NHL Playoffs 2008

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

The playoffs are shaping up to be exciting this year. What are everybody's first round picks? Here is how I think things will turn out:

In the East:

Montreal Canadiens 3 — 3 Boston Bruins
Pittsburgh Penguins 4 — 0 Ottawa Senators
Washington Capitals 2 — 3 Philadelphia Flyers
New York Rangers 4 — 1 New Jersey Devils

In the West:

Detroit Red Wings 4 — 2 Nashville Predators
San Jose Sharks 3 — 2 Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche 3 — 2 Minnesota Wild
Anaheim Ducks 2 — 3 Dallas Stars

[Flamin Skull]

I've been a Devils fan for years but they've been slacking off lately so I'm goin with the Sharks this year. (they're 40 minutes away from here) Still not sure if I want to become a Sharks fan permanently (they started back in 90 or 91 and I was already a Devils fan)It's
hard to choose loyalty over location...

here are my choices...
Canadiens, Penquins, Caps, Devils
Predators (I HATE DETROIT so I'm hoping for an unlikely upset), Sharks, Wild (dont want sharks playing the AVS too much bad luck in the playoffs in the past) and Ducks

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Funny that your only upset pick is probably one of the biggest possible upsets to choose. ;)

Playoffs start tonight! Only three of the players in my pool are playing tonight, but it will be enough to give me an idea of how they're going to do for the round.

[RMA]

agree with your picks for the west but the Devils have been keeping something in reserve since securing a playoff place...think we'll surprise people (including me...a big fan) in the east. Think the Canadiens will pip us to the title in the East and go on to secure the big ugly jug.

[Flamin Skull]

The Devils didnt look good today, neither did the Sharks, I left My friends early because the score was 3-1 at the end of 2nd period...
1 game doesnt mean much, so we gotta see what happens with the next game...
Anybody see the big fights at the end of the Penquins and Senators game? I'm sure they'll all finish the business in the next game... its looking like a really physical series!

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Gary Roberts is a total champion.

While it's true that one game doesn't mean much, it's very impressive for the Rangers to steal one from NJ at home. It's even more impressive for a team like Calgary, which doesn't have a very good road record. The Sharks looked really weak. Campbell and Thornton barely did anything (1 assist each). Iginla, on the other hand, played an amazing game.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Pittsburgh sweeps Ottawa, and Jogurt gets +1 prediction points!

Things aren't looking good for New Jersey, especially after Madden faceoffed the puck into his own empty net...

[Flamin Skull]

Things aren't looking good for New Jersey, especially after Madden faceoffed the puck into his own empty net...

Yeah I wasnt too happy about that. I could see the Devils slackin at the end of the season and it didnt look good, look at where they are now.
The Sharks game last Tuesday was awesome! Hope they can turn it around and close out the series with the next 2 games.

(Look at predators too, they DO have a chance, but not too much. They need to win at least one in Detroit...)

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

The Sharks game last Tuesday was awesome! Hope they can turn it around and close out the series with the next 2 games.
That 4-goal comeback for the Flames was really something, but then the Sharks held them to only 10 shots in the next game. That series is so back and forth. It's probably the most interesting one this round.

(Look at predators too, they DO have a chance, but not too much. They need to win at least one in Detroit...)

Yeah, they've never won in Detroit in the playoffs. Also, after the last couple of games, I have a feeling Osgood will be getting the starts for the rest of the round. Hasek is one good goaltender, but he's so inconsistent it's scary.

[RMA]

4-2 down in the 2nd. Looks like the Devils are getting an early holiday again this year....dammit!

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

4-2 down in the 2nd. Looks like the Devils are getting an early holiday again this year....dammit!

4-3 now. It's a one goal game! A whole period to catch up. Doesn't look good for the rest of their series, though.

[sadpanda212]

Gutted about the Devils myself, Made worse by the fact that NASN didn't show one of our games.

DEMON hasn't faired much better with regards coverage, he has had 1 and a half Av's games on, having said that he's got the Conference Semi's to look forward to.

I can't see many teams being able to stop the Pens this term, I'd quite like an Av's vs Pens Final as the Av's turned them over in the regular season.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Sucks when you don't get to see any of your team's games. CBC isn't showing any Wings games, either, because both teams are United States of American.

The Avs are going to have a hard time coming out of the West with teams like the Wings, Sharks, Stars, Ducks, and Flames to contend with (whoever wins those series). All in all, I think the West is a very tough conference to come out of for anyone, and then having to face the Pens in the final is going to be yet another challenge.

[sadpanda212]

We've had most of the Wings playoff games and from a neutral standpoint they have been shocking.

Boston Montreal has been pretty poor too apart from last night, sods law as I was watching the Calzage fight.

Washington Phillie and San Jose Calgary have been the pick of the games we've had so far. speaking of which we get game 6 of the sharks tonight.

Last year we got every one of the Conference Semi's so heres hoping.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Next round looks like this:

Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers

Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche
San Jose Sharks vs. Dallas Stars

That means I picked 6-2 last round. Not too bad.

My picks this round are in bold above.

[sadpanda212]

Couple of good match ups, I think the Pens will walk all over the Rangers but Phillie vs Montreal should be interesting. Top 2 PowerPlay teams in the regular season. Should force them to try and play fair knowing they could get killed on the PP. I'm going for Phillie.

As for the West, I've got to back the Av's or DEMON won't let me sleep for a month. The games in the regular season have been quite close and had the Av's had their players fit for the whole year I think they would have been higher up. For all the attacking flair on show I think this will be a contest of 2 form netminders and should be a close series. Sharks and Stars could go either way but the Stars have looked very good post season so I think you could be right on that one.

My tip for the cup is still the Pens unless they pick up injuries.

[DEMON212]

I said months ago that the Pens will walk the cup unless they get us.

I really didn't want the Wings yet because there's going to be blood. We're a tougher and cleaner team, but they've had the refs in their back pocket all season long. I've only ever seen 1 other team get away with as much as the Wings do, and that's the Ducks.

I can't say who'll win between the Avs/Wings, as I don't own a Black and White top.

That series wholly depends on the refs.

If we win, we'll go all the way, if not San Jose will be playing an injured Detroit. And while we can play with only 2 star players, I'd bet that they can't. And even if miraculously (SP) they do win, the Pens will destroy them.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Now Demon and I get to play this rivalry out on the forum. :) Go Wings!

Either way, a Wings/Avs series is going to be a good one because both teams have hot goalies (Osgood/Theodore) and premiere offensive squads (Sakic/Statsny/Smyth/Wolski/Hejduk/Forsberg/etc. vs. Zetterberg/Datsyuk/Holmstrom/Franzen/Draper/etc.). This one was a tough one for me to call, and it didn't just come down to me being a Wings fan. I think the Wings D (esp. Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall) might be the scale-tipper, but it'll be a good match-up.

PS: The only dirty player I can think of on the Wings is Chelios—I don't like him either. Believe it or not, I don't think this series will be as nasty as they've been in the past, mainly because the dirtbags that used to grace both teams are gone and we're left with classy Lady Byng candidates like Sakic and Datsyuk in charge.

[sadpanda212]

Depends on Lappy's first check on Lidstrom, we all know how the last one ended :p

Seriously though, I'm really looking forward to this as kind of a neutral. I think we will get all the games from Game 2 though they might show Game 1 straight after the montreal game over here.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

No messy hijinks in tonight's game.

Budaj looked good, at least...

[Flamin Skull]

The sharks looked absoutely dreadful last night! maybe it was the heat wave that day? (it was very hot that day, around 90 degrees!)
so It doesnt look like they will advance past this round barring any suprises.
so Im gon with the Red Wings vs Penquins for the cup, with the Pens winning in 6...

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

It's fine to make those predictions now. ;) I think the Stars will be a tough opponent for the Wings, though. The Stars have faced two really hard teams and blown them out. The Wings have faced a tough goalie with no team in from of him (Nashville) and a beat-up team with a terrible goalie (Colorado). It'll be Stars v. Wings in the West with the winner losing to the Penguins.

[Flamin Skull]

Yeah, Im not too much of a hockey fan so I dont know matchups as well as you guys do. I didnt know how good the Dallas stars are. I'm more of a American football/baseball fan. I do find it very enjoyable to watch hockey during the playoffs. but I don't follow them statsically like I do with football/baseball.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

To be fair, the Stars looked terrible coming into the playoffs, having just spent almost a month on a losing streak. But they picked up their play in the first round against the defending champs, got great support from character guys in their lineup, and came together in a scary way. My only hope is for the Sharks to at least win a few games against them and soften them up for me Wingies. ;)

[Flamin Skull]

To make it simple, the Sharks dont have the fire in them... the Stars outplayed them the whole way.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Yep, they're goners now. I bet Thornton is going to be blamed again for never showing up in the playoffs. I'm starting to think he deserves it. No heart. Certainly can't blame this one on Nabokov.

The poor Avs are just destroyed. They have nothing left in the tank. I suppose they should be happy to make it as far as they did, given that they barely clawed their way into a playoff spot. And they shouldn't be surprised at these results, given that the lost all seven games against the Wings this season, including three shutouts.

Wings vs. Stars in the west is going to be one tough series. Should be good hockey. Both strong-defense character-scoring teams.

[DEMON212]

Well, what is there to say?

Of the games I saw (Thanks NASN. 2 LIVE games, 1 of which was cut due to Dal/San, WHO WEREN'T EVEN ON YOUR SCHEDULE! And the other kept freezing), they were some of the worst reffereed games I'd ever saw.

We had 9! Players out, of which about 5 were injured by the Wings themselves. And at least 7 of those 9 could walk into anyone's top line. Ah, ok then, maybe only 4 could join up with Crosby and Malkin, lol.

And the effort we (Team and fans) put in, in game 4, was terrible.

Sakic needed 1! ONE! Goal to go 7th, and those *******s didn't even try to give him that. In the final minute Boots could've been pulled to make that chance. The fans were screaming for it, but no, no pull, no one on the Blue line, no chance, no goal.

And the TSN commentry, whom had a go at us all night and the night before. Whom agreed with EVERY! Bad call, except when it went against the Wings, had the gaul to start talking about Sakic as if he were the Messiah.

CBC rules. And the Pens will do to the Wings what deserves to be done to them.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Waaaah. Can't blame the Wings for playing excellent hockey.

Anyway, with the easily expected slaughter of the Avalanche out of the way in definitive 8-2 fashion (LOL!), all that remains for the Wings is to wait and hope the Sharks and Stars soften each other up.

I don't think Sakic will retire. He shouldn't, anyway. He had a good season when he was healthy. I think he still has some fuel in the tank.

[DEMON212]

Waaaah. Can't blame the Wings for playing excellent hockey.

Anyway, with the easily expected slaughter of the Avalanche out of the way in definitive 8-2 fashion (LOL!), all that remains for the Wings is to wait and hope the Sharks and Stars soften each other up.

I don't think Sakic will retire. He shouldn't, anyway. He had a good season when he was healthy. I think he still has some fuel in the tank.

The Wings did play well yes, they have an excellent 5-5 and an even better 5-4. Although that's not surprising when they get so much time to practice it. A game of Ducks/Wings has never been shown here, so I wonder, is the entire game just spent 4-4?

Oh, stupid thing to say, Babcock's got alot more cash.

I don't know about Sakic, he looked well ****ed off and gutted. I think it'll depend on what happens to the team next year, whether or not he stays.

I'd worry alot more about the Rangers softening up the Pens, and then the Flyers too. Because the Pens have looked like a Stanley Cup winning team since the trades. The Wings, haven't. The Pens can out dirty the Wings and the Pens have a good penalty killing squad. So Babcock's gonna really have to fork out for some 5-3 time against Crosby and co.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Oh, stupid thing to say, Babcock's got alot more cash.

I don't even know what this means? Bribes for refs? Sounds like sour grapes.

I don't know about Sakic, he looked well ****ed off and gutted. I think it'll depend on what happens to the team next year, whether or not he stays.

I think he should stay. He was justifiably upset that he was the only Avalanche player left in the playoffs, which is fine. And his 38-game injury didn't have anything to do with age like Yzerman's old knee replacements—it was a hernia surgery. I think he could come back next year and play a good healthy season. When he's in good shape, he gives the rest of the young guys in the league a run for their money.

I'd worry alot more about the Rangers softening up the Pens, and then the Flyers too. Because the Pens have looked like a Stanley Cup winning team since the trades. The Wings, haven't. The Pens can out dirty the Wings and the Pens have a good penalty killing squad. So Babcock's gonna really have to fork out for some 5-3 time against Crosby and co.

I'm not worried about them simply because I'd love to see the Pens win the Cup. A Wings vs. Pens final would be a dream for me.

[DEMON212]

I don't even know what this means? Bribes for refs? Sounds like sour grapes.



I think he should stay. He was justifiably upset that he was the only Avalanche player left in the playoffs, which is fine. And his 38-game injury didn't have anything to do with age like Yzerman's old knee replacements—it was a hernia surgery. I think he could come back next year and play a good healthy season. When he's in good shape, he gives the rest of the young guys in the league a run for their money.



I'm not worried about them simply because I'd love to see the Pens win the Cup. A Wings vs. Pens final would be a dream for me.

Why would I have sour grapes? One of the best teams in the NHL beat an AHL team with 2 appauling Tendors. I'm more ****ed that you only got 8.

Yeah, I agree. He's in truly amazing shape, same with Shanahan (SP), Chelios (SP) and Hasek (SP).

How odd.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

I think Hasek's best days are long behind him. I don't care what kind of shape he's in, he's just too inconsistent nowadays. Some days he'll be the best goalie in the league, and some days he'll tear every groin in his body.

Agree on Chelios especially. Even though he's not as great as he used to be, and he doesn't get the ice time, he's in amazing shape for a guy pushing 50.

Thing about Sakic is he's still performing at the top of his game. Shanny is similar, I suppose. I really want Sakic to stick around for at least a couple more years. (I also want him to come to Halifax for team Canada this week, but I think it's too late...)

[DEMON212]

I think Hasek's best days are long behind him. I don't care what kind of shape he's in, he's just too inconsistent nowadays. Some days he'll be the best goalie in the league, and some days he'll tear every groin in his body.

Agree on Chelios especially. Even though he's not as great as he used to be, and he doesn't get the ice time, he's in amazing shape for a guy pushing 50.

Thing about Sakic is he's still performing at the top of his game. Shanny is similar, I suppose. I really want Sakic to stick around for at least a couple more years. (I also want him to come to Halifax for team Canada this week, but I think it's too late...)

When you hear the taters say that Sakic is fitter than Shanahan (SP), it really gives you hope like :)

I could see Sakic playing till 44. So that When Stastny's a free agent, Sakic can give him the C. And how mint would that be? Stastny>Sakic>Stastny and Sakic's got kids :lol:

YES! Pits/Philly next. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[DEMON212]

Yup, Pits/Philly :)

I'm gonna enjoy that, lotsa fighting :D

Hockey just isn't Hockey if you don't see amazing feats of skill, blindingly good hits, and a good punch up :D

BironVFluery should be good :)

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

BironVFluery should be good :)

Because they're both mediocre goalies on hot streaks? :)

I think the Penguins are going to light the Flyers up. The Flyers went seven games against the Caps, a team with far less offensive depth, and they're coming off a series against a team with almost no offensive depth. Biron better stand on his head if they're going to have a chance.

[DEMON212]

Because they're both mediocre goalies on hot streaks? :)

I think the Penguins are going to light the Flyers up. The Flyers went seven games against the Caps, a team with far less offensive depth, and they're coming off a series against a team with almost no offensive depth. Biron better stand on his head if they're going to have a chance.

I agree, I just want to see the brawls :)

And as more medi-ocre tendors, what the hell is Osgood then? In all the Wings games I've watched, I've not once saw why he's special. And his AS performance was hilarious XD

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

And as more medi-ocre tendors, what the hell is Osgood then?

Don't ask me. I've never thought he was anything special, but his numbers during the regular season say otherwise (to say nothing of his unbeaten streak since relieving the geezer).

[DEMON212]

Don't ask me. I've never thought he was anything special, but his numbers during the regular season say otherwise (to say nothing of his unbeaten streak since relieving the geezer).

See, I still don't think it's him. I think it's his D. The Wings have some HUGE D-men.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

See, I still don't think it's him. I think it's his D. The Wings have some HUGE D-men.

Yeah, that's a good evaluation. Lidstrom-Rafalski is probably the best defensive pairing in the league. Kronwall and Chelios are both good in their own ways. Not to mention Zetterberg and Datsyuk are both Selke-nominated this year, and Draper is one of the league's best PK men.

[DEMON212]

Yeah, that's a good evaluation. Lidstrom-Rafalski is probably the best defensive pairing in the league. Kronwall and Chelios are both good in their own ways. Not to mention Zetterberg and Datsyuk are both Selke-nominated this year, and Draper is one of the league's best PK men.

Yup, I couldn't believe it when you guys got Rafalski.

Biggest problem that the Devils had was that everyone smegged off and Brent Sutter sucks as a coach. He can't hire anyone and he can't direct those that he does.

I fail to see why the Devils sacked there 2nd to last coach. The one who got them to the play offs last year, and was then replaced by old guy.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

I think it's because Lamoriello (their GM, who looks conveniently like Satan) wanted glory. He thought he could step behind the bench and ride his team to the Cup.

Conference finals start tonight with Stars @ Wings. Should be a really good game. Both teams are going to want to set the pace.

[DEMON212]

I think it's because Lamoriello (their GM, who looks conveniently like Satan) wanted glory. He thought he could step behind the bench and ride his team to the Cup.

Conference finals start tonight with Stars @ Wings. Should be a really good game. Both teams are going to want to set the pace.

Well we watched 1 period and a half. We saw all the 1st, the goal in the 2nd and the end of the 3rd. Dodgy calls made the game unwatchable. That 5-3 alone was a joke.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Well we watched 1 period and a half. We saw all the 1st, the goal in the 2nd and the end of the 3rd. Dodgy calls made the game unwatchable. That 5-3 alone was a joke.

Yep, that was a bad call. I figure it was probably to make up for the first penalty against the Wings, which was equally bad. You know how refs like to even things out when they make brutal mistakes. The Wings should have had at least two more power plays late in the game on uncalled hooking and holding penalties (and those are just the really blatant ones!). The funny thing is, though, even if you take away two of the Wings goals that you might take issue with, they still scored two beautiful and uncontestable goals, which would have been enough to win the game anyway. ;)

But all in all, last night's game was enough to prove to me what I already predicted. The Stars are exhausted from long games against tough opponents and the Wings are well-rested and riding a hot offensive streak.

It'll be a good finals.

[DEMON212]

Yep, that was a bad call. I figure it was probably to make up for the first penalty against the Wings, which was equally bad. You know how refs like to even things out when they make brutal mistakes. The Wings should have had at least two more power plays late in the game on uncalled hooking and holding penalties (and those are just the really blatant ones!). The funny thing is, though, even if you take away two of the Wings goals that you might take issue with, they still scored two beautiful and uncontestable goals, which would have been enough to win the game anyway. ;)

But all in all, last night's game was enough to prove to me what I already predicted. The Stars are exhausted from long games against tough opponents and the Wings are well-rested and riding a hot offensive streak.

It'll be a good finals.

I think the first 3 pens were all bull. Yep, the 2 they scored without help were good :D

I'm gutted that I missed Pits/Philly, looks amazing. But unfortunatly I have terrible sinus problems, especially at this time of year (Hay fever) and it's kept me up all night. I actually went to bed at 6pm, lol.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

You didn't miss too much tonight, Demon. It didn't even look like the Flyers showed up, except for what felt like a token scrum at the end of the game. I was hoping it would be an intense series, but it's starting to look like we won't get one of those until a Wings/Pens final.

[DEMON212]

You didn't miss too much tonight, Demon. It didn't even look like the Flyers showed up, except for what felt like a token scrum at the end of the game. I was hoping it would be an intense series, but it's starting to look like we won't get one of those until a Wings/Pens final.

Yeah, Panda said the same. Hopefully I'll have my head sorted by then then, lol.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Another strong performance by the Wings, even without Franzen in the lineup! Solid defensive game. Dallas is clearly just too tired to play with a team this tough this late in the playoffs. Looks like that little weasel Ribeiro has a 1-game suspension coming his way.

[sadpanda212]

Another strong performance by the Wings, even without Franzen in the lineup! Solid defensive game. Dallas is clearly just too tired to play with a team this tough this late in the playoffs. Looks like that little weasel Ribeiro has a 1-game suspension coming his way.

First up, I really do not like the Dallas Stars, I've disliked them since the Stanley cup games against the Devils in recent years.

However I find myself cheering them on in this series as this years stanley cup decends into a farce. There appears to be a different set of rules for the Red Wings than for Everyone else. Last night there was a sniper in the crowd as they were going down as though they'd been shot. Meanwhile at the end I think the Stars decided if they were going to get called they might as well do something worth getting called for.

I don't condone the slash on Osgood but again, the sniper obviously got him too, as he must take harder hits stopping a puck.

Looking at it I think it will be a Pens vs Wings Final and I think the Stall line will cope better with the Zetterberg Line than the other teams have. The big difference will be that the Pens have 3 very good offensive lines where as most teams only have 2 and a more average 3rd.

I still tip the Pens for the cup.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

There appears to be a different set of rules for the Red Wings than for Everyone else.

That's absurd and almost hilarious, especially with all of the bad penalties against the Wings we've already seen. The officiating is just as it's always been. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, across the board.

I don't condone the slash on Osgood but again, the sniper obviously got him too, as he must take harder hits stopping a puck.

The only possible excuse I can think of for Osgood's performance is that the stick knocked the wind out of him for a moment. Pucks are small, but Ribby's stick hit Osgood clear across the chest. Osgood said afterwards that he wasn't injured, so if he just lost his wind, that could support that story.

[DEMON212]

That's absurd and almost hilarious, especially with all of the bad penalties against the Wings we've already seen. The officiating is just as it's always been. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, across the board.



The only possible excuse I can think of for Osgood's performance is that the stick knocked the wind out of him for a moment. Pucks are small, but Ribby's stick hit Osgood clear across the chest. Osgood said afterwards that he wasn't injured, so if he just lost his wind, that could support that story.

Yeah, but when it's 1 bad call against, compared to the 5 in favour of them, it's still rediculas. It's why I stopped supporting the Wings in the first place, I can't stand teams like that.

And having missed the game and only saw the last 10 minutes on the replay, I was just wondering what happened to Osgoods armour? Because the he was acting, it's as if he was naked underneath that Jersey.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

It's why I stopped supporting the Wings in the first place, I can't stand teams like that.

It's pretty silly to blame the team, when it has nothing to do with them and it's not consistently in their favour.

I was reminded of this thread when watching that 2nd game in the Pens/Flyers series, though. The Flyers got more breaks from the refs than I've ever seen in a playoff game. Funny that the Penguins won it even despite that.

[sadpanda212]

It's pretty silly to blame the team, when it has nothing to do with them and it's not consistently in their favour.

I was reminded of this thread when watching that 2nd game in the Pens/Flyers series, though. The Flyers got more breaks from the refs than I've ever seen in a playoff game. Funny that the Penguins won it even despite that.

Don Cherry hit the nail on the head on CBC the other night, The red wings are doing their best to get under the skin of the Stars with some downright dirty tactics. Unfortunatley the incompetant Refs are allowing them to get away with it.

I agree it's hard to blame a team, but then you see they got away with it against the Avalanche and the Predators, and from the Detroit games we've had on NASN this year, They've gotten away with it all season long.

On the build up to the Stars 2nd equaliser it was a total joke, there should have been 3 separate penalties called in that sequence.

All in all I'm not being biased against the Red Wings, Right now I don't care who beats them.

[DEMON212]

It's pretty silly to blame the team, when it has nothing to do with them and it's not consistently in their favour.

I was reminded of this thread when watching that 2nd game in the Pens/Flyers series, though. The Flyers got more breaks from the refs than I've ever seen in a playoff game. Funny that the Penguins won it even despite that.

Yes the calls aren't the teams fault, but there style of play is.

And as for the Pens, they're a brilliant team. Extra Power Plays are never gonna win you a game, but they're not going to hurt your chances, as they wear the opposing team out and give you better chances to score.

However when it's teams like the Pens or the Wings, there PK is brilliant so it doesn't affect them as much. But look at Nashville, what the hell do they actually have? How the hell did they even make the play offs?

Or Colorado this season, missing 9 key players in the play offs and about 29 of there overall 22 at some point. I think we had 3 players who weren't injured at some point this season, and at one point we had 9, maybe 11 out at once.

And Dallas are a defensive team with barely any offence.

So taking away what offence a lil offence team has, kills them.

Some strong teams can overcome it, but weak teams, for whatever reason (Injuries or cash) will be slaughtered by dodgy calls. And mainly defensive teams too.

I just find it pathetic, how a team that doesn't actually need help, is getting tons of it.

We see the same here in our league. The Blaze have tons of amazing players that are on such high wages that they're most likely breaking the cap, but nothing is done about it. And they're a right bunch of dirty gits, but they never get called. And the opposing teams get called on the worst things ever. They don't need any help, but they get so much of it.

The state of the refereeing really needs looking at in the NHL, because it beggers belief sometimes, at just how biased they're being with dodgy calls. I await next season, Paul Stastny, 2 minutes for sneezing. Martan Brodeur 2+2 for accidental coughing. Ryan Smith 5 minutes for being knocked unconscious by that dirty ******* Kings player.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Yes the calls aren't the teams fault, but there style of play is.
How is it a fault to be an excellent all-round team with great offensive and defensive depth?

I just find it pathetic, how a team that doesn't actually need help, is getting tons of it.
Who? The Flyers? I don't think they're getting extra help. I just think the calls in that game went their way. I don't think any team is getting extra help. The idea of bad officiating being construed as extra help for one team or another is ridiculous. When it's bad, it's bad across the board.

[DEMON212]

How is it a fault to be an excellent all-round team with great offensive and defensive depth?


Who? The Flyers? I don't think they're getting extra help. I just think the calls in that game went their way. I don't think any team is getting extra help. The idea of bad officiating being construed as extra help for one team or another is ridiculous. When it's bad, it's bad across the board.

No, the Wings, because when it's bad, it always seems to be in there favour. Or at least 9 times out of 10 anyway. And it's there fault for being a bunch of rule benders.

Anywho, I still tip the Pens so I'll come back here when they've lifted the cup :)

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

No, the Wings, because when it's bad, it always seems to be in there favour.

Tonight's game confirms that you're wrong.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Wings in 6.

[Clayman]

Don Cherry hit the nail on the head on CBC the other night, The red wings are doing their best to get under the skin of the Stars with some downright dirty tactics. Unfortunatley the incompetant Refs are allowing them to get away with it.

That's playoff hockey. Things that are "dirty" during the "New NHL" regular season are fair game. It's a physical game. I've been so turned off to the fancy run 'n gun style offense the NHL has promoted since my Sabres got destroyed by the Sens last year. Grit's always been part of playoff hockey, and Dallas didn't show nearly enough.

My Cup prediction is... whoever wins Game 1. I honestly don't know, really. If Pittsburgh can get ahead early, they should dispatch Detriot early, but if they lose and let home ice dictate the series, they'll fall into the same trap as the Stars.

Either way, I'll be rooting against the Wings, if only because I couldn't bare to see Hasek win another Cup. Still haven't gotten over the way he left Buffalo.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Well, that was a convincing total domination, even in the face of the terrible bribery-induced calls against the Wings. :roll:

[DEMON212]

Wow, that was unexpected. They were to nervous. When they've been playing badly, it was obvious that they were playing badly because they wanted to win at home. But last night, they just weren't on the planet.

Well, that was a convincing total domination, even in the face of the terrible bribery-induced calls against the Wings. :roll:

Erm... From what I saw, you guys got off easy. Last time I checked, if you score when one of your men is inside the Blue paint, it's waved off. How many has Homlstrum (SP) got you guys because of this very action? Last night, it was FINALLY called off. Because he skate was in the paint.

[Clayman]

Wow, that was unexpected. They were to nervous. When they've been playing badly, it was obvious that they were playing badly because they wanted to win at home. But last night, they just weren't on the planet.



Erm... From what I saw, you guys got off easy. Last time I checked, if you score when one of your men is inside the Blue paint, it's waved off. How many has Homlstrum (SP) got you guys because of this very action? Last night, it was FINALLY called off. Because he skate was in the paint.

You haven't checked since 2000? That rule hasn't existed since the Brett Hull debacle almost a decade ago.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

They were to nervous.

I agree that they were too nervous.

Erm... From what I saw, you guys got off easy.

The Penguins just played terrible, plain and simple. Chalk it up to nerves or inexperience or Gary Roberts being out, or playing in Detroit, or whatever, but they didn't play well, bottom line. Malkin was invisible, Fleury was a giveaway champion, etc. The Wings played a very solid game and they earned every inch of that win.

Whether game 2 will be so easy is another story.

Last time I checked, if you score when one of your men is inside the Blue paint, it's waved off. How many has Homlstrum (SP) got you guys because of this very action? Last night, it was FINALLY called off. Because he skate was in the paint.

That's not the rule. Anyway, that's not even why that goal was called off. Did you watch the game? His skate wasn't in the crease. They said it was because his stick interfered with Fleury's pads (it didn't). It was a bad call and every intelligent hockey analyst said so after the game. It doesn't matter though. Holmstrom's talented hands weren't the Penguins' problem. And I'll take a 4-0 victory just as soon as a 5-0 victory.

[DEMON212]

You haven't checked since 2000? That rule hasn't existed since the Brett Hull debacle almost a decade ago.

I've only been watching NHL Hockey for 2 years, problem is that I follow EIHL Hockey too, and from what I was aware, a sport had rules that were universal to that sport. Guess not.

I agree that they were too nervous.



The Penguins just played terrible, plain and simple. Chalk it up to nerves or inexperience or Gary Roberts being out, or playing in Detroit, or whatever, but they didn't play well, bottom line. Malkin was invisible, Fleury was a giveaway champion, etc. The Wings played a very solid game and they earned every inch of that win.

Whether game 2 will be so easy is another story.



That's not the rule. Anyway, that's not even why that goal was called off. Did you watch the game? His skate wasn't in the crease. They said it was because his stick interfered with Fleury's pads (it didn't). It was a bad call and every intelligent hockey analyst said so after the game. It doesn't matter though. Holmstrom's talented hands weren't the Penguins' problem. And I'll take a 4-0 victory just as soon as a 5-0 victory.

Rule thing above. Yes I watched, and from one replay it looked as if his skate was in. I still thought it was a BS call, but after the amount of crap that he gets away wirh, one can't help but think of the word Karma. When I said got off easy, I meant call wise. The Pens wouldn't have won that game even if they were playing the Pee Wee Wings, lol.

Well, think I'll leave now and bone up on the rule differences between EIHL and NHL lol.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

A player can't enter the crease before the puck. Once the puck goes in, the crease is fair game. The main issue is goalie interference. If a player hinders the goalie so he can't make a save, then that's the time to call it. From some angles it looks like Holmstrom's stick was on Fleury's pads. From others it looks like he maybe didn't even touch them. Either way, Fleury was already out of the net in position to make the save on a high shot, so Holmstrom shouldn't have been called. I don't believe in Karma, and I don't think there are provisions in the NHL rules for it. Also, I have no idea what you're talking about when you say getting away easy with calls. That's a cop-out excuse, plain and simple, and it's getting a little tiring. The calls in last night's game, other than the BS goalie interference call on Holmstrom, were fairly decent overall (certainly better than they have been in earlier games) and definitely didn't favour Detroit any more than they would have favoured the Penguins (who spent the whole first period on the PP without capitalizing).

Last night's game showed (again) that the Wings are a highly skilled powerhouse, and the scales are tipped by experience and grit (not cheap grit, not cheat grit, not lucky grit—the grit hockey is made of). Credit where it's due.

This series is still within reach for the Penguins, if they can bounce back and play the game they're capable of playing.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

After a highly entertaining game 3 on Wednesday, I predict an even better game 4 tonight. Both teams are going to have to step up their games to a new level. Crosby rejuvenated the Penguins (good on him—he's the best player in the league) and they're going to play with the same intensity tonight. The Wings know the Penguins aren't just going to roll over, so they'll get back on their game and play with their typical defensive flair. But best of all, there's going to be tons of hitting! The Penguins finally started getting physical in game 3 (maybe they were watching Coach's Corner?) and that makes for good playoff hockey! All I want now is some OT in this series!

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Game 4 was about as interesting as game 3, except for the 2nd period. :P The 5-on-3 kill (I don't think I have to mention the terrible call to make it that way...) was truly epic. Zetterberg deserves what he's going to get.

I'm kind of torn about game 5 tonight. On one hand I want the Pens to put up a good fight and I want to see some more Crosby heroics. On the other hand, I'd love the Wings to win the Cup on home ice (and I want Malkin to continue sucking). Also, if the Wings close the series off quickly, I have a better chance of staying in 1st place in my playoff pool! ;)

[sadpanda212]

Well I thought game 5 was awesome, there were some very questionable calls but OT was real edge of the seat stuff, lets hope game 6 gets close to this.

Thought Fleury was amazing last night, and remember, my team has the best netminder ever to play the game.

Thought the delection off the refs skate was hard on Detroit but evened up I suppose by the quality Check by the ref in regulation that stopped the pens going 3-1 up.

I've only had 3 hours kip as the game didn't finish until 6AM over here but twas worth it.

[Tull]

Doh i fell a sleep in OT3.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

One of the best games I have ever seen. 3rd period, especially, was some quality hockey. Both these teams can PLAY when they're desperate. Fleury had a career game. Malkin still sucks.

The officiating was not too bad until the OT when Detroit got two lame goalie interference penalties that shouldn't have been called. The double-minor that cost them the game was a fine call, though (you can't not call those).

The Penguins should be very worried if it took them that much work to win a game they had 2-0. They had to come back and tie it with an extra man and then get the OT game winner with a man in the box for 4 mins. They've got to get their even strength units scoring or else it's all over in game 6 (before the series started, I called Wings in 6).

[sadpanda212]

That you did, in fact if we look back over the thread you've been red hot with your predictions.

As I said last night, the Pens bottled it, pretty much throughout the series.

Not to take anything away from the wings, they probably deserved to win 5 of the 6 games, I said it to DEMON that although they deserved the cup I felt that Fleury didn't deserve to lose it.

Now what am I going to do until the 1st week in September (EIHL starts then) to fill the void that is no Hockey.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Not to take anything away from the wings, they probably deserved to win 5 of the 6 games, I said it to DEMON that although they deserved the cup I felt that Fleury didn't deserve to lose it.

The Wings were the better team, plain and simple. I think the Penguins have a lot of Cups on the way, just not yet. And Fleury's performance was very worthwhile for him because it proves him as a clutch goalie in difficult circumstances—something that had been in doubt for a long time (especially after he scored an own-goal to win the World Junior gold medal for team USA...). So Fleury playing well cements his status as a hot young goalie rather than an inconsistent and unreliable overhyped wasted draft pick. I'd say that's worth it!

Now what am I going to do until the 1st week in September (EIHL starts then) to fill the void that is no Hockey.

Draft & off-season moves. It'll be interesting to see what the Penguins do with all of their free agents (especially Malone and Hossa), who'll retire, what will happen to Sundin and Forsberg, etc. etc. etc. But yeah. Hockeyless. :( At least it's almost beach season.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Hijacking this thread for a general purpose NHL / draft / free agent thread for now.

What do you think of all the moves!?

Biggest story, I think, is Tampa Bay, who drafted Stamkos first over all and then brought in some real character to their lineup by locking up Olaf Kolzig, Adam Hall, Radim Vrbata, Vaclav Prospal, Gary Roberts, Ryan Malone, and getting Vinny Lacavalier under a long term contract. Scary!!!

My Wings picked up Ty Conklin to backup Osgood. Conklin was a solid backup for M.-A. Fleury while he was out this year.

Ryder to Boston.

Streit to the Isles.

Redden to the Rangers.

Holik and Rolston to the Devils (Sad Panda should be a Happy Panda with those acquisitions).

Leafs get Hagman (awesome young scorer from Dallas), Finger (youth from Colorado) and old CuJo (great character move, I think).

Commodore to Columbus.

Brian Campbell to Chicago on an 8 year $57 million deal. Huet also goes to Chicago. Could be a good upstart team next season.

Theodore to Washington.

Lalime to Buffalo.

Auld to the Sens.

Tucker and Raycroft to Colorado (I don't know how you feel about that one, Demon...).

Cory Stillman to the Panthers.

Brunette to the Wild.

Wellwood to Vancouver.

Oilers traded away Stoll, Greene, Torres, and Pitkanen for Brule, Cole and Visnovsky. Eek!

[Kreegs]

Go Wild! We had some good pick ups and re-signs. Still wish we were the northstars though... Oh well.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

We love ex-Penguins! The Red Wings just signed Hossa to a 1-year deal!

[Clayman]

I still believe that Campbell's gonna get eaten alive in the West. He was something of a defensive liability to San Jose in the playoffs, and that's not going to change. He was considered a soft defenseman here in Buffalo; he's a creampuff in the rougher conference.

The Rangers continue to try and buy the Cup... good luck, they'll need it.

I think arguably the biggest addition thus far has been Theodore to Wahington. He was the bset goalie in FA and is a boon to a young Caps team.

The Red Wings continue their march towards world domination...

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Naslund to the Rangers!

Jagr leaves the NHL for Russia!

[Clayman]

The Rangers continue to try and buy the Cup... good luck, they'll need it.

Um... yep. Do they ever run out of cap space?

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Um... yep. Do they ever run out of cap space?

Not when overpaid Yammy leaves for the Euro market. :)

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Go Wild! We had some good pick ups and re-signs. Still wish we were the northstars though... Oh well.

You'll be happy. The Wild just signed Owen Nolan to a 2-year deal worth something like $2.5 million per season. Pretty good deal for a scrappy character player with a scoring touch like Nolan.

[Kreegs]

You'll be happy. The Wild just signed Owen Nolan to a 2-year deal worth something like $2.5 million per season. Pretty good deal for a scrappy character player with a scoring touch like Nolan.

Yea I saw that! We need someone who can put the puck in the net. He should be a good addition to the group!

And Don't forget Andrew Brunette - it feels good to have the man who scored the last goal ever on Patrick Roy back on the team!

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Bertuzzi signed a one-year deal with the Flames, so he can continue doing nothing.

[Kreegs]

Bertuzzi signed a one-year deal with the Flames, so he can continue doing nothing.

What a hack.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Jason Smith to the Senators for 2 years.
Joe Nieuwendyk to the Leafs as assistant GM.
Pavol Dmitra to the Canucks.
Morrison to the Ducks.
Halak in Montreal for 2 years.

[Kreegs]

Jason Smith to the Senators for 2 years.
Joe Nieuwendyk to the Leafs as assistant GM.
Pavol Dmitra to the Canucks.
Morrison to the Ducks.
Halak in Montreal for 2 years.

Not gonna miss Dmitra that much. Didn't really do a lot for me.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Peca re-signs with Blue Jackets.
Fedorov re-signs with Washington.

Emery goes to Russia!!!

The NHL is getting rid of a lot of its hated players this year.