NFT: NHL Playoff Thread

Defeat the Minnesota Wild, 4 games to 0

but any hockey fans needs to watch the playoffs. Especially those late nights on the West coast. I'll take a stab at some predictions..

Lightning in 4
Pens in 5
Caps in 5
Leafs in 7

Kings in 7
Ducks in 7
Wild in 6
Preds in 5

The west is going to be great and that Boston/Toronto series should be really good. Hope that goes 7.

I fully expect the Penguins or Devils to win the cup. Just seems like that type of sports year.

Poster says Lightning in four yet later says Devils win the cup because it's that kind of year. FYI the Devils all three against the Lightning this season.

the low key great series is Winnipeg/Minnesota. Winnipeg is a really fun team that doesn't get much attention in the States because of where they play. But they have an awesome crowd and there's a natural location rivalry with Minnesota. That's going to be a good one.

Pens in 6
Tampa in 5
Boston in 7
Columbus in 7

Nashville in 5
LA in 5
Winnipeg in 7
Sharks in 6

But out of the TB/Boston option which was on the table heading into last night, TB is the better matchup for NJ.

Not saying the Devils will win but I doubt they get swept. I'm just excited for playoff hockey again after 6 years.

Looking forward to watching them take their best shot.

for game 7's.

don't care too much who wins as long as it's not the Bruins, but nothing in sports IMO is like a NHL game 7.

I like playoff OT's as well.

It's been a while since they won it all.If the Rangers are out I always root for an Original 6 team[except for the Bruins].
I love playoff hockey, psyched for the playoffs.
Teams I can't root for, Penguins, Flyers, TB[Rangers South], Caps.

In comment 13905968 Arkbach said:

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Poster says Lightning in four yet later says Devils win the cup because it's that kind of year. FYI the Devils all three against the Lightning this season.

Well, those are just my predictions. I would like the Devils to lose in 3 if they could. But this sports year has been so bad that I wouldn't be surprised if they won the cup.

Devils win the Cup. Keith Kinkaid is named Conn Smythe winner. The kid is amazing and his starting over Corey "overpaid and over-rated" Schneider is long overdue

or Toronto instead of Tampa. I think TB will win the cup and that team is just so deep and talented. Hopefully the Devils can win a couple of games to give their young players some much needed playoff experience.

If the Devils are able to win a series or two it will factor into free agents deciding to sign with the Devils as well as entice Taylor Hall to sign an extension. For the Devils to actually win this series they will need Kinkaid to continue to play as well as he has and Hall needs to continue his MVP caliber play. Hischier, Palmieri, Vatanen, Butcher, Severson, and Maroon will need to play well for the steal this series. Grabner needs to step up as Maroon has been the better of the deadline acquisitions.

In comment 13906055 PatchoguePete said:

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Devils win the Cup. Keith Kinkaid is named Conn Smythe winner. The kid is amazing and his starting over Corey "overpaid and over-rated" Schneider is long overdue

That is some ZGiants level optimism. I just don't think the Devils are that close yet. Kinkaid absolutely deserves to remain the starter but I don't think it is "long overdue." Kinkaid did not start out the season well. Before Schneider's injury Kinkaid was playing poorly. I don't know what happened but Kinkaid has been one of the best goalies in the league since then.

I hope the Devils are do trade Schneider in the offseason while they are still able to. Clearing his 6 million salary off the books will allow the Devils to be major players in free agency. I would try to trade for Grubauer to compete with Kinkaid or they could sign a stopgap veteran and wait for Blackwood to develop.

and most people's favorite in the East, but the last few times I watched them I was shocked how bad defensively Victor Hedman was. Offensively, he's elite, but defensively he was caught up often, pinched routinely and was beaten.

I don't know if it was just how loose he felt he could play since TB had a huge pt lead in the standings and in the playoffs he'll be more conservative, but I don't remember his D being this suspect.

something to watch in the playoffs wrt TB.

However, I believe BOS is the favorite in the East, that line of Pastrnak, Bergeron, and Marchand is the best line in the league right now (non PP line).

I hate the Bruins more than any NHL team, but I am admittedly amazed watching those 3, the no look, quick passed, the transitions, the skill, they can turn a game pretty quickly.

Of course the Penguins can never be forgotten and unfortunately WAS can't lose as the #1 seed this year and they can never be counted out, but I think BOS or TB comes out of the East.

Oh, and I'm always wrong with playoff predictions. I had WAS and ANA last year (I think).

no matter what. Such is life as the #2 WC.

I think if you look at matchups and most recent play, you take your chances against TB.

but I guess other news is fine too. With this attitude, if it's pervasive, I don't think the Housley era will last too long in Buffalo. I know every assistant coach probably aspires to be a head coach, but I'd have strongly considered staying in Nashville another year if I was Housley over taking as HC in Buffalo.

this quote is from Ryan O'Reilly, a supposed team leader in Buffalo.

To me, you expect players to be accountable, but this is the coach's job.



Link - ( New Window )

I know I will get flogged for saying this but I hate OT hockey in the playoffs. So many games go into 2-3 OT periods....It makes the game too long. Most people need to get their sleep and be ready and sharp for work and or children. I believe they need to make playoff hockey 4-4 from the get go.

In fact I�m hoping down the road the NHL will play half their games 4-4 and of course the other half 5-5.

Both are excellent teams but we match up way better vs. TB. Boston would have been a nightmare with their size, forcheck and physicality. TB is really talented it should be a really entertaining series as both teams love to skate and trade chances. I understand many don't watch the Devs, but those thinking they will be easy 4 or 5 game fodder are in for a surprise. TB has been treading water the 2nd half of the year.

but playoff hockey is as exciting as anything in sports.

and the more OT's the higher the drama.

I think it's a silly fear to have or opinion to have since going back to the 1930's there have been just 45 games that went beyond 2 OT - out of thousands of games.

In comment 13906696 pjcas18 said:

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but playoff hockey is as exciting as anything in sports. and the more OT's the higher the drama. I think it's a silly fear to have or opinion to have since going back to the 1930's there have been just 45 games that went beyond 2 OT - out of thousands of games.

Why can�t it be 4-4? It would still be x icing only end quicker. After all, during the reg season all OTs are 4-4. Why discard 4-4 completely? You have to admit, 4-4 hockey is very exciting to watch.

Devils are extremely dangerous...that's a 6 or 7 game series that can go either way

In comment 13906778 5BowlsSoon said:

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In comment 13906696 pjcas18 said: Quote: but playoff hockey is as exciting as anything in sports. and the more OT's the higher the drama. I think it's a silly fear to have or opinion to have since going back to the 1930's there have been just 45 games that went beyond 2 OT - out of thousands of games. Why can�t it be 4-4? It would still be x icing only end quicker. After all, during the reg season all OTs are 4-4. Why discard 4-4 completely? You have to admit, 4-4 hockey is very exciting to watch.

Because my goal for the playoffs isn't for the game to end sooner, it's to be as fair as possible to both teams and 5v5 is the only thing that represents actual play.

in the regular season they don't want games to be too long, so 3v3 makes sense.

in the playoffs it does not.

And for the record I didn't think I would like 3v3, but I love it. really shows off the skills some players have.

is Toronto. Otherwise go West go!

hockey, but love playoff hockey. It'd be cool to see Vegas, an expansion team, to win it all. Toronto too. They haven't won it since the '60s.

In comment 13906816 pjcas18 said:

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And for the record I didn't think I would like 3v3, but I love it. really shows off the skills some players have.

Yep I agree I love how tactical it is with puck possession and watching set plays develop slowly. its a side of the game you don't get to see much even strength.

of what the playoff situation would look like if the league awarded 3 points for a regulation win (a no-brainer imo) and seeded 1-8 by record (my personal preference). Notably, the Panthers would've been in the playoffs instead of the Blue Jackets under this system.

East:

#1 TB vs. #8 PHI

#2 BOS vs. #7 NJ

#3 WAS vs. #6 PIT

#4 TOR vs. #5 FLA

West:

#1 NAS vs. #8 COL

#2 WIN vs. #7 LA

#3 LV vs. #6 SJ

#4 MIN vs. #5 ANA

Penguins 7, Flyers 0

with the natural hat trick.

dating back to last year.

1st period in Boston. Furious pace, great hitting, end to end play.

for game 2 vs LVG for a hit to the head on William Carrier.

I have no issue with the suspension, but that is a legal hit 5 years ago. It was just unnecessary in that spot.

Washington. CBJ gave up those two goals early on during that power play but CBJ did a great job killing it off got a quick goal back.

...

...

rolled, they're going to be a tough out. Not sure why TOR didn't challenge the 1st goal, it was close, but I think it was offside, while I hate the rule, while it's there may as well use it.

BJ's rally in the 3rd to tie it, under 4 min left, we may get playoff OT tonight. USA Network.

... don�t like the way this is going.

Crap.

with a high skill play for the GW.

Caps lose.

Immediately what I thought when Panarin scored that filth

CBJ is legit. They are going to be a tough out for everyone.

all season. They're similar ages and salary, but Panarin is much better.

And panarin was projected to be paid more soon. Plus many were convinced panarin was a product of playing with Kane.

Guess not.

Nice equalizer from Nashville.

clearing attempt by Barberio. NSH capitalizes.

About same division teams playing each other every year ... I don't think any first round series has been seen in a while.

Boston / Toronto might be the most recent ... and that was 2013 I think? (And torontos choke was epic... and painful as a rangers fan because then momentum launched Boston to the finals ... 2 goals in 90 seconds.. oh wait Ottawa did that last year too... fucking Vigneault on a beach somewhere laughing about his $8 million hard earned payoff)

Sean Avery "screens" Marty Brodeur

was good MAF Tuesday night, can't wait for Vegas to turn into a pumpkin, but it doesn't seem they will.

and it's not I want them to be bad, I just think they will be.

See what happens tonight, Flyers embarrassed, Kings blanked, Jets played well.

see if that continues.

If I had to root for a team it might be Winnipeg.

it was a bad hit (and one I wonder if it made 5Bowls proud), but 5 games? holy shit.

1 playoff game supposedly equals 5 regular season games. that was not a 15 game suspension hit.

dirty hit, no doubt about it, but not series suspension worthy IMO.

Flyers showing life.

4 - 0 Flyers.

mow 4 - 1. Crosby missed a wide open net end of the 2nd.

the Wild, win game 2 4 - 1, up 2 - 0.

Jets out shot the Wild 84 - 37 in the two games.

Wild good at home though I think.

Vegas?!

Boring game

hopefully 5bowls is proud of his team.

hard hitting series - no surprise, could not stay up for Vegas the other night, let's see if they sustain on the road.

and this is pretty remarkable about the Jets roster. I haven't fact-checked it, but I assume it's correct.

Quote:

Brad E. Schlossman ‏ @SchlossmanGF Here's how Winnipeg acquired last night's lineup. Not a single NHL FA signing. Unbelievable job by Cheveldayoff and his scouting staff: Draft - Draft - Trade Draft - Trade - Draft Draft - Draft - Trade Draft - Draft - College FA Draft - Draft Trade - Trade Draft - Trade Draft

.

surprised, unfortunately the Bruins have a stanley cup feel to them.

Need to hope TB or PIT plays them next round (if TB or PIT advance).

I don't see anyone else in the league beating them (maybe WIN if they move on).

Toronto D is brutal. Zaitsev has been abused more times in this two-game series so far his confidence is probably shot.

and goaltending has been an issue - the two parts of TOR I felt like were suspect.

to win while their young players are still on entry level deals. Nylander an RFA after this season, Matthews and Marner the year after that. All three deserving of big extensions. Going to be tough to significantly improve their D when they�re going to have to pay those deals.

Likely to lose JVR and maybe Bozak to UFA too

In comment 13914708 pjcas18 said:

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surprised, unfortunately the Bruins have a stanley cup feel to them. Need to hope TB or PIT plays them next round (if TB or PIT advance). I don't see anyone else in the league beating them (maybe WIN if they move on).

Bruins play the winner of Tampa/Devils series next round. Looking like Tampa.

That's going to be an insane series.

Going to be a good one today between the Pens and Flyers. I was shocked Philly turned it around after that 7-0 routing in game 1.

Hate to say it, but those series are fun to watch since I get to watch one of them go home.

Crosby with the skill goal - skate to stick wrap around - not many guys have that; and he didn't miss today.

with a bullet, pens up 3 - 0.

...

pouring it on now, 4 - 0.

how good Crosby is. Best player on his backhand that I�ve ever seen

now with 159 points in 152 career playoff games. Really feel like he�s still underrated playing with Crosby. Can�t stand them, but can�t help but respect it

In comment 13915045 Kyle in NY said:

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now with 159 points in 152 career playoff games. Really feel like he�s still underrated playing with Crosby. Can�t stand them, but can�t help but respect it

I'll take them over Drury, Nash, Callahan or who ever else I cannot think of who didn't get it done since 1994

I struggle to come up with a better 1/2 C than Crosby and Malkin.

Some people say you win stanley cups with strength up the middle (C) and goaltending.

recent teams like the Penguins, Kings and Blackhawks help prove this. even the Bruins cup win.

has turned into such a solid defenseman.

After that really crappy Game 2

vs WIN is a great game so far.

Why the heck I stay a Capitals fan? Sheesh.

In comment 13915265 tony stg said:

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Why the heck I stay a Capitals fan? Sheesh.

you are a glutton for punishment. as my Yankees fan father would say to me about being a Mets fan.

LVG swept LAK.

shocked WAS won an OT playoff game and more shocked Lars Eller scored the goal.

Some good games on tap for tonight.

Battle of PA, game 4 (Pens up 2 - 1)

TBL vs NJD, NJD trying to even up the series, home teams winning all the games so far

NSH vs COL, NSH up 2 - 1, another home teams won all the games series

and SJS looking to sweep ANA.

In comment 13915510 pjcas18 said:

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you are a glutton for punishment. as my Yankees fan father would say to me about being a Mets fan.

Wait, your dad is a Yankees fan and you became a Mets fan? You really are a true masochist.

In comment 13918774 Greg from LI said:

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In comment 13915510 pjcas18 said: Quote: you are a glutton for punishment. as my Yankees fan father would say to me about being a Mets fan. Wait, your dad is a Yankees fan and you became a Mets fan? You really are a true masochist.

Yes, my father is like Francessa in terms of his encyclopedic like mind of a Yankees fan, he knows lineups stats, specific games, etc. you name it.

My younger brother also a diehard Yankees fan.

My first MLB game was Yankee Stadium 1977 or 1978 as a 5 or 6 year old, Yankees vs California Angels, Reggie was my favorite player, he hit a triple.

I was dragged to West Haven Yankees games as a kid.

Both my father and brother are also Rangers fans.

for a variety of reasons I became a Mets fan. I don't regret it. but my father has fun ribbing me about it sometimes, and it may be why I don't hate the Yankees.

For my father and brother's sake I don't mind seeing the Yankees win at all, any time, as long as they're not playing the Mets.

And we all share the Red Sox hate (I used to get dragged to Yankees Red Sox games at Fenway and Yankee stadium since my extended family was split between Yankees and Red Sox, I used to get stuck sitting behind the pole).

As a youngster growing up in Manhattan, Grandpa grew up a Giants fan. Mel Ott was his idol. He was raising my dad to be a Giants fan as well - one of my favorite old family pictures is from when my father was about 7 years old. He's wearing a full Giants uniform that my grandmother had made for him.

Then, when dad was 8, the Giants moved away. Grandpa has been a rabid Yankee-hater his entire life, so he of course became a Mets fan a few years later when they came into being. Dad, on the other hand, was left without a team at a time when baseball was of supreme importance in a young man's life. He started rooting for the Yankees despite stern paternal disapproval because a)they were the only team left in the area b)as he said, "they won all the time". So my dad, and thus me and my sister, are Yankees fans. His younger brother is a Yankees fan too. The rest of the family (on both sides since my other grandfather was a Dodgers fan from Brooklyn) is Mets fans.

Was it just me, or did the Columbus crowd seem to not really understand (or appreciate) what was going on, in terms of game urgency?

It was double OT, with an opportunity to take a commanding series lead against a favored team. In most other buildings, the noise would seem deafening at times, and you'd almost be able to feel the anxiety and urgency in the crowd. But the Blue Jackets were forcing turnovers and leading breakaways, and the crowd didn't seem to respond with much excitement. Their goalie would make nice saves -- again, in double OT! -- , and there would be a delayed, moderate cheer. If it were the 1st period of, say, a February game or something, OK, I'd get it. But last night?

Even when the Caps scored the game-winner, you can usually sense the air being sucked out of the building all at once in a situation like that. But their crowd last night seemed to just have a collective, "Ah, that sucks" response.

It seemed weird to me. Like many of them were watching a hockey game for the first time or something.

...

Dolan gave some quotes to Brooks that sound pretty promising and make me feel like they have a good plan for what they want in the next coach. Also makes it blatantly obvious that they were not happy with how AV handled younger players.

Quote:

�We�re looking for someone who can develop players and develop a team,� Garden executive chairman Jim Dolan told The Post during a conversation at his MSG office on Wednesday. �We want someone who is going to be able to work with young players � all of our players, really � so that they and we improve from one stage of the season to the next and we�re better at the end of the year than at the beginning. �We need a coach who is going to be able to coordinate with the assistants and the training staff in putting a program in place. He�s going to have to be able to delegate authority in identifying deficiencies and fixing them. Scolding a player doesn�t fix the problem. He can�t try to do everything by himself. The job is just too big.� �I think Alain was a great coach, but a great coach for a developed team,� Dolan said. �Even though he probably didn�t mean to, he sort of affirmed that himself when he talked after the last game about how he didn�t have the players this year. �He was probably correct, but the next coach is going to have to be able to take the players we have, the young guys we have, and get them to the next level. I liked what I saw in the young guys and so did the staff. �The guy we hire has to be a developmental coach, I can�t stress that enough.�

Sort of odd how Dolan is simultaneously a pretty good hockey owner while largely being a complete failure as owner of the Knicks.
Link - ( New Window )

lost, and is down 3-1, but actually looks really good for the worst team in the league last year - and not just league worst they had 40-something points, for reference this year's last place Coyotes had 67, I think it was almost 20 points more than the Avs.

Seeing MacKinnon as infrequently as I do, I forget how good he is. If he's not as fast as McDavid, he's not much slower. And to think he was rumored to be on the trading block last year.

Sharks sweep. I didn't expect long playoff ventures from either the Kings or Ducks, but didn't expect either to be swept. Two American goalies (Quick and Gibson) usually keep their teams in it and neither was bad but MAF and Jones were stellar. Now they face each other.

Keep waiting for LVG to turn into pumpkins, not wanting it to happen, just expecting it.

PHI avoided a sweep but they're on life support. Crosby racking up points in a quest to add to his Conn Smythe hardware, of course getting ahead of myself, but hard not to notice. He's tied with 9 points (with Pastrnak and Kucherov - but Pastrnak has 9 in just 3 games - he's pretty good, LOL).


Two games tonight, BOS vs TOR and CBJ vs WAS

CBJ/WSH the only series that's really delivered. Maybe Toronto can tie this up and we get a long series there.

That's speaking strictly from how competitive they've been though. There have been some tremendous individual performances. Crosby, Panarin, the entire Bruins first line, MacKinnon have all stood out

game 7's and OT's are all I root for when my team isn't in it, not much in that dept so far (though hard to have games 7's yet - two sweeps won't help).

so far. More excitement in the NBA first round which is pretty rate. Still, a bad first round could lead to an awesome second round. I hate Washington but it would be more fun for them to get another crack at Pitt. TB/BOS, PIT/WSH, Vegas/SJ and NSH/Jets all look compelling.

In comment 13920246 Kyle in NY said:

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CBJ/WSH the only series that's really delivered. Maybe Toronto can tie this up and we get a long series there. That's speaking strictly from how competitive they've been though. There have been some tremendous individual performances. Crosby, Panarin, the entire Bruins first line, MacKinnon have all stood out

Huge game in Columbus tonight. Columbus can bury the Caps tonight with a win against Holtby.

They've turned it on

In comment 13920291 AnnapolisMike said:

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In comment 13920246 Kyle in NY said: Quote: CBJ/WSH the only series that's really delivered. Maybe Toronto can tie this up and we get a long series there. That's speaking strictly from how competitive they've been though. There have been some tremendous individual performances. Crosby, Panarin, the entire Bruins first line, MacKinnon have all stood out Huge game in Columbus tonight. Columbus can bury the Caps tonight with a win against Holtby.

I'll be there! and for a potential game 6

I hate them the least of any team except maybe Toronto left in the East (and 5bowls is changing my opinion there)...

but there are so many ex-Rangers - it would be fitting if they all lifted a Cup, including Girardi who is dead money against our cap for another 5 fucking years (and meanwhile, we used that 'cap savings' to pay useless Brendon Smith anyway).

JT Miller they said now has 22 points in 23 games as a member of Tampa. Nice trade Gorton. apparently JT was a throw-in Tampa didnt even ask for.

read the other day Yzerman has been after JT since the Martin St. Louis trade in 2014

In comment 13920464 MetsAreBack said:

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I hate them the least of any team except maybe Toronto left in the East (and 5bowls is changing my opinion there)... but there are so many ex-Rangers - it would be fitting if they all lifted a Cup, including Girardi who is dead money against our cap for another 5 fucking years (and meanwhile, we used that 'cap savings' to pay useless Brendon Smith anyway). JT Miller they said now has 22 points in 23 games as a member of Tampa. Nice trade Gorton. apparently JT was a throw-in Tampa didnt even ask for.

Throwing in JT was such an obviously shitty move. People at the time were saying he needed a change of scenery because AV didn't like him (IIRC). How about we change the coach instead of getting rid of a useful piece?

Watching the Lightning makes me sick to my fucking stomach. Fuck the Devils, but fuck the Lightning also.

was a player I'd said for a long time would thrive in a different system.

I think the same thing for Kreider.

Coaches like AV IMO don't get younger and younger-ish players to use their creativity and feel like they can take chances.

Playing next to Stamkos and Kucherov doesn't hurt point totals either - I remember post-trade people saying look at Namestnikov's numbers.

I still believe Miller is a player with untapped potential though.

that the U18 world juniors are on NHL network (USA losing to Canada 4 -2 in the 3rd).

Quite a few draft prospects will be in this tournament. This draft and next.

Both Samuellson's (this draft), Jack Hughes (next draft).

Adam Boqvist, Wahlstrom, and more.

In comment 13920508 Kyle in NY said:

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read the other day Yzerman has been after JT since the Martin St. Louis trade in 2014

We discussed the day the trade happened that Tampa came out and publicly said JT was brought up by NYR, they hadnt been actively pursuing him going in to negotiations.

Yzerman very well may be saying he always liked JT now -- why not. First, its probably true - we always knew JT was/is a good player. Two, it makes him look smart - the guy has 22 points in 23 games.

I will say, I do like Nemestikov's game... its not like we got nothing in return.. but i'd still like to deal him along with Zuccs this offseason and continue to build the prospect and pick pipeline.

came back to tie it, and then Canada came right back for the GW.

Wahlstrom had 2, Farabee had 2, Hughes had 1 and 2 helpers, US loses 6 - 4 (ENG).

Hughes looked really good as did Wahlstrom and Farabee (also 2018 draft eligible), but man Canada had some fast skaters, I was most impressed on Canada with Raphael Lavoie (2019 draft eligible).

I was not too impressed with either Samuellson - both have great size like their dads, and were capable, but neither stood out IMO as stars, but hard to tell with the bigger players - sometimes they take longer to develop.

Thought you were implying we'd have gotten the same exact deal for just Mcdonagh but wanted to dump JT as well.

You may be right. We had discussed after the deal that it was pretty clear management wasn't thrilled at the idea of giving JT a multi year deal in RFA after this season. In that case, I could see them floating him in discussions.

In comment 13920277 Metnut said:

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so far. More excitement in the NBA first round which is pretty rate. Still, a bad first round could lead to an awesome second round. I hate Washington but it would be more fun for them to get another crack at Pitt. TB/BOS, PIT/WSH, Vegas/SJ and NSH/Jets all look compelling.

Flat? Huh? Some of the series only have played 3 games so far, give it some time. The Washington-Columbus series, and every single game thus far has gone into overtime and game 3 went into 2 OTs. Boston Toronto has only played 3 games.

The Vegas-LA series had a double OT as well. It's the first round, it is funny and I do enjoy the Flyers getting their teeth kicked down their throats by Pittsburgh. Kind of nice to see Crosby and company do his part vs a Philly team, I will certainly take this ass kicking after the Eagles Super Bowl and how worthless the "sure thing" Patriots were.

I have a bad feeling about tonight�s game. Often times the visiting team up 2-0 loses game three but wins a nail biting game 4....usually in OT.

I think that may happen but I sure hope not. We need another big defensive game from Pleks.

I hate more than Brad Marchand (sports hate of course), but this Players Tribune article is really good.

Marc Bergevin more or less said this exact same thing in MTL and was crucified in the media (in part because he brings in the players, but I don't think it's his job to see that they all gel).

Quote:

....The second thing is a little bit harder to explain. There are so many young guys coming in and out of the league now � and so much roster turnover � that every year is a little bit different. When we were off to a slow start, we had a road trip out West where all the guys hung out every night, and it really brought us together. The thing about hockey is that the clich� is actually real. It�s really a game where a split second changes everything. The difference between winning and losing is so razor thin. If you don�t have a good room, and you�re not all 100% locked-in and willing to do literally anything to win, you are not gonna win. I don�t care how fast your guys are or how good your system is. Everybody�s guys are fast. Everybody�s system is good. What you need is a room full of guys who are willing to do anything. We had it in 2011. I think we have it again in 2018.

Link - ( New Window )

for Boston.

pace in Toronto. Tied 1 - 1; 5 left in the first.

Leafs headed to the power play.

Krug with a soft early goal (though Andersen was screened) and Plekanec answered to tie (seems strange to type that about Plekanec not on the Habs).

This is playoff hockey.

D give up odd man rush to Pastrnak and Marchand, Marchand buries the great feed from Pastrnak to make it 2 - 1 end of 2.

Rask is standing on his head

Just as I suspected.

is brutal.

To lose that game when you're at home and the Bruins don't have Bergeron you will have a hard time winning the series.

They need 3 D IMO.

8 - 5, sounds like goalie is a problem, that's 10 goals against in 2 games.

I didn't see the game, looks like the Swiss were winning 5 - 4 late in the 2nd.

Jack Hughes with 2 goals and 1 assist, Wahlstrom 1 and 1, Mattias Samuelsson 1 and 1.

Jack Hughes leads the scoring in the tourney through 2 games (for now - Canada still needs to play).

We haven't gotten many OT's and aren't going to get any Game 7's.

Brutal

BJ's are tied 2 - 2. That can go 7.

and Torts knows it, hence the outburst after the game.

elimination games tonight.

All with home teams possibly closing out the series. If they don't it means the away team would be home to try and force a game 7. All is not lost for this first round (yet).

PHI @ PIT
MIN @ WIN
COL @ NSH

the bottom two have been tighter series than the standings indicate - some good hockey - and the first one has been like an all-star game, but still entertaining.

Tonight

along with Doughty and Hedman. Some (most in MTL) say Subban is underserving. I love the guy, but have to agree.

Quote:

Subban stats - 8th in Dman points - 21st in dmen +/- 21st in dmen TOI - 67th in dmen hits with 111 13th in dmen SOG with 207 Advanced stats- Outside top 100 in PDO at 102.1 97 giveaways - 6th most in NHL 51.2% Corsi 51.4 % Fenwick

Quote:

Twice in past 14 yrs a Norris Trophy finalist did not lead his team in ice time. Both times it was Subban...w/ two different teams, coaches & defence mates. Subban was 20th and 38th in TOI those two yrs. Every other finalist but one top 12 TOI.

down 4 - 0 just over halfway through the 1st.

Jets are a fun team to watch.

Looked like a flyers player was celebrating the goal

Then gave an easy one.

looked like in all the replays he had the post, but I guess not.

and you're right he's been the story early in this game, Neuvirth had been playing great.

Penguins PP? Shoot the puck at least once?

off for the Flyers. Give up a bad angle goal to Guentzel and now pens to the PP.

shut me up with the shortie to tie it.

Nice Philadelphia gift

get lazy late, Flyers capitalize, take a late lead, looks like there's going to be a game 6

Just robs Crosby.

Single handily keeping flyers alive.

by the Flyers. Neuvirth stole a W. Game 6 at home on Sunday, to force a game 7.

and one of the best players of this generation, but man, Malkin is lazy some times. He makes a lot of highlight reel plays, but he also does some stuff (mostly in the defensive zone) that would land anyone else on the bench in some systems.

I hate them and the Pens, but the Flyers haven't won the last two Cups so I'm ok with them advancing another round and sparing us the three-peat. Glad to see Winnipeg advance too. With the Kings out, I can safely root for any of the remaining Western teams.

but at this point I like watching Crosby play.

So as many games as I can get from him in the playoffs the better.

If I had to pick a team, which I wouldn't do unless forced to, so I'm not actually rooting for them, it would be the Jets.

They're so young and so good and have a great team building blueprint.

I think back to the Trouba requesting a trade days and wish MTL would have got creative and made that happen.

Two elimination games today (TBL can close out NJD and BOS can close out TOR, unlike yesterday both teams who can close out the series are at home, which if they lost, would force a game 6 on the road for them up 3 - 2. Hoping that happens.

CBJ and WAS also today is tied 2 - 2

CBJ vs WAS ans TBL vs NJD are at 3pm, BOS vs TOR is at night.

Three games today, instead of staggering them all so there�s a game throughout the day, they put two on at the same time.

This league has the dumbest leadership

In comment 13923854 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

Three games today, instead of staggering them all so there�s a game throughout the day, they put two on at the same time. This league has the dumbest leadership

Agree, typical, I just don't think they wanted a game at noon for whatever reason.

And I read NBC sort of hosed them some say b/c of not sending NHL players to the Olympics, and only gave them limited options. I think there are some games on the golf channel.

NBC is getting some revenge for the olympics. In general I�m not a big fan of the NBC coverage anyway. Way too much Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury.

When the time comes I�d like to see the league explore other options, or at least a joint partnership like what the nba has with ESPN and TNT. There should never be a game on the freakin golf channel.

and it's just the kind of game to see the team being dominated win. End of 2, TBL up 1 - 0 on a Sergachev seeing eye 1st period goal.

Been a parade to the penalty box by NJD, some ticky tack, some stupidity by NJD.

to do with it, too.

Schneider is standing on his head (to use the goalie cliche).

but the Devils are doing a great job defensively to clog the middle, Lightning are dominating zone play, but strangely not getting a tons of good lucks and 2nd chances, the Devils have a lot of bodies in traffic.

through traffic for the Lightning.

Could be the dagger in the Devils season.

Down 2 with under 5 left.

for the Devils and they close the gap to 1 with 3 min left.

NJ Tampa Bay has been as good as any game I've seen

Devils season done.

CBJ headed to OT.

Telling the NJ Devils to go the fuck home

Too young, not stout enough defensively. But the future is bright as they appear to have a superstar in Hall and some young talent with him in guys like Hischier and Bratt who clearly wore down over the course of the long season.

The future should be bright. Now I�m hoping for a Cip run from my Western conference team, the Knights.

Eh. I know way too many smug Devil fans personally so it will always be funny when they lose.

I wanna have SOME fun.

In comment 13924235 Route 9 said:

Quote:

Eh. I know way too many smug Devil fans personally so it will always be funny when they lose. I wanna have SOME fun.

Cool story, bro. There�s assholes in every fan base.

But Tampa should probably send the NYR rings if they go on to win the Cup. You all gifted them like 5 good players for pretty much nothing.

Yeah, it is a cool story. It's called a rivalry, lol. You'd be lolling as well if the Rangers lost.

2003 aint so recent, aint it? I think Scott Stevens is looking for a retirement home.

These games haven't been anything but flat today

...

...

In comment 13924248 Route 9 said:

Quote:

Yeah, it is a cool story. It's called a rivalry, lol. You'd be lolling as well if the Rangers lost. 2003 aint so recent, aint it? I think Scott Stevens is looking for a retirement home.

Trolling the Devils when they�ve won three cups since the Rangers last won one is the height of shitty logic. It�s like a Cowboys fan making fun of our Giants for last year.

In comment 13924258 PetesHereNow said:

Quote:

In comment 13924248 Route 9 said: Quote: Yeah, it is a cool story. It's called a rivalry, lol. You'd be lolling as well if the Rangers lost. 2003 aint so recent, aint it? I think Scott Stevens is looking for a retirement home. Trolling the Devils when they�ve won three cups since the Rangers last won one is the height of shitty logic. It�s like a Cowboys fan making fun of our Giants for last year.

Stop using logic against a fan base that thinks making the playoffs is the accomplishment to hang their hat on

Caps showing some heart?

mocked 97-04 Rangers for missing the playoffs. I can't get on the same train? Nice to see your fanbase act proud of your team getting bounced the first round.

Hell the fucking Eagles won after 58 years and Cubs after 100+ years so you might want to watch your tone.

That's my point, those Devil cups are old news as well.

Want to) but the point is made 1:50 in.

In comment 13924301 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

Want to) but the point is made 1:50 in.

I don't mean this as a personal attack. I don't know you or have an opinion of you, but it's the thought towards a lot of ranger fans.
I'm not a devil fan btw

back tonight for Boston.

flying early. Up 2 - 0 6 left in the 1st.

end to end action, B's with a PP goal to cut the lead to 1, Leafs answer right back to restore the 2-goal lead.

and their so called heart.

In comment 13924538 Rover said:

Quote:

and their so called heart.

LOL at Rover.

pace right now in Boston. B's cut the lead to 1, and the play is intense right now.

was unreal, going back to Toronto.

In comment 13924596 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

was unreal, going back to Toronto.

Entertaining game.

I haven't checked but I'm going to guess Corsi and Fenwick overwhelmingly are in Boston's favor. Hot goalie and/or capitalizing on the few opportunities you have offsets possession and zone starts, etc.

Everything except PDO.

Quote:

These numbers from tonight's game via @NatStatTrick are something else.. 11:05 PM - 21 Apr 2018

...

great games all day

In comment 13924604 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I haven't checked but I'm going to guess Corsi and Fenwick overwhelmingly are in Boston's favor. Hot goalie and/or capitalizing on the few opportunities you have offsets possession and zone starts, etc. Everything except PDO. Quote: These numbers from tonight's game via @NatStatTrick are something else.. 11:05 PM - 21 Apr 2018

I don�t understand this point. Like any statistic, small sample size is a factor. Nobody that believes in advanced stats claims that having the advantage in numbers for a single game leads to a certain win

I think PDO is a better indicator of results than Corsi or Fenwick.

this morning U18 WJC 3 - 1 (ENG).

Good game, awful officiating - typical in INTL tourneys like this, hughes looks good, Boqvist looked good.

Of the two Samuelsson's I think I like Mattias (Kjell's son), I think he'll be good in the NHL.

In comment 13924627 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I think PDO is a better indicator of results than Corsi or Fenwick.

Pj is going to cling to this no matter what. PDO is very clearly a lagging indicator stat. It tells you what anyone watching last nights game already knew - the Leafs were lucky to win the game and Anderson played terrific.

If Boston continues to dominate this series - more likely than not, Boston will win game 6.

there are a lot of people that eschew using Corsi (for example) as an indicator of anything other than shot differential, no correlation to success or an infinitesimal before the fact or even as a lagging indicator.

Especially something IMV as meaningless as individual Corsi.

This WAPO article does a decent job explaining my point, and while they don't cite PDO, they use scoring chances and dangerous scoring chances as better correlative - though I'd love to see someone predict that. I like advanced stats in baseball, it's an individual sport for the most part, hockey and football have too much reliance on teammates and circumstance to boil down this way. And I'm not saying anyone on here is guilty of it, but too often you will see the advanced stats cited as an indicator of something they're not.

You could argue that Corsi influences scoring chances and maybe that's possible, but I don't know that's the case. I was always taught playing defense that forcing a player to shoot from a "safe" spot was a win for the defense, and I was taught as a forward that if you don't have a play you have options (stop, delay make a play (LOL) - which is funny because it's phrased that way for kids, but watch an NHL game and tell me you don't see that done 30 times a game or more) - or as acceptably throw the puck on net - all coaches will tell you good things happen when you put the puck on net.

I don't think either of those plays - a defenseman forcing a player outside the dots to take a low percentage shot or a forward putting the puck on net - no matter what the outcome of either one - should be an indicator or factor into an advanced stat.

If you watched PIT vs PHI last game (game 5) the Penguins controlled the play and zone time, but the PHI defense collapsed into the middle clogging the lanes. PIT had the puck but didn't get many threatening chances and on the few times when they did Neuvirth came up big.

I'll admit that Corsi can be informative, it probably does predict corsi going forward.

And I also admit PDO is not predictive, but it's a far better correlation than Corsi of what happened and why - even if it is lagging.

Again in the PIT/PHI game 5. PIT controlled the play in fact dominated it and a clearing attempt doesn't make it out and a shot hits a stick in front and in two plays/plays not made the Flyers have a lead.

What stat tells you that was going to happen? None, what tells why it did? PDO. IMO.


Stop using Corsi to assess NHL teams - ( New Window )

the Namestnikov example used is a perfect reason why I think attaching some of these advanced stats to individuals is even less meaningful than the team overall.

Namestnikov played on a line with Stamkos and Kucherov. Are his high danger shots really an indicator of anything about HIM?

I doubt it.

In comment 13924282 Route 9 said:

Quote:

mocked 97-04 Rangers for missing the playoffs. I can't get on the same train? Nice to see your fanbase act proud of your team getting bounced the first round. Hell the fucking Eagles won after 58 years and Cubs after 100+ years so you might want to watch your tone. That's my point, those Devil cups are old news as well.

Yeah but making the playoffs with this group was totally unexpected. I don�t give one good metric fuck about the Rangers, their playoff streak? Or anything about them. You�re simply a team in the Eastern conference we need to surpass. Forgive me for being hopeful about my team�s future when a young team exceeds expectations. How�s that for watching my tone?

Toronto won last night because Toronto's PDO was high and Boston's was low. It doesnt tell you anything about who will win game 6, other than if Boston continues to dominate possession and scoring chances - they'll probably win as luck normalizes.

Also agree high danger scoring changes and other metrics that are more detailed than just shot totals are a better indicator of future success.

By the way, speaking of Corsi - i noticed yesterday Tampa gives Girardi a lot of minutes with Hedman. Cant believe NYR are absorbing 5 more years of dead cap money on this guy... he had trade value, though I'm educated guessing DG said he'd refuse any deal made. He ended up getting a nice raise out of the whole ordeal.

In comment 13925033 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

the Namestnikov example used is a perfect reason why I think attaching some of these advanced stats to individuals is even less meaningful than the team overall. Namestnikov played on a line with Stamkos and Kucherov. Are his high danger shots really an indicator of anything about HIM? I doubt it.

everyone discounted Namestnikov's value due to his linemates. Its also probably why Chicago couldnt get more for Panarin last summer too.

In comment 13925036 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

Toronto won last night because Toronto's PDO was high and Boston's was low. It doesnt tell you anything about who will win game 6, other than if Boston continues to dominate possession and scoring chances - they'll probably win as luck normalizes. Also agree high danger scoring changes and other metrics that are more detailed than just shot totals are a better indicator of future success. By the way, speaking of Corsi - i noticed yesterday Tampa gives Girardi a lot of minutes with Hedman. Cant believe NYR are absorbing 5 more years of dead cap money on this guy... he had trade value, though I'm educated guessing DG said he'd refuse any deal made. He ended up getting a nice raise out of the whole ordeal.

I am surprised how bad Hedman is defensively, I think it may be partly by design they want his offense - but man he's a hack back there. Maybe they view Girardi with his stay at home style and being a shot blocking magnet a safe partner for Hedman. Not sure.

And I disagree, possession alone won't give you a better chance to win necessarily. scoring chances may, not possession or even shot differential IMO.

In comment 13925037 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 13925033 pjcas18 said: Quote: the Namestnikov example used is a perfect reason why I think attaching some of these advanced stats to individuals is even less meaningful than the team overall. Namestnikov played on a line with Stamkos and Kucherov. Are his high danger shots really an indicator of anything about HIM? I doubt it. everyone discounted Namestnikov's value due to his linemates. Its also probably why Chicago couldnt get more for Panarin last summer too.

Not sure I'd compare them. Panarin was scoring 70+ points as a rookie and won a Calder and Toews and Kane don't even play together except on the PP and Panarin wasn't heavily weights with PP points. I still don't get that trade at all. I thought it was $$$ but Saad I think made similar $$$.

Namestnikov even with Kucherov and Stamkos had just ~44 points.

The Canadiens (fans) wanted to ship Galchenyuk to the Coyotes for a draft pick for that production - playing next to two AHL players.

I think his 4 points in 19 games with the Rangers showed who Namestnikov is.

Wow now I�ve heard it all

But that one is pretty far out there.

It wasn�t pretty but I will take it. Did anyone think the refs were doing all they could to get the Bruins back in the game? It sure seemed like a lot of embellishment to me going on last night. 6 power plays for Bruins.....one for Leafs.

Actually I am genuinely curious: what would be your current top 5 defensemen in the league? Seems like we often have a difference in opinion when it comes to defense (Hedman, PK, etc.). I�d be interested to see who you consider to be the elite group, when you get the chance.

In comment 13925080 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

But that one is pretty far out there.

Are you watching the games? I never thought so, but man he pinches constantly and is continually responsible for giving up odd man rushes.

Just off the past few weeks of playoffs and regular season jockeying I think John Carlson was robbed - should have been Norris, at least a finalist.

Watched a lot of Tampa this season and obviously in past playoffs, I�ve always been impressed with Hedman. But I didn�t see much of the Devils series as their games were often at the same time as the Columbus series. If he struggled in that series I�ll take your word for it.

I won�t be missing much of a potential Tampa/Boston series.

I think he�s been the best player in that series, at least for the Caps. He�s about to get paid.

because if you view it in terms of team and system stats can be misleading, some teams need an offensive defenseman, some teams need a defensive defenseman, but being evaluated as all round 2-way D this would be my top 5 in no particular order (and this is not who had the best 2017-2018) - because I love Subban, but I don't think he deserves the Norris this year:

Roman Josi
Erik Karlsson
Brent Burns
Drew Doughty
Seth Jones

next 5 would be (also in no particular order):
Werenski
Klinberg
Subban
Hamilton
Hedman

As I said, I think Hedman may be pinching by design and hence his partnership with someone like Girardi.

A ton of really good D in the NHL. Hard to leave John Carlson off, or someone like the underrated Pietrangelo, up and coming Gostibehere, Trouba, Byfuglien, I love what I'm seeing from Rielly in Toronto. And then veterans like Weber who missed most of the season or would be on here or Suter.

Because I�ve seen many describe Josi as someone that has a reputation as a great offensive defenseman, but just ok in his own end (sort of how you describe Hedman). And when I do catch their games I�ve noticed it as well. Still think he�s a great player though. Toughest position to evaluate by far. No one right answer. I�d probably go:

Karlsson
Doughty
Seth Jones (might be ahead of Doughty before long)
Hedman
PK

Then in some order Burns, Werenski, Hamilton, Pietrangelo, Klingberg. Duncan Keith just fall off this list over the last year or two.

I guess we�re not too far off, definitely in agreement on how good the two are in Columbus.

Lindholm, Carlson, Trouba, McDonagh, Suter as honorable mentions, Charlie Mcavoy will be up there before long too.

In comment 13925136 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

Lindholm, Carlson, Trouba, McDonagh, Suter as honorable mentions, Charlie Mcavoy will be up there before long too.

Yeah, I love McAvoy's game. He's 20 years old. Ekblad is another guy not far behind the others, if he is behind them. So many good D now and I think almost immediately like McDavid vaulted to the head of the forward rankings Dahlin shouldn't take long to crack the D.

And as for Josi, I see Josi as so solid in both ends, he's one of those D who never has to leave the ice, against the other top line, with your top line, PK, PP. He's just about as solid as they come.

this kind of a leap by Sean Couturier this season. He�s a difference maker. Fun game in Philly

In comment 13925311 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

this kind of a leap by Sean Couturier this season. He�s a difference maker. Fun game in Philly

and he's a selke finalist. That's my kind of player.

Love what his game has evolved into.

by Kessel.

get away with a trip, and resulting turnover leads to a goal. Up 2 with around 7 left.

Bad no call.

it's probably over. Guentzel with 4 goals.

AMac especially - worst contract ever. Thanks Holmgren.

on D with Gost and Provorov, so really 2nd/3rd pair D shouldn't be that hard to get.

But at home there is very little reason to have Gudas anywhere near the ice when Crosby is out there and it seemed like every time that matchup happened the Pens scored.

has turned into a pumpkin.

Nashville is a better team and has had better chances, but man that's I'd say three soft goals, in a 4 - 0 game.

COL, West 2nd round is set.

WIN vs NSH - holy shit, great series, anyone who has not yet seen WIN should watch. Not sure they have enough to beat NSH who is very deep and not just on the blue line, but they are young, fast, and fun to watch.

LVG vs SJS - the two teams who swept sit idly waiting for the 2nd round to start. Not sure that's a good thing, but no one really complains about rest during the playoffs. It's a grind.

Two game 6's tonight, TOR vs BOS, I expect BOS to close it out and CBJ vs WAS.

Both teams at home can force game 7's with W's on Wednesday. I expect both series to end, but hope they don't. If they do it's TBL vs BOS and PIT vs WAS and it probably will be those matchups anyway. two more great series.


tomorrow USA plays Belarus in the U18 WJC and need a W probably to advance to the QF's. I think they'd advance wit a loss, since they beat Switzerland, but not sure. a W would be better though a win means they probably play host Russia in the QF's.

Both teams at home can force game 7's with W's on Wednesday. I expect both series to end...

both teams can force games with W's tonight and the game 7's would be Wednesday.

And I expect both series to end [tonight]

of course they'll end eventually.

In comment 13925407 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

on D with Gost and Provorov, so really 2nd/3rd pair D shouldn't be that hard to get. But at home there is very little reason to have Gudas anywhere near the ice when Crosby is out there and it seemed like every time that matchup happened the Pens scored.

Gudas was beyond horrible in his own zone. I mean, just brutal. People on twitter are wondering if he's a double agent:
Link - ( New Window )

The NFL could really learn from the NHL with the split screen commercial breaks.

screen commercial. NFL could use it too.

And I'm not a huge soccer fan, but one of the issues with soccer in the US/TV IMO is there just isn't enough commercial opportunities to get advertisers to the sport, but this kind of approach could help soccer too.

they're not even in the playoffs, but one poster was commenting on their drafting.

This is a good defense core, though I don't think Timmins was around for Markov though I could be mistaken - he was responsible for all the rest though (from a scouting standpoint).

Quote:

Brian Wilde ‏ @BWildeRecrutes 19h19 hours ago Mcdonagh Subban Sergachev Mete Juulsen Markov If Habs GMs through the years would just leave Timmins to work alone & leave their nose out of it. You think this D-corps would have made the playoffs this season ? That�s a damn good D in the past & a damn good D in the future.

allegedly wants to come back, a lot of negative comments on twitter saying NFW.

In general I think people who commit crimes should serve their time and be accepted into society but I would not want my team (or any team) to sign Voynov after his incident.

Bruins swarming all period. Leafs D constantly throws the puck up the boards or struggles with the breakout otherwise leading to sustained pressure in the Toronto zone.

But Andersen has held up through the onslaught.

Scoreless at end of one.

and I admit though I haven't watched CBJ/WAS tonight.

Leafs had a goal taken off the board for goalie interference (shitty call IMO) and now take the lead 2 - 1.

Like last game, Bruins have dominated zone time and lead in shots. Losing on the scoreboard.

Toronto to the PP.

That only got into hockey a couple of years ago, I only really watch the Rangers games and playoffs. I heard a lot of good things about Matthews but he�s yet to turn up in the playoffs.

Again. Come playoff time. Again.

like we have a game 7 in Boston. unless there's another meltdown like 2013 (?)

to see who plays TB.

I'd complain about CBJ blowing a 2 - 0 lead when they won two games on the road, but I am looking forward to yet another PIT vs WAS series. Love seeing Ovie vs Crosby, these games get so physical and so much skill.

At least we get a game 7 and I think it's a Boston tease, they've dominated all the games except 1 and are tied 3 - 3 because Freddie Andersen found a playoff gear. He's playing incredible hockey and stole the last two games.

In comment 13927281 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

like we have a game 7 in Boston. unless there's another meltdown like 2013 (?)

Holy shit that was that long ago?

We won sometime in the 90s and have lost the last 8 series that have been played between the two teams. I�d like our chances better if Pitt wasn�t so bloody good.

In comment 13927328 Route 9 said:

Quote:

In comment 13927281 pjcas18 said: Quote: like we have a game 7 in Boston. unless there's another meltdown like 2013 (?) Holy shit that was that long ago?

I think so, wasn't it?

In comment 13927354 tony stg said:

Quote:

We won sometime in the 90s and have lost the last 8 series that have been played between the two teams. I�d like our chances better if Pitt wasn�t so bloody good.

Never know, Pens lost Geno and Hagelin against the Flyers.

Belarus 7 - 0 in the 3rd.

Wahlstrom having a great tournament, Hughes even better, Farabee might move up a little in the draft.

US moves on to the QF's on Thursday I think against Russia.

has 5 or 6 points, it's 8 - 0 now, he's 2019 draft eligible, but he's 5' 6".

Needs a growth spurt or it's NCAA's for him.

In comment 13927307 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

to see who plays TB. I'd complain about CBJ blowing a 2 - 0 lead when they won two games on the road, but I am looking forward to yet another PIT vs WAS series. Love seeing Ovie vs Crosby, these games get so physical and so much skill. At least we get a game 7 and I think it's a Boston tease, they've dominated all the games except 1 and are tied 3 - 3 because Freddie Andersen found a playoff gear. He's playing incredible hockey and stole the last two games.

The coach moving Pleks to the top line and pitting them against Boston top line has helped too.

back had far more impact than Plekanec, who lost every single face off the entire game to Bergeron (or it seemed that way).

Pleks was good on SH though, and that is a difference, first two games Bruins PP was 5 for 10, I don't think they've scored on a PP since (off the top of my head)

he's one of the more underrated 2-way players in the entire game and he obviously knows Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak well.

I sort of expect him to be back in MTL next year.

2019 draft eligible Maxim Cajkovic putting on a clinic. This kid can fly.

Slovaks and Russians tied at 4 in the 3rd.
USA plays the winner in the QF's.
Loser gets the loser of the Sweden vs Canada game (tied at 1 in the 3rd).

Finland plays Belarus
Winner of Canada vs Sweden plays the Czechs

All QF games on Thursday.

Maxim is as good as Jack Hughes IMO.

headed to OT.

Russia vs Slovakia tied @ 5

Sweden vs Canada tied @ 2.

Boqvist ties the game for Sweden with 30 seconds left to send it to OT.

great action.

wins on OT. Boqvist has both of Sweden's goals, he's got ridiculous offensive skills, wish he was bigger, but I think regardless he'll be a good NHL player.

I think he could still even grow a little, he's still 17.

wins in a shootout over the Slovaks.

So the QF's are set I think:

Canada vs Czechs
Sweden vs Slovakia
Finland vs Belarus
Russia vs USA

Times TBD.

Hughes finishes 2nd in prelim round scoring behind Cajkovic. Wahlstrom and Boqvist tied with 3 others for 6th.

USA vs Russia is 10:30 AM ET on Thursday on NHL Network.

is Saturday.

Hope I get out of work in time to catch some of this game 7 tonight between Toronto and Boston. It's been one week officially since San Jose eliminated Anaheim and 8 days since Vegas eliminated LA. Good to get rest?

Looking forward to Pittsburgh and Washington. I don't know, I'd rather se Toronto win but I think Tampa vs Boston will be a better/tighter series.

In comment 13929658 Route 9 said:

Quote:

Hope I get out of work in time to catch some of this game 7 tonight between Toronto and Boston. It's been one week officially since San Jose eliminated Anaheim and 8 days since Vegas eliminated LA. Good to get rest? Looking forward to Pittsburgh and Washington. I don't know, I'd rather se Toronto win but I think Tampa vs Boston will be a better/tighter series.

not speaking on authority, just my opinion, I think this layoff is longer than either SJS or LVG would like.

If they had key injuries that the rest would help it would be one thing, but coming off a sweep I don't think they wanted to wait this long.

But like I posted above the stanley cup playoffs are a grind, 4 series, that could (in this case didn't) go 7 games. So I don't think anyone complains too much, but I think rest to these teams would be 3 - 4 days, not over a week off.

it's sort of unhealthy I'm this excited in a game where I don't have a rooting interest for either team and I consider them the two biggest rivals of the team I like.

Backes summed it up well:

Quote:

David Backes: "I compare it almost to a 60-minute overtime type of game. The playoffs is a notch up, and a Game 7 is even another notch up"

Place will be insane from puck drop. Hoping for a Leafs win, since I hate Boston more, but not counting on it. Bruins 1st line has been frustrated the past couple games, but I think that ends tonight. Talent should beat a hot goalie given enough chances.

Go Leafs! Too bad only one Game 7 in the first round.

In comment 13930361 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

it's sort of unhealthy I'm this excited in a game where I don't have a rooting interest for either team and I consider them the two biggest rivals of the team I like. Backes summed it up well: Quote: David Backes: "I compare it almost to a 60-minute overtime type of game. The playoffs is a notch up, and a Game 7 is even another notch up" Place will be insane from puck drop. Hoping for a Leafs win, since I hate Boston more, but not counting on it. Bruins 1st line has been frustrated the past couple games, but I think that ends tonight. Talent should beat a hot goalie given enough chances.

Quote:

Rick Westhead ‏Verified account @rwesthead 20h20 hours ago No U.S.-based NHL team had higher local reg.-season TV ratings than the Pittsburgh Penguins this year. Lowest TV ratings? Anaheim. Biggest gainer? Preds. Biggest decline? NY Rangers. Interesting data from team at @sbjsbd

with an early PP goal.

Bruins had two good SH opps.

No idea why at home Bruins started their 4th line.

...

automatic delay of game penalties - not just against the Leafs, but almost always.

I can see treating it like an icing, make it to the offending team can't change and have the face off in the other teams offensive zone, but hate the penalty call.

on the PP, both because defense were lazy clearing the puck.

on that goal - failing to clear it, it was Hyman.

with a gut check response Marleau again, 2 - 1 Leafs

turnover by the Leafs leads to a Bruins goal, tied up at 2.

exploiting the Leafs poor D, go up 3 - 2 in a good, but sloppy period.

A lot of jitters it seemed.

hanging tough, tie it up with another failure to clear the puck.

very sharp, though not sure I'd blame them per se on the goals.

sick sequence, SH goal by the Leafs.

4 - 3 Leafs

thus far. Pulling for a TOR upset!!!

usually on an injury where the player doesn't seem in distress, and McQuaid did not seem to be in distress, they don't blow the whistle when the other team has possession.

looks awful so far. He'll probably score the game winner.

I was just saying how much I dislike him, but I marveled at how he was able to still be on top of his game at his age. Well he's showing his age right now.

headed to the 3rd, Leafs up 4 - 3.

Hoping for either a Leafs win in regulation or an OT game.

Game 7 OT's are the absolute best thing in any sport.

That's where heroes are made and we only get so many chances at them as fans I don't mind who wins if I get to see one.

the nail in the coffin.

a lot of time left, but Toronto D is playing like themselves right now and their goalie officially turned into a pumpkin

are awesome.

TB vs BOS
PIT vs WAS

Gorton made a huge mistake including JT Miller in McDonagh deal. Gorton is extremely well thought of around the league but next few months are huge for him. He hasn't been great since he took over for Sather.

That game was absolutely awesome. Should be a fantastic second round

As far as the Rangers, Brunswick, I�m sure the JVR rumors will start now that Toronto is out.

rumor. NYR was 3rd or 4th on the list of possible destinations for Karlsson.

It all depends on the draft and who is moved.

If the Rangers consider themselves 2018-2019 contenders or not.

Tonight:
WAS vs PIT 7PM
LVG vs SJS 10PM

tomorrow:
NSH vs WIN (can't wait for this series) 8PM

Saturday:
TBL vs BOS 3PM
LVG vs SJS game 2 8PM

Sunday:
WAS vs PIT game 2 3PM
NSH vs WIN game 2 7PM

All there series actually look really good, least interested in LVG vs SJS, but the more LVG wins the less I feel like I know about hockey, LOL, so pulling for SJS.

Don't get me wrong, he's unbelievable, but the cost both in terms of a trade and the salary he wants would make it next to impossible for them to put together a great team around him. They just don't have enough talent that adding Karlsson makes them a contender.

In comment 13932806 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Don't get me wrong, he's unbelievable, but the cost both in terms of a trade and the salary he wants would make it next to impossible for them to put together a great team around him. They just don't have enough talent that adding Karlsson makes them a contender.

agree. I think some of these experts just throw shit out there, but this was from Elliott Friedman who seems to do that less than others.

That said if they shed any more salary this off-season - say they can deal Smith or Staal? Unlikely, but never say never.

Kalrsson is only 27, turns 28 late May, so adding him wouldn't impact a rebuild. Your whole team can't be 22.

pick drop is now...NHL Network.

Several draft eligibles this year and some previews for next year.

But unless they really nail some draft picks, like the Bruins have, I get the sense that Karlsson makes them a pretty good team that makes the playoffs but probably doesn't go past the second round.

In comment 13933100 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

But unless they really nail some draft picks, like the Bruins have, I get the sense that Karlsson makes them a pretty good team that makes the playoffs but probably doesn't go past the second round.

I agree, but I think it depends what other moves happen and maybe more importantly who the new coach is.

stays hot, opens the scoring for USA. 1 - 0.

for Karlsson now when they're not ready to win this season anyway. Wait until free agency 2019 when Karlsson and Doughty are both available

In comment 13933192 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

for Karlsson now when they're not ready to win this season anyway. Wait until free agency 2019 when Karlsson and Doughty are both available

Unless someone else gives up assets for them and extends them.

which is fine, but always depends IMO on the "assets".

end of 1, USA over Russia. Good period, Hughes is going to be good.

US has Hughes playing with Wahlstrom and Farabee. Still rolling 4 lines, but this one is clearly their top line.

blocked resulted in a 2 on 1, Russia scores to tie it at 1.

looks like a mid-90's Devils game.

IS controlling zone play, but Russia getting as good chances in their limited zone time.

Still 1 - 1 two min left in 2nd.

say US is controlling play.

but no urgency - on either side.

Russia getting bodies in front, US can't get shots on net, everything being blocked.

penalty call on US (slash on the goalie) and US doesn't care and scores an Shorty to take the lead.

long PP left, but US leads 2 - 1.

even it out with a weak interference call on Russia.

Can't decide who the best US player is, Hughes I think is, bu Farabee and Wahlstrom both very good too.

answers the question. Dominates 45 seconds of possession time, skating around Russia like pylons gets a shot and Wahlstrom bangs the rebound home to give US a 3 - 1 lead with two and a half min left.

Hughes is so good with the puck.

and US beats home team Russia to advance to the semis.

Semis are Saturday

USA plays winner of Canada vs Czech republic

Canada losing to the Czech's in the 3rd, that would be a big upset.

Sweden vs Finland in the other Semis.

the national anthem stopped playing part way through due to some kind of technical glitch I assume and many of the Russian fans cheered or laughed (not all, but enough to hear), so the US players started screaming the rest of national anthem at the top of their lungs.

I wonder if anyone noticed this besides me and the NHL network announcers.

I wonder if anyone else is even watching.

lost, so US vs the Czech Republic on Saturday to see who plays for the Gold.

Hughes now tied as tourney leader in points with Cajkovic (the Slovak - who is so impressive).

:)

In comment 13933780 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

:)

If I only reach one person my posting on here is time well spent. LOL.

Your boy Wahlstrom helped his case. He's a 2nd year U18 WJC player, so a lot of the players he's playing against are in next year's draft, but he definitely stood out.

Farabee too. Might have moved himself into the 1st round if he wasn't already there.

.

In comment 13933880 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

.

Really good. Such a smooth skater. Great vision. Good skill guy.

I can see him contributing on the PP in October for whoever drafts him, if not more than that right away.

outside of the big 3 in this draft. Like that he's younger than most too

In comment 13933944 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

outside of the big 3 in this draft. Like that he's younger than most too

I can see him anywhere in the mix from 4 - 8.

Saturday is a big day and more should start becoming clear from then until the draft.

fans are convinced a rebuild needs to take years, not just an off-season, especially when referencing the Bruins.

the Bruins had no really high picks who are contributing. DeBrusk was #14.

They added Pastrnak in 2014 under Chiarelli.

are you telling me their rebuild is McAvoy and DeBrusk?

the Bruins coaching change was bigger than any players they added. It IMO unlocked Marchand and even further helped Pastrnak become one of the best young players in the game.

the line of Pastrnak, Bergeron, and Marchand is probably the best line in the NHL - all were there already. Their second line of Kjreci, Rick Nash, and DeBrusk (only DeBrusk is someone I'd consider part of a rebuild and I like Andersson and Chytil both better than debrusk).

3rd line is Heinen (4th round pick by Chiarelli), Riley Nash and Backes.

their D is Chara, McAvoy, Krug, Miller, Grzelcyk (Chiarelli pick), and McQuaid.

Now the biggest difference is the Rangers don't have Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak, but don't tell me about the Bruins rebuild.

They changed coaches.

No Malkin or Hagelin tonight.

Caps have no excuse this time.

...

In comment 13934974 Route 9 said:

Quote:

...

Ovie missed a wide open net. this game has a great pace.

puts the Caps up 2 - 0, and Hornqvist tips in a Schultz shot to cut it to 2 - 1.

good game, 17 left in the 3rd.

maybe offsodes?

*offsides - nope, tie game.

Crosby throws one on net and I think Guentzel got a piece and Pens score.

they're up 3 - 2 with 12 left.

gut one out, without Malkin or Hagelin.

Murray was incredible in the 3rd.

And Crosby was Crosby.

Can't tell me "he had Malkin and Keseel" he did have Kessel, but he was mostly a non-factor tonight.

LVG an apology. Holy shit, what a debacle for SJS.

In comment 13936581 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

LVG an apology. Holy shit, what a debacle for SJS.

You don't owe them shit. Teams spent a decade building necessary depth to compete for a cup and then for one large buy in they were able to acquire valuable assets from 30 teams in offseason free of charge. It's a complete stain on the league.

Plus they felt the need to gift the penguins Brassard too. Fuck them.

is that good from a skill standpoint, but holy shit they roll 4 lines and bring high energy and a very potent 200 foot game.

they have maybe one 2nd line and 3 3rd lines from a talent standpoint.

Solid D and a goalie I always thought had massive Jekyll and Hyde tendencies. Some games MAF couldn't stop a beach ball, all of a sudden he's Domenik Hasek?

My favorite series starts tonight, NSH vs WIN.

and tomorrow is a HUGE day.

TBL vs BOS
LVG vs SJS game 2

NHL draft lottery

NFL draft rounds 4 - 7.

linked below

a couple good quotes:

Quote:

1. Which teams have the best odds of winning the lottery? The Buffalo Sabres have an 18.5 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick after finishing with the fewest points (62) in the NHL this season. The last time the Sabres selected No. 1 was 1987, when they chose center Pierre Turgeon. The Ottawa Senators finished with the second-fewest points (67) and have a 13.5 percent chance of winning. The Senators have chosen No. 1 three times, selecting forward Alexandre Daigle in 1993, defenseman Bryan Berard in 1995, and defenseman Chris Phillips in 1996. The Arizona Coyotes have the third-best odds at 11.5 percent, followed by the Montreal Canadiens (9.5 percent), the Detroit Red Wings (8.5 percent), the Vancouver Canucks (7.5 percent), the Chicago Blackhawks (6.5 percent), the New York Rangers (6.0 percent), the Edmonton Oilers (5.0 percent), the New York Islanders (3.5 percent), the Carolina Hurricanes (3.0 percent), the Islanders with a pick acquired from the Calgary Flames (2.5 percent), the Dallas Stars (2.0 percent), the St. Louis Blues (1.5 percent), and the Florida Panthers (1.0 percent).

Quote:

2. How confident should Buffalo fans be with having the best odds of winning the lottery? If history is any guide, not very. Of the past six lottery drawings, the team that finished last in points won the draft lottery once. That was in 2016, when the Toronto Maple Leafs, with a 20.0 percent chance of winning, got the No. 1 pick and selected center Auston Matthews. The Sabres finished last in 2013-14 and 2014-15, but the Panthers (Aaron Ekblad, 2014) and Oilers (Connor McDavid, 2015) won the lottery. The No. 1 pick has gone to the team with the fewest points seven times in 23 previous lottery drawings.

Quote:

3. Who are the top prospects teams are hoping to select with their winning lottery picks? Dahlin, a 6-foot-2, 181-pound left-shot defenseman, is No. 1 in NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of International skaters eligible for the draft. He's likely to be the first Sweden-born player selected No. 1 since forward Mats Sundin by the Quebec Nordiques in 1989. Dahlin had 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists), a plus-4 rating, 30 hits, 36 blocked shots and 84 shots on goal in 41 games for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League. The 18-year-old was named the best defenseman at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship after he had six assists and a plus-7 rating in seven games to help Sweden win the silver medal. Right wing Andrei Svechnikov (6-2, 188) of Barrie in the Ontario Hockey League could be chosen No. 2. Svechnikov, No. 1 in Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters, had 72 points (40 goals, 32 assists), 174 shots on goal and was plus-26 in 44 games. That includes a run of 58 points (30 goals, 28 assists) in 34 games after returning Dec. 8 from a hand injury that sidelined him 17 games. Players who also could go in the top five include left wing Brady Tkachuk (6-3, 196) of Boston University in Hockey East; right wing Filip Zadina (6-0, 195) of Halifax in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League; defenseman Evan Bouchard (6-2, 193) of London (OHL); defenseman Noah Dobson (6-3, 180) of Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL); defenseman Quintin Hughes (5-9, 170) of the University of Michigan in the Big Ten; and defenseman Adam Boqvist (5-11, 168) of Brynas in the Swedish junior league.

Link - ( New Window )

game is living up to the hype, fast pace, hard hitting, steady goalies (so far).

bangs one home to break a scoreless tie.

WIN 1 - 0.

outshot 15 - 3, but leading on the scoreboard.

a theme in these playoffs.

buries one to make it 2 - 0 Jets.

They are so deep.

Byfuglien is a monster out there. He's got to be over 250 pounds.

getting some home cooking from the refs.

and Johanssen misses an open net on the PP and forsberg hit a post.

Schiefele goes the other way and scores 3 - 0 Jets with 2 min left int he 2nd.

Jets being outshot 35 - 14.

Rinne yanked.

Sure it's 3 goals on 14 shots, I don't think any were softies.

has really developed into an elite goalie. I don't see him enough.

Wish there was NHL players in the Olympics, he could have helped the US.

at 10:30AM in the semis of the U18 WJC on NHLN.

TBL vs BOS at 3PM

then LVG vs SJS at 8PM

I'll miss USA probably DVR it. also miss most of TBL vs BOS and probably DVR that too.

.

In comment 13942517 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

.

of course how could I forget. I'm dreading this.

I just want MTL to not drop too much. Dahlin is unlikely, but just don't drop too much.

the picks will be announced during the LVG vs SJS games (in between periods?)

to get to the gold medal game.

USA leading the Czech's 1 - 0 midway through the 1st.

Surprise, Hughes from Wahlstrom and Farabee.

Now I'm out.

In comment 13942555 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

the picks will be announced during the LVG vs SJS games (in between periods?)

4-15 will be durin*the pregame, the top 3 revealed during one of the intermissions

.

Probably to one of the islanders picks.

Hallmark of the Dolan era - zero lottery luck.

going for the gold tomorrow at 10:30 AM.

Hughes line dominated. USA won 4 - 1. Wahlstrom missed a PS or it would have been worse.

Hughes (2019 draft) looks like a better Eichel and Wahlstrom and Farabee (2018) have improved their draft position to me as well.

bos 2 - tb 1

pace in this second period.

Boston had a goal waived off b/c of penalty, huge turn of events. Couldn't tell real time if it was a good call or not.

two goals, NYR fingerprints all over this series.

not sure I'd call that a penalty, they were giving it to each other. but I've seen worse called.

rips one off the post and in, 3 - 1 Bruins.

two goals for Nash.

3-2

had his blade broken on that. Not sure I've ever seen that.

tough luck.

needs to rethink his strategy of Palat, Point and Johnson vs Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak.

B's top line a combined plus 12 with 3 goals and 8 assists.

Lightning line: 1 assist and a combined minus 12.

Habs, Sabres, Hurricanes top 3.

Worst case Zadina or Svechnikov, best case Dahlin.

The rangers move fucking back a spot. Carolina leaps us .

I give up. Never ends with dolans luck

Mike Morreale
‏Verified account @mikemorrealeNHL
54s54 seconds ago

4-OTT
5-ARZ
6-DET
7-VAN
8-CHI
9-NYR
10-EDM
11-NYI
12-NYI
13-DAL
14-PHI
15-FLA


Top 10 is where you want to be in this draft and you get a great player.

To consider a reload this summer with kovy and others.

I don't think they have any choice but to full scale rebuild now. Trade zuccs, maybe Hayes and shattenkirk. We need to be in the top 3 of next years draft (which I'm sure we'll lose position yet again anyway )

I read that Walhstrom moved up and the biggest mover is Jesperi Kotkaniemi of Finland, he's looked great.

These two square off tomorrow at 10:30 AM in the gold medal game for the U18 worlds.

Next week is the men's worlds and it is a must watch for draft fans. not only will it include several draft eligible players like Dahlin it will include recently drafted players like Chytil and Mete.

I'll post that schedule during the week, I think it starts Thursday.

while I get they don't want to encourage tanking, a truly bad team should have a better than 18% chance at the #1 spot.

Colorado had 48 freaking points last year and picked 4th.

This year's worst team had 62 points.

Need to find a way to avoid rewarding tanking while still providing fairness.

with write-ups

You will see Kotkamieni at #19, a lot of other people have him top 5. That's how much of a jump he's taken.

Quote:

1. Rasmus Dahlin, D, 6-foot-2, 181 ounds (Frolunda, SHL): He�s a one-man band and has essentially made this draft a 2-31 affair. 2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, 6-foot-2, 188 pounds (Barrie, OHL): OHL Rookie of the Year is quite an honour considering he played in just 44 regular season games, or roughly two-thirds of the season. He can impact the game in several areas. He has size and is incredibly dedicated to the craft. 3. Filip Zadina, RW, 6-foot, 195 pounds (Halifax, QMJHL): His innate ability to score goals is translatable in that he knows where to go to get into scoring position. Zadina has pro bloodlines and answered every task asked of him all season in a variety of events. 4. Brady Tkachuk, LW, 6-foot-3, 196 pounds (Boston University, NCAA): All of the elements are in place to become a producing power forward who is responsible enough to play in all situations. Oh, and he�ll be good at drawing the opposition�s attention, too. 5. Adam Boqvist, D, 5-foot-11, 168 pounds (Brynas Jr, Sweden): Much is made about the new-age defenceman and no doubt he fits that bill, but it�s his goal scoring ability that separates him from the crowd. 6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, 6-foot, 205 pounds (USNTDP): Everything we�ve heard all season long was confirmed with a stellar U-18 performance. He can score and score in bunches. 7. Noah Dobson, D, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds (Acadie-Bathurst, QMJHL): Playoff point production is down, but that doesn�t mean he hasn�t been effective. An all-around game that is good at the junior level, but has so much room to grow. 8. Evan Bouchard, D, 6-foot-2, 193 pounds (London, OHL): Did more than enough in the regular season to earn his meteoric rise up everyone�s list. He thinks the game well well, shoots the puck a ton, and is as strong as an ox, which will allow him to log big minutes down the road. 9. Quinn Hughes, D, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds (University of Michigan, NCAA): There�s no denying his play with the puck. He has power play QB potential because of elite puck poise and puck-moving abilities. 10. Barrett Hayton, C, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL): Continues to improve on a daily basis, he has undercover skill and is world-class when it comes to character. He�s a top-15 pick all day, but is helped by a weaker centre crop. 11. Joel Farabee, LW, 5-foot-11, 164 pounds (USNTDP): Perfect combination of work ethic, production and character. He will have to add to his slight frame. 12. Ty Smith, D, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds (Spokane, WHL): Class and character best describe Canada�s U-18 captain. Smith performed well for Spokane in the playoffs before heading overseas. One of the best skaters in the draft he has a never ending thirst to improve. 13. Joe Veleno, C, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds (Drummondville, QMJHL): Got back on track after being moved to Drummondville. He�s never performed at �exceptional player� levels, but he�s played well at every calling and should end up being a solid pick. 14. Bode Wilde, D, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds (USNTDP): Big shot, wild pony who is a bit risky even for those who enjoy the new-aged defencemen. Uses size to add bite to his game. 15. Serron Noel, RW, 6-foot-5, 205 pounds (Oshawa, OHL): A player who saves his best for games, Noel has everything required to be a power forward at the next level. It�s the rawness that speaks to a high ceiling.

I only pasted top 15.

For the Rangers second pick I like Mattias Samuelsson. He's Kjell Samuelsson's son.

I wasn't sure about him until the worlds, and now I'm convinced he can be a top 4 D. Great size, great leadership and poise, great shot, not much offense yet, but steady in his own zone and doesn't get flustered.

He is team USA U18 captain.

Here is his write up:

Quote:

20. Mattias Samuelsson, D, 6-foot-3, 217 pounds (USNTDP): There�s lots of room in the game for someone who is adept on the defensive side of the puck, with leadership capabilities and unearthed offensive upside.

Link - ( New Window )

a history of pick 9, that is where MTL got Sergachev a few years ago.

Quote:

Adam Herman ‏Verified account @AdamZHerman 24s24 seconds ago Here's a recent history of the 9th overall pick at the NHL draft, via HockeyDB. Roughly 25% of them have become legitimate stars in the NHL, with a few more being really good players but not quite star status.

have 3 1sts.

They have a lot of options here.

moved up just one spot, pick 3rd.

Dahlin will bea Sabre.

Hurricanes pick #2. If they get Zadina he'll be playing along side his teammate Martin Necas.

That's some good youth.

high they'll try and trade up if this is true.

Quote:

Larry Brooks ‏ @NYP_Brooksie 13s13 seconds ago From Toronto: Rangers fall to 9th after lottery but Gorton implies club will attempt to trade up; plus GM talks (barely) about coaching search and acknowledges contact with Kovalchuk rep. https://nyp.st/2JyN5jQ via @nypostsports

In comment 13944459 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

have 3 1sts. They have a lot of options here.

Yes but just based on how teams look so far it'll end up #27 and #31... and no second number 1 pick if Tampa loses. Just another shitty lottery result in what is par for the course for MSG since 1985.

Carolina could really use hank next year. They are primed to make a deep run with what they have - he'll they've been one of the more physical, time possession teams for a while now... but they have had the leagues worst goaltending for a while now too.

...

In comment 13944459 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

have 3 1sts. They have a lot of options here.

pj, can you refresh me as to where the other firsts came from?

anything on Vegas being robbed.
Good lord, this goalie interference is non sense.

In comment 13944733 chopperhatch said:

Quote:

In comment 13944459 pjcas18 said: Quote: have 3 1sts. They have a lot of options here. pj, can you refresh me as to where the other firsts came from?

1 was their own, 1 came from TB in the McDonagh/Miller trade and 1 from Boston in the Nash trade.

they also got a conditional 1st in 2019 from TB.

In comment 13944881 Rover said:

Quote:

anything on Vegas being robbed. Good lord, this goalie interference is non sense.

Fell asleep before OT, figures.

Didn't see the goalie interference, but consistently goalie interference and offsides reviews suck.

after 1. 2 Finland PP goals.

2nd period to start soon on NHLN.

flat out dominating the 2nd, finally ties it up.

2 - 2 almost halfway through the 2nd.

From espn article

Quote:

Teams outside the top eight. The general feeling about the 2018 NHL draft is that the top eight picks will yield significant players, but there's a drop in impact after that. Which is why as good as it is that the New York Islanders have back-to-back picks in the draft -- thanks to the Calgary Flames giving up a first-rounder for Travis Hamonic in an ill-begotten move -- it's a bummer neither of them are in the top eight.

and rumors are the Canadiens want to move down (of course they do). They want to stay top 10. If the Rangers offer 9 and their 2 later 1sts maybe they work out a trade to get to 3.

I'd take Zadina and run to the podium, but I've read the Canadiens love Kotkaniemi and consider him a true #1 C. Not many others do though.

I've seen enough to say Jack Hughes may end up in the Elite can't miss prospect status.

He's that good. Seeing him play against older competition pretty much convinced me.

If the US wins, he'll become I believe the only player to win gold at U17 and lead the tourney in scoring and win gold at the U18 and lead the tourney in scoring.

USA coach is really leaning on him Wahlstrom and Farabee right now, shortened the bench for the first time all tourney (gold medal game makes sense).

I said yesterday Hughes reminds me of a better Eichel. He really does. so good with the puck, great vision, and he back checks well.

controlling play in the 3rd. Just came off a PP, and solid zone time and good looks. US goalie (Spencer Knight) mostly responsible for keeping it tied.

defenseman shoots into the Fins pads and they score a SH goal.

the guy I mentioned above the Canadiens want (Kotkaniemi) blocked the shot and set up the SH goal.

In comment 13945251 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

From espn article Quote: Teams outside the top eight. The general feeling about the 2018 NHL draft is that the top eight picks will yield significant players, but there's a drop in impact after that. Which is why as good as it is that the New York Islanders have back-to-back picks in the draft -- thanks to the Calgary Flames giving up a first-rounder for Travis Hamonic in an ill-begotten move -- it's a bummer neither of them are in the top eight.

I don't buy that. There isn't even a consensus among draft people on who that top 8 is. So I don't see how anybody can definitively say there's a clear top 8 and then a drop off. I've seen lists with Quinn Hughes as high as 5th and as low as 12th.

If they get someone like Hughes or Wahlstrom at 9 they'll have done very well

gold, US silver. no shame. Finland was really good.

US dominated the 2nd, but the Fins were equal or better other periods.

missed an empty net as time was winding down.

he missed a few of them, played great, but missed some gimmes.

In comment 13945425 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

In comment 13945251 MetsAreBack said: Quote: From espn article Quote: Teams outside the top eight. The general feeling about the 2018 NHL draft is that the top eight picks will yield significant players, but there's a drop in impact after that. Which is why as good as it is that the New York Islanders have back-to-back picks in the draft -- thanks to the Calgary Flames giving up a first-rounder for Travis Hamonic in an ill-begotten move -- it's a bummer neither of them are in the top eight. I don't buy that. There isn't even a consensus among draft people on who that top 8 is. So I don't see how anybody can definitively say there's a clear top 8 and then a drop off. I've seen lists with Quinn Hughes as high as 5th and as low as 12th. If they get someone like Hughes or Wahlstrom at 9 they'll have done very well

I agree with Kyle. I'm not a scout, but I think this draft is really more like 15 deep than 8 deep.

Of course you're not going to draft Connor McDavid 8th, but I think this year's #8 could be better than Lias Andersson who I like a lot.

worlds start next week, and then the combine, still time for movement.

I think the Rangers can come away with a top 6 forward and top 4 D with their first two picks.

8th with 9th.

That goal is clear as Day and I hate Pittsburgh but I guess they needed this series 1-1

In comment 13945826 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

That goal is clear as Day and I hate Pittsburgh but I guess they needed this series 1-1

Have no idea what they were looking at... that said, fuck the Pens. Crosby�s gotten enough calls over the years

So decisions like this are no longer left in hands of morons with an agenda. Clear as day goal - not only common sense as it went behind holtbys pads but you could see white in the replay too.

need some technology.

sort of reinforces the need for tech if it is
Need a clear overhead view even though it looks clear - ( New Window )

Sinking his team yet again.

In comment 13946013 NYerInMA said:

Quote:

Sinking his team yet again.

not getting much help from his teammates.

In comment 13945836 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

So decisions like this are no longer left in hands of morons with an agenda. Clear as day goal - not only common sense as it went behind holtbys pads but you could see white in the replay too.

To my very biased Caps fan eyes, I think that bit of white you see is a very tiny sliver of ice that�s on top of the goal line and not behind it and the edge of the puck is touching that sliver of ice so the puck clearly did not go all the way over the line, amirite?

A gift but I�ll take it because... hockey.

...

In comment 13946089 Route 9 said:

Quote:

...

This wasn�t a waved off goal. It was not called a goal by the refs on the ice nor by the goal judge. If it had been called a goal, that call would have stood because the video certainly wouldn�t have shown conclusive evidence that it wasn�t a goal.

...

great game.

In NSH

is wild. Jesus Christ.

frenetic pace most of that OT, great game.

During the intermission? Nice

... for unfortunate hit on Pens Brian Dumoulin per ESPN.

Link - ( New Window )

.

how Kadri gets 3 games and Wilson gets none.

I'd be fine with neither getting anything and letting the players take care of it, but if Kadri gets suspended for 3, how does Wilson not even get 1? Wilson's hit looked worse to me.

Fantastic series so far

In comment 13947553 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

how Kadri gets 3 games and Wilson gets none. I'd be fine with neither getting anything and letting the players take care of it, but if Kadri gets suspended for 3, how does Wilson not even get 1? Wilson's hit looked worse to me.

Their rationale was that Dumoulin stopped and turned into Wilson and that was a major contributor to the severity of the hit and Wilson couldn�t avoid it. I�m happy there�s no suspension and I do think they got it right, but I wouldn�t have complained if one had been issued, especially considering Wilson�s history. I didn�t see Kadri�s hit.

move into this hit unnaturally IMO.

I don't think Wilson needs to be suspended for the hit as much as the league needs to be consistent.
Link to video about halfway down - ( New Window )

owner is doing.

fires Ron Francis, Nieuwendyk resigns and they're interviewing Rick Dudley (Canadiens assistant GM)?

Please take him.

I'd make that trade any day (though obviously I know that wouldn't work that way. Francis has been good there I thought, I like their youth (on D especially, but man if you haven't seen Necas yet you will) and they have a good pipeline.

7:00.

Lightning have apparently banned all Bruins gear from their club seats.

If people try and sneak any it will be taken away and returned to them after the game.

I hope this is a joke.

In comment 13948040 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

7:00. Lightning have apparently banned all Bruins gear from their club seats. If people try and sneak any it will be taken away and returned to them after the game. I hope this is a joke.

Nope. They�ve done it in past years, too. The Tampa area has always had a bad case of �little brother� syndrome.

in Tampa. Lightning dominated got a PP goal on a questionable slashing call that resulted in a PP, then killed of a 5 on 3, and then had a defensive lapse and gave up the tying goal.

was doing there, but TB takes the lead, 2 - 1 in a rare wide open sequence of back and forth offensive chances.

a break that these penalties evened out.

In comment 13948318 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

a break that these penalties evened out.

Agree. Been an entertaining game.

.

turnover in the neutral zone leads to TB goal.

Still no Stamkos, Miller or Kucherov, but TB up 3 - 1

In comment 13948390 tony stg said:

Quote:

.

Boston can score quick, I definitely don't think this is over.

soft goal and now it's 3 - 2 with a lot of time left.

In comment 13948393 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13948390 tony stg said: Quote: . Boston can score quick, I definitely don't think this is over.

Yep... silly me!

it's over. Lightning 2nd line redeems thsmelves.

JT MIller sets up Kucherov and Stamkos with gimmes to no avail.

Plus he's been physical.

... considering how horribly Rask played.

In comment 13948424 tony stg said:

Quote:

... considering how horribly Rask played.

It was really just that one goal, he has moments like that every game or two.

Otherwise he was really good IMO.

Enjoyed �watching� the game with you.

In comment 13948429 tony stg said:

Quote:

Enjoyed �watching� the game with you.

right back at you buddy.

Good luck tomorrow, big game, need to get one in PIT if you have any hopes.

which start Thursday.

Biggest surprise is no Dahlin. Not THAT surprising when you think about it, more NHL players get interested in this, since they couldn't play in the Olympics.

here are some notables for the fans of teams on here:

NYR:
Kreider (USA)
Buchnevich (Russia)
Lias Andersson (Sweden)
Filip Chytil (Czech Republic)
Mika Zibanejad (Sweden)
Pionk (USA)


NYI:
Pulock (Canada)
Eberle (Canada)
Bailey (Canada)
Barzal (Canada)
Beauvillier (Canada)
Seidenberg (Germany)
Lee (USA)

MTL:
De La Rose (Sweden)
Lindgren (USA)
Mete (Canada)

Some other notes:

Quinn Hughes (2018 draft eligible) is on Team USA.

Both NYI and NYR Russian goalies (Sorokin and Shestyorkin respectively) on team Russia.

Canada is loaded: McDavid, Ekblad, Parayko, Barzal, Schenn - not a fan of their goalies.

US has a lot of talent too with Kane, Gaudreau, Larkin, etc.

Russia really good, Datsyuk is on the roster, not sure if he'll play though.

And so everyone knows, A LOT of players turns this down. Guys like Drouin (Canada), Galchenyuk (USA), Gallagher (Canada), Price (Canada), Matthews (USA) and more all said no.

It was rumored that Lundqvist was going to play for Sweden, he wanted to play with his brother who is captain, but I don't see him on the roster.

Good hockey if you can catch it and for some fans like Rangers fans, you get a good look at your prospects against good competition. Not as compelling without as many draft eligibles as they once expected.

because of the knee injury that he played through all season. He was there last season when they won gold

In comment 13948821 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

because of the knee injury that he played through all season. He was there last season when they won gold

Might have been last year that I saw that (LOL), I don't even see his brother on the roster this year.

In comment 13948040 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

7:00. Lightning have apparently banned all Bruins gear from their club seats. If people try and sneak any it will be taken away and returned to them after the game. I hope this is a joke.

Tampa's pulled this shit for years. I remember it being a story when the Rangers played them in the ECF in 2015.

Gaudreau and Kreider play together again. I bet Kreider will love this tournament (if he plays with either Gaudreau or Kane).

Both playmakers, Gaudreau more so, but as much as I like JT Miller, he's not in this class. I don't think Kreider has played with anyone on the Rangers in this class from a skill/creativity standpoint.

why they have PIT vs WAS and NSH vs WIN on at the same time pretty much.

Both of these series are awesome.

He�ll certainly get suspended now.

.

he's got size and speed and enough skill to be a legit 3rd line player, 2nd line on some teams but he's so undisciplined.

turned in another quality start for the class A Pirates affiliate. 8 Ks in 5 innings, 1BB, 3 hits, 3 runs (2 earned). Fun being able to listen in when he pitches.

back from a 3 - 0 deficit to take a 4 - 3 lead.

Byfuglien is just playing great right now.

Turns over pucks like no ones business.

Curse may be broken for Caps

try and make a backhand pass from the blue line.

and Ovie so clutch makes them pay.

Caps 4 - 3 late.

.

In comment 13950010 dep026 said:

Quote:

Curse may be broken for Caps

It's only the second round.

Byfuglien has to be in the discussion for Conn Smythe (to this point).

Pastrnak, Ovie, Crosby, Guentzel, the whole Vegas team, and Byfuglien.

In comment 13950005 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

back from a 3 - 0 deficit to take a 4 - 3 lead.

You could say they....

turned on the jets.

No matter how deserving he may be, I hope he gets zero votes.

In comment 13950439 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

No matter how deserving he may be, I hope he gets zero votes.

I hate him too, but he's playing at an elite level right now.

The Jets might be the most fun team to watch since the '80s. With all that size and speed and skill, they are something else.

In comment 13950452 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

The Jets might be the most fun team to watch since the '80s. With all that size and speed and skill, they are something else.

Agree. And I posted a graphic earlier (probably in this thread) they have zero free agents signings. Their entire depth chart is built through the draft and trades.

in a round about way, Byfuglien was traded by the Black Hawks to the Jets (Thrashers) for Kevin Hayes (plus more).

Play by Wilson, poor game by Murray.

TBL vs BOS, first game in Boston - 7PM. Love this series so far. Surprised that it seems TB has been the more physical team. Paquette is a wrecking ball.

Lightning top line yet to show up through 2 games.

LVG vs SJS game 4 tonight in SJS, LVG up 2 - 1. Marc Andre-Fleury has turned into Dominik Hasek and Gallant runs 4 robotic lines out there with solid to very good group of D and they're a steamroller. Will it end?

In comment 13950430 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 13950010 dep026 said: Quote: Curse may be broken for Caps It's only the second round.

They haven't been past the second round in 20 years.

1997�98 Lost Stanley Cup Finals to Detroit Red Wings, 0�4
1998�99 Did not qualify
1999�2000 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Pittsburgh Penguins 1�4
2000�01 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 2�4
2001�02 Did not qualify
2002�03 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Tampa Bay Lightning, 2�4
2003�04 Did not qualify
2004-5 (no season - lockout)
2005�06 Did not qualify
2006�07 Did not qualify
2007�08 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Philadelphia Flyers, 3�4
2008�09 Lost Conference Semifinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 3�4
2009�10 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Montreal Canadiens, 3�4
2010�11 Lost Conference Semifinals to Tampa Bay Lightning, 0�4
2011�12 Lost Conference Semifinals to New York Rangers, 3�4
2012�13 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to New York Rangers, 3�4
2013�14 Did not qualify
2014�15 Lost Second Round to New York Rangers, 3�4[30]
2015�16 Lost Second Round to Pittsburgh Penguins, 2�4[31]
2016�17 Lost Second Round to Pittsburgh Penguins, 3�4

In comment 13950810 RobCarpenter said:

Quote:

In comment 13950430 Greg from LI said: Quote: In comment 13950010 dep026 said: Quote: Curse may be broken for Caps It's only the second round. They haven't been past the second round in 20 years. 1997�98 Lost Stanley Cup Finals to Detroit Red Wings, 0�4 1998�99 Did not qualify 1999�2000 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Pittsburgh Penguins 1�4 2000�01 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 2�4 2001�02 Did not qualify 2002�03 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Tampa Bay Lightning, 2�4 2003�04 Did not qualify 2004-5 (no season - lockout) 2005�06 Did not qualify 2006�07 Did not qualify 2007�08 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Philadelphia Flyers, 3�4 2008�09 Lost Conference Semifinals to Pittsburgh Penguins, 3�4 2009�10 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Montreal Canadiens, 3�4 2010�11 Lost Conference Semifinals to Tampa Bay Lightning, 0�4 2011�12 Lost Conference Semifinals to New York Rangers, 3�4 2012�13 Lost Conference Quarterfinals to New York Rangers, 3�4 2013�14 Did not qualify 2014�15 Lost Second Round to New York Rangers, 3�4[30] 2015�16 Lost Second Round to Pittsburgh Penguins, 2�4[31] 2016�17 Lost Second Round to Pittsburgh Penguins, 3�4

I�m certainly aware of this. :-(

Thought they had made an ECF sometime in the early Ovechkin years. Eh....still don't think they'd get past either the Bruins or the Lightning.

for the East.

To be fair though I'm almost always wrong.

Quote:

New York Rangers ‏Verified account @NYRangers 32m32 minutes ago OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with free agent forward Michael Lindqvist. Lindqvist, 23, skated in 33 games with F�rjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League this past season, registering 20 goals and 14 assists for 34 points.

In comment 13950908 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Thought they had made an ECF sometime in the early Ovechkin years. Eh....still don't think they'd get past either the Bruins or the Lightning.

They can't beat the Penguins in the playoffs. They are 1-9 and the last time they beat them was 1994.

Needless to say Game 4 is huge.

I wonder what the verdict on Tom Wilson will be. I'm not sure he escapes a suspension.

gets a game.

One thing about these playoffs that got worse from the regular season is the refs with the faceoffs.

drop the f-ing puck. I can't tell why people are being kicked out half the time, and I read many of the players/coaches don't know either (though that could be some gamesmanship)

In comment 13951364 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

gets a game.

I agree. I�m a Caps fan, but before that I�m a human being and you can�t condone the level of recklessness Wilson showed last night after the borderline hit he made in game 2. Taken separately, neither hit warrants a suspension (probably), taken together I think they do.

get a bounce and Palat beats Rask top shelf, Lightning 1 - 0.

kicked out of faceoff for now obvious reason, Lightning win draw, Hedman shot redirects in off Krug's skate.

2 - 0 Lightning.

I'll take it.

cut the lead in half with a Bergeron PP goal.

that PP is crazy good. TB power play hasn't shown much yet.

TB first line is still invisible. Even on the PP.

(Miller) caught watching Cirelli in front of the net, Rask not playing great, TB scores to go up 3 - 1.

Quote:

NHL Player Safety ‏Verified account @NHLPlayerSafety Washington�s Tom Wilson suspended three games for an illegal check to the head on Pittsburgh�s Zach Aston-Reese.

In comment 13951674 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Quote: NHL Player Safety ‏Verified account @NHLPlayerSafety Washington�s Tom Wilson suspended three games for an illegal check to the head on Pittsburgh�s Zach Aston-Reese.

I can�t complain too much. I was hoping for 1 game, was figuring 2. Time to suck it up.

head shot punishments.

They talk CTE with the NFL all the time, but they examined the brains of some deceased NHL players, and every single one had CTE.

really giving the Bruins fits all game.

Final minute, Bruins down 2.

for Stamkos to ice it.

first line shows up, LOL.

evens up that series with a dominant 4 - 0 win.

Back to LVG for game 5 tomorrow.

list is updated.

Not many surprises, this is not central scouting, many in Habs land still saying Kotkaniemi is the pick for them at 3.

Rasmus Dahlin (D)
Andrei Svechnikov (RW)
Filip Zadina (LW)
Brady Tkachuk (C/LW)
Oliver Wahlstrom (C/RW)
Evan Bouchard (D)
Quinn Hughes (D)
Adam Boqvist (D)
Noah Dobson (D)
Joseph Veleno (C)
Joel Farabee (LW)
Barrett Hayton (C)
Martin Kaut (RW)
Serron Noel (RW)
Rasmus Kupari (C)
Jesperi Kotkaniemi (C)
Adam Ginning (D)
Grigori Denisenko (LW)
Ty Smith (D)
Isac Lundestr�m (C/LW)
Jared McIsaac (D)
Benoit-Olivier Groulx (C)
Bode Wilde (D)
Alexander Alexeyev (D)
Jacob Bernard-Docker (D)
Ryan McLeod (C)
Akil Thomas (C)
Dominik Bokk (RW)
Kirill Marchenko (LW)
Jonatan Berggren (C/RW)
Mattias Samuelsson (D)

Quote:

Grant McCagg ‏ @grantmccagg Recrutes latest mock draft is up - a lot of pondering went into this one let me tell you...tough to pass on Zadina...but life sometimes leaves you with tough choices: - https://recrutes.ca/

Recrutes mock draft - ( New Window )

not sure why, but he's been one of their better players IMO.

In his absence, Ryan Donato slots in to the 2nd line with Krejci and Nash.

No Marchand either, but that would be less concerning if I were a Bruins fan, probably just a maintenance day or rest day for Marchand. Playoffs are a grind.

was none other than Brian Leetch. Hope it works out the same way this time.

Should have been a penalty for a trip, unreal.

that goal on whatever you want, but it was mostly Maatta's fault and Ovie's insane skill.

even if Wilson doesn't trip Maatta, it's still likely a 2 on 1.

called a penalty at best 50/50.

In comment 13952616 Rover said:

Quote:

Should have been a penalty for a trip, unreal.

No one cares, GoldenTee. When the Penguins lose, the saints smile.

especially since many scouts I read feel like Kyle and have Tkachuk 5 - 7.

Quote:

NHL Prospects Watcher ‏ @Prospects_Watch Button says Brady Tkachuk will be ranked 3rd on his final list, says people don�t take the fact that he played in the NCAA into consideration when they look at his numbers, says if he played in the CHL, his numbers would�ve looked more dominating.

crushes Crosby to end a scoreless first.

I don't think some people realize how unique Ovechkin is. Forget the goal scoring if you want, when he wants to play physical, he's like a tank.

era adjusted he's probably scoring goals at a near Gretzky level IMO.

and Gretzky was pure finesse, Oveckhin can slack a little with the 200 foot game (more when he was younger), but he's upped his game lately.

I'm going to miss these Caps Pens series when Ovie and Crosby are gone. Sometimes I think they really hate each other.

takes advantage of a broken stick to stay on fire and put the pens up 1 - 0.

Mostly set up by Crosby.

Guentzel seems like a rare player who does much better in the post-season (consistently) than the regular season.

how Backstrom got that pass to Oshie.

Looks like there was no space, but Backstrom with a little saucer pass and an Oshie one-timer on the PP ties the game.

...

In comment 13953538 dep026 said:

Quote:

...

yep, replay worked. this time.

Orpik pushed Hornqvist into Holtby.

In comment 13953471 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

crushes Crosby to end a scoreless first. I don't think some people realize how unique Ovechkin is. Forget the goal scoring if you want, when he wants to play physical, he's like a tank. era adjusted he's probably scoring goals at a near Gretzky level IMO. and Gretzky was pure finesse, Oveckhin can slack a little with the 200 foot game (more when he was younger), but he's upped his game lately. I'm going to miss these Caps Pens series when Ovie and Crosby are gone. Sometimes I think they really hate each other.

They do hate each other.

Third period should be a dog fight. Let�s go Caps.

too many men penalty.

and it was a while too that the Caps had 7 skaters on the ice.

looked like Oshie pummeled Letang. If any of those punches connected.

If Oshie connects that's a 3 game suspension. He launched himself and left his feet at letang.

Just because he missed - so what. And millbury I don't give a shit if the recipient is a tough guy. That should absolutely be a one game suspension.

In comment 13953630 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

If Oshie connects that's a 3 game suspension. He launched himself and left his feet at letang. Just because he missed - so what. And millbury I don't give a shit if the recipient is a tough guy. That should absolutely be a one game suspension.

definitely a penalty IMO, not sure I think it warrants a suspension unless he connected to the head. But I wouldn't argue either way.

...

I think the series goes to 7 games and the Caps choke yet again. Ugh.

... moved my son back home from his college dorm tonight. Probably glad I missed this one.

In comment 13953669 tony stg said:

Quote:

... moved my son back home from his college dorm tonight. Probably glad I missed this one.

It was a really really good game. Washington probably outplayed them as a whole. Second pens goal was eerily similar to game 2 but they had a better angle.

In comment 13953639 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13953630 MetsAreBack said: Quote: If Oshie connects that's a 3 game suspension. He launched himself and left his feet at letang. Just because he missed - so what. And millbury I don't give a shit if the recipient is a tough guy. That should absolutely be a one game suspension. definitely a penalty IMO, not sure I think it warrants a suspension unless he connected to the head. But I wouldn't argue either way.

But why does connecting matter. He threw himself and launched with all his might at letang's head. Just because letang braced himself in a split second shouldn't change a sentence. That should IMO be a one game suspension.

I thought the Jets were going to blow them out of the building tonight, but they played terrific.

In comment 13953738 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 13953639 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 13953630 MetsAreBack said: Quote: If Oshie connects that's a 3 game suspension. He launched himself and left his feet at letang. Just because he missed - so what. And millbury I don't give a shit if the recipient is a tough guy. That should absolutely be a one game suspension. definitely a penalty IMO, not sure I think it warrants a suspension unless he connected to the head. But I wouldn't argue either way. But why does connecting matter. He threw himself and launched with all his might at letang's head. Just because letang braced himself in a split second shouldn't change a sentence. That should IMO be a one game suspension.

Just my opinion...and keep in mind I generally don't land on the side of player safety other than for head shots.

So the way I look at it is, there's no such thing as an attempt to hit someone in the head. Either you do or you don't. Leaving your feet in an of itself on a hit is a simple charging penalty, but it could warrant worse IMO if and only if, the player being hit gets hit high (head) or with a high stick.

Oshie left his feet and should have received a charging penalty, but the game was over so the refs probably let it go.

I don't think it warrants a suspension.

But like I said I wouldn't argue with someone who does.

doesn't sound like letang feels it was a big deal based on his comments and he was very vocal about Wilson. Which is semi-ironic since Letang had been one of the dirtiest players in the league for a while.

In comment 13953744 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

I thought the Jets were going to blow them out of the building tonight, but they played terrific.

Rinne maybe gets Brett off his back for a day, he had a great game and Subban, who I thought had been mediocre, also had a great game, offensively and physically.

Shut out a powerhouse offense until a 6 on 4 goal with 50 seconds in the game. Very, very impressive performance.

in a near must-win tonight. So dominant game 1, and thoroughly outplayed games 2 and 3.

The most concerning thing for BOS IMO should be that the TB 1st line of Kucherov, Stamkos, and Miller haven't really shown up yet.

Even on the PP. Stamkos had an ENG last game, but I don't think that line even has any points otherwise.

Also LVG vs SJS game 5. Game 5 at home for LVG is so critical in a 2-2 series (at least psychologically).

Hop they lose.

*hope* they lose

In comment 13953675 dep026 said:

Quote:

In comment 13953669 tony stg said: Quote: ... moved my son back home from his college dorm tonight. Probably glad I missed this one. It was a really really good game. Washington probably outplayed them as a whole. Second pens goal was eerily similar to game 2 but they had a better angle.

No they didn't, not even close.
Caps had 3 shots in period 3.

In comment 13953630 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

If Oshie connects that's a 3 game suspension. He launched himself and left his feet at letang. Just because he missed - so what. And millbury I don't give a shit if the recipient is a tough guy. That should absolutely be a one game suspension.

Agreed, someone is going to need to be killed before the oldtimers do anything.

USA beats Canada in the world cup today in a shootout in the opening game for both teams.

The veteran, Cam Atkinson with the shootout winner. He had the US only two goals in the shootout. Eberle the only goal for Canada.

Kreider didn't play with Gaudreau as I had hoped, but he played with Dylan Larkin and those guys were flying.

that's different than the prelim game against Denmark.

Kucherov gets on the board with a PP goal, a sniper shot after Point walked around Chara with some sick skill giving the Bolts a 2- 0 lead, Boston responded with Pastrnak staying hot with a PP goal of his own.

2 - 1 end of 1.

capitalize on another power play and tie it up, both goalie make key saves after the PP goal.

by Marchand I have a problem with. If he gets a game for that I have no issue. But he won't.

licked me, I'm pretty sure I'd be justified to punch them in the face and not get a penalty.

with a shortie to take the lead, then Chara pulls a lougainis and gets the call to take away the rest of the PP and set up a B's PP after the 4v4

this is why we can't have nice things.

by Stamkos, possibly missed penalty on Kucherov, but refs have been awful all game

an incredible pass by JT Miller on that Stamkos goal.

another missed penalty, but at least OT

with the GW?

I didn't see who git it.

I don't care who scored it. ;)

in trouble. Lose both at home and now dropped 3 in a row, to go down 3 - 1 in the series heading back to TB.

Nice redirection, great pinch by McDonagh.

sticking it to Boston.

They broke down the first period and Basically Nash cost them both goals to go down 0-2

Girardi wins the game - the rangers are paying a guy with value for 5 more years because he refused to get traded and Sather had given him a NMC. (Girardi actually got a raise out of his release) Yet Sather is still here with all his blunders.

to the 1st goal, but I'd blame Chara much more. Nash turned it over but Point walked right around Chara.


2nd goal was a ridiculous shot by Kucherov, from outside the faceoff dot. Nash, or anyone can't play him there and he shouldn't score from that angle.

It's what they've been doing with Ovechkin on the PP too, moving him way out wide so the PK wing can't shade over to him enough. if he does, middle is wide open.

I have a hard time blaming Nash for the 2nd goal, 1st goal he definitely contributed to.

And he committed a dumb penalty which led to the 5on-3 which Tampa converted 5-4 when he was just back on ice

At the deadline so rarely pans out. Nash is a really good player and he has produced these playoffs .... but it is so damn hard .., to acclimate to a new team in 1-2 months including playoff games. It usually takes a training camp and then some

spin move on 2 on 2's - tried it at least twice and turned it over into rushes the other way both times. Drives me crazy, maybe it worked when he was 25, but he's not 25. Like I tell my kids, stop, delay, make a play. LOL.

I am a Nash fan, so I like him, and don't necessarily hold him accountable for the two goals, but tonight was not his best game.

has to be suspended at this point. It's so fucking weird that he continues to lick people. He's always been a scumbag but he refuses to stop doing it so just suspend him

In comment 13955117 MookGiants said:

Quote:

has to be suspended at this point. It's so fucking weird that he continues to lick people. He's always been a scumbag but he refuses to stop doing it so just suspend him

agree, this is weird and I've read conflicting reports aout whether the league warned Marchand about it. Either way, I would punch him if he did it to me.

at the World Championships starting now....on NHLN

And borderline suspendable too given he's done it multiple times in the series.

Combine that with the lick - he should definitely sit in game 5

Can't say I'm surprised the nhl isn't doing anything about Oshie's superfly jimmy snooka routine on Letang the other night. Apparently it's only a suspension if you cause damage which of course makes no sense

Hate him, but I have to give it to him. Puts entire teams on tilt, plus he's a legitimate all star.

Avery, Ott, Shaw, Barnaby, Verbeek, Lemieux, Cooke, take your pic. Marchand takes the cake. I'm not old enough to have seen prime Tikkanen or earlier.

I'd put players like Adam Graves and Ciccarelli ahead of Marchand and they both played in an era where you had to drop the gloves a little more to answer for your antics.

But no doubt about it, Marchand is a legit all-star with a ton of skill and an effective pest.

Problem is he doesn't need to be a pest I think it hurts his team not helps it.

4 - 0, Freddie Andersen played well, but US too much.

Solid start in WAS, Pens up 1 - 0 on a shot from the point, but chances both ways.

Pens to the PP.

... now our turn.

so good, blasts one on the PP top shelf.

tied up at 1.

later Caps force a TO with the fore check and score (a softie) again to go up 2 - 1.

... outplayed for just about the entire time but manage to be up by 1? Very fortunate.

wires one off Crosby's hands on the PP, Pens tie it, PP set up by Malkin demonstrating some sick skill forcing a slash.

..

this is playoff hockey.

Pens to the PP, DSP with a dirty play and the refs saw it.

goal for the Pens.

Hornqvist gets the greasy PP goal.

Defense has to clear them out in front, Holtby makes the first two or three saves, then leaks.

DSP to the box again, I wouldn't be surprised to see him benched.

Pens to the PP up a goal with 3+ min left in the period.

goes to the box to even it up for most of the PP.

very ticky tack call. No one would really mind those calls if they're consistent and so far they have been I guess.

I wouldn't call that a penalty.

... is your goalie.

feels like he needs DSP with Ovie and Kuznetzov in Wilson's place.

I'd swap him and Oshie. They don't need the grit, Ovie is gritty enough and DSP can't keep up IMO.

caught in a miscommunication, Vrana hits Kuznetzov for a breakaway, Kuznetzov gets Murray to move and slips the puck 5-hole for the tying goal.

again, Ovie feeds vrana for the go ahead goal. Caps up 4 - 3 late 3rd.

Kessel turns it over at the point with the net empty. You can't stick handle there.

Tonight was the night. Huge win.

Go Caps

best I've seen him play in his career, at least in the playoffs.

Caps can close it out in PIT on Monday and IMO they need to.

Caps 0 - 7 in 2nd round game 7's the past 20 years or so.

makes a ridiculous stop in front of Rinne, and then Laine banks one off Stastny. This series is a lot of fun to watch.

...

Kyle Connor roofs one in close than Dustin Byfuglien blasts one, Jets up 3 - 1.

Then Winnipeg scores two goals, lol

In comment 13955819 Route 9 said:

Quote:

Then Winnipeg scores two goals, lol

I think they said the referees suck after someone was dumped in the offensive zone and no call. I think I've heard that chant all series. I can't tell what is I think it's the ref sucks.

can't clear their zone, turn the puck over and Jets capitalize.

Connor scores again, up 4 - 1. 2 and a half left in the 2nd.

Isn't it a 'hey you suck' chant? Like what NJ Devils fans did or do still?

I havent been to a Devils home game since 2007 so it's been some time.

In comment 13955820 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13955819 Route 9 said: Quote: Then Winnipeg scores two goals, lol I think they said the referees suck after someone was dumped in the offensive zone and no call. I think I've heard that chant all series. I can't tell what is I think it's the ref sucks.

It�s their chant after they score a goal, usually involves the name of the goalie. Something like �Hellebuyck, Hellebuyck. You suck. You suck. It�s all your fault�

Even better, as their goalie is being scored on. Then, again.

you can hear it here.

serenading the goalie happens after they score in every rink.
Link - ( New Window )

So much fun to watch

.
Jets - Predators highlights - ( New Window )

In comment 13955875 JoshB said:

Quote:

. Jets - Predators highlights - ( New Window )

That isn't what they were chanting when route 9 asked about it, they were saying refs you suck.

passing from Miller and Kucherov on the PP and Miller buries it to put the Lightning up 2 - 1.

Physical game. Backes I think is gone, looked like a concussion, Nash left for a while after taking a shot off the knee, just returned.

to the Bruins.

I thought the Bruins were going to the Stanley Cup, I thought that first line of Boston was so dominant in game 1 TB would have no answer.

Have to give Cooper some props for adjusting the D - moving Girardi off that line and then the Point line was dominant.

Bruins D couldn't handle the Lightning speed.

I was surprised the Lightning were more physical, I didn't expect that.

the Lightning 4th line (Callahan, Paquette, and Kunitz?) were dominant for a 4th line. Plus Callahan on the PK.

say deadline deals don't bring cups, and maybe it won't this year, but adding McDonagh and Miller to TB has moved them from good/great team to cup favorite IMO.

being able to have Hedman anchoring one line and McDonagh the other has a ripple effect and JT Miller is showing some of the talent I hoped he had in NY.

I am not a Rangers fan, but I try and follow all the American players. So I've always been a JT Miller fan.

After Point, Miller and Callahan maybe TB's best forwards in this series.

they're on to the Western Conference Final.

But Sharks got owned by the Golden Knights in this game

is just flat out amazing.

they're playing the red machine. just robotic high energy equally talented (not elite, but equal) and solid D and goalie.

NSH or WIN should beat them. but who knows now. I hate that they're still around - for hockey, and the precedent it now sets for expansion, but it's impressive.

I think they could go from playoffs (how ever far they go) to missing next year and fighting for the 1st draft pick, but who knows.

Just pathetic

In comment 13956457 Route 9 said:

Quote:

Just pathetic

The Sharks collapse every year in the playoffs; it's just a question of which round it will happen in.

were strong cup contenders, but I also didn't think LVG was. And I agree with others who may think while it's a novelty perhaps to see an expansion team have this much success, it's not what I'd say is good for the league.

Tonight, the Caps and Jets looking to close out their series.

Caps in particular need to hope for handshakes, their game 7 record is abysmal, especially against PIT. Normally I'd agree with people who say the past is the past and irrelevant to these teams, but it's largely the same players.

I'm hoping for game 7's in both.

Sweden beat the Czech's in the battle of future NYR centers.

Neither figured in the scoring, but both were noticeable.

Mika Z had the GW for Sweden.

Rickard Rakell (ANA) star of the game IMO.

USA plays Germany today at 10:15 on NHLN.

USA so far is 1 - 1- 0 (one win, one OTW) - that's the point process, 3 for regulation W, 2 for OT/SO W, 1 for OT/SO L, 0 obviously for a L.

USA beat Canada in a SO and Denmark.

Upcoming games are Latvia Thursday and Korea Friday.

The world championships has 16 teams so the preliminary round is like 2 weeks and has many "happy to be here" teams.

USA finishes the prelims with Norway Sunday and Finland (a powerhouse) next Tuesday.

Kreider leads USA in scoring so far with 4 pts (3 G/1A) through 2 games.

and Carlson in for the Caps.

Backstrom left game 5 with an upper body injury, didn't see Carlson get hurt.

But we've got to get the Yinzer menace out of the playoffs. Just drive a stake through their evil hearts and be done with them.

I'd like to see a game 7.

so far it's been an incredible series where Ovie and Crosby lived up to the hype. Both goalies for the most part have done their job and the pens weakness, their D, has proven to be their Achilles heel. Letang is toast, Dumoulin is being overused, Maatta stagnated, Schultz is playing well.

I'm sort of surprised they didn't try and get a D with their "dynasty" on its last legs.

McDonagh has made a huge difference in TB.

I don't know. I want Oveckin to keep having zero success in the postseason. It's hard to pick a team to root for in a Yinzer-Caps battle. You almost have to root for the Hawaii volcano to morph under one of their rinks.

Pittsburgh losing in the second round does nothing for me after winning two cups.

Besides, the Caps aren't getting past Tampa anyway. I definitely hate the Penguins much, much more than the Caps.

if I had to pick it would probably be the Jets, they have the best American players.

Maybe Jets vs Lightning.

McDonagh, Miller, Johnson, Callahan, etc.

vs

Connor, Lowry, Wheeler, Roslovic, Trouba, Byfuglien, Myers, Helleybuyck

though the other teams have American players too, Oshie, Carlson, Guentzel, Kessel, etc.

Vegas has the least I think, Tuch and Nate Schmidt off the top of my head.

That should be some seriously entertaining hockey.

.

that would be an awesome finals.

I also don't mind seeing Pittsburgh in the finals, I know you Rangers fans don't want to see it, but I love watching Crosby, especially in the playoffs.

Germany in a closer than expected game, 2 - 0 after 2.
USA has two PP goals.

Germany goal standing on his head.

USA dominating play other than a 5 - 3 for Germany.

In comment 13956740 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

.

Big gap between "can" and "will". They CAN beat Tampa, but I think it would be pretty surprising if they did.

plays like he is now they have a chance, but the WAS D won't hold up IMO. As good as PIT offense is, I think the WAS D matches up worse with TB.

Hard to forget Grubauer was the #1 goalie in WAS when the playoffs started.

just scored on a PP, the refs didn't see it, so they're still playing, but it will be reviewed I'm sure.

That will cut it to 3 - 1.

actually it didn't go in, I thought it was in, Germany thought it was in, Kinkaid and team USA did not.

Still 3 - 0 USA.

Germany not as bad as I thought. Draisatl and Seidenberg playing tons of minutes for Germany.

improved to 2 0 1 0. Kane has been USA's best player. Hughes looks good in limited time. Butcher too (in regular time). Kane, Gaudreau, Kreider, Larkin, US has some speed and skill.

Russia, (in a different group) also won, they are 3 - 0 with 20 goals for, 0 against.

they only played France, Belarus, and Austria, but still holy shit, that's dominant. Datsyuk climbing the scoring leader board with 2 goals today.

... Entertaining game.

Eat shit, GoldenTee

glad to see the caps get past the pens

.

WAs the MVP for the caps. Time for retirement. Just a putrid series from him.

In comment 13957475 dep026 said:

Quote:

WAs the MVP for the caps. Time for retirement. Just a putrid series from him.

Who? Oh, you mean Kristopher Letang.

Hit the bricks yinzer trash.

see their team lose to Ovechkin in person. It is a shame they cut away before the handshake ended. The place probably looked like the Igloo circa 2003.

that one has been a long time coming. Happy for Ovi

In comment 13957519 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

that one has been a long time coming. Happy for Ovi

Thanks, Kyle. Most of the time I�m trying to figure out how the Caps are going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, but I was calm tonight and just felt that it was going to go our way. I�m gonna have an interesting next two weeks since I live in the TB area.

....

In comment 13957474 tony stg said:

Quote:

.

congrats buddy, first game I missed all series (I had my own game) and it sounds like it was awesome.

At least we should get a game 7 in NSH on Thursday, unless there's a crazy 3rd period in WIN. Forsberg goal was ridiculous, it would drive me insane as a Caps fan knowing we traded Forsberg for a bag of pucks.

NSH should crush LVG, I feel like they have the type of team that can counter the 4 line robotic/solid D/playing out of his ass goalie approach that LVG has.

In comment 13957525 tony stg said:

Quote:

In comment 13957519 Kyle in NY said: Quote: that one has been a long time coming. Happy for Ovi Thanks, Kyle. Most of the time I�m trying to figure out how the Caps are going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, but I was calm tonight and just felt that it was going to go our way. I�m gonna have an interesting next two weeks since I live in the TB area.

It is funny how once the expectations are down, after the last two presidents trophy seasons ended poorly, they finally come through. This team is not better than 2016 and 2017. And yet they're the one to break through. Go figure, that's hockey. Should a great conference final.

the Pens D was brutal.

They lost Hainsey, Cole and Daley from last year's playoff top 6 - while none are stars they're all steady veteran D, solid defensively.

Combine that with the decline (or injury) to Letang and they're D is pretty bad.

Which is why I mentioned I was surprised they didn't make a deadline move to add a D and go for the three-peat. McDonagh on the Pens they win that series IMO.

and Ovie is just playing out of his mind right now, in all facets.

...*their D*....not they're

The Eagles won the Super Bowl and the Caps are in the ECF. Is anything sacred anymore?

In comment 13957535 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

congrats buddy, first game I missed all series (I had my own game) and it sounds like it was awesome.

Thanks, pj. Enjoyed it tremendously. Hope your game went well.

In comment 13956858 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 13956740 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: . Big gap between "can" and "will". They CAN beat Tampa, but I think it would be pretty surprising if they did.

TB should be favored, but I don't think it would be that surprising. I think the Caps are really good. I'm not that big of a fan of Holtby, but he's been playing well.

In comment 13957730 tony stg said:

Quote:

In comment 13957535 pjcas18 said: Quote: congrats buddy, first game I missed all series (I had my own game) and it sounds like it was awesome. Thanks, pj. Enjoyed it tremendously. Hope your game went well.

Unfortunately, It did not, we were tied 3 - 3 entering the 3rd and the other team scored 3 goals in 90 seconds to start the 3rd. We lost 7 - 4.

First game of the summer season, we had 7 skaters, I was dead by middle of the 2nd period.

Getting old sucks.

Had fun though, which is all I really care about at this point. That and drinking beer after.

Nice little layoff for the Caps now, no games until ?? (Friday or Saturday?) and us fans get to see a game 7, between Nashville and Winnipeg o Thursday night. Two fun teams to watch.

WIN is a year ahead of expectations, NSH expected to be here and the Nashville crowd is insane. I'd love to catch a game there. We'll see what WIN is made of, surprised they didn't move Ehlers up to the 2nd line down a couple goals.

One thing to note - Tampa's kill has been pretty lousy in the playoffs and Washington's PP has been pretty lethal.

on WSH PP the Ovie one-timer is fun to watch and hard to stop, but TB faced one of the most lethal PP units in the league vs BOS. And after game 1, it seemed like it was the only way BOS could score.

NJD, in round 1, was well under 20% on the PP, which is considered a good PK. During the season the Devils had a top 10 PP.

Both teams need to stay out of the box.

WSH and TBL both have top 5 PP's.

In comment 13957470 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Eat shit, GoldenTee

Blah, can't believe you'd root for the local caps and their idiot fans.
They're acting like Sox fans in 2004...we still have the lead 3-1 in the AO era and 9-2 overall.

Tampa is going to wax them anyway; and frankly aside from the Sharks, Pens weren't going to beat any of the 'final' 8 teams.

In comment 13957616 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

the Pens D was brutal. They lost Hainsey, Cole and Daley from last year's playoff top 6 - while none are stars they're all steady veteran D, solid defensively. Combine that with the decline (or injury) to Letang and they're D is pretty bad. Which is why I mentioned I was surprised they didn't make a deadline move to add a D and go for the three-peat. McDonagh on the Pens they win that series IMO. and Ovie is just playing out of his mind right now, in all facets.

So was Sid.
McD, Pens did not have the prospects the Rangers wanted.

Moreover, it really wasn't their defense.
Murray stank...he was rough the whole year, aside from Feb when he was rolling then got the concussion and never came back in top form.
Depth offense was not there, and just bad defensive plays from the whole.

name Brind'Amour head coach.

I think Don Waddell has been made GM/President

I thought Francis did a good job there, so not sure what the issues were which led the separation.

No clue what kind of coach Brind'Amour will be, he was a hell of a player, but that doesn't always translate.

first time head coach I believe, but he's been an assistant for a while.

because he wanted to coach the Flames seems sketchy.

Usually you can't resign and go coach somewhere else, I don't think.

He chose to exercise it. Seemed like a game of chicken between him and Carolina. Carolina hoping he would just opt out so they didn't owe him money and him hoping they would fire him.

In comment 13957855 Rover said:

Quote:

In comment 13957616 pjcas18 said: Quote: the Pens D was brutal. They lost Hainsey, Cole and Daley from last year's playoff top 6 - while none are stars they're all steady veteran D, solid defensively. Combine that with the decline (or injury) to Letang and they're D is pretty bad. Which is why I mentioned I was surprised they didn't make a deadline move to add a D and go for the three-peat. McDonagh on the Pens they win that series IMO. and Ovie is just playing out of his mind right now, in all facets. So was Sid. McD, Pens did not have the prospects the Rangers wanted. Moreover, it really wasn't their defense. Murray stank...he was rough the whole year, aside from Feb when he was rolling then got the concussion and never came back in top form. Depth offense was not there, and just bad defensive plays from the whole.

The Pens D was way more to blame than Murray. Did you miss the pylon that was Letang failing to do anything useful in his own zone? Or the ridiculous backhand pass by Maata to the middle of the ice from the point that cost them game 3?

In comment 13957616 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

the Pens D was brutal. They lost Hainsey, Cole and Daley from last year's playoff top 6 - while none are stars they're all steady veteran D, solid defensively. Combine that with the decline (or injury) to Letang and they're D is pretty bad. Which is why I mentioned I was surprised they didn't make a deadline move to add a D and go for the three-peat. McDonagh on the Pens they win that series IMO. and Ovie is just playing out of his mind right now, in all facets.

I have no idea what Letang was doing on that last goal. And Murray was badly outplayed by Holtby. The only mistake Trotz made in the series was not putting Vrana with Ovie and Kuzie in the game after the suspension, Smith-Pelly does not have the skill/speed to keep up with those two.

For once it seemed like the Penguins were tight in an elimination game, and not the Capitals. It's remarkable that the Caps won that game without three of their top six forwards.

In comment 13957861 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

No clue what kind of coach Brind'Amour will be, he was a hell of a player, but that doesn't always translate.

Exhibit A:

hard to know what type of player would make a good coach.

I'm definitely not going to pretend I know.

... May or may not want to read.


What the Lightning's success says about the New York Rangers - ( New Window )

Eastern Conference final

Tampa Bay vs. Washington

Friday, May 11: at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m., NBC Sports Network

Sunday, May 13: at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m., NBC Sports Network

Tuesday, May 15: at Washington,-8 p.m., NBC Sports Network

Thursday, May 17: at Washington,-8 p.m., NBC Sports Network

Saturday, May 19:-at Tampa Bay, 7:15 p.m., NBC*

Monday, May 21:-at Washington,-8 p.m., NBC Sports Network*

Wednesday, May 23:-at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m., NBC Sports Network*

(*if necessary)


Western Conference final

Vegas vs. Nashville/Winnipeg

Saturday, May 12: at Nashville/Winnipeg, 7 p.m., NBC

Monday, May 14:--at Nashville/Winnipeg,-8 p.m., NBC Sports Network

Wednesday, May 16: at Vegas, 9 p.m., NBC Sports Network

Friday, May 18:-at Vegas,-8 p.m., NBC Sports Network

Sunday, May 20: at Nashville/Winnipeg,-3 p.m., NBC*

Tuesday, May 22: at Vegas, 9 p.m., NBC Sports Network*

Thursday, May 24:-at Nashville/Winnipeg,-8 p.m., NBC Sports Network*

(*if necessary)

other than the 9pm games which I can suck it up for, a game a day until we have two winners, no two-days in a row off for concerts or other events.

In comment 13958055 tony stg said:

Quote:

... May or may not want to read. What the Lightning's success says about the New York Rangers - ( New Window )

It says thay the Rangers don t have anyone on the level of Stamkos, Kucherov, or Herman.

And Girardi is still useless.

Stupid autocorrect

we get it jumbo joe, you want to collect another $5M instead of being stuck at home with the wife and kids and no show in the playoffs once again.

Quote:

Kevin Kurz ‏Verified account @KKurzNHL 7m7 minutes ago Joe Thornton: �Obviously I want to come back, and I'm sure we'll try and work something out. It's no secret I'm a Shark. I bleed teal, and I want to come back, and I know I'm going to be healthy when I come back. I'm sure we can figure something out, but I want to come back.�

due to a Justin Timberlake concert at the arena in Nashville. Lame.

I know they have shown they could win in Nashville, but I seriously doubt they will. Just like I didn�t think my Leafs would beat Boston in Boston for game 7,I don�t believe Winnipeg could beat Nashville in game 7 either.

Cream rises to the top. Nashville has been there, done it, whereby Winnipeg is probably playing tight.

In comment 13958349 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

we get it jumbo joe, you want to collect another $5M instead of being stuck at home with the wife and kids and no show in the playoffs once again. Quote: Kevin Kurz ‏Verified account @KKurzNHL 7m7 minutes ago Joe Thornton: �Obviously I want to come back, and I'm sure we'll try and work something out. It's no secret I'm a Shark. I bleed teal, and I want to come back, and I know I'm going to be healthy when I come back. I'm sure we can figure something out, but I want to come back.�

I can see Tavares going to SJ. Or maybe even Vegas.