Boston v Orlando....

The Boston Celtics came into this series with a lot of momentum, pride, and seemed to be at their healthiest. They took the Eastern Conference Finals series against the Orlando Magic by storm with a 3-0 lead until they ran into a really aggressive Dwight Howard, and Jameer Nelson. The Celtics, who were coming off a dominating performance against the Cavaliers, seemed to get shell shocked during Game 4 once it went into overtime. The Magic came out on top in that one. Dwight Howard had a total of 32pts, and 16 rebs, and Nelson chipping in with 23pts, and 9ast. This is what the Magic have to do in order to compete with the Cetics and make it a series. This is the challenge the Magic didn't have in the first and second round, a team that is able to execute on both ends of the floor. So now it's 3-1 in the series, and it goes back to Orlando, with just a small portion on momentum. Game 5 took place on Wednesday night, and the Celtics were looking to close it out with a win in Orlando, but the Magic had other plans. The Magic took control of the game from the tip, this was a different team then what we saw the first 3 games. This is the team that swept their way into the Eastern Conference Finals and the team in green did not have an answer. Howard had another dominating performance with 21pts, 10rebs, and 5 blks, and Nelson won the match up between him and Rondo with 24pts, 5rebs, and ast. J.J. Redick and Rashard Lewis both chipped in with 14pts a piece which helped lift Orlando to a huge 21 point victory. The Celtics got into foul trouble early, and just couldn't find a way to get it done. Glenn Davis went down with an injury tonight with a blow to the face by Dwight Howard, not intentional, and Marquis Daniels went down soon after, both with concussions. Rasheed Wallace did his part to try to keep the Celtics in the game by adding 21pts and 3-5 from behind the arc, but it just wasn't enough. Now the balance of power seems to be shifting in favor of the Magic, but can they work their magic to keep it going and force a game 7, we have to wait and see on Friday night back in Boston.

Blackhawks v. Flyers....

Ok ladies and gentlemen, we have our match up for Lord Stanley's cup, Blackhawks and Flyers. It's been way too long for both teams as they prepare to go out on Saturday and begin a long awaited series. So you have a number 2 seed in the west going up against a number 7 seed in the east. I know what you're thinking, if you go by the numbers, you're looking at a one sided series. Well think again, the Flyers have come back from a 0-3 deficit in a series against the Boston Bruins where they came back to win 4-3 overall. Each game they play, the healthier they get. Simon Gagne seems to have been the key for the Flyers after he came back from his injury the chemistry of the team is that much better. Then Jeff Carter was the next one to come back, and injured goal tender Brian Boucher was replaced by Michael Leighton who has been outstanding with a record of 6-1 in the playoffs, with 3 shutouts in the last series against the Canadiens. It's almost like they were telling their teammates, if you could just hold on a little longer everything will be ok. This injury prone team has been able to overcome so much in the postseason, it makes for a great story. But the problem is there is another team that has worked extremely hard to get where they are, the Blackhawks! This team was well put together in hopes of winning a championship, like every team in the league, but they are making it happen. With a captain that is so young, there was a lot doubt that Jonathan Toews would be able to handle such a position, well "Captain Serious" has done a wonderful job if you ask me. Toews is not the only piece of the puzzle, Byfuglien, Sharp, Kane, Hossa, and pretty much anyone else you can think of has been able to contribute in the success of the Hawks. The one that is doing big things for them this postseason is Antti Niemi. There is only one word for this kid and it's unstoppable!! Between a highly skilled team and a team who seems to have "fate" on their I think this should shape up to be a very good and entertaining series.
(Go Hawks!!)