Sunday Smorgasbord 5-17

• We've been having too much fun (if you want to call it that) catching up on sleep and general life since the Caps were eliminated by the NHL on Wednesday night. We had wanted to do a full preview for the Conference Finals that started today but never got around to it. After going 8 for 8 in the first round we cooled off and only went 3 for 4 in the second round. So to give you the condensed version of the previews we were planning, Chicago is an Original Six Rehabilitation Project that hasn't been fully tested in the playoffs. They'll get one now. The Red Wings got a wake up call from Brad Watson against the Thug Ducks (who blew our perfect record) in Game 3 but slipped a little bit and still needed seven to finish off Anaheim. That's why we think Detroit in six is a safe bet. As for the East, whenever New Jersey and Carolina meet in the playoffs, the winner has gone on to the Stanley Cup Finals. Underestimate Carolina at your own risk. The Penguin Scum are coming off of two series against two rivals, how much is physically and emotionally left? We happen to think that Carolina plays the game that Pittsburgh is trying to play now under Blysma, only better because Carolina is bigger and stronger and will hit the Penguin Scum defense, unlike the Caps. We really think Carolina in six if the NHL keeps it on the level, otherwise Carolina will likely need seven.
• We have to say, after watching today's Natinals 8-6 loss to the Phillies, we feel it is really only a matter of time before Manny Acta is fired. Not that any of this is Manny's fault but considering the turnover in the bullpen that still can't get the job done with any consistency and defense that flat out self-destructs, there's no other way to get the players attention than to get rid of the manger. That said, this lineup can really hit the ball and should get more attention from the fans because that means they'll never be out of games. Just don't expect them to win many games.
• Anyway, this is quick this week because we're about to head off to bed for night but this week Stan Kasten will actively sell to all the Pittsburgh fans who felt slighted by Ted Leonsis as the Pirates come to town and then Stan tries to convince the Baltimorons that Nationals Park is just like Ralph Cramden Yards.
• The email address here is "capsnut" over at gmail dot com.