2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Best and Worst of Round 1
Round 1 in over. There were sweeps, there were reverse sweeps, there was choking and man, was there a lot of overtime. Here is my breakdown of the best and worst of Round 1 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Reverse Sweeping Bromance.
Best Series: Sharks vs. Kings
Because when you manage to pull off a Reverse Sweep – only the 4th in NHL history, you’ve earned the best series title. To be fair, the competition was steep for this too. The Habs sweeping a Lightning team with Stamkos on it was pretty noteworthy and the nail-biting; Avs and Wild is also worth mentioning with all the OTs. But, Reverse Sweep – and a classic Sharks choke – wins for the best series.
Worst Series: Wings vs. Bruins
Because, other than barely squeaking out a win in Game 1, the Wings didn’t put up much of a fight. Yes the Habs swept Stamkos and his Bolts but that, for me, made the series more exciting because you had a clear dominating force. But Wings… they’re the Wings. They had a reputation to uphold and they didn’t. Even though, on paper, a lot of people didn’t expect them to win, they expected them to do better.
Sweep!
Biggest Heroes: Carey Price and Nino Niederreiter
This could go to a few guys – most of whom are goalies. But I’m calling this one a tie between Carey Price and Nino Niederreiter. Price because, other than a wobbly Game 1, he was solid and shut the door on a high caliber opponent like Stamkos. He was an integral part of the sweep. Niederreiter because of the series-winning OT goal. That series really could have gone either way. Avs, in my opinion, outplayed the Wild in most games. But in the end, all that matters is that Niederreiter goal. Also his name is fun to say.
Biggest Goat: Anders Lindback
Tampa Bay’s back-up goalie is taking the blame for the Bolts getting swept by the Habs. The fact is, as Luongo supporters always remind people, goalies don’t score goals. Lindback might have been a bit shaky but Tampa Bay was outside of the crease. Big time. Offensively, Habs dominated and the Bolts defense was dismal. But let’s just blame the goalie!
Best & Worst Beards
Worst Playoff Beard: Claude Giroux
I adore him but I have to give this to Claude Giroux. It isn’t the color of the beard – and he actually manages to have a pretty thick, even one unlike Crosby or Toews or Couture. But he seems to let his hair grow with his beard and ends up looking like a Muppet. A scary, skidrow Muppet. Lucky for us, unlucky for him, he can shave again.
Best Playoff Beard: Patrice Bergeron
Patrice Bergeron from Team Canada…. who also, by some sick twist of unfortunate events, plays for that goon squad called the Boston Bruins. He was born to have a beard. It grows in evenly and right now it’s at that perfect length that’s sexy scruff and not untamed mountain man. Of course, its sexiness clashes with the ugly yellow and black uniform but so do all good things in life.
