CHL Finals: Texas vs. Colorado
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Well, we’ve gone through 64 regular season games, eight playoff series, and in the end, it all comes down to No. 1 vs. No. 2.
By January, if you were a betting man, a CHL championship series between Texas and Colorado could have been in the forecast.
And in late April, it’s come true.
The schedule:
Game 1 – Wednesday, April 29 – Texas @ Colorado, 8:05 PM
Game 2 – Friday, May 1 – Texas @ Colorado, 8:05 PM
Game 3 – Sunday, May 3 – Colorado @ Texas, 3:05 PM
Game 4 – Tuesday, May 5 – Colorado @ Texas, 7:05 PM
*Game 5 – Wednesday, May 6 – Colorado @ Texas, 7:05 PM
*Game 6 – Friday, May 8 – Texas @ Colorado, 8:05 PM
*Game 7 – Sunday, May 10 – Texas @ Colorado, 8:05 PM
And the Boneman Breakdown:
Texas vs. Colorado
Texas was the class of the Southern Conference all season and not much has changed in the playoffs.
Odessa pressed them hard, but home ice has meant wonders to the Brahmas just like it did all regular season.
Colorado had some hiccups late in the regular season but has been dominant in the playoffs. Only natural after taking a 3-0 lead to let up.
That reminded me of the Chicago Bulls (my beloved Bulls) and the Seattle Sonics (ironically enough, now the Oklahoma City Thunder). In 1996, Chicago led 3-0 and Seattle won Games 4 and 5 at home before getting trounced back in Chi-Town again.
Mississippi won Games 4 and 5 at home before Colorado handled its business in Game 6 to end the debate and prove me wrong in the process.
Why Colorado can win: Because it has the home-ice advantage. G Andrew Penner outplayed the CHL Goaltender of the Year, Kevin Beech, in the conference finals and has 73 more saves than Texas G Brett Jaeger in one less game.
Greg Pankewicz hasn’t been a scoring machine, but he does have three game-winning goals and with solid outings from Riley Nelson and Ed McGrane (among others), Colorado hasn’t needed any heroics.
X Factor: Going to go out on a limb here and say Konrad Reeder. He showed in the All-Star game what he’s capable of. He hasn’t done much yet, now would be the perfect time.
Why Texas can win: Because it’s been “The Boneman’s Darlings” since December. Like I’ve said before, pass the eye test with ease and have had the right mix of everything to be the best. Enjoyed watching the Brahmas play.
What can you say about Tyler Skworchinski? His production has been ridiculous in the playoffs. He’s caught lightning in a bottle, and I expect that to keep up.
But the bread and butter of this team is Jason Deitsch and Scott Sheppard. And I’ve also been a fan of Justin Kinnunen all season.
G Brett Jaeger was my second favorite opposing goaltender to watch. He’s been the best goaltender in the playoffs statistically, and he been it on the ice, too.
He’s brought it every game. He allowed five once, but that’s when it was 6-2 and the team won 7-5. His concentration is superb, and he’ll single-handedly win a game or two in Colorado.
X Factor: Hmm, let’s say Jordan Cameron. One of these games will be decided by an unlikely hero. I’m going to say Cameron gets that role on one of the nights.
The pick: Texas in 6. It’ll be fun, close and exciting. I expect at least a couple of overtime games and maybe even a double or triple extra session contest.
***
The conference semifinals of the NHL Playoffs are set after Washington and Carolina closed out their series in 7 games. The Hurricanes scored two goals in the final 80 seconds to win at New Jersey while Sergei Federov scored in the final minutes to lift Washington over the Rangers.
Eastern Conference
Carolina vs. Boston
Pittsburgh vs. Washington (Sidney Crosby vs. Alexander Ovechkin, not bad)
Western Conference
Anaheim vs. Detroit
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver
Who ya got?
***
Waiting to hear back from Express Sports president Bob Funk Jr. on an update on what’s up with the Blazers. Once I do, you’ll hear it here first.
Skworchinski does it again…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I’ll be honest. I had not heard of nor recognized Tyler Skworchinski all season for the Texas Brahmas.
There are so many talented players on the club that he never entered my head in terms of who might lead them to the finals.
Well, he did.
Skworchinski scored three goals (the first three) and had three assists as Texas wiped out Odessa with an 8-1 victory in Game 7.
The magical run for G Juha Toivonen didn’t have that storybook ending, unfortunately for Odessa fans.
Game 6 of Mississippi and Colorado is tonight. Colorado leads 3-2, but Mississippi has won back-to-back games. Tonight and a potential Game 7 are both at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland, Colo.
In the NHL, home ice once again reigned supreme for the Blackhawks with a big 5-1 win. In other action, San Jose stayed alive after giving up a 2-0 lead entering the third to win 3-2 in OT. Chicago leads its series with Calgary 3-2 while Anaheim leads San Jose 3-2.
Today is Game 6 between Washington and the New York Rangers on NBC in just under two hours while VS. will have Game 6 of New Jersey and Carolina at 6:30.
Interesting to see how the Rangers respond after the NHL suspended coach John Tortorella one game after he squirted a fan with water and threw a water bottle into the stands at Washington.
Sims providing spark for Mississippi…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Killing a little time before the Yard Dawgz arena football game, so thought I’d chime in some of the playoff happenings in the CHL and NHL.
Mississippi did what it needed to do and has sent the best-of-7 back to Colorado. The Eagles lead 3-2, but the RiverKings have won the last two games.
In Game 4, it was only the second double overtime game of the playoffs. And for all extents and purposes, there is no way it should have reached that point.
Mississippi was down 5-2 midway through the second period but came back to win 6-5 in the second extra session.
CHL Goaltender of the Year Kevin Beech allowed four goals in the first period and was pulled for Tyler Sims. So what did Sims do? How about play more than 66 minutes and stop 34 of 35 shots.
He followed that with another solid outing Friday in Game 5 where the RKings dominated with a 6-2 win. Sims made 28 saves in earning his second win.
Wonder who will get the start in Game 6?
One big reason for Mississippi scoring 12 goals in two games has been the rebirth of the power play. The RKings have scored seven PP goals in the last two games, going 7 for 17 while Colorado has gone 0 for 12.
The RKings have finally found some offense vs. G Andrew Penner, but I would be almost beyond shock if Morgan Cey gets the call in Game 6 on Sunday night.
- In the Southern Conference, tonight is Game 7 between Texas and Odessa. Never thought it would reach this stage, but Odessa must love proving the Boneman wrong.
Who knows what to expect? We’ve seen a 7-5 game and a 2-0 game. Each team has alternated wins the entire time, which would mean tonight is the night for the Brahmas.
- NHL Playoffs are starting to get fun, too. My beloved Blackhawks are tied 2-2 with Calgary with Game 5 tonight. No road team has won in that series.
Teams that have advanced: Boston, Vancouver and Detroit all swept. The Penguins advanced earlier today with a huge comeback vs. Philadelphia.
The East has two of the best series with the Rangers/Capitals and Hurricanes/Devils. I’ve never seen a GW goal with 0.2 left like Carolina had earlier this week.
Would love to see more of the Ducks/Sharks, too, but haven’t had the time yet (including tonight).
The atmospheres have been everything you want them to be. Still waiting for that first real epic game that keeps you up until the early hours of the morning.
Division alignments will be tricky…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Each year it seems the CHL tinkers with the divisions in one way or another. And this upcoming season will definitely be no different.
With the addition of the Independence, Mo., and Allen, Texas, franchises, more re-alignments are in the works.
However, what will it look like? And just as important, how many teams will be in the CHL?
It’s been reported through various news outlets about the troubles the New Mexico and Rocky Mountain franchises are in right now. It’s a common theme throughout minor league sports as just about every month, we heard about another minor hockey franchise folding up its tent.
Not saying that will happen with New Mexico and Rocky Mountain, but sounds like it could be a possibility.
Sure many Oklahoma City fans would wondering their future after the whole front office shake-up in November. Express Sports president Bob Funk Jr. has explained how necessary that was in order to not put the franchise in a terrible financial state.
Right now, the divisions are as follows:
Northwest: Colorado, Rocky Mountain, Rapid City, Wichita.
Northeast: Oklahoma City, Mississippi, Bossier-Shreveport, Tulsa.
Southwest: Odessa, New Mexico, Arizona, Amarillo.
Southeast: Texas, Laredo, Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi.
Conventional thinking would put Independence in the North and Allen in the South. Anything other than that would be a head-scratcher.
It’s tough to play the re-alignment game, but a lot of Oklahoma City fans would have no issue with an OKC, Tulsa, Wichita and Independence division. Some natural rivalries coupled with former CEO Brad Lund being the team president in Independence.
It won’t happen, but it would be something for all road division games to be within driving distance.
***
Can Mississippi channel the 2004 Boston Red Sox? Or the 1975 New York Islanders or the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs? Well, the RiverKings are going to have to.
Colorado, once again paced by outstanding goaltending by Andrew Penner, won 2-1 last night and is up 3-0 in the series.
Those three series are the only times a team has come back from a 3-0 deficit to win.
This is the 20th time it’s been 3-0 in CHL history. No team has blown that lead, but one was awfully close.
If my memory serves me right (can’t find my record book at the moment), think it was 13 sweeps with four ending in five games. One in six and of course, Oklahoma City fans know the heartbreaking one in seven games vs. Wichita.
Penner stopped 47 shots and is a ridiculous 7-0 in the playoffs right now.
Sheppard has night to remember…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
It’s an off-day for the CHL playoffs, which will give CHL followers just one more day to rant and rave about the night Texas’ Scott Sheppard had last night.
Sheppard scored four goals and had two assists in the Brahmas’ 7-5 win vs. Odessa. Texas now leads 3-2.
Sheppard scored three on the power-play and also added an empty-netter with 1 second left.
G Jeremy Symington gets the loss for giving up the sixth goal after Juha Toivonen allows five. Say wha? That’s something myself and Jim Byers don’t understand.
It should be like baseball. If the G never had a chance to win the game, he shouldn’t get the loss.
Symington entered when it was 5-2 Texas and just shouldn’t be on the hook for it if the game was never tied. Once it’s tied, you wipe the slate clean, but that’s a tough way to get an L. And a strange way for Toivonen to remain 6-0 in the playoffs.
Over in the Northern Conference, the third period issues for Mississippi in Game 1 resulted in a 4-1 thrashing by Colorado in Game 2.
NBA guru Charles Barkley likes to say no series starts until the road team wins a game, but my Mississippi in seven isn’t feeling too hot right now. Not sure if any team can beat Colorado four out of five games.
Something tells me G Andrew Penner has been looking to make a statement in the postseason. He became a forgotten goaltender with the likes of Kevin Beech (Mississippi), Ken Carroll (Bossier-Shreveport), Brett Jaeger (Texas) and Doug Groenestege (Blazers).
Just a reminder to the rest of the CHL, Penner is still here and right now a perfect 6-0. But Jaeger has played extremely well, too, not discrediting him at all.
***
Great day in Chicago sports yesterday (and thus, for me as well). From Derrick Rose and the Bulls (OT win at Boston) to Aramis Ramirez and the Cubs (walkoff 2-run HR in the 11th vs. rival Cardinals) and punctuated by Jonathan Toews and a 3-2 win for the Blackhawks. Chicago is up 2-0 on Calgary.
Lund reflects on past, looks to future…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Now that everything is absolutely official, Independence team president Brad Lund (feels weird typing that) spoke to me about how everything is shakin’ out in Missouri.
For today’s story, here ya go.
And here are some other tidbits I wanted to pass along as Lund was driving back to Oklahoma City. He said he’s put more than 11,000 miles on his car recently with all the trips. It’s a five-hour drive and a 70-minute flight, for those wondering.
Season tickets go on sale for the Independence franchise Monday, but Lund said he received more than 200 inquiries in three hours Friday morning and has been overwhelmed by the city’s support.
He compared the initial outpouring to something near and dear to Blazers fans’ hearts: the time the Myriad (Cox Convention Center) was sold out in a day in 1993 for the CHL championship series vs. Tulsa. Lund said he knows that’s a pretty big statement to make, but that’s what he feels.
On the way he will handle the team:
I won’t operate it any differently. I will hire locally as I’ve always believed that is the best way to do things. I promised the fans two things the front office will do: 1) We will work hard and 2) We will make mistakes, but we’ll hopefully learn from them.
This is the fans’ team. I’ll take 100 percent of the blame because when the Blazers moved from the Myriad to the Ford Center, we marketed to the corporate side and not the fans. This is a chance to do it right.
He said it’s a new challenge going from trying to fill an 18,000-seat arena to filling a 5,800-seat arena. Price per head becomes more important.
His goal is to sell out every game. It’s going to be a tough goal, but that’s why he made it his goal. He feels the Independence Events Center is a major league building.
He also remarked about how proud he is of the CHL for adding Kansas City (Independence) and Dallas (Allen) to the league. Two big-time cities that will add plenty to the CHL game.
Kinda looking forward to the first Independence/Blazers game. Ought to be fun.
Lund declined to comment on the possibility of an AHL franchise coming to Oklahoma City in the near future.
***
My fault, but I did want to wish a belated congratulations to John Brooks for being inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame on Thursday night.
Everyone knows his trademark: “Jiiiiiiminy Christmas!”
Brooks was the voice of the Blazers for 27 years as well Oklahoma basketball for 16 years and OU football for 13.
Brooks is 70 years old but still going strong. The No. 27 Blazers sweater is retired in honor of Brooks’ tenure doing the announcing for the Blazers.
Brooks just announced that he will return to broadcasting in the fall, serving as the play-by-play commentator for all Union High football games. Sometimes you still have the itch, huh?
Playoff update…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Welcome back, Juha Toivonen. You know, the first time I spelled that name I looked at it about five different times.
But with his 6-0 playoff record, I’ve been typing it so much I am now confident it is being spelled right.
Toivonen shuts out Texas in a 2-0 Odessa win last night. That series is tied 2-2 and is now a best-of-3 with it returning to Texas on Saturday.
The last two games Odessa outshot Texas 33-18. How’s that for consistency? Love the tension of a scoreless game heading into the third period like it was last night.
In Loveland, was it a back-breaking comeback by Colorado on Wednesday? Might find out tonight.
The Eagles trailed 2-0 after the second vs. Mississippi only to see Ryan Tobler score twice in the third and Ed McGrane scoring the GW in overtime.
G Andrew Penner stopped 43 shots for Colorado. Even more interesting stat was the RiverKings were 1-9 on the PP while Colorado was 0-1.
Colorado leads 1-0 with Game 2 tonight.
The Allen, Texas, and Independence, Mo., franchises were officially welcomed into the CHL family this week.
With that said, trying to snag an interview with Brad Lund about being the team president in Independence. If things go well, that story will run this weekend.
Appreciate the comments on some of the offseason issues facing the Blazers. We’re all in speculatory (is that a word?) mode right now, but there’s been a wide range of emotion from the comments and e-mails.
And the most important playoff update of all (I kid), the Chicago Blackhawks come from behind to win 3-2 in OT vs. Calgary. Martin Havlat scores twice, including the GW a mere 12 seconds into OT.
AHL priorities…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Boy, do I feel stupid (not the first time). You get out of the loop for a couple of days and who knew Odessa needed to bring in an emergency goaltender?
With both Alexandre Vincent and Juha Toivonen out, the Jackalopes relied on Jeremy Symington and lost 3-0 vs. Texas in Game 3. The Brahmas lead 2-1.
All things considered, Odessa outshot Texas 33-18 and had the home crowd behind ‘em, so attempted to make things as easy as it could have been for Symington in such a tough spot.
Game 4 is Thursday while Game 1 of Mississippi and Colorado is tonight. From reading the comments on the Derek Landmesser and Andrew Lackner story on the DeSoto paper, the fans are rallying behind their players.
Nothing wrong with that. And if the RiverKings use that as motivation, so be it. Should be a great series coming up.
***
Not going to make this long and drawn out. Basically, one question for you. If Oklahoma City gets to receive an AHL franchise in the near future, what is your biggest ______ (concern/priority/etc)?
Here are some I’ll throw out there:
- Ticket prices. Entering this season, the AHL’s average ticket price was $14. What’s your season ticket limit, if you have one?
- The arena. We’ve gone over this all week. The Ford Center or the Cox Convention Center (The Myriad)?
- The team name. This is one I think might stir up some pride in the Oklahoma City fans. How much does “Blazers” mean to you? Would you be angry if the team name was changed?
- The staff (coaches, players). Would you want Doug Sauter to receive and opportunity to coach the bunch? Would you want to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch?
There are countless of other things that probably come to mind. So sound off, this is your forum.
***
And the NHL Playoffs begin tonight (get ready for some loooong nights with those epic OT games).
Eastern Conference
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks
Columbus Bluejackets vs. Detroit Red Wings
St. Louis Blues vs. Vancouver Canucks
Calgary Flames vs. The Greatest Team EVER, Chicago Blackhawks
Go ‘Hawks!
Sizing up Mississippi vs. Colorado…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I was hesitant to do a preview on Odessa and Texas mainly because I have not seen Odessa play one time this season.
What can I possibly say about the Jackalopes? Think the Brahmas will win, but boy is G Juha Toivonen playing lights out right now.
But I did see Mississippi and Colorado play enough this season to wage in on what should be an extremely exciting series.
Series: Mississippi 4-1-0, Colorado 1-3-1
Why Mississippi could win: No, not just because they it beat the Blazers. Because of their defense. Nobody can stop opponents quite like the RiverKings. G Kevin Beech doesn’t have to make too many “money” saves in each game.
I’ve always considered Colorado a speed, finesse team (for the most part). What’s going to happen when it’s seven games of pure physicality coming at ya?
And the RKings have enough offense with players like Bobby Chaumont and Louis Dumont to propel Kevin Kaminski’s team into the finals.
Why Colorado can win: For a team that is so accustomed to blowing out opponents and scoring at will, the Eagles won four one-goal games. And some of them by near-incredible means.
Game-winner with 32 seconds left, coming back from a 3-0 deficit in Game 4. Could have easily packed it in.
Colorado comes at you in waves from Greg Pankewicz to Ed McGrane to Riley Nelson to Kevin Ulanski – all the way down the line.
And give a little credit to G Andrew Penner. He won all four games in the last series.
The pick: Mississippi in seven.
But this little tidbit with Derek Landmesser and Andrew Lackner sure doesn’t inspire confidence in me…
See, that’s what happens when you have nine days off before your next series.
***
Here is exactly what the Mississippi team does not need this late in the game. Apparently, D Derek Landmesser and D Andrew Lackner were involved in an altercation last week at a Fox and Hound in Southaven.
Oh boy, nothing like playing with a little scandal over your head. For the full link, here ya go.
***
Back tomorrow with the AHL-related questions. Keep chiming in on the potential roster for next year and the Cox Center vs. Ford Center debate as it’s leading to some great conversation.
But then again, the Ford Center…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I recently went to my first Thunder basketball game. I don’t know, the atmosphere fell flat.
Guess you could say I’m one of those guys who despise being told what to do every second of every game. From stuff like the “day oh” chants to “everybody clap your hands,” it’s too much. I just want to watch the game.
It’s so easy to get distracted at a Thunder game because music is going the whole time that you don’t realize a time out is over because nothing in the arena actually changes when the ball gets put in play. And probably doesn’t help that I’m a Bulls fan, so if it’s not Chicago, it’s a whole bunch of “eh” from me.
The Ford Center, however, I feel is a pretty good environment for hockey. Of course, I’ve only covered games there, so I can’t compare it to anything else.
But on some of those Saturday night games that reached more than 8,000 fans, that was some real atmosphere, real electricity.
It’s a top-notch facility and there are a lot of perks that go with it from a media standpoint. Don’t know how it feels from a fan’s point of view.
Think the aesthetics are better at the Ford Center. From the sound system to the lighting of the arena, very well done.
And appreciate music and video clips are not played when play is going on. I see it as a respect thing more than anything else. Respect the players and the game you’re watching.
There have been two common responses for anyone who likes the Ford Center: 1) The Blazers carried the Ford Center until the NBA came to Oklahoma City. I get that, sense of pride and a sense of “hey, we deserve this for what we did for the city.”
2) It’s admitting defeat when the team shouldn’t have to. One e-mailer (chose to be anonymous) said “going back to the Cox is a way of saying the Thunder have won. We’re not big time. We’re just the little guy. The Blazers do belong at the Ford.”
Another e-mailer, Bud, said: “It’s like eating at a fine restaurant (Ford) with great service, great atmosphere. Then finding out you’re going to Burger King (Cox), and you have no choice in the matter. It ain’t fair.”
Variety of responses all across the board makes for an interesting topic, for sure.
***
Tonight is the last “Strictly Hockey Blazers Style” at the Buffalo Wild Wings on NW Expressway. Depending on my schedule, I’m going to try to make it out there tonight. It starts at 7 p.m.
Head coach Doug Sauter will be there for sure, don’t quite remember if anyone else will definitely be there. Maybe associate coach Chris Dashney? I’m not sure. Dashney and Jim Byers have developed a good on-air relationship that has improved the show.
Later this week, I’m going to throw out some AHL-related questions to you guys. Always interesting (to me) to gauge how the fans are reacting to some of the major issues concerning the team.
