Top 8 pretty much locked up in the East. Habs and Flyers on fumes, but odds are stacked against them in the East - they play each other tonight and other than this game MTL only has 2 remaining games vs non-playoff teams.
Maybe a little more drama in the West since MIN just one point back, but not much IMO since of their final 9 games, 8 are against playoff teams. Arizona with a good 2nd half, I'd like to see them get in, fun team to watch.
TB has clinched the President's cup and probably a lot of post-season awards for it's players.
Playoff matchups as of today:
East:
1 vs WC2: TB vs CBJ
ATL2 vs ATL3 BOS vs TOR (hope this happens)
2 vs WC1: NYI vs CAR
MET2 vs MET3: PIT vs WAS (hope this happens)
West:
1 vs WC2: CAL vs ARI
PAC2 vs PAC3: SJS vs LVG
2 vs WC1: WIN vs DAL
CEN2 vs CEN3 NSH vs STL
Link - ( New Window )
Canes have a tough schedule, but should make it.
Talk about some good old fashion loss aversion from the Habs fan to start off the OP. They're definitely in trouble, but Columbus being 3 points up on you guys with 10 to go is hardly "locked up" :)
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Top 8 pretty much locked up in the East.
Talk about some good old fashion loss aversion from the Habs fan to start off the OP. They're definitely in trouble, but Columbus being 3 points up on you guys with 10 to go is hardly "locked up" :)
It's not reverse psychology, the Canadiens have a 20% mathematical chance at the playoffs based on 100 simulations of possibilities. I wish it were more and I hope they make it, but it is what it is. They had the 3rd pick in the draft 9 months ago, I think to be competitive today is a feat, still a failure since I don't believe in moral victories, but surpassed expectations.
I'd say that qualifies as pretty much locked up.
NHL Playoff Probabalities - ( New Window )
I'd be surprised if the Stars win a series. The Rangers should have had a conditional 2020 1st with the Jets in addition to the 1st they got in 2019.
I can see a Jets vs Lightning cup.
though the way they've been coasting I wouldn't be shocked to see TB knocked off. Prob by Boston the way my sports luck has been lately. I have no love for TB, but I hate Boston.
I think the West is wide open.
I think the West is wide open.
Halak has been better than Rask. My kids hate when Tuuka starts, though lately Tuuka has been fine.
Agree on the West.
Like last year I think the SC Champ is whoever wins the East.
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...he needs to play like a top tier goalie for them to do anything. Can he do it?
I think the West is wide open.
Halak has been better than Rask. My kids hate when Tuuka starts, though lately Tuuka has been fine.
Agree on the West.
Like last year I think the SC Champ is whoever wins the East.
He's been terrific in the regular season last two years....but he just doesn't seem to have that edge you need in the playoffs lately.
Like last year.....Game 7 v. TOR he was giving up to what seemed to be saves you make in the playoffs when you at his supposed level.
He's soft in a game this year, there's little doubt Cassidy turns to Halak for a chance.
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...he needs to play like a top tier goalie for them to do anything. Can he do it?
I think the West is wide open.
Halak has been better than Rask. My kids hate when Tuuka starts, though lately Tuuka has been fine.
Agree on the West.
Like last year I think the SC Champ is whoever wins the East.
Isn't it / hasn't it been obvious the last 3 years? At least this year it doesn't seem like a Pens/caps series will necessarily be hoisting a Cup
Otherwise pretty much agree.
not much movement last night other than the Islanders making things harder for themselves by laying an egg. As it stands now (which is likely to change) Isles play PIT round 1 instead of the WC1.
Habs pick up a little ground on CBJ, but very little on CAR - who IMO is out of reach.
I think they need Byfuglien though to compete for a title.
Wheeler, Schiefele, and Laine is a top 2 or 3 line in the league.
Best forward: McDavid (Crosby 2nd)
Best defenseman: Hedman (Doughty 2nd)
Best goalie: Price (Rinne 2nd)
Best shot: Ovie in a landslide (Weber 2nd)
Most underrated: Barkov - I agree (Backstrom 2nd)
Difficult to play against: McDavid (Crosby 2nd)
Who would you start your franchise with: McCavid in a landslide (Crosby 2nd)
Games best trash talker: Marchand (Doughty 2nd)
Games worst trash talker: Marchand (Roussel 2nd) - new Ranger Lemieux made the list
Who would be the best TV analyst when they retire: PK Subbam (Keith Yandle 2nd)
Best GM when they retire: Crosby (Spezza 2nd)
Funniest Player: Yandle (Doughty 2nd)
Best female hockey player: Hilary Knight (Marie-Philip Poulin 2nd) - - Amanda Kessel 3rd. My daughter is going to a camp where Amanda is an instructor this summer - she is very excited
would you be in favor of nickname day, yes or no: yes
Arenas/Teams:
Best atmosphere: Vegas (Montreal 2nd)
Best ice: Montreal (Edmonton 2nd)
Best mascot: Gritty in a landslide (leafs bear 2nd)
Off ice
Best dressed player: Henrik Lundqvist (PK Subban 2nd)
Best hair: Erik Karlsson (Henrik Lundqvist 2nd)
Best nickname: Tuna Tatar (Bread man 2nd)
Favorite sport outside of hockey: Golf (football 2nd)
Favorite athlete outside of hockey: Tiger (Federer 2nd)
East:
West:
I'm talking, they kept:
-Stephan, McD, Hayes, etc
Islanders vs Habs rematch. Last game Isles rolled the Habs. No effort. Unfortunately for the Habs the Islanders may be coming off their worst game in two years Monday vs Boston. Teams usually follow up games like that with solid efforts.
Both teams need points.
CBJ in Edmonton. This one of the BJ's many remaining games vs non-playoff teams (they have a cake schedule), hopefully EDM playing for pride shows up.
a lot of other teams in action tonight too.
Islanders vs Habs rematch. Last game Isles rolled the Habs. No effort. Unfortunately for the Habs the Islanders may be coming off their worst game in two years Monday vs Boston. Teams usually follow up games like that with solid efforts.
Both teams need points.
CBJ in Edmonton. This one of the BJ's many remaining games vs non-playoff teams (they have a cake schedule), hopefully EDM playing for pride shows up.
a lot of other teams in action tonight too.
Sorry, Tuesday in Boston.
Calgary Flames: 9 games left; 5 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.478
Buffalo Sabres: 9 games left; 4 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.490
San Jose Sharks: 9 games left; 5 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.508
Pittsburgh Penguins: 8 games left; 4 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.520
Vegas Golden Knights: 9 games left; 5 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.526
Arizona Coyotes: 9 games left; 4 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.528
St. Louis Blues: 9 games left; 6 home, 3 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.532
Columbus Blue Jackets: 9 games left; 3 home, 6 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.532
Edmonton Oilers: 9 games left; 6 home, 3 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.534
New Jersey Devils: 8 games left; 5 home, 3 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.535
Anaheim Ducks: 7 games left; 3 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.538
Los Angeles Kings: 10 games left; 5 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.552
Chicago Blackhawks: 10 games left; 5 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.552
Dallas Stars: 9 games left; 4 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.552
Nashville Predators: 8 games left; 4 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.554
New York Rangers: 9 games left; 4 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.554
Winnipeg Jets: 9 games left; 4 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.560
Vancouver Canucks: 8 games left; 6 home, 2 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.561
Boston Bruins: 9 games left; 3 home, 6 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.562
Colorado Avalanche: 9 games left; 5 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.562
Toronto Maple Leafs: 8 games left; 4 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.563
Detroit Red Wings: 9 games left; 4 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.565
New York Islanders: 9 games left; 3 home, 6 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.568
Ottawa Senators: 9 games left; 5 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.569
Florida Panthers: 9 games left; 5 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.570
Philadelphia Flyers: 9 games left; 4 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.580
Carolina Hurricanes: 10 games left; 6 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.588
Tampa Bay Lightning: 8 games left; 2 home, 6 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.590
Washington Capitals: 8 games left; 5 home, 3 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.597
Minnesota Wild: 8 games left; 3 home, 5 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.603
Montral Canadiens: 9 games left; 5 home, 4 road; Opp. Pts. %: 0.611
The Canadiens have blown a 4 goal lead this year.
Go Oilers.
Some teams may have nothing to play for at the end so those very good teams Habs play may not be as motivated to get hurt.
Plus, Columbus is on the road for 6 of 9.
Some teams may have nothing to play for at the end so those very good teams Habs play may not be as motivated to get hurt.
Plus, Columbus is on the road for 6 of 9.
Thanks for your good news. Unfortunately some of those teams with nothing to play for play the BJ's like the NYR and Senators who they end the season with. On the road. so 2 of those 6 road games are against awful teams. In fact 5 of their 6 road games are against non-playoff teams. the lone playoff team they play on the road is @NSH who falls into the category of nothing to play for.
March 28, MTL @CBJ is (obviously?) the biggest game the Canadiens have had in years (if they continue to win until then).
@CAR is big too, but I think CAR is out of reach. who knows though.
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I think I have good news for you.
Some teams may have nothing to play for at the end so those very good teams Habs play may not be as motivated to get hurt.
Plus, Columbus is on the road for 6 of 9.
Thanks for your good news. Unfortunately some of those teams with nothing to play for play the BJ's like the NYR and Senators who they end the season with. On the road. so 2 of those 6 road games are against awful teams. In fact 5 of their 6 road games are against non-playoff teams. the lone playoff team they play on the road is @NSH who falls into the category of nothing to play for.
March 28, MTL @CBJ is (obviously?) the biggest game the Canadiens have had in years (if they continue to win until then).
@CAR is big too, but I think CAR is out of reach. who knows though.
Well Edmonton isnt that good and they beat the living crap out of Columbus tonight. Even bad teams play better at home...they dont want to lose before the home folks either.
anyway, the Leafs keep playing like they are and Boston will roll them again (like last year) and they'll be one and done pretty quickly.
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Top 8 pretty much locked up in the East.
Talk about some good old fashion loss aversion from the Habs fan to start off the OP. They're definitely in trouble, but Columbus being 3 points up on you guys with 10 to go is hardly "locked up" :)
It's not reverse psychology, the Canadiens have a 20% mathematical chance at the playoffs based on 100 simulations of possibilities. I wish it were more and I hope they make it, but it is what it is. They had the 3rd pick in the draft 9 months ago, I think to be competitive today is a feat, still a failure since I don't believe in moral victories, but surpassed expectations.
I'd say that qualifies as pretty much locked up.
NHL Playoff Probabalities - ( New Window )
Go on...
anyway, the Leafs keep playing like they are and Boston will roll them again (like last year) and they'll be one and done pretty quickly.
Lol, my how things have changed in a week. My Leafs wont do much in the playoffs, you are right. They dont have enough GRITTY guys and a goalie you need in the playoffs.
Whereby your boys deserve it over Columbus. I really hate that team...Duchene is an overrated one dimensional guy who everyone drools over. Huge underachiever. Plus, your boys have the best goalie in the NHL now that he is back to being the Carey of old.
Besides, I like you so I wanted to encourage you with my perspective.
Even more amazing is the 1976-1977 Canadiens had a NHL record +216 goal differential. Staggering domination.
in the East
MTL vs BUF tonight
tomorrow MTL @CAR
CAR plays today vs MIN.
Huge two days for those two teams. CAR schedule can be tough down the stretch if WAS has anything to play for (they play twice in the final 9) and their (WAS) L last night makes it interesting. PIT and NYI just 3 pts behind WAS and NYI have a game in hand.
Canes win too though.
MTL vs CAR, winner is in (for now).
CAR is 10 - 4 -1 in their last 15 (coinciding with the Don Cherry "bunch of jerks" comment). by the way, I do enjoy their post-game home win cellies. but I hope we don't get one tonight.
MTL is 8 - 7 in their last 15, but have won 3 in a row.
West:
Canes win too though.
MTL vs CAR, winner is in (for now).
CAR is 10 - 4 -1 in their last 15 (coinciding with the Don Cherry "bunch of jerks" comment). by the way, I do enjoy their post-game home win cellies. but I hope we don't get one tonight.
MTL is 8 - 7 in their last 15, but have won 3 in a row.
Nice win ag a reeling Sabres team despite a mediocre Carey Price.
I would be surprised if your boys win tonight ag a very good and very hot team in Carolina. But, I think Vancouver could easily beat Columbus for you tonight as well. Your 3/28 showdown should be fun to watch.
I told this to fellow Hab fans on this message board and they agreed. Tell me if you agree...Drouin and Kotkaniemi are fading and big concerns. The latter is probably tired being only 18 and playing all these games.
Flames isn't unexpected IMO. Johnny Gaudreau aka Johnny hockey is one of the best players in the league and the trade with CAR is one that really helped both teams.
Plus their goalies Rittich and Smith are playing well.
CAL is a well rounded team. Not really playoff tested though, so it will be interesting to see how they do.
A lot of good young players besides Gaudrea. Lindholm, Tkachuk, Monahan, Hanifin, Bennett, etc. and good veterans/role players like Giordano, Backlund, Neal.
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win a game where they don't get a great Carey Price and a worse defensive effort. Unusual this year.
Canes win too though.
MTL vs CAR, winner is in (for now).
CAR is 10 - 4 -1 in their last 15 (coinciding with the Don Cherry "bunch of jerks" comment). by the way, I do enjoy their post-game home win cellies. but I hope we don't get one tonight.
MTL is 8 - 7 in their last 15, but have won 3 in a row.
Nice win ag a reeling Sabres team despite a mediocre Carey Price.
I would be surprised if your boys win tonight ag a very good and very hot team in Carolina. But, I think Vancouver could easily beat Columbus for you tonight as well. Your 3/28 showdown should be fun to watch.
I told this to fellow Hab fans on this message board and they agreed. Tell me if you agree...Drouin and Kotkaniemi are fading and big concerns. The latter is probably tired being only 18 and playing all these games.
Zero concerns with Kotkaniemi. Every game I see him make plays where I feel like once his frame fills out those will be goals. And he's getting more physical. A good sign he's getting acclimated to the NHL pace and strength.
Drouin is a maddening hockey player. he's got speed, stick handling, a decent shot, but he's not a good hockey player at the NHL level. He is a guy who can score 80+ goals in juniors, but can't put it all together at the NHL level. So often, he just skates as fast as he can and loses the puck, no plan, no idea where anyone is or should be, just one guy trying to beat 3 or 4. He's the kind of player you watch and say if Brendan Gallagher had that kind of skill he'd be a 50 goal scorer, and if Drouin had Gallagher's heart/hockey sense he'd be a 50-goal scorer. but they don't. So Gallagher gets 30+ goals a year on pure guts/hockey sense and Drouin gets 20 on skill.
Not the first player like this, won't be the last, but the Drouin extension is one of the rare recent Bergevin mistakes.
I think you can win with him, he seems like a solid character guy, but he's probably best on the 4th line, and that's too much $$ to pay a 4th liner.
but to reiterate, zero concerns with Kotkaniemi in fact it was a ballsy pick by Bergevin and I think he nailed it.
unfortunately, Buffalo should be investigated at this point for taking tanking too far. Losers of 16 of 19, and they are 14-29-7 in their last 50 games. Too much talent on that team for that. NHL should forfeit their draft pick... or at least mandate they pick behind us because I want to be in the top 5. Thanks.
Still stand by my initial comment that the standings were pretty much locked up, MTL finishes up after FL at home:
@CBJ
@WIN
vs TBL
@WAS
vs TOR
that is a ridiculously hard schedule and it would be the worst if MTL needs to beat TOR to get in. It would almost be like Yankees vs Red Sox and one of those teams needing a win to make it in to the playoffs and the other even having not much to play for, still going out 100% to stop them.
I doubt it comes down to that though. CBJ has a pretty easy final schedule.
East:
West:
unfortunately, Buffalo should be investigated at this point for taking tanking too far. Losers of 16 of 19, and they are 14-29-7 in their last 50 games. Too much talent on that team for that. NHL should forfeit their draft pick... or at least mandate they pick behind us because I want to be in the top 5. Thanks.
I was at the game last night, even 2-0 I thought it would end that way.
I asked before, curious, if the Rangers kept the 2017 team as much as they could (Stepan, Zucc, Hayes, Nash, McD, Miller), where would they be this season, and would they have been a playoff team last season?
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Worried me there up 2-0, but Georgiev finally came back to earth after stealing one in Toronto on Saturday.
unfortunately, Buffalo should be investigated at this point for taking tanking too far. Losers of 16 of 19, and they are 14-29-7 in their last 50 games. Too much talent on that team for that. NHL should forfeit their draft pick... or at least mandate they pick behind us because I want to be in the top 5. Thanks.
I was at the game last night, even 2-0 I thought it would end that way.
I asked before, curious, if the Rangers kept the 2017 team as much as they could (Stepan, Zucc, Hayes, Nash, McD, Miller), where would they be this season, and would they have been a playoff team last season?
They had all those guys last season except Stepan and they weren't a playoff team.
And Nash is retired so he wouldn't help and Zucc and Hayes were traded this deadline.
basically you're asking if they added Stepan, Miller and McDonagh if they'd be a playoff team.
No, IMO. Marginally better, but not much.
Rangers were a few points out of a playoff spot when they announced the sell last season. They probably could have bought and snuck in as the last seed. But that core had been to the playoffs plenty. It's about contending for the Cup and the chance for that group had passed.
It's sad because it was a really likable group that gave us some fun memories. And this season has just been awful. Part of me does miss just getting in the tournament and seeing what happens because playoff hockey is a blast. They could have kept stringing it along. But I give management credit for at least recognizing it was over.
Rangers were a few points out of a playoff spot when they announced the sell last season. They probably could have bought and snuck in as the last seed. But that core had been to the playoffs plenty. It's about contending for the Cup and the chance for that group had passed.
It's sad because it was a really likable group that gave us some fun memories. And this season has just been awful. Part of me does miss just getting in the tournament and seeing what happens because playoff hockey is a blast. They could have kept stringing it along. But I give management credit for at least recognizing it was over.
And here I thought it was about winning the cup, not coming close
Agreed. The one thing this team tends to do is play down to their opponents. This team has a similar feel as the cup team. Not saying they are going to win the cup but the potential is there.
The goalies are hot and the team has no quit. There is also that little edge and confidence that they seem to play with even in tight games that they are winnable which has been missing for a few years now.
Now if Aho would just start scoring again it would really reduce the screaming at the TV and my stress when I am watching the games.
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they seem to up their game vs good teams.
Agreed. The one thing this team tends to do is play down to their opponents. This team has a similar feel as the cup team. Not saying they are going to win the cup but the potential is there.
The goalies are hot and the team has no quit. There is also that little edge and confidence that they seem to play with even in tight games that they are winnable which has been missing for a few years now.
Now if Aho would just start scoring again it would really reduce the screaming at the TV and my stress when I am watching the games.
CAR and CBJ have comparable schedules IMO, not really that hard.
MTL has the hardest and that's why, as the standings showed when I started this thread, CBJ and CAR get in, MTL comes up short.
The remaining game between MTL and CBJ, is obviously huge.
Next man up will likely be Dal Colle.
Next man up will likely be Dal Colle.
Dal Colle was playing better than Ladd so this will likely make the Islanders better. Also, I think this increases the odds of Lou finding a way to get Ladd on the LTIR to open next year which would give the Islander a nice boost to the already close to $31,700,000 in cap room they have this offseason.
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They'd probably be in the mix. But we're not the Islanders, whose fans are going to give their team a standing ovation after they get steamrolled in the first round because it was a nice unexpected season getting into the playoffs. It's about meaningful contention.
Rangers were a few points out of a playoff spot when they announced the sell last season. They probably could have bought and snuck in as the last seed. But that core had been to the playoffs plenty. It's about contending for the Cup and the chance for that group had passed.
It's sad because it was a really likable group that gave us some fun memories. And this season has just been awful. Part of me does miss just getting in the tournament and seeing what happens because playoff hockey is a blast. They could have kept stringing it along. But I give management credit for at least recognizing it was over.
And here I thought it was about winning the cup, not coming close
It is. But the Rangers were a few bad bounces, LA beating Chicago in game 7 overtime, and Zuccarello's head injury from *likely* winning one. Not a dynasty by any means since they never had generational forwards/D, and since Sather significantly cut short their window.. but anyway, nobody can quantify the difference between almost and Champion.
Ovechkin's teams were never going to get over the hump... until they did.
As Kyle said, it was a great run.. but honestly i thought they were done the year they lost to Pittsburgh in 5. They brought back the team another two years after that - Hank and some bounces stole a series against MTL (and they made the playoffs that year on some lucky advanced metrics), but then they lost to Ottawa who wasn't that great and rapidly declined after that.
In the 2014 series, he had that miracle last second goal in game 3... but you guys won that game anyway in OT. He also scored in the game 1 blowout and crazy 7-4 game 5 loss. MSL had the series defining goal in the game 4 OT. Dominic Moore had the GWG in game 6 (felt so good for him at the time after what he went through personally)
I do stand corrected though - Hank didnt steal the 2017 series. Tanner Glass (GWG, game 1) did!
and while Tokarski didn't play badly, he didn't steal any games like Price had the capability to do.
I don't blame Kreider like some Habs fans, but that play IMO did possibly change the series.
I had also read that while Tokarski did have good #s / save pct, etc.... Montreal did have to change their style to more defensive oriented once he was out.
Anyway, Rangers probably beat Tampa with a healthy deck the following year so... well, it just sucks. Moving on.
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In comment 14356997 Kyle in NY said:
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They'd probably be in the mix. But we're not the Islanders, whose fans are going to give their team a standing ovation after they get steamrolled in the first round because it was a nice unexpected season getting into the playoffs. It's about meaningful contention.
Rangers were a few points out of a playoff spot when they announced the sell last season. They probably could have bought and snuck in as the last seed. But that core had been to the playoffs plenty. It's about contending for the Cup and the chance for that group had passed.
It's sad because it was a really likable group that gave us some fun memories. And this season has just been awful. Part of me does miss just getting in the tournament and seeing what happens because playoff hockey is a blast. They could have kept stringing it along. But I give management credit for at least recognizing it was over.
And here I thought it was about winning the cup, not coming close
It is. But the Rangers were a few bad bounces, LA beating Chicago in game 7 overtime, and Zuccarello's head injury from *likely* winning one. Not a dynasty by any means since they never had generational forwards/D, and since Sather significantly cut short their window.. but anyway, nobody can quantify the difference between almost and Champion.
Ovechkin's teams were never going to get over the hump... until they did.
As Kyle said, it was a great run.. but honestly i thought they were done the year they lost to Pittsburgh in 5. They brought back the team another two years after that - Hank and some bounces stole a series against MTL (and they made the playoffs that year on some lucky advanced metrics), but then they lost to Ottawa who wasn't that great and rapidly declined after that.
2017 team was a bit smoke and mirrors but they legitimately pissed away a shot at another conference final (where Ottawa took Pittsburgh to OT in game 7) with some of the worst late game personnel management I've ever seen by a coach. Two games blown with Ottawa tying it up 6v5 in the final minute. First time I've seen a coach almost single handedly cost his team a playoff series.
My youngest, who changed her hockey # to 73 this year b/c she likes Charlie McAvoy (a NY Giants fan by the way), told me she wanted to go to a playoff game.
I told her it's a waste of money, but I was able to get tickets to Stanley Cup Finals home game #2 for the Bruins. I'm hoping they make it so she gets to see a SCF game, but I'm also hoping they don't make it so I get my money back.
anyway, I know cool story bro, but that's life as a Canadiens fan in a house full of Bruins fans.
And Toronto hasn't differentiated itself vs the top 3 Metro teams this year anyway. Sure, Boston and Tampa are the two best teams - but Washington and Pittsburgh have literally battled for the Stanley Cup in the second round the past three seasons so...
I get the playoff approach and why they do it but I hate it.
Agree it should be 1 - 8.
I'm also starting to come around on a international tournament point approach, if they're not going to get rid of the point for an OT/SO loss, make it 3 pts for a regulation win, 2 pts for an OT/SO win, and 1 pt for an OT/SO loss. I wonder in a simulation if that changes playoff teams over the years.
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to seeding 1-8. Doesn't seem right that only one of Tampa/Toronto/Boston will be in the conference final
I get the playoff approach and why they do it but I hate it.
Agree it should be 1 - 8.
I'm also starting to come around on a international tournament point approach, if they're not going to get rid of the point for an OT/SO loss, make it 3 pts for a regulation win, 2 pts for an OT/SO win, and 1 pt for an OT/SO loss. I wonder in a simulation if that changes playoff teams over the years.
They've done studies - doesnt impact playoff teams as much as would think. I think one year Edmonton got in on shootouts.
What it does impact is seedings and home ice. Rangers would have hosted the Kings in Finals in 2014...
Love the 80s, good times.
Actually I was referring to when Rags lost to Kings. Forgot about 94. Did Rags win it then?
When Fox wouldn't sign in CAL it was rumored to be because he wanted to graduate from Harvard and then sign with the Rangers (he's a native NYer). If he heads to Harvard for his senior year he's almost certain to become a free agent.
Not sure if true though. Harvard is in the NCAA Hockey Tournament so not sure why anyone would say anything yet.
Costa Rontzocos
@Rontzeeez
34m34 minutes ago
It seems Adam Fox is returning to Harvard for his senior year. Cue all the Canes fans who tripped when I said he may not sign in Carolina
Sara Civ
Verified account @SaraCivian
4m4 minutes ago
I'm hearing that if Adam Fox has decided not to sign with the Hurricanes, he hasn't told them yet. The Canes haven't heard anything and they think he is still undecided.
absurd. #LGR - love stealing others prospects. Can't get enough of it.
Thursday night habs and BJ's looms large. Given that MTL finishes @WIN, vs TBL, @WAS, and vs TOR a loss Thursday likely seals their fate. CBJ last two on the road but @NYR and @OTT. No win is guaranteed in the NHL, but I would consider betting those games.
COL vs ARI on Friday also a big game. West race for the WC2, also a 3-team battle shaping up for a good finish too. CHI still alive as well.
Latest charts:
East:
West:
Twitter use who puts these together linked below.
Link - ( New Window )
If Carey keeps playing like Carey you are always in it, but your chances would be a lot better if DROUIN were a complete player. He is a turnover waiting to happen.
If Carey keeps playing like Carey you are always in it, but your chances would be a lot better if DROUIN were a complete player. He is a turnover waiting to happen.
MTL won't be given any breaks and no one IMO is on cruise control, even TBL who has nothing to play for and came back to beat the Bruins in one of the best games I've seen in a long time.
Drouin is on the 4th line, he's not a good player right now, but he's also not what's wrong with MTL.
They have one two-way D. Weber. And one D who is a really good skater, Mete. After that it's JAG's at best, their D is the problem.
Also, I don't see Toronto getting out of the 1st round. I think Boston wins that series handily.
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I agree, your season is probably over if you lose, but still not a sure thing should you win. Im not sure how much motivation or urgency teams like Tampa and Winnipeg will hsve. I think Caps still hsve a lot left and of course the Toronto-Habs rivalry is a given.
If Carey keeps playing like Carey you are always in it, but your chances would be a lot better if DROUIN were a complete player. He is a turnover waiting to happen.
MTL won't be given any breaks and no one IMO is on cruise control, even TBL who has nothing to play for and came back to beat the Bruins in one of the best games I've seen in a long time.
Drouin is on the 4th line, he's not a good player right now, but he's also not what's wrong with MTL.
They have one two-way D. Weber. And one D who is a really good skater, Mete. After that it's JAG's at best, their D is the problem.
Also, I don't see Toronto getting out of the 1st round. I think Boston wins that series handily.
I dont watch any Hab games except v Leads, but I do like to read the stats of other teams players and Im surprised you call these guys Jags:
Petry....43 points, I think 12 goals
Benn....5goals, leads your team with a +17 (tied with Weber)
Kulak....5 goals in 52 games isnt great, but a +10 isnt too shabby
Add these with Mete (+22) and Weber....that is 5 pretty decent Dmen.
I dont know your definition of a Jag is so why dont you tell me.
a JAG is "just a guy", he's someone who if waived maybe gets claimed, maybe doesn't, generally not a top 4 D, but could be a bottom pair/bottom 4 D for many teams.
Weber and Mete are the only Habs D who would be top 4 D on other teams. Petry has value, but he's very inconsistent, as a 3rd pair D I love him, top 4 not so much. The rest the Canadiens got off the NHL scrap heap.
Losing Juulsen really hurt because it made everyone else play up a level from where they should be playing (like last year when Weber was out).
the rest are jags. and using plus minus to cite D proficiency is very old school, much better measures these days like for example high quality scoring chances allowed.
The reason this is better than plus minus is because a) if your goalie bails you out with a ridiculous save (like Price is prone to do) why should you get "credit" for that, and conversely if your goalie lets in a softie why should you be "penalized".
Even Weber struggles with allowing high quality scoring chances, but he's the best of the bunch in MTL.
Leafs D is their Achilles heel too and the Bruins will expose them in the playoffs.
As for Leafs, Defense is not good although Hainsey,Ridley, and Gardiner all have higher pluses than any Hab player. (I know this is old school.) Muzzin has helped. Too bad we didnt pick up one more d at deadline.
I dont know who we will play first round but you are right, Boston and Tampa probably dont lose to us.
As for Leafs, Defense is not good although Hainsey,Ridley, and Gardiner all have higher pluses than any Hab player. (I know this is old school.) Muzzin has helped. Too bad we didnt pick up one more d at deadline.
I dont know who we will play first round but you are right, Boston and Tampa probably dont lose to us.
It is already 99% determined, Leafs play Bruins 1st round. No other realistic outcome with the current format.
TB clinched the #1 seed and play the WC2.
Then 2 and 3 in the Atlantic play each other. That is Boston and Toronto - technically MTL can surpass TOR, but that would require practically require MTL winning out and the Leafs losing out.
You can count on Bruins vs Leafs 1st round with the winner likely facing TB, barring an upset of TB.
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Here I thought it was a derogatory term. Thanks for clearing that up.
As for Leafs, Defense is not good although Hainsey,Ridley, and Gardiner all have higher pluses than any Hab player. (I know this is old school.) Muzzin has helped. Too bad we didnt pick up one more d at deadline.
I dont know who we will play first round but you are right, Boston and Tampa probably dont lose to us.
It is already 99% determined, Leafs play Bruins 1st round. No other realistic outcome with the current format.
TB clinched the #1 seed and play the WC2.
Then 2 and 3 in the Atlantic play each other. That is Boston and Toronto - technically MTL can surpass TOR, but that would require practically require MTL winning out and the Leafs losing out.
You can count on Bruins vs Leafs 1st round with the winner likely facing TB, barring an upset of TB.
Who is the idiot who thought of those pairings? Sheesh. Boston and then Tampa if we manage to win......sheesh....
In the W, COL and DAL put some distance between them and ARI and the Wild hopes fading....
tonight is huge, MTL @CBJ obviously, but CAR vs WAS too. A Habs loss could seal their fate with their final 4 being so difficult.
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West:
Columbus looks to be gaining some momentum and do have several easy teams but still have to win on the road is no given.
Carolina also is no given.
Holding out hope Detroit can finish with more points too, though its a long shot.
Ottawa tore it to the ground, giving some stuff away for free...
Standings be damned, Ottawa is better right now than Buffalo. Yes, they still suck (a lot), but Buffalo is a disgrace. Watch them lose Skinner for nothing too.
An excerpt:
This is no newsflash, but the bottom line is that Terry and Kim Pegula don't know what they're doing in running a professional sports franchise and have proven that over and over.
They're business people, and pretty good ones in multiple ventures. But as for running the Sabres and the Buffalo Bills, they're fish out of water.
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The Pegulas should have had a president of hockey a long time ago. Enough of the Ted Blacks and Russ Brandons of the world. But they got spooked when Terry Pegula hired Pat LaFontaine in November 2013, and Kim Pegula ran him out before Easter the following spring in some sort of warped power struggle that's never been fully explained.
Of course, there's never much of an explanation from Kim Pegula for the litany of people she's fired with her two teams or at Pegula Sports and Entertainment, which has long reeked of a frat house/soap opera mentality while the bosses live mostly in Boca Raton, Fla., and try to run things via Skype and video conferencing.
Yet another sign of how backwards the Pegulas have things. They should be running the business and staying away from the teams.
In the last five years, they've clearly grown to love the notoriety and celebrity status of being NFL owners, freely cavorting on sidelines before games and visiting the locker room afterward, while continuing to allow the hockey team to get run into the ground.
And referencing timintey's post above, that was a massive comeback by the Isles last night. Despite a storied history, it was the first game in Islander history that they trailed with two minutes to play and rallied to win in regulation. Overcame 3 2-goal deficits along the way. Great response in a critical game.
It should be obvious to Pegulas what to do with Sabres - ( New Window )
An excerpt:
Quote:
Like the other derailed campaigns of the recent past, it starts at the top. The very top.
This is no newsflash, but the bottom line is that Terry and Kim Pegula don't know what they're doing in running a professional sports franchise and have proven that over and over.
They're business people, and pretty good ones in multiple ventures. But as for running the Sabres and the Buffalo Bills, they're fish out of water.
------
The Pegulas should have had a president of hockey a long time ago. Enough of the Ted Blacks and Russ Brandons of the world. But they got spooked when Terry Pegula hired Pat LaFontaine in November 2013, and Kim Pegula ran him out before Easter the following spring in some sort of warped power struggle that's never been fully explained.
Of course, there's never much of an explanation from Kim Pegula for the litany of people she's fired with her two teams or at Pegula Sports and Entertainment, which has long reeked of a frat house/soap opera mentality while the bosses live mostly in Boca Raton, Fla., and try to run things via Skype and video conferencing.
Yet another sign of how backwards the Pegulas have things. They should be running the business and staying away from the teams.
In the last five years, they've clearly grown to love the notoriety and celebrity status of being NFL owners, freely cavorting on sidelines before games and visiting the locker room afterward, while continuing to allow the hockey team to get run into the ground.
And referencing timintey's post above, that was a massive comeback by the Isles last night. Despite a storied history, it was the first game in Islander history that they trailed with two minutes to play and rallied to win in regulation. Overcame 3 2-goal deficits along the way. Great response in a critical game. It should be obvious to Pegulas what to do with Sabres - ( New Window )
That game last night is a game I have waiting a month for from this team. They showed fight, they competed and dominated the 2nd period. They never gave up after a fluke goal put them behind 13 seconds into the game. Last night just might be what the doctor ordered. They have been playing so tight. Seeing Casey getting his 20th to tie the game really put the exclamation point on it for me. He is by far the heart and soul of this team. When he tied it I knew we were winning. Go Isles!!!
Dahlin is the real deal, and Eichel is a notch below McDavid, Mattthews, in the elite young crop of players.
But that team is not making progress and I don't think it's intentional in any way.
Habs on life support and a brutal final 4 (@WIN, vs TBL, @WAS, vs TOR)
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West:
CBJ cake schedule with 3 of their remaining 4 vs BUF, OTT, and NYR.
The winner of ARI vs MIN will still have some life in the West.
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West:
Linking the twitter author who creates these charts again below.
Link - ( New Window )
LOL, if that final game of the season between MTL and TOR means one gets in the other goes home, it would be the most watched show on television in Canadian history.
I was worried both could return to school for their senior seasons.
I think Poehling could play the final 3 games.
MTL has the toughest road: vs TBL, @WAS, vs TOR.
CAR probably second hardest, but only one game vs a playoff team. CBJ the easiest.
AZ and COL the battle for final WC in the West. Similar schedules, but COL has a game in hand.
Charts below.
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West:
Still an uphill battle with 2 G left.
West all over but the crying.
Latest charts:
East:
West:
Still an uphill battle with 2 G left.
West all over but the crying.
Latest charts:
East:
West:
Pj, I thought about not showing up here because my boys let your boys down last night. I knew we would lose after we clinched the night before. We played the back up goalie and basically had nothing to play for. Sorry mate.
As for your boys....to beat Winnipeg and Tampa pretty convincingly too is most impressive. Ever since you picked up a few bottom 6 guys, you have been able to play 4 lines which is what Claude wants. Moving Lehk to the second line and dropping enegmatic Drouin to the 3rd line was brilliant. Lehk is a very hard worker even though he is not a big goal scorer.
Looking at the remaining games, this Capitals game in Washington looks ominous but your boys have done it before. Im sure you will beat my boys if you need to. I hope you get some help but all four of those teams Carolina and Columbus are playing are sorry teams. You may have to have some luck (a goalie playing out of his mind) for them to lose. Best wishes....your boys deserve to be in the dance.
How do you think they tanked on purpose? I expected them to be better and their roster while not deep isn't awful.
I'm just not sure how you get hockey players to lose intentionally. And then so many years the worst team doesn't even get the #1 pick. Doesn't make sense to try and lose on purpose.
Buffalo even started out well.
I like their young forwards and their young D. Hate their goalie and depth, not sure about Housley as a coach.
It's an absolute disgrace and should result in losses of draft picks. You can say how do you just lose all you like - well they've done it. A perfectly talented team is 3-21.
Anyway, in a shitty season - the Steven A McDonald award is still very well done by family and by the Rangers organization. All Class. Congratulations to M Zibanejad. He didn't have much competition this year, but it was the correct decision.
I think the Rangers need to scrap the 'everyone gets an 'A'' participation trophies next year and make #93 the official team captain. He's earned it.
anyway, I don't think they lost on purpose, I think they just lost.
My only pause on pushing for things like a league investigation is how to lose on purpose. I can't imagine players, who are playing for contracts or other things not trying to win.
3-21 beyond that
Doesn't happen by chance at end of year. Especially to a somewhat talented team that held their own for 50 games. They saw Tampa, Boston and Toronto and decided to do this.
I will take cold hard facts over 'hockey players would never do this'
I don't know which of their individual players is hitting free agency this summer .....
The actual C is overrated, but he's a leader all over this team.
If you have proof I'd love to see it. otherwise, it's an opinion.
But but ... they're hockey players or something - what??
Anyway -- as Davisian said, happy for Mika. Great season in the midst of a pile of shit rebuild. I do think he's earned the right to lead this team moving forward.
Hank just said Georgiev starts Friday. Tough end of year for Hank. Really think he should consider Toronto to end his career. Makes so much sense for everyone and not a tough commute if he wants his wife and kids to have stability.
Housely to Skinner and co:
"Jeff, I know you will be a UFA after the season, but dial it back a little bit, we want to lose as much as possible to give the team next year, which you very likely won't be on, a chance at drafting Jack Hughes..."
"You too Pominville. I don't care if you're 36 years old and this may be the end of the road for you since you're a UFA after the season, stop f-ing trying so hard."
If Buffalo fires Housley or Botterill (the GM) does that tell you this wasn't orchestrated?
If they traded away players at the deadline then maybe you could say the team was pared down and the FO tanked.
but I just can't fathom a coach and players losing intentionally to get a better draft pick. GM/FO I can see trading away players in a rebuild resulting in a worse team that passively tanks, but teams actually losing on the ice intentionally is a concept I can't wrap my head around.
None of these people are guaranteed futures with that franchise.
Buffalo could actually be considered deadline buyers. Montour is a quality D.
It's an old expression, but you really can't make this shit up.
It's an old expression, but you really can't make this shit up.
I'm sure the Buffalo players, many of whom have their future career earnings to some extent depending on their performance, are going out there and losing games on purpose to increase the teams chances of getting a top pick by 2-5%.
There is a decent surge of teams saying they'd prefer Kakko to Hughes.
Or at least the gap is closer than it was 6 months ago. Kakko eclipised Aleksander Barkov's U18 Finland scoring record and has more desirable size.
Not getting the #1 pick this year might be the year to do it so you don't have to make the choice of Hughes or Kakko.
I think Hughes will absolutely be a legit NHL player, but he got pushed around in the World Juniors and he will in the NHL initially.
a win of any type by CBJ tomorrow eliminates the Canadiens.