• Credibility is the foundation.
• Lead by example or you don’t lead at all.
• Challenge provides opportunities for greatness.
• Leaders are team players.
• Caring is at the heart of leadership.

Credibility is the foundation. Credible leaders walk the talk, practice what they preach, are consistent in word and deed, put their money where their mouth is, and follow through on promises.  Watching the playoffs, each captain has walked the talk – they have definitely been out in front of the media discussing the games and what they and the team will do in the next game. I have listened closely to each of them and watched their actions live up to those words.

Lead by example or you don’t lead at all. This is where the words turn to action or they equal the do part. You have to do what you say.. Not just say it. Wish it or hope for it. Each one of those captains have stepped onto the ice and have delivered on their words with true actions. It is hard to stay on top of every shift in every period inevery game – but they do it.

Challenges provides opportunities for greatness. What better stage for any player. You are attempting to win the oldest trophy in sports, the Stanley Cup. You have all hockey fans watching your every move. Who will step up and be the best? That person that steps up and does more than just score, play defense or stops pucks. That person is the leader of that team. He is the captain and the eyes of his team mates are on him everyday. That is what true leaders live for. Give me the stage to do what I do – everyday.

Leaders are team players. Look at the team. Watch closely during the game, how much ice time, how many times the persons name is mentioned by the announcers. Who is in the middle of everything? It is that leader, that captain – the extension of the coach and
the coaching staff. They normally are the face of the team. But, first and most important they are team players. They look to make their team mates better.

Caring is at the heart of leadership. During the playoffs, everyone cares about winning the Stanley Cup. It is every players dream to have their name put on the Stanley
Cup. When I watch the captains during the pregame, game and post game – they wear the emotions on their sleeve. Not about winning only, but it all about the team and each and every person inside the team organization.

If you are a hockey fan or not, watch a couple of games and pay close attention to the captains of each of the teams. Listen to them, watch them do what they say, rise to
greatness and care about their team mates, coaching staff and the overall organization. They are wonderful examples for any leader to follow. You can easily do these things in your leadership role. I know, I practice these all the time. Just a solid foundation…

Now that we are down to 8 teams – time for me to keep going with my picks..

• Vancouver and Nashville (Vancouver).. I know round one was shaky for my overall winner pick.. I am sticking to this pick (for now).
• San Jose and Detroit (San Jose).. Simply put, the Red Wings beat up my Coyotes pretty bad. I know the Red Wings played well, but the Sharks will do me proud. Have too many friends that are in the San Jose Area.
• Washington and Tampa Bay (Washington).. The style change for Washington has proved a very good move. My pick to make it to the finals moves on.
• Boston and Philadelphia (Boston).. I really had the Flyers leaving in the first round, but they played an awesome game 7 to stay in. Do I think they can continue? Not really, shaky goaltending. This pick is more for me, to give a nod to my Boston friends.

So, like my picks? Think I am full of it? What are yours?

The playoff’s this year has some really interesting story lines. For me, I had Vancouver winning it last year – but I have a really good feeling this year (as they are the top seeded team). Will the Eastern Conference top seed, Washington Capitals make it to the finals? How about my own Phoenix Coyotes playing the Detriot Red Wings again this year – Can the Coyotes win a playoff series? I am counting on it this year.

Who are you top predictions for making it to this years Stanley Cup Finals?

Mine are – Vancouver Canucks -vs- Washington Capitals. With the Vancouver Canucks winning it all… I know they are the top seeds. There is more behind my picks this year. Washington Capitals are actually playing defense this year. Something that had caused them early outs in playoffs past. I am still worried about goalie play for the Captials but I am going with it. Vancouver has one of the best goalies in the league. Defense wins championships..

Friday night, we will get to witness the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins take on each other for the oldest trophy in North American Sports, Lord Stanley’s Cup. I know I will be watching! I really am looking forward to a very good game (I am even hoping for overtime…).

I must go ahead and make my prediction… Red Wings. For those that have been watching – the home team has won every game in the series. Detroit is home – it is hockeytown, the fans are crazy about their Wings and they are the better team. I believe that there has been 19 game 7 Stanley Cup finals and the home team has won 17 of them.

Let the debate on who should win begin! Friday night it will be all settled.

Eastern Conference First Round:

• Boston v. Montreal: Tough call, loyalty v. what is the right pick. So, I am going with the Bruins. If the Havs win I will be happier. Boston is too tough.
• Washington v. New York Rangers: Time for an upset pick – I’m going with the Rangers!
• New Jersey v. Carolina: Have to give the nod to the Devils.
• Pittsburgh v. Philly: Toss up, but I am going with the Penguins.

Western Conference First Round:

• San Jose v. Anaheim: Sharks have looked good all season, very dangerous match up. I am going with the Sharks.
• Detriot v. Columbus: Hockey town in a sweep.
• Vancouver v. St. Louis: Looking at this one as a good series, but the Canucks should win.
• Chicago v. Calgary: Another 4/5 series that is a toss up. I like the Chicago feel good story. Have to go with the Blackhawks in a 7 gamer.

Round 2 and semi-finals – Eastern Conference

• Boston v. NY Rangers – got to go with NY Rangers. My heart winning out!
• NJ Devils v. Pittsburgh – Devils should win this one. Defense is too tough.
• Devils v. Rangers – Winner of the Eastern Conference will be the NJ Devils.

Round 2 and semi-finals – Western Conference

• San Jose v. Chicago – staying with the favorite – Sharks!
• Detriot v. Vancouver – again staying with the favorite – Red Wings.
• Sharks v. Red Wings – now this is the match up that most want to see. The number 1 and 2 teams going at it. I have to give the Sharks a slight edge.

Finals:

• New Jersey v. San Jose – definitely an interesting match up. I predict the Devils winning in 6 games.

Your thoughts?