le Canadiens du Montreal took advantage. Andrei Markov and Max Pacioretty (shorthanded) put the Habs up 2-0 after 20. Then a sequence of goals in the second, David Desharnais, Jeff Petry (PP), and Brendan Gallagher respectively put the Habs up 5-0! After the Desharnais goal Bishop was yanked and rookie Andrei Vasilevskiy was in. A PP goal, Nikita Kucherov's 4th of the series made it 5-1 heading to the final frame. Then another PP goal just 17 seconds into the 3rd from Ondrej Palat made it 5-2. Brandon Prust quickly responded with his 1st of the playoffs, capping off a 6-2 beating. Tampa looked not at all prepared to handle a desperate team, and looked as if they thought this was going to be a breeze, they now know differently.

GAME 5 - TBL 1, MTL 2 (FINAL)
This was a tight game, though I again thought the Lightning were outplayed. Bishop was back in the cage, but it was Devante Smith-Pelly's top corner snipe that opened the scoring for the home team, and that stood through 40 minutes. Steven Stamkos' mere 2nd of the postseason tied things at around the halfway point of the 3rd, but an unlikely hero P.A. Parenteau scored with just under 5 to go in the game, as the Habs held on for the W. The Bell Centre was VERY loud, as the French fans were desperate to hold on while on the ropes. The Lightning had cleaned up their game somewhat, but were still outplayed, and the end result, a loss.

GAME 6 - MTL 1, TBL 4 (FINAL)
This was Tampa's game to eliminate Montreal. They showed they wanted to win, in my opinion the first time since game 2. Montreal was unable to cope with the fast paced Lightning, as the speedy group of youngsters came to play in game 6. Nikita Kucherov solved Price with a nice tip-in late 1st, to put the Bolts up 1-0 after 20. Stamkos notched #3 of the series, while Ondrej Palat put up a PP goal, to make it 3-0 after 40. A late goal from Max Pacioretty gave the Habs some hope, but it would only end up being the last goal of their 2014-15 season. Kucherov's second of the game was an empty netter to seal the deal on this one.

If it seems I've been bashing on Montreal a bit here, in their defense they did well to force a game 6 after falling down 3-0. If they won game 3, who knows how this series would have played out. They also hit a boatload of posts, a bomb dodged by Tampa. Despite those posts, Bishop played a good series despite being yanked in game 4, and maybe showed the world he's in the elite of NHL goaltenders. Carey's series was only decent, and that isn't enough to get the Habs by. Tampa Bay, we'll see you in the Eastern Conference Finals against either the Caps or Rangers.

Cheers,

~UWNHL TEAM

**NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO - CALGARY FLAMES | A RUN TO REMEMBER**

Please check out our second YouTube video, this one regarding the Calgary Flames. Leave feedback, questions & requests in the comment section below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTEfwKBIotA&feature=youtu.be

Thanks,

~UWNHL TEAM

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SERIES PREVIEW | ANA VS CHI

The 2015 Western Conference Final is officially between the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks. Anaheim will get home-ice advantage, something I really don't think will affect the way the Hawks come into this series. The Hawks are down Michal Roszival, meaning Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Johnny Oduya & Nicklas Hjalmarsson will be relied heavily upon. Let's take a look at this matchup.

OFFENSIVE COMPARISON

DUCKS
On the offensive side of things, the Ducks have been rolling with a top 6 of Maroon - Getzlaf - Perry, Beleskey - Kesler - Silfverberg. In the bottom 6 they have speedy Andrew Cogliano, and depth goal scoring from Rickard Rakell, Kyle Palmieri & Emerson Etem. They have gritty two-way forward Nate Thompson and grinder Tim Jackman filling out a versatile bottom 6. With Getzlaf and Kesler as their one-two punch down the middle they look like a much better playoff-prepared team, and will match up against the Hawks quite nicely in that category. Beleskey had the second round of his life, we'll have to see if he can continue that vs the Hawks. One thing that concerns me about the Ducks is the lack of grit in their bottom 6, in hard-fought playoff hockey sometimes guys like Rakell, Palmieri and Etem are insufficient especially if they go quiet. That's where I think the Hawks may be able to take advantage of Anaheim. Even their subs, Tomas Fleishcmann(may have misspelled that) and Jiri Sekac don't help. We'll have to see how it plays out.

HAWKS
The Hawks also boast a very talented top 6, going with Saad - Toews - Hossa, and Bickell - Richard - Kane. Patrick Sharp is playing on the 3rd line, in case you didn't know. Wow. The Hawks have their superstars in Kane, Toews, Hossa, Sharp upfront, and those were the guys that really showed up in round 2. Then you have guys like trade deadline pickups Antoine Vermette & Andrew Desjardins, the gritty Andrew Shaw, Swede Marcus Kruger and young phenom Teuvo Teravainen, this team is deep. They have their skill, and their two-way grit, which always makes them a tall task as an opponent.

DEFENSIVE COMPARISON

DUCKS
At defense the Ducks have a very gifted offensive group - Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm & Cam Fowler were all good in round 1. Then you have veterans Francois Beauchemin & Clayton Stoner, young Simon Despres, James Wisniewski is riding pine right now! (Just though I'd throw that in there.) They have a great mix of defensive players and offensive players on the back end, and they definitely have the Hawks beat on the ability to be confident on whichever line is out there, and not overuse guys. Then they have Frederik Andersen in the net, who's been good through the first 2 rounds, but yet to be tested by a team like the Hawks, so we'll see.

HAWKS
As we know, the Hawks heavily rely on workhorse d-men Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. They've mixed them up this playoffs, throwing Johnny Oduya and Nicklas Hjalmarsson around as well. Kimmo Timonen has seen VERY limited time as a veteran, but will probably see more with the loss of Michal Roszival. David Rundblad will see some action with Roszival down and out. Again, the Hawks have Keith & Seabrook, but the Ducks have the ability to roll all lines. In net Corey Crawford was amazing in round 2, but if he runs into trouble again, expect that to be the x-factor of the series.

PREDICTION
On my last round predictions (which you don't know because  I didn't have the blog) I predicted Ducks in 6 games, and Wild in 7. So my Ducks was almost there, but wow, the Wild let me down. My prediction for this series has the Hawks going back to the cup final, after dealing with the Ducks in a hard-fought 6 games. Please comment your predictions, it's shaping up to be a great end to the 2015 playoffs.

Thanks,

~UWNHL TEAM

SECOND ROUND SERIES RECAP | ANA 4, CGY 1

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The Calgary Flames memorable run was put to an end Sunday by the Anaheim Ducks, after Corey Perry scored the game 5 OT winner to send the Flames home. After 2 rounds, the Ducks have only lost 1 game! (Wow!) I think one thing to factor in is the Ducks most definitely have had the easiest run to the Conference Final, no offense Calgary and Winnipeg. I still wouldn't doubt what these guys can do, Chicago better be prepared. After going out, the Flames point leader was Johnny Hockey who had 9 points in 11 games, the kid continues to impress. This will also be Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau's first time in the Conference Final, so we'll have to see how that goes.

GAME 1 - CGY 1, ANA 6 (FINAL)
Game 1 was ALL Anaheim. 2 first period goals from Matt Beleskey and Patrick Maroon put the Ducks up 2-0 after 20. 2 minutes into period 2, Corey Perry's 4th of the postseason chased former Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller out of the net, 3-0 Ducks and Karri Ramo between the pipes. Emerson Etem solved Ramo at around halfway through the 2nd, as we went to the 3rd with the Flames trailing 4-0. Just 2 and a half minutes into the 3rd, we saw 2 Ducks PP goals from Perry and Getzlaf, to put them up 6-0! Rookie Sam Bennett netted his 3rd of the postseason (impressive), but it wasn't near enough as the Ducks wiped the floor with the Flames 6-1. Overall, Hiller looked TERRIBLE, and Ramo looked okay in relief, but overall the Flames were outplayed, outskilled, outclassed, you name it. They would have to respond with something a lot better in game 2, as their game 1 effort was horrendous.

GAME 2 - CGY 0, ANA 3 (FINAL)
Game 2 was a MUCH better game for the Cardiac kids, but not enough to beat the lethal Ducks. Bob Hartley decided to start Ramo for this game, which wasn't a bad call as Karri played a great game. Matt Beleskey opened the scoring around 7 minutes into the first, with is second of the series. 1-0 Ducks at the break. After a scoreless 2nd, and a solid period from Ramo and Ducks goaltender Frederik Andersen, we head to the 3rd with the Ducks holding onto the 1-0 lead. Around halfway through, it's Ducks blueliner Hampus Lindholm who solves Ramo, to extend the lead. We later saw an empty netter from Nate Thompson to ice the games. The Flames played a good game, but Andersen was good, as he has been all postseason. Despite the Flames effort, they need to work on their starts, as the Ducks DOMINATED the 1st period, outshooting the kids 20-9! Heading back to Calgary for game 3, they need to pull it together.

GAME 3 - ANA 3, CGY 4 (FINAL OT)
Finally! The Flames made Andersen concede 4 goals, he low-key looked reallly shaky. Imagine being in this building after the OT winner, it must have been crazy! Calgary 4th liner Brandon Bollig showed his scoring touch in the 1st, scoring just 2 and a half minutes in. The Ducks quickly replied with goals from Maroon and Perry before the period could end, putting them up 2-1 after 20. Little into the second, a shorthanded breakaway goal by Joe Colborne, where he made a nice backhand forehand move to beat Andersen tied the game. Beleskey continued his success in the series, scoring little after to put the Ducks up heading into the 3rd. Then, the controversy. Sam Bennett's no goal, which in my eyes was a GOAL! As a ref it's very hard, because you have to remember the whole puck has to be across the line, and though it looked fully in, you can see why the refs played it safe and waived it off, but I think the whole disk was across the line and the Flames were robbed of one - but with 20 seconds to go in the game with Ramo, who had started once again out and a PP. who else but JOHNNY HOCKEY to tie the game, as the place went into hysterics! Then under 5 minutes into OT, it was Mikael Backlund, who had been rather quiet all series, netting the winner. Good game by the Flames, an overall exciting one and the type of game you'd love to watch.

GAME 4 - ANA 4. CGY 2 (FINAL)
This game was once again well played by Calgary, but it was easy to see the Ducks were the better team. Calgary started well, as they fell down early after Jakob Silfverberg's PP goal put the Ducks up 1-0 early, they responded with goals from Sean Monahan and Michael Ferland (who has been a beast all series) to go up 2-1 after 1. Late 2nd, speedy Ducks winger Andrew Cogliano tied the game going into the 3rd. Just 1 minute into the 3rd, Beleskey continued to extinguish the Flames, as his PP goal put the Ducks in front. An empty netter by Patrick Maroon (who's had a very solid postseason so far with Getz & Perry), sealed the deal. Again, this was a very well played game by Ramo and the Flames, but those pesky Ducks fended them off once again.

GAME 5 - CGY 2, ANA 3 (FINAL OT)
This was a thrilling elimination game to watch, as the Flames were on the ropes for the first time all playoffs. A PP goal from Jiri Hudler halfway through the 1st put them up 1-0 after 1, a god start from the visitors. 5 into the 2nd, Anaheim responded with their own PP goal from Ryan Kesler, who notched his first of the series. Just one minute later the Cardiac kids wouldn't quit, as JOHNNY HOCKEY found the net, to put the kids up 2-1. Into the 3rd period, Ducks on the PP just 59 seconds in, who else but MATT BELESKEY, who's now scored in every game with series, to tie things up. Let me say before we get to OT, the Ducks KILLED the Flames this game, they outshot them 40-19, and were ALL OVER THEM! Just 2 minutes into OT, Corey Perry's tip and 7th of the postseason (leads the NHL in points), won the series for the relentless Ducks, as the poor Flames memorable run was over.

This was a great series by the Flames, other than game 1 they were in every single game, and never back down despite their tough opponents. Ramo played very well after coming in relief of Hiller, and eventually playing the whole series. Andersen was good as well, but he had his shaky bits. Beleskey was a force this series, scoring in every game. Previously mentioned, so was Gaudreau, who continued to show his worth as a Calder Trophy winner. Ducks are off to the WCF for the first time in a while, it'll be interesting to see how they play against the Hawks. Until next time!

~UWNHL TEAM

Ottawa Senators: Playoff Legacy

 Check out our first YouTube video!

https://youtu.be/p6GSuEOyCQA

~UWNHL TEAM

**UNWRITTEN NHL 2015 MOCK DRAFT | PICKS 6-10**

Welcome back, to our second installment of UWNHL Mock Draft! In this one, we'll be reviewing our picks 6-10. Enjoy as we go through the Devils, Flyers, Jackets, Sharks & Avalanche. We'll try and do 11-15 as soon as we can, so if we haven't done your team yet don't worry, it just means they aren't as garbage as the teams we've done. Please, please, pleeease feel free to leave feedback if you're a viewer, because we'd always love to hear other opinions. Thanks, and enjoy the show.

#6 - New Jersey Devils - Dylan Strome (C)

The Devils need offensive help, and they'd be thrilled if they were able to land Dylan Strome of the OHL's Erie Otters at pick #6. The competition between London Knights Mitch Marner and Strome has been evident for mock drafters all year, and I believe the Leafs MAY take Strome at #4, but I did say they chose the skilled Marner over Strome. If the Devils do end up getting him at #6, they've found a sure-fire #1 center of the future. Strome led the OHL with 129 points (Wow!) in 68 games (45G, 84A). He did have more games played than McDavid and Marner, so I wouldn't count on him being #1 up there if McDavid and Marner had the same # of games played. I do still think Strome is an extremely smart player that's outstanding when the puck is on his stick. He's an elite playmaker and has a rocket of a shot. His only setback is his skating, which will have to improve if he wants to keep up with the NHL pace. Overall, the Devils would be ecstatic to land Strome nonetheless.

#7 - Philadelphia Flyers - Ivan Provorov (D)

Ivan Provorov has quietly found himself being debated about whether he's the top d-man in the draft. I believe that is Noah Hanifin's honour, but the Russian Provorov is not far behind. The Flyers have been looking for young defensive studs for a while, and though they have found decent prospects in Shane Gostisbehere, Samuel Morin, and Robert Hagg, Provorov could be the piece they're missing. One of the best rewards Provorov comes with is he played in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings, meaning he's come over from Russia and knows the North American style of play. Provorov had an impressive season, notching 61 points in 60 games (15G, 46A). Things to note about his game is he's an excellent passer, and is great at making plays on the fly. He's also not afraid to throw his 6" 200 lb frame around, which is always a plus. He had a little bit of a shaky world juniors with Russia, only putting up 1 assist in 7 games while playing little minutes. Expect Provorov to be a top 7 pick, and a future impact defenseman.

#8 - Columbus Blue Jackets - Zach Werenski (D)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are an interesting team, they have a really bright future up front, but on the back end they're missing some pieces. That's why I think they grab American d-man Zach Werenski with the 8th pick. Werenski had 25 points in 35 games with the Michigan Wolverines in The Big 10 (9G, 16A). A couple words to describe Werenski's game are he's a big, strong, offensive player that can quarterback a PP. More physicality would round out the Michigan-born player's game, as his size is a large part of his game. Expect Werenski to be taken off the board as the #3 defenseman in the draft.

#9 - San Jose Sharks - Mathew Barzal (C)

"Jumbo" Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are reaching the end of their milestone NHL careers, so why not re-stock the shelves with young offensive dynamos like Mathew Barzal. An off-ice knee injury kept Barzal off the ice for 3 or so months, impacting his draft year. He has responded very well, after putting up 57 points in 44 games with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds (12G, 45A). Like many other prospects, he sees the game out of this world, as his soft hands and footspeed make him an elite playmaker and #1 center. He was the first overall pick in the 2013 WHL junior draft, as his skill was evident even back in junior hockey, Barzal has a bit of risk, as he has looked inconsistent at times, but I believe he will end up as an offensive dynamo in the NHL.

#10 - Colorado Avalanche - Pavel Zacha (C/LW)

Pavel Zacha's season was a short one, as his draft year was majorly affected by injuries and suspensions. The Colorado Avalanche already have a plethora of good young forwards, but why not throw in the 6"3 214 lb Zacha, a combo of skill and size that makes him a very rounded player. Born in Czech Republic, Zacha moved to North America to expert his game, as he spent the year with the OHL's Sarnia Sting, tallying 34 points in 37 games, to go with 56 PIMS. (16G, 18A). Zacha's numbers may not pop out at you, but many scouts say they are not a representation of what he's worth. They say he's a large power forward with goal scoring capability and skill, some scouts comparing his play style to that of Alex Ovechkin. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, but Zacha is bound to make his presence felt in the big leagues.

Thanks,

~UWNHL TEAM

SECOND ROUND SERIES RECAP | CHI 4, MIN 0

The deed was done Thursday night, as the unstoppable Chicago Blackhawks completed the sweep of Devan Dubnyk's Minnesota Wild. To be honest, I thought Minnesota would do a lot better than they did, considering how well Dubnyk played in round one. I do believe we saw Dubnyk regress in this series, a key factor of why it was so easy for Chicago. Another big factor was how well Chicago's top players played, when they're on their game, Chicago is virtually unbeatable. Something to note about this series, is Chicago D-man Michal Roszival went down with an ankle injury, and will miss the rest of the playoffs. With that the Hawks lost a good veteran presence back there, and I believe they will now be forced to turn to David Rundblad. A minor setback, as I believe Chicago will continue to be a force to be reckoned with against the Ducks or Flames.

GAME 1 - MIN 3, CHI 4 (FINAL)
Game 1 was a strange game for both teams, as it started relatively quick with Brandon Saad scoring 1:15 in to make it 1-0. That was followed by goals from Patrick Kane and Marcus Kruger, to make it 3-0 Hawks after the first 20. Minnesota responded extremely well in the 2nd, as Jason Zucker scored 1:21 in. A power play strike from Parise and a goal from Granlund equalized the game at 3! What an effort by Minnesota! Though those Hawks never back down, and who else but the kid Teuvo Teravainen to score with 59 seconds remaining in the 2nd, to make it 4-3. The score would hold through the 3rd, and the Hawks captured game 1. I think both teams were good, Chicago's start was the main reason they won this game, and the Wild were outstanding to get back into it, and the only thing that separated these teams was one lucky goal.

GAME 2 - MIN 1, CHI 4 (FINAL)
The Hawks did not take their foot off the gas pedal in game 2, as they put together a solid 4-1 defeat. After a scoreless first, Jonathan Toews netted a shorty past Dubnyk halfway through the second, to put the Hawks up 1-0. Then, with 20 seconds to go in the frame, a great pass from Duncan Keith led to a partial break for Patty Kane, and he ripped it by Dubnyk to put the Hawks up 2 at the break. Minnesota responded 1:20 into the 3rd, as Matt Dumba scored his first career playoff goal on the PP, but Sharps goal several minutes later and Kane's empty netter sealed the victory for Chicago. Minnesota played a great game overall, but were thwarted by the excellent play of Hawks goalie Corey Crawford. A couple goals from Kane gave him already 3 in the series, through just 2 games.

GAME 3 - CHI 1, MIN 0 (FINAL)
This game was ALL Crawford. Who else but showtime Patrick Kane netted his 6th of the postseason on the PP with around 6 to go in the 1st, and that was the lone goal that stood, as the rest of the game was the Crawford show. He stopped all 30 shots for his first shutout of the postseason, en route to the 3-0 stranglehold lead the Hawks had now put together.

GAME 4 - CHI 4, MIN 3 (FINAL)
With the Wild on the ropes, the Hawks refused to hold back. Brent Seabrook put one by Dubnyk halfway through the 1st, to give the Hawks the first goal of the game in every single matchup. Andrew Shaw's PP goal in the second made it 2-0, but shortly after Minnesota's injury replacement Erik Haula put one by the brickwall Crawford, to put Minny within 1. Into the 3rd, things looked close up until Kane continued to dominate, scoring with just under 7 to go, putting the Hawks up 3-1. The Wild opted to pull their goalie shortly after when they were awarded a PP, but Marian Hossa hit the net to make it 4-1 with 4 minutes to go. Here's where you have to give the Wild credit for battling back, as on that same PP Jason Pominville scored his 3rd of the playoffs, followed by a goal from "El Nino" Nino Neiderreiter to put the home team back within 1! It was not enough, as the Hawks found their way by, completing the sweep.

The big reason Chicago controlled this series was their all-stars coming to play, including goalie Corey Crawford, who rebounded ever so nicely from round 1. Minnesota put up a fight in pretty much every game, so you have to give them some credit, but I believe Dubnyk DID regress and that was they key reason the Wild were dealt with so easily.

Please leave comments and opinions, I'd love to hear.

~UWNHL TEAM

**UNWRITTEN NHL 2015 MOCK DRAFT | PICKS 1-5**

*WELCOME TO THE UWNHL 2015 NHL MOCK DRAFT*
We decided to get this going during the playoffs, as the junior seasons are about done, the playoffs just sorting themselves out. Though the prospects positioning in the draft shouldn't be affected at this point. In this post we will look at picks 1-5, looking at the picks from Edmonton, Buffalo, Arizona, Toronto and Carolina. Enjoy, and expect 6-10 sometime this weekend.

Note-This mock draft is first round only

#1 - Edmonton Oilers - Connor McDavid (C)

The consensus #1 pick in the draft, Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters. McDavid is noted as a generational talent that is getting arguably more hype than Sidney Crosby back in 2005. McDavid is an elite, skilled playmaking center that notched 120 points in 47 OHL games with the Otters, 44G, 76A. Connor McDavid is the future of the NHL, and there's not a person that can disagree. The kids' numbers are ridiculous, but he sure as hell can back them up. Scouts say he sees the game in a 'parallel universe'. His dynamic plays will pull you right out of your chair, and there's not a doubt McDavid's name will be called first by Peter Ciarelli and co.

#2 - Buffalo Sabres - Jack Eichel (C)

The consensus #2 is American center, Jack Eichel. Eichel put up 71 points in 40 games playing at Boston University (26G, 45A). After losing the draft lottery, and missing  out on McDavid the Sabres were ashamed, but they shouldn't be as they get to land the next best center in the draft, and arguably also a generational talent, and would give Connor a run for his money. Eichel is noted as an offensive force, that plays every shift to the best of his abilities, and never backs down. His skating ability and ability to execute is exceptional, as is his hockey IQ. Eichel's game is somewhat similar to that of McDavid, and will most definitely get called by Buffalo.

#3 - Arizona Coyotes - Noah Hanifin (D)

At #3, we have American defenseman Noah Hanifin being taken by the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes have Brandon Gormley, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Connor Murphy already on the blue line, but you can never have enough d-men, and Hanifin is hands down the best in the draft. He had 23 points (5G, 18A) and was a +12 in 37 games with Boston College. He has NHL size at 6"2, 200, with elite skating and agility. He's great in the corners, has a great transition game and knows defense comes before offense, his hockey IQ is also good for a young defenseman. Imagine a future pairing of Ekman-Larsson and Hanifin for the 'Yotes, that would be lethal.

#4 - Toronto Maple Leafs - Mitch Marner (C)

#4 belongs to the beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. My beloved Maple Leafs that is. Many believe big Otters center Dylan Strome will be taken by the Leafs, but after assistant GM Kyle Dubas came out and said the Leafs will not shy away from skill, it seems evident Marner will be gambled on by the Maple Leafs. Marner is hands down one of the most skilled players in the draft, as it was on display with the OHL's London Knights all year. Marner's 126 points in 63 games are second to Strome among OHL skaters, but Strome had games in hand. Marner's supreme offensive skill in unquestionable, as many relate the small playmaker to Patrick Kane. The only knock on his game is his size, at 5"10, 164, Marner must bulk up to make his presence felt in the NHL, and his size is why many teams way shy away from him. His offensive skills are unrawl, his vision being the top asset, as he can see plays before they even develop. His puck control, playmaking ability and speed make him a threat as long as he works on getting bigger.

#5 - Carolina Hurricanes - Lawson Crouse (LW)

At #5, the Carolina Hurricanes select, and I believe they pass on Strome, and go for bulky winger Lawson Crouse. With the Staal brothers, Riley Nash, Elias Lindholm etc. in the system, there's no need to take Strome with the 5th pick. Many believe it will be OHL Kingston Frontenacs winger Crouse. He had 51 points (29G, 22A) and 51 PIM in 56 OHL games with the Frontenacs. Crouse was a member of Canada's gold medal winning world juniors squad, and he broke out playing on a line with Ottawa Senators' Nick Paul, and Toronto Maple Leafs' Frederik Gauther. Crouse is large (6"3, 200), physical, and willing to drop the gloves when called upon. His work along the boards is solid, as is his net-front presence. Crouse will provide a physical aspect to Carolina's prospect pool.

Thanks for listening, I'd love to hear more opinion in the comments.

~UWNHL TEAM

UnWritten NHL Introduction

Hello, and welcome to unwrittennhl.blogspot.ca

This is an NHL-based blog where two in-depth NHL followers share opinions and discuss events going on around the league. At the creation time of this blog, we are into the second round of the 2015 playoffs. This will be a fun way to interact with other lovers of this great game, and share opinions. This blog is based on one thing - opinion, opinion, OPINION! Our opinion will be shared in depth on certain events like the playoffs, the draft, free agency etc. Please share with your friends, comment feedback, and so forth because we want to build this into a large community. Thanks, and enjoy unwrittennhl!

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~UWNHL TEAM