Probably Canucks as usual because they're the most local hockey team. Also this is very un-Canadian of me but I'm not a huge hockey fan, I generally find sports boring to watch while funner to play instead.
Khornholio wrote:I'm going for the Bruins, or whoever is playing against Montreal.
I'd like to see the C'Hawks knock out Vancouver, but I don't see that happening. That'll be Detroit's job this year.
Here's a parade route for the Canucks.
Hockey Trolling.
Yep, Boston and Montreal. I'm thinking Boston in 7, and that's only if Montreal can stop piling up minor calls for a bit.
Chicago isn't going to beat Vancouver. Half their star players got traded to Atlanta of all places (And even they won't save THAT failing lolfest franchise), and now they're just trying to look good as long as they can
I can see Detroit and Vancouver in the end-all-be-all. As long as Vancouver can avoid another case of "Chronic Roster Injury Syndrome", I'd say they very well could have a chance at the cup. Between the fact that Schneids' save percentage is something like .002% off Luongo's (and his percentage of games won is actually -better- than Lou's), the fact that they have the best Penalty Kill, plus the Sedin/Burrows line leads the league in scoring, AND that they have home ice advantage thanks to the Pres' Cup means that it'd be a serious uphill battle for Detroit to take them down if they met up.
Nightwatch wrote:I live next to Toronto. There is no joy I can get out of hockey, and it has been that way for the last 44 years.
DISCLAIMER: Not that I'm 44 years old. I meant Torontonians in general.
Loaf fans excel at schadenfreude. I've been cheering for them since I was conscious of existing in a physical realm. I remember when Sitler, McDonald, Ellis, and Tiger Williams played for them. I've seen when they were actually 'good' (Dougie ) and the polar opposite in the 80s and now. My fondest recent hockey memory is when Ottawa lost the cup and the cup winning goal was an own goal. I had a grin on my face until the following Christmas. That's Leaf fan schadenfreude for ya! We're immune to insults about the team because we have knowledge beyond knowing as to how terrible they can be. We love the team and hate all the players.
@Metallifan the map is loaf inspired schadenfreude from when Pavel Butter played for Van. I still remember that insane pass he made to himself from behind the net to the box in the series against the Loafs. If Van blows it this year, maybe they should consider getting new uniforms....again. I'll admit the Nucks have been a solid team this year and have a lot of good guys. I reckon they'll get past Chicago in 5 unless they have a total collapse. They're saving that for the 2nd round though.
Price was totally awesome today. and that dead weight Slovakian Pylon Kaberle was at -2. The only defenceman in the league who can go into the corner with an egg in his pocket and come out with it in tact. Maybe the B's can use the Kesticle picks to get a defenceman who isn't like Kabby. Like good.
Khornholio wrote:We're immune to insults about the team because we have knowledge beyond knowing as to how terrible they can be. We love the team and hate all the players.
@Metallifan the map is loaf inspired schadenfreude from when Pavel Butter played for Van. I still remember that insane pass he made to himself from behind the net to the box in the series against the Loafs. If Van blows it this year, maybe they should consider getting new uniforms....again. I'll admit the Nucks have been a solid team this year and have a lot of good guys. I reckon they'll get past Chicago in 5 unless they have a total collapse. They're saving that for the 2nd round though.
spyfunk wrote:
Vancouver v. Washington final, Caps in 7
I can't see washington in the finals.. i mean, it took OT against the Rangers for them to win game 1. After seeing some of the highlights of the various first games, I think buffalo could go to the finals. Miller was absolutely insane in the first game of their series. Besides, if Washington meets Pittsburgh in the playoffs, I'm siding with history here, and going with the Pens.
Cheesecat wrote:Also this is very un-Canadian of me but I'm not a huge hockey fan, I generally find sports boring to watch while funner to play instead.
I know what you mean. I really could care less when everyone was cheering for the Vancouver Olympics. I have nothing against sports fans, I just find the entire concept of sitting on the couch, wearing some oversized jersey, while drinking a beer, shouting GOAL! rather unappealing.
But I do hope that the cup goes to a Canadian team, as it was originally a trophy awarded to Canadian teams, before the NHL even existed...
spyfunk wrote:
Vancouver v. Washington final, Caps in 7
BTW, Detroit can suck it. You guys would be the Yankees of hockey if it wasn't for Montreal.
Yeah, you're right, except for the part where you're wrong (the whole part, actually). We had an above average payroll before the salary cap... but then guess what? Now everyone has the same! And guess what? We're still winning. 20 straight years in the playoffs, including the last five under the salary cap. 4 Stanley cups (1 under the salary cap).
It's pretty recognized that we aren't the yankees of hockey, seeing as we also draft well and take our time with our draftees. Look at Jimmy Howard - we drafted him and let him develop in the minors for years before we called him up.
But continue to pick teams that own the title "choke artists!" Good luck!
I can't see the Caps in the final either. Ovie's production has dropped off. I think with Crosby out there hasn't been the same amount of competitive spirit from the Caveman who wears the number 8.
I have to agree that Detroit's system is the best hands down. They used to suck it, bad. Now they have guys that should be in a "over-the-hill" hockey movie consistently winning President's Trophies and Cups. Osgood played in 92-93! That's ages ago for a goalie. I don't see them winning the cup, but I see them in the 3rd round for sure. It was the youth of the C'hawks and awesomeness of Byflugien that got them last year.
metallifan wrote:
Chicago isn't going to beat Vancouver. Half their star players got traded to Atlanta of all places (And even they won't save THAT failing lolfest franchise), and now they're just trying to look good as long as they can
You mean Ladd and Byfgulien? That's hardly half (and its debatable as to whether either one counts as a star), and only one of them was any good in Chicago's system (and it wasn't Bygfuglien).
metallifan wrote:
I can see Detroit and Vancouver in the end-all-be-all. As long as Vancouver can avoid another case of "Chronic Roster Injury Syndrome", I'd say they very well could have a chance at the cup. Between the fact that Schneids' save percentage is something like .002% off Luongo's (and his percentage of games won is actually -better- than Lou's), the fact that they have the best Penalty Kill, plus the Sedin/Burrows line leads the league in scoring, AND that they have home ice advantage thanks to the Pres' Cup means that it'd be a serious uphill battle for Detroit to take them down if they met up.
I don't see why. Luongo has a history of choking in the playoffs (and game 2 against Chicago certainly wasn't his best, especially the second goal), home ice tends to be an overrated factor in the playoffs ( just look at last year's playoffs), Detroit and Vancouver are roughly even in terms of G/G (though Vancouver does have a reasonable lead in GA/G), and Luongo isn't significantly better than Jimmy Howard when you adjust GAA for Save% (he is better, but marginally, as opposed to significantly).
Vancouver is certainly the better team on paper, but the gap isn't quite so large as you might think. Either way, My pick for the Cup is Washington.
metallifan wrote: Chicago isn't going to beat Vancouver. Half their star players got traded to Atlanta of all places (And even they won't save THAT failing lolfest franchise), and now they're just trying to look good as long as they can
You mean Ladd and Byfgulien? That's hardly half (and its debatable as to whether either one counts as a star), and only one of them was any good in Chicago's system (and it wasn't Bygfuglien).
It was a jab at Chicago. Clearly you missed it.
I don't see why. Luongo has a history of choking in the playoffs (and game 2 against Chicago certainly wasn't his best, especially the second goal), home ice tends to be an overrated factor in the playoffs ( just look at last year's playoffs), Detroit and Vancouver are roughly even in terms of G/G (though Vancouver does have a reasonable lead in GA/G), and Luongo isn't significantly better than Jimmy Howard when you adjust GAA for Save% (he is better, but marginally, as opposed to significantly).
Vancouver is certainly the better team on paper, but the gap isn't quite so large as you might think. Either way, My pick for the Cup is Washington.
I don't disagree about Luongo's unpredictable performances. To be honest, I'd rather have them alternate. It should've been Cory Schneider in game 2, not Lou. If the regular season teaches us anything, it's that Luongo has a habit of 'win one, lose one (or at least playing a close shave). Plus, Schneider has a .001% better save percentage than Lou. Might not seem like much, but that could've been the difference between Chicago's 1st and 2nd goals. Vancouver, Boston, and Detroit are the 3 I'm following. I just have a feeling the matchup is going to be in there somewhere. Do the Caps have a chance? Sure, but my Canadian-senses are tingling, and they're telling me that the Caps won't make it to the final game.
metallifan wrote:
It was a jab at Chicago. Clearly you missed it.
Apparently.
Either way, Chicago is a lot less physical this year (basically, that's what they lost with Ladd and Byfuglien), and they weren't all that physical last year. Vancouver, however, is a lot more physical (Hamhuis in particular). Though Oreskovich is going o get a major boarding/charging penalty if he isn't careful, there were a couple times in Game 2 where he strode all the way into the boards; only missing the check due to a last second move by a Hawks defenseman.
metallifan wrote: Might not seem like much, but that could've been the difference between Chicago's 1st and 2nd goals.
As an aside, it was funny watching how no one on Vancouver paid any attention to Ben Smith. Oops.
metallifan wrote:
Vancouver, Boston, and Detroit are the 3 I'm following. I just have a feeling the matchup is going to be in there somewhere. Do the Caps have a chance? Sure, but my Canadian-senses are tingling, and they're telling me that the Caps won't make it to the final game.
Well, unless Boston can start to skate with Montreal I'm not seeing them out of the first round.
As for the Caps, I like them because of their big, aggressive offense. Fehr, Chimera, Knuble, Arnott, Ovechkin, and even Semin can all grind with big d-men.
Yor wrote:if I had to pick american Phoenix (they were once the Jets after all)
Either this is trolling, or I should feel really sorry for you right now No one bets on the Coyotes making it past game 5. Not even the Coyotes.
dogma wrote:Well, unless Boston can start to skate with Montreal I'm not seeing them out of the first round.
The reason I'm going with Boston is because Montreal just seems to love stacking up minor penalties once they get comfortable. If they play smart they might have a chance, but I just see them taking some stupid penalties as the first round goes on.
andruin wrote:
Yeah, you're right, except for the part where you're wrong (the whole part, actually). We had an above average payroll before the salary cap... but then guess what? Now everyone has the same! And guess what? We're still winning. 20 straight years in the playoffs, including the last five under the salary cap. 4 Stanley cups (1 under the salary cap).
It's pretty recognized that we aren't the yankees of hockey, seeing as we also draft well and take our time with our draftees. Look at Jimmy Howard - we drafted him and let him develop in the minors for years before we called him up.
But continue to pick teams that own the title "choke artists!" Good luck!
Howard was at Maine for three years after he was drafted, not the minors and was called up the first year he was playing in the minors for 4 games to play for Detroit. Definitely understand the salary cap concept, the Red Wings/Yanks comparison was more to the tune of exactly what you brought up with them being in the playoffs 20 years straight.
I'd love to see Phoenix get deeper into the playoffs, just a great story for that franchise but it's not going to happen going through Detroit (who can still suck it )
andruin wrote:
Yeah, you're right, except for the part where you're wrong (the whole part, actually). We had an above average payroll before the salary cap... but then guess what? Now everyone has the same!
No, they don't. The presence of a salary cap does not indicate that all teams have the same payroll. The Wings still have a total salary that is above the NHL average. In fact, since the current era of hockey, they've never been under the cap by more than a million USD, and have several contracts that are likely to be illegal under the coming CBA (long, front-loaded contracts designed to reduce the cap hit).
andruin wrote:
It's pretty recognized that we aren't the yankees of hockey, seeing as we also draft well and take our time with our draftees. Look at Jimmy Howard - we drafted him and let him develop in the minors for years before we called him up.
The Wings are grouped together with all the other large market teams as clubs with an unfair advantage when it comes to pursuing the Cup, but that's more of a structural problem with the NHL than an issue with the team specifically.
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spyfunk wrote:
I'd love to see Phoenix get deeper into the playoffs, just a great story for that franchise but it's not going to happen going through Detroit (who can still suck it )
Of course, they may not be in Phoenix much longer, so who knows.
Curious for tonight to to see if Montreal can continue to milk everything they can from artful diving (I'm looking at you Subban) and uber-turtling once they get a lead...
Of course, they may not be in Phoenix much longer, so who knows.
Don't we Canadians wish this was true. It's pretty clear though that Bettman would rather keep a shrivelled, dying franchise south of the 49 before he'd let some dirty, unworthy Canadian take back their own game
The guy is ruining hockey. I think we should have him go out for a skate along the boards with Chara...
I agree Boston was crap in that first game. Game 2 is an entire different test. I've got my breakfast all ready to go and want to sit back and watch the game. Unfortunately its Versus and not HNIC, so no Don Cherry or that goof Milbury. I just can't stand the Habs, but Price has been awesome, even though he goes down too much. (That's what all his team mates say. -arr arr arr lol)
@Metallifan - I think the universal hatred for Bettman in Canada is one thing that could unite the country. I love how he is booed everywhere he goes in Canada. They used to throw garbage on the ice in Maple Leaf Gardens whenever he'd go out there. He was the only personality that could do that.
I didn't see the Van C'hawks game, but I'll give it to Van that this is the best team they have ever had. Better than the team that went in 1994 and the one in 1982. I just don't want to say that they'll win as they remind me too much of the Sharks in the last few years who beat up on crappy regular season opponents (Edmonton, Colorado, Minnesota and Calgary before Christmas) and then blow all but one tire in the 2nd round. So far the Orange County Cup has been the best series to date.
The Pens are sucking bad without their two best players. They know it. Only Fleury is keeping them in it...well not last night. It looks like Tampa might be a good dark horse to bet on. They still have St.Louis and Vinny C. Stamkos too.
Khornholio wrote:I agree Boston was crap in that first game. Game 2 is an entire different test. I've got my breakfast all ready to go and want to sit back and watch the game. Unfortunately its Versus and not HNIC, so no Don Cherry or that goof Milbury. I just can't stand the Habs, but Price has been awesome, even though he goes down too much. (That's what all his team mates say. -arr arr arr lol)
I'm a ranger fan... i think we definitely have a team that could turn around and beat the Caps, if they, i dunno... PLAY A FULL GAME OF HOCKEY! for some reason since the lockout the rangers have been unable, as a team, to play more than 40 minutes a game.
@CT Gamer The Bruins were terrible and Price was awesome. Even though the B's were givin' her in the 3rd, down 2-0 in the first 3 minutes in a must win game is a pretty big hole to get out of. I'm praying the hockey gods are setting up the Habs for an implosion at home, but I doubt it.
Philly-Buttfullo was a good game. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's games already. The first round is the best round.
Khornholio wrote:@CT Gamer The Bruins were terrible and Price was awesome. Even though the B's were givin' her in the 3rd, down 2-0 in the first 3 minutes in a must win game is a pretty big hole to get out of. I'm praying the hockey gods are setting up the Habs for an implosion at home, but I doubt it.
They B's better pray Chara is back for starters...
And then pray that Price catches whatever was ailing him...
DarkDrgon wrote:I'm a ranger fan... i think we definitely have a team that could turn around and beat the Caps, if they, i dunno... PLAY A FULL GAME OF HOCKEY! for some reason since the lockout the rangers have been unable, as a team, to play more than 40 minutes a game.
Khornholio wrote:Wow. The Hawks are either total crap (they did back into the playoffs) or the Canucks are really good. Or both.
Aside from the first game, the series has been closer than it looks based on records alone. Luongo has been standing on his head, especially in game 3, and the Hawks have been misfiring on what should have been really easy goals (either not getting the puck off the ice, or missing the shot altogether). That said, the Canucks are very good, and they seem to be on one of those streaks where everything goes their way (eg. rebounds coming right to players at the opposite point). Basically, they've switched roles with the Hawks of last season.
As an aside, it was nice to see the officials start calling interference, especially on Vancouver (they throw sooo many blatant picks).
Khornholio wrote:Wow. The Hawks are either total crap (they did back into the playoffs) or the Canucks are really good. Or both.
Aside from the first game, the series has been closer than it looks based on records alone. Luongo has been standing on his head, especially in game 3, and the Hawks have been misfiring on what should have been really easy goals (either not getting the puck off the ice, or missing the shot altogether). That said, the Canucks are very good, and they seem to be on one of those streaks where everything goes their way (eg. rebounds coming right to players at the opposite point). Basically, they've switched roles with the Hawks of last season.
As an aside, it was nice to see the officials start calling interference, especially on Vancouver (they throw sooo many blatant picks).
The C'hawks are one game away of being the Leafs of every season - playing Golf in April.
As for the Bs, I was so happy to come home and see that they crushed their battle opponents balls tonight. I haven't checked the schedule yet, but I'm hoping there is a game on Friday night so I can watch it LIVE on Saturday morning at my buddy from New Haven's place. Beers and pizza at 9 am is always fun.
As for the Bs, I was so happy to come home and see that they crushed their battle opponents balls tonight. I haven't checked the schedule yet, but I'm hoping there is a game on Friday night so I can watch it LIVE on Saturday morning at my buddy from New Haven's place. Beers and pizza at 9 am is always fun.
Khornholio wrote:
The C'hawks are one game away of being the Leafs of every season - playing Golf in April.
Well, except for last season.
Khornholio wrote:
How about Nashville, eh?
No joke, though they were a solid playoff team last year too. They play really solid at the blue line, and that tends to make more aggressive teams slip up.
Flyers took 2 after bombing the first game. Boucher was a monster in goal stopping 35 of 37 including 11 pp shots. He even worked off a 2 man deficit in the third (Zherdev and Powe). Flyers were out shot 37 - 26.
All I can say is that I'm -REALLY****INGSUPRISED- that Raffi Torres was allowed to play game 4. I'm a Canucks fan, but I still would've pulled him for that lolpwned hit on Seabrooke. The fact that he's back just speaks more wonders for the NHL's ability to hand out proper discipline. Seriously, it's weaker than a Leukemia patient. I love seeing a good hit, but there's a pretty distinguishable line between a good hit, and a shady hit. Willie Mitchell laying out Toews at centre ice last year because ol' Johnny boy wasn't watching where the hell he was going, THAT was a ****ing GLORIOUS hit.
But Torres? That's just dirty stuff that, despite inherent "OWWWWNED!" factor, shouldn't be happening without repercussions.
metallifan wrote:All I can say is that I'm -REALLY****INGSUPRISED- that Raffi Torres was allowed to play game 4. I'm a Canucks fan, but I still would've pulled him for that lolpwned hit on Seabrooke. The fact that he's back just speaks more wonders for the NHL's ability to hand out proper discipline. Seriously, it's weaker than a Leukemia patient. I love seeing a good hit, but there's a pretty distinguishable line between a good hit, and a shady hit. Willie Mitchell laying out Toews at centre ice last year because ol' Johnny boy wasn't watching where the hell he was going, THAT was a ****ing GLORIOUS hit.
But Torres? That's just dirty stuff that, despite inherent "OWWWWNED!" factor, shouldn't be happening without repercussions.
He should have been suspended if the NHL is serious about cracking down on head shots (they aren't). That said, I look at Torres in a light that is far too close to the light with which I view Avery, and I really would have loved to watch Scott explain civility to him at the end of the game.
Unfortunately the NHL is caught between "charging is bad" and "fighting is bad".
Being from Cleveland where we don't have an NHL team, I adopted the Devils in 1987, when they still had the ugly green piping. I started liking them because the were the featured team in Pirate Corp$, a comic by Evan Dorkin. I mean you have to love a team called the Devils. The are in a downturn now and Brodeur is almost 40, but I watched them get their first cup and all the rest since then.
Man, oh man, did the Canucks ever schisse the bed in Game 4. I still figure they'll win, but that was a bit of shock when I got home today to see. The 3rd must've been a circus with all the penalties dished out.
If Detroit wins one more game, the Jets will be reborn like a Phoenix. Another team to wholeheartedly hate. Life is good. It's be way cool if another team left the South and moved to K-bec.
Gotta love the goalie battle building in the Flyers - Sabres series..... Hoping Boucher is in goal for Philly tonight.... Miller should be off as he was in last game. (Hopefully)
I'm a little surprised that Luongo is getting the start in game 6, but then again it may be that Vigneault wants to maintain some type of emotional stability in the locker room. Personally, that seems like a mistake to me, as the Canucks need something to change if they want to close out the series.
But hey, I'm a Chicago fan, so I'm happy to see Luongo in net. Not that his play has really been all that bad.
The last B's/Habs game was crazy. The last Philly/Sabres one was even crazier. I couldn't believe the score of the Chi-Van Game 5. I thought it was a mistake. If they implode this soon in the playoffs with a 3-0 series lead, that's a shame.
dogma wrote:I'm a little surprised that Luongo is getting the start in game 6, but then again it may be that Vigneault wants to maintain some type of emotional stability in the locker room. Personally, that seems like a mistake to me, as the Canucks need something to change if they want to close out the series.
But hey, I'm a Chicago fan, so I'm happy to see Luongo in net. Not that his play has really been all that bad.
It's the same mistake Alain Vigneault has made year after year. The regular season has shown us that Louie needs a break after every 3 or 4 games or he just hits rock bottom. It never fails. If he wants to knock out the Hawks he's either going to have to play Schneider, or else he best make sure that Lou is running at 110%. There's still 2 games left and Vancouver only needs 1 of em. All I'm hoping is that he won't make the same error in judgement further down the line.
As the saying goes, 'Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.' Vigneault needs to look back at the regular season and realise that a regular swap in the net once every few games has done wonders for them.
See, if I were a Canucks fan I wouldn't be all that worried about Luongo. He didn't play well in game 4, but in game 5 the goals he let by were either fantastic shots, or simply ones that left him no chance (thinking Sharp's first). The real worry is that the Van defense simply looked terrible in both games. They left open far too many passing lanes (something they did very well in the first 3) and instead of taking the body to retrieve the puck they focused on hitting to injure (and took a lot of penalties as a result). I think it would be good to sit Bobby Lu not because he has played poorly, but because its a hard indication to the defense that they have.
And, I hate to say it, but looking back on the series the Hawks had a lot of great scoring chances that either Luongo miraculously saved, or the Hawks miraculously wiffed; aside from game 1, of course.
dogma wrote:See, if I were a Canucks fan I wouldn't be all that worried about Luongo. He didn't play well in game 4, but in game 5 the goals he let by were either fantastic shots, or simply ones that left him no chance (thinking Sharp's first). The real worry is that the Van defense simply looked terrible in both games. They left open far too many passing lanes (something they did very well in the first 3) and instead of taking the body to retrieve the puck they focused on hitting to injure (and took a lot of penalties as a result). I think it would be good to sit Bobby Lu not because he has played poorly, but because its a hard indication to the defense that they have.
And, I hate to say it, but looking back on the series the Hawks had a lot of great scoring chances that either Luongo miraculously saved, or the Hawks miraculously wiffed; aside from game 1, of course.
I didn't say that it was all Lou's fault, I just said he chokes after 3 or 4 consecutive games. We've seen that proven all season and for the last couple years. Yes, the defense looked pretty out of it, but I think it was pretty clear that Roberto just wasn't completely in the game mentally. He really looked unfocused early on and there were a couple goals in game 5 that had no business whatsoever getting past any pro goalie. Plus, I think Schneider would really play harder than he has all season, as he's got a lot to prove to Vigneault if he wants to grab a couple starting games later in the series. Vigneault and the guys at the top know he's a good goalie, but is he playoff good? That's something they're going to need to answer sooner or later by putting him out there if they want to win this series.
I also think that a lot of it is due to just plain -terrible- luck for the Canucks' top scorers. They've had some downright beautiful shots and great setups, but something just comes along and punches them in their collective balls at the last possible second. Having shot after shot robbed from you because of simple awful luck can really do a number on a team's morale. Especially when the witless idiots at TSN start calling guys that are otherwise the breadwinners 'Team-damaging non-scorers'
Daniel Sedin and Kesler are non-scorers and are damaging the team's ability to play? Get new jobs you f***-headed c***knuckles. Clearly professional sports anchors, even on the worst, most biased network on TV, are not your calling.
metallifan wrote:Having shot after shot robbed from you because of simple awful luck can really do a number on a team's morale.
Have you ever seen the Hawks try to take a shot from the point?
metallifan wrote:
Daniel Sedin and Kesler are non-scorers and are damaging the team's ability to play? Get new jobs you f***-headed c***knuckles. Clearly professional sports anchors, even on the worst, most biased network on TV, are not your calling.
dogma wrote:Kessler has not played well this series.
That doesn't make him a non-scorer that's holding back the team. He's had some grand attempts. and he's a sniper at the blueline. He just hasn't been lucky enough to have one of those shots actually get past Turco. Plenty of really close nailbiters that had me getting ready to jump out of my seat when I would hear "Kesler shoots!", as that was often followed by an air horn/siren during the season. Plus, any sports network that would call Daniel Sedin a non-scorer needs to take another look at itself.
That has nothing to do with their abilities and more to do with the fact that they aren't the physical players that most guys in a playoff situation are. They might give the odd shove, hook, or whathaveyou, but compared to the other guys they're playing with and against, they're hardly a contact presence. That might mean they lose some scoring chances, but it also means they stay out of the penalty box most of the time. That's definately the way it should be, considering how much pressure the two of them can put down, scoring or not.
Toews and Hossa are both physical, and they both struggle at times (Hosa more so). And it isn't like the Sedins are playing against a rough team right now.
And what I said above could be applied to Toews and Hossa as well as the Sedins. If you're not a physical player, then come playoff time expect your scoring ability to take a hit. The CHawks aren't as rough as previous years, but they're still physical enough to put a dent in the twins ability to land goals.
So, I honestly had no idea who was going to win in the Pittsburg/Montreal game last night...and it shouldn't have gone into double-overtime...there were some lucky saves and missed shots by both teams.
mega_bassist wrote:So, I honestly had no idea who was going to win in the Pittsburg/Montreal game last night...and it shouldn't have gone into double-overtime...there were some lucky saves and missed shots by both teams.
Props to the Penguins for pulling it off though
Montreal was versing Boston, I was hoping Montreal would win but it was still a good game even though they lost.
mega_bassist wrote:So, I honestly had no idea who was going to win in the Pittsburg/Montreal game last night...and it shouldn't have gone into double-overtime...there were some lucky saves and missed shots by both teams.
Props to the Penguins for pulling it off though
Montreal was versing Boston, I was hoping Montreal would win but it was still a good game even though they lost.
HERP DERP - You're totally right I have no idea why I said Pittsburg
mega_bassist wrote:So, I honestly had no idea who was going to win in the Pittsburg/Montreal game last night...and it shouldn't have gone into double-overtime...there were some lucky saves and missed shots by both teams.
Props to the Penguins for pulling it off though
Montreal was versing Boston, I was hoping Montreal would win but it was still a good game even though they lost.
HERP DERP - you're totally right. I....can't explain why I said Pittsburg.
mega_bassist wrote:So, I honestly had no idea who was going to win in the Pittsburg/Montreal game last night...and it shouldn't have gone into double-overtime...there were some lucky saves and missed shots by both teams.
Props to the Penguins for pulling it off though
Montreal was versing Boston, I was hoping Montreal would win but it was still a good game even though they lost.
HERP DERP - you're totally right. I....can't explain why I said Pittsburg.
It's OK man, we all make mistakes.
Didn't help that I was putting an engine mount and brake line in my truck at the same time...I was little distracted LOL
mega_bassist wrote:So, I honestly had no idea who was going to win in the Pittsburg/Montreal game last night...and it shouldn't have gone into double-overtime...there were some lucky saves and missed shots by both teams.
Props to the Penguins for pulling it off though
Montreal was versing Boston, I was hoping Montreal would win but it was still a good game even though they lost.
HERP DERP - You're totally right I have no idea why I said Pittsburg
I actually got to watch a few games over the weekend. The Bruins OT Victory over Les Habs in game 4 was great. The Karmic justice of Ryder scoring the winner was....magnifique! I watched two of the LA SJ games, including the one where the Sharks were down 4-0 in the first and came back to win it 6-5 in OT. I also saw the next one where they steamrollered over LA. The Philly Buffalo game 5 was a treat as I wasn't going for either team. We were making $1 bets on who was going to score the next goal. All the players I picked were in on the assist but, not the actual goals. I haven't seen the Canucks in their present losing streak yet. I heard about the 5-0 loss in Van and thought 'Wow. Total implosion." If they're gonna get it done, they better get their crap together. They've let Chicago back in it. And RIP NYR. Now we get to see Ovie skate around like a out of control freight train in game one of the 2nd round. Good on Tampa Bay for bagging the Pens the other night 8-2.
Khornholio wrote:I can't see the Caps in the final either. Ovie's production has dropped off. I think with Crosby out there hasn't been the same amount of competitive spirit from the Caveman who wears the number 8.
You been watching the Caps at all? Sure Ovie's numbers are down, but the Caps have totally reinvented themselves after last year's fiasco... They went from an amazing offensive team to a *dangerous* team. Ovie's numbers may be down, but the team's much better. Besides, last night showed what Ovie can still do to carry the Caps to a Cup.
Khornholio wrote:I can't see the Caps in the final either. Ovie's production has dropped off. I think with Crosby out there hasn't been the same amount of competitive spirit from the Caveman who wears the number 8.
You been watching the Caps at all? Sure Ovie's numbers are down, but the Caps have totally reinvented themselves after last year's fiasco... They went from an amazing offensive team to a *dangerous* team. Ovie's numbers may be down, but the team's much better. Besides, last night showed what Ovie can still do to carry the Caps to a Cup.
C... A... P... S... Caps! Caps!! Caps!!!
Valete,
JohnS
+1
Ovie has realized that he plays on a team and that it can't just be about adding to his own highlight reels if he is serious about winning the cup.
The caps have changed their philosophy to a more group effort/ team-centric approach rather then simply assuming they can feed Ovie the puck and that he will win the game for them.
Ovie has said this is his primary goal now and more important to him then his own stats, which shows maturity.
This is a smart change. One man can't in a cup. The Caps are playing smarter, and are indeed more dangerous as a result...
Flyers avoid elimination and force game 7... Buffalo dropped 3 early and the Flyers came back again to force OT and got the win 5-4...... Loving this series. Hating on Leighton though.... once again he gets pulled in the first for being a sieve.
Is Van imploding?! This is a pretty major choke even for them.
Looking forward to the 6th game between the Bs and Habs. I really want to see the 7th game of Philadelphia and Buffalo. The winner of that series will be on a bit of a tear in Series 2.
Khornholio wrote:Is Van imploding?! This is a pretty major choke even for them.
Looking forward to the 6th game between the Bs and Habs. I really want to see the 7th game of Philadelphia and Buffalo. The winner of that series will be on a bit of a tear in Series 2.
A major choke?
We must've been watching a different game, because they were pretty clearly playing hard. I think Schneider proved himself more than capable as a playoff goalie, and only quit once he hurt his dinkbag. And the 2 period rest seemed to be exactly what Louie needed. They still had a few moments of fatigue where they slipped up and lost their momentum, but if I would've bought tickets to that game, I would -not- have felt like it was a waste. Prior to Louie losing that rebound that ended up resulting in the Hawks goal for the OT win, Vancouver put a lot of pressure on them, and it really was an anyman's game for the last 5 minutes.
Looking at some of the highlights, you can definately see that they came ready to play this time, and it shows in the final score. Yes, Van lost, but the Hawks needed OT, a lot of ice time from their top guys, and a lot of luck to win it:
As a Bruins fan I'll readily admit that that quick whistle that went aginst them was a Horrible call in the opening minutes of the Bruins habs game (Should have been a Habs goal), but as usual the classy Habs fans quickly remind you of why they are so despisable...
Of course the refs made up for it at the end of period one by buying prices blatant dive to get a goalie inteference call...
CT GAMER wrote:As a Bruins fan I'll readily admit that that quick whistle that went aginst them was a Horrible call in the opening minutes of the Bruins habs game (Should have been a Habs goal), but as usual the classy Habs fans quickly remind you of why they are so despisable...
Of course the refs made up for it at the end of period one by buying prices blatant dive to get a goalie inteference call...
The cheapness of Frenchmen suprises you?
Oh right... you Yankees are lucky enough not to have any. And before you say 'Louisiana', THEY'RE CAJUN, NOT FRENCH! THEY EAT TWICE THE CHEESE AND SURRENDER ONLY HALF AS MUCH!
Watching the Canucks and Hawks right now. So far it has been pretty intense and exciting, here's hoping the next two periods don't disappoint. Great plays towards the end of the first on Vancouver's part, a shame they couldn't get it in again.
@Metallifan - I don't mean choking during the game, I mean the series. They've definitely have had some calls not go their way. But blowing a 3-0 series lead and then losing, if that happens, is totally a choke despite crappy reffing. Fortunately for them, they have history on their side and I would've bet on the Nucks. I can't watch game 7 due to work, but I saw that the Canucks are winning at this point. Looks like round 2 will be Nashville.
Vancouver is going to round 2! I'm glad to see the refs pretty much stayed out of everything but blatant penalties right in front of them. Let emotion, rather than rules, play the game without letting it overpower good gameplay.
The Bs knocked out the Habs. In OT. After coming back 2-0 in the seires. Awesome. Now the Bs are on their own without my significant cheering power behind them. Farewell in the second round, Bs. Farewell.
The Lightning in the second round might be a team to watch. They do have some super awesome amazing players. Like Rolly the Goalie.
I figure the teams that'll come out of the 2nd round are - Philly (that series between them and Buffalo was brutally awesome- I think the Bs revenge skills might not be up to the test.) Tampa- I want to say Washington, but Tampa has too many good players who know how to get the job done. Preds - wishful schadenfreude thinking here. Hopefully in 4. Sharks- Like Philly, I think the hard first series will give them a boost in teamwork over Detroit.
Khornholio wrote:The Bs knocked out the Habs. In OT. After coming back 2-0 in the seires. Awesome. Now the Bs are on their own without my significant cheering power behind them. Farewell in the second round, Bs. Farewell.
The Lightning in the second round might be a team to watch. They do have some super awesome amazing players. Like Rolly the Goalie.
I figure the teams that'll come out of the 2nd round are - Philly (that series between them and Buffalo was brutally awesome- I think the Bs revenge skills might not be up to the test.)
The Bruins are gonna take it if:
1. Thomas maintains
2. Lucic can actually show up: You can't have a 30 goal scorer invisible for an entire series like he was against the habs
3. Chara is truly back to 100% which he seemed to be.
4. They can at least accidentally score a power play goal once in a while (they are what 0-20 on the power play so far in the playoffs)
5. Thornton can be reminded to throw his weight around
6. We don't get stuck with the horrible official that blew multiple calls and let multiple Habs dives go last night... I havent seen that much diving since the summer olympics...
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Vancouver tries to make things as difficult for themselves as possible. Don't be surprised if its another 7 game series.
7? I'm going to go with 6. I know a lot of guys that're saying 5 games, but here's how I look at it - Nashville is a well rounded team - they don't have many superstars, and compared to Van, they lack an identifiable scoring line. That said, they finished the season with 99 points for a 4th place spot in the West. They're by no means a team to be ignored. They're just not a team that you find in the spotlight either.
Make no doubt, Nashville still has some fight in them, and they're well rounded. But they just don't excel anywhere. Watching them play, you get a feeling of a team who's motto is 'Jack of all trades, master of none'. Chicago had speed, experience, and a good offense on their side.
That's why I'm going to go with Van in 6. The Nucks have strong offense. They have a very organized playing style, but they aren't afraid to deviate from the plan if they need to. They have some strong D, but it can give out from time to time. Schneider has also secured Vigneault's confidence, and I'm sure we'll be seeing him again in round 2. Having a backup goalie you know you can count on is a HUGE strength in the playoffs.
I enjoyed watching the Bs - games 4 and 5 were so sweet. I think all the stuff you say about them is true, but true for anyteam. Your 30 goal scorer guys have to pick up the pace and you need the nobodys to pot a few. I think Philly will do well in this area as Briere has been mashing the points. He has like almost 100 points in 94 playoff games. That's beast. They didn't really need Pronger either. Their goal tending is a bit meh and they went through the two goalies quite a bit. I think Boston has the better goal tending. But Defense, I don't know. In the Habs series it looked like the Bs would let the Habs walk in and take shots from point blank while all standing around watching. If they let Philly do that, then they might have to put Rask in net. Whoa. Not good.
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Nashville excels at defense which is key in playoffs. They'll try to trap Van most likely.
Problem is, Nashville has one D line that I can see slowing the Nucks' down and that's Pekka Rinne's crew.
That's not enough though, when even the Canucks' 4th line has the ability to land goals against top D-teams.
Like I said, Van in 6. Nashville just doesn't have the offensive power they need, and they just don't excel at anything. Put enough pressure on Nashville's defense and it'll fall. And that's something Van does well, so long as their heads are in the game, and we don't get a chance replay of games 4 and 5.
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Nashville excels at defense which is key in playoffs. They'll try to trap Van most likely.
Problem is, Nashville has one D line that I can see slowing the Nucks' down and that's Pekka Rinne's crew.
That's not enough though, when even the Canucks' 4th line has the ability to land goals against top D-teams.
Like I said, Van in 6. Nashville just doesn't have the offensive power they need, and they just don't excel at anything. Put enough pressure on Nashville's defense and it'll fall. And that's something Van does well, so long as their heads are in the game, and we don't get a chance replay of games 4 and 5.
Logic may be on your side but logic doesn't apply to the Canucks. I've learned being pessimistic about the Canucks is usually the way to go.
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Nashville excels at defense which is key in playoffs. They'll try to trap Van most likely.
Problem is, Nashville has one D line that I can see slowing the Nucks' down and that's Pekka Rinne's crew.
That's not enough though, when even the Canucks' 4th line has the ability to land goals against top D-teams.
Like I said, Van in 6. Nashville just doesn't have the offensive power they need, and they just don't excel at anything. Put enough pressure on Nashville's defense and it'll fall. And that's something Van does well, so long as their heads are in the game, and we don't get a chance replay of games 4 and 5.
Logic may be on your side but logic doesn't apply to the Canucks. I've learned being pessimistic about the Canucks is usually the way to go.
In. 6. Games.
There's no reason to believe they'll be done sooner (And we hope not - Idleness leads to Heresy after all ), and Nashville just doesn't have the offensive strength needed to do any more than harass them a couple times until the obvious finish. Games 4 and 5 were obviously bad for the Canucks because they let themselves get confident - they weren't ready for a desperate Chicago to come back swinging. I think they'll make the same mistake in game 3 with Nashville because that's what they do.
Unlike Chicago though, the Canucks will have been there already. They'll catch themselves after game 3 for game 4 because they've already dealt with the consequences of getting comfy with a lead. Plus, as I said, Alain Vigneault is well aware of Schneider's ability to close the net up tighter than... well you get where I'm going there. The fact that the team can be comfortable with Schneider in net, even in a more intense environment, is really going to give them that boost they need to get by round 2.
Pessimist or not, it's hard to deny that their chances against Nashville are higher than they were against Chicago.
metallifan wrote:
Chicago had speed, experience, and a good offense on their side.
I thought Crawford was a good goalie, much more reliable than Luongo imo.
There's that too. Mark Crawford looked like he was all there, every game. And it showed. With Louie, you could see when he was focused, and when he wasn't. But he came back strong in the end of game 6 and he had a solid performance in 7, and managed to wrap things up for the Canucks. But again, Vigneault didn't play Schneider until game 6. If Lou really flunks hard against Nashville, then they can put Schneider in net on the following game, and the Canucks can still play, confident that the guy in the back is ready and able to do his job too. As I've said a couple times now, confidence in both your starting goalie and your backup has a huge influence on whether your team is going on that ice ready to play mentally, or whether they're stepping out distracted by the question of whether or not the guy in net can hold his own if your opponent gets a breakaway.
metallifan wrote:
Chicago had speed, experience, and a good offense on their side.
I thought Crawford was a good goalie, much more reliable than Luongo imo.
There's that too. Mark Crawford looked like he was all there, every game. And it showed. With Louie, you could see when he was focused, and when he wasn't. But he came back strong in the end of game 6 and he had a solid performance in 7, and managed to wrap things up for the Canucks. But again, Vigneault didn't play Schneider until game 6. If Lou really flunks hard against Nashville, then they can put Schneider in net on the following game, and the Canucks can still play, confident that the guy in the back is ready and able to do his job too. As I've said a couple times now, confidence in both your starting goalie and your backup has a huge influence on whether your team is going on that ice ready to play mentally, or whether they're stepping out distracted by the question of whether or not the guy in net can hold his own if your opponent gets a breakaway.
In all fairness, Luongo had a lot less shots to block than Crawford in game 6 and 7 so it's a bit of an unfair comparison. Also, I'm not surprised to be seeing a lot of Canadian flags on this thread.
Maybe it's just me, but I thought having fewer shots to stop was a good thing
Again, it's why I think that's why it'll be Canucks in 6. Nashville will be hard pressed to be dropping shots on either Luongo -or- Schneider. Pekka Rinne on the other hand will be answering a lot of shots from the Sedins, Burrows, and Kesler. How many actually get past is another thing, because he's a solid goalie himself (And he's Finnish - we know how well they do fighting in ice and snow, right Russia? ). He's also, as I said, Nashville's strongest D-line because he's able to communicate well with the actual D line itself and tell them exactly where he wants them when the opposing team comes down the ice. A goalie that can co-ordinate like that is going to be tough to get through, but not impossible. Not when you have big offensive power like Vancouver.
helgrenze wrote:Ok.. Semis prediction.... Flyers over the Caps in 6.
sorry, the Flyers arent playing Ovechkin this round.. I'm picking Boston over the Flyers, because those unis are piss ugly.
My bad... forgot how hockey playoffs run. Still if they playing Boston.. its Flyers in 5 then. Philly has the shooters in place, Thomas (B) doesn't do well when taking 30+ shots per game. and Boston has problems on both sides of the power play. Of course the Flyers had trouble on the offensive side too...
BUT they have Pronger back and we should be seeing Carter before this series gets old.
helgrenze wrote:homas (B) doesn't do well when taking 30+ shots per game. and Boston has problems on both sides of the power play. Of course the Flyers had trouble on the offensive side too...
BUT they have Pronger back and we should be seeing Carter before this series gets old.
Thomas' stats say otherwise. All the games in this last series that he won he had over 30 shots against him (45 shots in one of them) and his playoff percentage is like .926.
But yes Boston has NO power play as of yet: they have not scored a single power play goal in the playoffs. they would be better off declining the penalties and staying 5:5...
Lucic needs to come alive and either start scoring again or start taking the body. Thornton has to start banging as well. Bruins need to step up their physical game without taking stupid penalties.
The NHL also needs to decide if they are actually going to have any sort of consistent stance on boarding/head shots, because the refs in the Bruin's round one series sucked on calling these fairly and consistently, even from period to period.
I'd like to see the play on the ice decide the series not horrible officiating handing goals to teams via undeserved power plays...
I know. Gah, I want to watch GSP beat the hell out of Shields, but I'm just feeling hockey so much more right now, on account of the fact that it's the Canucks. If the Hawks would've knocked them out, I'd be watching UFC for sure.
Double OT loss for the Cannots. Gotta hurt. Didn't see the game as I couldn't wait around for it to start (11 am start - I've got things to do). How about the Bruins putting the hurt on the Flyers? I was surprised by the score as I figured Boston would've been on the receiving end of that beating.
Khornholio wrote: How about the Bruins putting the hurt on the Flyers? I was surprised by the score as I figured Boston would've been on the receiving end of that beating.
I was surprised they were able to run it up like that tbh. Philly sort of gave up.
Speaking of giving up the place was three quarters empty by half-way through the third. Gotta love fickle fans...
It is still a long series so I'm not gonna start making predictions yet, but the Phillie goal tending was soft...
Also Pronger=giant cry baby. Seriously play the game and stop bitching at the refs every whistle.
Khornholio wrote:Double OT loss for the Cannots. Gotta hurt. Didn't see the game as I couldn't wait around for it to start (11 am start - I've got things to do).
No, it didn't really hurt TBH, unless you count the chest pains from multiple heart attacks It was a solid game, and I think Nashville earned every bit of those two goals.
The Canucks played well, they just had the same problem with Rinne that they did in game 1 - The guy has wicked annoying rebound control. If they could just figure out a way to stop him from using it, they'd be in business.
Flyers admitted their heads weren't in that game for some reason... probably still hungover after beating Buffalo.
May 1
2:51 p.m.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH
The resounding theme around the locker room was pretty clear during the Flyers practice and media availability today.
Their effort wasn’t good enough.
“There was a lot of things on video that were revealing, but most of them had to do with attitude and competitiveness,” said Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette.
Freakin' Caps!!! They're gonna be the death of me...
Thought they had some good momentum with that late regulation goal and danged if they didn't have the better run of play in OT, but that was just a horrible goal to give up, never mind going down 0-2 on it. That was just a horrible shift change...
I'll give it to Thomas.... stopped 52 on the night and 45 in a row.... might be some kind of record there.
Of course Boston went up on Philly 3- zip last year and the Flyers fought back to win the series... losing to Chicago for the cup.
Still.... 52 stops.... damn..... Just..... damn.
My dad called me to say he was having heart problems and to see if I could come over to watch his house while he was in emerg, but refused to go to the hospital until the game was over
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Yikes, that's going a little too far. Plus Canucks games aren't good for cardiac problems!
Ha... Most playoff games are not good for heart problems. Hope he is doing ok though.
Hoping the Flyers grab a W tonight. Really do NOT want a repeat of last year, kinda doubt they have enough luck stored up to drop to 3-0 and still advance after 7.
What's going on with the Capitals,eh? They're totally tanking it. I haven't been able to watch any games due to the fact that I'm at work when they are on, but I'm hoping something goes the distance so I can at least watch a game on the weekend.
Anyone else think Detroit still has it in them to beat San Jose?
Ugh... I'm a big Boudreau fan, but you gotta wonder... I really liked how he revamped the team this season, with the intent of avoiding, well, just this...
Down the stretch of the regular season they were really clicking, grinding out close games. That's just a craptacular way to end the season.
Ensis Ferrae wrote:And Ovie has still shown us all that his nemesis is the better player/leader.
Sharks win in OT. too bad they couldnt go another OT, because I personally love seeing them wear themselves down more for the Canucks
Agree about Ovie. A lot of people dump on Crosby, but come on 2 Stanley Cup appearances, 1 Stanley Cup, 1 Olympic Gold - where he scored the winning goal in OT. He is the real deal and is already a Hall of Famer. Ovie reminds me of a lot of Russian players who are brilliant for a few years and then vanish without any lasting impression. I reckon Ovie is on the decline. This year wasn't as good as the previous ones. Whatever. Time will tell. Who knows maybe he'll get a Stanley cup ring eventually.
They fought back last year from the same deficit, just don't look like they have the same drive this time around. Last game they just looked.... tired.
It's looking more and more like Canucks and Sharks for the Campbell Conference Final. Oh the poetic justice if Kyle 'Fats' Wellwood scores the series winning goal...
helgrenze wrote:They fought back last year from the same deficit, just don't look like they have the same drive this time around. Last game they just looked.... tired.
I think it is more accurate to say that last year the team they played suffered a massive implosion/collapse. They didn't come back against a team that was still playing top-notch to the end. they took advantage of an opponent that ran itself off the rails and gave up.
That is: the Flyers didn't excel as much as the Bruins stopped playing.
From what i have seen this current series the Flyers are just being killed by their own goaltending (or lack thereof).
A number of the the goasl the Bruins scored last game had "soft" written all over them. Combine that with Briere becoming a ghost thus far despite all the pre-series talk about how he was going to be virtually unstoppable, etc.
Fact is Thomas has thus far played like a machine and The Flyer's goalies have massively underperformed.
What I find even more amazing is that the Bruins have gotten this far with NO powerplay production (not a single PP goal), and many of the expected goal scorers going cold (Lucic seems to have forgotten he scored 30 goals in reg. season, etc.).
If the Bruins powerplay can come alive even becoming average and Thomas stays on track I think the the Bruins will take the whole thing...
Khornholio wrote:It's looking more and more like Canucks and Sharks for the Campbell Conference Final. Oh the poetic justice if Kyle 'Fats' Wellwood scores the series winning goal...
That'd be the oppoosite f poetic justice. He's the one being mouthy.
CT.... possibly, but honestly the Flyers, goalies included, just looked tired in the last few games. Straight up wore out.
Carter, their top scorer, is back and expected to play most of this game, but Pronger, their top defenseman, may not play.
Still, All support to them and their effort, I don't like their chances for the rest of the series.
Well, I may have been wrong - I think tonight is going to be the night that the Canucks finish in 5. I'd still like it to be 6, but I think they've got Pekka Rinne figured out, and they're at that stage where they're able to work shots past himfrequently enough to stay ahead.
Of course, them walking away heads up high all depends on whether or not their (Canucks') D plans on playing tonight, and whether Lou is going to be flopping about like a fish, or stopping pucks.
Ehh, just found out who won on the Nucks website... I doubt that the sports channels I have access to on the TV would have shown the game anyhow.. I woke up to Baseball on ESPN America.
CT GAMER wrote:As a Bruins fan I'll readily admit that that quick whistle that went aginst them was a Horrible call in the opening minutes of the Bruins habs game (Should have been a Habs goal), but as usual the classy Habs fans quickly remind you of why they are so despisable...
Of course the refs made up for it at the end of period one by buying prices blatant dive to get a goalie inteference call...
The cheapness of Frenchmen suprises you?
Oh right... you Yankees are lucky enough not to have any. And before you say 'Louisiana', THEY'RE CAJUN, NOT FRENCH! THEY EAT TWICE THE CHEESE AND SURRENDER ONLY HALF AS MUCH!
"New England" is full of people of French Canadian descent. Both my grandmothers, for example. Expecially Vermont and New Hampshire, but a lot of Bruins territory overall has them. We are extremely familiar with them; even those who never travel and have never met a cajun.
CT GAMER wrote:As a Bruins fan I'll readily admit that that quick whistle that went aginst them was a Horrible call in the opening minutes of the Bruins habs game (Should have been a Habs goal), but as usual the classy Habs fans quickly remind you of why they are so despisable...
Of course the refs made up for it at the end of period one by buying prices blatant dive to get a goalie inteference call...
The cheapness of Frenchmen suprises you?
Oh right... you Yankees are lucky enough not to have any. And before you say 'Louisiana', THEY'RE CAJUN, NOT FRENCH! THEY EAT TWICE THE CHEESE AND SURRENDER ONLY HALF AS MUCH!
"New England" is full of people of French Canadian descent. Both my grandmothers, for example. Expecially Vermont and New Hampshire, but a lot of Bruins territory overall has them. We are extremely familiar with them; even those who never travel and have never met a cajun.
A good deal of French Canadian blood runs runs through my veins. I was born and raised in Maine.
^^This is why I don't think the Canucks will win the cup; they don't have enough French guys. Lapierre and Burrows (and I'm suspect about Burrows) are the only two. A lot of Europeans though. The Sharks have the same amount of French guys, but less Europeans, so I think that might give them an edge in the next round....provided both teams get there.lol
Canucks don't have an American or Canadian Captain. Only one of those has ever won and its because he'd played longer on his team than he lived in Sweden. Plus the experience of winning several cups while not being the captain.
With the Wings coming back like that, I wouldn't be shocked if the Sharks tanked it. If Detroit makes it past the Sharks, then the Canucks are going to have a lot of work ahead of them in round three.
Tampa is on a bit of a tear. I guess not having fans analyze every aspect of your game allows you to relax and play better hockey. I think that series will depend mostly on whether Thomas can keep it up between the pipes or not.
Seems like while Vancouver has figured out Pekka Rinne, Nashville has found their offensive side. Shots on goal in the 2nd period 7-2 in favour of Nashville. Vancouver will need to find their second wind and lay the hurt on the Preds if they want to go home with a solid win.
EDIT:
Vancouver goes to round 3 for the first time in nearly 2 decades! And I need a heart transplant. XD
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Meh, the said the same about the Canucks.
The Sharks will choke this round, Van will blow it next round.
I wouldn't bet on the Sharks with Ameros at this point. Detroit is too good. They've been too good for years. Every year it's the same thing, The Hockey News picks the Sharks, or Rangers (LOL), or Captain Caveman and the Caps or some other 'sexy' team with a bunch of stars every year and Detroit always shows up with the world's greatest senior rec team ever and crushes. They get to the Conference final almost every year. It's sick. But, if your team beats them in the playoffs, they generally go on to win the world's most awesome punch bowl....except Edmonton, because, well, it's Edmonton.
Every prediction I've made has come up wrong. No wonder I couldn't make a living off of playing Over/Under on Proline. lol
I'm going to pick the Bs and Cannots in the final. Even though it is rotting my hockey soul, I'm going to have to go with Van (arrrrrghhhhhhh! Noooooooooooooooooo!) winning the cup. I've seen them blow it twice, but I reckon if they get to the final, they'll be OK...unless it's against Tampa.
Khornholio, as a Canucks fan, i really want/need you to retract your pick for the Stanley cup winner.. go with Tampa, or Boston, i dont really care which, just leave our Nucks alone!!!
Ensis Ferrae wrote:Khornholio, as a Canucks fan, i really want/need you to retract your pick for the Stanley cup winner.. go with Tampa, or Boston, i dont really care which, just leave our Nucks alone!!!
Wait you're American, go cheer for someone from your own country, eh.
Cheesecat wrote:
Wait you're American, go cheer for someone from your own country, eh.
I'm from a spot on the States that is only a few hours away from B.C. and our climate is very much similar... and the Nucks are about the closest thing I have to a "hometown" hockey team.
Cheesecat wrote:
Wait you're American, go cheer for someone from your own country, eh.
I'm from a spot on the States that is only a few hours away from B.C. and our climate is very much similar... and the Nucks are about the closest thing I have to a "hometown" hockey team.
Cheesecat wrote:
Wait you're American, go cheer for someone from your own country, eh.
I'm from a spot on the States that is only a few hours away from B.C. and our climate is very much similar... and the Nucks are about the closest thing I have to a "hometown" hockey team.
Seattle?
Oregon actually, but to some people it might as well be the same thing (we in Oregon are better drivers than those from Washington)
Agreed. Seattle could score big bucks off of an NHL franchise. Frankly I'm suprised that Vancouver doesn't have a rival in Seattle. Well, not that suprised I guess. I mean, the NHL -is- run by a slowed, grubby little weasel that still thinks that keeping a failing team IN A DESERT, is a better idea than moving it back to Canada where it would earn back at least twice it's value in a year. At least he's been pressured enough that it's actually happening now, but it's still 16 years late.
I think if I were to sit down with a map and say "where are the worst 2 places in America to put NHL teams?" I think would come up with Glendale, Arizona and Sunrise, Florida. Oh well, what do I know.
Cheesecat wrote:
Wait you're American, go cheer for someone from your own country, eh.
I'm from a spot on the States that is only a few hours away from B.C. and our climate is very much similar... and the Nucks are about the closest thing I have to a "hometown" hockey team.
I'm just teasing you mate, besides when it comes to hockey it only makes sense to cheer for the Canadian team (even if they-re the underdogs ), it's our sport after-all.
Well, Detroit finally left. But too late, Datsuk can't do something on the WC. Wondering, why this play offs playing in the time of the WC, that's so *****ing...
Where do you think the Thrashers are going to show up next season? They're going to move I reckon as according to a few leaks from players and Buttman's response of "What are you talking about? Atlanta is doing fine." Seeing as it looks like the Jets are staying in Arizona, I'm wondering if the Thrashers are going to move to Winterpig. They couldn't be the "Jets". The Fighting Moose Knuckles sounds good. Of course, they might end up in Mexico City if the NHL continues following their logic of moving towards the Equator.
Slaanesh Guitarist wrote:Well, Detroit finally left. But too late, Datsuk can't do something on the WC. Wondering, why this play offs playing in the time of the WC, that's so *****ing...
Because it's the most preeminent hockey tournament in the world. The question is why does the IIHF insist on having a tournament during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
LSC is one of the oldest sports trophy on this continent, and one of the oldest in the world (first awarded in 1893). This adds to the prestige of the Cup.
The IIHF is just trying to steal some thunder, and probably sought to limit the participation of NHL players.
helgrenze wrote:LSC is one of the oldest sports trophy on this continent, and one of the oldest in the world (first awarded in 1893). This adds to the prestige of the Cup.
Not to mention it's one of the few trophies that the winner doesnt keep, and is also not complete when awarded.
helgrenze wrote:LSC is one of the oldest sports trophy on this continent, and one of the oldest in the world (first awarded in 1893). This adds to the prestige of the Cup.
Not to mention it's one of the few trophies that the winner doesnt keep, and is also not complete when awarded.
Which only adds to the drive to win it, though originally the past years winner had to "defend" their title. That changed when the NHL took over the competition for it. And it takes time to engrave all the winners names, especially the more unusual ones.... (Eric Staal's name is misspelled at least once on it.)
The Bs Lightning is a close call. I can't believe the Bs let so many shots in a pivotal game like that...oh wait they have that pylon Kaberle and TB have Vinny, St.lou and Stamkos. If it wasn't for Thomas, they'd be done like dinner big time. As for the Canucks, how is Luie gonna play in game 2? I didn't watch the first game, but I saw the Sharks players were pretty POed at the amount of diving Van was doing. There were a lot of people, Shark fans of course, complaining about the reffing. Should be fun to watch.
metallifan wrote:Well, the Sharks just got STOMPED, 7-3, and I think it's safe to say that thanks to his stupidity and attitude show, Eager won't be playing next game.
A 7-3 blowout might, and I mean might (this is the Sharks), light a fire under their asses to put on a better show in SJ. Canada got blown out by the Red Army in '72 at the Montreal (booo! hiss!) Forum and look what they came back to do.
That said, I figure Van is on their way to the finals...much to my displeasure. I got lucky a few years ago when the Sens looked unstoppable but then lost to Anaheim with the Cup winning goal being an "own goal" (the Hockey gods DO exist). Just looking at the boxscore, Van seems to be mashing the Sharks. The defensive play of SJ's 'best players' is atrocious. I think Setoguchi was like -3 or 4. Yikes! I'm hoping I can watch game three on Saturday am here. Too bad Nolan Baumgartner isn't playing for Van anymore. I played with him as a kid in Calgary and it'd be cool if I could say that a guy who was on my Tyke and Tiny Mite Teams won the Stanley Cup.
If it's Bs vs Van in the final, it'll be all about goal tending...and the crap play of Karberle. If it's TB vs Van, it'll be if Van's defense can stop Vinny Vincent and the rest of the Sun-belt-hockey-works-in-the-South-thanks-for-nothing-Gary-Bettman-you-greasy-tool-invasion. If it's TB vs Sharks, I reckon SJ will blow it big time. If it's Bs vs SJ it'll be about Joe Thornton: Is he a bum?
Well, it's official. No more speculation or uncertainty. The Jets are -confirmed- to be returning to Winterpig. Granted they probably won't be called the Jets, but it's them at heart. Well, okay, that's Phoenix. But they can be the 'sort of Jets, not really but who's counting technicalities?'
Quite frankly I'm suprised Bettmann let this slide. I thought he had such a bad case of headuparseisitis that we'd eventually see every team south of the border.
metallifan wrote:Well, it's official. No more speculation or uncertainty. The Jets are -confirmed- to be returning to Winterpig. Granted they probably won't be called the Jets, but it's them at heart. Well, okay, that's Phoenix. But they can be the 'sort of Jets, not really but who's counting technicalities?'
Quite frankly I'm suprised Bettmann let this slide. I thought he had such a bad case of headuparseisitis that we'd eventually see every team south of the border.
Where are you getting this from? By official do you mean "not-official"?
According to the Globe and Mail, it's sealed and the NHL is just keeping a lid on things. And the Globe and Mail is pretty damn reputable. They wouldn't print anything without evidence to support it.
A report in the Globe and Mail says that an agreement is now in place to sell the team to Winnipeg group True North Sports and Entertainment, whose desire is to move the team to the city for the start of the 2011-12 season. The report also says that the deal will be made official on Tuesday, when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will arrive in Winnipeg to make the announcement.
Well I personally think CBC proposed the best shuffle:
A Winnipeg team would, of course, be horribly misplaced in the Southeast Division — Atlanta's current home. The easiest fix seems to be a three-stepper: move Winnipeg from the Southeast to the Northwest (with Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Colorado), move Minnesota from the Northwest to the Central (with Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and Columbus) and move Nashville from the Central to the Southeast (with Washington, Tampa Bay, Carolina and Florida).
metallifan wrote:Well I personally think CBC proposed the best shuffle:
A Winnipeg team would, of course, be horribly misplaced in the Southeast Division — Atlanta's current home. The easiest fix seems to be a three-stepper: move Winnipeg from the Southeast to the Northwest (with Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Colorado), move Minnesota from the Northwest to the Central (with Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and Columbus) and move Nashville from the Central to the Southeast (with Washington, Tampa Bay, Carolina and Florida).
There's a rumor that Winnepeg will stay in its current division for next year, which I think would be terrible.
It would make sense, if only for them to get into the action sooner.
If they were to reorganize divisions, then Winnipeg might miss the 2011-2012 season. Shuffles can take a lot of time to complete. Even a simple 3-pointer like the one above.
Still, as long as they -end up- properly placed, I'll be happy.
The only reason to do this is if the scedules are made so far in advance that they are already booked. I don't think that's the case. This would be horrible for the actual players for the Winnepeg Thrashers. Playing in the south east while actually being in the north west. Murderous travel. The rest of the division won't like it either. It's got to change.
I remember watching ice hockey here in the UK in the wee hours of the morning when Channel 5 used to broadcast it. I remember Eddie Belfour and Curtis something or other were on opposing teams for a cup match and it was being hyped as the battle of the goal tenders. Do they even play anymore?
filbert wrote:I remember watching ice hockey here in the UK in the wee hours of the morning when Channel 5 used to broadcast it. I remember Eddie Belfour and Curtis something or other were on opposing teams for a cup match and it was being hyped as the battle of the goal tenders. Do they even play anymore?
And they say I wasted my time at uni....
Curtis Joseph most likely. Both retired. Both Hall of Famers too I'm sure.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
helgrenze wrote:I thought the Coyotes were up for sale.....
It's complicated. Local goverment intervention is the only thing keeping them there. I would prefer Pheonix going to Winnepeg because that's where they're from but that's the way the cookie crumbles.
Great news about Winnipeg! This means you won't have to sit through some goof from Winnipeg's monologue about the Blue Bombers in a bar anymore.
Yeah, I thought the NHL wanted to keep the move under wraps until after Bettman gets booed handing out the Stanley Cup, but it got leaked. I'm not really down with 4 Canadian teams being in the same division. I'm not really patriotic about my home and native land, but hockey is my last atom-thin line of rah-rah for Canada. They'll beat up on each other all season, but chances are only one or two will make it into the playoffs where the heavier beatings are. I think Winnipeg should be out in some other division so everyone else in the country can get behind them for at least a year or two before we all properly despise them and their crap head fans. When the Flames moved in 1980, they were still in the Patrick Division with Philly, NYI, the Rangers, and some other team. Gak was crazy back then for alignment.
What do you figure they'll call them? The Winnipeg Rockets? The Winnipeg Thrashers? I just hope they don't try to go all cultural and call them something like The Winnipeg Louis Riels or Winnipeg Homesteaders. That would be too lame.
KamikazeCanuck wrote: Have you considered winnepeg jets?
Seeing as they'll be in Winnipeg, no. Plus, the Coyotes still hold the rights to the name "Jets" I believe, similar to how the Hurricanes still hold the rights to the name "Whalers". It looks like the Manitoba Moose are going to move to Thunder Bay. Exciting times abound in the land of 10,000,000,000,000 black flies.
If you can't be glad for Winnipeg just for the sake of seeing our game come back, then look at it this way mate:
One more team in Canada means one more chance for an all-Canadian cup match. And there're fewer things more intense than that. Maybe a Man. U game, but that's more down to crazy English soccer fans
metallifan wrote:If you can't be glad for Winnipeg just for the sake of seeing our game come back, then look at it this way mate:
One more team in Canada means one more chance for an all-Canadian cup match. And there're fewer things more intense than that. Maybe a Man. U game, but that's more down to crazy English soccer fans
Amen to an all Canadian final. There have only been like 2 in the last 44 years. Nothing brings out the contempt for the French until your team plays Montreal in the playoffs. It'd be great if Quebec got a team back as well. Another team in Southern Ontario in Hamilton or London. I think a team in the Maritimes would be good too, but I reckon they're just too damn poor to keep a pro team going. We'll see. Apparently there will be an official announcement on Tuesday. Who knows? Maybe Bettman's tenure is drawing to a close. Fingers crossed.
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Sedins might be the nicest guys in the world. The only guy who plays softer than them though is chara.
After being outscored as a team, Henrik wrote:We were the better team for five games. They had no business being in this series. We made it tough on ourselves.
It looks like Van is on course to the big dance. I don't know how much fight the Sharks have left in them at this point. Winning 3 in a row now is a pretty tall order.
Had to look up the score from work...... 3 goals on 3 consecutive 5-on-3s... Ouch.
Sharks have to watch those penalties. especially since Van only had 13 creditted shots on goal.
My god. Well they say evey champ has at least one short series to recuperate. We thought it would be The Chicago Blackhawks or The Nashville Predators but we should have known all along was going to be the San Jose Choke Artists.
As for the Game winner: what a crazy one! Can't believe Bieksa could shoot a bouncing, spinning puck like that perfectly straight!
Well, Van made it to the final. I didn't see the goal, but I heard it was a crazy one. I did check the box score and the amount of shots was totally insane. Luongo is fantastic. And Van has home ice advantage too.
Now who will the opponent be? I don't know if Rollie will be able to save Tampa's bacon. Regardless, the final should be a lot of fun. Enjoy the party!
You should've seen Lou kill a 5-3 Khorn. There were a few times I choked on my beer. It starts at about 1:00 in the video. Seriously, it was like he wasn't even human
So here are some highlights. Honestly, I think Kesler's goal - or lucky deflection - with under 10 seconds left was almost better than the winning goal. Seen at about 3:40
Well there going all the way to game 7 in the east. TB has been impressive but I think it'll be Boston just because they got that game 7 home ice advantage.
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Finally there's a frikkin game today. For the first time in history the NBA will finish up before the NHL because the NHL is dumb.
nah... gotta save the best for last right? Personally, i absolutely hate basketball, and cannot wait for that "game's" season to be over with.
KamikazeCanuck wrote:Finally there's a frikkin game today. For the first time in history the NBA will finish up before the NHL because the NHL is dumb.
nah... gotta save the best for last right? Personally, i absolutely hate basketball, and cannot wait for that "game's" season to be over with.
In other news, YAAAY the Canucks took game 1!
I hate basketball too but Hockey is a winter sport and should never finish after the NBA.
Seriously looking forward to game 2. I only got a chance to peek at the box score of game 1, but it's looking like the battle of the goal tenders...as I predicted...the only one that has come true so far. lol
Yeah but that was the 76 Flyers.... Not the 72-73 Lineup which earned the name 'Broad Street Bullies'... I wonder though, Was Dave 'The Hammer' Schultz in the Jury?
The NHL would have to be run by a bunch of demented monkeys to vote down the move to Winnipeg at this point. Thats a town that really wants its pro hockey...
Did Chara ever blow it. Wow. Game 3 should be a slug fest. Alas, I won't get a chance to see it. I might be able to catch the first period is all. Wondering if the Green men are going to be beaten by the B fans.
Khornholio wrote:Did Chara ever blow it. Wow. Game 3 should be a slug fest. Alas, I won't get a chance to see it. I might be able to catch the first period is all. Wondering if the Green men are going to be beaten by the B fans.
Khornholio wrote:Did Chara ever blow it. Wow. Game 3 should be a slug fest. Alas, I won't get a chance to see it. I might be able to catch the first period is all. Wondering if the Green men are going to be beaten by the B fans.
they're planning on flying to boston?
Yep, still cheaper than going one in van.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Thing is Canucks didn't ven play that well they completely lost control of the game in the 2nd but they still won! Bruins will have to be unrecognizably good in boston to turn this around.
Khornholio wrote:Did Chara ever blow it. Wow. Game 3 should be a slug fest. Alas, I won't get a chance to see it. I might be able to catch the first period is all. Wondering if the Green men are going to be beaten by the B fans.
they're planning on flying to boston?
Yep, still cheaper than going one in van.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Thing is Canucks didn't ven play that well they completely lost control of the game in the 2nd but they still won! Bruins will have to be unrecognizably good in boston to turn this around.
That's what the Habs thought too...
And I think the Green Men are getting corporate support to go down. I think I read that at NHL Yahoo or somewhere. If it all goes pear shaped for the Bruins, I can see the Green men becoming black and blue as well.
) and the polar opposite in the 80s and now. My fondest recent hockey memory is when Ottawa lost the cup and the cup winning goal was an own goal. I had a grin on my face until the following Christmas. That's Leaf fan schadenfreude for ya! We're immune to insults about the team because we have knowledge beyond knowing as to how terrible they can be. We love the team and hate all the players.
I'll admit the Nucks have been a solid team this year and have a lot of good guys. I reckon they'll get past Chicago in 5 unless they have a total collapse. They're saving that for the 2nd round though. 
I have no idea why I said Pittsburg
I havent seen that much diving since the summer olympics...
