The OFFICIAL Stanley Cup Playoffs Thread

[Fidatelo]

Are you guys trying to lose, or is this a desperate "pick against Maple Leafs because it's the only way to win" sort of strategy?

I didn't play in the first round, but my picks (made amongst friends) were Buffalo v Anaheim in the cup, with Anaheim winning. At this point, I had to stick with that, even though I think Ottawa has had a better playoff run to this point.

[Travis]

While you may not be rooting for Detroit, you have to be rooting against the Ducks (Pronger).

Actually, I hate to say this, but my hatred for Bertuzzi and Chelios over rides the Pronger emotions. That said, I'll be rooting for either team out of the East in the Finals.

And as a note on Pronger, as is the case with Ryan Smyth, I *really* like the pieces we got in return for them and provided the fans around here don't run any of them out of town (which could be the case next year with Lupul) coupled with smart spending (through free agency or via trade), we might end up coming out ahead in that deal pretty soon.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Anaheim in 6.
Ottawa in 7.

[RendeR]

Are you guys trying to lose, or is this a desperate "pick against Maple Leafs because it's the only way to win" sort of strategy?

I wish I was in Vegas, I'd be making some money on this series.


No, I'm taking the "choose the best team in the series" strategy.

Buffalo may lose a few, but overall the Sabres are the best team in the NHL right now. I wouldn't pick against them even if I weren't a fan. Miller is a top flight goaltender, they have 4 full lines of scoring threats, and while ottowa matches up well with them, the senators do not have that much offense by comparison and their defense is very suspect at times.

Emery CAN be a stone cold block of glass in front of his net, he can also be a total seive. he's been hot thus far, I'm expecting the law of averages to bring him down to earth against Buffalo.

Ottowa as a team is on a savage hot streak, something I also think will flatten out. While Buffalo has played very average thus far with only 1 game in each series so far showing their real scoring ability.

The Sabres are due for a hot streak, the Senators are due for a slide.

Sabres take this one. Could go 7, could be over in 4. Only time will tell =)

[Fidatelo]

RendeR's post makes me wish I'd gone Sens :P

[Karim]

Anaheim in 7
Ottawa in 7

That'll have Bettman jumping for joy...

[Greyroofoo]

Detroit in 1

[st.cronin]

Detroit in 1

Seems unlikely.

[Dr. Sak]

Buffalo vs Ottawa - Ottawa 4-3
Detroit vs Anaheim - Anaheim 4-2

[Chubby]

I love everyone picking Ottawa.

The Rangers hot streak sure did wonders for them in their series...

[NoSkillz]

Anaheim in 5
Buffalo in 6, once again ending the series on the road.

I agree with Chubby - all Buffalo has done for two years is win games but they continue to get little respect when a hot team comes calling.

That being said, Buffalo always has difficulty with the Sens, except in the playoffs. It should be a great series regardless.

[Dr. Sak]

The Rangers hot streak sure did wonders for them in their series...

The Rangers were 7 seconds away from going up 3-2 on Buffalo and I believe they below a hefty 2nd period lead in either games 1 or 2. Also they did look shaky in the 3rd period of game 6 as they blew that 4-1 lead. The series was not as clear cut as Saber fans are leading on.

The Rangers made the Sabers look very ordinary at times but could not sustain it for long enough periods of time to over come their clear lack in talent. Ottawa has impressed me with the way they have been protecting Emery using their defense to lock down low.

That being said it wouldn't be shocked if Buffalo won. They have an advatnage with Miller being better than Emery over the long run. I think it'll be a really close series and one of the reasons I am picking Ottawa is that I cannot bring myself to root for the Sabers. I hate listening to that jackass you guys call a play by play announcer. I hope everytime he screams that some object might fly into his mouth and he chokes and I love to hear the excuses he makes when the Sabers don't have things going their way.

[st.cronin]

I think Buffalo wins. I'm surprised anybody thinks different.

[bbor]

I think Buffalo wins. I'm surprised anybody thinks different.


If Buffalo wins it will be because of the Emery/Miller match-up.Miller is by far the better goalie.

[st.cronin]

Miller is by far the better goalie.

Yeah, its just impossible for me to imagine RAY EMORY playing in the Stanley Cup finals.

[Chubby]

The Rangers were 7 seconds away from going up 3-2 on Buffalo and I believe they below a hefty 2nd period lead in either games 1 or 2. Also they did look shaky in the 3rd period of game 6 as they blew that 4-1 lead. The series was not as clear cut as Saber fans are leading on.

The Rangers made the Sabers look very ordinary at times but could not sustain it for long enough periods of time to over come their clear lack in talent. Ottawa has impressed me with the way they have been protecting Emery using their defense to lock down low.

That being said it wouldn't be shocked if Buffalo won. They have an advatnage with Miller being better than Emery over the long run. I think it'll be a really close series and one of the reasons I am picking Ottawa is that I cannot bring myself to root for the Sabers. I hate listening to that jackass you guys call a play by play announcer. I hope everytime he screams that some object might fly into his mouth and he chokes and I love to hear the excuses he makes when the Sabers don't have things going their way.


That's exactly our (Sabres fans) point tho...

The Rangers played their A+ game, the Sabres played their C game and the Sabres still won in 6.


For those FOFCers in Buffalo: The Boulevard Delta Sonic (I work at the Syracuse Delta) replaced their giant "CAR WASH" sign with a "GO SABRES" sign. They are putting something underneath (were taking suggestions yesterday), I sent in "One Goal, One City" but we will see what they put up :)

[st.cronin]

I also like Detroit, too - assuming Hasek can stay healthy. Guess I'm in the minority on that one as well.

Detroit vs. Buffalo would be an epic final.

[Chubby]

I also like Detroit, too - assuming Hasek can stay healthy. Guess I'm in the minority on that one as well.

Detroit vs. Buffalo would be an epic final.

Hasek would actually have to dress for a game in Buffalo :D

[MikeVic]

Yeah, its just impossible for me to imagine RAY EMORY playing in the Stanley Cup finals.

It's a race thing, isn't it!??!

;)

[bbor]

Klima is an ASSHAT!

Hi H.B :D

[Maple Leafs]

Hasek would actually have to dress for a game in Buffalo :D
I know you're kidding, but I'm not -- with Buffalo or Ottawa waiting in the finals, I think there's a significant chance that Hasek pulls the chute at some point in the next few weeks. The Wings better hope that Osgood or Cheveldae or whoever their backup is is ready to go.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Klima is an ASSHAT!

Hi H.B :D

What the? Why'd Petr Klima get pulled into this dicussion? I mean, first Kilma, then Cheveldae? There must be some sort of Canadian conspiracy going on.

Speaking of Kilma, he was at Joe Louis Arena a couple weeks ago when Dan Cleary scored that beauty penalty shot goal on Kiprusoff. It was nice that he was there, since he was the last Red Wing to score on a penalty shot in the play offs. I just figured you'd want to know that, bbor.

Oh, and today is Steve Yzerman's birthday. Wish him well.

Petr Klima is the bomb, yo!

Sup, bbor! :D

[bbor]

Actually...i think the Red wings back-up is Corrado Micalef.

[st.cronin]

It's a race thing, isn't it!??!

;)

You look out your window and count how many Stanley Cup Champions have had an "athletic" goalie. When you get to one I'll believe you know the first thing about hockey. Welcome to hollywood.

[MikeVic]

You look out your window and count how many Stanley Cup Champions have had an "athletic" goalie. When you get to one I'll believe you know the first thing about hockey. Welcome to hollywood.

Grant Fuhr? :D

[MikeVic]

dola

I don't believe Pokey Reddick won any. And I give 10 points to Maple Leafs for bringing up Cheveldae.

[st.cronin]

Grant Fuhr? :D

I never thought he was that athletic. ;)

[Maple Leafs]

I don't believe Pokey Reddick won any.
My ex-roommates favorite trivia question:

Name the only team to have three brothers all play goal at some point for the franchise? Answer, Edmonton - Fuhr, Reddick and Brathwaite.

[Chief Rum]

That's exactly our (Sabres fans) point tho...

The Rangers played their A+ game, the Sabres played their C game and the Sabres still won in 6.


For those FOFCers in Buffalo: The Boulevard Delta Sonic (I work at the Syracuse Delta) replaced their giant "CAR WASH" sign with a "GO SABRES" sign. They are putting something underneath (were taking suggestions yesterday), I sent in "One Goal, One City" but we will see what they put up :)

One Goal, One City

--endorsed by Brett Hull

[Dr. Sak]

One Goal, One City

--endorsed by Brett Hull

That was also the Eagles' motto the year they lost to New England in the Super Bowl.

[Honolulu_Blue]

dola

I don't believe Pokey Reddick won any. And I give 10 points to Maple Leafs for bringing up Cheveldae.

I have an autographed photo of Tim Cheveldae. He was signing them at the local Little Ceasars.

[Maple Leafs]

I have an autographed photo of Tim Cheveldae. He was signing them at the local Little Ceasars.At what point did his manager tell him to get back to work?

[B & B]

If Buffalo wins it will be because of the Emery/Miller match-up.Miller is by far the better goalie.


Miller

GAA-2.73
SV%.911

Emery
GAA-2.47
SV% .918

[Dr. Sak]

I think what bbor means is that we all know Emery will go back to his old self...it is just a matter of when.

[Draft Dodger]

I think what bbor means is that we all know Emery will go back to his old self...it is just a matter of when.

Emery has never had a save percentage below .900 in any regular season or postseason of his professional career.

[Pumpy Tudors]

At what point did his manager tell him to get back to work?
Good Lord, this cracked me up more than you know.

[Dr. Sak]

Emery has never had a save percentage below .900 in any regular season or postseason of his professional career.

I was all set to come back with Roman Cechmanic in this arguement but the son of a bitch had 1 playoff at 89.1%. Either way if I had a choice between Emery or Miller in goal, I'm taking Miller. If I am talking about a fight, I am taking Emery. So Game 1 Emery should go beat the shit out of Miller so Ty Conklin has to come in.

[Maple Leafs]

Either way if I had a choice between Emery or Miller in goal, I'm taking Miller.
Based on what? Seriously, why is Miller suddenly an elite goalie? Is it a rebound effect from his being under-rated last year? Does he get bonus points for being American? He's a very good goalie and you can definitely win a Cup with him, but I've never watched him and thought "man, this guy is amazing". If Emery can outplay Brodeur (by a mile) he can definitely keep up with Ryan Miller.

That said, Emery has one glaring weakness. Watch his rebound control on shots from the faceoff circle, especially off the rush. He's awful. He consistently kicks the puck right out to the slot. It doesn't hurt him as much as it should, partly because he's also one of the best in the league at recovering and stopping the second shot. But it's also because teams have a maddening refusal to go to the net against Ottawa.

I've watched enough Ottawa games this year, this is the ticket to beating them. On any rush situation, even a three-on-three, have a guy shoot from the wing (especially the right side) and send someone hard to the net. That rebound is coming right out to him. Yes, it will sometimes hop over his stick or bounce away from him and Emery will make a highlight save on some others, but if a team ever did this for a whole series they'd light the Senators up. But they never do.

Trust me, you Sabres fans will be quoting this post in a week or two. The question is, will you be saying "Dammit, he was right, look at those rebounds, why didn't we ever have a guy there" or will it be "Yep, that's what we did, Cup finals here we come"?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Trust me, you Sabres fans will be quoting this post in a week or two. The question is, will you be saying "Dammit, he was right, look at those rebounds, why didn't we ever have a guy there" or will it be "Yep, that's what we did, Cup finals here we come"?
I would agree with this. The Devils could have had a dozen more goals in their series with Ottawa. Ray Emery's tendency to kick out rebounds would normally be a godsend for guys like Gomez, Brylin, and even Pandolfo or Zajac. They didn't get to the net, and they lost. The Sabres would be wise to learn that lesson, because the Devils sure didn't.

[NoSkillz]

Based on what? Seriously, why is Miller suddenly an elite goalie? Is it a rebound effect from his being under-rated last year? Does he get bonus points for being American? He's a very good goalie and you can definitely win a Cup with him, but I've never watched him and thought "man, this guy is amazing". If Emery can outplay Brodeur (by a mile) he can definitely keep up with Ryan Miller.

That said, Emery has one glaring weakness. Watch his rebound control on shots from the faceoff circle, especially off the rush. He's awful. He consistently kicks the puck right out to the slot. It doesn't hurt him as much as it should, partly because he's also one of the best in the league at recovering and stopping the second shot. But it's also because teams have a maddening refusal to go to the net against Ottawa.

I've watched enough Ottawa games this year, this is the ticket to beating them. On any rush situation, even a three-on-three, have a guy shoot from the wing (especially the right side) and send someone hard to the net. That rebound is coming right out to him. Yes, it will sometimes hop over his stick or bounce away from him and Emery will make a highlight save on some others, but if a team ever did this for a whole series they'd light the Senators up. But they never do.

Trust me, you Sabres fans will be quoting this post in a week or two. The question is, will you be saying "Dammit, he was right, look at those rebounds, why didn't we ever have a guy there" or will it be "Yep, that's what we did, Cup finals here we come"?

Alanis Morrisette would find it ironic that the Senators most ardent supporter on these boards is named Maple Leafs.

Don't ya think? ;)

[Dr. Sak]

If Emery can outplay Brodeur (by a mile) he can definitely keep up with Ryan Miller.

The only reason Emery outplayed Brodeur is because Brodeur played his worst playoff season ever. There was something missing with Marty in the playoffs. For the most part I thought it was goal support, but was it fatigue from playing so many games? Could be. But that was no where near the Marty Brodeur of the past.

What the fuck is the world coming to? A Maple Leaf fan sticking up for the Sens...and a Flyer fan sticking up for the Devils. I am going to go bathe in holy water.

[MikeVic]

Hahaha. I like that brothers trivia thing.

I don't know if I have any Jets autographs?!?! How did that happen.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This sucks.

I am flying to Kansas City for work tonight, so I'll miss Game 1 of Buff-Sens.

I am flying out of Kansas City tomrrow night, so I'll miss Game 1 of the Wings-Ducks.

I am flying back to Kansas City Sunday night, so I'll miss Game 2 of the Wings-Ducks.

And, I am flying back from Kansas City Monday night, so I'll miss Game 3 of Buff-Sens.

[Maple Leafs]

Alanis Morrisette would find it ironic that the Senators most ardent supporter on these boards is named Maple Leafs.
I'm not supporting them, I hope they lose. I'm just looking at the series without any homer goggles on.

[Maple Leafs]

I would agree with this. The Devils could have had a dozen more goals in their series with Ottawa. Ray Emery's tendency to kick out rebounds would normally be a godsend for guys like Gomez, Brylin, and even Pandolfo or Zajac. They didn't get to the net, and they lost. The Sabres would be wise to learn that lesson, because the Devils sure didn't.
The Sabres were awful at this during their regular season matchups against Ottawa. They're one of the few teams with enough speed to get some good shots off the rush against the Sens, but they never went to the net (well, Drury did a few times before they almost killed him). So few teams do it that I'm going to assume Ottawa is especially good at diverting traffic to the net, but that can't be the whole story.

Believe me, once you notice this about Emery you'll be screaming at your TV every time you see him play.

[bbor]

M.L.....I'm not making out that Miller is the god of goaltending.......but i would feel much more comfortable with Miller in net than Emery.Emery has played well in these play-off...but you just know that he could blow up at any time,we have seen that before....until he proves otherwise(and he might in these play-offs) i just like Miller better.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The only reason Emery outplayed Brodeur is because Brodeur played his worst playoff season ever. There was something missing with Marty in the playoffs. For the most part I thought it was goal support, but was it fatigue from playing so many games? Could be. But that was no where near the Marty Brodeur of the past.

What the fuck is the world coming to? A Maple Leaf fan sticking up for the Sens...and a Flyer fan sticking up for the Devils. I am going to go bathe in holy water.
Brodeur did appear to be fatigued, yes. That's a big reason for the Devils' loss. This leads me to a tangent about something that irked me.

In Game 5 against Ottawa, the color commentator for Versus (I forget who it was, maybe Vanbiesbrouck or Olczyk?) kept talking about how many consecutive playoff starts Brodeur has made. It was something like 150 consecutive starts. Whoever this clown was on the commentary, he kept saying that maybe that's why Brodeur was so tired. Uh, here's a memo: Marty didn't start 150 consecutive games this year! If they want to say he's tired after playing 78 regular season games and 10 playoff games this year, fine. He played 4700 minutes this year at age 34, and then he put in another 600+ minutes in the playoffs. Understandable. I don't think that the 140 starts over the past 13 years had a significant effect on his play in the Ottawa series, though.

Anyway, I had just gotten really, really tired of the commentator connecting all the playoff starts with Brodeur's apparent fatigue in that series. I'd think that the 78 regular season games had a much stronger correlation to his fatigue than the 140 consecutive playoff starts that go back into the '90s.

[Maple Leafs]

I'd think that the 78 regular season games had a much stronger correlation to his fatigue than the 140 consecutive playoff starts that go back into the '90s.
So you're saying it wouldn't really have mattered if he had just started that last f--king game of the season?

[Maple Leafs]

If any Sabres fans want to throw $50 on the series, let me know.

[Pumpy Tudors]

So you're saying it wouldn't really have mattered if he had just started that last f--king game of the season?
Scott Clemmensen gotta get his groove on. You better recognize.

[Maple Leafs]

Scott Clemmensen gotta get his groove on. You better recognize.
Has he reacted to any of the shots from that shootout yet?

[Dr. Sak]

If any Sabres fans want to throw $50 on the series, let me know.

Make him buy you Tim Horton's for a month instead.

[RendeR]

This is looking to be a 7 gamer with nothing but excitement along teh way.

Sens looked great in the first period then went flat, sabres have been flat all night with the exception of the first 5 minutes of the game when it appeared we had a power play durng 5-5 play.

Can't wait for the 3rd, 2-2 game 1, LETS GO SABRES!!

[bbor]

Very nice redirect goal by Saprykin.

[Karlifornia]

I'm rooting for Ottawa the rest of the playoffs.

[RendeR]

I'm seriously ashamed of the Sabres performance in the 3rd period. No life, no skating, no emotion. They just waltzed around out there as if they thought it was going to fall in their laps.

Grats Sens, they played their butts off in the 3rd and took this one.

[Maple Leafs]

I missed almost the whole game... saw the first few minutes and bit of the third. I take it the Sabres didn't bring their best game?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Has he reacted to any of the shots from that shootout yet?
What? Oh, I'm sorry, that wasn't Scott Clemmensen in the shootout. That was my cousin Latanya. She had won a contest, and that was her prize.

[MizzouRah]

It's like Ottawa scares the shit out of Buffalo, great game by the Sens tonight.

[Milton]

That's exactly our (Sabres fans) point tho...

The Rangers played their A+ game, the Sabres played their C game and the Sabres still won in 6.



Just when exactly do the Sabres break out their scary A+ game?

[RendeR]

Just when exactly do the Sabres break out their scary A+ game?


They'd best crack it open tomorrow night or their gonna find themselves bent over a stump taking it the hard way.

Couple times this season they had great wins treaks, 10 games to start the year, another 8 game streak a few months in, both times they did that they would generally be trailing going into period 2, explode for 2+ (on a couple of occasions 4-5) goals in the second and cruise through teh third for the wins.

I don't think they can do that with Ottowa and win the series, they really need to put their best game out there every single moment. if they do that, they'll win.

As for Ottowa scaring the Sabres, its not a fear thing, its mental. We've played them so close in every single meeting for the last 2-3 seasons and for whatever reason the Sens generally come out on top more often.

Luckily for Sabres fans the playoffs have not been the Sens best moments. here's hoping that trend continues and the Sabres take the next 2 games. If we're up 2-1 with 4 to play I think the Sabres take the series.

God forbid they play like they did last night again though. My god that was awful. I'm still ashamed.

[bbor]

Render i love ya man....your passion for hockey rawks....BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD IT'S OttAwa.

:D

[RendeR]

Fuck OttOwa ;)

[RendeR]

DOLA, and its O-TOW-wa to me because they're always TOWing along in second place to the Sabres ;)

[bbor]

lol:D

[Chief Rum]

Good luck to Wings fans tonight. I am expecting a difficult, back-and-forth, wild series that goes at least six.

My theory as espoused to my brother the other day is if it goes four, it could be a sweep either way, five it will be a Wings win, six it will be a Ducks win, and if it goes full seven, it's a toss up, with the edge to the Wings.

I don't think it's likely at all to be four or five. One team would have to just dominate and the other fall apart, and I can't see Pronger-Nieds-Giguere allowing that from ANA or Lidstrom-Chelios-Babcock from DET.

I love the subplots in this series, BTW. Babcock vs old team he took to the Cup finals. Niedermayer vs Lidstrom, constant Norris rivals. Pronger vs Chelios, old division rivals from STL and CHI. Bertuzzi vs Burke, the guy who built the team now and the guy who built the VAN team around Bertuzzi. Hasek vs Jiggy, one of best GK of all time against one of best playoff GK. Old school Original Six versus new fangled 90s expansion. Passionate Hockeytown versus laid back SoCal in a heat wave.

Can't wait to watch (too bad I'll be working tonight furing the first game).

Fact of the day: It's a smaller sample size (as Jiggy also missed some games in the first round), but Jiggy's stats right now are better in this postseason than in 2003, when he won the Conn Smythe.

[Logan]

That's exactly our (Sabres fans) point tho...

The Rangers played their A+ game, the Sabres played their C game and the Sabres still won in 6.

Sorry, I missed this earlier but you're out of your god damn mind if you think that was the Rangers A+ game.

Taking stupid penalties all throughout the series, icing the puck when not necessary, allowing Buffalo forwards to camp out in front of the net, and bad turnovers leading to immediate goals is not an A+ game. There were stretches in games that they played well (A), and many other times when they were in that nice D or F range.

[RendeR]

Sorry, I missed this earlier but you're out of your god damn mind if you think that was the Rangers A+ game.

Taking stupid penalties all throughout the series, icing the puck when not necessary, allowing Buffalo forwards to camp out in front of the net, and bad turnovers leading to immediate goals is not an A+ game. There were stretches in games that they played well (A), and many other times when they were in that nice D or F range.


Then the Rangers must have been playing pickup level hockey during the season because that team played so far above its normal abilities in those two series of playoffs its not even funny.

If the Rangers had played one whit below their A game they'd have been tossed by Atlanta, let alone Buffalo.

[Milton]

Then the Rangers must have been playing pickup level hockey during the season because that team played so far above its normal abilities in those two series of playoffs its not even funny.

If the Rangers had played one whit below their A game they'd have been tossed by Atlanta, let alone Buffalo.


All of this handing out of grades is giving me a headache, but imo, regardless of either team's play earlier in the season, by the second round of the playoffs there was not a whole hell of a lot of difference in the level of play between the Rangers and Sabres. 7 seconds away from scaring the shit out of upstate NY. And, oh yeah. Wide Right. :D

[Logan]

Then the Rangers must have been playing pickup level hockey during the season because that team played so far above its normal abilities in those two series of playoffs its not even funny.

If the Rangers had played one whit below their A game they'd have been tossed by Atlanta, let alone Buffalo.

They really needed to be fully at their A game to beat Atlanta by a combined 17-7 over 4 games. Jackass.

And yes, they did play damn near pickup level hockey for half the season. Lundqvist was awful for a great portion of it, and when they did heat up in the 2nd half, they played so poor that they had just 2 fewer points than Buffalo had over that same stretch.

[Schmidty]

Well, that was good. 3 more.

I predict Wings in 5.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Good luck to Wings fans tonight. I am expecting a difficult, back-and-forth, wild series that goes at least six.

My theory as espoused to my brother the other day is if it goes four, it could be a sweep either way, five it will be a Wings win, six it will be a Ducks win, and if it goes full seven, it's a toss up, with the edge to the Wings.

I don't think it's likely at all to be four or five. One team would have to just dominate and the other fall apart, and I can't see Pronger-Nieds-Giguere allowing that from ANA or Lidstrom-Chelios-Babcock from DET.

I love the subplots in this series, BTW. Babcock vs old team he took to the Cup finals. Niedermayer vs Lidstrom, constant Norris rivals. Pronger vs Chelios, old division rivals from STL and CHI. Bertuzzi vs Burke, the guy who built the team now and the guy who built the VAN team around Bertuzzi. Hasek vs Jiggy, one of best GK of all time against one of best playoff GK. Old school Original Six versus new fangled 90s expansion. Passionate Hockeytown versus laid back SoCal in a heat wave.

Can't wait to watch (too bad I'll be working tonight furing the first game).

Fact of the day: It's a smaller sample size (as Jiggy also missed some games in the first round), but Jiggy's stats right now are better in this postseason than in 2003, when he won the Conn Smythe.

Sorry I'm a little late in this... Was out of town all day yesterday, good luck to you too, Chief!

Woah. That was a tough game. Very physical. Given the already depleted state of the Wings' blueline, I am not sure if they will be able to wishtand that kind of pressure and pounding over the course of the entire series.

The Ducks out played the Wings. I think this was the first game the Wings were out shot in the playoffs and, if not, it was easily the biggest difference in shots, something like 33 to 19 or something. The Wings are very rarely out shot in a game.

The game came down to solid penalty killing by the Wings and an outstanding performance by Hasek. He was excellent once again.

Both of the Wings' goals were total flukes. If Beauchemin were Colombian, I'd recommend a serious security detail.

The Wings will need to play better if they want to win this series. They got two very luck goals and great goaltending. The latter can carry the day in a series (as any Wings' fan knows all too well), but that's a dangerous path to venture down.

[duff88]

For anyone who's team is eliminated and have nothing to look forward to, I made this:

2007 NHL Draft Top 100 - Profiles - Stats - Reports (http://www.megaupload.com/fr/?d=7XBW9AUW)

1 Patrick Kane RW
2 Jakub Voracek RW
3 James Van Riemsdyk LW
4 Kyle Turris C
5 Karl Alzner LD
6 Kevin Shattenkirk RD
7 Alexei Cherepanov RW
8 Keaton Ellerby LD
9 Ryan McDonagh LD
10 Sam Gagner C
11 Logan Couture C
12 James O'Brien C
13 Thomas Hickey LD
14 Zach Hamill C
15 Lars Eller C
16 Bill Sweatt LW
17 Patrick White C
18 Jonathon Blum RD
19 Ian Cole LD
20 Angelo Esposito C
21 Brett MacLean LW
22 Tommy Cross LD
23 Dana Tyrell LW
24 Mikael Backlund C
25 Simon Hjalmarsson LW
26 Mark Katic LD
27 Oscar Moller RW
28 Maxim Mayorov LW
29 Joakim Anderson C
30 Logan MacMillan C

[Logan]

Ha! Two Logans in the top 30. The world is certainly changing.

[bbor]

Gagner at 10 would be a steal.......same with Esposito at 20.

[duff88]

Gagner at 10 would be a steal.......same with Esposito at 20.

I want to add something; this is not a mock draft, this is a list. I don't believe Esposito will last until pick number 20, but I would take the 19 players rated ahead of him before I would take him.

Living in Chicoutimi and with the huge Sags-Remparts rivalry, I can say Esposito is one of the prospects I've seen the most in this draft and I think he has some huge weaknesses. He has the potential to be an excellent player, but I think there are some big risks around him. Plus he doesn't work very hard and he is often unnoticeable in important moments. There comes a point where you have to pick him based on that potential, but not before some of the guys ahead of him.

[st.cronin]

Wow, that's not something you expect to see.

[RendeR]

I love this team.

[henry296]

Can someone tell me why the first Buffalo goal was waived off? I saw the goal, flipped channels and than saw it was 0-0.

[Chubby]

Can someone tell me why the first Buffalo goal was waived off? I saw the goal, flipped channels and than saw it was 0-0.

Went in off of Vanek's hand. No goal can be scored if it deflects in off a hand regardless of intent.

[B & B]

http://www.nyu.edu/classes/siva/archives/millsy.jpg

[Maple Leafs]

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5843/sabresmilkgz8.jpg

[B & B]

CLASSIC!

Maple Leafs, I think thats gonna be my desktop for the rest of this short-lived series.

[Logan]

Went in off of Vanek's hand. No goal can be scored if it deflects in off a hand regardless of intent.

The 4th Sabres goal of Game 1 vs the Rangers disagrees.

[Karim]

From what I've been reading from people who watch the Q intently, Esposito has bust written all over him. His work ethic is not close to professional calibre and he combines it with an attitude. When he was drafted in the mid-first round, he refused to report, waiting for an NCAA offer which never came. He was near the top at the start of the year but there's a reason why he's dropped to #20.

[duff88]

From what I've been reading from people who watch the Q intently, Esposito has bust written all over him. His work ethic is not close to professional calibre and he combines it with an attitude. When he was drafted in the mid-first round, he refused to report, waiting for an NCAA offer which never came. He was near the top at the start of the year but there's a reason why he's dropped to #20.

Although it's not really well regarded, it's pretty frequent for players in the CHL draft to play the NCAA card to be sure to go to the team they want. Esposito did it to be drafted by Quebec, otherwise he would have been the first overall pick. His attitude problems may be a bit overblown right now, although he's not the kind of guy I'd build my team around.

[Maple Leafs]

Hey Wings fans, what's the deal with all the fans singing along to Let the Day Begin after the first whistle in game one? Is that some sort of Detroit thing?

[Schmidty]

The Wings look horrible. No energy. No apparant concentration on the game. Nothing.

[Schmidty]

Good. Maybe that goal will wake them up.

[bhlloy]

So... the Ducks marginally the better team in game one, but lose on two bad goals. Detroit marginally the better team in game 2, but lose because two of the four Ducks goals were bad goals.

This is going to be an awesome series. It will be hard to feel sorry for Selanne if he fails to win the cup again, because he has been absolutely invisible since the middle of the Minnesota series. If he starts scoring like the regular season, I think the Ducks win the cup.

[Chief Rum]

So... the Ducks marginally the better team in game one, but lose on two bad goals. Detroit marginally the better team in game 2, but lose because two of the four Ducks goals were bad goals.

This is going to be an awesome series. It will be hard to feel sorry for Selanne if he fails to win the cup again, because he has been absolutely invisible since the middle of the Minnesota series. If he starts scoring like the regular season, I think the Ducks win the cup.

Hmm, maybe I heard/read differently. I was at work tonight, and the game was on, but I wasn't able to pay much attention to it. But the stats say we had the shot advantage again, and both articles I read indicated we were again controlling puck possession and rattling the Wings with our physical play. And I also read Hasek had to make some incredible saves to even keep us from just scoring three goals in regulation.

I did read that two of our goals came after reviews. The only one I have seen described was the Rob Niedermayer goal,a nd that just sounds like a weird goal. I'll need to see it on replay before I can make a call on that.

Anyway, regardless of result, my understanding is we were at least playing even and maybe playing better in both games (just in Game One, we didn't have the luck, and Game Two we did).

It would be even more interesting to have seen this series with Schneider and Kronwall available. Regardless, the series is living up to its billing so far.

[Schmidty]

But the stats say we had the shot advantage again, and both articles I read indicated we were again controlling puck possession and rattling the Wings with our physical play.

Dude, I forgot that you play for the Mighty, Mighty Ducks. I'll look for you on the ice next time. Good luck!!!!!

[Chief Rum]

Dude, I forgot that you play for the Mighty, Mighty Ducks. I'll look for you on the ice next time. Good luck!!!!!

Heh...we're not the Mighty Ducks anymore. Now we're the mighty Ducks. :)

Seriously, though, I enjoy the Red Wing contingent here, and have been looking forward to some banter with you guys. My gut still says this goes seven, and the luckiest team may end up being the one that advances.

[bhlloy]

Hmm, maybe I heard/read differently. I was at work tonight, and the game was on, but I wasn't able to pay much attention to it. But the stats say we had the shot advantage again, and both articles I read indicated we were again controlling puck possession and rattling the Wings with our physical play. And I also read Hasek had to make some incredible saves to even keep us from just scoring three goals in regulation.

I did read that two of our goals came after reviews. The only one I have seen described was the Rob Niedermayer goal,a nd that just sounds like a weird goal. I'll need to see it on replay before I can make a call on that.



All Ducks in the first period - after that we turned the puck over way too much and our power play was useless. The Maltby shorthand goal was one of the biggest jokes I have seen - we gave up a rush on the shorthand, Giguere made a save and then we gave the puck up in our own zone again (on a powerplay) and Maltby scored.

Still not 100% sure what happened on the Niedermayer goal. Basically what I remember was that the puck got deflected on net, and it got stuck in Hasek's pads and he flopped onto his back into the net with the puck clearly visible sitting on his leg. The kind of wacky goal that only Hasek will give up - I can't imagine that is what you want to teach young goaltenders to do when they don't know where the puck is. He made a couple of stops in the first period that only Hasek can make as well though. I guess you take the good with the bad.

[Pyser]

i only caught the overtime, but from what i saw, the ducks winning that game was inevitable. they controlled the play the whole time i saw.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings had the edge as far as special teams play, but that was it. The Ducks carried the play throughout the game. They had more shots and had the puck far more often then the Wings. They had many more scoring opportunities at well and did a great job in transition.

[bbor]

Na-Na-Na-na....hey-hey ye goo......?

[Karim]

Somebody remind the Sabres it's the Conference Finals...

[Pyser]

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5843/sabresmilkgz8.jpg

.

[Logan]

Na-Na-Na-na....hey-hey ye goo......?

I will never be happier for a Canadien team to advance. I hope Buffalo doesn't come close to sniffing a win.

[Dr. Sak]

I will never be happier for a Canadien team to advance. I hope Buffalo doesn't come close to sniffing a win.

As much as I wanted them to lose earlier in the playoffs, this makes up for it completely. Their fans shot their mouths off and now they'll end up with nothing but their foot in the mouth.

[Maple Leafs]

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1831/sabresmilkwd3.jpg

[bbor]

What the hell was Jiggy doing on that first goal.....it was a nice pass by Franzen,but holy cow....talk about biting on the fake.

I have to admit,Detroit is doing much,much better than i expected them too....now Buffalo on the other hand.........

[Chief Rum]

Agreed. Jiggy's off his game right now. We outshot the Wings again, but we shot ourselves in the foot with bad penalties and some bad defensive decisions. You can't do that against a very good offensive team and expect to escape that.

[Schmidty]

Agreed. Jiggy's off his game right now. We outshot the Wings again, but we shot ourselves in the foot with bad penalties and some bad defensive decisions. You can't do that against a very good offensive team and expect to escape that.

Nah. Detroit's just the better team, plain and simple.

[Chief Rum]

Nah. Detroit's just the better team, plain and simple.

Tonight they are definitely. We're playing like shit.

P.S. A real Wings fan would have said something like this before the game started. ;)

[Schmidty]

Tonight they are definitely. We're playing like shit.

That's what I meant.

I'm a firm believer that the best team wins every time. Because they won.

[Schmidty]

Fuck the Ducks. Fuck you Neiderfucker. Fuck you Pronger.

Fuck you cheap bitches.

[Schmidty]

There need to be suspensions for crap like that.

I have zero respect for either of those guys anymore.

[Schmidty]

Dola.

Now I hear Duck fans chanting and booing. I have no respect for them anymore either.

[Chief Rum]

Dola.

Now I hear Duck fans chanting and booing. I have no respect for them anymore either.

Coming from a member of a fan set that boos Fedorov lustily whenever they see him, I'll take that as a compliment.

BTW, not in support of that hit--but bigoted assertions about whole groups of people based on the actions of a few are so 1930 Mississippi.

[Logan]

Details, por favor.

[Schmidty]

Coming from a member of a fan set that boos Fedorov lustily whenever they see him, I'll take that as a compliment.

BTW, not in support of that hit--but bigoted assertions about whole groups of people based on the actions of a few are so 1930 Mississippi.

I disagree with the people booing Federov, as I've said before. Besides, there's a big difference between booing an ex-player, and booing a guy who might be out for a long time because of a cheap play by a "respected" player like Niederfucker.

As far as your second assertation: The fans booed. That is a fact. They are classless losers. What are you arguing? It's not like I said every single Mighty, Mighty Duck fan is classless, just the ones that are there. If I wasn't clear, my bad.

[Chief Rum]

I disagree with the people booing Federov, as I've said before. Besides, there's a big difference between booing an ex-player, and booing a guy who might be out for a long time because of a cheap play by a "respected" player like Niederfucker.

As far as your second assertation: The fans booed. That is a fact. They are classless losers. What are you arguing? It's not like I said every single Mighty, Mighty Duck fan is classless, just the ones that are there. If I wasn't clear, my bad.

You weren't clear, just like you weren't clear earlier tonight with your "better team" comment. Something to work on, I guess.

Since now you are clear, though, I apologize.

Scott Niedermayer is respected. I have never heard that Rob was respected. He's always been a tough guy type. Not that that excuses it, but you have an entirely different concept of him than everyone else if you think he's respected.

As for Holmstrom, he's on the ice. I think he's just fine. After seeing replays, it wasn't even that bad. Even the ref has taken off Holmstrom's helmet tonight.

The fans weren't booing Holmstrom getting hurt. They were booing the penalty as fans knowing that would hurt them, as well as losing a player themselves.

[Chief Rum]

What's a...power...play?

I thought that was something that happens just before the Wings score. :)

[Schmidty]

You weren't clear, just like you weren't clear earlier tonight with your "better team" comment. Something to work on, I guess.

Since now you are clear, though, I apologize.

Scott Niedermayer is respected. I have never heard that Rob was respected. He's always been a tough guy type. Not that that excuses it, but you have an entirely different concept of him than everyone else if you think he's respected.

As for Holmstrom, he's on the ice. I think he's just fine. After seeing replays, it wasn't even that bad. Even the ref has taken off Holmstrom's helmet tonight.

The fans weren't booing Holmstrom getting hurt. They were booing the penalty as fans knowing that would hurt them, as well as losing a player themselves.

That's cool. I was just riled up at the time. It's what I do. :P

[MizzouRah]

Roasted Duck tonight.

[Chief Rum]

Big kudos to the Wings tonight. They came to play and absolutely shellacked us. No excuses for us. We just got flat beat.

Hasek didn't have to be dynamite tonight, but he was, and that may end up being even more important. Because he may be starting to get into the Ducks' heads now, and that's a bad, bad thing for us.

Tonight's game ended at regulation, and the Ducks can just move on from it and chalk it up as a bad loss to forget. But Hasek's incredible play is something they can't escape so easy. They are going to have to find better, more consistent ways to beat him if they expect to make this a series again.

Psychologically, this is all Wings right now. They just took a very physical game from the Ducks, and came through clean. That was the Ducks' main advantage. And the Wings took some huge hits, and still came out great.

It's a gut check time. In particular, I am looking at you Teemu and Andy Mac. You two are the offensive stars of this team. The PPG line is young. They shouldn't be looked to lead the offense. Nor should the blueliners. You both have to nut up and show up for this series, because frankly, you gusy haven't done squat since Game One of the Vancouver series.

And this coming from a guy who's favorite player is Teemu.

Thursday, from the Ducks' perspective, will be the most important game of the playoffs.

BTW, never watched a Ducks playoff game on Versus before (almost never home, and when I was, it was on the local channels). Do the Versus announcers always nut on the Wings? Or was it just tonight?

[Hurst2112]

What a fun game.

This may be the start of the next chapter.

I'd bet Pronger gets a game off from the league. Just my opinion. Dude's a chump. Guy almost dies from a puck hit against the wings and he's had it out for the team since then. Tried takin out Yzerman and gets his leg tore up. He's snakebit I tell ya.

TEEEEE-MUUUUUUUU where aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrre yoooooooouuuuuuuuu

[Honolulu_Blue]

BTW, never watched a Ducks playoff game on Versus before (almost never home, and when I was, it was on the local channels). Do the Versus announcers always nut on the Wings? Or was it just tonight?

I am not sure what "nut on" means, but if it means what I think it means, no. They just "nut on" whomever is winning/playing better.

[Dr. Sak]

I am not sure what "nut on" means,

Bukkake

[Milton]

Let's beat a dead horse. What happened to all the noisy Sabre fans? They don't even come on to complain.

[Draft Dodger]

The NHL is having a hearing today to see if they should suspend Pronger for the Holmstrom hit as well as just being a douchebag in general

[Honolulu_Blue]

Pronger has a disciplinary hearing set. That doesn't mean that he will be suspended, but at least there's the possbility.

I didn't think he'd get suspended for the following reasons:

1. Holmstrom came back and played in the 3rd.

2. Both Neidermeyer and Pronger his Holmstrom at the same time. I think the fact that two players hit Holmstrom will give the NHL an out. They can say it wasn't an intent to injure and that, some how, Pronger's hit was a result of Niedermeyer's hit and all that. If Pronger was the only one who hit Holmstrom, the case would be stronger.

3. It's Pronger who was the hitter and Holmstrom the hittee.

Great move by Babcock to juggle the lines last night. Splitting up Datsyuk and Zetterberg was a risky thing to do, but it worked wonders. Filppula had a great game. He looked very good out there with Datsyuk and Holmstrom and was used in every situation.

Bertuzzi actually had a couple of shifts that mattered, which has been rare.

Hasek continues to be steady in net, though not in the head. He's insane, but there seems to be a fine line there. At times he seems to be at his best when he's a little nuts, but there are times when he crosses that line and things don't turn out well. He's been stradling it very nicely so far. He allowed the Wings to weather the storm and get out of the first period with a 2-0 lead.

I thought Lebda had a bit of a brutal game. He wasn't awful, but he didn't look too sharp out there and set himself up for a number of big hits.

[Dr. Sak]

Let's beat a dead horse. What happened to all the noisy Sabre fans? They don't even come on to complain.

They are taking turns performing the Heimlich Maneuver on each other.

[Logan]

They are taking turns performing the Heimlich Maneuver on each other.

Or researching what letter grades they could possibly invent to assign to Ottawa's description of how well they've played this series, since the Rangers must have been playing their A+ game to take Buffalo to 6 games.

Ottawa gets a '~++!

[bbor]

IF Pronger gets suspended...he would only get 1 game max.They are not going to take Pronger out of the series(possibly).

[Hurst2112]

Here's my vote for Pronger sitting for a game.

The guy's a thug. I don't care if he's 2 feet taller than Holmstrom, don't lead with your elbows.

[Maple Leafs]

The hit was very reminiscent of Roberts taking our Jonsson during the TOR/NYI series (which was far dirtier than the Tucker/Peca hit in the same game). That one didn't result in a suspension, although it was also five years ago.

[Maple Leafs]

Pronger gets one game according to TSN.ca.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Pronger gets one game according to TSN.ca.

Good.

[Hurst2112]

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger received a one-game suspension from the NHL on Wednesday for his hit on Detroit's Tomas Holmstrom the previous night.


Pronger, a former Norris Trophy winner and a finalist for the award this year, will miss Game 4 of the Ducks-Red Wings series Thursday night in Anaheim. He leads the Ducks with 12 points, including three goals, during this year's playoffs.

Detroit beat Anaheim 5-0 on Tuesday night to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.

Holmstrom had two goals and an assist in the blowout, but left the game midway through the second period to get cuts on his forehead stitched up after Pronger and teammate Rob Niedermayer almost simultaneously slammed him into the glass.

Niedermayer drew a five-minute major for boarding and was ejected, but Pronger was not assessed a penalty on the play. The NHL reviewed the play Wednesday, Pronger spoke to the league on the phone and the decision was made to suspend him.

Holmstrom returned to begin the third period and had an assist on the Red Wings' final goal.

He said after the game that he wasn't exactly sure what happened.

"I got run into the boards, got hit again," Holmstrom said. "I never saw the guy come from behind.

"Get stitched up, yeah, I was ready for the third."

Niedermayer said he was surprised by the penalty.

"All I did was take a few strides, finish my check and hit him with my shoulder," he said. "You don't want to see anybody hurt out there, that's for sure. I'm glad he was back playing."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[Honolulu_Blue]

The hit was very reminiscent of Roberts taking our Jonsson...

Roberts took your Jonsson? Is that Swedish for penis? If so, Roberts should have definitely gotten at least 3 games for that.

[Hurst2112]

That sound you hear is the choke hold tightening on the ducks.

Tomorrow is gonna be sweet.

[Honolulu_Blue]

That sound you hear is the choke hold tightening on the ducks.

Tomorrow is gonna be sweet.

I dunno. You have worry about the "Ewing Rule" taking effect...

[Maple Leafs]

I dunno. You have worry about the "Ewing Rule" taking effect...
It sure worked well for the Oilers this year.

[Hurst2112]

HB,

I appreciate your Wings loyalty. However, I have noticed you tend to be a glass half empty kinda guy with Detroit.

I was that way. Then I realized that it was more fun to have faith and confidence. After all, the letdown is the same. Why not have some fun with it. If they win the series (which I always thought they would), then relish in the moment instead of being so cautious to get happy.

Wings were down 3-2 in the series with Colorado (2001). I was down on them after the Forsberg OT game. After they tied it up at 3, I knew they would win game 7 (but not by 7 goals).

I just want you to have fun bro. :)

[Draft Dodger]

tend to be?

:)

[NoSkillz]

Let's beat a dead horse. What happened to all the noisy Sabre fans? They don't even come on to complain.

We are trying to pick up all the pieces of our broken hearts. Thank you for your concern.

[Milton]

We are trying to pick up all the pieces of our broken hearts. Thank you for your concern.


Now you've gone and made me feel bad. Damn you to hell.

[TazFTW]

Ottawa seems to have brought their D game.

[bbor]

Emery has brought his E game.

[bbor]

E as in Everything goes in

[Chief Rum]

That sound you hear is the choke hold tightening on the ducks.

Tomorrow is gonna be sweet.

Keep talking. Get that overconfidence up.

For examples of what sorta karma this elicits, see Sabres, Buffalo: FOFC fans.

[GMO]

End of 2nd

Buffalo 3 Ottawa 2

[RendeR]

End of 3rd

Buffalo 3 Ottawa 2


Fixed.

[bbor]

Fixed.

End of 3rd

Buffalo 3 OttOwa 2

Fixed:D

[Hurst2112]

Keep talking. Get that overconfidence up.

For examples of what sorta karma this elicits, see Sabres, Buffalo: FOFC fans.

My overconfidence has nothing to do with the outcome of the game, or the attitudes of the professional players on the ice.

I am sure the Wings will continue the series the way they have. That would include:

Finding ways to get the other team off of their game
Playing beyond expectations
Continuing to have the best goaltending in the playoffs
Flexing their PP muscles
Allowing Holmstrom to continue his run for a Conn Smythe

[Honolulu_Blue]

HB,

I appreciate your Wings loyalty. However, I have noticed you tend to be a glass half empty kinda guy with Detroit.

I was that way. Then I realized that it was more fun to have faith and confidence. After all, the letdown is the same. Why not have some fun with it. If they win the series (which I always thought they would), then relish in the moment instead of being so cautious to get happy.

Wings were down 3-2 in the series with Colorado (2001). I was down on them after the Forsberg OT game. After they tied it up at 3, I knew they would win game 7 (but not by 7 goals).

I just want you to have fun bro. :)

tend to be?

:)

Yes, yes, ok, I do "tend to be" a little negative when it comes to the Wings. Well, I don't call it being negative, since I'm not a person who bemoans and complains about anything in particular (though occassionaly a player or two will get my ire (e.g., Lilja)), I just try to be a realist, though because I am a bit of "Nervous Nelly" when it comes to the Wings, when I'm being a "realist", I usually end up sounding negative.

I am enjoying this immensely, though it's controlled. After a goal, I am happy, until the face-off pretty much. After a win, I'm happy until about the morning of the next game. After a series win, I am relaxed and all smiles until the morning of the next series. I wasn't completely relaxed in Game 3 until the Wings went up 5-0.

I do appreciate the advice! :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Keep talking. Get that overconfidence up.

For examples of what sorta karma this elicits, see Sabres, Buffalo: FOFC fans.

Hurst's just trying to compensate for my overall lack of confidence. It all evens out, though Schmidty is throwing off the balance.

We need another Doubting Thomas in here... Mayhaps I should talk to DeTox, but I don't know where he stands on this issue at the moment.

[Hurst2112]

I guess the whole chocking thing was referring to the fact that Detroit can take a controlling 3-1 lead in the series with a win tonight. Their job, despite any bullshit Ewing rule or whatever, has gotten easier with Pronger sitting out.

The way this series is going, a 3-1 series lead, at this time, is a strong statement and a huge swing of confidence.

Anaheim wins tonight? Then it's tied and they did it without Pronger. That would give me the queasys.

I am confident Detroit wins tonight. I'm prepared to eat crow if they don't but there are still guys on the team who know how to win a playoff series and get to the finals.

[bbor]

Attention Buffalo fans....Brad Rider is an Asshat.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Attention Buffalo fans....Brad Rider is an Asshat.

I don't know who the hell Brad Rider is, but given your earlier Asshat apersions (see, e.g., post #770 of this thread), I must assume Brad Rider is super-cool. :cool:

[bbor]

HA!

Rider is on Buffalo sports radio......a complete asshat

[Hurst2112]

Ric Jackman sighting. Good goal.

[Hurst2112]

Anaheim wins tonight? Then it's tied and they did it without Pronger. That would give me the queasys.


fits i tell ya. fits

[Hurst2112]

ugh.

brought it back to 3 all. nice PP goal by getzlaff. shit.

[Hurst2112]

great last half of the 3rd period.

frustrating as hell. I'll eat a portion of crow for tonight's loss.

Wings outshot 2:1. Nice PPs for the Ducks.

I guess we are back to normal. Best of 3. I noticed the Wings getting great looks. They didn't make too many mistakes although Cleary's penalty was dumb.

Ducks played an all around better game tonight. hat is tipped to them. Great 3rd period all around. Best hockey to watch this year.

[Hurst2112]

The parting shot of the crowd was somebody holding up a 'fire millen' sign. NOICE!

[Chief Rum]

great last half of the 3rd period.

frustrating as hell. I'll eat a portion of crow for tonight's loss.

Wings outshot 2:1. Nice PPs for the Ducks.

I guess we are back to normal. Best of 3. I noticed the Wings getting great looks. They didn't make too many mistakes although Cleary's penalty was dumb.

Ducks played an all around better game tonight. hat is tipped to them. Great 3rd period all around. Best hockey to watch this year.

Actually, I disagree. I thought the Wings looked the better team tonight. The looks, the shot difference, Jiggy desperately making saves showed that.

It was a weird reversal, kinda like the Ducks in Game One, where they clearly outplayed the Wings and lost. Actually, I think so far, the road team has been the better team in each of the first four games of this series.

Nice to see Teemu step up to my challenge (not that he knew about it). And Jiggy certainly didn't look like he had Game Three on his mind (although three goals is still too much to allow).

I have always felt this series was going to be a gutsy, tough one that would likely go seven. The winner will have won a marathon. Hopefully that team will still have energy to play the Sens (sorry Buffalo).

[Chief Rum]

The parting shot of the crowd was somebody holding up a 'fire millen' sign. NOICE!

See, even without a football team, we pay attention to the NFL. :D

[Draft Dodger]

one good thing about Pronger being out of the lineup: they were able to have the female reporter do interviews on the Ducks' bench.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I thought the Wings out-played Anaheim for the most part in the game. As I see it, the out come of the game came down to two things:

1. Giguere. He was excellent and Hasek was just average. Giguere made a number of great saves and really stepped it up when he had to (no Pronger).

2. The Wings' inability to capitalize on two 5-on-3's. Sound penalty killing by the Ducks there.

[Maple Leafs]

Hey Chief, is Kunitz definitely out or is there any chance of him coming back next round?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hey Chief, is Kunitz definitely out or is there any chance of him coming back next round?

He's done. He had surgery.

[Pumpy Tudors]

one good thing about Pronger being out of the lineup: they were able to have the female reporter do interviews on the Ducks' bench.
This took me a few minutes to catch, but jolly good show. :D

[Pyser]

this has nothing to do with the teams left alive, but i saw this and it made me think of pumpy

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p296/2manadvantage/colinwhite.jpg

[Chief Rum]

Hey Chief, is Kunitz definitely out or is there any chance of him coming back next round?

Broken hand. Out for the season. :(

He should be back in September, of course.

[Chief Rum]

Oops, I mean, umm...

..."upper body injury"..."questionable for Game Five"

[Maple Leafs]

Broken hand. Out for the season. :(

Dammit.

[Dr. Sak]

If Buffalo wins this game they clearly have the momentum and Ottawa has to start feeling a little tightness in their necks.

[Dr. Sak]

Great game. To bad it ended on a less than stellar goal.

[RendeR]

I hate Ottowa....SooooooooooooOOOooooooooooOOooooooo....much....


Another series that was seriously marred by horrible officiating. both sides got jobbed on calls today again.


Ottowa is just the worst matchup possible for Buffalo. I blame Jersey for not doing their job and taking them out in the 2nd round ;)

*sigh* Just goes to show that the best team doesn't always win the title.

[Pyser]

I hate Ottowa....SooooooooooooOOOooooooooooOOooooooo....much....


Another series that was seriously marred by horrible officiating. both sides got jobbed on calls today again.


Ottowa is just the worst matchup possible for Buffalo. I blame Jersey for not doing their job and taking them out in the 2nd round ;)

*sigh* Just goes to show that the best team doesn't always win the title.

sure looked to me like the best team won that series.

[B & B]

sure looked to me like the best team won that series.


Uh, yeah. What he said.

Now with the presidents cup holding Sabres done, Buffalo can look ahead to JP LOSMAN and whats left after the fire sale of the Bills.

[Fidatelo]

Definately the better team won in that series. I was rooting for the Sabres, but I can't deny that the Sens pretty much mauled them. The winner of the Wings/Ducks series is gonna be in tough.

[NoSkillz]

I hate Ottowa....SooooooooooooOOOooooooooooOOooooooo....much....


Another series that was seriously marred by horrible officiating. both sides got jobbed on calls today again.


Ottowa is just the worst matchup possible for Buffalo. I blame Jersey for not doing their job and taking them out in the 2nd round ;)

*sigh* Just goes to show that the best team doesn't always win the title.

Sorry but as a fellow Sabres fan and one who saw them in action all year in person, including today, I must ask...

Have you even watched this series?

Congrats to Ottawa. Plain and simple, they wanted it more.

[RendeR]

Sorry but as a fellow Sabres fan and one who saw them in action all year in person, including today, I must ask...

Have you even watched this series?

Congrats to Ottawa. Plain and simple, they wanted it more.


All y'all whining about my best team comment can stfu and root for those maggots from fart-o-wa.

We may be out, that doesn't mean they're better :)

[Maple Leafs]

Ottowa is just the worst matchup possible for Buffalo.
Given how they're a better team, I can see how that would work.

Oh well, at least you'll have everyone coming back next year. Oh, wait...

[Pumpy Tudors]

this has nothing to do with the teams left alive, but i saw this and it made me think of pumpy

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p296/2manadvantage/colinwhite.jpg
He makes me angry, that's for sure.

[bhlloy]

Definately the better team won in that series. I was rooting for the Sabres, but I can't deny that the Sens pretty much mauled them. The winner of the Wings/Ducks series is gonna be in tough.

Call me a homer, but I think the winner of the Ducks/Wings series is going to have an easier time with the Senators than any of the teams in the East have had so far. Both teams have a great shut down line that should keep the Senators big scoring line relatively in check (at least at home where they can get the match ups). I'd like to think the Ducks are physical enough to deal with the Senators as well.

EDIT - before I get jumped all over I'm not guaranteeing a 4-0 series for the Western Conference team or anything :) The Senators are undoubtedly a very good team, way better than anyone gave them credit for.

[RendeR]

Call me a homer, but I think the winner of the Ducks/Wings series is going to have an easier time with the Senators than any of the teams in the East have had so far. Both teams have a great shut down line that should keep the Senators big scoring line relatively in check (at least at home where they can get the match ups). I'd like to think the Ducks are physical enough to deal with the Senators as well.

EDIT - before I get jumped all over I'm not guaranteeing a 4-0 series for the Western Conference team or anything :) The Senators are undoubtedly a very good team, way better than anyone gave them credit for.


BAhhahahahahahahahahahhahahaha


Doesn't matter which team gets tehre from the west, The Sens win the cup. GOnna be a short series too.

[RendeR]

Uh, yeah. What he said.

Now with the presidents cup holding Sabres done, Buffalo can look ahead to JP LOSMAN and whats left after the fire sale of the Bills.


Actually, speaking as a non-bills fan living in Buffalo, The Bills have made HUGE improvements to the team. There was no fire sale. They lost a couple guys to FA and they traded away a lame duck running back who had more attitude than fortitude.

They drafted a RB who can run hard between the tackles, they added O-lineman who are 2 steps above what they had before. Loseman, while not a favorite of mine, is a solid starting QB now and with the improved line could actually pick up his game.

Do I think the Bills are playoff contenders? not really, but they came awfully close to it last season with a team that was shit compared to the guys they have in place now, and its also the second year under the new regime. Things could look a lot worse for the Bills, so the next time you want to make a smart ass remark about Buffalo, wait until you have a clue as to wtf is really happening. ;)

[Chief Rum]

F____ YEAH!

[Chief Rum]

P.S. A most undeserving tie, IMO. We should have lost this game. But I'll take sttill being in this one.

[Pyser]

im so torn on niedermeyer as a devils fan

but i think i hate him. hes so good.

maybe he'll come back in 2 years. fuck.

yes, i hate him.

[Chief Rum]

TEEMU!

[Chief Rum]

im so torn on niedermeyer as a devils fan

but i think i hate him. hes so good.

maybe he'll come back in 2 years. fuck.

yes, i hate him.

I can understand that. I would be similarly mixed on a longtime star and popular player leaving for another team of his own will.

All that said, you have to admit he went to the one situation that would have enticed him to leave: the chance to play with his brother. I am on the other side, so I am biased, but I would think you would acknowledge a family reason like that is one of the few that is at least a little justifiable.

[Chief Rum]

We didn't deserve the game in regulation. We didn't deserve it as a whole.

But I thought we deserved it from our play in overtime. We just plain worked harder in the extra frame. And that's a shame for Detroit, because they certainly deserved a win here today. I don't know if it was just a situation where they had been putting their hearts and efforts out there so long, that the equalizer just sapped their energy or what. But they seemed much less dominant in overtime than they did in regulation.

Ice ownership doesn't matter in this series. Game Six is going to be brutal, and it could go either way. I am afraid of coming back here to Detroit, so I will wish fervently for us to hold our ice on Tuesday.

We haven't been the best team on the ice, IMO, since Game Two.

[Maple Leafs]

I don't know who that defenceman was on the OT goal, but I guess I'll find out when the Leafs give him a $20M deal this off-season.

[fjvieane]

I don't know who that defenceman was on the OT goal, but I guess I'll find out when the Leafs give him a $20M deal this off-season.

Lilja (sp?) I think is who it was, lol.

[Chief Rum]

Lilja (sp?) I think is who it was, lol.

I paid more attention to Teemu, so I missed who it was, but if it was Lilja, weird how it turns around. He was an unexpected scorer of Detroit's only goal.

[Hurst2112]

congrats to Anaheim fans.

Franzen made a bad play in the Wings zone on the ducks goal in regulation. Lidstrom tried to stop it but it bounced off of his stick. Bad play and bad luck in a matter of seconds.

I KNEW that the ducks would find a way to win in OT. Bad Lilja. Just a bone head move for a defenseman. Stupid, stupid move.

No excuse. Teemu was spot on. Great veteran vision to score.

80% of teams that win game 5s (after a 2-2 series) go on to win the series.

Wings have been part of the 20% before but I don't think they got the chops for it this time.

Oh, and Giggy was effin awesome today. Wow.

[Honolulu_Blue]

A brutal loss. The Wings should have won Game 4 as well. The Wings were the better team yesterday. They had more shots and more opportunities, but just blew it at the end. Chelios and Franzen should have cleared the zone, Lidstrom shouldn't have had his stick on the ice, and I have no idea what Lilja was doing in overtime. The Wings have had 3 5-on-3's in the last two games, all at critical junctures, and have failed to score. Definitely huge opportunities wasted.

The Wings are definitely in trouble.

Giguere has been the difference in the last two games for sure.

[B & B]

RendeR, youve already set a low bar for yourself in this thread regarding your hockey knowledge and predictions. Please dont continue into the pigskin.

The Bills are a better team starting out in 2007 than in 2006?

Even Brett Hull and Scottie Norwood could get together and have a beer at the Buffalo Sports Garden and laugh at that one.

[Karim]

I think I've watched all of Anaheim's playoff games the last two seasons. Is Niedermayer like Bobby Orr? I don't think there's anyone here old enough to answer that but I can't imagine Orr being that much better.

[Karim]

Knob hockey has been updated. The 'Too many Niedermayers' is the best.
http://www.heavy.com/channel/2468

[bbor]

I think I've watched all of Anaheim's playoff games the last two seasons. Is Niedermayer like Bobby Orr? I don't think there's anyone here old enough to answer that but I can't imagine Orr being that much better.

Nieds is VERY good (although i really don't think he is playing great right now) he is nowhere near Orr.In all honesty orr on one leg(which is how he played most of his career) would skate circles around Niedermeyer.

[RendeR]

RendeR, youve already set a low bar for yourself in this thread regarding your hockey knowledge and predictions. Please dont continue into the pigskin.

The Bills are a better team starting out in 2007 than in 2006?

Even Brett Hull and Scottie Norwood could get together and have a beer at the Buffalo Sports Garden and laugh at that one.

"the next time you want to make a smart ass remark about Buffalo, wait until you have a clue as to wtf is really happening."

Perhaps you missed the last phrase, get a clue asshat.

If you want to insult me, start your own thread, get off it in this one. This is about the NHL Playoffs. I responded regarding the Bills because I thought you were in need of education, but alas you were just being an asshole.

[Maple Leafs]

Trivia question: the pick used to draft Scott Neidermayer originally belonged to the Leafs. Who did they trade the pick to the Devils for, straight up?

[bbor]

Trivia question: the pick used to draft Scott Neidermayer originally belonged to the Leafs. Who did they trade the pick to the Devils for, straight up?

Tom Kurvers?....i think?

[Fidatelo]

oh god if that's true, that's terrible! And its not like Niedermayer was some 4th round pick that just happened to blossom. Who trades the 3rd overall pick for Tom Kurvers???

In fact I'm almost thinking that can't be it... that would be the worst trade of all time.

[Dr. Sak]

In fact I'm almost thinking that can't be it... that would be the worst trade of all time.

I'm sure Bobby Clarke has done worse.

[bbor]

oh god if that's true, that's terrible! And its not like Niedermayer was some 4th round pick that just happened to blossom. Who trades the 3rd overall pick for Tom Kurvers???

In fact I'm almost thinking that can't be it... that would be the worst trade of all time.


Pretty sure the GM was Floyd Smith.

[Pyser]

i think the pick turned out to be the 3rd overall...but at the time it was juts for TOR's 1st rounder?

[Pyser]

dola, some quick research shows toronto traded their 91 first round pick to the devils in 1989.

so it wasnt THAT bad...for devils fans

[Fidatelo]

ok, so trading the pick two years in advance makes it a little better. Still, how in any way, shape, or form, did Tom Kurvers warrant a first rounder, even if it was like 28th or something? Yes, it looks as though he had a decent year in '88-'89... but wow.

[Maple Leafs]

Yes, it was Kurvers.

It was a terrible trade... yes the draft was two years away, but:
a.) The Leafs were always terrible back then so it was always going to be a high pick
b.) Even bigger, 1991 was the Lindros draft. So they lost any hope of getting a potential franchise player.

It gets even worse... mid-way through 1990-91 the Leafs were in last place and everyone was panicking that they were going to be the team that traded Eric Lindros for Tom Kurvers. So they made even more trades to make sure they wouldn't finish last. They traded a prospect and two second round picks to the Nordiques for three veterans (Aaron Broten, Michel Petit and Lucien DeBlois). That trade improved the Leafs just enough and weakened the Nords just enough that Quebec finished last instead of Toronto, and the rest was history.

(Toronto finished second last, but San Jose got the #2 pick that year as a quasi-expansion team. They could have taken Neidermayer but decided on Pat Falloon instead.)

[Fidatelo]

Yes, it was Kurvers.

It was a terrible trade... yes the draft was two years away, but:
a.) The Leafs were always terrible back then so it was always going to be a high pick
b.) Even bigger, 1991 was the Lindros draft. So they lost any hope of getting a potential franchise player.

It gets even worse... mid-way through 1990-91 the Leafs were in last place and everyone was panicking that they were going to be the team that traded Eric Lindros for Tom Kurvers. So they made even more trades to make sure they wouldn't finish last. They traded a prospect and two second round picks to the Nordiques for three veterans (Aaron Broten, Michel Petit and Lucien DeBlois). That trade improved the Leafs just enough and weakened the Nords just enough that Quebec finished last instead of Toronto, and the rest was history.

(Toronto finished second last, but San Jose got the #2 pick that year as a quasi-expansion team. They could have taken Neidermayer but decided on Pat Falloon instead.)

Wow. I can't believe I don't remember any of that. I wonder if it shows just how much less 'global' sports news was back in the day. I knew everything about the Jets, but a story like that somehow escaped me, yet in todays landscape it would be all over the place.

Or maybe I was just under a rock :P

[B & B]

The correct answers are:

EAST
Sabres over Islanders in 4
Devils over Lightning in 5
Rangers over Thrashers in 6
Senators over Penguins in 5

WEST
Red Wings over Flames in 5
Ducks over Wild in 6
Canucks over Stars in 6
Sharks over Preds in 7

Stanley Cup pick: Anahiem over Ottawa.



Nice pick Maple Leafs!


RendeR said in the very next reply to your prediction from April 11th that Ottawa had no heart.

Bitter Buffalo face?


Bills still better in 07' than before 06' with Clements, Spikes, McGahee, and Fletcher?

Sheesh.

[Dr. Sak]

Quack, Quack, Quack...

[Hurst2112]

down 3 with 20 left...even I can say 'uncle'.

Gotta root for Ottawa.

[Chief Rum]

Well, we made it interesting by playing hockey's version of the prevent defense in the third period, but we escaped with the win. Take that, Brett Hull.

The Wings are a very, very good team, and I think that if they start the process of replacing an aging defense/net game, they will remain a force in the West with their forwards.

Of course, maybe they don't need to do anything. Apparently, Chelios/Lidstrom/Schneider/Hasek can play forever.

[RendeR]

Nice pick Maple Leafs!


RendeR said in the very next reply to your prediction from April 11th that Ottawa had no heart.

Bitter Buffalo face?


Bills still better in 07' than before 06' with Clements, Spikes, McGahee, and Fletcher?

Sheesh.



A) Clements == old and overrated, spikes == injury killed his ability, McGahee == mental case with no guts to run hard inside, Fletcher == Old and S lll ooooo wwwwwwwwww.

B) Better in 07? absolutely

C) get the fuck off this already, take it elsewhere, it doesn't belong here. Yer like a fucking stupid dog, you grab onto anything you can and you won't let go until someone beats you with a stick.

[RendeR]

Grats to the Ducks, good luck VA the Sens.


Sens in 6

Fucking Ottowa.

[Hurst2112]

and in better news...

Melrose had his last night on ESPN. I guess there is a silver lining

[RPI-Fan]

A) Clements == old and overrated

...

He's 27 years old!!!!!

[RPI-Fan]

and in better news...

Melrose had his last night on ESPN. I guess there is a silver lining

I think Melrose rocks. Where's he going?

[RendeR]

He's 27 years old!!!!!


Yes he is, but he plays like he's 35, he gets beat regulary by mediocre recievers, he makes some great plays based on timing and the fact that he studies his ass off for each opposing QB, but frankly, good riddence, the niners can have him. He really wasn't worth that contract, not even half of it.


and Again, start a new thread if you guys want to keep on with this, but leave it off here, the hockey people don't need this tripe.

[Chief Rum]

I think Melrose rocks. Where's he going?

To get a haircut. Word is it's expected to take a while.

[Hurst2112]

i don't mind him but he's gotten a little strange in his old age.

they didn't say. maybe vs for the cup finals?

[Dr. Sak]

Sens in 6


Congrats to the Anaheim Ducks, the 2006-07 Stanley Cup Champions!

[Dr. Sak]

Conference FInals Results

1t. Honolulu Blue 2-0-1
1t. Bsak16 2-0-1
3t. Bbor 2-0-0
3t. Maple Leafs 2-0-0
3t. Karim 2-0-0
6. Fidateo 1-1-1
7t. Travis 1-1-0
7t. NoSkillz 1-1-0
9t. Hurst2122 0-2-0
9t. Draft Dodger 0-2-0
9t. RendeR 0-2-0

[Dr. Sak]

Overall Standings

1. Maple Leafs 14-0-3
2. Bsak16 13-1-8
3. Karim 11-3-5
4. Honolulu_Blue 10-4-3
5. Travis 10-4-2
6. Hurst2122 8-6-4
7. Draft Dodger 6-8-2
8. RendeR 5-9-1

Honorable Mention (Didn't Enter the first round): Fidateo 5-1-2, NoSkillz 4-2-1

[RendeR]

Congrats to the Anaheim Ducks, the 2006-07 Stanley Cup Champions!


Asshat ;)

[Maple Leafs]

1. Maple Leafs 14-0-3

When are you people going to realize, if there's one thing a Leaf fan knows how to do, it's watch other teams in the playoffs.

Wait, that didn't come out right...

[Dr. Sak]

Ottawa vs Anaheim - Ottawa 4-1

[Travis]

I'll take the Sens in 6, Canada has to get one right one of these years.

[Fidatelo]

Well, I'm gonna stick with my pre-season pick of Anaheim winning the cup. Although just like with my pick last round, Ottawa has me thinking I should reverse course... but I won't :P

[Hurst2112]

Ottawa in 5

Win, Lose, Win, Win, Win

[Honolulu_Blue]

A disappointing series. The Wings really could have won this one. The Wings should have won at least one, if not both, of Games 4 and 5. They rallied as best they could in the third period of Game 6, but they were completely out-classed and out-played in the first two periods. Too little, too late.

All in all, I think it was a successful season for the team. They did better then I had anticipated in the regular season and playoffs. Unlike the last few years prior, I consider the season a success overall. They could have gone further, but after they reached the Western Conference Finals, it was all pretty much gravy.

Some interesting subplots to the off-season as always. Hasek is the biggest question mark. I don't think there's a better option out there, but it'd be a huge gamble to keep him. He was amazing this year, probably the best free agent signing in the league, but he's a year older, still flighty, and still has a wonky groin. Hitching the Wings' wagon to his star for another year is risky proposition. Still, if the option is Hasek and Osgood (with Howard in the wings) or just Osgood and Howard, the former is better than the latter.

Robert Lang is gone. I think the Wings will count on Filppula take over his role. Filppula really impressed. He will be asked to play many more minutes next year.

Kyle Calder was a mystery. Came on like gangbusters when he first got here, played fewer and fewer minutes in the playoffs until he was a healthy (presumably) scratch. I don't see them bringing him back. I think the Wings would like to re-sign Schneider and Markov, but I am not sure both are an option.

I don't know about Bertuzzi. He had flashes of old Bertuzzi, but at other times he looked timid and broken-down. I think the only way the Wings keep him is if he signs a Lindrosesque deal at a low price and full of incentives. That may happen, since Bertuzzi seemed to be happy here. I'd be happy enough with it.

[Hurst2112]

HB,

Good points. I would agree that this year was a positive one (all things considered. I was pleased with the playoffs and can actually look back at this playoff year as one of their better ones of late.

Is Fischer coming back or is he gone for good? Didn't know if he was rehabbing after last year's heart thing.

I am interested in what Bert can do after a full off season of rest. Oh, wait, he had that before this year. ;)

I would still accept him if they re-signed.

My initial concern is for the D

[Hurst2112]

Is Fischer coming back or is he gone for good? Didn't know if he was rehabbing after last year's heart thing.

Found my answer on wikipedia.

[Draft Dodger]

geez, out of people who know anything about hockey, I was dead last.

[RendeR]

geez, out of people who know anything about hockey, I was dead last.


You only beat me by one buddy, don't go talking smack all off the cuff like that ;)

[B & B]

geez, out of people who know anything about hockey, I was dead last.


Actually, incorrect.


7. Draft Dodger 6-8-2
8. RendeR 5-9-1


But if you're only including people that know anything about hockey, then yes, you are correct. Still, Id be willing to bet that you arent last on the list for football knowledge.

[Maple Leafs]

Hmmm.... I'm sort of torn here. On the one hand, based on the last six weeks Ottawa should probably be the pick. And by picking them, I'd lock up first place in the FOFC competition since everyone else is picking them too.

On the other hands, my original post included a Ducks-over-Sens prediction, so if I stick with that and they win it would be the greatest prediction post in the history of the internet.

Decisions, decisions...

[Draft Dodger]

what's with the month-long break before the finals?

I'll go Ottawa in 6. like it matters.

[Fidatelo]

Ya this break is beyond stupid. What is the rationale? I can't see why the NHL wouldn't have started the series saturday night and gone like this:

Game 1: Sat
Game 2: Mon
Game 3: Thurs
Game 4: Sat
Game 5: Tues
Game 6: Thurs
Game 7: Sat

[Fidatelo]

dola

And when I say "sat", I mean "saturday NIGHT". Fuck you NBC.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ottawa in 6.

[Chief Rum]

what's with the month-long break before the finals?

I'll go Ottawa in 6. like it matters.

Sorry, guys. Join in me in a hatred of all things Disney. Those bastards still have their occasional tendrils into their former hockey club.

Some dumbass at the Honda Center agreed to schedule a Disney on Fucking Ice (title may not be correct) for this weekend. Are you freakin' kidding me?

It no doubt happened months and months ago, maybe even a year, but a passing look at the calendar would have shown the possibility of "issues".

[Chief Rum]

I love it that everyone is picking Ottawa. I am waiting for Maple Leafs' pick.

I was waiting for two picks: Maple Leaf's and render's. render's went the way I wanted it to. I am crossing my finger with Maple Leaf. :)

[Chief Rum]

Oh, and I'm not counting my eggs before they're hatched but there's a possibility I could be in the stands for Game Two. I am waiting to hear from the season ticket holder who suddenly has a spot open.

Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease...

[Maple Leafs]

OK, I've made up my mind...



Ducks in seven.

They win games 2, 4, 5 and 7.

[Chief Rum]

I would react, but no matter what I say one way or another it would give away the spoiler. So I'll clam up.

[Milton]

is it next season yet? only the nhl could kill whatever momentum they had by waiting this long.

[Dr. Sak]

That was the worst rendition of the Star Spangled Banner since Enrico Palazzo. I think he forgot some of the words and hummed them.

[st.cronin]

Wow, that was some bad defense by the Ducks. Somebody screwed up.

[Maple Leafs]

Wow, not only do we have Chris Pronger vs. Mike Comrie, but now Oiler fans have to watch a Ryan Smyth interview. I think CBC wants the city of Edmonton to riot.