Dread The Red, 2011 NHL Playoffs: Day 8

The Detroit Red Wings have ended the season of the Phoenix Coyotes, possibly winning the last NHL game played in that city. It was a good night to sit back, drink a few beers, and watch my favourite team sweep the team I want relocated to Winnipeg. May the Jets fly back to Manitoba. The Penguins continue to defy my expectations, and Buffalo had a giant win. I still can't pick a winner of Ducks-Preds, but this has been a very exciting playoffs.

Detroit beats Phoenix: Dread the Red! As I texted my buddy tonight "Darren Helm is great, he's the next Kris Draper". It is what it is, and they did it without Zetterberg, their regular season most valuable forward. If San Jose wins, they play Detroit. If LA wins, Detroit plays the winner of Anaheim-Nashville. (Det wins series 4-0)

Pittsburgh beats Tampa: This is turning into a big story, the Penguins continuing to win without Malkin and Crosby. Either Dan Bylsma is the greatest coach that has ever lived, or it was often exaggerated how much this team needed its super duper stars. Steven Stamkos is a great young talent, but he's not all that effective right now; Jordan Staal is more valuable. Kris Letang deserves Norris consideration. (Pit leads series 3-1)

Anaheim beats Nashville: The outstanding play of Teemu Selanne has been one of the most under reported story of these playoffs. This series is a 50-50 proposition. (Series tied 2-2)

Washington beats New York: Much like last night's Kings-Sharks game, I changed channels when the Rangers went up 3-0. An hour or so later I switch back and it is heading into overtime. Two unlikely comebacks in as many nights, and both times I changed the channel only to see later on that the favourite came back and won in overtime. Washington will win this series. (Wsh leads series 3-1)

Buffalo beats Philly: The Sabres are still alive, and their probability of winning the series is better now than when the playoffs started. Jason Pominville scored the games only goal, as Ryan Miller shut out the offensive powerhouse Flyers. (Series tied 2-2)