2017 Stanley Cup Predictions

May 30th, 2017

Keeping with tradition, we’ve brought together a panel of experts to weigh in on the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals between the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins.  Here’s how they see this year’s Finals playing out. 

Eli from Mathematics

Which team will win the Cup?  Nashville.

Why do you think they will win the Cup?  I want to see P.K. Sub win the Cup in his first season after being traded from Montreal.

Which game do you consider to be the most important in a series?  So much of this is dependent on how the narrative of the series goes, and there really isn’t a wrong or right answer.  If you want a specific game number though, Game 7.

How many games will be played in the series?  6.

Clavicle from Serbia

Which team will win the Cup?  Predators.

Why do you think they will win the Cup?  Penguins slide – not fight.

Which game do you consider to be the most important in a series?  All games important.

How many games will be played in the series?  4.

Rachel K from LBS, Inc.

Which team will win the Cup?  Predators.

Why do you think they will win the Cup?  Shea Weber made me love the Predators, and even if he’s not there anymore Nashville is a pretty fun city.  More specifically, I’m a Devils fan, and the closest I can get to rooting for them in the playoffs these days is shitting on the team from their division that made it this far.

Which game do you consider to be the most important in a series?  Game 1. It’s the first!

How many games will be played in the series?  7, because Bettman’s gotta get paid.  BOOOOO Gary.

Jerome from Poutine Machine

Which team will win the Cup?  Nashville.

Why do you think they will win the Cup?  For a couple reasons, but the popular one is that we’re all hoping Cro isn’t doubly smug for the remainder of 2017.

Which game do you consider to be the most important in a series?  I think the game following whoever wins 2 this series (could be as early as Game 3) is vital.  I’ll bitch and moan about why American sports are so focused on even more masochistic ideas in sports, namely why there is a best-of-7 series instead of a simple home-and-home matchup.  But you know, #becausemoney.

But why is that specific game important?  It’s generally proof of how much fight is left in the trailing team… I’m willing to wager that, historically, the number of hockey teams that have recovered (and perhaps won) from a 3-0 or 3-1 deficit are less than all the fingers I have.  No, I don’t have 11 fingers.

How many games will be played in the series?  As a neutral in this series, I’d dream of a seven-game series and hope Nashville upsets those piss-colored towel-brandishing so-called ‘fans’ in Pittsburgh.  Get at me, son.

Rachel G from Butchers

Which team will win the Cup?  Phish.

Why do you think they will win the Cup?  I’m watching Game 1 in a sports bar in Colorado and they are playing Phish.  PHISH!

Which game do you consider to be the most important in a series?  Any game the Rangers are playing.

How many games will be played in the series?  I’ve moved on.  Go J-E-T-S!

Derek from Exile

Which team will win the Cup?  Nashville.

Why do you think they will win the Cup?  Because my wife said so.  “The team from a place that seems like it wouldn’t have hockey always wins.

Which game do you consider to be the most important in a series?  Game 4 is most important.  Someone clinches, goes up 3-1 (nearby insurmountable) or a series is tied.

How many games will be played in the series?  This one goes 6.

Tommy from Gut Rot

Which team will win the Cup?  GUT ROT, BITCHEZZZZZ!!!!!

Why do you think they will win the Cup?  Peaches.

Which game do you consider to be the most important in a series?  GUT ROT, BITCHEZZZZZ!!!!!

How many games will be played in the series?  GUT ROT, BITCHEZZZZZ!!!!!

Isaac from Instant Karma

Which team will win the Cup?  Pittsburgh.

Why do you think they will win the Cup?  Because American has already sold her soul.

Which game do you consider to be the most important in a series?  Game 3 is the most important.  Regardless of the series standing, one team will be able to either take the lead or build on one.

How many games will be played in the series?  Can’t see this series going past 6 games.  Even though Nashville has the far better defensemen, so has every other team Pittsburgh has faced.

Conclusion

It appears that Nashville is the overwhelming favorite to win the Cup this year.  No two panelists could agree on a reason why, but perhaps that is why the Predators have a fighter’s chance against Pittsburgh’s juggernaut offense.  If the distance goes as predicted, then we’re in for at least a 6 game series.

Note: as of this writing it is the third period of Game 1 and even though Nashville has controlled/dominated the majority of the game Pittsburgh is still leading.  I’d like to tell Predators fans to hang in there and eventually the hard work will pay off, but I’m a Caps fan and that advice didn’t work for us.

Caption Contest – Memorial Day Edition

May 26th, 2017

By Diana M

BTSH’ers,

As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, we will need our wits and madras about us to navigate the barbecues and maintain cohesive conversation at the moment when we realize “nope, shouldn’t have had that last beer, now I see two suns.”

Let’s warm up with this week’s caption contest. I have to say – this photo was a like a couture gift from the Butchers. Brian takes a shot, but no one was ready for John’s deft athleticism in reaction to said shot.

(insert caption here)

Do your worst. Enter here.

Three Stars of Week 7

May 24th, 2017

By Rachel K

Third Star(s): THE BIRTHDAY BOYS AND GIRLS

Enjoy your b-day present from Dave GDR, because he won’t let that happen again.

This week was birthday-palooza at BTSH. Olivier held a b-bday brunch, Ali and the LBS tore up postgame margs, and Richie Glanzer & Brian Sullivan (Alert) threw down at Ace well into the night (well ok, I’m assuming that because I had to call myself an Uber home at the tender hour of 10pm). Special shoutout: BSA not only scored himself a birthday goal, but was kind enough to co-host a birthday with Rich Glanzer. Just kidding, Richie! Sully gets some extra love because he spent his birthday party stonecolding 2 Miller High Life’s at a time, which is a hero move. Maybe it was the beer goggles, or the fact that everyone was back at Ace, but the Glanzer/BSA b-day bonanza was some good old fashioned BTSH revelry. Cheers to everyone who showed up and got weird! (And also, did you by chance pick up a brown Patagonia fleece? Asking for a friend…)

Second Star: Dave (Butchers)

It took some time, but we were finally able to slow down the footage from Sunday to catch this freeze-frame of Dave.

Dave scored BOTH of the Butcher’s 2 goals by outhustling the Rehabs defense and scoring on breakaways in a close game that ended in a shootout. THEN he then went on to score the shootout winner. For proof of that kid’s wheels head on over to the FB fan page and check out Tia’s video.

First Star: Zac H (WTP)

All four of his goals were scored with a full bladder.

A hat trick usually guarantees you a star, but Zac must have been determined to make it on here as he netted not 3, but FOUR goals, which launched him onto the Top Scorer board. Word on the street is that Emily found him wandering the streets of Ottawa and plied him with the promise of booze and American women who love hockey. Last week the 3 stars writer interviewed one of the stars, but I chose the lazy route of paraphrasing somebody else’s interview with him! In my creepiest journalistic efforts yet (thanks, Google), here are some fun facts about this not-so-well-known rookie:

  • He played goalie for Ottawa West’s Provincial team in the Ontario Junior ball hockey championships in 2009
  • If he could have one superpower, it would be to slow down time
  • He loves cereal!

Honorable Mentions:

Cody (Gremlins) – Cody had ANOTHER hat trick, but he was on the last 3 stars so…sorry bud, gotta spread em around.

Matt Work (Anklebiters) – Also had a hattie! Nice work, Worky!

My liver – this is why we can’t have nice things.

Week 7 Box Scores

May 23rd, 2017

Butchers 3-2 Rehabs Final(SO)
Butchers: David St-Jules x 2 (4)
Rehabs: Cherie Stewart (5), Joey Batista (8)
Shootout: Winner by David St-Jules
Goalie Win: Tim Burke (3)
 
Gut Rot 1-4 Corlears Hookers Final
Gut Rot: Akhil Mehta (1)
Corlears Hookers: Danilo Biagioni (3), Bill Ling (4), Brian Cronauer x 2 (6)
Goalie Win: David Greenwald (via Dark Rainbows)
 
What The Puck 6-0 Dark Rainbows Final
What The Puck: Eric Higger (6), Zac Hogg x 4 (7), Paul Picinich (2)
Dark Rainbows:
Goalie Win: Peter B (via Free Agent)
 
Filthier 2-3 Fresh Kills Final(SO)
Filthier: Ann Mathews (4), James Pereira (5)
Fresh Kills: Connor (7), Frank Salituro (2)
Shootout: Winner by Ariel Imas
Goalie Win: Patrick Barch (6)
 
Gremlins 8-3 Instant Karma Final
Gremlins: Maire Lane (3), Cody Capps x 3 (8), Ryan Mills (2), Erich Graham x 2 (10), Marcella Coulson (3)
Instant Karma: Unknown Unknown (via ), Cory Vernoia x 2 (3)
Goalie Win: Jamie Batuwantudawe (5)
 
Denim Demons 1-3 Sky Fighters Final
Denim Demons: Unknown Unknown (via )
Sky Fighters: Olivier Brassard (2), Michael Teytelbaum x 2 (10)
Goalie Win: James Stein (2)
 
Fuzz 1-5 LBS Inc. Final
Fuzz: Steve Accardo (1)
LBS Inc.: Karsten Pichon (6), Scott Kaston x 3 (9), Dustin Shutes (1)
Goalie Win: Mike Zisser (via Free Agent)
 
Gouging Anklebiters 4-3 Mathematics Final
Gouging Anklebiters: Matthew Workman x 3 (5), Becca Cohen (via Gut Rot)
Mathematics: James Bobber (2), Jon Meyer (5), Eli Kazin (3)
Goalie Win: Tim Brown (3)
 
Poutine Machine 3-0 Tompkins Square Riots Final
Poutine Machine: Brian Sullivan (4), Mike Pelts (4), Mike Marron (4)
Tompkins Square Riots:
Goalie Win: Scott Heese (5)
 
Mega Touch 1-4 Cobra Kai Final
Mega Touch: Jon Hanson (1)
Cobra Kai: Peter Gallina x 2 (4), Will Green (5), Tom Lambertsen (1)
Goalie Win: Campbell Weaver (5)
 

Week 7 Previews: Part Two

May 19th, 2017

By BTSH Media Writers

Denim Demons at Sky Fighters

Smile boo, it’s your birthday!

The Sky Fighters will be in a festive mood Sunday as they arrive to the courts from Olivier’s birthday brunch party.  Powered by carbs, protein and mimosas, the Fighters will be too numb and lethargic to notice the beating they’ll be taking.  Just kidding – mimosas don’t dull one’s senses they only enhance them.  Yeah, they’re going to feel this…

But don’t ask the Teytelbaum brothers to smile or partake in the festivities.  They don’t’ celebrate the birthdays – they create the birthdays.  Boom.

You can’t even finish saying the word Party without Jenn and Tracy’s ears perking up.  They’ve transformed the Demon’s culture over the past two seasons from dirty-chirpers to the new league fun-bunch.  Even the Rosen that plays defense (not saying the other doesn’t back-check) has bought into the new system.

Prediction: Both teams discover their scoring touch and Mia gets on the scoreboard late to send this one to overtime with Caroline scoring the OT winner.  6-5 Sky Fighters.

Fuzz at LBS, Inc.

Rich is hoping to play some Skeetball at Ace on Sunday to celebrate his birthday and a Mathematics win!

Watching Rich enjoy his birthday party (starting at 3 pm at ACE bar (shameless plug), even though Rich wont’ be attending until after 5:30 pm) is like watching Michael Scott on Free Soft Pretzel day at the Office.  He has little patience for lines, wants all the toppings, rocks out to his favorite high school song (Jive Talkin’ by the Bee Gees) and soon after needs to be put down for a nap.  With Eric R unable to ensure Rich gets home safe it will be up to Alexa and Ryann to roll him onto the LIRR.

If you’ve seen that movie before, then head on over to Manitoba’s to celebrate Ali’s birthday with LBS instead.  Luke will be accepting all challengers at a game of air hockey, Scott will be performing his latest solo act on stage and Klion and Roberts will be car-bombing all evening.

Prediction: Jeff doesn’t yell at Rich (too much) and the Fuzz find a way to help him avoid -2 with Hicks scoring on Richiepoothang’s last shift.  Fuzz get back on track, 5-2.

Gouging Anklebiters (OTL/L/W/W/W) at Mathematics (W/W/L/W/L), Tompkins West, 1630

Nearly 20 years of combined service in goaltending and still, Craig and Tim prove to hold their own (especially Craig with his liquor). They’re getting help from overall league-leading scorer Probert, whose drive to light goalies up isn’t declining at the moment. Both factors have given Honorary GM Schuie’s squad a beautiful upswing.

Likewise, Math has been holding its own, too; it’s even above the Anklebiters in the standings. With Rebecca spending her first full season after being overseas, Math hopes that her presence restores in full the Norri swagger and gameplay that we once saw before the team “got screwed” back in 2014. If Eli’s 112 physicality rating holds true, we’ll continue to see them sitting atop the division. Also, I’m hoping for them to wear the orange Mets tribute swatch, because I personally like it.

Prediction: Strong goaltending from both sides means that this will be a low-scoring thriller. Math has the 5 th –lowest GA, so it will take more than just a “Probing”! If none the Anklebiters can put more than one past Liang, I expect that Langer or Justin P., along with one from the Norris clan, can give Math the formula for two points.

Poutine Machine at Tompkins Square Riots 

It’s the game Walker can’t stop jerking off over. A 4th division team beat a first division team. Of course I’m referring to when Poutine stunned the BTSH world and beat the Lbs. Well I wasn’t stunned by any game last week because unlike JW, I realize Gut Rot was .500 in 2015, had no goalie in 2016, and now that they have a goalie, are good again. As for Poutine, it’s a travesty they are in the lowest division. They are too good and I can’t wait to join them in 2022 and win another championship with Jerome.

But let’s focus on this Sunday. Hey did you hear, it’s (Brian Sullivan Alert) Brian Sullivan’s birthday week! Make sure you go to Ace and not Double Wide or Hi-Fi for a week. For Poutine, Natalie O’ is helping *piggyback* the offense along with Teddy, who scored a huge goal from the blue line vs. the Lbs. Scotty has only given up 14 goals in 6 games, and has been a key figure in why Poutine is in first place in the former Greene Division.

As for the Riots, Dave will give up 7 goals and play terribly. Jennifer is the best girl in the league that nobody knows. (I think its Jennifer, though maybe it’s someone else? Anyway they have one girl who is just as good as many of the top girls who everyone knows. I mean not Cherie/Sena/Sara level, but up there) Scott, Jaclyn, Spencer, some dude or dudette named BR makes Dave’s life easier, yet he still gives up 8 goals a game on average.

Prediction: Now I get that Dave really doesn’t give up that many goals, but I like when he gets pissed off on Facebook so I’m going to go with 9-1 Poutine. Nice goal BR! If I wasn’t trying to piss off Dave I’d say 3-2 Poutine and Dave plays well as usual. But 9-1 is ….nah 10-1 is more fun. Charlotte gets a secondary assist on one of BSA’s 4 birthday goals.

Other Prediction: I beat Boylan, Julie (as always), Suz and one of the Herr sisters…probably Cheeky in Skee*T*Ball. Boylan suffers unimaginably consequences for losing. Julie retires never to play again. Sena beats me but the game isn’t sanctioned so it doesn’t count. Come to ACE!!!!!!

Hockey Night in Tompkins (National Telecast)

Mega Touch (L/L/L/L/L) at Cobra Kai (L/W/W/W/L), Tompkins West, 1730

It seems we’ve reached the end of the world as we know it: the Cubs winning the World Series last year, the Red Wings failing to make this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, the Patriots winning consecutive Super Bowls, and in the NYC street hockey circuit, Gut Rot having a winning record (not that the last one is a bad thing).

Yuri’s been feeling it lately, but can he solve CK’s Campbell?

But Mega Touch being winless thus far is something that leaves us BTSH media people aghast because it’s quite uncharacteristic. The mindset should be that this matchup with Cobra Kai is winnable if the leadership of Julie, Alex, and Alok rightly steers the crew to strike opportunistically. Plus, if Alex’s socks are bright enough, the path to victory may already be paved.

The Dojo has had a season under the radar, and maybe that’s the way they like it. Without warning they’ll sweep the leg and “strike first, strike hard, [and] show no mercy”. Perhaps last week’s loss against the Anklebiters can be written off, but conceding the game this week to Mega Touch’s poor form would be a disappointment. That’s why scoring first and early while demonstrating high levels of tenacity may ruin the opposition’s momentum.

Expect Will, Liam, Rachel, and Lauren to provide a high tempo at the outset, with Campbell Weaver holding strong between the pipes for The Dojo. Alex and Julie have been the primary scorers for Mega Touch, but finding secondary scoring is imperative for success, meaning players like 2015 BTSH All-Star (and very recently, FB comment all-star) Brady are needed for that extra push, which the jort-wearing bunch is looking for.

Prediction: At the end of the day, Cobra Kai might take the game after regulation. Whatever the result, we hope that both teams bring enough girls for Glanzer’s “birthday party”.