NFT: NHL Playoff Push and Kraken are Official

Aside from the Rangers' failure to remain relevant in meaningful games against teams above them in the 'race' to SCP, one other aspect of SCP will begin to emerge: Since this board is Metro Area focused for most part (NYR, NYI, Devils), there is this notion that the East Division is such a tough, perhaps the toughest, group to play against (e.g., apologists for NYR's struggles).

I think that is far from clear, we just don't see enough hockey from other Divisions. As the Playoffs unfold, we will begin to get a sense of just where WASH PITT NYI BOS stand vs top teams elsewhere. Get ready for the Great Leveling.

any more difficult than any other division, especially with BUF and NJD in it. Top to bottom might be the worst in fact. I don't find WAS or PIT to be threatening and the NYI might be the best team in the East and everyone always underrates them.

I did not expect either NJD or BUF to be so bad.

The central surprised me but shouldn't have - TBL probably best team in the league again (without Kucherov all year), CAR so solid, and MIN with their young additions playing well.

I don't think any of the Canadian teams are that strong. TOR the best, but they're mentally weak (until they're not if you know what I mean). They get lucky by avoiding Boston until they get out of the North (and Boston survives the East).

The Rangers will have the best goal differential to miss the playoffs, in fact their goal differential is probably top 5 best in the league so it does lend some credence not to them beating up on the doormats since some of their biggest wins were against PIT and PHI, but when they "click" they are very tough to beat and they demoralize teams, only they didn't click enough.

Until they can play better against Pittsburgh and Washington they won’t get too far. When you play teams like that you can’t rely on 2-1 and 1-0 victories. If Islanders beat Rangers in regulation tonight the Islanders will clinch a playoff spot.

Hockey Feed
Based in Canada
· AtSicptsparioln u29 nausotrma u10at:g0th0e dgProahsM ·
Jaromir Jagr, 49 years old, is once again a champion. 🏆👏😎
He scored a goal and an assist in Game 7 today for his hometown Kladno Knights to secure victory. Oh... and he's the owner of the team. What a legend.

regarding the Rangers, how much creedence do you give to the theme that they just don't have enough "jam" up an down their lineup to compete against the more physical teams that take away their time and space?

If that is true then I am concerned about their options. I feel like their younger guys (outside of Laf) have not flashed enough to bring back any real value (thinking KK, and Chytil specifically).

Also then, can they afford to retain Buch and Zib if they are the exact players (along with Bread) who show elite skills in the wide open matches, but get shut down in the playoff type games?

In comment 15248418 Rob in Rockaway said:

Quote:

regarding the Rangers, how much creedence do you give to the theme that they just don't have enough "jam" up an down their lineup to compete against the more physical teams that take away their time and space? If that is true then I am concerned about their options. I feel like their younger guys (outside of Laf) have not flashed enough to bring back any real value (thinking KK, and Chytil specifically). Also then, can they afford to retain Buch and Zib if they are the exact players (along with Bread) who show elite skills in the wide open matches, but get shut down in the playoff type games?

I wish I had a good answer.

I can tell you this, teams don't like playing the Rangers.

and it will only get worse as Kakko and Lafreniere (plus the other youngsters) mature.

Kakko is so fundamentally sound I think you will see it if you watch him move without the puck. and Lafreniere is sneaky physical. What I mean by that is he has a willingness to use his body you don't often see from players with his skill. Just need to give them time to mature.

I guess in short I don't think the Rangers lose games because they get pushed around.

I think they lost games because their 1C started the season as a shell of him self likely due to COVID and they have 1 guy on the blue line (Smith) who was a forward last year and played more games in the NHL than 4 of the other 5 D (Trouba the exception - and I think Trouba while maybe mildly disappointing because of the $$$ gets shit on way more than he deserves).

they're the youngest team in the league, but what's unusual is they have veteran talent and a good farm system. They're in a good spot.

I would trade for Eichel though for many reasons (one because he's awesome) but also because I am not a Strome believer, I don't think he creates I think he's the beneficiary of others creating and he's replaceable by any number of on-roster players. and if it cost Buchnevich to get Eichel so be it.

Strome (one year left), Buchnevich (RFA), Georgiev and a 1st for Eichel. Who says no? if anyone, BUF.

You give Eichel and Zib one year on the team together as 1C/2C and if it works you do what you can to extend Zib or you trade him at the deadline or let him walk after the season.

Hmmmmm

I would agree with that statement up until this year, but management is changing the atmosphere and picking up some grit players like Simmonds and Foligno. Plus, our defense has considerably improved.

I was not happy picking up Galchenyak-YUK but hopefully he won’t hurt us in the playoffs.

I’m not saying this to be ugly but I think your Habs may barely squeak in at the end. You have major injuries and you play my Leafs 3 more times. If you win 2 of 7 and they win 5 of 5, it’s a tie. I think both are realistic. Honestly I’d rather play Habs in playoffs....Calgary is boring and I love our rivalry so Go Habs Go. Good luck against Ottawa tonight but they are well rested, your boys aren’t.

In comment 15248664 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 15248418 Rob in Rockaway said: Quote: regarding the Rangers, how much creedence do you give to the theme that they just don't have enough "jam" up an down their lineup to compete against the more physical teams that take away their time and space? If that is true then I am concerned about their options. I feel like their younger guys (outside of Laf) have not flashed enough to bring back any real value (thinking KK, and Chytil specifically). Also then, can they afford to retain Buch and Zib if they are the exact players (along with Bread) who show elite skills in the wide open matches, but get shut down in the playoff type games? I wish I had a good answer. I can tell you this, teams don't like playing the Rangers. and it will only get worse as Kakko and Lafreniere (plus the other youngsters) mature. Kakko is so fundamentally sound I think you will see it if you watch him move without the puck. and Lafreniere is sneaky physical. What I mean by that is he has a willingness to use his body you don't often see from players with his skill. Just need to give them time to mature. I guess in short I don't think the Rangers lose games because they get pushed around. I think they lost games because their 1C started the season as a shell of him self likely due to COVID and they have 1 guy on the blue line (Smith) who was a forward last year and played more games in the NHL than 4 of the other 5 D (Trouba the exception - and I think Trouba while maybe mildly disappointing because of the $$$ gets shit on way more than he deserves). they're the youngest team in the league, but what's unusual is they have veteran talent and a good farm system. They're in a good spot. I would trade for Eichel though for many reasons (one because he's awesome) but also because I am not a Strome believer, I don't think he creates I think he's the beneficiary of others creating and he's replaceable by any number of on-roster players. and if it cost Buchnevich to get Eichel so be it. Strome (one year left), Buchnevich (RFA), Georgiev and a 1st for Eichel. Who says no? if anyone, BUF. You give Eichel and Zib one year on the team together as 1C/2C and if it works you do what you can to extend Zib or you trade him at the deadline or let him walk after the season.

Good post as usual. I guess to some degree I am guilty of recency bias as I am making judgements mostly based on the 2 pastings we took from the Islanders. Just not competing in those games was really tough to watch.

Eichel would be a great get only concern is that disc issue potentially becoming a recurring problem. At $10M a year that would be a nightmare. If we had him at $10M, Bread at $11M, Trouba at $8M, Krieder at $6.5M and then resigned Zib, we would need a pipeline of young cost controlled D-men in order to afford that. It appears we do have that though.

In comment 15248954 5BowlsSoon said:

Quote:

Hmmmmm I would agree with that statement up until this year, but management is changing the atmosphere and picking up some grit players like Simmonds and Foligno. Plus, our defense has considerably improved. I was not happy picking up Galchenyak-YUK but hopefully he won’t hurt us in the playoffs. I’m not saying this to be ugly but I think your Habs may barely squeak in at the end. You have major injuries and you play my Leafs 3 more times. If you win 2 of 7 and they win 5 of 5, it’s a tie. I think both are realistic. Honestly I’d rather play Habs in playoffs....Calgary is boring and I love our rivalry so Go Habs Go. Good luck against Ottawa tonight but they are well rested, your boys aren’t.

Until they win in the playoffs IMO they're mentally weak. sort of like the how the Lightning earned that winning president's cup and getting bounced first round by the 8 seed (Columbus?)


the Leafs are definitely more talented than MTL, but if Price plays like he did in the bubble (and he hasn't all year so no reason he will) the Habs can have some playoff success (if they get in), but even getting in isn't guaranteed - though after last night MTL is closer to WIN than CAL is to MTL - all with 6 games remaining.

In comment 15249902 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 15248954 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: Hmmmmm I would agree with that statement up until this year, but management is changing the atmosphere and picking up some grit players like Simmonds and Foligno. Plus, our defense has considerably improved. I was not happy picking up Galchenyak-YUK but hopefully he won’t hurt us in the playoffs. I’m not saying this to be ugly but I think your Habs may barely squeak in at the end. You have major injuries and you play my Leafs 3 more times. If you win 2 of 7 and they win 5 of 5, it’s a tie. I think both are realistic. Honestly I’d rather play Habs in playoffs....Calgary is boring and I love our rivalry so Go Habs Go. Good luck against Ottawa tonight but they are well rested, your boys aren’t. Until they win in the playoffs IMO they're mentally weak. sort of like the how the Lightning earned that winning president's cup and getting bounced first round by the 8 seed (Columbus?) the Leafs are definitely more talented than MTL, but if Price plays like he did in the bubble (and he hasn't all year so no reason he will) the Habs can have some playoff success (if they get in), but even getting in isn't guaranteed - though after last night MTL is closer to WIN than CAL is to MTL - all with 6 games remaining.

In comment 15249902 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 15248954 5BowlsSoon said: Quote: Hmmmmm I would agree with that statement up until this year, but management is changing the atmosphere and picking up some grit players like Simmonds and Foligno. Plus, our defense has considerably improved. I was not happy picking up Galchenyak-YUK but hopefully he won’t hurt us in the playoffs. I’m not saying this to be ugly but I think your Habs may barely squeak in at the end. You have major injuries and you play my Leafs 3 more times. If you win 2 of 7 and they win 5 of 5, it’s a tie. I think both are realistic. Honestly I’d rather play Habs in playoffs....Calgary is boring and I love our rivalry so Go Habs Go. Good luck against Ottawa tonight but they are well rested, your boys aren’t. Until they win in the playoffs IMO they're mentally weak. sort of like the how the Lightning earned that winning president's cup and getting bounced first round by the 8 seed (Columbus?) the Leafs are definitely more talented than MTL, but if Price plays like he did in the bubble (and he hasn't all year so no reason he will) the Habs can have some playoff success (if they get in), but even getting in isn't guaranteed - though after last night MTL is closer to WIN than CAL is to MTL - all with 6 games remaining.

Last night was a GREAT night for your Habs. What a comeback win and a Calgary loss makes you 8 up both with 6 to play. However look at the teams each has to play:
Habs: Leafs 3, Edmonton 2, Ottawa
Calgary: Vancouver 4, Winnipeg, Ottawa

Obviously Habs have it much better on paper, plus you are missing 6 guys, but you can’t put a limit on heart. Your comeback win last night was definitely from the heart. Best wishes here on out. FYI, I prefer to play your boys than Calgary. The latter plays a boring game and I love the Leafs-Habs rivalry.

get the OT GW was huge for a lot of reasons.

One, the habs were something like 2 - 12 - 1 when losing after 2 and they were down by 2 goals.

And Caufield, even in just his 4th game was already feeling heat for not hitting the score sheet yet.

loved his reaction and the team's reaction - wish there were fans there.

Anyway, losing Gallagher really dented their chances even if they make the playoffs to do some damage, he's such an underrated player, like a Marchand-lite. Losing Weber, Price, Drouin and Tatar too (for any length of time just means more kids are playing).

I can watch Nick Suzuki play all day, Kotkaniemi reminds me a lot of Kakko, and is so smart, Romanov is a tank on the blue line and Cayden Primeau was incredible in net. and bonus guys like Jake Evans out there showing they can play in the NHL makes it fun.

looking forward to the end of season and playoffs regardless what happens with MTL

remaining games in ()

Central
Clinched: CAR (5), TBL (4), FLA (3) (two points separate all 3, CAR inside track for the 1 seed)
Alive: NSH (4) up 3 points on DAL (5), DAL has a game in hand. Blackhawks (5) 8 back (on life support)

West
Clinched: LVG 6), COL (7), MIN (6) - LVG and COL battling for the 1 seed, LVG inside track up 4 points
Alive: Blues (7) with a 3 point lead and 3 games in hand on AZ (4)

North
Clinched: TOR (5) and basically clinched the #1 seed
Alive: EDM (7), WIN (6), MTL (6) currently slotted 2 - 4. MTL two back of WIN for #3.
Alive: CAL (6) 8 back of MTL for the 4 seed.

East
Clinched: PIT (4), WAS (5), NYI (5) - WAS back of PIT and NYI 2 back of WAS, so top 3 up for grabs
Alive: BOS (6) just one behind NYI with a game in hand, so top 4 in East really tight. NYR (4) 8 back so on the verge of elimination

this week will determine a lot (captain obvious)?

the league going to an 84-game schedule next year with Seattle joining? With 82 games, it's not possible to balance the schedule with 32 teams. Is that something which has to be negotiated with the NHLPA in the next CBA? Seems odd that it wasn't discussed since the expansion to Seattle was already known before the CBA was agreed upon.

it will be an 82-game unbalanced schedule (though I guess that can change). Maybe they'll adjust the following year, but the Olympics will make enough of a challenge to also consider adding two more games probably.

I think Auston Matthew is incredible, and maybe closing the gap a little to McDavid.

but to argue Matthews deserves the Hart trophy this year (like "Leafs nation" is doing) is absolutely ridiculous. McDavid easily.

Quote:

Sportsnet Stats @SNstats · 47m #Leafs Auston Matthews has 38 goals in 47 games, a 66-goal pace for 82 games. #LeafsForever #Oilers Connor McDavid has 87 points in 49 games, a 145-point pace for 82 games. #LetsGoOilers

Matthews pace is 110 points or something like that.

Round 2 of 4 tonight.....Leafs v Habs

I know your boys are minus six starters but fortunately for Habs fans your team has big hearts. Those two comeback wins v Winnipeg and Ottawa were eye opening and fantastic for Hab fans. Congrats.

If you do it tonight against my boys (come back from a two goal deficit) you will be making a huge statement when it comes to playoff time. (I assume my boys would be playing your boys.)

Best wishes tonight...I’m even rooting for the little guy, Cole Caufield, to score a goal. His story this year is inspiring even to a Leafs fan. See you after the game.

Caufield in OT, kid is turning into a legend.

good game, Campbell changes everything for TOR, I think he is better than Andersen. TOR outshot MTL, but MTL had some good chances.

Stats By STATS
@StatsBySTATS
·
25m
Cole Caufield of the @CanadiensMTL
is the first player in NHL history to score an OT goal in back-to-back games for his first 2 career goals.

clinched last night and leaped NYI into 3rd (for now).

jockeying for positioning will/could happen until the last day of the season.

Old school playoff format - divisional playoffs, which I loved back in the old Adams, etc. division days.

those were some f-ing blood bath rivalries.

Canes clinched top spot in the Central. Games remaining in ().

the return of Seguin from season long recovery of hip surgery energized the Stars and they're just 2 back with 2 left, but a NSH win or DAL loss clinches it for NSH b/c they are too far ahead in ROW.

So the Central is:
CAR (2)
TBL (2)
FLA (2)
and NSH (2) (likely) or DAL (2)

West is set other than seedings:
LVG (3) (likely #1)
COL (4)
MIN (3)
STL (4)

East is set other than seedings:
PIT (up 2 with 1 left, how?)
WAS (2)
BOS (3)
NYI (2)

I'd love to see BOS and WAS duke it out.

North, close to set but CAL hanging on
TOR (close to clinching division, up 8, 3 left)
EDM (4)
WIN (4)
MTL (3)

MTL is up 10 on CAL, but CAL has 5 games left, one more MTL point in the final 3 games seals it or one CAL loss in their final 5.

Plus, would be remiss if I didn't mention this legends 900th point.

Quote:

Arizona Coyotes @ArizonaCoyotes · 10h 900 @NHL points for this legend.

Kessel looks worse than usual. He looks like he completely let himself go

somehow it all works.

I've come around, I think Kessel has the perfect hockey body. It's like "dad bod" but on a world class athlete.

I'd say his career has been a resounding success and he'll retire as one the best American players ever, and I fully admit I hated his game at times, and he got robbed of a Conn Smythe.

I know tonight will be better for your guys. Your goalie looked like he was thinking too much about all the All Stars on my team, unlike his game vs Ottawa.

I hear Gallagher should be back for the playoffs, assuming you get in. I don’t know if you miss Weber, but his injury doesn’t sound long term, whatever upper body injury means. Price had a concussion two weeks ago, so I’m assuming he should be back within a week too. Not sure what happened to Danault.

My boys have a few nicks too...Hyman and Foligno, and I guess you could add Freddie in that, but we Leaf fans are happy about that one.

Hoping for another OT game tonight. Catch you after the game.

There has to be some science to this. He is one of the iron men of the sport. Part of it is because it does not really put his body out there on checks and stuff. But there are a lot of finesse players who do not and still get hurt.

My only conclusion is there must be a connection to the fact that he does not put a lot of extra strain on his muscles from not working out.

Part of me like any hockey fan wonders what Phil could have been if he pushed himself and was not so lazy but who knows -maybe he would have been hurt and no one would have seen him accomplish what he has.

Either way - from his perspective its probably awesome. Like the dad who eats rare meat and overeats but lives a long life and does not have a short one because of all the salt and fat.

Kessel has been able to practice and workout the way he wants. Eat what he wants, not care about being like the others and going against all the lifestyle changes that are usually necessary for a professional athlete.

In the end - he still was one of the faster skaters, score tons of points, and won a Stanley Cup. Some his fans have the right to be upset but from his perspective he has won for sure. Best of both worlds.

In the words of Ron Burgundy talking to a dog you ate an entire wheel of cheese:

people think he's fat and he's trolls them.

fired from AZ, so now with Torts at least two openings, plus Habs coach Ducharme is "interim" and I think that's as good as he'll be

limp into final playoff spot.

Seeding still in flux in some divisions (teams with remaining games in () and pts next to that):

Central (all set and all done):
CAR
FLA
TBL
NSH

1 vs 4, 2 v 3

East (all set):
PIT
WAS (1) 75 (WAS leads in ROW)
BOS (1) 73
NYI

North TOR clinched #1 and EDM #2, 3/4 still not decided
TOR (2) 76
EDM (2) 70
WIN (2) 59
MTL (1) 58

West all spots clinched, seeding up for grabs for a couple MIN can be 2nd, but not 1st, LVG can be 1st or 2nd, COL can be 1st, 2nd or 3rd
LVG (1) 80
COL (2) 78
MIN (2) 75
STL (2) 59

for whoever wins the North? I haven't seen anything as to whether they'll be allowed to play at home, with them and their opponent traveling back and forth across the border. I guess there's still a fair bit of time for the league, and border authorities, to make a decision, but that would really be a bummer if the North winner has to relocate to a U.S. arena for the semis, and possibly finals.

yet that I have seen, probably waiting to the last possible second to decide and hoping that travel restrictions ease.

border is mutually closed until May 21, so maybe they hope they get there and it just requires a negative test or vaccine or something like that.

*

At least you got in. Don’t forget, you have played the past month with 6 good starters out, including stars like Price, Weber, and Gallagher. Danault is much needed....not sure how you feel about Tatar, Byron, or Drouin, but even still, that is a lot of guys out.

Your team needs to rest up for several days and get renewed for your series against Leafs or Edmonton. Last year you shocked the world in the playoffs....while I hope you don’t do it at my boys expense, you certainly can do it again if the stars align up just right for you.

a lot, 60 point player.

And Drouin, as maddening as he is, is a top 6 forward.

When you're down 4 top 6 forwards, your #1 goalie and #1 D it's tough in this league, but good experience either way for the young guys.

I'm more mad about losing Ryan Poehling to a broken wrist than anything else about this year. He was just coming into his own and you could see him getting ready to break out and get promoted.

Leafs are just fortunate they don't have to face their playoff nemesis, Boston, until at the soonest the semi-finals, if both make it. It would be a disappointment after the season they had for the Leafs to perform their traditional playoff choke. I don't think they will the way Matthews and Marner are playing right now. And it seems they finally have a goalie.

Choking history or not. They score at will and as pjcas mentioned, are getting some good goaltending.

all set with one flip possible based on tonights games.

If COL win in regulation they become the 1 in the West and LVG becomes 2.