2011 Stanley Cup Playoff Third Round Prognostications...

Nothing like watching a hockey game and being body-checked by an arctic zephyr rolling off the Canadian Tundra at the same time.

I have a problem.

I was talking to my sister the other night. She noted that it was an off night for the NHL on TV and inquired what was I going to do in its absence...

I panicked a bit until I realized that the NBA Playoffs were being televised on another channel.

Oh, how convenient I thought!

I am addicted to televised sports.

I was at the local library a couple of nights ago. It's connected to the YMCA. As I walked by a gymnasium, I couldn't help but notice a large group of people playing floor hockey. Oh, that brought back great memories of playing back in my University days. That was a long time ago...

How do I join these people, I thought?!

Perhaps my long dormant love of participatory sports received the necessary jab to awaken it...

Perhaps I can rid myself of watching TV sports?!

Let's get on with the predictions...

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins...
It seems every year in the playoffs there seems to be a team of destiny, a team that can do no wrong, a team with a certain je ne sais quoi.

Undoubtedly, that team this year is the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Powered by a resurgent Vincent Lecavalier, an eternally young goalie in Dwayne Roloson, and a 4th line that never seems to quit, the Bolts have exceeded my expectations by getting to this point of the playoffs (by defeating their most recent opponents, the vaunted yet hapless Caps of Washington).

Suffice to say, I didn't catch much of the Boston/Philadelphia series. I think I was busy watching the winter-killed grass turn green in the front yard...

Seriously, if their number one centre Patrice Brisboise does not return from a concussion injury incurred in their last series, their prospects for playoff advancement is not good.

So, my prediction comes down to choosing between the team with the overwhelming intangibles vs. a team with overwhelming talent.

I'm going to ride this Tampa Bay tsunami until it meets an immovable object.

It's over for Hockey Night in Canada's home team...

I'll predict Tampa Bay in seven.

Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks...
Before I go on, I just want to say playoff hockey is hell after your team is eliminated.

Forget about Roberto Luongo, the Sedin twins or even Chris Higgins, the Vancouver Canucks are in fact Ryan Kessler.

The guy has been a monster in these playoffs.

The San Jose Sharks have no answer.

They are toast.

My prediction: Canucks in six.

I'm going outside to enjoy the hot sun before the inevitable arctic zephyr snatches it away.