Rangers looking to better their result from last year. Isles back in the playoff. Devils at home this time (and sadly, Ryanne Clowe may never suit up again according to reports). Around the league, Kane is back, and the Bruins GM is not.
Should be a great playoffs.
Metro and Central matchups look particularly awesome this year.
Everything is Kreider's fault, including the weakness of the Canadian dollar.
Linked below is a comic-strip history of the Stanley Cup. Purty cool.
Link - ( New Window )
Predictions?
StL/MIN : Blues in 7
CHI/NSH : Blackhawks in 6
ANA/WPG : Ducks in 5
VAN/CGY : Flames in 6
MTL/OTT : Senators in 7
TB/DET : Lightning in 6
WSH/NYI : Capitals in 7
NYR/PIT : Rangers in 5
NHL Rules
1. Pick a team.
2. Take a drink when:
a. Your team registers a shot on goal
b. A player from your team aside from the goalie is off his skates (ie gets knocked down, slides to block a shot, etc).
3. Take a shot when:
a. Your team scores a goal.
b. Your team's opponent has a goal disallowed on review.
4. Stand and finish your beer when a fight occurs (group social).
5. If your team is called for icing, you must stand up and spin around 3 times.
Blues in 6
Blackhawks in 6
Ducks in 7
Flames in 7
East:
Habs in 7
Lightning in 5
Caps in 6
Rangers in 5
NHL Rules
1. Pick a team.
2. Take a drink when:
a. Your team registers a shot on goal
b. A player from your team aside from the goalie is off his skates (ie gets knocked down, slides to block a shot, etc).
3. Take a shot when:
a. Your team scores a goal.
b. Your team's opponent has a goal disallowed on review.
4. Stand and finish your beer when a fight occurs (group social).
5. If your team is called for icing, you must stand up and spin around 3 times.
As a Bruins fan I fully endorse this game!! Good luck to everyone this post season!!
Agree that it has the look of a long series.
GO SENS GO
He's going to have to be a brick wall that entire series for Montreal to win because they don't score and the one solitary guy who was consistent in that regard for them is out.
I think it really depends on how long Pacioretty is out. Let's hope they burn Subban out like they did against us in the ECF last year.
Truthfully, being as objective as I can.. I think losing Hamonic and home ice (especially in that fashion) are why this series slid into the Caps favor and is why I am picking them to win a hard fought, long series. With Hamonic I'd probably lean closer to a pick 'em and if the Isles hadn't flubbed home ice away, I would have had them in 7 instead of Washington.
Home ice isn't a huge deal but in this series, I do think it mattered and was important to get.
Islanders in 7 - The Caps just don't have a lot of skill beyond Ovie/Backstrom, they're way too dependent on PP goals that will be much harder to come by in the playoffs, and I wonder how much Holtby has left in the tank after making 70-some starts.
Bolts in 6 - Detroit's goaltending is a mess, and they're beat up.
Blues in 7 - Another team with major goaltending questions. They'll move on but it will be a tense series.
Hawks in 5 - Kaner's return gives them a shot in the arm and Nashville stumbled to the finish line.
Jets in 6 - Bruce Boudreau sucks in the playoffs, full stop. Yet another team doomed by shitty goaltending.
Canucks in 7 - don't really have a strong opinion, this one could go either way. I'll go with the Canucks due to their veteraness.
WASH over NYI: I'd vote Ovie for the Hart (Price will win). Slight preference for WASH goalie. On the other hand, playoffs are 5 on 5, and over the season the Isles were much better than WASH at ES. Close, close call, but I dont like how the Isles played down the stretch so the Caps it is.
OTT over MTL: Basically betting that Patches is too hurt to go. You already dont have to respect the MTL forwards; without Patches, Karlsson can pinch the whole game. Karlsson-Subban is one hell of a matchup.
TB over DET: TB might be the best team in the East. Red Wings are a mirage to me. 70 PPG (10 more than #2 team), based on 294 PPs (~50 more than median). I dont think you can count on PP offense in the playoffs. I think it will be over in 4-5 games (so of course DET will win and make me look dumb).
Capitals in 6 - This one stings, but with the Hamonic injury to a back 6 that is already inexplicably featuring Brian Strait, I don't see the Islanders cooling off the Caps
Senators in 7 - As arc alluded to, Price has been human, and the Habs need him to be inhuman in order to keep doing what they're doing. There is no team that believes in themselves more than the Senators now. I think they pull off the upset... hopefully Montreal doesn't do what they always do and lose their shit.
Lightning in 5 - I don't think Detroit's swoon down the stretch is an aberration. For now, they have the best coach in the league for my money. They play a disciplined game, but ultimately, they just aren't even close to as talented as Tampa, IMO.
West
Preds in 7
Canucks in 5
Ducks in 6
Blues in 7
Rangers sweep Yins
St Louis over Minnesota in 7
Nashville over Chicago in 6
Calgary over Vancouver in 6
Winnipeg over Anaheim in 6
Isles played two seasons. All was well until sometime in January or February. From afar it seemed like it was timed w/o the Okposo injury, but their fans can probably put a precise finger on it. If the Isles play like they did in the first 41, they'll skate the Caps out of the building; if they play like they did in March/April, they have no chance.
I still think the Ducks win the series, though. They'll save their underachieving for one of the following 2 rounds (I think CHI eventually takes them out in the WCF)
I think any team in the Central would win a series against any team in the West. NHL needs to tweak this model.
Pitt-NYR is going to be a much closer series than many here assume. Caps Isles is definitely going 7.
Final 4 prediction: Tampa-NYR; StL-Anaheim... but who the fuck knows when it comes to that Central. Dubnyk is capable of stealing a series and you dont know at what % Kane will be at in this first round.
Finals: Tampa vs St Louis
Cup: Tampa
Isles played two seasons. All was well until sometime in January or February. From afar it seemed like it was timed w/o the Okposo injury, but their fans can probably put a precise finger on it. If the Isles play like they did in the first 41, they'll skate the Caps out of the building; if they play like they did in March/April, they have no chance.
That's one way to look at it -- but its also the league's best powerplay against one of the league's worst kill units. And before you tell me the PP means less in the postseason because refs swallow their whistles, ... refs are swallowing their whistles more often in the regular season now too. Powerplay opportunities are down.
I think Washington securing home ice in this series and their playoff experience will help them here -- but its a series that is likely going 7, and regardless, the Islanders will take a shitload of positives out of their season this year that they can build on. It's one of those rosters where you know if they can secure a guy like Babcock or Julien, can make some serious runs down the line.
That means they can't win? He's unproven in the playoffs but he's a good goalie. They can win a cup
I know Bishop is unproven but guys like Fleury or Crawford didn't have a ton of playoff experience when they won Cups, either. I'll admit I'm hedging a little bit here but I do think Tampa is good enough to get to the SCF. Winning it? I don't know. Probably not.. but if they're there anything's possible.
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Bishop has never started a Cup playoff game.
That means they can't win? He's unproven in the playoffs but he's a good goalie. They can win a cup
I believe Cam Ward and Corey Crawford won the Cup in their rookie seasons.
I'm expecting a TB-NYR conference final.
1-0 over the Kings in OT
6-4 over Edmonton in a game that was tied at 4 late in the third
3-1 over Arizona
3-2 over Arizona
3-2 over the Sharks in a shootout
2-0 over the Sabres, a game that was 1-0 midway through the third in a game the Penguins absolutely had to win.
Those shiny possession numbers some people are bandying about as a reason to think they sudden pull a 180 were mostly compiled earlier in the season when they were dominating. Has fuck-all to do with the team the Penguins are right now. With Letang out, their 4th and 5th leading scorers are the clearly forked Kunitz and Brandon fucking Sutter. David Perron hasn't scored in 12 games.
Every team has some question marks.
And he's like 6' 7" with the largest goalie pads I've ever seen. Doesnt have to do as much as others with that frame - he also has several regular seasons of data now that give you confidence he can do his part.
He'll give up some goals... everyone but Price does... but Tampa can put pucks in the net too. They may be deeper at Center than the Kings.
It's funny how Minnesota is a popular darkhorse... with a guy who has played well for 35-40 games.. but St Louis and Tampa have "goalie questions"
IF we play them in the ECF.... we're going to need some puck luck.
Anyway- since I always lose at gambling, I put decent money on Tampa (12:1) and Washington (18:1) going all the way, and NYI (18:1) winning the East (NYI cant win the Cup, no way).
So you can cross those teams off the list of East teams. I guess we just need to worry about Pittsburgh and Montreal.
If I wasn't a Ranger fan, I'd probably even pick them to sweep the series.
The Rangers are just a much, much better team than Pittsburgh is right now. But.. it is the playoffs and there's puck luck and some teams do get bounces so you never know. I'd be absolutely stunned if the Rangers lost the series or even needed 7 games to win it.
The reason they have to be considered one of the Cup favorites too is i dont think they'll be particularly challenged in the first 2 rounds. I think they beat Detroit in 5 and i dont trust Ottawa (speaking of goalie questions) or Montreal (can't score enough goals) to give them a particularly long series either.
Throw in some goaltender issues while you're set to get up against one of the best offenses in the NHL... i'd be surprised if it went more than 5.
Babcock is as good a coach as there is in the NHL though, no question there. Hope they can pull an upset or at least wear down TBL, but not likely.
I will give you though that the East bracket - top to bottom - has never been this good. 6 one hundred+ point teams, a 99 point team, and a 98 point team. Most years the #8 seed is a 93 point team. It's pretty wide open - i'm just assuming the Lightning and Rangers, who are a cut above others IMO, will prevail.
As we know, anything can happen... there was more of a gap between the Bruins and the rest of the field last year.... than there is Lightning/Rangers this year. Just have to hope for some breaks along the way i guess.
I think - guessing - its because Tampa is so good down the middle and Bishop is tough to score against.
Isles - not sure why. Yes, they have talent but the way we got our shit pushed in the first three games and then, while we won the last two, in both we did get some fortuitous bounces... one of our players said it was because "they didnt have much structure to their game ... so tough to (read)" (I'm paraphrasing)... dont really understand that reasoning but ok.
I think we are better off facing the Caps in round 2, but who knows. All the teams in the East present some opportunities and some challenges to play against.
Capitals in 5
Ottawa in 6
Detroit in 6
St. Louis in 6
Chicago in 6
Vancouver in 5
Ducks in 7
I cant remember the last time only one first round series went 7 games though. Usually get at least 3 of them going 7.
If Brett's right... Wash-NYR and Ott-Detroit East semifinals? Holy shit sign me up for that.
This is a real interesting question to me. The top 8 in the East are a better group than they've been in years, I have little doubt. I still think the West is better.
I have a really hard time comparing today's NHL to the league of 10 and 20 years ago (let alone the 1980s). From everything I've seen and heard/read, the league has never been deeper with talent than it is right now (in the expansion era). The quality of play is so high on all but a handful of sad-sack teams. The "marginal" NHLer is way, way better than at any time I've been watching, My working theory is that the stars are as good as ever, but with better goalie play and technique (you really need to lift the puck in the post-standup-goalie era to score, and that take longer), and rosters bereft of goons and other guys who cant hang, there just arent the easy goals that used to fuel 60 goal and 125 point seasons. So the 8 East teams are really good; but I just think the whole league has really elevated its game too.
Puck possession. We're not a great puck possession team, but because we excel in so many other phases, we can easily overcome being out-possessed against most teams. However, when the other team is REALLY good at puck possession, things get hairier.
Isles and Lightening were #1 and #3 in the East in CF%, and the #2 team Pittburgh had a very uneven season.
Isles in 7 (Isles are better 5 on 5 team)
Rangers in 7 (Rangers advance but Crosby/Malkin make them sweat)
Bolts in 5 (most talented team in nhl)
Senators in 6 (upset special #1)
Blackhawks in 7 (Toews back helps CHI, this will be a great series)
Canucks in 4 (how did Calgary make the playoffs?)
Blues in 7 (pure tossup series)
Jets in 6 (upset special #2, records aside, Jets have played better hockey for a while, Ducks' one goal magic ends)
and as others have said, if you can hold Ovi and Backstrom in check... you should be OK.
But I've learned there really isnt any easy playoff series out there, especially this year. The '94 Islanders arent walking through that door, unfortunately.
Blackhawks in 7 (Toews back helps CHI, this will be a great series)
Canucks in 4 (how did Calgary make the playoffs?)
Blues in 7 (pure tossup series)
Jets in 6 (upset special #2, records aside, Jets have played better hockey for a while, Ducks' one goal magic ends)
It's really, really tough to sweep a playoff series, even if Calgary does supposedly suck. Throw in some goaltending issues in Vancouver - they might win in 5, but dont count Calgary completely out.
I do think people underrate Anaheim a bit. Dont get me wrong - they would not survive the Metro, certainly not the Central, and would lose in the 2nd round to Tampa... but if they can't get to the WCF this year with that bracket, with LA sitting at home... they should blow it all up and start over.
This is the Ducks best chance in a while with LAK out. I think the Jets home ice is going to be crazy and they've really played good hockey for a while. I see the series as close to a tossup and think the Jets can do it.
Iraq v Iran.
Quote:
rooting for the Caps-Stix series?
Iraq v Iran.
How about Pens-Rangers?
Major penalty + injury = automatic ejection.
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should have gotten a penalty, no doubt about it, I could even see a major, but ejected from the game was absolutely ridiculous.
Major penalty + injury = automatic ejection.
Stone returned to the ice immediately after leaving it.
What's the penalty for embellishment?
The referee isn't a doctor, he has to determine right on the spot if a guy is injured, and how was he supposed to know immediately that the guy would come back in a few minutes later?
If any type of injury occurs on a slash, it's an automatic major and ejection. The ref had no choice.
He embellished it but that was a vicious slash at the same time. You do that and you better be ready to hit the showers.
He clearly had some type of injury from that slash. It doesn't have to be an immediate game ending injury.
The way the rule is written the officials had no choice, they aren't doctors who can say for 100% certain a guy isnt injured.
It's a judgment call to be a major penalty in the first place. I've seen two-handers like that go for minors.
It's a judgment call to be a major penalty in the first place. I've seen two-handers like that go for minors.
Not a judgement call if the ref determines the player is hurt. It's automatic.
So you see, it's a judgment call.
Graves slashes Lemieux - ( New Window )
So you see, it's a judgment call. Graves slashes Lemieux - ( New Window )
They blew that call, clearly. Although I do not know how the rule was then.
But the rule as it is right now, if the player is injured, it's automatic.
They are capable of blowing calls and screwing up the rules, and they may have in that instance, but tonight they did not.
Wasn't Graves suspended for 4 games after that one, too? Which would signal that they blew the call on the ice.
Here is the rule.
61.3 Major Penalty - A major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the severity of the contact, shall be imposed on a player who slashes an opponent. When injury occurs, a major penalty must be assessed under this rule
They obviously felt there was an injury. Once they make that call, there is nothing else to consider.
It was a stupid play bu Subban, no excuses, I think the right call was a 2 min minor for slashing, and let the league review and decide on a suspension.
I could live with a 5 min major if they have a way to do that without the misconduct.
giving someone the gate because you think a player was injured is too hard to judge real time.
If you listen to the video in the link the announcers said the Pens coach was pissed because it wasn't a 5 min major and a game misconduct.
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have no idea how you know that the rule is exactly as it was 23 years ago. Do you have a copy of the rule book from 1992?
If you listen to the video in the link the announcers said the Pens coach was pissed because it wasn't a 5 min major and a game misconduct.
That doesn't mean that it had to be automatic like it is today. I honestly have no idea what the rule exactly stated then, that video doesn't make it clear either. Obviously it should have been more than a 2 minute minor.
If the rule in 1992 read like it does now, then the referee in 1992 simply had no idea what the rule was, because it was clear that Lemieux was injured.
That leads me to believe the rule wasn't what it is now. I guess it's possible the referee just had no idea what the rule book said, but I think that's very unlikely. And nothing in the 3 articles ive found so far have mentioned it.
it's awesome, love playoff hockey.
Brutal. Great game to watch though. Keith ends it.
It was actually surprising that Graves even got a suspension.
Now it's a clear cut game or two.
Did somebody say BACON? - ( New Window )
The Islanders played a very good game defensively. I was impressed. I can't think of too many quality scoring opportunities for the Capitals, despite seemingly holding the puck for the majority of the second half of the game. They were all outside shots, etc.
The Predators loss was brutal. To go up 3-0 and lose...
The Senators/Habs series could be a great one. That rule needs to be amended - Subban did not deserve to be ejected for that.
Didn't see the Calgary/VAN game. I don't think too highly of either team, but my distrust in Anaheim gives the winner a legitimate shot at the WCF.
Of all the teams in the WC playoffs, the Canucks just seem the least threatening.
Yet Subban got nothing as far as suspension. Makes no sense. The league should have waited until they found out the injury severity before immediatly saying there would be no further punishment.
although no idea what a wrist microfracture is.
The only google links are about Stone.
What Byfuglien did to Miller a couple weeks ago seemed a lot worse as far as intent goes, IMO.
That changes things slightly but I still don't think he deserves a suspension. I do think he should have been ejected as he was though.
If he said nothing and just let hockey take care of itself it would happen and be over, but because he said that if someone does retaliate there will have to be punishment IMO.
Ottawa has to be careful though, they can't goon it up and lose focus on winning. They can't go down 0-2. It sounds cowardly, but they might be better off to bait Montreal into penalties and try and sneak a W before going home. It's not like Montreal will intimidate anyone, that's not how they're built.
Ottawa has to be careful though, they can't goon it up and lose focus on winning. They can't go down 0-2. It sounds cowardly, but they might be better off to bait Montreal into penalties and try and sneak a W before going home. It's not like Montreal will intimidate anyone, that's not how they're built.
Not cowardly at all, it's smart. Especially if the player of target is Subban, he's not exactly known for his discipline.
2. I really don't think injuries should dictate suspensions. Something I really hate with the NHL.
Ottawa went 21-3-3 since mid-February. Hammond was 20-1-2 in that time.
And MTL was without their best player and penalty killer and it was evident last night.
Ottawa was 2 for 5 on the PP last night and it almost was the downfall for Montreal.
OTT had 2 PP goals and a MTL own goal for their 3 goals.
Of course, opening night of the playoffs against a heated rival, players are bound to lose their position once in a while - they are a pretty decent PKing team so I assume they will correct a few things and improve as the series moves on.
Hopefully, opening night jitters explains a few poor performances from Ottawa too - Ceci, in particular, was dreadful. Responsible for 3 of the goals against last night with miscues.
Of course, opening night of the playoffs against a heated rival, players are bound to lose their position once in a while - they are a pretty decent PKing team so I assume they will correct a few things and improve as the series moves on.
Hopefully, opening night jitters explains a few poor performances from Ottawa too - Ceci, in particular, was dreadful. Responsible for 3 of the goals against last night with miscues.
Was Ceci the defenseman who let Flynn walk out of the corner on the game winning goal?
the center (Pageau?) was very hesitant to play Flynn and should have, I couldn't see what defenseman it was though who got beat.
He's usually really solid - for a team with a really thin blueline we can't have our #3 shit the bed like that.
That's not meant to take away credit from the 4th line of Montreal - they were fantastic. Extremely impressive.
That's crazy
I didnt see the TB-DET game. From the sh
Two words, Pavel Datsyuk.
did you hear Pierre McGuire? I actually burst out laughing.. he was LIVID!!!!
no problem.. HFBOARDS is overrated and complete trash! I go on to look at stats for some lower level players and that's it..
there's no such thing as a conversation.. God forbid someone goes on a tangent.. moderators step in and delete the post and warn you?? I'd tell them to eat shit, but they'd delete it lol
What the fuck is overrated then, cliff-hanging fuck?
My head isnt on straight today.
Occasionally I feel a strong urge to post something, but Im always able to resist. I really wanted to post in the Habs-Sens game thread comparing the Subban slash to the Kreider "run" on Price.
Corsi gives me a good indication of how a game I wasn't able to watch went. It's a good reference but I've never put a whole lot of stock in it because of the fact that shot quality has no variable weight in its equation.
Subban tomahawked Stone. He can argue intent I guess, maybe say he was trying to hit the stick of Stone or something, but he didn't he accepts his penalty as the right call.
Islanders aren't getting enough credit for playing a sound defensive game the other night. Mostly reading people shitting on Washington.
I'm really looking forward to the OTT/MTL game. Hope it goes 7.
Preds are cooked if they don't win tonight, IMO.
Thats quite the change since he was jumping up and down right after it happened like Stone ran into his stick. Then he came back into the tunnel when Stone returned pouting like a 5 yr old.
Question 1 is in regards to the Rangers tonight: I have a friend, die hard fan, who will be in Florida for a wedding tomorrow. He lives in New York City and obviously his cable info is based her, but the location of his phone will be in Florida. Will he be able to watch the Rangers on the NBC App or will he be subject to blackout restrictions due to his cable information being based in NY?
Question 2 is in regards to the Islanders: Getting wayyy ahead of myself here, but I have a wedding that would potentially happen during an Islanders ECF game. If that were to happen, I would be in New York City, but at that juncture, are all games national? My point being: would I be subject to blackout restrictions if I used the app in NYC at that point in the postseason?
I hear that Randy Carlyle is available.. make the call RONNIE!!!!
Can't make it up.
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Subban says they got the call right, on the ice.
Thats quite the change since he was jumping up and down right after it happened like Stone ran into his stick. Then he came back into the tunnel when Stone returned pouting like a 5 yr old.
Yeah, can't imagine an athlete in the heat of the moment overreacting.
Kings fans said that Hextall kept Lombardi grounded with his logical thought process and that he's missed.
I don't know what he's like as a GM obviously, but I find that hilarious.
But in a the middle of a heated rivalry, it may have been a desperate attempt to avoid a penalty (they were already shorthanded). Not sure he's gaining any favors with teh refs though as he had a similar reaction earlier when he high sticked a Senator in the face. Not sure how that penalty was over turned, btw.
Regardless, sucks that Stone is injured but I think the refs got that one right. Brett can tell me to fuck off all day, but no way is that a minor penalty and I think 5 and a game was enough based on the action.
Losing Stone is a serious blow to Ottawa's chances. Our advantage in forward depth is gone and we already had the second best goaltender in the series.
Still, fuck off.
Islanders getting no credit, personally that makes me happy. Let them use whatever excuse they want for why they lost, I hope they are using the same ones for the Capitals again tonight.
I was surprised the Flyers fired Berube knowing how well they played down the stretch.
Good Luck with that.
Subban deserved the 5 minutes.
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In comment 12236383 pjcas18 said:
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Subban says they got the call right, on the ice.
Thats quite the change since he was jumping up and down right after it happened like Stone ran into his stick. Then he came back into the tunnel when Stone returned pouting like a 5 yr old.
Yeah, can't imagine an athlete in the heat of the moment overreacting.
Please.
Two handed tomahawk but "Hey it was an accident"
Still, fuck off.
I said the same Wed night, I think 5 is an appropriate penalty, but it seems that's not an option. The rule should be adjusted
And it looks like Pacioretty will be back
Pussies.
As Rangers fan, didnt care who won that NYI-WAS series, but needed it to go 6-7 games so the Caps size and heavy game could wear NYI down a bit.
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Stone are both called Game time decisions
Pussies.
Agree.
As Rangers fan, didnt care who won that NYI-WAS series, but needed it to go 6-7 games so the Caps size and heavy game could wear NYI down a bit.
Amazing, isn't it?
We can't say much because we had an entire series of Tokarski in the ECF and Emery played most of the 1st rd last year but we also didn't face about 30 backups in the regular season.
I don't have much preference as far as who actually wins the series but I want it to go as long as possible and if the Caps fall into an 0-2 hole going back to LI, their chances of pushing it to even 6 games is going to be slim.
on Emery - mason did play 4 of those games and emery actually played pretty well for them in game 2. game 1 not even Carey price was going to beat us.... we were making it rain with quality scoring chances that night. only game we may have caught a break was game 3
and tokarski shockingly played well in the ECF. can't think of a game we won because he was in net.
but anyway it's not about having something to complain about - who cares if someone has the high ground. all teams need some luck to advance - just annoys me the islanders are getting some right now.
Hoping the Sens knot it up with MTL.
Sharp just scored a nasty goal. Tied in Nashville.
Jarret Stoll Arrested For Cocaine, MDMA in Las Vegas
Yea, we probably could've even disregarded location...rich, weekend? Gotcha. Great way to stay in shape though...
I wonder if Crawford's benched.
A TBL-NYR ECF would be every bit the skill displayed in last year's CHI-LA series.
The worst two teams in the entire tournament are Vancouver and Calgary, so I feel like i'm only watching 3 playoff series out West.... Anaheim's road to the final 4 couldn't be easier.
I expect Caps-Isles to get even more intense and thrilling as the series moves on. And Wings-TBL could be a lot of fun too (I still expect TBL to roll in 6 games tops). Not surprised the clock struck midnight on Hamburglar and the Sens, but both of those games were close at least.
The East definitely surpassed the West this year.
Wasn't Holtby sick last night and not injured?
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If Holtby's out for the series, the Islanders will win. Grubauer was terrible.
Wasn't Holtby sick last night and not injured?
Yeah - apparently he was sick before game one too (might explain his mediocre play).
CHI/NSH is definitely my favorite series in the West right now.
Jarret Stoll Arrested For Cocaine, MDMA in Las Vegas
The LA Kings: best possession team in the NHL.
Agree, but Price made a game saving save on Michalek in a 2-2 game last night that could have been a major momentum stealer. The announcers made it sound like more of a gimme goal than it would have been, but still no idea why Michalek hesitated as much as he did.
fuckin' pathetic. I'd rather face the Habs than TBL in an ECF (if we get there, obviously) though, so ... good luck?
They really did. Not easy for me to say "no sweat, we're tied going back home". Up 3-1 with a AAA goalie in there, you gotta put those games away...and yes, they've done this far too many times under Cappy...
fuckin' pathetic. I'd rather face the Habs than TBL in an ECF (if we get there, obviously) though, so ... good luck?
LOL, guilty. I don't like associating with most Habs fans, so I have resorted to hockey fans on a Giants fan forum.
I feel like if Price plays like he did this season (as so far he has) those teams rooting for MTL instead of TB deserve what they get if it happens.
If Price plays his game, and the team stays healthy no one in the league scares me. Rangers are obvious the favorites, but they can't play until the ECF, so outside of them, TB and OTT did the most because of their speed, and MTL slow D like Markov, but they've been good through 2 games.
I feel like if Price plays like he did this season (as so far he has) those teams rooting for MTL instead of TB deserve what they get if it happens.
Nobody said MTL was easy. But they aren't as good as Tampa. And they weren't as good as Boston last year either, which is why we were all happy when you knocked off the Bruins.
Its a lesser of two evils kind of thing. Hopefully we get a rematch, Frenchie.
The Rangers are the frightening team.
Biggest reason I want Washington to beat NYI is I don't want this team emotionally drained heading into that 7-game war with Tampa.
Meanwhile we've got to snap this game 2 curse of ours right? 1-8 in game 2's since 2011, most of them at MSG. Right???
Bishop has bounced back nicely today, unfortunately.
We'd beat Washington... my only one concern would be their heavy game wearing on us, but with a little luck we should bounce them in 5.
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I feel like if Price plays like he did this season (as so far he has) those teams rooting for MTL instead of TB deserve what they get if it happens.
Nobody said MTL was easy. But they aren't as good as Tampa. And they weren't as good as Boston last year either, which is why we were all happy when you knocked off the Bruins.
Its a lesser of two evils kind of thing. Hopefully we get a rematch, Frenchie.
No need to explain, give a choice of TB or the Rangers as a Habs fan I'd rather face the Rangers. I think MTL matches up well against the Rangers (especially in MTL).
Not weird. Hammond has been bad the first two games, and he was absolutely pitiful in game 2
When the Devils were pushing our shit in 2006... did the Rangers bench Hank for Weekes?
I'd say WAs too except I live in the DC area...
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Washington is also a bit dirty at times, I'm worried about a cheap shot hurting someone (always a concern obviously).
I'd say WAs too except I live in the DC area...
At this point, who cares who we play. This team simply needs to pull their heads out of their asses, get back to the basics, lay a little wood... advance and let the chips fall where they may.
Penguins with the win last night went from 25% odds to win the series to 40% - and if they shore up their defense injuries tomorrow, odds will rise higher.
But then again i'm responding to Hudson. He had a great night last night. Dick.
Incredible hitting, mostly by Ottawa, and Karlsson is playing like Scott Stevens.
He is better than I thought.
I'm glad that both Montreal hasn't tried to retaliate and taken a penalty nor have they been intimidated.
Anderson is the other story so far. he's been great.
I still think going with a 34 year old over the guy who got you here is the wrong move. Whether Hammond is the long-term guy or not, you know unequivocably that Anderson isn't winning you a Cup. Maybe a game or two, but who gives a shit if you lose in 4 or 6.
Every time you turn around, there's someone in the box.
Every time you turn around, there's someone in the box.
Mostly fair calls other than the one on Pacioretty just now.
Incredible bounce there for the Canadiens
I do too. I don't recall it ever being a significant enough issue at the time to require the rules implementation.
Anyway, I just think Montreal is the better team at this point. I'd love to blame injuries to Stone and Ryan, but that's BS. Montreal has just flat out been better through 9 periods. They've really exposed Ottawa's d not named Karlsson or Methot.
Looks like the end of the road for the Cinderella Sens unfortunately.. barring a miracle.
Fuck pjcas. Assuming you advance, just beat Tampa please - could there be anything worse for Rangers fans than not winning ... again... and seeing Callahan the year after Gaborik raise a Cup?
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In comment 12239150 BrettNYG10 said:
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Washington is also a bit dirty at times, I'm worried about a cheap shot hurting someone (always a concern obviously).
I'd say WAs too except I live in the DC area...
At this point, who cares who we play. This team simply needs to pull their heads out of their asses, get back to the basics, lay a little wood... advance and let the chips fall where they may.
Penguins with the win last night went from 25% odds to win the series to 40% - and if they shore up their defense injuries tomorrow, odds will rise higher.
But then again i'm responding to Hudson. He had a great night last night. Dick.
No actually this first round is a cant win for me.
Worse, either the Caps advance and Ovi is the new God or the Isles win and break their twenty two year drought.
Either the Rangers great season is destroyed or the Pens get a quick exit and another setback.
The only positive is, I expect the Pens to lose in 6, and don't think they'd have beaten the Isles or Caps, and losing to them for the Pens would be a lot worse.
The sens bench, which was right there, thought so too, and that was in real time. Before the puck ever was in the net.
so if it did, it definitely isn't clear.
Not only did the all 4 blind mice miss it, Toronto F'd up and missed it too (or chose not to do anything about it). The press in Canada will be all over this....shame it had to end like this, it was a great game
Show me the better video or even an image of it hitting his glove, otherwise your "not even close" is a ridiculous comment.
In either case, and I said it might have hit his glove, but there is no way possible Mooks comment of "clearly" and yours of "not even close" are the opposite of the truth. if it did in fact hit his glove it was not clear and not obvious, even on replay.
MTL Game Winning Goal - ( New Window )
And they interviewed Adam Lowery's mom in the stands...very attractive woman.
Fuck pjcas. Assuming you advance, just beat Tampa please - could there be anything worse for Rangers fans than not winning ... again... and seeing Callahan the year after Gaborik raise a Cup?
man the fuck up
Western conference hockey.
Oof. Still looking for that elusive playoff win.
Shit like that has no place in the game. It was basically Dale Hunter lite.
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Detroit is a team I never want to see in the playoffs they're like the cardinals of baseball. Always find a way
I don't pay as close attention to other games. And I'm 100% not using this as an excuse. But to those that watch a lot of hockey. Does Tavares break more sticks than anyone else you've seen?
(The game tonight was lost when they went 0-3 when they had 3 PPs in a row)
And I absolutely expect your team to make the misery much worse when its all said and done.
Rangers still have business to take care of. Let's just worry about that.
That and she's one of the more likeable female sportscasters as opposed to say Erin Andrews and every woman they got on NFL Network
Wowza. I'd put Lindros in that group as a prospect too, especially after he played in the Canada Cup while still in juniors (and scored 3 goals). I mean, the Rangers were willing to give Amonte, Kovalev, Beezer/Patrick, Weight, 3 #1s, and $12 million for him.
I hope he's a good ambassador for the sport, and in particular better than Crosby.
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Not that Eichel is a terrible consolation prize but if McDavid is the generational talent some seem to think he is, man.. they got screwed.
Not that Eichel is a terrible consolation prize but if McDavid is the generational talent some seem to think he is, man.. they got screwed.
I don't think the Sabres got screwed. They only had a 20% or so shot at getting #1 overall. The worst team doesn't have any sort of right to the top pick IMO, that's why there's a draft lottery. The Oilers somehow winning the lottery again is a whole other story.
Daigle was very well regarded before the draft (remember, Kariya and Pronger were in that draft too). I'd say that in the last 25 years, the "fuck, I guess I'll take that guy" #1 overalls were: JOVO, Chris Philips, Stefan (maybe), and MAF. DiPietro was a stupid pick, but that's a different thing entirely.
Pens got the #1 pick they used on MAF plus a late #2 and Mikael Samuelsson (indisputably a bottom 6 forward) for #3 and a mid #3. Staggeringly poor return for trading out of #1 overall. The Philips draft (1996) was the worst draft I've ever seen, maybe in any major sport. Only two guys ever made multiple all star games -- Chara (#56) and Kaberle (#204).
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Eichel is bigger, stronger, Patrick Kane.
McDavid is probably similar to Crosby in a lot of regards without the demonstrated edge (or whatever you want to call it Crosby plays with).
But...I have a tendency to favor American players, not normally from a skill standpoint, just that I want them to be successful.
This.
They'll probably be pretty bad anyway. The Capitals were still shit Ovechkin's rookie year.
They also had a bunch of future coaches and GMs - Ted Nolan, Colin Campbell, Barry Melrose and Ken Holland.
Could be the first American to go #1 overall since Kane.
This would be pretty surprising.
As an 18 year old freshman.
I'm no hockey development expert, but I'm pretty sure repeating that level isn't necessary.
Buffalo might tank again, but I see no reason for Eichel to return to BU.
I dont think a culture of losing is a good thing. The Oilers are not a good model. They should try to sign Eichel ASAP. Things might be different if he was a Junior guy, where you could ink him and then demote him anyway, but under current rules, just sign him.
That team was loaded with past and future Rangers - five of their top 10 scorers were Ron Duguay, John Ogrodnick, Kelly Kisio, Brad Park and Eddie Johnstone. Eddie Mio was on the team too.
Neil Smith was in the Wings organization after a stint with the Isles and then back to NY. He was close to all those players.
I see, I misunderstood, I thought they were suggesting Eichel needs another year of college to develop further. If they want him at BU so they can be worse it makes perfect sense, if he's willing.
I'm starting to think he's vezina and hart worthy - even though I think the voting is over.
I'm starting to think he's vezina and hart worthy - even though I think the voting is over.
I did some back of the envelope math towards the end of the season and figured out that Price was good for something like 48 fewer goals vs a replacement level goalie (which is actually better than some starters).
The Penguins were supposed to win the division with 135 points.
Really? Never heard of that yet I guess it happened.
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Can be down 3-1 in the series. That wasnt supposed to happen.
The Penguins were supposed to win the division with 135 points.
In MABs defense, they had an easy schedule.
Tied
Richards just scored for Chicago
Tie game, nice goal for the Preds
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Can be down 3-1 in the series. That wasnt supposed to happen.
The Penguins were supposed to win the division with 135 points.
Good call on Tampa's demise, gentlemen. That's one of those hi-fives you wish you could have back. Can only imagine how elated you two would have been had someone here called Boston two years ago... and they trailed by 2 goals with 90 seconds left to Toronto.
And as reiterated many times - MAB not only factored in the Penguins remaining schedule, but a healthy Malkin, Letang, Ehrhoff, Pouliot, etc too.
Just thankful Pittsburgh got hammered with the injury bug and not us. (and I called 115 points, not 135... you hedge fund dick!)
That Tampa Bay game was wild!
That Tampa Bay game was wild!
Terrible last play though. Johnson had a wide-open net. He turned Kyle Quincey inside out
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In comment 12246636 schabadoo said:
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Can be down 3-1 in the series. That wasnt supposed to happen.
The Penguins were supposed to win the division with 135 points.
Good call on Tampa's demise, gentlemen. That's one of those hi-fives you wish you could have back. Can only imagine how elated you two would have been had someone here called Boston two years ago... and they trailed by 2 goals with 90 seconds left to Toronto.
And as reiterated many times - MAB not only factored in the Penguins remaining schedule, but a healthy Malkin, Letang, Ehrhoff, Pouliot, etc too.
Just thankful Pittsburgh got hammered with the injury bug and not us. (and I called 115 points, not 135... you hedge fund dick!)
I'm always down for some MAB bashing, regardless of current or future reality.
Still can't imagine Price losing the next two. He'll steal one and that will be that.
Ottawa came out of that game pretty banged up too, MacArthur and Pageau both hurt. Both have a good chance to play but won't be 100%.
I was wondering the same thing. I don't remember him being as frequently dirty as I perceive him now.
Pressure starts to mount very quickly when you have a team on the ropes and struggle to put them away.
Last night was the first game of the series I can honestly say I thought Montreal outskated and overall outplayed the Senators.
Price was off his game, and pulling Hammond for Anderson was a ballsy move by Cameron and Anderson has been ridiculous and has absolutely been good enough to steal the series. Cameron deserves a ton of credit for keeping his team focused and positive.
Prust was always the same, but when he's your douche bag you notice or care a little less.
Even up 3 - 0 MTL was not playing great and all 3 games were really close.
As I mentioned before, MTL is very average without a stellar Price. usually he is, but even slightly off and you get games like last night.
Glacheynuk has been Montreal's best player, and Subban has been downright awful.
Karlsson vs Subban for Norris? I've heard multiple announcers say that, Karlsson is such a better player.
I think the forwards are pretty evenly matched, and goalie has been since the switch to Anderson - you could even give OTT an edge in net right now, but the blue line is the difference. If anyone is out of gas it's Markov. Such a solid season, but he's old and he's been making mistakes.
And I thought Ceci was brutal for OTT after the OT loss, but he's redeemed himself. He's playing very well.
Datsyuk is not just good offensively, he's one of the most creative players and he's so good defensively.
not saying he can singlehandedly win a series, but if he gets help from his goalie (like tonight) I think Detroit can beat the winner of MTL/OTT
back and forth action.
I also loved the Caps Isles game, hard hitting, great goaltending, solid game.
Matt Martin might be my favorite non-Canadiens, non American player. dude hits everything that moves.
reminds me a little of Pat Verbeek.
(A BBI classic)
(would give MTL one hell of an easy road to the ECF but whatever)
I still think Tampa comes back and wins this series - but Babcock man... one hell of a fuckin coach. The guy just continuously overachieves. Babcock coaching Pittsburgh or NYI would be downright scary.
Rooting for STL and OTT today. I want to see some Game 7s - nothing better in pro sports than hockey Game 7s, especially when your team isn't a part of it.
I don't mind if my team is in them.
and game 7 OT is just another level.
I know it's not practical but I wish the NHL would go to sudden death OT until there's a winner, for the regular season. baseball handles it, NHL should figure out a way.
Do you want guys dead by the 50th game?
Comparing it to baseball is odd to say the least.
Do you want guys dead by the 50th game?
Comparing it to baseball is odd to say the least.
Not comparing sports, you're smarter than that. Comparing the results, no ties (and without a gimmick like a shootout)
and yes, I'd like to try it, maybe they can try it in the AHL or something.
The overtime system needs tweaking (mostly getting rid of the shootout and 3 point games). If you win in overtime, you get 2 points and the loser gets zero. If you tie, each gets a point.
I don't see any way sudden death in the regular season could ever work. You can't have games going an extra 40 minutes in the regular season
I'm not sure adding 40 min (potentially) of OT to ties will have a measureable injury or fatigue impact.
Not sure. I'd at least try it.
when considering playoffs exclusively all the way back to 1930 there have only been 49 games to go beyond double OT.
at least go to a 20-min OT before the shootout and see how many shootouts it prevents.
at what point do you break up that team because it just can't get it done year after year? They are this era's San Jose Sharks.
Save for Pacioretty/Price, this group of players is a perfect fit for the organization in that they're completely unlikeable.
PP Ottawa. Come on!
Habs are just sitting on the puck
Andy, sorry, my friend. That was a run for the ages that your Sens put together in the last couple of months. Storybook stuff. A healthy Sens team next season will not be fun to play.
Price was the difference.
Andy, sorry, my friend. That was a run for the ages that your Sens put together in the last couple of months. Storybook stuff. A healthy Sens team next season will not be fun to play.
Pffffft. Fuck Spock.
You're totally right about that. NHL playoffs are must see TV. A TB/MTL series would be really good too. ECF caliber.
Still hate the Habs though.
But I get the Habs hate. A lot of asshole fans.
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(And to Spock, wherever he may be).
Andy, sorry, my friend. That was a run for the ages that your Sens put together in the last couple of months. Storybook stuff. A healthy Sens team next season will not be fun to play.
Pffffft. Fuck Spock.
A friend of mine said he'd get me tickets for one of the games. I used to go to Nassau Coliseum once a year in my youth. We'd play Oyster Bay during the day (and get our locker room robbed every year) and then play mini-one on one's during an Islanders game that night.
It was fun, I'd like to see one of the last games.
So hopefully they win, game 7's in the NHL are can't miss sports.
With that said... the most important thing is my team advanced in 5, so ....
A friend of mine said he'd get me tickets for one of the games. I used to go to Nassau Coliseum once a year in my youth. We'd play Oyster Bay during the day (and get our locker room robbed every year) and then play mini-one on one's during an Islanders game that night.
It was fun, I'd like to see one of the last games.
So hopefully they win, game 7's in the NHL are can't miss sports.
PS, I may have your wallet ;)
Maybe someone can get Clapton to cancel the concert for some coke.
I'm not sure I think the Habs get by Tampa, but I think they match-up really well against Detroit. Any any time you have Price in nets you have a strong chance to win any series.
Cheers.
And Markov is getting his Brad Richards on. He's terrible.
What;d he do so bad in WBS?
He is a good tactical coach, Pens played their best, most structured hockey system with this core under him and he's done the same with the Habs.
He also has mellowed out some, that was his biggest problem.
Maybe someone can get Clapton to cancel the concert for some coke.
I had heard that the Sat. night Clapton concert will be moved if the Rangers want to play at MSG that night. So I think Thu/Sat for Games 1 and 2 is a good bet.
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What tops it off is they actually changed the rules to prevent this EXACT thing. They were supposed to review it and had the option of ruling it a goal.
Nothing can be done about it now, so I'll tip my cap and congratulate the Habs fans but the refs blew this call TWICE. Once with the bad whistle, then again when they either failed to realize they could go top review or chose not to. But this is sports and refs fuck up all the time. It was just the Sens turn to get the raw end of the deal.
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Someone needs the waaambulance. I thought the Lightening were already in the Finals?
Two great games later.
Deej : 4/13/2015 3:33 pm : link
He's kind of got a Peyton Manning thing going
Deej : 4/13/2015 1:26 pm : link
Cant be too dismissive of the advanced stats. We were not a top 10 possession team in any 1/3 segment of the season. What worries me are great puck possession teams. A massive imbalance of possession would be a lot to overcome IMO. Easier path for us would be PITT > WASH (not NYI) > Not Tampa Bay in ECF > Not CHI in SCF.
Deej : 4/15/2015 4:17 pm : link : reply
but it might be Pens in 6-7.
Damnit.
I hate the Caps so freakin much I guess I don't care that much about this game - its just the downside of NYI if we were to get upset is so much worse. I also think we'd miss Zucc a lot more in an Islanders series than Caps where a guy like Sheppard may actually have some value.
Caps will be very tough but the lesser of 2 evils in my opinion
the top 4 seeds in the East (measured by points) advance.
In the West, 1-4-6 and 8 advance. Man must be nice to be a Ducks fan this year... as easy a road to the WCF as there has ever been.
Also means with the Wed night game 7 that the NHL has no reason to move us up a day. It'll be Thursday night against the Caps -- two full days off for the Caps, who while they went 7 physical with NYI.. like us in prior years... didn't have all that much overtime in the series, so I do expect them to come out with energy.
Must watch TV tonight. Game Seven
Must watch TV tonight. Game Seven
Except it's tomorrow, unfortunately.
Same reason MSL was undrafted - no one believed he'd make it because he's so small.
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amazing highlight, thanks for sharing
Must watch TV tonight. Game Seven
Except it's tomorrow, unfortunately.
Wait, Detroit's in the East lol
Meanwhile in the East we are probably look at four 101+ point powerhouses exchanging blows over the next month.
They have a decent shot. Chicago will be favored, but it's not like ANA will be 9:1 or anything like that.
Predictions?
StL/MIN : Blues in 7 (Nope. Should have known better.. LOLStL)
CHI/NSH : Blackhawks in 6 (Ding)
ANA/WPG : Ducks in 5 (Almost)
VAN/CGY : Flames in 6 (Ding)
MTL/OTT : Senators in 7 (Guh)
TB/DET : Lightning in 6 (Maybe off by a game)
WSH/NYI : Capitals in 7 (Ding)
NYR/PIT : Rangers in 5 (Ding)
Had the upset in the right bracket but wrong conference. Not too shabby, though.
Could be a little golden era here for DC sports - both hockey & basketball are in the quarterfinals, and the Nats should - on paper - be the best team in the National League.
Redskins do suck -- but our guys really need to shut down this Verizon Center fun they're having.
MIN-StL would have been better.
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MIN/CHI is the series I'm most looking forward to (excluding NYR).
MIN-StL would have been better.
Pretty sure we saw that already...
GTFO.
GTFO.
Please go root for someone else, Mush. I've been a Rangers fan since before you were a drunken mistake.
At the very least, your fat ass shouldn't be starting any game threads.
Haha. That hurts.
Kronwall out, Abdelkader's status is unknown.
Good call.
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For Brett's prediction to come true. Not gonna happen. We are taking this series in 5. 6 tops.
Good call.
It's funny 'cause his dreams are crushed.
Same, rooting for Detroit but expecting TB to advance.
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In comment 12254228 BrettNYG10 said:
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MIN/CHI is the series I'm most looking forward to (excluding NYR).
MIN-StL would have been better.
Pretty sure we saw that already...
Fucking ipad...meant CHI-StL
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Ugh.
Ugh.
They got it back in game 5. They didn't blow anything - Tampa just exerted its will when it counted. Honestly, Babcock had his team play as well as it could in this series - Mrzek was outstanding, his guys played their hearts out -- just a serious talent differential.
I do think a lot of really good teams stare into the abyss at some point in their playoffs - recent history is littered with championship or Cup finalist teams that were on the brink. Hell, we were last year in Pittsburgh. Hope this wasn't Tampa's "test"
As much as I hate the Habs, I'll be rooting for them next round.
This is all I could think about during the third period. Stralman looked fantastic
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...when they choked away that 2 goal lead late in Game 4.
Ugh.
They got it back in game 5. They didn't blow anything - Tampa just exerted its will when it counted. Honestly, Babcock had his team play as well as it could in this series - Mrzek was outstanding, his guys played their hearts out -- just a serious talent differential.
I do think a lot of really good teams stare into the abyss at some point in their playoffs - recent history is littered with championship or Cup finalist teams that were on the brink. Hell, we were last year in Pittsburgh. Hope this wasn't Tampa's "test"
As much as I hate the Habs, I'll be rooting for them next round.
Don't understand this logic at all. You don't get the game "back".. that game could have won the series if not for the Game 4 mishap.
Leading by 2 goals with that little time left and allowing 2 quick ones and then losing in OT is devastating when it's a swing between potentially taking a commanding 3-1 lead in a series or having it knotted up.
If Detroit doesn't blow Game 4, odds are pretty heavily in their favor that they win the series. It was a huge missed opportunity.
Tampa is good.. they're not quite as good as just not trying until it was necessary to "impose their will" and win the series.
Signing Boyle instead of Stralman could cost the team a Cup. It'll be a gut punch if TB beats NYR in 6 or 7 (if both get that far).
Price is the first goalie to lead the league in wins, save percentage, and GAA since Eddie Belfour in 1990-1991. And with no 90 point scorer, he's the obvious choice. In Tokarski's decisions, the Canadiens averaged a point per game. Given how close the East was, it's reasonable to assume they wouldn't have made it with an average goalie.
Very simple concept.
If they'd held on in game 4, they'd be up 3-1 in the series and Tampa would have played with a lot more desperation in game 5. The series would very likely be 3-2 heading back to Detroit anyway. They blew game 4... Tampa blew game 1, it happens.
And they blew a 2-0 lead against an explosive offense with an entire period to go, people. People act like they blew a 4 goal lead.
I said they were playing poorly and i just wish Detroit could have put them away given the chance. Big difference.
And yes, Brett, recent history is littered with teams winning a Cup or getting to SCF that were on the brink at one point.
-Kings last year in round 1
-Boston in 2013 against Toronto down 2 goals with 90 seconds left
-NJ had to go double overtime of game 7 in the first round in 2012
-Boston 2011 won 3 game 7s, two of them in OT
-Flyers 2010 down 0-3 to Boston comes back and wins the series, goes to Finals
-us last year vs Pitt
Quinneville was quoted in the Nashville series (game 1 i think) that all SCF teams at some point get severely tested... that quote is actually where I got the 'narrative' from and it makes perfect sense.
A lot of parity and momentum in this league - Detroit had the chance thanks to a hot goaltender to put away a much better, but inexperienced team than them in the first round and they failed. I think Tampa gains confidence from that and beats Montreal now. We'll see - I put my money where my mouth is on that so i do win some $$$ if it happens.
And fuck PJ.
I walked away from round 1 less impressed with TB and more impressed with MTL than anticipated.
And lol Stamkos.
Not sure they were "outplayed" last night... Tampa players admit they were really nervous which played a part, but bottom line while Detroit had a lot more shots... how many were grade A chances? Bishop didnt exactly have to stand on head to get the shutout.
Basically my worst fear is after seeing Gaborik scream like a little girl last year, we have an ECF against Cally,Boyle & Stralman LOL
Zetterberg seemed to want to only shoot at Bishop's chest last night.
And the Backstrom hit on Boyle while should have been called, was no worse than the Ovie boarding/cross check on Hickey in game 7 last round. Add in the Wilson hit on Viznovsky... Caps get away with a ton of shit...
Even subban has been bad. He's a liability defensively and Markov had been compensating for him but Markov age is starting to show.
hopefully they got in his head now.
I don't think off the replays they showed it was the wrong call, but if he didn't push Price into the net he might have had a goal - and price might have gone into the net on his own.
refs miss offsides, I don't get bent out of shape about that. I wish it wouldn't have happened, but the habs had their chances.
Game 1 of the SCF the refs missed a delay of game when a King defender shot it over the boards about a minute before Brown scored the game winner.
Game 2 was the interference game.
Game 5 they called Zucc for a tripping when Muzzin tripped him that led to a game tying goal.
Then game 1 here with the Boyle hit.
I'm of the same thought process of you - it's incumbent on the teams to win the games. The refs aren't responsible for those losses - the Rangers didn't lose the Cup because of the refs.
It's just amazing how incompetent they are. I only cite the Rangers because they're the team I follow closest - I'm sure I can come up with examples if I followed other teams with the same intensity.
I was actually surprised they didn't review it, don't they normally review plays like that?
in either case, it should be, though I hate over-reviewing stuff, but general sentiment is that refs are human. I expect these calls to even out over time. Just sucks this one happened in OT in the playoffs.
They should even out over time - the Rangers certainly got a few favorable calls/non-calls in round one. The issue is that they're consistently getting somewhat obvious things wrong in crucial situations, costing teams games and potentially a series. The sport is at its best right now, and for the refs to be a focal point of post game discussion in two of the four game ones played is really disappointing.
Ridiculous penalty to give in the playoffs, imo.
But I think all scoring plays should be reviewable and if it's determined the play was offsides the goal should be disallowed.
Montreal is so undisciplined.
Fuck the Wings...
They just can't play like they did the second half of the 2nd period. total collapse
I think they're winning the Cup.
MTL is not very physical and their D are their Achilles heal.
I think either is capable of beating TB, though.
Coming from the douchebag who needs to have chicken parm to support his boy Callahan?
MAB, I don't view them as some unstoppable juggernaut destined to roll over every team in its path. They went to seven games (and got badly outplayed in the 7th game) against a pedestrian Detroit team, and have been badly outplayed against Montreal at times.
Anaheim and Chicago look really impressive - and I've been reserved on Chicago all year (depth is a bit softer than it has been historically, and their goaltending is a question mark). Suter is having a terrible series for MIN.
Now that's a power I wish I had...
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I think Anaheim sweeps.
Tampa might sweep, but Price doesnt strike me as the quitter and should be able to win them 2 games. Tampa in 6.
Minnesota isnt completely done yet - they are so good in their own building. Clock definitely appears to be striking midnight on Dubnyk though. Hawks in 5.
NYR-WAS at this point is probably the only series still in doubt. So far certainly has the feel of another 6-7 game war between these two franchises.
I think you're just misremembering. He was always a dirtbag. he was suspended (from a playoff game?) with the Rangers for a elbow to the head of someone.
he is always involved in extra curricular crap. and he's not a very good fighter. He's kind of one of those tweeners, not really good enough for a regular shift, and not good enough a fighter to be an enforcer.
He wouldn't see the ice if I were running the show.
I hope Therrien gets fired this off-season. Montreal doesn't stack up talent wise with any of the teams in the playoffs, but the way he uses the lines is criminal and Subban is playing Chara/Karlsson like minutes and he doesn't have the defensive game those guys do to warrant the minutes.
People in MTL say Galcheynuk is struggling, he has him paired with Dale Wiese and David Desharnais, he has to slow down to play with them, it's absurd.
anyway, good luck tonight Rangers fans, I still hate the Caps from my DC days - living in a place and not liking the teams in the area will make you hate them in a way you didn't know possible.
Thank God for the Redskins to keep those fuck grounded.
very hard to overturn I guess
Some great saves by Calgary to stay in it and Backlund wins it
wouldn't have helped really in game 2.
Ho hum
Bishop was a statue on that one. Didn't look to me like he was screened though.
Yeah, I wasnt being serious.
Gloves are off puck.
Montreal looks awful in this game
But they are getting their ass kicked completely tonight
Just win tomorrow.
I've watched almost every Canadiens game and they whine no more than any other team. Fact. Probably less to be honest.
But keep on hating - because you are the one who sounds like the whiner and complainer.
And don't get me started on whiny fan bases. Read a Rangers thread on here and call another fan base whiny. Please do that. It would be the height of hypocrisy.
The hypocriy of diving and the Canadiens - ( New Window )
his use of Prust was ridiculous, and he way overused Wiese.
If you question Price's ability to do anything, you must be brain dead
he didn't do it this year. he did last year against Boston and he was the main reason the Canadiens were even in the playoffs and the #2 seed.
tonight wasn't his fault per se, but many times he'll make 2 of those 3 saves and "steal the game". he blames himself, I don't.
I blame the Caandiens lack of depth, lack of skill players, lack of legit #1 d-pair and poor coaching.
Pacioretty, Galcheynuk, Price, and Subban are the core they have to work with. Plekanec, Desharnais, Belieau, can be role players, not not log first two line minutes. Not sure about some of the younger guys yet (de la rose for example), but they got some good experience the past two years
Bergevin, who I like, has some work to do.
I'm sorry your team lost and I know why you're upset. I don't blame you. I just dislike that team aside from your goalie and Pacioretty. They are classy great players. Many of the rest take their cue from the coach and dive and complain. SOrry but it's the facts.
one is a team of divers, the other is not.
that's what you're saying?
Many teams had more than two players called for embellishment.
the only comments I heard Therrien say (whom I've admitted I don't like), was something like "it's frustrating to lose a game on an offsides. That's not supposed to happen"
that's what I heard. and offsides is not a judgment call, it shouldn't happen, but it did and they moved on.
If Vigneault lost a playoff game in OT on a play that was offsides I doubt he'd be so classy and reserved, he'd probably have some choice words and as much as I don't like Therrien I think he was fine with his post-game comments from that loss.
one is a team of divers, the other is not.
that's what you're saying?
Many teams had more than two players called for embellishment.
the only comments I heard Therrien say (whom I've admitted I don't like), was something like "it's frustrating to lose a game on an offsides. That's not supposed to happen"
that's what I heard. and offsides is not a judgment call, it shouldn't happen, but it did and they moved on.
If Vigneault lost a playoff game in OT on a play that was offsides I doubt he'd be so classy and reserved, he'd probably have some choice words and as much as I don't like Therrien I think he was fine with his post-game comments from that loss.
look I'm a fan of a team that played your team last year and the series was full of that shit. I don't catch more than a handful of Canadiens games in a year but I know what us Rangers fans watched last year and at times it was a joke. I don't have a scientific explanation or raw numbers on dives for you. I just know what made me lose respect last year and especially goes for the coach. I doubt Canadiens fans are fond of the Rangers either. SO what are we arguing here?
Again, sorry for the loss.
I'm rooting mostly for close games, OT, and American players to shine.
I disagree on last year, I think the Kreider play set the tone for the series and from that point on the Canadiens had to scrap for every advantage playing with a minor league goalie - and he didn't play well - but it changed their whole approach knowing they didn't have price between the pipes.
anyway, last year is last year and this year is still going for some teams, good luck tomorrow it would be good to see NYR/TB. I'd watch WAS/TB (which is what I predicted when the playoffs started), but the Rangers being in it would make it more of an event.
Chicago looks tough right now though
to say and he did play well
Maybe playing next to a pylon took its toll?
MTL if they add anything this off-season my hope would be a top defenseman.
and not something stupid like trading Galcheynuk for Yandle.
he (Subban) played really well game 5 (offensively), but if nothing else stood out to fans last night it should have been the Lightning breakout vs. MTL. there are a lot of moving parts here, but it starts with the D.
I am of the belief that to win in the playoffs you need 2 pairs of D that you can throw out against anybody and not get crushed. Petry seemed to give you a boost but perhaps Beaulieu is projected to take his spot?
I am of the belief that to win in the playoffs you need 2 pairs of D that you can throw out against anybody and not get crushed. Petry seemed to give you a boost but perhaps Beaulieu is projected to take his spot?
I thought Petry was a good acquisition, tough, good shot, mostly a stay at home defenseman, but definitely someone I wouldn't be afraid to have as a top 4 D. Kind of like Boychuk if I had to compare him to someone.
I really like Bealuieu, at 22, he's got some good experience, good size, and good skill and I think he can develop into ta top 4 D.
I'd even test Pateryn some more. He was hurt, but showed some good things.
And I'd strongly consider firing Therrien. Montreal had less talent (on paper) than most of the other playoff teams, but it was criminal what he did with Galcheynuk and de la rose - the two guy besides Pacioretty who showed the most skill and energy. Guys like Gallagher and Desharnais are max effort guys, but a lot of that is wasted effort, Galcheynuk looks like he could be a star in the making and de la rose was an afterthought initially this year, but he excelled (for 19 year old) IMO.
and those two (Galcheynuk and de La Rose get the most criticism in the papers).
I was thinking the same thing, man that was a big cheer.
The Rangers have to beat TB 3 more times for it to matter but if they do, I'd probably rather see Chicago on the other end. A series against the Ducks would probably look a lot like the one we just saw against the Caps. Rangers/Hawks would likely resemble more the type of play we saw yesterday against TB.
Our only hope is that the NHL's partnership with McDonald's falls apart and Boudreau is forbidden from eating his McRib and fries from the Cup.
not being a jinx, but this is the Rangers cup to lose.
+ 1
He sucked here
Yeah, so did Rick Nash.
That was the last goal Richards scored last postseason and we played 10 games after that where he totaled 2 assists during that entire span.
Anyway.. cut it out, pj! Fuckin' A.
I honestly think the Ducks would be a pain in the ass for the Rangers if they both advanced. Teams who can play physical just make it really tough.
Whatever.. gotta beat Tampa 3 more times before we even cross that bridge.
not being a jinx, but this is the Rangers cup to lose.
I think both Western teams are awfully close to the Rangers.
start in net. Not close. Objectively, not close.
move to D, not close.
team speed, TB is the closest to the Rangers
forecheck/system - no one is close to the Rangers
depth, not close, they can roll 4 lines
the only area the Rangers lag is in "stars" only because Nash isn't scoring. The Rangers don't have a Kane/Toews/Stamkos/Getzlaf/Perry but so what, it's not enough to outweigh everything else and the way Kreider is playing right now, someday we'll be saying team X has no Kreider.
Also, Corey Perry scares the shit out of me. He gets those dirty fucking goals that I love to see (but not against my team).
Our only hope is that the NHL's partnership with McDonald's falls apart and Boudreau is forbidden from eating his McRib and fries from the Cup.
Wait... what? I said the Ducks were getting to the Final 4 this year. The only thing I said about the Ducks is if they'd met the Kings in the playoffs again - they'd lose... they are the Kings bitch (in fairness... a lot of teams are this time of year). But they got lucky, had two incredibly easy playoff rounds, now completely healthy facing a Blackhawks team with a lot of blue line injuries.... and have a great chance to play for a Cup.
I agree with arc's assessment earlier - the Ducks are basically Capitals 2.0 A little more depth/skill than Washington, but not quite as strong in goal/D... would be a hell of a series.
But i'm not getting ahead of myself... Saturday was just ONE game and we always suck in game 2 when up 1-0 in the series. I expect to see a different TBL performance tonight.
huh? That already happened in game 1
Quote:
I read somewhere that Hayes is replacing Marty on the Nash-Brassard line.
huh? That already happened in game 1
I didn't see most of game one. Since the game winner was Moore from Hayes, I assumed this was new.
Quote:
In comment 12290542 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
I read somewhere that Hayes is replacing Marty on the Nash-Brassard line.
huh? That already happened in game 1
I didn't see most of game one. Since the game winner was Moore from Hayes, I assumed this was new.
Nope, Hayes was on the Nash-Brassard line from the start of game 1.
That goal came right after a PK, so lines were a bit messed up
just doesnt mean much - if we play our game like we have the past couple of games, we've got a good shot but all these teams left are excellent.
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The Ducks were guaranteed the Cup the first time MAB started talking shit about them.
Our only hope is that the NHL's partnership with McDonald's falls apart and Boudreau is forbidden from eating his McRib and fries from the Cup.
Wait... what? I said the Ducks were getting to the Final 4 this year. The only thing I said about the Ducks is if they'd met the Kings in the playoffs again - they'd lose... they are the Kings bitch (in fairness... a lot of teams are this time of year). But they got lucky, had two incredibly easy playoff rounds, now completely healthy facing a Blackhawks team with a lot of blue line injuries.... and have a great chance to play for a Cup.
I agree with arc's assessment earlier - the Ducks are basically Capitals 2.0 A little more depth/skill than Washington, but not quite as strong in goal/D... would be a hell of a series.
But i'm not getting ahead of myself... Saturday was just ONE game and we always suck in game 2 when up 1-0 in the series. I expect to see a different TBL performance tonight.
I must be confusing you with someone else that trashed Anaheim going into the post-season. Either way, I'm down for some MAB bashing.
We can look ahead. We're not playing the games. I'm just hoping that series goes seven.
Can never count Chicago out this time of year though. Only one game i guess and i'm sure the ridiculous layoff (10 days for Chicago, right?) impacted things too.
I'd actually do away with most of those rules and let players slap, head, or kick pucks in. Still maintain disallowing above the crossbar deflections for safety reasons.
you can't take away the ability to hit off a skate, pants, etc. and still count IMO.
At the same time intentionally swatting or kicking a puck in the net I believe should not be allowed.
I think that's how the rule works
Is it wrong that much? I'd err on the side of being wrong, if there is any doubt on this. just my 2c.
Babcock is apparently negotiating with Buffalo, which really surprises me.
Babcock is apparently negotiating with Buffalo, which really surprises me.
still can't believe they fired Chiarelli. I'd hire him in a second. If anyone can straighten out Edmonton its him, IMO. They blame him for Seguin - who slept with Horton's wife and HAD to be traded. they blame him for Boychuk - who they had to trade or lose next year and had a big cap hit and they honestly didn't need him, but he built that team pretty well.
I dont know... I dont think he did all that fantastic a job for Boston. I think they'll be back to being a pretty good team next year, but they are basically a comeback miracle against Toronto away from being a nobody all the way back to 2011.
On the kicking motion stuff - clearly using your skates to kick a puck in around the goalie is really dangerous. We all saw that goalie injury from 25 years ago.
But i dont understand the rule where kicking motions are allowed in the blue paint - as long as it touches a stick or another player before going in. If the kicking rule is in place because of safety -- then any kicking motion in the blue paint should be a penalty or at least a disallowed goal, right?
Tampa had a clear kicking motion in the crease on Monday - still counted because Johnson was able to get his stick on it before going in. Still a dangerous play to Hank though.
Rumor, but widely believed to be true - and perpetuated by people who I believe.
I dont know... I dont think he did all that fantastic a job for Boston. I think they'll be back to being a pretty good team next year, but they are basically a comeback miracle against Toronto away from being a nobody all the way back to 2011.
On the kicking motion stuff - clearly using your skates to kick a puck in around the goalie is really dangerous. We all saw that goalie injury from 25 years ago.
But i dont understand the rule where kicking motions are allowed in the blue paint - as long as it touches a stick or another player before going in. If the kicking rule is in place because of safety -- then any kicking motion in the blue paint should be a penalty or at least a disallowed goal, right?
Tampa had a clear kicking motion in the crease on Monday - still counted because Johnson was able to get his stick on it before going in. Still a dangerous play to Hank though.
Is that what the rule is? kicking motions in the crease are illegal?
I though you just can't kick it in the net directly.
Never realized it was for safety.
i'm saying it should be. If the rule isnt in place for goalie safety (blades coming off the ice and in potential contact with players).... then IMO its a stupid rule period.
I can understand not allowing thrown or swatted pucks by hand to count... but body parts, skates, knees, whatever... goals are goals. Why must it be by stick? That's silly.
Babcock may be a little overrated, but even he admitted that team had no chance to compete in coming years with the younger, better teams.
Just surprised he went Toronto over Buffalo - Toronto isnt particularly close either. I guess its the ego - wanting to end Toronto's plight - and even moreso the cash.
Who knows, Babcock might make Toronto a borderline playoff team next year... but more likely we have 10 teams competing for 8 slots in the East next year (non-playoff teams Boston, Colombus and Florida competing ... while Detroit falls out)
How good would Tampa be right now if Drouin was as advertised? Hell they should have Seth Jones on their blue line right now.
They still might win a Cup, but holy shit....
Marty Brodeur is your new Assistant GM of the St. Louis Blues.
Watch out, donut shops.
And he'll never out-Garth...Garth.
Brodeur signs three-year deal to be Blues assistant GM - ( New Window )
Some guys like Yzerman are doing phenominal jobs -- but who knew so many, i mean i get that they know talent and Xs/Os... but who knew so many understood advanced metrics and business aspects to the cap era and all that stuff too.
Some guys like Yzerman are doing phenominal jobs -- but who knew so many, i mean i get that they know talent and Xs/Os... but who knew so many understood advanced metrics and business aspects to the cap era and all that stuff too.
And re Snow, I though Isles fans have been generally happy with him, no? That team seems headed in the right direction. I know a lot of fans want Cappy fired though.
And re Snow, I though Isles fans have been generally happy with him, no? That team seems headed in the right direction. I know a lot of fans want Cappy fired though.
Touche. Also, I meant to say that Drouin's positives are purely offense. His defense is reportedly putrid.
It's cliche to say "it's way too early", but it's way too early. Drouin is 20 years old and doesnt have a full nhl season in yet.
It's one thing to want parity and all that. Its another thing to rape your players and set a cap way too fucking low with not even a cost of living adjustment by market.
It's one thing to want parity and all that. Its another thing to rape your players and set a cap way too fucking low with not even a cost of living adjustment by market.
Is this really the ax you want to grind? Tampa certainly doesn't have any advantage when it comes to attracting talent than say... New York City.
What would you want? Floridian teams functioning with a $60 million cap while the Rangers get $70 (or something like that)? C'mon.
You can say 'cmon' all you like - Isles will now be impacted too playing in Brooklyn. In a sport that is notoriously stingy with its players even though everyone knows the revenues are there - you dont think cost of living is going to factor into an agent and player's decision on where to play? They take home 8% more of their pay playing in Florida or Texas than they do in NYC.
And I'm not sure what the 'appeal' of playing in NY is for a hockey player. Marketing is non-existent. You get a more loyal fan base than you do in Florida? Yay?
It's lazy, common denominator shit that they dont adjust caps for cost of living.
/endrant
Shoudl have been boarding on I think Getzlaf right before the goal
Ouch.
End of 2.
Something tells me we're in store for at least a 4th period tonight
Staal would have to come within the same area code of the net for anything to happen. Amazing how when he does shoot he literally never comes close to hitting the net
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Should just throw the puck at the net. Anything can happen
Staal would have to come within the same area code of the net for anything to happen. Amazing how when he does shoot he literally never comes close to hitting the net
Well, he did travel all the way around the net and was in close proximity to the goal with two Rangers in front. He opted to pass back to ghe point.
He does miss the net all the time but he was close to the net as he's every been. At least try to shoot
Well, so much for completing the comeback and finishing them off.
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In comment 12300249 Giants2012 said:
Quote:
Should just throw the puck at the net. Anything can happen
Staal would have to come within the same area code of the net for anything to happen. Amazing how when he does shoot he literally never comes close to hitting the net
Well, he did travel all the way around the net and was in close proximity to the goal with two Rangers in front. He opted to pass back to ghe point.
He does miss the net all the time but he was close to the net as he's every been. At least try to shoot
100% agreed, he has to shoot it
Knowing they are changing lines and he simply doesn't flip it in.
What an idiot
Amazing how bad these officials are.
NHL playoff is the best in sports
NHL playoff is the best in sports
Nah, NBA is better. Watching free throw competitions and hack a howards while everyone knows who is going to the finals is just so awesome to watch.
Either US Opens...
I think the Ducks will win Game 7 though. Just a hunch. Blackhawks dominated them tonight though
Or
Tampa vs Anaheim
hmmmm, tough call
Or
Tampa vs Anaheim
hmmmm, tough call
Well, if you're thinking the refs are going to rig it in favor of NY/Chicago, please explain the missed goalie interference last night?
If they cant boom the # of US fans after all that, then either we just need to concede that hockey can never be more than a niche sport, or just fire EVERYONE at league HQ.
In this case i think they should listen to the NFL. Safe to say the marketing department in the NFL is a bit ahead of the NHL. Good to see the latest NHL star about to arrive in Edmonton.
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New York vs Chicago
Or
Tampa vs Anaheim
hmmmm, tough call
Well, if you're thinking the refs are going to rig it in favor of NY/Chicago, please explain the missed goalie interference last night?
Wasn't thinking about rigging or a goalie interference
I am fully supportive. They have the best spectating sport in the country but they just cannot get out of their own way. It's incredible.
If the Rangers win tomorrow, they are winning the Cup. They are better than either of these West teams - Chicago doesnt have enough Defensive depth and we can slow down Kane/Toews... and Anaheim, while tough, i think Hank is a lot more polished than Andersen.
But Tampa is just such a pain in the ass for us for whatever reason... tomorrow is such a coin toss.
Personally, how awesome would a murderers row storyline be of:
-Crosby (and Malkin)
-Ovechkin
-Stamkos
-Kane (and Toews)
...potentially 5 wins away from bouncing the best 4 (non-goalie) players in the league. Makes for a hell of a t-shirt anyway.
The worst aspect of NHL officiating seems to be absent in this years playoff. In past years, it was difficult to get 'normal' holding, tripping, or interference calls during playoff games. Clutch and grab teams, could rely on this to beat superior competition. So far in this years playoffs, I can't say there has been a lot of 'swallowing the whistle.'
I hear you, but personally i'd like to get the salary cap up to reasonable levels. It's absurdly low.
If the Rangers get back to the SCF, they're still going to have their work cut out for them.
Certainly each West team brings something scary to the table - be it size and physicality of Anaheim or the playoff experience and speed of Chicago.... but if we get by Tampa, we're winning the Cup. And I'm a pessimist... but the Rangers to me look a lot better than both WC teams.
Starting with the goalies. If the Rangers advance they really have the only goalie capable of stealing a series.
Bishop showed he's capable of stealing a game, but not a series.
Chi basically has 4 D at most and that's being polite. they'll never stand up to the rangers or even the Lightning forecheck. and at this point Anderson is a MAF like playoff circus in net and Crawford has been pulled from games. no confidence in either goalie.
the ECF is the stanley cup.
the ECF is the stanley cup.
I agree that it is pjcas... for the Rangers.
For Tampa, their inexperience and the general shakiness of Bishop since game 4 of the Habs series... i cant say with certainty that they would beat Anaheim. Would be a good series though (which i would not watch one nano-second of because I'm a sore fuckin' loser)
And it's not like TB has much defensively beyond the Hedman/Stralman pair. I would take the Blackhawks' top 4 over theirs even if they really don't have a 3rd pair at this point.
I would also take Toews, Kane, Saad, Shaw and Sharp over Stamkos, Killorn and the Triplets.
Anaheim has the top tier offensive talent with Getzlaf/Perry, they have Kesler as their 2C, they have 3 balanced pairs and they're physical. Andersen is a major question mark but who knows.
I really just don't think Tampa is this juggernaut. They've just given us a lot of trouble for whatever reason.
We played much better against Chicago (1-0, 0-1 though no Kane) and we absolutely manhandled the Ducks (4-1 & 7-2).
and that's where it starts for me, goalies.
talent is talent. Kane will get his goals as would Toews, Saad, etc, but so would Stamkos, Johnson, Palaat, Killorn, etc.
Anaheim is the wild card. They are a better team than Chicago or TB but that circus in net moves them to last in my final 4.
Cedric Paquette is on the ice at #TBLightning practice.
Details
Lightening #3 center. Missed game 6.
I'm not nearly as confident as others here about tomorrow - i see the game as a pick 'em (why Rangers are -145 baffles me) ... but I dont see it as "Tampa's game to lose"
We do have the better goalie and have been able to win possession in all 3 home games in this series, even if we lost two of them.
But holy shit their dominance at MSG this year has got to stop. 1-4 is ridiculous.
Hank hasn't dominated either, but... Game 7 @ MSG, I know who my money is on...
I actually think the 2 day break helps them a lot more than us. They had some banged up bodies, and they were complaining last round about how tired they were. I guess 23 & 24 yr olds arent quite used to the 100+ game season just yet.
4 - 0 for Henrik in game 7's at home and 7 - 0 for the Rangers in game 7's at home.
is no accident.
Henrik has a 1.4 gaa and a 95+% save percentage.
he ups in game in this situation.
Rangers score 3 and the game is won. Less than that it will be a battle.
my prediction: handshakes
both games.
I think experience is wildly overrated, but if it's going to come in to play, it's tomorrow.
Everyone reverts to the mean over time.
But hopefully its in a future season when he already has a Cup under his belt.
I really, really hate the storyline of facing 3 ex Rangers from last year in this game. It just adds to the pain if we lose seeing that Benedict Arnold Callahan celebrate on our ice.
coincidence?
I believe when placed on a stage like this players do in fact increase their focus and intensity and "up their game".
just watch regular season to playoff hockey and tell me players don't up their game. I believe it.
We're not talking about a ridiculous sample size either.
We need to give the guy 4 goals tomorrow IMO.
We're not talking about a ridiculous sample size either.
We need to give the guy 4 goals tomorrow IMO.
4 almost guarantees it, I said 3, but 4 I think is a done deal.
just stay out of the box and half the game takes care of itself.
Sure, he could come out tomorrow night and struggle and have a bad night but I'd be way more concerned about the guy in the other goal crease.
Getting pulled in a Game 6, maybe banged up.. never been here before.. you wonder how much confidence is going to be there. If NYR get on him early and put a couple past, I think the guy is going to fold.
My comment about it being Tampa's game to lose is not a prediction that they'll win, or even that they're 50-50 to win.
SCF: Gm 1 Wed, 6/3 8pm ET, G 2, Sat, 6/6 7pm, G 3 Mon, 6/8 8pm, G 4 Wed, 6/10 8pm, G 5, Sat, 6/13 8pm, G 6, Mon, 6/15 8pm, G 7 Wed, 6/17 8pm
This is our biggest game since the '94 two game 7s. This deep into the playoffs, this far into our contender window (with teams like the Islanders getting better quickly) -- the stakes are just fucking enormous.
Game 7's in rounds 1 and 2 are nerve racking too, for sure, but if you lose its not like you were that close to a Cup...
Hopefully Hank has a little more magic in him.
So, while disappointed I wasn't heartbroken, they're not built to win a cup like the Rangers.
and I love watching good hockey so these back game 7's for me are like Christmas in May.
I'm just hoping for OT (or at least close games).
And I'll watch the SCF games no matter who is in but I won't move a commitment for it or DVR them. If I'm home I watch.
Game one we led 2-1; unable to protect the lead, we let them tied it in the 2nd and lost in OT. Ok, not protecting a 1st period lead I can live with.
Game two was a catastrophe. Up 4-2 after 2 periods, we bleed off the lead in the first half of the 3rd period, and lose it in 2OT.
We needed to win game 3, and instead we shit the bed with a 3-0 loss. We lost any shot at the cup right there.
Fuck Dwight King, by the way.
These guys remember it. And they know how close they are to getting back. We're not being denied this shit. Tampa can have their day. But it won't be tomorrow night.
Our worst game of the series was easily Game 4 - and we won on two pucks stopped on ice snow
The game 2 blown call certainly didnt help, but the Kings were the better team. I didnt come away from that series saying we blew that... sure we could have made it a longer series... but the better team won.
Cant say the same were we to lose 3 home games to this Tampa team in an ECF. That would be crushing - especially against Callahan, and even Stralman (since he never should have been let go)
not being a dick, but so many times I read about the ex-rangers, but MSL, Boyle and Moore all played for the Lightning.
is there less incentive for the former Lightning? Not sure of the reference.
It's all about me and my feelings. You dont know that by now?
It's all about me and my feelings. You dont know that by now?
LOL, yes I know that by now.
not being a dick, but so many times I read about the ex-rangers, but MSL, Boyle and Moore all played for the Lightning.
is there less incentive for the former Lightning? Not sure of the reference.
It is less relevant because (1) Boyle and Moore werent immediate TBL to NYR guys (and indeed, Dom Moore is a classic journeyman), and (2) the 3 NYR to TBL guys were on NY last season, two of whom were around for the cup run, and all 3 seem to be in a real snit about being cast out of NY.
BTW, that last part is really revisionist history by them. Stralman we dont know the story on -- some say Sather lowballed him and others say his wife wanted out of NY. Boyle talked about wanting to be a #3 center which Sather didnt see him as (rightfully). And Callahan wanted too much money and term for a guy who is a massive injury/decline risk.
Unfortunately the MSL storyline hasnt panned out because of the honking fork sticking out of Marty's back.
if anyone could use some extra incentive it's MSL.
Regarding Stralman....I don't see why he'd lie about not getting another offer from the Rangers after the first one was rejected.
Boyle i'm not sure about - the 3rd line C stuff makes no sense just because he never had a realistic shot at 3rd line C for Tampa. So... it was about the money. It's always about the money - personally I would have payed Boyle, not Glass, but this is small compared to the Stralman issue.
Callahan is just bad luck to be facing him now. We made the right decision moving on - even if it was utterly ridiculous that we had to throw a 1st round pick in to get it done.
Glass vs. Carcillo/Dorsett (grit)
B. Boyle vs. D. Moore (defensive 4th line pivot)
Stralman vs. D. Boyle (midpriced #4 dman).
Sather isn't a total idiot. Everyone saw how well Stralman played. That must have been it.
As for game 7, I'm so fucking incredibly nervous for this game. These games aren't fun, and I'm not looking forward to it. This is going to be so ridiculously stressful, and its a weird feeling knowing that I will be either elated or totally crushed in 36 hours.
I am PRAYING that we can build a lead and just coast through the game, even though I know it won't happen.
Group A will consist of Canada, Czech Republic, USA, and the Europe All-Stars. While Group B will consist of Finland, Russia, Sweden, and the U23-North Americans. Each nation will play a game against their groupmates with the top two teams in each group advancing to the semi-finals. The championship final will be a best-of-three series. The World Cup of Hockey is slated to run from Sept. 17th to Oct. 1st, with each game being played in Toronto's Air Canada Centre.
As much as I think Bettman and this ownership group are incompentently run... this is a really cool idea and sure makes next preseason tremendously interesting.
Not sure, would think it would be like how baseball has done it, but dont know. I just think the under 23 teams is a really nice touch.
It's tough to gauge just how hard the vets will try in preseason though. And whether teams that make deep runs in the playoffs the year prior will volunteer their players for this.
it's been a long week, not sure I understand that.
1996 world cup might be the best collection of talent assembled in one tournament. still the best hockey I've seen.
Who would actually root for the North American under 23 team? Mexico?
Plus this gives Canada (all games in Toronto) some "playoff" games. No offense, but its been pretty quiet up there for a while in that regard.
Plus this gives Canada (all games in Toronto) some "playoff" games. No offense, but its been pretty quiet up there for a while in that regard.
Well they did win an Olympic gold in February last year and a couple international tournaments but otherwise agree. Not sure how much they care though since the bulk of the players on all the teams are Canadian and bring the cup home to their small towns after they win for the American franchise. but whatever I agree with you, they haven't had an NHL champ in forever.
if I understand right though the U23 team will be US and Canada - weakening both teams O23 teams possibly.
I want the USA to have the best team possible and Patrick Kane is 26 now, but if this was 4 years ago, he was still one of the best players in the US and if I understand this right he would have been on the North American U23 team, not US.
unless it's highly unlikely for a player under 23 to even make the team I don't see who roots for the North American team to beat their country.
The President Trophy winners (New York Rangers) earn an extra $21,538. First round losers get $10,769, while second round losers net $21,538. Not too shabby. But wait, Conference Final losers earn a pretty $53,846, while Stanley Cup final losers are cushioned with a fluffy $96,923. Finally, the champs get to fill the Cup with their $161,538 bonus in whichever way they see fit during their day with the Lord Stanley's cup.
So Ovechkin only gets $10k per round to make the NHL tens of millions this time of year? Capitals players together only earned call it $500,000 as a group for those 14 games against NYR and NYI?
They dont. Hank never makes it yet every year is a top goalie. 5x vezina finalist vs. 3x all star.
Yeah that should not have counted
People are still amazingly really underrating the Lightning, truly amazing.
They will have home ice, too.
I think they win. The Chicago defense is so thin and this series had to take a lot out of them, and Tampa's speed and skill will really push their defense.
I think it goes 7 but I like tampa to win it
I see a lot of the Blackhawks from 5 years ago in this young Lightning team.... *if* they can re-sign Stamkos next offseason. Hopefully Stamkos goes back to Canada.
Johnson undrafted, Palat 208th overall
No state income tax helps too and is a major flaw in a salary cap system which unlike the NBA or NFL it is set so absurdly low.
Johnson going from undrafted to this is luck. If they thought he would be this they would not have let him go undrafted. A pick that late (or undrafted) developing into this has a lot of luck in it.
That being said they are very well run, but to compete on this level there definitely is some luck involved.
I cant think of any free agent that came here on a "NY" discount. We attract free agents because we pay more than other teams are willing to pay.
And 1 Cup in 76 years later we see the results of that strategy.
It's a non-issue that you are blowing up into an issue. If I remember correctly Richards signed with the Rangers and we weren't even the biggest offer. Tampa was in on it, too.
I think it's an issue in the NBA, but not the NHL. Guys in the NHL don't sign with the florida teams for discounts because of the state tax
I'd drop the issue if the cap was reasonably raised to $80 million. It's just way to low - anyone paying attention knows most major teams can afford to pay the product on the ice more -- but Bettman bows to Detroit whenever possible.
Let's go Hawks...at least Chicago cares.
Did Tampa not just sign Stralman and Boyle at surprisingly team friendly terms? How do we know no one else had a higher dollar or length deal? Boyle made up some bull shit about being on a 3rd line even though everyone knew he was the 4th/5th best C on that squad and in early September was relegated to 4th line....
I don't think its out of left field to say leagues should set a cap at take home pay, not team IRS amount..... a cost of living adjustment is rational
Let's go Hawks...at least Chicago cares.
One of Richards or Callahan wins a Cup this year. While Hank watches. You can't make this shit up.
Stralman signed with them because the Rangers chose to go in another direction, not because of the no state income tax
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Can't stand seeing fucking loser 2nd rate franchises located in warm weather win. The city of Tampa doesn't deserve the cup (again). Fuck them.
Let's go Hawks...at least Chicago cares.
One of Richards or Callahan wins a Cup this year. While Hank watches. You can't make this shit up.
It won't bother me if its Richards,
Fuck Cally. The way i look at it, the city of Chicago and Blawkhawks fans will appreciate that cup. These bandwagon tampa fans who have never even seen the fucking snow do not deserve it
Banning rangers fans from wearing jerseys in theri stadiums, restricting their seats and ticket sales to florida residents only.... reaks of a 2nd rate loser franchise that is completely irrelevant trying to manufacture home ice.
I hope an O6 team takes out those fucking frauds. fuck teams in the south. other than san jose, fucking move em all.
I do not want Callahan to win a cup. Was not a huge fan of him while he's here and I don't particularly like how he plays, especially the constant diving.
we've all been saying since August what a horrific, mind numbing decision that was. Maybe one day we'll all get resolution on that in the form of an explanation from someone -- teams never ever let elite scorers and top line D-men go... and Sather inexplicably did.
But to say Tampa and Dallas can't attract talent because players can take home 7% more of their pretax (and more versus Canadian teams, per deej... I have not researched) when those teams can offer a Stamkos or Seguin and a future.... I think you're looking to the past and not to the future my friend. It's relevant.
we've all been saying since August what a horrific, mind numbing decision that was. Maybe one day we'll all get resolution on that in the form of an explanation from someone -- teams never ever let elite scorers and top line D-men go... and Sather inexplicably did.
But to say Tampa and Dallas can't attract talent because players can take home 7% more of their pretax (and more versus Canadian teams, per deej... I have not researched) when those teams can offer a Stamkos or Seguin and a future.... I think you're looking to the past and not to the future my friend. It's relevant.
If it's relevant please name the guys who signed with them in free agency for less than other teams were offering.
If the Rangers offer a guy 5 years 35 million and the Lightning offer the same guy 5 years 35 million, I'd bet 95 out of 100 would go to the Rangers. Tampa is not a popular destination for free agents, never has been never will be.
Personally I feel for San Jose fans... we're currently experiencing what their die hards went through last decade.
Personally I feel for San Jose fans... we're currently experiencing what their die hards went through last decade.
Not the south, but not a traditional hockey market.
My point is that they've actually embraced their team and the sport and have a fanbase that fills their stadium to capacity constantly and truly is die hard about their team.
The number of non-traditional markets I can root for to win the cup is very small. The Sharks are one.
As for Juggernauts and dynasties, you never know what will happen, so its impossible to predict. Around 07 or 08, everyone said the Pens, with Crosby, Malkin, Staal, young MAF who showed promise, and a couple of solid role players, would be a dynasty. It didn't happen.
Winning a cup is hard, but more than that, hockey is unpredictable and flukey s fuck. It's not the NBA. It's not like there's some player that will bring a team to the finals just by being on the team (Lebron).
Tampa showed the regular season match up mattered....and we did pretty good against the Hawks....tho they didn't have Kane.
Goddamn it when will we Rangers fans ever catch a break?
Liked the acquisition at the deadline (2nd round pick), like it more now just wish the $$ were less.
Solid, but not spectacular, top 6-American born defenseman.
Liked the acquisition at the deadline (2nd round pick), like it more now just wish the $$ were less.
Solid, but not spectacular, top 6-American born defenseman.
Petry gets more money, and more years, than Stralman.
I'm never ever getting over this.
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resigned Jeff Petry to a 6-year deal. Money was too high (5.5M per), but that's what you pay I guess for a top 6 UFA defenseman.
Liked the acquisition at the deadline (2nd round pick), like it more now just wish the $$ were less.
Solid, but not spectacular, top 6-American born defenseman.
Petry gets more money, and more years, than Stralman.
I'm never ever getting over this.
and Stralman is a better player. Petry lays some vicious hits and MTL needs toughness but it's an overpay
The rest of the league is a fuck up too, but when the guy is right under your nose for over 100 games last year and was so clearly your best defensive player through the playoffs....
ARRRRGH.
Just hoping the Hawks don't walk all over Tampa b/c then we'll really feel like we lost to an inferior opponent and could have put up a better fight agaisnt the Hawks.
the triplets are no joke, those dudes motor and stay on you, and Stamkos/Killorn are no slouches either.
Chicago has the offensive starpower, I give G a draw so it will come down to Tampa's D and special teams IMO.
Chicago should win, but I'm picking Tampa
Thanks, McDonagh.
maybe he's healthier now.
He's always been solid.
against MTL who doesn't have the speedy forecheckers like the Rangers he had a field day, and they used him some on the PP to showcase his shot but defensively yeah, he's average.
Also think Stamkos is more likely to leave TB if they don't win a Cup.
Memo From A Bitter Rangers Fan: The NHL Just Missed A Ratings Bonanza - ( New Window )
On the other hand, at least with the Ducks... its not like he's losing to bad teams in game 7.
Go TB!
awww..why don't you start a thread jerking off your fellow Rangers fans again.
Hawks win I'll be jealous the formerly worst O6 franchise has THREE recent tiles, Two more than the Rangers overall, and NY continues to be the SC drought for US o6.
Tampa wins, feel better the Rangers lost to the champs.
Can't believe Kane just missed there.
This comment gave me dj vu to the stupid shit some people said after ECF game 1
Bad luck for Tampa there, puck went off defenders stick and off the bar and in. Bishop would have stopped that one.
Because he's a douche. Captain Useless the Second
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Better figure out a way to win tonight because if they don't, it wouldn't shock me if they got swept.
This comment gave me dj vu to the stupid shit some people said after ECF game 1
The ECF game 1 talk was because the Rangers dominated. The Lightning have dominated this game and now are going to lose. Chicago has lost once at home this playoffs. You can't give away games when you outplay your opponents. Chicago has now settled in and game 2 is the series.
Same. Or Dubinsky...except Dubinsky used to own Sindy, which made me happy, but never liked both that much. I did like Anisimov though
My kind of hockey player. If I were a ranger fan I'd find it hard to hold ill will toward him.
On the flipside, I did always think of Cally as a bitch.
I'm thinking Chicago in 5 for this stanley cup.
Lolz.
My kind of hockey player. If I were a ranger fan I'd find it hard to hold ill will toward him.
On the flipside, I did always think of Cally as a bitch.
I'm thinking Chicago in 5 for this stanley cup.
I liked their age and I liked their competitive spirit. Aside from that, I didn't care much for them. Their talents were always limited. I didn't hate them because they were Rangers, but I wasn't attached to them like many fans were.
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are going to win this series which is going to make the Rangers loss hurt even more.
Lolz.
One thing I was going to say when I saw this, while every team has injuries this time of year, our defense was playing so banged up. McD broken foot, Girardi a sprained MCL, Staal I think a hairline fractured ankle, Yandle a sprained AC joint, our d was really hanging on by a thread. Don't know if it would have held up against Toews and Kane, no matter what TB does.
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In comment 12313170 MookGiants said:
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are going to win this series which is going to make the Rangers loss hurt even more.
Lolz.
One thing I was going to say when I saw this, while every team has injuries this time of year, our defense was playing so banged up. McD broken foot, Girardi a sprained MCL, Staal I think a hairline fractured ankle, Yandle a sprained AC joint, our d was really hanging on by a thread. Don't know if it would have held up against Toews and Kane, no matter what TB does.
Rangers don't have enough offensive talent or all star talent. That simple.
No NHL team has won it all with fewer top talent than the Rangers had.
They had TWO scorers in the top 10-15 in the playoffs.
Simple enough.
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In comment 12313292 NYerInMA said:
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In comment 12313170 MookGiants said:
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are going to win this series which is going to make the Rangers loss hurt even more.
Lolz.
One thing I was going to say when I saw this, while every team has injuries this time of year, our defense was playing so banged up. McD broken foot, Girardi a sprained MCL, Staal I think a hairline fractured ankle, Yandle a sprained AC joint, our d was really hanging on by a thread. Don't know if it would have held up against Toews and Kane, no matter what TB does.
Rangers don't have enough offensive talent or all star talent. That simple.
No NHL team has won it all with fewer top talent than the Rangers had.
They had TWO scorers in the top 10-15 in the playoffs.
Simple enough.
Not having enough talent and choking/coming up short in the playoffs are mutually exclusive...Just ask TJ Oshie, David Backes, Rick Nash, etc.
Uhhh, what? Is this the same Rick Nash who was 3rd in the league in goals during the regular season?
ditto
My kind of hockey player. If I were a ranger fan I'd find it hard to hold ill will toward him.
On the flipside, I did always think of Cally as a bitch.
I agree. Callahan had likable aspects, but the whining/diving was too much to overcome for me.
I'm thinking Chicago in 5 for this stanley cup.
I loved Dubinsky and think the team could have used someone like him this post-season - hate to rely on qualitative bullshit, but he had a bit more fire than the current leadership shows. I don't really understand how someone could like Anisimov over him. Dubinsky does everything better.
Stop using an unnecessary amount of space, LTS.
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In comment 12313170 MookGiants said:
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are going to win this series which is going to make the Rangers loss hurt even more.
Lolz.
One thing I was going to say when I saw this, while every team has injuries this time of year, our defense was playing so banged up. McD broken foot, Girardi a sprained MCL, Staal I think a hairline fractured ankle, Yandle a sprained AC joint, our d was really hanging on by a thread. Don't know if it would have held up against Toews and Kane, no matter what TB does.
I agree, I think that was going to get to us at some point. It could've been overcome if the forwards didn't disappear for two of the final three games, though.
Dubinsky is the kind of guy who's a bitch to play against, and that has a lot of value. His only problem with the Rangers was that he was miscast as a first-line player, which is why people were usually disappointed with his production.
I think Columbus is going to have a really good year. They were truly decimated by injuries early on.
I did always enjoy watching Dubinsky go after the Penguins. He seemed like he truly hated them, a la Brandon Jacobs and the Cowboys.
...but i cant imagine they get swept. They didnt lose 3 games in a row all season and every time they lost this postseason, they responded strongly the next game... often times on the road.
My guess is Chicago wins in 6, but i did take Tampa at 12:1 before the playoffs started so... that would be a nice payday.
Would not be surprised at all if Tampa wins this though. They just look like the better team.
Expanded Video Review: Coach's Challenge - The Committee recommends that a Coach's Challenge be adopted for expanded video review for goals that may have resulted from (1) goaltender interference and (2) offside plays. The video review process and all decisions on goals where goaltender interference may have occurred will be the responsibility of the Referees at ice level, in consultation with the NHL's Situation Room in Toronto; similarly, goals that may have resulted from an offside play will be reviewed and determined by the on-ice officials, in consultation with the NHL's Situation Room in Toronto. In order for a coach to make a challenge, the team must have its timeout available.
Face-Offs - The Committee recommends a change to the face-off rule, whereby, for all face-offs in the defensive zone, the player from the defensive zone team must put down his stick first. For face-offs at center ice, the rule will remain the same, requiring that the visiting team player put his stick down first.
Overtime - There was considerable discussion of changing the current overtime format but no consensus was reached. The NHLPA and NHL will continue discussions in the coming weeks on potential changes with the intention for the Committee to make a decision on overtime later this month. There will be no changes to the shootout format.
The new rules recommendations still require approval by the NHLPA's Executive Board and the NHL's Board of Governors, at which point the language of the rules will be formalized.
The NHLPA was represented by Players Michael Cammalleri (New Jersey Devils), Cory Schneider (New Jersey Devils), Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues) and Daniel Winnik (Pittsburgh Penguins), while David Backes (St. Louis Blues) was unable to attend. The NHL was represented by Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed Snider and General Managers David Poile (Nashville Predators), Ken Holland (Detroit Red Wings), Don Maloney (Arizona Coyotes) and Peter Chiarelli (Edmonton Oilers). The Competition Committee is co-chaired by Mathieu Schneider and Colin Campbell.
They look like the better team to me. But Chicago has the experience, a great coach, and two all world players. And they always seem to find a way.
Callahan LOL
great move to fake Bishop and then he choked.
What a kick to the nuts. Richards and Callahan score. Bishop looks like a shit head
Same. Richards had his moments in NY. Scored some huge goals. I'm rooting for Chicago anyway, it would kill me to see those three guys win for Tampa after they just knocked us out. But I'd have no issues seeing Richards win. He had nothing but positive things to say about NYR too after they let him go
I'd still rather Chicago win, but I have to admit it would really piss me off to see Crawford get his 2nd cup as starting goalie and 3rd overall. Something just doesn't seem right abotu that
Whenever I see a 5 on 3 now I will forever think about game 2 and MSL. Ugh
No worse than Ben fucking Bishop winning one. Talk about a thoroughly mediocre goalie.
Bishop can hardly move - he's been really hurt for weeks... and yet him playing at 75% *at best* shut us out in 2 of the final 3 games. On home ice. You cant make this up.
I know we had guys hurt too... but sometimes you know what, there's no excuse not to have beaten that guy.
Blackhawks having the last change has made a huge difference in this game. Toews line is buzzing all game because they are getting the matchups they want. Meanwhile we get the matchups in games 5 and 7 and Bishop never has to break a sweat. Frustrating
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I'd still rather Chicago win, but I have to admit it would really piss me off to see Crawford get his 2nd cup as starting goalie and 3rd overall. Something just doesn't seem right abotu that
No worse than Ben fucking Bishop winning one. Talk about a thoroughly mediocre goalie.
I could handle a goalie like him winning one. But not two or three like Crawford
2015s Best & Worst Cities for Hockey Fans - ( New Window )
But their ownership group is a complete embarrassment to the league, and does not deserve this success. What the hell does this guy being an Army officer have to do with anything? He can sell his tickets now, but an accountant making $150k a year and loyally supporting your team for years cannot similarly cash in at $2k/ticket??
They just make shit up as they go. It's nauseating.
TBL Ownership and Management - Losers to the Core - ( New Window )
I assume most owners are douches, though.
You know how rich people are...
Kane and Toews have been invisible
Imo, they are a tough team to dislike. The just hustle and play fast. They don't whine like Pitt, take runs like the Caps or dramatically dive like the Habs.
What a shame the Rangers had so many injuries. May have wrecked the Captain had the season continued.
I think it was Filpulla who made the sick pass, Stamkos was sitting on his ass on a delayed penalty on the Blackhawks for taking him down
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by Stamkos
I think it was Filpulla who made the sick pass, Stamkos was sitting on his ass on a delayed penalty on the Blackhawks for taking him down
yep.
need some face washes after the whistle in front of the net, cross checks, something to get this guys hating each other.
He lets in some softies and has bad games, but he was stellar tonight.
it's not like his offense is carrying them, and basically the Blackhawks have 3D.
In the meantime, PLEASE move an East team out west. It pisses me off that you have a 50% chance in the East to make the playoffs vs 57% out West. Or if you cant do that, maybe do what the NBA is considering... top 16 teams make it regardless of geography.
In the meantime, PLEASE move an East team out west. It pisses me off that you have a 50% chance in the East to make the playoffs vs 57% out West. Or if you cant do that, maybe do what the NBA is considering... top 16 teams make it regardless of geography.
agree. hate this.
Neither will happen.
best logo and theme song in sports.
Brass Bonanza - ( New Window )
best logo and theme song in sports.
Brass Bonanza - ( New Window )
lol - well, the problem is Hartford is pretty dead. CT screwed up the Insurance Capital of the World over two decades ago so corporate seating isn't going to be in demand.
Would be nice to see them but I just don't see Hartford supporting the team.
Boston vs Hartford and Montreal vs Quebec were the biggest while every other combination was certainly more interesting than these Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes. Not that anybody appears to care in Phoenix about hockey.
You are looking to the past. You can't be arguing with a straight face that its no easier to make the playoffs with 13 competitors than with 15 vying for 8 finite slots.
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had no effect on the playoffs with, record wise, more teams with poor records in the East than West.
ou are looking to the past. You can't be arguing with a straight face that its no easier to make the playoffs with 13 competitors than with 15 vying for 8 finite slots.
Just stop already. You obviously can't tell the better teams in the basement are from the West whereas there are more doormats in the East. You're just doing division for odds and ignoring the rosters.
Agree on Seattle, is part of the issue that Vancouver can block it? They are 90 minutes i think apart?
Kansas City / Oklahoma City i think would also embrace the sport. I still wonder why they chose Colombus over Cleveland or Cincy.
30 teams is perfectly fine by the way... having divisions of 7 and 8 isnt a big deal as long as you have sufficient wild cards.
Personally - just admit the Miami market doesnt work already, move them to Seattle or OKC/KC... and move on.
Longer term i dont see NJ making it by the way with NYI in Brooklyn. 4 NHL teams within 90 minutes of each other... something's eventually got to give. Move NJ back to Hartford??
Just stop already. You obviously can't tell the better teams in the basement are from the West whereas there are more doormats in the East. You're just doing division for odds and ignoring the rosters.
LOL. You really are incredible. Yes looking to the future and noting that 50% odds of making the playoffs are tougher than 57% is "ignoring rosters"
And forgot how awesome Edmonton and Arizona are.
Sorry forgot -- Ignore the troll.
Boston vs Hartford and Montreal vs Quebec were the biggest while every other combination was certainly more interesting than these Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes. Not that anybody appears to care in Phoenix about hockey.
I'm a Canadiens fan, but one of the best hockey game I've been to was game 6 Adams Division Semis Whalers vs. Bruins in the mall. Whalers won in OT to force game 7 back in Boston.
the Whalers team was so stacked. Ron Francis, Kevin Dineen, Pat Verbeek, Ray Ferraro, Ulf Samuelsson, and the B's had the star power with Bourque, Neely, just a classic playoff game. Plus they had to stop the game several times because of all the fights in the stands.
I grew up in CT, and I used to go to Whalers games if i got free tickets, it was a fun atmosphere, but yeah, no way that city can support a team at this point.
Correct me if I'm mistaken but the East was significantly stronger than the West this year.
and I met Chris Pronger (along with other players), dude seemed like 7 feet tall.
Also got to see the Stanley cup up close.
otherwise it was hands down the most boring experience in my entire life, and I've sat through some boring shit.
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Just stop already. You obviously can't tell the better teams in the basement are from the West whereas there are more doormats in the East. You're just doing division for odds and ignoring the rosters.
LOL. You really are incredible. Yes looking to the future and noting that 50% odds of making the playoffs are tougher than 57% is "ignoring rosters"
And forgot how awesome Edmonton and Arizona are.
Sorry forgot -- Ignore the troll.
You're so clueless. It's funny how the dumbest people like yourself accuse others of trolling b/c they can't think. Look past the simple odds you moron. San Jose's roster is better many teams and they wouldn't have finished 3rd worst in the East while they were ranked 3rd worst in the West. Ignore yourself b/c your brain doesn't work.
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the NHL was hot in the Northeast back then with Hartford and Quebec. Lost a lot of rivalries when those two teams left.
Boston vs Hartford and Montreal vs Quebec were the biggest while every other combination was certainly more interesting than these Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes. Not that anybody appears to care in Phoenix about hockey.
I'm a Canadiens fan, but one of the best hockey game I've been to was game 6 Adams Division Semis Whalers vs. Bruins in the mall. Whalers won in OT to force game 7 back in Boston.
the Whalers team was so stacked. Ron Francis, Kevin Dineen, Pat Verbeek, Ray Ferraro, Ulf Samuelsson, and the B's had the star power with Bourque, Neely, just a classic playoff game. Plus they had to stop the game several times because of all the fights in the stands.
I grew up in CT, and I used to go to Whalers games if i got free tickets, it was a fun atmosphere, but yeah, no way that city can support a team at this point.
That was a great series. Good stuff.
Was at the 1986 playoff game when Dineen scored in OT against the Habs. They had a great run. I remember the following year the Whale was stacked with many of the players you mentioned. They poised for a great run until they met Quebec who turned the series into an absolute hockey war and paid the Whale back for the previous year.
Of course, those Whalers came back to haunt us when the Penguins took Francis and Ulfie and beat the 92 Rangers. UGH
Great rivalries back then though.
Never thought about Portland. You could right about Portland and KC. Some of these cities are hot. Just look at Nashville. I believe UBS is moving a huge portion there along with many companies due to the tax structure. Meanwhile in Florida & Carolina, the game is an afterthought.
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and KC would also be good choices for an Arizona relocation. As long as they stay in the West, they should be fine pending expansion.
Never thought about Portland. You could right about Portland and KC. Some of these cities are hot. Just look at Nashville. I believe UBS is moving a huge portion there along with many companies due to the tax structure. Meanwhile in Florida & Carolina, the game is an afterthought.
I've always thought that the Hurricanes draw well in Raleigh. The Triangle is a very hot area, and the Canes have done pretty well since they moved, though the last few years have been tough on the ice.
They drew more fans in number than the Penguins, Rangers, Bruins, etc.
granted much of that is explained by capacity differences, but it's a little more than an afterthought.
Panthers, Hurricanes, Coyotes, even Columbus - all bad marketing decisions IMO
I've always thought that the Hurricanes draw well in Raleigh. The Triangle is a very hot area, and the Canes have done pretty well since they moved, though the last few years have been tough on the ice.
I believe there attendance was among the lowest in the league. I agree, the triangle is hot with corporations popping up everywhere yet it appears to work for football and basketball while the hockey is kinda like Atlanta. They go if the team is really good yet ignore them otherwise.
They drew more fans in number than the Penguins, Rangers, Bruins, etc.
granted much of that is explained by capacity differences, but it's a little more than an afterthought.
Panthers, Hurricanes, Coyotes, even Columbus - all bad marketing decisions IMO
Like Raleigh, I've heard Columbus is actually a pretty good hockey market. The Jackets obviously have issues on the ice (still haven't won a playoff series in ~14 seasons), but I haven't heard anything bad about their finances or lack of support.
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sold 98% capacity, but they have a big building.
They drew more fans in number than the Penguins, Rangers, Bruins, etc.
granted much of that is explained by capacity differences, but it's a little more than an afterthought.
Panthers, Hurricanes, Coyotes, even Columbus - all bad marketing decisions IMO
Like Raleigh, I've heard Columbus is actually a pretty good hockey market. The Jackets obviously have issues on the ice (still haven't won a playoff series in ~14 seasons), but I haven't heard anything bad about their finances or lack of support.
from a capacity standpoint Columbus filled 85% of their building. that's relocation bad.
only teams selling less tickets (as a percent of their capacity) were the Coyotes, Panthers, and Hurricanes.
and the Bluejackets were a borderline playoff contender.
They drew more fans in number than the Penguins, Rangers, Bruins, etc.
granted much of that is explained by capacity differences, but it's a little more than an afterthought.
Panthers, Hurricanes, Coyotes, even Columbus - all bad marketing decisions IMO
Tampa is a strange town. It's a growing city and then it's like somebody pulls the plug for the weekend and whole place I quiet. They embrace a team as quickly as they drop it. too. I remember the Bucs went from a "walk up to the gate for a ticket" to a 25 year waiting list with no tickets available and now back to get any ticket you want.
maybe it's the on-ice success and they are a fair weather fan base, but right now they draw well.
after a couple years of sucking maybe things will change, but unless they royally mess this up, they have a 5 year window (with or without Stamkos) they should be contenders.
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I think it'd be awesome for the sport and embraced by the city. I don't understand why the NHL is so set on Vegas (okay, I do, it's the arena situation, but still, I prefer Seattle).
Agree on Seattle, is part of the issue that Vancouver can block it? They are 90 minutes i think apart?
Kansas City / Oklahoma City i think would also embrace the sport. I still wonder why they chose Colombus over Cleveland or Cincy.
30 teams is perfectly fine by the way... having divisions of 7 and 8 isnt a big deal as long as you have sufficient wild cards.
Personally - just admit the Miami market doesnt work already, move them to Seattle or OKC/KC... and move on.
Longer term i dont see NJ making it by the way with NYI in Brooklyn. 4 NHL teams within 90 minutes of each other... something's eventually got to give. Move NJ back to Hartford??
NJ can support a team better than Hartford can. The issue with the Devils is just building that fan loyalty.
However, as someone who grew up in central NJ, went to Rutgers, lives in Jersey City and works in Manhattan, before this season I have never once ever seen an Islanders fan anywhere outside of Manhattan - but I know a ton of Devils fans.
Hypothetically, I wonder if the Devils would fare better by being farther south in the state.
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In comment 12323198 Sonic Youth said:
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I think it'd be awesome for the sport and embraced by the city. I don't understand why the NHL is so set on Vegas (okay, I do, it's the arena situation, but still, I prefer Seattle).
Agree on Seattle, is part of the issue that Vancouver can block it? They are 90 minutes i think apart?
Kansas City / Oklahoma City i think would also embrace the sport. I still wonder why they chose Colombus over Cleveland or Cincy.
30 teams is perfectly fine by the way... having divisions of 7 and 8 isnt a big deal as long as you have sufficient wild cards.
Personally - just admit the Miami market doesnt work already, move them to Seattle or OKC/KC... and move on.
Longer term i dont see NJ making it by the way with NYI in Brooklyn. 4 NHL teams within 90 minutes of each other... something's eventually got to give. Move NJ back to Hartford??
NJ can support a team better than Hartford can. The issue with the Devils is just building that fan loyalty.
However, as someone who grew up in central NJ, went to Rutgers, lives in Jersey City and works in Manhattan, before this season I have never once ever seen an Islanders fan anywhere outside of Manhattan - but I know a ton of Devils fans.
Hypothetically, I wonder if the Devils would fare better by being farther south in the state.
Wouldn't that put them too close to the Flyers' market?
maybe it's the on-ice success and they are a fair weather fan base, but right now they draw well.
after a couple years of sucking maybe things will change, but unless they royally mess this up, they have a 5 year window (with or without Stamkos) they should be contenders.
I used to go to a game or two a year from ~2006-2012 and the crowds were always very impressive.
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In comment 12323211 MetsAreBack said:
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In comment 12323198 Sonic Youth said:
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I think it'd be awesome for the sport and embraced by the city. I don't understand why the NHL is so set on Vegas (okay, I do, it's the arena situation, but still, I prefer Seattle).
Agree on Seattle, is part of the issue that Vancouver can block it? They are 90 minutes i think apart?
Kansas City / Oklahoma City i think would also embrace the sport. I still wonder why they chose Colombus over Cleveland or Cincy.
30 teams is perfectly fine by the way... having divisions of 7 and 8 isnt a big deal as long as you have sufficient wild cards.
Personally - just admit the Miami market doesnt work already, move them to Seattle or OKC/KC... and move on.
Longer term i dont see NJ making it by the way with NYI in Brooklyn. 4 NHL teams within 90 minutes of each other... something's eventually got to give. Move NJ back to Hartford??
NJ can support a team better than Hartford can. The issue with the Devils is just building that fan loyalty.
However, as someone who grew up in central NJ, went to Rutgers, lives in Jersey City and works in Manhattan, before this season I have never once ever seen an Islanders fan anywhere outside of Manhattan - but I know a ton of Devils fans.
Hypothetically, I wonder if the Devils would fare better by being farther south in the state.
Wouldn't that put them too close to the Flyers' market?
I don't really think so. Central NJ is pretty much the heart of Devils territory. Where they are located now is primarily Rangers fans. You don't start getting Flyers fans until way farther south, south of roughly LBI.
Pretty tough break to benefit from an atrocious goalie mistake, miss on the point blank chance anyway, then get tripped into the iron post and miss the last 55 minutes of the game with concussion i'm assuming. (yet again i have to wonder why the NHL takes player safety so casually... unpadded iron in the middle of play??)
TBL now 6-7 at home this postseason. Good thing they instituted all those restrictive resale rules... Hawks dominated most of the TV sightline seats last night anyway.
the one thing missing, as I've said a few times is the bad blood. it seems severely lacking.
no face washes in front of the net scrums, not the usual pushing and shoving and while there is some good hitting, not like we've seen early in the playoffs.
I'm not an advocate of cheap shots by any stretch, but I do like rough/edgy play
Stamkos is absolutely snakebit
Crawford didn't have to do anything, he shot it right into his pad. Any elevation and the puck is in
yeah, on replay it was more obvious real time I couldn't see how Stamkos didn't score, I just mean snakebit because he can't score and it's not for lack of chances, he's missing goals he normally scores on. It's in his head, that's what I mean by snakebit.
and he hasn't scored either I don't think.
Yep, and even that game Chicago got 1 flukey goal and the other one was kind of flukey too.
The Hawks have been insanely opportunistic.
I think so, he's playing 30 min per game and he's leading the playoffs in plus/minus and near the top in points.
I'll laugh my ass off at that, given all the tut-tutting at the Tampa SB Nation page after the Rangers' injuries were revealed.
Games have always been within 1.
Definitely think Tampa is the better team, but Chicago's proving that means nothing and you need to play the series to earn the championship.
Why would they not get it there yesterday?
tampa needs to pull bishop ASAP here
Fooled? Crawford was beat in close but he wasn't fooled about where the puck was going. And Stamkos didn't roof the puck b/c he was in too close and Crawford's pad was right where it had to be to block the shot. Game six of the Cup with the score at zero zero, at home and Stamkos on a break away - that's the definition of a big time save.
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as snakebit for Stamkos on that one specifically when he fucked it up. That's not a "tip your cap great save" or bad luck like going off the post. That's just a gag job. Crawford got fooled, badly. And Stamkos fucked it up.
Fooled? Crawford was beat in close but he wasn't fooled about where the puck was going. And Stamkos didn't roof the puck b/c he was in too close and Crawford's pad was right where it had to be to block the shot. Game six of the Cup with the score at zero zero, at home and Stamkos on a break away - that's the definition of a big time save.
Stamkos had plenty of time to roof it, and he was far enough back to be able to do it. Not easy but with that amount of time he should have been able to get it done.
And yes Crawford was fooled. He committed before Stamkos did and was bailed out by a gag job by Stamkos. Shooting the puck directly into the guys pad when you have plenty of time and basically standing still is not a great save, it's a choke job.
It's a trial run they're doing for the NFL.
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delaying because the cup isn't there? Only the NHL could fuck this up
It's a trial run they're doing for the NFL.
Don't let the flying puck hit in the mouth punk lol
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And yes Crawford was fooled. He committed before Stamkos did and was bailed out by a gag job by Stamkos. Shooting the puck directly into the guys pad when you have plenty of time and basically standing still is not a great save, it's a choke job.
You're watching the break away at 19:00 of the 2nd period? Because on my TV, Crawford is playing that breakaway text book. And every time I rewind to watch it again, he's still playing it text book. How could Crawford have possibly played that any better?
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In comment 12329374 trueblueinpw said:
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And yes Crawford was fooled. He committed before Stamkos did and was bailed out by a gag job by Stamkos. Shooting the puck directly into the guys pad when you have plenty of time and basically standing still is not a great save, it's a choke job.
You're watching the break away at 19:00 of the 2nd period? Because on my TV, Crawford is playing that breakaway text book. And every time I rewind to watch it again, he's still playing it text book. How could Crawford have possibly played that any better?
Fooled is probably a little strong, he played it the way he should have, but Stamkos had plenty of time and didn't commit when Crawford thought he would. Stamkos had zero excuse to not put that puck in the back of the net besides just blowing it. He was almost stationary, and he got the puck settled. If you have the goalie down like that and you have the time and space, it has to be in the net. I'm sure he would agree when he sees the replay.
Next year is our year. I can feel it in my bones. Just believe it and it will happen.
And I'm sure he had that against NYR in games 4-7. I know we had guys hurt too... but there's a lot of forwards on the Blueshirts roster that should be ashamed of themselves right now. Shutout twice by a young kid with a torn groin on home ice in the ECF. Fuck.
Let's just hope he's back in Fall 2015. I don't even give a shit if he's out there in October ... just ease him back.
#TBLightning Tyler Johnson said he played with a broken right wrist. Suffered early in this series.
This league just keeps moving along
#reversejinx
Missing the playoffs? We'll be lucky if Lundqvist doesn't blow out his Achilles.