"And then there were eight" part three: Better Late Than Never

I know, I know. This series is already two games old and in favor of Boston. Listen, you're all lucky you're seeing it period so how about we stop the crying, wash away the tears and get down to some good ol' fashioned predictin'!

(6) Boston Bruins vs. (7) Philadelphia Flyers

Players to Watch:
Marc Savard, C, Bruins- For a team that finished dead last in scoring during the regular season, the reappearance of Marc Savard will give the Bruins a much-needed offensive boost on the power play and at even strength. As Saturday’s OT goal proved, the puck sometimes just finds itself on the stick of the best players when the game is on the line. If Savard stops whining about his concussion (ok, he really isn’t whining at all) and is able to get back into full-swing by the midway point of the series, you gotta love the B’s chances.

Mike Richards, C, Flyers- The majority of the Flyers’ regular season was dismal because of a fractured locker room. There were two camps in Philly’s dressing room: the Pronger camp and the Richards camp. Pronger was outspoken and took the team over from the get go which didn’t sit well with Richards nor his supporters, but Mike Richards should probably thank Chris Pronger. That lit a fire under Captain Cheap Shot Artist’s ass and he began to lead and carry the team as a captain should. In the playoffs, the ascension has continued. Richards is a force on absolutely every shift. Scoring, hitting, defense, forechecking. If he can keep his Yzermanian (sounds better than Messierian) effort up, the Flyers will keep rolling along.

How I see It:
This is a tough series to call and all signs point to Philly taking this. They have a more talented offensive core and defense and are riding high after dispatching a supremely talented Devils squad. But look beneath the surface; they have been devastated by injuries. They might run out of steam at any moment. Brian Boucher is their goalie and that is the proverbial other shoe that is just aching to drop. Combine all of that with the Bruins’ special teams humming, Marc Savard returning and Tuuka Rask being the hottest goalie left in the playoffs. See? Just like Transformers, there is more than meets the eye on this one. On paper and on the surface, this seems to be Philly’s to lose, but once you dig deeper, try being convinced. In my opinion, the Bruins are hitting their stride and in addition to the goalie nod with Rask, they are lining up three great centers who can all score and put Philly’s defense to the test. Especially with the man advantage. Combine that with their size and speed advantage and the return of Marc Savard and I see the B’s atoning for last season and heading to the conference finals. Boston in Six

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Eating Out: New Roc City

Always on the hunt for a good meal, my travels recently took me to New Rochelle to find Don Coqui (www.doncoqui.com) Their tag line is "The Shortcut to Puerto Rico" and it's true. Food, music, atmosphere, karaoke, salsa lessons, cooking classes, this place literally has it all.

Where Don Coqui will shine is the food. The portions are no joke and the quality of the food, ingredients, flavor, presentation, are all to be envied by any restaurant. Getting quality food, in extra large portions, at a good price is always a great thing. Dress up the presentation like DC does and they bring the whole experience to another level. Find yourself in New Roc on a Tuesday? Well, you're in luck because at 9pm the karaoke party begins. Have a big meal, some drinks at the full service bar, or just chill in their lounge and listen to the wanna-be singers try their hand on the mic.

But back to the food for a minute, why do so many restaurants forget that we eat with our eyes? Pile a load of good food on a plate and call it my supper doesn't do the trick. If I want a casually loaded plate that looks like slop, just point me in the direction of a buffet and that's how I make my plates. Start by pleasing my eyes and the rest will fall into place.

I've had a variety of food here but the Pernil and Paella really stand out. From what others in my party said, you really could not go wrong. I'll be going again shortly and pictures will follow along with a more extensive food review.