2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Day 29

One series ends while another goes to Game 7.  It seems like the pull of Game 7 is inescapable in 2014.

First, Montreal vs. Boston.

The Bruins were up 3-2, failed to show up in Game 6, and weren't much better in Game 7.  They scored their only goal on the power play while allowing three to a Montreal team that was lacking in offensive firepower before acquiring Thomas Vanek and wasn't that great afterward.

The biggest problem, as I can see it, is that Tuukka Rask was inconsistent. He had a couple good games wherein he held the Canadiens down, but he allowed a bunch of goals in 6&7, and when the rest of the team couldn't score to pick him up, well, that was that.

It's a disappointing end to the season for the President's Trophy winner.  I figured they'd be on their way to the Stanley Cup Final again, because they honestly should not have had this much trouble getting through the second round.  And I think they would have coasted against an inconsistent Rangers team.

Of course, now that the Bruins are out, I'm rooting for the Rangers to sweep.

Montreal wins the series 4-3.  They advance to the next round to play the NY Rangers.

Last, Anaheim vs. Los Angeles.

Another disappointing result as the Ducks only managed one goal on Jonathan Quick while John Gibson gave up a mere two.

So now that this series is going to a seventh game...well, I find it hard to believe that the Kings will lose it.  Just like in the previous round, when they went to Game 7 and had the advantage, I think they'll have the advantage again.

To be fair, John Gibson has turned the Ducks' greatest disadvantage into something of a strength.  But then Getzlaf and Perry got shutdown in Game 6 and the rest of the team couldn't compensate.

Los Angeles hasn't gotten production from many of their best players, but with Quick stopping damn near everything and Marian Gaborik going crazy, it hasn't really been a problem.  Gaborik had an assist last night, but didn't score.

I'm guessing Game 7 will be much like this one.  Unless Anaheim craters. Then it could get uglier.

The series is tied 3-3.  Game 7 is Friday.

Later today...there are no games.  I guess I'll be watching basketball, then!

Bleach 580 - The Light

Another week, another Bleach chapter.  You know what that means!

(no, not another cliff...oh, wait)

Spoilers after the cut.

2014 NBA Playoffs, Day 25

A beatdown in the east and another narrow victory out west.

Goodness, can someone hold a lead?  Oh, wait.  I think someone finally did!

First, Washington vs. Indiana.

There's not a whole lot to say about this one.

John Wall and Marcin Gortat went crazy; Gortat in particular was masterful, as he missed two shots the entire game, putting up 31 points and 16 rebounds.

The Pacers had a chance to close out the series, yet they looked woefully unprepared, especially in the third quarter when Washington really put it to them.  They lost by 23, but that's only because the fourth quarter didn't matter to Washington.  Had Washington really wanted to extend their lead, who knows how high it might have gotten.

When the series started I thought the Wizards would win in 5.  Then when the Pacers went up 3-1 I thought they would win in 5.

Now?  I have no clue.

Indiana leads 3-2.  Game 6 is Thursday.

Last, Los Angeles vs. Oklahoma City.

The Clippers were up by 13 with roughly four minutes left in the game.

Boy, did things unravel from there.

Kevin Durant finally started to hit some shots.  Chris Paul had several bad plays, including an inexplicable foul on Westbrook as Westbrook threw up a prayer behind the three-point line.

And of course, the refs got involved.

The play that most people will point to was a turnover that led to a fast-break by Reggie Jackson.  Despite having a three-on-one, he took the ball inside himself and was promptly fouled by Matt Barnes.

Except...there was no foul called, and the ball sailed out of bounds.

The refs went to look at it in replay and determined that the ball belonged to OKC.  Cue up Westbrook's prayer, which resulted in three free throws and a 105-104 lead for the Thunder.

Then Chris Paul took the ball into the lane with seconds remaining...and inexplicably lost the ball while being guarded by Serge Ibaka on the switch. I think Reggie Jackson might have slapped at the ball, dislodging it just enough for Ibaka to pick it up, but that's not a good look.

Predictably, Clippers coach Doc Rivers was upset about the way the game ended.  He made the point that the team basically gave up the game and it shouldn't be about the out of bounds call, but he also stated that the call was crap.

Honestly, I agree with him.  I've been rooting for the Thunder to win, but I would much rather see them win straight up than how it went down last night.

Oklahoma City leads 3-2.  Game 6 is Thursday.

Later today, Game 5 in Miami and San Antonio.  With a win, Miami and San Antonio move on to the next round.