The OFFICIAL Stanley Cup Playoffs Thread

[Young Drachma]

I don't mind Versus coverage of the NHL playoffs. I'd never seen it until I moved and got digital cable, but..it's not bad. I enjoy it a lot more than I ever did what ESPN was doing. Of course, I watch TV on mute most of the time. So it's hard to say.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Y'know, I'm not entirely sure that Calgary couldn't contend for the Eastern Conference title ... except for the geography part I mean.

[bbor]

Great pace to the Stars/Nucks game....just f'n great f'n hockey!!

Wooohoo

[Pyser]

no matter what happens the rest of this game/series, i think Turco has earned another year. he's hasnt been the stars problem at all this postseason.

also, watched the det/cal game 4. that was a great game. very good tempo, good intensity. glad calgary pulled it out, but they needed two 5 on 3s to do it, which doesnt bode particularly well. that and they cant even skate outside their own building.

[TazFTW]

Finally, the Stars win an OT game in the playoffs.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Too many men on the ice leads to the game-winning PPG. Talk about "Doh!"

[Karim]

Thankfully the effort seems to be back but Calgary is going to have to reinvent itself on the road. I don't know if they can but I can't imagine they'll look as bad as they did in Games 1 and 2.

[Honolulu_Blue]

My thoughts from Games 3-4:

The stories:
Kipper is one story.
Home ice is another story.
The Wings' specialty teams is the other story.

The Wings have gone 2 for 25 on the power play in the series and Calgary are around 25%. All but two of the Flames' goals have been on the power play. The Wings' power play has been off all season. On paper it looks amazing, but in execution it just hasn't. At all. The Flames, on the other hand, have executed excellently.

I hope that the difference between games 1-2 and 3-4 was just home ice. The Wings looked very disorganized out there. I hope that has more to do with Calgary's Jekyll and Hyde persona than the Flames finally figuring out how to slow down the Wings' attack (see, e.g., Edmonton last year). The shots in the first two games were 3-1. In the last two games, while the Wings have out shot Calgary, it's been much closer. Zetterberg doesn't have a point in this series. The top line was completely shutdown in the last two games.

My bigger concern, at the moment, is Hasek. I got nervous yesterday when I heard he didn't skate with the team before the game. Apparently he did the optional skate the day before or something, but it was out of his routine. Then he took that ridiculous penalty against Iginla that led to the Flames' first goal. Then he made some comments after the game. Hasek's a flake. He's been known to flake out in the playoffs before and that always means disaster for his club. While he hasn't been horrible, he hasn't been great. Kipper has out played him and that seems to be getting to him too. It's a concern. Indeed, it's my biggest concern until the Wings lose at home.

I guess, at this point, the Wings are either about where I expected them to be or actually a little better (I had the Flames winning in 6). The Wings' really should have won one of the two games in Calgary, especially with Regehr out of the line-up.

Bertuzzi had a solid game, a goal and an assist. I have to admit, I haven't seen him play a ton over his career, but it's quite enjoyable on some level. Before the playoffs two people hurt themselves just trying to hit him. Players just bounce off him like he was made of stone. He's sort of the flipside of Raffi Torres. Torres seem indestructible when making a hit, while Bertuzzi is indestructible when taking one.

[Draft Dodger]

Y'know, I'm not entirely sure that Calgary couldn't contend for the Eastern Conference title ... except for the geography part I mean.

and the having to play half their games on the road part.

amazing to see all those Calgary fans wearing red jerseys. they'd pan to the crowd and 90% of the people had home jerseys on. quite a sight.

I only watched the first two periods, but Hasek didn't look very good out there tonight for much of the game, and he looked downright stupid taking that diving penalty.

[Draft Dodger]

I don't mind Versus coverage of the NHL playoffs. I'd never seen it until I moved and got digital cable, but..it's not bad. I enjoy it a lot more than I ever did what ESPN was doing. Of course, I watch TV on mute most of the time. So it's hard to say.

Versus has improved tremendously since they first started. Not that they could have gotten any worse. I'm not a huge fan of Emerick and I'd pay money not to hear Pierre McGuire pat himself on the back over and over, but the announcing is generally decent enough.

[Draft Dodger]

Bertuzzi had a solid game, a goal and an assist. I have to admit, I haven't seen him play a ton over his career, but it's quite enjoyable on some level. Before the playoffs two people hurt themselves just trying to hit him. Players just bounce off him like he was made of stone. He's sort of the flipside of Raffi Torres. Torres seem indestructible when making a hit, while Bertuzzi is indestructible when taking one.

Bertuzzi has really great hands. Couple that with his size and strength and he should be able to score a zillion goals just parked in front of the net like he did on his goal last night.

I didn't realize he was so young - he just turned 32. I thought he was much closer to the end of his career than that.

[Pumpy Tudors]

...I'm not a huge fan of Emerick...
YOU TAKE THAT BACK!

[Draft Dodger]

YOU TAKE THAT BACK!

ok. he's definitely a MONSTER

[Honolulu_Blue]

Versus has improved tremendously since they first started. Not that they could have gotten any worse. I'm not a huge fan of Emerick and I'd pay money not to hear Pierre McGuire pat himself on the back over and over, but the announcing is generally decent enough.

Emerick isn't my favorite either, but he's much better than Joe Micheletti. Micheletti just uses too many "cutsey" terms for my liking. He should watch a bunch of CBC-covered games and learn to just call a hockey game.

I always liked Gary Thorne. I am a HUGE fan of Dave Strader too. He's been covering some games for VS. He's the play-by-play guy for the Panthers, but he was the Wings' play-by-play guy through the late 80's/early 90's when I really started to get into hockey. He and Mickey Redmond and Bob Cole and Harry Neale will always be the "voices" of hockey to me.

I would pay good money to see someone whack Pierre McGuire or at least spray him with a water bottle.

[Honolulu_Blue]

ok. he's definitely a MONSTER

DD's the "Man In The Box"!

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'm not one for moral victories...but making the playoffs was a feat for the Pens. Nobody expected them to be this good this fast.

Add a top six wing (or 2) and another two-way defensemen, and this team will be back next year.

Fleury didn't play great, but was left out to dry pretty often.

[Draft Dodger]

Emerick isn't my favorite either, but he's much better than Joe Micheletti. Micheletti just uses too many "cutsey" terms for my liking. He should watch a bunch of CBC-covered games and learn to just call a hockey game.

I always liked Gary Thorne. I am a HUGE fan of Dave Strader too. He's been covering some games for VS. He's the play-by-play guy for the Panthers, but he was the Wings' play-by-play guy through the late 80's/early 90's when I really started to get into hockey. He and Mickey Redmond and Bob Cole and Harry Neale will always be the "voices" of hockey to me.

I would pay good money to see someone whack Pierre McGuire or at least spray him with a water bottle.

oh yes, Micheletti is practically unbearable. I too miss Gary Thorne. Jim Hughson (sp?) also needs to be mentioned - he's excellent.

[Dr. Sak]

I would pay good money to see someone whack Pierre McGuire or at least spray him with a water bottle.

I'll chip in some money. I cannot stand when he commentates between the glass. I wish he'd get hit in his bald ass head with a puck. For a color guy I like Eddie Olzeck. I think he has good knowledge of the game, but I do feel bad everytime he does a Pens game because the play by play guy always seems to bring up how he got fired by them last year.

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger View Post
...I'm not a huge fan of Emerick...

Last year my friends and I had a running joke that Doc Emerick wore women's glasses. I'm not sure if he's changed frames from last year but check it out. He has the thick black glasses with a little white around the outside. Then he had the string that keeps them on his head but instead of a string, it looked like they were pearls...too funny.

[Honolulu_Blue]

oh yes, Micheletti is practically unbearable. I too miss Gary Thorne. Jim Hughson (sp?) also needs to be mentioned - he's excellent.

Hughson is excellent. I really like him. It took me a while to get used to him though because he was the play-by-play voice for a few EA NHL games. His inflection and tone in the EA game is identical to the way he calls an actual game. It was eerie for a while...

If the Wings can survive Calgary and move on against a non-Canadian team, I will definitely be watching CBC (if no HD is available) if I can.

[Draft Dodger]

I'll chip in some money. I cannot stand when he commentates between the glass. I wish he'd get hit in his bald ass head with a puck. For a color guy I like Eddie Olzeck. I think he has good knowledge of the game, but I do feel bad everytime he does a Pens game because the play by play guy always seems to bring up how he got fired by them last year.

"Ed, you coached Crosby for the first 20 or 30 games of his career. Did you know he was going to be this good this fast?" :rolleyes:

[Honolulu_Blue]

amazing to see all those Calgary fans wearing red jerseys. they'd pan to the crowd and 90% of the people had home jerseys on. quite a sight.

Indeed.

The Saddeldome really is impressive. They are a loud, reslient, energetic bunch.

They definitely have an impact on the game. I'm almost positive that at least one call went against the Wings because of the fan reaction. It was a penalty on Scheider (I think, maybe Lang) and the ref didn't raise his arm for a good 4-5 seconds after the "penalty", while the crowd was screaming the entire time.

There was some stat on how many times the Flames were short-handed vs. on the power play at home and away and it was a staggering difference.

[Pyser]

interesting, i actually think emmerick is the best play by play guy ive heard in any sport in a long time. i love the way he calls a game.

the ducks home announcers are quite good, too, i must admit.

[Draft Dodger]

the ducks home announcers are quite good, too, i must admit.

yes, very good. I'm a big fan of Bryan Hawyard

[Maple Leafs]

amazing to see all those Calgary fans wearing red jerseys. they'd pan to the crowd and 90% of the people had home jerseys on. quite a sight.
Ottawa tried to do that this year. Didn't work out so well. Let's just say that if you didn't already know they were trying it, you wouldn't suspect it from looking at the crowd.

[Maple Leafs]

Sean Hill suspended 20 games for performance enhancing drugs ... ?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Sean Hill suspended 20 games for performance enhancing drugs ... ?

That was random.

[Maple Leafs]

Apparently the Islanders will have to forfiet the games Hill played in since the drug test. The Sabres/Isles series will be cancelled, and the Leafs/Sabres series will begin tomorrow night.

[Young Drachma]

Nice throwbacks, Sabres.

[Young Drachma]

Apparently the Islanders will have to forfiet the games Hill played in since the drug test. The Sabres/Isles series will be cancelled, and the Leafs/Sabres series will begin tomorrow night.

You have pro sports confused with the NCAA or something.

[bbor]

TB looks done.

[Draft Dodger]

Sean Hill suspended 20 games for performance enhancing drugs ... ?

25 points this year. how totally unawesome would he be if he was clean?

[Young Drachma]

TB looks done.

Glad to hear it. I'm having to watch the NYI/BUF game because it's on Versus. Bleh.

Stupid NHL. Get a national TV contract that lets me watch more than just one game. Though Versus has done a serviceable job with it.

[Young Drachma]

And the Isles are officially done.

[bhlloy]

Ridiculous save by Ryan Miller with 9 seconds left to keep the Isles out.

[RendeR]

The Isles were done before this series started. As someone else mentioned, getting in on a wing and a prayer on the last day earned them one win in the playoffs.

Toronto or Montreal would have been far better teams to be in than the Isles.

[kingfc22]

Damn, screw Nashville and their dirty play. Hopefully the Sharks come out on fire in the 3rd and send these jackasses home.

[Fidatelo]

I know the Coyotes are terrible, but if anyone ever gets a chance to hear Curt Kielback call a game they should do so. He was always awesome when he worked as the Jets radio guy, and I think he does Coyotes TV now.

[Draft Dodger]

I know the Coyotes are terrible, but if anyone ever gets a chance to hear Curt Kielback call a game they should do so. He was always awesome when he worked as the Jets radio guy, and I think he does Coyotes TV now.

yes. I don't think I could listen to him 82 games out of the year, but he is fun to listen to. and his partner is Darren Pang who, holy jumpin', is good as well.

[Pyser]

classy, calgary.

classy.

[Travis]

I know I'm a bit biased as an Edmonton fan, but that was one of the worst displays I've seen in some time from a team.

I haven't watched any followup, but has anybody talked about McLennan being put in to do just what he did? Seemed awfully convenient the way it played out.

Certainly not the type of play you want casual/new fans of the sport to be watching. I hope Detroit ends this tomorrow.

[Karim]

"Sending a message", "policing themselves", "the code" -- all that shit would be unnecessary if the refs would just do the job.

Detroit wants Iginla suspended. Calgary wants Lebda suspended. McLennan was responding to Franzen's high-stick to his head and will likely be suspended for it. Langkow's punch was responding to Lebda's low bridge.

Whatever happens in terms of suplementary discipline is irrelevant. I blame the garbage on the referres for letting this one get out of control.

[Karim]

I know I'm a bit biased as an Edmonton fan, but that was one of the worst displays I've seen in some time from a team.

I agree. It was much worse than Edmonton's stellar performance down the stretch.

[Hurst2112]

Langkow's punch was responding to Lebda's low bridge.

You talking bout that hip check? Seemed pretty subjective. I don't know the rules of a hip check but Lebda seemed to have gotten most of the mid section with that.

People better watch out for Zetterberg. He's hitting his stride at the right time. If and when they make it past this series, he's going to open it up.

[Hurst2112]

Seeing Cleary get the penalty shot was awesome. I think the last time I saw one was the Pens in 97 or 98.

[Pyser]

"Sending a message", "policing themselves", "the code" -- all that shit would be unnecessary if the refs would just do the job.

Detroit wants Iginla suspended. Calgary wants Lebda suspended. McLennan was responding to Franzen's high-stick to his head and will likely be suspended for it. Langkow's punch was responding to Lebda's low bridge.

Whatever happens in terms of suplementary discipline is irrelevant. I blame the garbage on the referres for letting this one get out of control.

i dont know. maybe i wasnt paying enough attention, but as an objective viewer, it seemed pretty one sided to me.

[Karim]

You talking bout that hip check? Seemed pretty subjective. I don't know the rules of a hip check but Lebda seemed to have gotten most of the mid section with that.

Watch Langkow's left knee on the replay. Let's hope Lebda was intending to hip check but that's not what happened.

[Karim]

i dont know. maybe i wasnt paying enough attention, but as an objective viewer, it seemed pretty one sided to me.

Lebda's low bridge, Franzen's high stick, Draper's elbow... seemed pretty even to me.

[Pyser]

ill wait for more people not from calgary to check in before i make up my mind :)

if it was the devils that did that, id defend them too.

[TazFTW]

2 quick penalties by Vancouver and Dallas makes them pay.

[Hurst2112]

Lebda's low bridge, Franzen's high stick, Draper's elbow... seemed pretty even to me.

That doesn't account for short handed goals. :D

didn't lebda get called for that? did calgary score on the powerplay?

[Schmidty]

Calgary is a dirty, steaming pile of shit. I hope McClennan goes to jail, and that Iginla gets suspended at least the rest of the series.

Any of their fans that defend that shit are classless scumbags.

[bbor]

Tell us how you realy feel :D

[Hurst2112]

I thought it was sorta funny that Calgary has a coach named Playfair.

Oh, and by the way...message to Jerome Iginla:

You are more of a help to your team ON the ice. Take your head outta your ass. Your team doesn't seem to get motivated by your tough guy stuff.

[Travis]

I agree. It was much worse than Edmonton's stellar performance down the stretch.

You're comparing sending a goalie out to hack a guy to Edmonton suffering through a brutal injury report for the last 20 or so games of the season?

I'd rather my team miss the playoffs than pull anything resembling what the Flames did today. I understand you're a fan of the team and all, but I'm failing to see anything the Oilers did that can even be ball parked with what went down today.

[Hurst2112]

I'm failing to see anything the Oilers did that can even be ball parked with what went down today.

Maybe to an Atl/Cgy flames fan...winning 5 cups counts. :P :D

[TazFTW]

w00t! Game 7. :cool:

[sachmo71]

w00t! Game 7. :cool:

I must say, I'm amazed. The first games were close, but history was against us. Seeing their fight in game 5, and then the overtime winner...now this. Turco is playing LIGHTS OUT. Nice to see he's at least capable of a great playoff series. :D

[Karim]

I'd rather my team miss the playoffs than pull anything resembling what the Flames did today.

Sure. If the Oilers were the meanest, toughest, dirtiest team in the NHL, you'd be defending them just like any Oiler fan would.

[st.cronin]

I'd rather my team miss the playoffs than pull anything resembling what the Flames did today.

Absolutely agree 100%. That was repulsive.

[Karim]

Calgary is a dirty, steaming pile of shit. I hope McClennan goes to jail, and that Iginla gets suspended at least the rest of the series.

Any of their fans that defend that shit are classless scumbags.

What did Fred Shero say? Something like, you can't beat them on the ice if you can't beat them in the alley. Whatever... Being poor losers has been a trademark of the Flames ever since Sutter took over. I can't say I mind.

[Travis]

Sure. If the Oilers were the meanest, toughest, dirtiest team in the NHL, you'd be defending them just like any Oiler fan would.

Dude, you don't know me at all. There is no room in the game for what the Flames did today, and to be honest, I was shocked to watch it. For as much as I love to hate them, it's always been because they were our rivals, but I would have reacted with equal disdain had this been done by any other team in the NHL, including the Oilers.

Whether that makes me less of a "fan" for my team or not if I wouldn't defend them in that situation is up to each individual I guess, but if we were to have a controlled discussion about our teams, up until today, I probably would have pointed out much more that is wrong with the state of the Oilers than what was going on in Calgary (same would have been true at the start of the season, not just after we had to ice an AHL team for the last quarter of the season).

[st.cronin]

What McLellan did today is why people don't respect hockey. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if he was kicked out of the league forever.

[Karim]

What McLellan did today is why people don't respect hockey. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if he was kicked out of the league forever.

Fair enough. I've heard people say it was as viscious as Simon, others saying it was nothing more than a tap embellished by Franzen.

Personally, I don't mind a little violence with my hockey, but then that's just me.

[st.cronin]

Fair enough. I've heard people say it was as viscious as Simon, others saying it was nothing more than a tap embellished by Franzen.

Personally, I don't mind a little violence with my hockey, but then that's just me.

Hockey is the greatest sport ever invented. Diluting it with boxing, street fighting, and vicious assaults bring the sport down to something too common for me to really enjoy.

[RendeR]

Hockey is the greatest sport ever invented. Diluting it with boxing, street fighting, and vicious assaults bring the sport down to something too common for me to really enjoy.


You obviously have no real understanding of the game's history.





and I just can't resist....

bring the sport down to something too common for me to really enjoy.

POMPous ...... ASS!

[Hurst2112]

Fair enough. I've heard people say it was as viscious as Simon, others saying it was nothing more than a tap embellished by Franzen.

Personally, I don't mind a little violence with my hockey, but then that's just me.

I don't care if it was embellished. The fact that Jamie did it two-fisted shows intent.

I'm all for great rivalries. I dug the whole Avs/Wings 'trilogy' of the late 90s, early 2000s. Still, there was something really dumb about Jamie and the Flames actions yesterday. It felt like they were substituting playoff talent with ignorance.

[Milton]

Had to jump in here... What the hell has happened to the Detroit Red Wings? I'm not a fan of either team and don't follow the Western conference very closely, but the Wings used to be a tough AND talented team. What Calgary did was brutal and thuggish ...and it demanded a response right then and there. I actually felt badly for them, they looked helpless. Bob Probert is rolling over in his bar stool.

[Hurst2112]

the leagues gotten soft. Osgood doesn't have a Roy to fight with anymore.

;)

[Young Drachma]

Devils looking pretty great.

[Hurst2112]

LEAGUE HANDS DOWN FINES AND SUSPENSIONS TO CALGARY

McClennan susspended 5 games.

Playfair fined $25000

Calgary fined 100,000

Just announced on NBC

[Hurst2112]

Devils looking pretty great.

I noticed NJ has a lot of patience playing the 'ning. They are looking pretty good. I'm not sold on Brodeur so far though.

[Young Drachma]

Brodeur is getting the job done. I don't think he's even close to where he wants to be down the line, but if he's looking this good so far against a team that's playing pretty aggressively, I'd love to see him in later rounds.

It just feels like a Devils' year. I dunno. You can usually tell with this team. That and I think Lou being on the bench this particular season has an impact because he built this team and knows it well and seems to be able to get enough out of them to win.

I'm looking forward to a matchup against the Senators, because I don't think they can hang with the Devils this year. I mean, this game isn't over yet. But...provided we get out of it, I'd like to see the Sabres and Rangers beat each other up in a six or seven game tilt and have the Devils dispatch the Senators.

Not that it'll be that easy. But...I'm REALLY not sold on Ray Emery as a playoff goalie, at least not yet.

We shall see though.

[Hurst2112]

my god, the lightning thrive on shots from the left side!

[Young Drachma]

Nice shot.

[Young Drachma]

They need to chill with the penalties, because if nothing else..I know I want nothing to do with this team in a Game 7.

[Hurst2112]

It just feels like a Devils' year. I dunno.

Believe me, I've been wanting to see another Wings/NJ finals rematch for 12 years.

[Hurst2112]

They need to chill with the penalties, because if nothing else..I know I want nothing to do with this team in a Game 7.


I haven't been paying close attention (playing EHM as game is on tv)

Is it the refs calling a hard game or is it the Devils? Seems like the Devils D is getting most of the calls.

[Young Drachma]

Yeah, I've been playing OOTP and watching and it seems the refs were calling it pretty down the line. Tampa did some pretty stupid things early on. And now, the Devils are getting their share of the penalties.

It doesn't seem like they're being uncharacteristically tough to me.

[Young Drachma]

Dola --

I will say that nothing beats playoff hockey. I mean, even crappy series have the urgency that no other sports seems to have in their playoffs. Except maybe playoff baseball at certain points (though I hate to admit the Wild Card has diluted that to me...)

But man, I love playoff atmosphere.

[Hurst2112]

prospal with a nice pass.

damn.

Vinnie Prospal...is he related to Vaklav Prospal?

[Young Drachma]

Ok, that's a bullshit call.

[Hurst2112]

nuther penalty for the Devils...

baaaaad call on the refs part.

[Young Drachma]

prospal with a nice pass.

damn.

Vinnie Prospal...is he related to Vaklav Prospal?

It's the same guy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaclav_Prospal (and this tidbit from Wikipedia..so who knows if it's true)

Although it is not widely knowledgeable, Prospal's last name has a humorous significance in the Czech language, its proper pronunciation pṝospăl means "He overslept".

[Hurst2112]

no shit. damn

what an opportunity by NJ!

[Hurst2112]

brian rafalski never drafted? unreal.

My boss is friends with Parise's old man.

[Young Drachma]

Is it just me or are these in-game interviews with players pretty annoying? I mean, I get why they do it. I just don't like it. Whether it's the NBA, managers in baseball or in hockey.

They just annoy me. And I imagine they're distracting to the players too.

[Hurst2112]

Is it just me or are these in-game interviews with players pretty annoying? I mean, I get why they do it. I just don't like it. Whether it's the NBA, managers in baseball or in hockey.

They just annoy me. And I imagine they're distracting to the players too.

My GF mentioned that she thought it was unusual. She's not a hockey wonk.

I don't mind 'in tunnel' interviews with a non star but the interviews right before the game and right after the period seem wrong. The coach interviews are lame as well. Just like the MGR interviews in baseball during the game.

Lastly...I'm a little biased but I dig Hully on TV. He's a dude.

[Hurst2112]

Threadjack...

Listening to the local sports radio here last week.

State had a bill that they tried to pass. In the bill, they had a bit about 25 cents of each men's Gopher tickets be given to the US hockey hall of fame. The HOF has come into some hard times the last couple years. I have never been there but I drove past it last year on my way to a camping trip. It's in the middle of the sticks...near where the North Country movie was shot.

The bill failed (Dems turned it down). In return, some Dem bill was axed and the money for that was given to the HOF.

[Young Drachma]

I read an article in the NY Times about the US Hockey Hall of Fame.

The problem with putting things like that in places that are remote is that NO ONE can get to them. Add that to the fact that hockey is a niche sport at best in the USA and they just need to be smart and move it from its remote locale and put it next to an arena like the Wild's or perhaps in a place that will get more visitors. Heck, do it in Detroit next to Joe Louis and make it part of some bigger redevelopment project.

But...you're not going to get people to sign on or to get interested in something that doesn't really affect them, when the US Hockey of Hall of Fame is located in some remote Minnesota town in a building that's not exactly awe inspiring either.

Really sad. But they should've known better than to do that from the jump me thinks.

[Young Drachma]

Clutch save by Marty.

[Hurst2112]

I agree, totally.

The HOF is located in Eveleth. It's about 75 miles NORTH of Duluth.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=US+hocky+hall+of+fame&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.273162,95.800781&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=8&ll=47.271775,-92.076416&spn=1.889654,5.987549

There was talk about moving it down to the X but I'm not sure what became of that. It makes total sense. I feel that it should be located in one of the original 6 cities but Minnesota does have a long history in US hockey, esp the northern half of the state.

But, if I am a hockey fan, it would be hard to justify a trip all the way up there just for the HOF.

[Hurst2112]

Marty big save on Kuba.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Game 5 thoughts...

Dan Cleary has been one of the Wings' best players in this series. He's been all over the ice, tormenting Phaneuf, he's been physical, and has made great plays at both ends of the ice. His penalty shot was a thing of beauty.

I would really like to see Detroit win tonight. While the Wings' will have home ice for game 7, it's just not a risk I'd like to have to take. You never know when the bounces just might not go you way, even at home.

I thought Hasek was solid, especially in the first period when the Wings seemed to be in a bit of a haze. Definitely his best game of the series.

It was great to see Zetterberg finally contribute, he needed to get back on track. The Wings finally seemed to solve the specialty teams issue.

I knew that Calgary would start taking runs as soon as the game got out of hand, but they were pathetic. It's one thing to be tough in front of the net, finish your checks, be a little more edgegy during scrums after the whistle, but the amount of stickwork was beyond the pale and Langkow's sucker punch on Lebda has knocked him out for Game 6 (at least). Calgary are just playing it off as they were just playing through the last 5 minutes, that they are physical and fiesty and all that. Bullshit. That kind of hacking has no place in the game. A tape of the last 5-10 minutes of that game should be used as Exhibit A when making the case for eliminating the instigator rule (not that the Wings really have anyone who would have instigated anything, but still...) I did enjoy Bertuzzi's choke-slam on Phaneuf.

It was a good win, but I still can't get too excited. We've seen the Wings dominate Calgary 3 times at home and get dominated twice on the road. There is really no reason to believe that tonight will be any different.

[Young Drachma]

Go Devils!

[Logan]

There was as much life in Tampa at the end of that game as there is color in Tortorella's shirts and ties.

[Young Drachma]

Yeah that was a pretty uninspired last minute or so. It was as if after they missed that big opportunity, that was pretty much all they had left.

[Pyser]

phew. that was a tough, tough series for the devils. lecavalier and st. louis were playing about as well as ive ever seen 2 players in the early part of the series. just absolutely dominant. and to shut them down late in the series without colin white...pretty impressive.

not even ready to think about the sens. just breathing easier that we got by tb. if they had any sort of 2nd line we'd of been dead in the water.

[Hurst2112]

Im excited about a NJ/OTT series.

[Logan]

I'm not excited about a NYR/BUF series. As good as our D has been, I don't think we can handle that offense.

[Hurst2112]

I'm not excited about a NYR/BUF series. As good as our D has been, I don't think we can handle that offense.

Chris Drury...Mr Playoffs.

East has some good matchups.

[DeToxRox]

As far as the Wings game yesterday, when McClennan went, and this is coming from a former goalie, you IMMEDIALTEY run Kipper. Break his collarbone. Eye for an eye.

[sterlingice]

I'm going to be really curious to see how tonight's game goes...

SI

[bhlloy]

OK, so Jamie McLennan isn't an big bad "enforcer" so he only gets 5 games, despite the fact that what he did was WAY more pre-meditated than what Simon did. He's lucky he hit body and not neck otherwise Frantzen could be dead.

And we will hold teams accountable for their actions at the end of games, unless the player in question is Jarome Iginla, who we need for TV ratings and shirt sales, in which case he gets 2 minor penalties and we all sing kum-ba-yah.

Thanks Campbell and Bettman for reminding me why I hate the NHL management with such a fucking passion.

[Schmidty]

I wonder if at the end of this seriess, the Wings shake hands with the Flames players. If they didn't, I wouldn't bat an eye.

[General Mike]

As far as the Wings game yesterday, when McClennan went, and this is coming from a former goalie, you IMMEDIALTEY run Kipper. Break his collarbone. Eye for an eye.


LMAO

[Honolulu_Blue]

I wonder if at the end of this seriess, the Wings shake hands with the Flames players. If they didn't, I wouldn't bat an eye.

They will.

[Young Drachma]

If they didn't, I wouldn't bat an eye.

This isn't basketball. They'll shake hands after the Series over.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yes!!!!

THE MULE ENDS IT!!!!!

[Greyroofoo]

And the series is over

[JonInMiddleGA]

Geez, I thought the Thrashers got outshot badly on a regular basis but this was something else.

[DeToxRox]

Franzenstein with a beauty of a shot. With the way Nabakov is playing and how tough they play us anyway, not to mention going out West, it's safe to assume I'll be rooting Dallas on.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wow. A beauty of a shot by Franzen. Just perfect.

[Honolulu_Blue]

With the way Nabakov is playing and how tough they play us anyway, not to mention going out West, it's safe to assume I'll be rooting Dallas on.

Yes. I think the Wings match-up better with the Stars, but Turco's been stellar.

[Karim]

Total ownage by Detroit once again. They play their system to perfection, everyone is strong on the puck, composed, support the man with the puck giving him multiple options, committed to defensive coverage, etc., etc.

This wasn't surprising given the Flames schizophrenic season. Kiprusoff is the only reason it went six.

Here's hoping it isn't another Detroit-New Jersey final... *yawn*

[Schmidty]

Total ownage by Detroit once again. They play their system to perfection, everyone is strong on the puck, composed, support the man with the puck giving him multiple options, committed to defensive coverage, etc., etc.

This wasn't surprising given the Flames schizophrenic season. Kiprusoff is the only reason it went six.

Here's hoping it isn't another Detroit-New Jersey final... *yawn*

Yes, because once every 12 years is so tedious......

[Karim]

Yes, because once every 12 years is so tedious......

Yeah. I'd rather a new team win the Cup.

[Schmidty]

This isn't basketball. They'll shake hands after the Series over.

Yeah, in pro basketball, they'd basically be making out on the court after the game. The lack of intensity makes me nauseous, and I am the biggest basketball fan ever.

[Draft Dodger]

This isn't basketball. They'll shake hands after the Series over.

paging Mr Lemaire and Mr Boogaard.

[Maple Leafs]

Neutral observer: people here are way over-reacting to what went on at the end of the Flames/Wings game five.

[Hurst2112]

Neutral observer: people here are way over-reacting to what went on at the end of the Flames/Wings game five.

I don't think so. Not when a stick is involved as a weapon.

RE: Handshakes

After the Conf. finals in 96.

Dino Ciccerelli commenting on Lemieux's hit on Draper

'I can't believe I shook the guys fricken hand'

McLennan wasn't in the CGY lineup last night. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened.

[Maple Leafs]

I don't think so. Not when a stick is involved as a weapon.

Yeah, it was bad, and you could argue for a longer suspension. But it's Jamie McLennan, does it really matter if it's five games or eight or ten? So somebody else sits on the bench for those games. Besides, Emery only got three games for playing hack-a-Hab. Now that wasn't as premeditated, but on the other hand Emery hit his guy in the face.

And calling for Iginla to be suspended for what was basically a cross-check (followed by an obvious dive) is just weak. And it's even weaker to suggest he gets special treatment because of "tv ratings" -- as if the league cares at all about a Canadian team and its tv ratings, especially when they're standing in the way of Detroit moving on.

Folks, just because Pierre McGuire wets himself ("oh my goodness! oh my goodness!") and then goes into his scripted outrage mode doesn't mean we all have to play along.

Still, it was nice to see the league fine Playfair and the team. Sends a message about generally controlling your players at the end of games, even if nobody other than McLennan did anything suspension-worthy.

[Hurst2112]

Still, it was nice to see the league fine Playfair and the team. Sends a message about generally controlling your players at the end of games, even if nobody other than McLennan did anything suspension-worthy.


that was the most pleasing to me. honest. i agree with you.

[bhlloy]

And calling for Iginla to be suspended for what was basically a cross-check (followed by an obvious dive) is just weak. And it's even weaker to suggest he gets special treatment because of "tv ratings" -- as if the league cares at all about a Canadian team and its tv ratings, especially when they're standing in the way of Detroit moving on.



That's fine. I completely agree that he shouldn't - but if you are telling me that Chris Simon, Brad May or anyone who a) has disciplinary issues or b) likes a fight every now and then wouldn't have got a game misconduct and a game suspension for "actions at the end of a game blah blah" then I don't think you have been watching the NHL that closely. I clearly remember Jagr being the next person after McSorley to hit someone in the back of a head with his stick and getting a pussy ass suspension.

Re. McLennan - tell me how that is any different from what Chris Simon did. It's 10 times worse - Simon swatted out after being boarded by a dirty player (and was clearly concussed at the time). Franzen didn't even touch McLennand and he tomahawked him in the chest with a goalie stick 18 seconds after getting in the game - and it was pretty close to getting neck. The only difference I see is that Simon is big, fought a lot once in his career and did it in New York.

Suspensions are based on who you are and how much media coverage the action gets. I don't think that is really up for debate in Bettman's NHL.

[Maple Leafs]

Suspensions are based on who you are and how much media coverage the action gets. I don't think that is really up for debate in Bettman's NHL.
Definitely true in general (if you remember my post in in the regular season thread about the NHL's suspension formula, you'll know we're on the same page).

But in McLennan's case, you would think all that was working against him. He's a nobody -- easy to make an example of. He plays for a team that the NHL really doesn't care about. He did what he did against a big market US team, on a nationally televised game, while the announcers hyperventilated. And he still didn't get that much.

I think what saved him is that there really is a big difference between a slash to the body and to the head/neck. We know this already -- we see players slash each other on the arm or body all the time with far more force than McSorely used and nobody thinks much of it. A body shot is just far less likely to cause a serious injury (and let's face it, it doesn't look as dramatic for the Sportscenter guys either).

Given the premeditation, if McLennan hits him in the face he might get anywhere from 200+ games to a full year. But he didn't.

And as far as Iginla, while I agree that reputation plays a big part in suspensions, there is no player in the NHL who would get a suspension for doing what Iginla did. Even Tie Domi in the day wouldn't have been suspended for that.

[Honolulu_Blue]

And calling for Iginla to be suspended for what was basically a cross-check (followed by an obvious dive) is just weak. And it's even weaker to suggest he gets special treatment because of "tv ratings" -- as if the league cares at all about a Canadian team and its tv ratings, especially when they're standing in the way of Detroit moving on.

Folks, just because Pierre McGuire wets himself ("oh my goodness! oh my goodness!") and then goes into his scripted outrage mode doesn't mean we all have to play along.

I agree. I didn't think anything Iginla did was suspension worthy. Though, I think folks were more upset at what many thought was an attempted butt-end by Iginla than the cross-check that followed. That type of cross-check happens a dozen times in every game, butt-ending, however, is more akin to spearing and something that's a definite "no-no". It's hard to say whether or not there was a butt-end and even if there was an attempted butt-end, it certainly didn't work. Schneider didn't even seem to notice, hence the cross-check.

The Langkow play was a bit dirter, given that he grabbed Lebda's head and then punched him right in the face while Lebda was still down. Lebda's check was a little low though. I think he intended to do more of a classic hip check, but ended up hitting Langkow a little low.

McLennan was the only one who clearly deserved to be suspended. It would have been hard for the NHL to come down with a decision within a day on Playfair. I imagine in the playoffs you'd need some pretty hard evidence that the coach really played a role in the incident to suspend him.

While I didn't love what went at the end of Games 1 and 5 and I think it was pretty classless on Calgary's part, in the grand scheme of things it wasn't all that bad.

[st.cronin]

I don't actually know why Iginla was suspended, I watched the game but don't remember him doing anything egregious. McLennan, though, should have been kicked out of the league. What he did was completely disgusting.

[Hurst2112]

I don't actually know why Iginla was suspended, I watched the game but don't remember him doing anything egregious. McLennan, though, should have been kicked out of the league. What he did was completely disgusting.

he wasn't suspended. I thought (because I was fooled by Pierre's comment) that he hit Schneider with the butt end of the stick before he cross checked him (when he fell).

[Hurst2112]

speaking of Iginla:

Is it me or is he not that capable of a captain? He's a great player but his leadership is lost on me. Maybe it's because I don't follow the Flames that much.

He's got fire but I've always questioned his leadership. Well, I've questioned his role as captain. Similar to why i scratch my head as to why Yashin is still allowed to wear a C.

[Hurst2112]

Note to Danny Markov.

Don't blow your assignments. Seriously. He's been making bone headed decisions since the playoffs started. You look like Konstantinov but need to play D a little more like he used to.

HB:

Has he been paired with Lidstrom the whole playoffs? Whole season?

[Honolulu_Blue]

HB:

Has he been paired with Lidstrom the whole playoffs? Whole season?

Yeah, pretty much. The pairings for most of the season were: Lidstrom-Markov / Schneider - Kronwall / Chelios - Lebda.

Markov is a bit of a wild card out there at times. He makes me nervous, but he's a decent defensive partner for Lidstrom since he provides a little bit of an edge out there.

Speaking of which, I really have to hand it to Lilja. The guy's been solid. The only times I noticed him in the series was when he was making a good play. He's really stepped up his game. Maybe getting benched so often served as a wake-up call or something, but I hope it continues.

[Hurst2112]

Yeah, pretty much. The pairings for most of the season were: Lidstrom-Markov / Schneider - Kronwall / Chelios - Lebda.

Markov is a bit of a wild card out there at times. He makes me nervous, but he's a decent defensive partner for Lidstrom since he provides a little bit of an edge out there.

Speaking of which, I really have to hand it to Lilja. The guy's been solid. The only times I noticed him in the series was when he was making a good play. He's really stepped up his game. Maybe getting benched so often served as a wake-up call or something, but I hope it continues.

right on.

i guess he has made me nervous as well. course, Chelios was out of position during the series a few times. Hell, even Lidtrom blew some assignments. With Kronwall gone, I suppose you can't really get too drastic with changing up pairings if it's working pretty well.

Heard Lilja mentioned a couple times. Didn't really notice him effing up. He was +1 in the series and played about 15 minutes a game (from what I saw in the box scores).

[Chief Rum]

Either way, we get a tough opponent, but I am hoping the Canucks win their series. We (the Ducks) I think have had a better run of success against the Canucks than against the rival Sharks (although we have played well against them, too).

On the issue of handshakes, Boogard and Lemaire didn't shake hands with the Ducks at the end of the series last week. This despite the fact that the guy they were most likely pissed at, May, was suspended and not there, and Boogard jumped the line in warmups to start crap with the Ducks before the game, took runs at our guys all series long and generally acted like the ass he is (ditto the ass comment for Lemaire). Brian Burke said Lemaire did the same thing four years ago when the Wild eliminated the Canucks, refusing to shake Crawford's hand despite his team coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win it. I know May's punch was crappy, but if the Wild think Kim Johnnson's presence would have saved them from losing the series, they're out of their minds. Boogard and Lemaire are classless.

The rest of the Wild I was mighty impressed with and think they could do very well in the future with what they're building there.

[Chubby]

Rangers series should be a better one than the Isles. I don't really think it's such a bad matchp as a lot of pundits are saying.

[Maple Leafs]

Gary Galley made an interest point on the radio today. He said among the players, there's a concept called a "fly-by". Basically if you know a guy on other team is steamed at you, at the first opportunity you go out of your way to skate right by him. There's a good chance he'll take a poke at you, at which point you can crumple to the ice and draw a penalty. At the very least, you add to his annoyance level.

He was saying that both Holliweg and Franzen were doing pretty obvious fly-bys, and instead of a little poke they got the major league lumber. He wasn't blaming either guy (although he did think Franzen over-embellished it), just pointing out that from a player's perspective it was pretty clear what they were doing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Neutral observer: people here are way over-reacting to what went on at the end of the Flames/Wings game five.

QFT

[Maple Leafs]

So I really want Vancouver to win tonight, for three purely selfish reasons:

- I need Turco to get shelled so that Dallas will panic and trade him to the Leafs in the summer

- I think I'll shoot myself if I have to listed to several weeks of Ottawa proclaiming themselves "Canada's team".

- I would go an unprecedented eight-for-eight in my round one predictions.

Let's go Canucks!

[sachmo71]

So I really want Vancouver to win tonight, for three purely selfish reasons:

- I need Turco to get shelled so that Dallas will panic and trade him to the Leafs in the summer

- I think I'll shoot myself if I have to listed to several weeks of Ottawa proclaiming themselves "Canada's team".

- I would go an unprecedented eight-for-eight in my round one predictions.

Let's go Canucks!

Turco has made great strides in this series. He will be staying as the franchise rebuilds.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's a pity that a very good game has been marred by officials who decided they wanted to be the centers of attention.

[sachmo71]

It's a pity that a very good game has been marred by officials who decided they wanted to be the centers of attention.

That was a very odd sequence, wasn't it. Ah well...they couldn't stay out of the box, and couldn't beat a VERY good Canucks teams. Cest la vis.

I feel bad for Marty. He was a machine.

[Pyser]

jeez, at some point youve got to let them just play.

that was nuts at the end

[Draft Dodger]

- I need Turco to get shelled so that Dallas will panic and trade him to the Leafs in the summer


won't Iginla be enough?

[Maple Leafs]

won't Iginla be enough?
For us? No.

[Draft Dodger]

:)


my somewhat clever thoughs on the first round, if anyone is interested
http://inthecheapseats.com/archives/201

[Dr. Sak]

Okay I tallied up everyone's predictions from the first round. You got one point per correct pick. I also factored in if you picked the correct series score and that was used for tiebreaking purposes only. So here are the results after Round 1.

1. Maple Leafs 8-0-1
2t. Bsak16 7-1-4
2t. Karim 7-1-4
4. Hurst2122 6-2-3
5. Travis 6-2-1
6t. Suburban Rhythm 5-3-2
6t. Draft Dodger 5-3-2
8. General Mike 5-3-1
9. Honolulu_Blue 5-3-0
10t. Green Ceasar 4-4-1
10t. DetoxRox 4-4-1
10t. Sabotai 4-4-1
10t. RendeR 4-4-1
14. JonInMiddleGA 3-5-2

[Honolulu_Blue]

Okay I tallied up everyone's predictions from the first round. You got one point per correct pick. I also factored in if you picked the correct series score and that was used for tiebreaking purposes only. So here are the results after Round 1.

1. Maple Leafs 8-0-1
2t. Bsak16 7-1-4
2t. Karim 7-1-4
4. Travis 6-2-1
5. Suburban Rhythm 5-3-2
6. General Mike 5-3-1
7. Honolulu_Blue 5-3-0
8t. Green Ceasar 4-4-1
8t. DetoxRox 4-4-1
8t. Sabotai 4-4-1
8t. RendeR 4-4-1
12. JonInMiddleGA 3-5-2

Thanks for that, bsak! Middle of the pack and slightly above 50/50 is better than I thought I did.

[Honolulu_Blue]

:)


my somewhat clever thoughs on the first round, if anyone is interested
http://inthecheapseats.com/archives/201

Good stuff, DD!

[DeToxRox]

Buffalo vs Rangers - Sabres in 6
New Jersey vs Ottawa - Ottawa in 7

Detroit vs San Jose - San Jose in 6
Anaheim vs Vancouver - Anaheim in 6

[Maple Leafs]

1. Maple Leafs 8-0

Sorry about that guys... I'll use a spoiler tag next time.

[DeToxRox]

Sorry about that guys... I'll use a spoiler tag next time.

10/10.

[Draft Dodger]

I forgot to post here, but here were my predictions (which I believe would have put me smack dab in the middle at 5-3-2)

Buffalo in 5
New Jersey in 6
Atlanta in 6
Ottawa in 7
Calgary in 7
Anaheim in 4
Dallas in 6
San Jose in 7

I did better in the east, even though I mostly watch western conference hockey. not sure what that says about my skillz

[Dr. Sak]

I'll add you to the list DD

[Travis]

Sabres vs Rangers - Sabres in 5
Devils vs Senators - Senators in 7

Wings vs Sharks - Sharks in 6
Ducks vs Canucks - Ducks in 5

[Karim]

Detroit vs San Jose - Sharks in 6
Anaheim vs Vancouver - Ducks in 7

Buffalo vs New York - Sabres in 6
New Jersey vs Ottawa - Devils in 7

[Honolulu_Blue]

Detroit vs San Jose - Sharks in 6
Anaheim vs Vancouver - Ducks in 5

Buffalo vs New York - Sabres in 6
New Jersey vs Ottawa - Ottawa in 6

[Fidatelo]

Detroit vs San Jose - Red Wings in 6
Anaheim vs Vancouver - Ducks in 6

Buffalo vs New York - Sabres in 5
New Jersey vs Ottawa - Senators in 7

[Hurst2112]

sorry, sorry sorry...

bsak, if you could, I posted these on another forum. Could you add me?

I'm salivating. I got the local chinese takeout phone number set for speed dial. The freezer is going to be stocked with cheap vodka to mix with the cans of Red Bull. Budget for cigs was increased for the next 2 months. New socks are ready for the pacing back and forth. VCR is set with a fresh magazine of blank tapes.

Here it comes.


D's first round predictions...

West:

Wings in 6

Ducks in 5

Dallas in 5

Nashville in 7

East:

Sabres in 4

Devils in 5

Rangers in 7

Ottawa in 5

For the semis:

Det / San Jose------- Detroit in 6

Anaheim / Vancouver-------- Vancouver in 7



Buffalo / Rangers----------- Buffalo in 5

Devils / Ottawa------------- Devils in 6

[Maple Leafs]

Once again, the correct answers are:

Detroit vs San Jose - Wings in 6
Anaheim vs Vancouver - Ducks in 5

Buffalo vs New York - Sabres in 5
New Jersey vs Ottawa - Senators in 6

And my Cup pick remains: Ducks over Sens

[Dr. Sak]

Added Hurst...

My Picks

Buffalo vs New York - Buffalo 4-2
New Jersey vs Ottawa - Ottawa 4-2

Detroit vs San Jose - Detroit 4-2
Anaheim vs Vancouver - Anaheim 4-1

[Greyroofoo]

Detroit in 1

[Draft Dodger]

San Jose in 7
Anaheim in 6
New York in 6
New Jersey in 6

I fucking hate the Rangers and I fucking hate Sean "I'm going to hurt them" Avery. But, they are playing very well, have a good goalie, and, most importantly, I think the Sabres might take this one for granted. All the elements are there for an upset.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm having withdrawal symptoms from lack of hockey. There's no hockey on tonight. *gibber*

[Maple Leafs]

I'm having withdrawal symptoms from lack of hockey. There's no hockey on tonight. *gibber*
There's always basketball.

(After the Kaberle incident and the Devils not starting Brodeur against the Islanders, I think a Vince Carter-led upset by the Nets over the Raptors could cause the people of Toronto to delcare war on New Jersey. And I think we could win, because we have like five million people and I'm pretty sure nobody in the US would come to their aid.)

[DeToxRox]

There's always basketball.

(After the Kaberle incident and the Devils not starting Brodeur against the Islanders, I think a Vince Carter-led upset by the Nets over the Raptors could cause the people of Toronto to delcare war on New Jersey. And I think we could win, because we have like five million people and I'm pretty sure nobody in the US would come to their aid.)

I will come to your aid against New Jersey. We'll just put up construction barrells on their one f'ing road and trap everyone in. We'll buy a bunch of cheap Winwell sticks, do some damage.

[Pyser]

i will fly to nj and defend my soil with my life.

[Logan]

Screw all you guys.

[DeToxRox]

Logan, Pyser, like you guys, but it's like the Civil War, poster vs poster.

[Schmidty]

Detroit in 5.

I could not care less about the other series's's's's's's, so I won't give any other predictions.

[Logan]

Logan, Pyser, like you guys, but it's like the Civil War, poster vs poster.

Michigan is fully accountable for Matt Millen.

NJ rises again.

[sterlingice]

Sorry about that guys... I'll use a spoiler tag next time.

Beautiful :D

SI

[RendeR]

Sabres over Rangers 4-1

Devils oust Ottowa in 4-1 (its possible all 5 games go OT)

Sharks bitchslap Redwings 4-2

Canucks stun the world and sweep the Ducks 4-0 (upset of the round)

[Maple Leafs]

Devils oust Ottowa in 4-1 (its possible all 5 games go OT)

As a Sabres fan, you'd better hope so.

[Chief Rum]

Detroit in 5.

I don't know shit about hockey except what I make up about the Red Wings, so I won't embarrass myself by picking any of the other series.

There you go, Jay. :)

[RendeR]

As a Sabres fan, you'd better hope so.

While I understand that statement, I don't fear the Senators. If we play them we will defeat them. Might take 7 games again because of the history of the rivalry, and god's know we'll need to medivac players from both sides at some point. But We'd still beat them. Ottowa is playing so far above their real talent level this season its rediculous. They'll crash to earth, this series or the next.


Sabres vs Sharks in the Finals Sabres in 6!


GO SABRES!

[st.cronin]

New Jersey is the most underrated state in the Union.

[General Mike]

New Jersey is the most underrated state in the Union.

Indeed.

And here are my picks;

Sabres vs Rangers - Rangers in 7
Devils vs Senators - Devils in 6

Wings vs Sharks - Sharks in 5
Ducks vs Canucks - Canucks in 6

[NoSkillz]

Alright, I'll bite:

Anaheim vs. Vancouver - Anaheim in Five
Detroit vs. San Jose - San Jose in Six

New Jersey vs. Ottawa - Ottawa in Seven
Buffalo vs. NY Rangers - Buffalo in Five

As a Sabres fan, I just want to thank Sean Avery and Tom Renney for singlehandedly getting the Sabres out of their mental funk. For a team that disposed the Isles in five, the Slugs are getting a lot of disrespect from the media, especially in New York (Stan Fishler picked the Rags in a sweep then said he 'lost it for a bit'...he changed it to Rags in five :) )

[bbor]

In a Sabres/Sens series i would take the Sabres.....they have a deeper farm system:D

[Hurst2112]

damn.

I was really sick with a cold last night. slept through both games. Looks like others round here were busy or something. I expected more talk.

I have a session all weekend, starting tonight. I broke down and bought a DVD recorder for Wings games. (I have about 30 VHS tapes of their playoff runs from 97 on that I want to transfer.) I will finish up session round 10 tonight. I have to make sure I don't throw the tv to check the score.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I didn't watch either game last night. To be honest, I don't even know who won the late game yet. I guess I need to start paying some more attention!

Anyway, the Devils open up against the Senators tonight. That's going to be a fantastic series.

[bbor]

Both games were boring IMHO.

[Chubby]

So much for that Rangers sweep predicted by the NY media heh

[Dr. Sak]

I think the Rangers are going to fall to the same fate the NJ Devlis did last year. They swept an easy opponent in the first round, then get their asses handed to them in the 2nd.

[Logan]

Both games were boring IMHO.

Actually, the first period of NYR-BUF was really entertaining back and forth action. That pace just couldn't be kept.

So much for that Rangers sweep predicted by the NY media heh

Please point this out to me.

I think the Rangers are going to fall to the same fate the NJ Devlis did last year. They swept an easy opponent in the first round, then get their asses handed to them in the 2nd.

Stupid penalties killed us. It's hard to keep your offense going and your defense rested when you're on the PK for two periods (not complaining about the refs, as they were nearly all the result of dumb penalties...but then again, that BUF d-man should have been given a major for blatantly sticking out his knee to take out Avery). Now that they've gotten a sense of Buffalo's speed, hopefully they can adjust and come back strong in game 2.

[Chubby]

Actually, the first period of NYR-BUF was really entertaining back and forth action. That pace just couldn't be kept.



Please point this out to me.



Stupid penalties killed us. It's hard to keep your offense going and your defense rested when you're on the PK for two periods (not complaining about the refs, as they were nearly all the result of dumb penalties...but then again, that BUF d-man should have been given a major for blatantly sticking out his knee to take out Avery). Now that they've gotten a sense of Buffalo's speed, hopefully they can adjust and come back strong in game 2.


It was brought uo somewere (I think the Buffalo boards) how the NY papers were predicting Rangers sweeps or Rangers in 5 for most of them.

[Chubby]

Actually, the first period of NYR-BUF was really entertaining back and forth action. That pace just couldn't be kept.



Please point this out to me.



Stupid penalties killed us. It's hard to keep your offense going and your defense rested when you're on the PK for two periods (not complaining about the refs, as they were nearly all the result of dumb penalties...but then again, that BUF d-man should have been given a major for blatantly sticking out his knee to take out Avery). Now that they've gotten a sense of Buffalo's speed, hopefully they can adjust and come back strong in game 2.


I'm pretty sure the Rangers remember the Sabres speed when they look back at being swept in the regular season :D

[NoSkillz]

Please point this out to me.

Stan Fischler originally predicted a sweep on his blog, said "I lost it for awhile" then came back and corrected it to Rangers in Five.

http://blogs.msg.com/the_maven/2007/04/emotions_in_che.html

Buffalo IS NOT Atlanta and once again, I'd like to thank Avery and Renney for their comments in the papers. I love when the President's Trophy winner is looked at as just another team.

[Dr. Sak]

Stupid penalties killed us. It's hard to keep your offense going and your defense rested when you're on the PK for two periods (not complaining about the refs, as they were nearly all the result of dumb penalties...but then again, that BUF d-man should have been given a major for blatantly sticking out his knee to take out Avery).

I think I remember what you are talking about, I was surprised that nothing was called. The first half of the game was very competitve back and forth, but I think Buffalo is just too much for them. I am pulling for the Rangers in this series (that was hard to type).

[NoSkillz]

I think I remember what you are talking about, I was surprised that nothing was called. The first half of the game was very competitve back and forth, but I think Buffalo is just too much for them. I am pulling for the Rangers in this series (that was hard to type).

Spacek got a kneeing minor on the play, BTW. It was a dangerous play, for sure.

But of course, Rags fans don't think anything of the human torpedo crap that Paul Mara pulled on Miller...

I just love how Buffalo reacted to all the trash talk and goon antics of Avery, Hollweg and Mara - just skate away and go on the PP. It even shut Avery up, as he must have got sick of talking to himself!

[Chubby]

Spacek got a kneeing minor on the play, BTW. It was a dangerous play, for sure.

But of course, Rags fans don't think anything of the human torpedo crap that Paul Mara pulled on Miller...

I just love how Buffalo reacted to all the trash talk and goon antics of Avery, Hollweg and Mara - just skate away and go on the PP. It even shut Avery up, as he must have got sick of talking to himself!

I'm sure even Avery gets tired of talking to himself in the penalty box :D

[Pyser]

no elias tonight for the devils. he's out with a cold.

maybe we'll just play a player short. we're like 5-0 this year when we do that.

or, call up clarkson. who knows. but elias will be missed.

[bbor]

A cold?...What kinda B.S is that?

[Pyser]

dont forget he had hepatitis a 18 months ago. he's just more prone to sickness and stuff like that.

[Pumpy Tudors]

You've got to admit that it sounds funny to have Elias out with a cold, even given his hepatitis history. I mean, Sidney Crosby played for weeks with a broken bone in his foot, and Patrik Elias is missing a game with a cold. Now, I know that I'm no professional hockey player, but I have a cold and I'm at work right now. I'm also going bowling tonight.

If Elias needs to sit out, so be it, but it does look funny on the surface. By "funny," I mean "ha-ha funny."

[Dr. Sak]

Herpies flair-up

[Travis]

Broken bone in the foot, so long as you can rig up the skate so you can still get up to speed is livable. If Elias doesn't have the energy to get up and down the ice in reasonable fashion, much smarter to get a replacement in there that is less likely to give up a big play or two by not being able to be in the right place at the right time.

All comes down to what you can do to help the team vs how bad you can potentially hurt them as compared to whoever would replace you in the system that is being run. I'd be very surprised if Elias would miss a game if he wasn't completely out of it/out of energy/etc due to the illness.

[bbor]

Total body soreness.

[Milton]

Hey Buffalo.

Wide Right.

Go Rangers. :D

[Logan]

It was brought uo somewere (I think the Buffalo boards) how the NY papers were predicting Rangers sweeps or Rangers in 5 for most of them.

Stan Fischler originally predicted a sweep on his blog, said "I lost it for awhile" then came back and corrected it to Rangers in Five.

http://blogs.msg.com/the_maven/2007/04/emotions_in_che.html

Fischler is a moron. He calls himself "The Maven"...I mean, come on. He's a caricature, not a member of the media. For the record, in the two biggest NY sports papers, one guy picked the Sabres in 5, the other (Larry Brooks, the biggest NYR apologist of them all) took the Sabres in 6.

I'm pretty sure the Rangers remember the Sabres speed when they look back at being swept in the regular season :D

Let's be fair, 2 overtime losses and 1 shootout loss.

Spacek got a kneeing minor on the play, BTW. It was a dangerous play, for sure.

But of course, Rags fans don't think anything of the human torpedo crap that Paul Mara pulled on Miller...

Spacek deserved a major, just like Mara deserved a minor. Although I did like his miked-up explanation: "I was just driving to the net." Yeah, and then you drove through the goalie :).

[Karim]

I heard on the radio that the NHL has outlawed the "upper/lower body injury" garbage so now teams are resorting to "colds" and "flu". Being more aware of injuries is a step in the right direction but this didn't get much press if it is true.

[Maple Leafs]

I really enjoyed how Rick DiPietro absolutely, definitely did not have a concussion when he first missed games, but then later had to miss a few games with post-concussion syndrome.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I heard on the radio that the NHL has outlawed the "upper/lower body injury" garbage so now teams are resorting to "colds" and "flu". Being more aware of injuries is a step in the right direction but this didn't get much press if it is true.

Yes, Henrik Zetterberg has been sick for the last few days. He's got the flu, which has nothing at all to do with the inflamed disc in his back that forced him to miss the last 20+ games. Nothing. At. All.

Apparently Kyle Calder and Mikael Samuelsson are both playing with broken hands. That would explain a lot, but I am wondering when Calder's sinus infection will begin to act up and when Samuelsson's pesky allergies will to start to flare.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Another monster win for the Sharks. Good to see them smack Detroit right in the mouth in the first game. If they can manage another road win in Game 2, this series will be over because there's no way Detroit can win 2 games in the Shark Tank.

[MikeVic]

I really enjoyed how Rick DiPietro absolutely, definitely did not have a concussion when he first missed games, but then later had to miss a few games with post-concussion syndrome.

Hey, when it's a really bad cold...

[Hurst2112]

Lidstrom makes a bone headed move to put them short handed. The sharks score on a really nice PP goal. That move to the net, Guiren taking away the D, having the guy fly down for the pass was totally cool.

Grier hustles and gets a good goal as well.

Then, San Jose pulls the Lemaire trap on the Wings!!! Christ!

San Jose played their ass off. I expect that Detroit will come back as a slightly different team. Not taking anything away from the Sharks, they scare the hell out of me.

[Chief Rum]

Got off of work tonight. I should see if I can finagle a ticket to tonight's game. Even if I can't, I'll finally be able to watch. :)

Working nights sucks when your team is in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

[Vince]

Got off of work tonight. I should see if I can finagle a ticket to tonight's game. Even if I can't, I'll finally be able to watch. :)

Working nights sucks when your team is in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Quoted for truth. Having a TV on the game at your work seems nice, but it's actually a pain in the ass, because you get all the spoilers without really getting to see the action.

[RendeR]

My boss spent an hour hooking up a TV for me to see the sabres game tonight while i work.

I am SO spoiled.

[RendeR]

DOLA:


LETS GO SABRES!
Lets Go Buffalo!!
LETS GO SABRES!!
Lets Go Buffalo!!!
LETS GO SABRES!!!
Lets Go Buffalo!!!!

[st.cronin]

My wife spent an hour hooking up a TV for me to see the sabres game tonight while i work.

I am SO spoiled.

Sorry, couldn't resist. :D

[Draft Dodger]

ok, so what's wrong with Linda Ruff THIS time?

[kingfc22]

36 seconds and it's 1-0 Sharks :)

[kingfc22]

Nice assist from Hasek. 2-0 Sharks!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yay, Calvin Johnson!

[kingfc22]

Detroit gets lucky bounce to get them back in the game after San Jose dominated the 1st period.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Great shorty by Cleary. He's easily been one of the Wings' best players in the playoffs.

The Sharks dominated the 3rd until Datsyuk pounces on the rebound and burries it.

The Wings dominated the last 1:20 of the game. The Sharks couldn't get Nabokov out of the net.

Listening to the post-game show. On Thursday the Wings were "old", now they're "experienced." It's been the same old story for the last 10 years.

I still think the Wings' have an uphill battle in this series, but good to seem the team rally and hopefully make a series of this.

Go Wings.

[Chief Rum]

Great shorty by Cleary. He's easily been one of the Wings' best players in the playoffs.

The Sharks dominated the 3rd until Datsyuk pounces on the rebound and burries it.

The Wings dominated the last 1:20 of the game. The Sharks couldn't get Nabokov out of the net.

Listening to the post-game show. On Thursday the Wings were "old", now they're "experienced." It's been the same old story for the last 10 years.

I still think the Wings' have an uphill battle in this series, but good to seem the team rally and hopefully make a series of this.

Go Wings.

Don't you mean the same "experienced" story?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Don't you mean the same "experienced" story?

Heh!!

:D

[RendeR]

Sorry, couldn't resist. :D

Not sure why? This one made no real sense. I have a real job as computer lab monitor. My boss was going to game 2 and is a huge Sabres fan. he took the time to make sure that I got to see the game because he felt bad that I had to work.

I AM spoiled, that much I will admit.

[RendeR]

back on topic: Are the rangers done at this point? They're down 2-0 to a team they haven't beaten all season and have only won 2 of the last 12 games from.

They gave their best in the beginning of both of these games, played VERy well and looked stout, then fell apart.

I'm still betting they get one game and lose in 5. Thoughts?

[Pyser]

well that was an intense devils game.

these 2 teams are incredibly even. could be a long one.

[kingfc22]

Meh. I leave for work and SJ is up 2-1. Come back home only to find out that we lost. GRRRR.

Of course, I can't complain about getting a split in Detroit especially when the Sharks have had such a hard time in the past there.

[Hurst2112]

Working at home studio all weekend. Begged band to not turn on NBC or tell me wings hockey score (had the game recording on DVD in bedroom. I LOVE new dvd recorder).

After 15 hours of tracking overdubs, I grab a bag of microwave popcorn, a glass of local bourbon and a bottle of red stripe...pop in the DVD on my computer, lie down on the couch and watch away.

what fun!

I'm not working and excited for game 3 on monday.

I heart Zetterberg, Cleary, Datsyuk and Hasek playoff hockey.

[sterlingice]

Man, I just can't do that. Sports has to be in real time for me.

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

Man, I just can't do that. Sports has to be in real time for me.

SI

Yeah. I've tried that a number of times, but I always just end up fast-forwarding it and stopping to watch the goals.

[Draft Dodger]

how much do we use Tivo in my house? yesterday I turned the draft on for a bit. at one point, my 5 year old said "Dad, what are you doing?". I say "what do you mean?". He says "Why are you watching commercials?"

:)

Sports events are perfect for me to record and watch, due to the insane number of commercials. Probably 95% of sporting events that I watch are recorded.

[Karim]

Shanahan and Brodeur suggest long overtimes may be a thing of the past, arguing for 20 minutes of 5-on-5 followed by 4-on-4. Shanahan goes further saying shootouts may see their way into the playoffs. Both are on the competition committee.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04292007/sports/time_running_out_on_long_overtimes_sports_larry_brooks.htm?page=1

[Dr. Sak]

I wouldn't mind the 4 on 4 bit but I don't want to see shootouts in the playoffs.

[Logan]

Shanahan and Brodeur suggest long overtimes may be a thing of the past, arguing for 20 minutes of 5-on-5 followed by 4-on-4. Shanahan goes further saying shootouts may see their way into the playoffs. Both are on the competition committee.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04292007/sports/time_running_out_on_long_overtimes_sports_larry_brooks.htm?page=1

I hope Shanny retires.

- Signed, a Ranger fan

[Logan]

Okay, there was no way in fucking hell that was a "direct kicking motion." That's called "throwing on the brakes to avoid crashing into the goalie."

And a good call by Renney asking where the hell a hooking penalty was.

[RendeR]

Great review by the officials, ranger player directed the puck in with his foot, no goal. Great call.

[RendeR]

Okay, there was no way in fucking hell that was a "direct kicking motion." That's called "throwing on the brakes to avoid crashing into the goalie."

And a good call by Renney asking where the hell a hooking penalty was.

Brakes my ass he turned his foot specifically to direct that puck in, great call. I think they should have got the hooking call but they can't go back and give them a penalty when none was called.

[Logan]

No. You're wrong. But that's okay.

[Dr. Sak]

Rangers got ripped. Next time he should just not put the brakes on and run Ryan Miller's ass over.

[RendeR]

Sabres are looking very slow and tired today. Did you get a look at that ice?? its like a swamp out there. You gotta know they're trying to slow the game down in the rangers favor with that ice.

[RendeR]

No. You're wrong. But that's okay.

Actually YOU are wrong, the waived the goal off. ;)

[RendeR]

Rangers got ripped. Next time he should just not put the brakes on and run Ryan Miller's ass over.

What brakes are you guys seeing? he never slowed down! the only reason he fell/stopped was because of the hook that never got called. he isn't slowing there at all.

[Dr. Sak]

What brakes are you guys seeing? he never slowed down! the only reason he fell/stopped was because of the hook that never got called. he isn't slowing there at all.

He was getting pushed in the back by the Saber guy. If he doesnt turn his skates he runs Miller over and gets a goalie interference penalty. Take off your Sabers glasses for once.

[RendeR]

He was getting pushed in the back by the Saber guy. If he doesnt turn his skates he runs Miller over and gets a goalie interference penalty. Take off your Sabers glasses for once.


Umm..NO? Why the hell should I, no one else ever takes their's off when the calls go against them?

I agree with the call he turned his foot to ensure it went in, hell he never even tried to use his stick there, that should tell you something.

Whats up with Avery too? the officials have called him aside twiice now and chewed him a new ass. Does he run his mouth THAT much all the time?

[Dr. Sak]

To ensure it went in? That's pretty laughable, how about to ensure he didn't get a goalie interference penalty.

[Logan]

What brakes are you guys seeing? he never slowed down! the only reason he fell/stopped was because of the hook that never got called. he isn't slowing there at all.

You think a hook is enough to completely stop a 200 lb guy skating with all that momentum?

There is no way in hell that could be described as a "distinct kicking motion." He missed the puck with his stick because he's an unskilled defenseman, and his foot just happened to be right behind it.

[RendeR]

Whatever, its no goal either way, so there really isn't an argument, you're wrong ;)

[RendeR]

here comes the penalty train, rangers are starting to come unglued again.

[Logan]

Umm..NO? Why the hell should I, no one else ever takes their's off when the calls go against them?

I agree with the call he turned his foot to ensure it went in, hell he never even tried to use his stick there, that should tell you something.

I can't wait until this hits Youtube so you can see you're wrong about him never trying to use his stick, just like you're wrong about him ensuring it went in with his foot.

And yes, some of us have the amazing ability to have our eyes synch up with the part of our brain that isn't involved with being a fan. I got destroyed by an entire NYR message board a couple months ago when I was trying to argue that the Isles should have been given the tying goal that was ultimately disallowed.

[Logan]

And please stop winking at me.

[RendeR]

You don't seem to understand that based on the replays and the call I agree with how it was handled. even if I were a rangers fan I'd dissalow that goal.

I give the rangers credit, they've stacked the ice for slower play which favors them, they come out playing with a lot of energy and control the game for the most part so far, and then they start giving up stupid penalties.

I think this Rangers team is done, they just haven't realized it yet.

[Logan]

You don't seem to understand that based on the replays and the call I agree with how it was handled. even if I were a rangers fan I'd dissalow that goal.

That's wonderful, but you would be disallowing a goal that should stand.

[RendeR]

Wow, Avery really is a cheap shot artist, very high elbow there on pomminville. No call so no foul I suppose.

[RendeR]

That's wonderful, but you would be disallowing a goal that should stand.


If it SHOULD have stood it would be 2-0 rangers.

[RendeR]

Nice Dive there =)

[RendeR]

DOLA: classy fans "these refs suck, these refs suck..." real classy.