The Fives: April 16th, 2010

Five observations from Thursday in sports…

1.     I’m getting the feeling the Stanley Cup playoffs are going to be quite a wild affair this year. 

Montreal’s Game 1 upset of the Capitals continues an early trend of what you thought was going to happen might be going out the window.  One question, though: If I’m the best player on the best team in the regular season, and one of the two best players in the world right now, how can you end the game last night with NO SHOTS ON GOAL?!?!?!?!?!?!?

2.     If I had to pick one goaltender to carry his team throughout the playoffs, it has to be Ryan Miller.  I think last night’s performance was just the appetizer in what could be a very tasty dish over the next couple of months. 

3.    I’m not a huge NBA fan, but I can realize that if Brandon Roy is having surgery and is going to miss the series with the Suns, it’s going to be a short stay for Portland in the playoffs.  Phoenix is playing really, really well right now and to not be at full strength will be the Blazers downfall.

4.    Yesterday, we saw another example of how the NCAA is turning college football into the mini version of the NFL (No Fun League). They just don’t realize these aren’t 30 year old professionals, they are 18-22 year old kids enjoying what should be the best four years of their young lives and not allowing them to express themselves just takes something away from Saturday afternoons.

5.    Day 30 of Oregon basketball being coached by TBA.  The AD and administration in Eugene might want to the hot assistant route since luring the big name to the new arena with the big payoff doesn’t seem to be working.

Five top performances from Thursday…

1.    Jaroslav Halak, Canadiens G: 45 saves on 47 shots in MON’s 3-2 OT Game 1 win over WAS

2.    Francisco Liriano, Twins SP: 0 runs on 4 hits with 8 K’s in 7 IP in MIN’s 8-0 win over BOS

3.    Ryan Miller, Sabres G: 38 saves on 39 shots in BUF’s 2-1 Game 1 win over BOS

4.    Ryan Braun, Brewers LF: 4 for 5 with a HR and 3 RBIs in MIL’s 8-6 win over CHC

5.    Robinson Cano, Yankees 2B: 2 for 4 with 2 HR’s and 3 RBIs in NYY’s 6-2 win over LAA

Five events to watch on Friday…

1.    NHL Playoffs: Senators at Penguins, Game 2, 7:00 PM, Versus (Must win for PIT)

2.    MLB: Marlins at Phillies, 7:00 PM (Sanchez (FLA) vs. Halladay (PHI))

3.    NHL Playoffs: Flyers at Devils, Game 2, 7:30 PM (See #1, same goes for New Jersey)

4.    MLB: Rockies at Braves, 7:30 PM (Hammel (COL) vs. Lowe (ATL))

5.    NHL: Predators at Blackhawks, Game 1, 8:30 PM (Best in the West get their playoffs started)

Have a good day.