NHL '10 - '11 Thread

[Bruins Fan]

Nice choke job by the B's, Timmy bites the bag :mad:

[Ahbroody]

Took our minimite team to the Sharks game after their game tonight.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/ahbroody/IMAG0083.jpg
Cheap seats cotton candy lots of jacked up kids.
Wooooooooo.

[rebelknight]

Took our minimite team to the Sharks game after their game tonight.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/ahbroody/IMAG0083.jpg
Cheap seats cotton candy lots of jacked up kids.
Wooooooooo.

Well you chose a great game to go to. Glad I was able to catch this one on VS. Go Sharks. It looks like they are sending a message tonight.

[Ahbroody]

Nichol qot us passes again to the reception area by the locker room this year so we got a few autographs. Highlight of the night was Micah getting Pavelski to sign his Jersey next to his number.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/ahbroody/IMAG0094-2.jpg
We let Joe know he wears number 8 because of him. I said it last year in the thread. There are some players who always come out and sign Pavs is one of them. Good old American boy.

Was a little bent wanted to bring Micahs skates as he wears Grafs and get Pavs to sign one, but was told they wouldnt allow of. I was told wrong. :td

[icehog3]

Cool Mike, good for Micah! Pavelski had a monster game tonight.

[GreekGodX]

I couldn't believe the Bruins lost. I turned it off after they went up 3-0 to watch the College basketball National Championship. Apparently I missed a domination by the Rangers.

Cool to see Micah getting an autograph. I remember being a kid and I would go up to pro athlete's and I just wanted to talk to them. When they asked me if I wanted an autograph I would tell them no. Then I would offer if they wanted my autograph :r I gave out quite a few autographs as a kid :)

[Bruins Fan]

I couldn't believe the Bruins lost. I turned it off after they went up 3-0 to watch the College basketball National Championship. Apparently I missed a domination by the Rangers.

Na was no domination, the B's got 3 and then quit playing:td

[Prefy]

Well all is right in the world the Toronto Maple Leafs have been official eliminated from the playoffs. :D

Its pretty crazy to think that only the Leafs and the Panthers have not made the postseason since the lockout.

On a side note the Blackhawks are now following me on Twitter:r

[icehog3]

Heading to the Hawks game shortly....and rooting for the Sharks again tonight.

[Ahbroody]

Your damn team needs to do some of the lifting eventually. They are doing everything they can to either miss the playoffs or face the Canucks.

As for the Sharks the pressure is off. The clinched the Pacific and I think they would rather face the kings in 6th then the Ducks in 7th. Wondering if the Sharks wont sandbag it to get third and the easier round one opponent. I say give the Wings second and let the Ducks pound on them for 6 games. They are nicked up anyway. May not be able to survive them for the series and if they do it will take its toll.

[Ahbroody]

Wow sharks look about as bad as I have seem them look in recent history.
This will not be good going into the playoffs if they face the Ducks.

Funny the Sharks played Nitty tonight and not Nemo. Will be interesting to see if they do anything in the third. Been a long time since Nitty played, but he damn sure isn't making an argument to get more starts.

Hey Tom you see Belfour bet on the game with a fan. Wow. :r

[icehog3]

Your damn team needs to do some of the lifting eventually. They are doing everything they can to either miss the playoffs or face the Canucks.



:( :r


Hey Tom you see Belfour bet on the game with a fan. Wow. :r

Belfour retired years ago....Turco, on the other hand.

I think the story has been pretty embellished by the fan. He claims at one point Turco "handed him a big wad of 5 dollar bills"...right, because NHL goalies carry wads of cash to the bench during games. :rolleyes:

I wouldn't be suprised if the NHL took some minor action, althougb it seems it was a joke, I don't thnk it was a very wise move.

[icehog3]

Your damn team needs to do some of the lifting eventually. They are doing everything they can to either miss the playoffs or face the Canucks.

As for the Sharks the pressure is off. The clinched the Pacific and I think they would rather face the kings in 6th then the Ducks in 7th. Wondering if the Sharks wont sandbag it to get third and the easier round one opponent. I say give the Wings second and let the Ducks pound on them for 6 games. They are nicked up anyway. May not be able to survive them for the series and if they do it will take its toll.

They sure did tonight. :td

[Ahbroody]

Crap Luls on Belfour.
Yeah that game was pure ugly. Funny they started Nitty. You dont want to say anything but pregame they were asking how they were going to get up for this game. Clearly they didnt.

Looking at the upcoming games Dallas could still snipe the Hawks.
Dallas has two against Colorado and one against Minn all very possible wins.
Hawks have to win atleast one of the last two both against the Wings. I have doubts on taking both. This really sets up an 8th place finish.

LA may drop both against the Ducks placing them in 7th
Preds play the Jackets and Blues and will win one likely 4th or 5th
Ducks likely 6th seed now. Thinking Sharks may want that 2 seed.

One things for sure there will be a lot of movement 4-8 this weekend. Going to be fun.

[357]

Wings didn't look too sharp in the third, which was all I caught of the Wings/Canes game. Worse yet is Z left early and didn't return. I hope they are just using it as an excuse to rest him.

[icehog3]

Stupid Stars. :(

[Ahbroody]

R.I.P. E.J McGuire. Stunned to hear he passed today.
Rumor from Wikipedia is Leiomyosarcoma.


Tom I think the Stars are going to win out.
Hawks will have to win atleast one. Upside is Wings wont have Zett for the last two games

[icehog3]

R.I.P. E.J McGuire. Stunned to hear he passed today.
Rumor from Wikipedia is Leiomyosarcoma.


Tom I think the Stars are going to win out.
Hawks will have to win atleast one. Upside is Wings wont have Zett for the last two games

Hawks should take one, I think we might even pass one more team and catch #7....what a first round match up that would be, Mike. ;)

[357]

Hawks should take one, I think we might even pass one more team and catch #7....what a first round match up that would be, Mike. ;)

Missed out on those tickets for tonight, but I'll be watching from home for sure. Hoping for a great game, although the Hawks have more to play for. Really wish I had a decent TV I could put in my sunroom so I could have a smoke while watching the game.

[Prefy]

Ben Smith with his first career NHL goal in the Hawks 4-2 win!

Great kid, exactly the kind of player you want on a team.

[icehog3]

He did the interview after the 1st, Matt, seems like a great kid indeed.

Hawks need at least an OT loss Sunday to be sure.....Stupid Stars, Stupid Yotes, Stupid Sharks, Stupid Kings, Stupid Ducks. :mad:

[GreekGodX]

Lousy game by the Wings last night :td We had fun at the game but Blackhawks dominated and there were a lot of Hawk fans to throw salt on the wound. If the same Wings show up for tomorrows game and the playoffs, Hawks will be in the playoffs, and it will be a short postseason for the Wings.

[icehog3]

I sure hope the same Hawks show up tomorrow or they could very well be out of the playoffs, Son. Let the old man's team in, you can have a shot at them again later. :r

[E.J.]

Not a surprise, but sad all the same, Foote announced he is done.

[icehog3]

Rangers win their game, will the Canes follow suit?

[Ahbroody]

Looks like with everything on the line the Canes decided to go and $hit the bed.
OOOoooo and Ottawa has fired yet another head coach :r

Sharks had lost Clowe the current true captain of the team and Setto. Limping into the playoffs like the Wings. Yeah!!!!!! I smell some possible first round upsets.

[icehog3]

Looks like with everything on the line the Canes decided to go and $hit the bed.
OOOoooo and Ottawa has fired yet another head coach :r

Sharks had lost Clowe the current true captain of the team and Setto. Limping into the playoffs like the Wings. Yeah!!!!!! I smell some possible first round upsets.

I certainly hope so. if the Hawks finish 7th. ;) :r

[Ahbroody]

I certainly hope so. if the Hawks finish 7th. ;) :r

Awwwwww still waiting for the ticket to the dance huh? Lets just hope last years Cinderela dont turn into a chamber maid.
I am sure the Wings would love nothing more then to end your season. As I always say I just want to see good hockey. Fan of the game first Sharks fan 2nd. If they do meet in round one thinking the Sharks will put up a good fight given last years humiliation and Nemo wanting that revenge also. Thats why they play the game. We want the Kings though lets be honest who doesnt.

[icehog3]

I am frankly scared to death about tomorrow's game, Mike. Don't want to rely on the Wild, that's a losing proposition. :hn

I agree, the game first. I love playoff hockey, and will follow it religiously even if the Hawks miss the dance.

[Bruins Fan]

Timmy, the record is his Tuukka is playing tomorrow.
Thomas increased his save percentage to .938—surpassing Dominik Hasek’s(notes) .937 set in 1998-89. If he doesn’t play the regular season finale Sunday, the record is his.

[icehog3]

Congrats to Thomas. If he can play at that level in the playoffs, the Bruins have a legitimate shot.

[icehog3]

Rangers win their game, will the Canes follow suit?

Nope...sorry, Joe.....I could be in the same boat with you tomorrow. :hn

[GreekGodX]

I sure hope the same Hawks show up tomorrow or they could very well be out of the playoffs, Son. Let the old man's team in, you can have a shot at them again later. :r

Well if the Hawks lose in regulation and the Stars win in regulation or in OT, the SO tiebreaker doesn't help because both teams would have 38 wins. Hawks 44Wins-6SOW=38Wins Stars 43Wins-5SOW=38Wins. It would come down to the season series. Looks like the Hawks have a good chance of making it :2 but I still can't root for them to beat my team :D

3. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any "odd" games, shall be used to determine the standing.
4. Goal differential.

[icehog3]

Stars won the season series 3-1. :hn

[GreekGodX]

Stars won the season series 3-1. :hn

Well the good news is the Hawks own their destiny. And they could jump in the standings if they do win by virtue of the tiebreakers. I got a headache this morning trying to figure out all the scenarios.

[icehog3]

I just wish the Hawks were playing the Wild and the Stars were playing the Wings. :r

[GreekGodX]

I just wish the Hawks were playing the Wild and the Stars were playing the Wings. :r

That would work out for both of us now wouldn't it, Pops ;) At least how it has worked out this season the league did get some scheduling right by having division games at the end of the season.

[E.J.]

Avs are going to finish the season with a win today, I feel it....:tu

[kugie]

I took my wife and two oldest kids to the Bruins game yesterday, Good game to go to. I was happy they won and got the goals needed to keep two eight year olds interested.

Well the B's First round match up is set we get the Canadians.
I can only hope it is not to emotional and if they win the first series they don't blow it all and leave nothing left for the second series.

Gotta Love it Play off Hockey Baby:tu

[icehog3]

Let's Go Blackhawks!!

[Ahbroody]

Imagine there is some extreme stick gripping going. Do or die 3rd period

[GreekGodX]

What a crazy 3rd period. Duncan Keith almost had a great chance with a few seconds left. Hope the Stars lose to help you out Pops..

[Eleven]

Imagine there is some extreme stick gripping going. Do or die 3rd period

You talking about the Wings? I lost track of the penalties they got away with in the 3rd period.

I hope they are 1 and done this year, tired of seeing them get away with so much crap year after year.

[GreekGodX]

You talking about the Wings? I lost track of the penalties they got away with in the 3rd period.

I hope they are 1 and done this year, tired of seeing them get away with so much crap year after year.

I didn't see what you saw. I feel like both teams got away with some calls. Nothing that really favored either team. Both teams are amongst the least penalized in the league. The refs really let the teams play and rightfully so both teams were in it all the way until the end.

[Ahbroody]

Was at micahs hockey practice, but I did see some stuff that should have been called when I was watching.

One things for sure the Hawks chances are not good. The Stars are playing well and Minn is not and they have nothing to play for.

[E.J.]

Avs win!

'least the Avs win the last game they play this season....

Foote's last shift was perfect....

[icehog3]

2-1 Stars after 1. I am so disappointed right now I could spit.

Hawks blew several 3rd period leads early this season. If they had held just ONE of those leads, they would not be in the position. They have no one to blame but themselves.

[icehog3]

2-2, Let's Go Wild!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

2-1 Stars after 1. I am so disappointed right now I could spit.

Hawks blew several 3rd period leads early this season. If they had held just ONE of those leads, they would not be in the position. They have no one to blame but themselves.

:tpd:

[icehog3]

3-2 Wild!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Wild have to win....

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

3-3 now:td

[icehog3]

Wild have to win....

NBC said if it went to shootout Hawks make the dance even if the Stars win the shootout, but looking at ESPN that doesn't seem correct to me.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

NBC said if it went to shootout Hawks make the dance even if the Stars win the shootout, but looking at ESPN that doesn't seem correct to me.

:hm

[chand]

:hm

It's correct because the Hawks and Stars will be tied with a SO win but the Hawks will have more ROW wins.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=39245

[icehog3]

It's correct because the Hawks and Stars will be tied with a SO win but the Hawks will have more ROW wins.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=39245

4-3 Wild!!

[Ahbroody]

Man the Stars have absolutely dominated and just can't beat the goalie since that goal.
Snake bit.

[icehog3]

C'mon Wild!!!! :wo

[icehog3]

2:04 left....

[icehog3]

1:06 left....

[icehog3]

20 seconds!

[icehog3]

yESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! :wo

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Hawks make the playoffs:noon

[Ahbroody]

yESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! :wo


Enjoy the Canucks. Really wonder how this series will pan out. Hawks won first two Canucks won last two. I expect an extremely physical series. Think the Sharks lucked into the easiest first round, but who knows with round two. Nobody wants the Ducks and I think Nashville is going to get blown out of the water.

The only two teams from the east that have a shot at the cup I think are the Bs and the Flyers.

[GreekGodX]

Enjoy the Canucks. Really wonder how this series will pan out. Hawks won first two Canucks won last two. I expect an extremely physical series. Think the Sharks lucked into the easiest first round, but who knows with round two. Nobody wants the Ducks and I think Nashville is going to get blown out of the water.

The only two teams from the east that have a shot at the cup I think are the Bs and the Flyers.

Flyers desperately need Pronger back. Sounds like he will be for the playoff but their power play was abysmal without him. A rookie goaltender for them could help them or really hurt them.

Congrats Pops on the Hawks getting in! I hope Luongo chokes as he normally does in the playoffs just for you :)

[icehog3]

Flyers desperately need Pronger back. Sounds like he will be for the playoff but their power play was abysmal without him. A rookie goaltender for them could help them or really hurt them.

Congrats Pops on the Hawks getting in! I hope Luongo chokes as he normally does in the playoffs just for you :)


Canucks are better than last season, Hawks are not as good as last season. But the Canucks have the pressure of a country on their backs, and hopefully Luongo has some doubts in his head.

I think the Wings, Sharks and Ducks will win their series. If the Hawks can pull off the upset, Hawks - Sharks rematch in Round 2.

[Bruins Fan]

B's habs should be fun. B's have to be physical,and skate to win, they are the better team.
When the game goes north everything changes, Montreal fans some how intimidate the officials.The habs flop all over the ice,and seem to get every call.
The power play is the one thing that can hurt us.
One thing you can be sure of it's going to be a freak show in Montreal,The RCMP will be waiting for Chara at the airport:D

[taltos]

The Montreal players flop so much that if the pads weren't different, you couldn't tell who was the goalie.:D

[rebelknight]

I think the sharks may have gotten the easiest first round. However the first 82 games don't mean anything now. Can't wait for Wednesday

[icehog3]

I think the sharks may have gotten the easiest first round. However the first 82 games don't mean anything now. Can't wait for Wednesday

With Kopitar out for the Kings and others slumping, I would agree, Sharks should sweep.

[jmsremax]

So pumped to see the Bruins and Habs go at it first round! :noon

[icehog3]

So pumped to see the Bruins and Habs go at it first round! :noon

Should be one of the best 1st round series!

[GreekGodX]

Should be one of the best 1st round series!

I agree.. There's obviously the whole Chara thing. Will be interesting to see if Tim Thomas keeps up in the playoffs, and if Carey Price can handle the playoffs.

[Ahbroody]

I know the two first round series I want to see epic 7 game battles out of are Hawks Canucks, Bs Habs.

[357]

Not used to hearing the Wings get called dirty. Lidstrom plays 25+ min a night and is one of the least penalized defensemen in the league. Not to mention 4-time Lady Bing winner (and Selke award winner) on the #1 line in Datsyuk. Maybe they get the benefit of the doubt on occasion, but with credentials like that, its going to happen.

Anyway, congrats Tom on the Hawks squeeking in. I bet that Stars/Wild game had you on the edge of your seat.

I am NOT looking forward to those damn 10:30PM starts in Phoenix. :fl

[Ahbroody]

I think that's the point Mike. The Wings get away with a little more because its the Wings. Its not the players its the club. You made the same argument after I commented that Dats snapped an oilers stick right of the faceoff iin front of the ref then scored the winning goal seconds later in a modified 5-4. Tired then tired niw. Some people are saying they are sick of them getting away with stuff like that. You could argue it has helped them win regular season and playoff games. The fact that someone won a lady bing(Marleau has also) should not mean $hit when its a obvious penalty. Last time I checked the rules were suppose to apply equally to all and for years certain teams routinely get away with more. Its BS and it needs to end. Hoping the Yotes series is called fairly.

[icehog3]

No Lady Byng for Pavel this year. :r

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nPMJAs6Xpw

[GHC_Hambone]

Such a back-asswards way for the Hawks to make the playoffs. Can't complain I guess.

[GreekGodX]

No Lady Byng for Pavel this year. :r

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nPMJAs6Xpw

I'm shocked Datsuyk doesn't get owned in that matchup. Perry clearly has the reach advantage. Did that fight represent all of Datsuyk's penalty minutes this year? :r

As for the favoritism in the league, it happens in all leagues. I don't think it is just the Red Wings as a team. Holmstrom pretty much gets called on most of his illegal screens on goalies, and he's had to adjust. In general it is the upper echelon of players that get away with stuff in all leagues. Refs aren't perfect, and we don't know what their bosses are telling them about calling games :2

[Ahbroody]

No argument. Also after that whole refereeing email incident its hard to argue that the hand of the league doesn't guide the refs. Especially the younger ones who want to keep their job. When your boss yells at you when you don't make a call for one team or make a call on a player it can clearly shape how you call the game.


Oooooooo and Homer doesn't do the color Guy justice. Not looking forward to those broadcast in the playoffs.

[icehog3]

Sunday night, the headline on the Minnesota Wild's website read "By the way Chicago …. you’re welcome” :r

Kane brought back the playoff mullet. Wonder what Bobby Loo thinks of that?

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/mullet.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/luongo23-1.jpg

[357]

Sunday night, the headline on the Minnesota Wild's website read "By the way Chicago …. you’re welcome” :r

Kane brought back the playoff mullet. Wonder what Bobby Loo thinks of that?

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/mullet.jpg



Not only that, he is brining back the Vanilla Ice "lines" too...

http://dailyhodgepodge.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/vanilla-ice.jpg


Word to your mutha!

:r

[icehog3]

Not only that, he is brining back the Vanilla Ice "lines" too...

Word to your mutha!

:r

Whatever works, Mike. ;)

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/kanecup-1.jpg

[357]

No argument. Also after that whole refereeing email incident its hard to argue that the hand of the league doesn't guide the refs. Especially the younger ones who want to keep their job. When your boss yells at you when you don't make a call for one team or make a call on a player it can clearly shape how you call the game.


Oooooooo and Homer doesn't do the color Guy justice. Not looking forward to those broadcast in the playoffs.

"Homer"'s name is Mickey Redmond. I thought a hockey fan like yourself would know who he is. I mean, he was the seventh player in NHL history and the first Red Wing to score 50 goals in a season. As a broadcaster he's been on: CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, ESPN National Hockey Night, NHL on Fox, and done many NBC-broadcast Wings games for WDIV.

He does get jabbed on local sports radio for being a homer but the guys knows his stuff.

[icehog3]

I enjoy Redmond. As long as a guy knows his hockey and gives credit where credit is due to the opposing team, I don't mind him being a "homer". Dale Tallon was that for years in Chicago, Pat Foley and John Weidemann root for the Hawks too, and I am just fine with it that way.

Mike, c'mon and tell me Drew Remenda doesn't fit that mold. ;)

[357]

I enjoy Redmond. As long as a guy knows his hockey and gives credit where credit is due to the opposing team, I don't mind him being a "homer". Dale Tallon was that for years in Chicago, Pat Foley and John Weidemann root for the Hawks too, and I am just fine with it that way.

Mike, c'mon and tell me Drew Remenda doesn't fit that mold. ;)

I didn't know him by name, but I know I've seen him on CBC. Honestly, when CBC carries a game that is otherwise only on Versus, I ALWAYS watch it on CBC. We get it as a local channel 9 in Detroit, they are very knowledgable and easy to watch. Similar to you Tom, I don't mind if the broadcasters are homers, so long as they know their stuff and give credit to the team who deserves it. CBC guys would lean toward the Leafs when I used to see Wings/Leafs games on CBC growing up, but they always knew the ins and outs of both teams and gave credit where it was due.

The Versus guys, especially in the first couple years, were terrible. They still get all side-tracked like they're at the bar chit-chatting and forget they're supposed to be calling a game. A game where someone watching might actually care what's going on. I can't tell you how many times a player will go down with an injury, cut to commercial, and you never hear a peap from those clowns as to the status. They rarely ever replay a questionable call, etc. It's like amatuer hour.

[icehog3]

I dunno, Mike, I like Eddie O. I know I many be in the minority, but so be it.

[Ahbroody]

[QUOTE=357;1234127]"Homer"'s name is Mickey Redmond. I thought a hockey fan like yourself would know who he is. I mean, he was the seventh player in NHL history and the first Red Wing to score 50 goals in a season. As a broadcaster he's been on: CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, ESPN National Hockey Night, NHL on Fox, and done many NBC-broadcast Wings games for WDIV.

He does get jabbed on local sports radio for being a homer but the guys knows his stuff]

:r. Sorry I tend to tune out people like that regardless of what he's done I can't take him. Sorry
Just saying the Boston color Guy sounds like he's about to have a pleasurable release in his pants during any fight. Announcers like that just are tough to listen to

[357]

I dunno, Mike, I like Eddie O. I know I many be in the minority, but so be it.

I'm not a fan. He has moments, but that's about it.

[mithrilG60]

Canucks are better than last season, Hawks are not as good as last season. But the Canucks have the pressure of a country on their backs, and hopefully Luongo has some doubts in his head.

At this stage it's just a province, Montreal's still there to split the nations attention. Hell, they shifted the french language leaders debate in our current general election from Thursday night to Wednesday night so politics wouldn't have to compete for attention (and lose abysmally) with a Habs game ;)

As for Luongo, he's got a HORRIBLE playoff record but this year he's actually rested and doesn't have Byfuglien to deal with in his crease. I still think Luongo was too much of a pansy last year and that's what cost the Canucks the series. All Roberto had to do was decide to man up and take a single 2 minute minor for chopping Byfuglien's ankles out the first time he encroached on the crease. Not enough to injure, just to enough to get the message across that if you crash/park my cease it's going to HURT. If he'd done that it would have been a different series.

Either way, even if Luongo does go into his usual playoff mode..... in Cory Schneider we still have a backup who would have been the starting goalie on almost every other team in the league this year ;)

Should be a very good series!

[mithrilG60]

I also think the NHL needs to seriously look at ditching the conference system all together. Yet again this year you have teams from the west, Dallas and Calgary, that finish with better records and more points than the 8th seeded team in the East yet they're off to the links while the Rangers prepare for a first round exit.

I like the idea of top 16 qualify regardless of conference or division. Then the teams pick like on a schoolyard; #1 picks their choice of first round opponent from the bottom 8, #2 then does the same followed by #3, #4, #5 and so on and so until all the 1st round matchups are decided. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds then move in a traditional tournament ladder based on the winners of the 1st round. That actually rewards the top placing teams for their effort and consistency over the regular season, prevents teams like this year's Rangers from piping teams with better records and makes for a more exciting playoffs.

[icehog3]

I apologize for the semantics, Geoff, my bad.;s

Looking forward to a great series as well. :)

[Ahbroody]

I also think the NHL needs to seriously look at ditching the conference system all together. Yet again this year you have teams from the west, Dallas and Calgary, that finish with better records and more points than the 8th seeded team in the East yet they're off to the links while the Rangers prepare for a first round exit.

I like the idea of top 16 qualify regardless of conference or division. Then the teams pick like on a schoolyard; #1 picks their choice of first round opponent from the bottom 8, #2 then does the same followed by #3, #4, #5 and so on and so until all the 1st round matchups are decided. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounds then move in a traditional tournament ladder based on the winners of the 1st round. That actually rewards the top placing teams for their effort and consistency over the regular season, prevents teams like this year's Rangers from piping teams with better records and makes for a more exciting playoffs.

That doesnt work because of the unbalanced schedule. For example the Canucks played some of the worst teams in the west more. It effects their standing.

You can't have an unlevel field all year and then level it for the playoff. Conference and division play a large factor already. I just see no logic in throwing that out at the end. Sure everyone has a different view.

[mithrilG60]

That doesnt work because of the unbalanced schedule. For example the Canucks played some of the worst teams in the west more. It effects their standing.

You can't have an unlevel field all year and then level it for the playoff. Conference and division play a large factor already. I just see no logic in throwing that out at the end. Sure everyone has a different view.

You'd have to eliminate the conferences all together. The only reason that that that Canucks played some of the worst teams in the west more often is because their division just happened to be stacked with teams in rebuilding stages. That's definitely something that contributed to the Canucks winning the Presidents Trophy and it'll be interesting to see how they handle the playoffs.

I get the concept that the NHL is trying to go with where you play "local" teams more often creating a rivalry, etc. which in theory makes the regular season more exciting but I think it's failing when you have the 18th ranked team in the league in the playoffs and the 16th and 17th out and on the golf course. Just doesn't make sense. Plus it also means that local fans rarely get to see teams outside their own division or conference.

There are 30 teams in the NHL, I rather see it so each team plays the entire league 3 times as the regular season (or even just 2 times so that the regular season is shortened and hockey doesn't run so deep into summer anymore). That way there's no weak vs strong division/conference skewing results and the best 16 teams are in the playoffs regardless of whether the quota for eastern or western teams is filled. I'd also be quite happy to see a return to best of 5 playoff series for at least the first round and possibly the second as well.

[Ahbroody]

No argument on that what so ever. I hate the unbalanced schedule. There are teams you only get to see every other year. Its a joke. All I was saying is that in the current creation you just can't do it. I would love to see the whole thing changed and then a true top16 playoff.

I think one of the main reasons it has not happened is cost. The league in some areas is barely holding. Add in a lot more travel and it will strain them more. Also I think a lot of teams don't want the travel. The studies on the impact of travel on teams like the canucks a few years ago. Teams look at that and think they don't want that. Especially many eastern clubs.

[Eleven]

NHL draft lottery is streaming on nhl.com right now

[mithrilG60]

I think one of the main reasons it has not happened is cost. The league in some areas is barely holding. Add in a lot more travel and it will strain them more. Also I think a lot of teams don't want the travel. The studies on the impact of travel on teams like the canucks a few years ago. Teams look at that and think they don't want that. Especially many eastern clubs.

Frankly the cost is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. The only teams that is an issue for are those in the questionable (at best) hockey markets that Bettman advocated/forced expansion into. Capitalism says sink or swim, there are a lot of smaller market cities in Canada that are more than capable of supporting an NHL team and Toronto can easily support 2 franchises + a team in Hamilton. It'd be a novel concept for many of the southern US market teams to move to Winnipeg, Hamilton, Regina, Victoria, etc and actually see sold out crowds instead of $30 tickets still resulting in thousands of empty seats every game. It's nothing against those teams or cities, they're just not hockey markets because the people that live there just have different interests.

As for travel schedules, these guys are big boys that are VERY well compensated for what they do. Their job is to play jockey whenever and wherever the league deems is best for the advancement of the game.....

[Eleven]

Teams I am cheering for in the first round:

Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, Nashville, Montreal, Buffalo, New York and of course Pittsburgh.


:banger

[357]

Teams I am cheering for in the first round:

Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, Nashville, Montreal, Buffalo, New York and of course Pittsburgh.


:banger

:td

[jmsremax]

Teams I am cheering for in the first round:

Montreal



:td

[icehog3]

Teams I am cheering for in the first round:

Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, Nashville, Montreal, Buffalo, New York and of course Pittsburgh.


:banger

:tu

[Bruins Fan]

B's are going to kick a$$ and take names,nothing better then pounding the crap out of the habs :noon

[357]

Mike (Ahbroody)....


The regular season is over. Time to eat some crow.

Western Conference Standings:
1. Vancouver - 117 points
2. San Jose - 105 points
3. Detroit - 104 points
4. Anahiem - 99 points
5. Nashville - 99 points
6. Phoenix - 99 points
7. Los Angeles - 98 points
8. Chicago - 97 points

I doubt they (Wings) will finish anywhere near 7th or even 5th. I expect them to be in 3rd or better in the West.


2nd or 3rd? :r:r:r

Dont be suprised if Howard is this years Mason. Rookie goalies often land on their face the second year.

...

2nd or 3rd????? This is going to be a fun year. Either I will have to eat shiet or I am going to have a lot of fun.

I assume you meant Steve Mason as to who Howard would mimic in his "sophomore flop".

Steve Mason:
08-09: 61 games played, 33 wins, 20 losses, .916 save %, 2.29 GAA
09-10: 58 games played, 20 wins, 26 losses, .901 save %, 3.06 GAA


Jimmy Howard:
09-10: 63 games played, 37 wins, 15 losses, .924 save %, 2.26 GAA
10-11: 63 games played, 37 wins, 17 losses, .908 save %, 2.79 GAA


Granted Howard's numbers slipped a little, but he's no sophomore flop by any stretch. I'm not annointing him, I'm just not condemning him based on his performance this year.

:noon :wnr

[Ahbroody]

Yup I was wrong.

I expected the end of the year tank the Wings had to happen sooner. Thought I mentioned that tank would happen again at the begining of the thread or end of last years from exhaustion from being an older team. Since you are researching my posts and have so much interest in my predictions can you go find that for me? You know the last 20 games were the wings were 9-11 and of the nine wins 5 were against teams that didn't make the dance. Don't get to ahead of your self. Without the great start you are in the 4th-8th area. As we discussed yesterday. Much like the Canucks your record was aided by a bad year from St.Louis, and CBJ. I expected more competitive years from both clubs.

Yes I was wrong. That's why I don't bet here anymore just ask Tom and Smokeyjoe. :r

[Sled Dog]

I know it's a homer call, but I like Buffalo over Philly in the first round, especially with Pronger out for a bit more

[357]

I never said the Wings would win the cup, I just didn't put them in the fringe playoff spots you seemed to put them in.

Yeah without a fast start it would have been different, but just like injuries, streaks happen both good and bad. I mean the Hawks fell backward into their #8 spot and people still think they have a good chance at upsetting the Canucks. I'm not sure, but I could see that happening.


BTW, I'm not researching your posts, I just couldn't forget your prediciton of my beloved Wings.

For the playoffs, here's my best guesses:

West
First Round:
Wings over Coyotes
Sharks over Kings
Preds over Ducks
Hawks/Canucks = cointoss

Second Round:
Wings/Sharks = cointoss
Canucks or Hawks beat Preds

Third Round:
Wings/Sharks over Canucks/Hawks

Yes I know it's vague, but it's all I've got for now.

East:
I don't know but, whoever emerges loses to the Western champ.

[Ahbroody]

Teams I am cheering for in the first round:

Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, Nashville, Montreal, Buffalo, New York and of course Pittsburgh.


:banger

:r. Jeez I wonder why you would want those teams.

Mike I was just poking yah. Its funny as I am sure Scott and Al can verify. When your kid starts playing this stuff losses a lot of significance. To be honest it makes no difference to me if the sharks get far. I didn't even buy playoff seats for the first time in 6 years. I do think if the wings get past the Yotes the Sharks take them. They will be tired from a long series and travel. Sharks got the easiest draw and easiest travel in the west.

Who knows maybe its Yotes and Ducks for the west.

[357]

:r. Jeez I wonder why you would want those teams.

Mike I was just poking yah. Its funny as I am sure Scott and Al can verify. When your kid starts playing this stuff losses a lot of significance. To be honest it makes no difference to me if the sharks get far. I didn't even buy playoff seats for the first time in 6 years. I do think if the wings get past the Yotes the Sharks take them. They will be tired from a long series and travel. Sharks got the easiest draw and easiest travel in the west.

Who knows maybe its Yotes and Ducks for the west.

Speaking of which, today is my son's first day of T-ball practice. He can already hit the ball when I under-hand pitch to him, and he can throw pretty well. His catching needs some work, but I think he'll do great. I can't wait to get off work to go watch. It's a perfect day for it too.

Of course the Wings game is on in a few hours too. Looking like a great day ahead.

[icehog3]

It is PLAYOFF HOCKEY TIME!!! :wo :D :wnr :wo

[ahc4353]

Mitch is pickin up the pizza and wings as I type. :D

Good luck boys!

Go RANGERS!!

[icehog3]

Wings - Yotes! Here we go!!

[kugie]

It is PLAYOFF HOCKEY TIME!!! :wo :D :wnr :wo


:wo

[jmsremax]

The only game I can find is the redwings game.... What about caps N rangers??

[icehog3]

The only game I can find is the redwings game.... What about caps N rangers??

They will cut to it on Versus after the Wings game. You need Centre Ice, Brother. ;)

[mithrilG60]

....and heeeeeeeeeere we goooooooooooo!

[ahc4353]

Gaborik must have pics of Torts. For the amount of ice this guy gets, I just don't see it. :mad

[ahc4353]

AND, he lazy!!!!! :mad :mad

[bscottskangum]

Caps win a barn burner, lazy clear by Staal leads to a Semin blast :noon And yes I'm a Jackets fan but living in Virginia has led to Washington being my adopted second team :banger

Haven't been able to watch any hockey lately, but got some time set aside for the playoffs :tu

[icehog3]

Cauncks all over the Hawks. :hn

Nice goal by Semin.

[mithrilG60]

Crikey, the posts are getting a real workout on the west coast tonite!

[icehog3]

Hawks all over the Nucks in period 2, but Bobby Loo is playing great. :hn

[icehog3]

F%$&^^% Bobby Loo...he has a SHUTOUT going.

SHUTOUT. Jinx.

[Ahbroody]

Much better period from the Hawks. If Lugi is going to play like that everyone may be screwed. He looks real good. No fugly in his head he's free to play. That may be the move that really bites the Hawks in the a$s. I like that they stepped up the physical in the 2nd half of the second.

If the Hawks keep coming they got to break through. Had some almosts.

[icehog3]

Bobby Loo played great. Vancouver also won Game 1 against the Hawks in 2009 and 2010...I like history repeating itself.

I will be back Sunday, Men, enjoy the playoffs this weekend. Hopefully, the next time I log on, the Hawks are up 2-1. :)

[357]

Wings - Yotes! Here we go!!

Man the Wings got off to a slow start, gave up that first goal before the 3 minute mark. Then they spent the rest of the first in the box, although killing off 90 seconds of 5 on 3 really helped turn it around in their favor.

Second period was all Wings, scored three straight. Fourth goal by Hudler was beautiful; from the left wing over the far-side shoulder. Can't ask for a more perfect shot.

Overall a good game, just can't get off to starts like that. A better opponent, or if Phoenix got a lucky bounce, would have been up 2-0 by the end of the first, and it would have been a different game.

[taltos]

Bruins start up tonight and hopefully poop all over Montreal. Hopefully some of the ghosts from the Forum forgot to move to the new building.

[jmsremax]

After watching the highlights of last nights games I really wish I could have caught the Preds and Ducks game.


Let's go Bruins!

[taltos]

Kind of wish that the Rangers would do their job and take out the Caps for us. I was reading the new issue of Sporting News and was somewhat shocked that it goes all the way back to 1993 for a Stanley Cup for Canada (Montreal). It just might be Vancouver's year.

[Ahbroody]

Watches the wings yotes. Man the yotes screwed the pooch. They had so many power plays and looked horrible. This all seems really similar to last year. Looking at the Wings penalties a lot of stick penalties. Hooking, tripping the kind you take when you aren't moving your feet. Thought Howard looked good at times. He's going to need to be as I don't see the penalties stopping against the faster yotes team. Will be interesting to see if it continues like last year. In the end it killed them against the Sharks in series two.

The extra day rest before game two may be a great thing for the wings. Hoping for a long physical series to give the Sharks the advantage if the wings advance.

Sorry about that Tom. Hope the Hawks can find away to beat the nucks.

Geeked for the Bs Habs

[Bruins Fan]

B's lose,lots of pressure but Price stoned them.
B's shot selection stunk everything from the sides, no screens, no one in front of the net. :td

[jmsremax]

That's because Chara took out to Habs players with his slap shot....I wouldn't want to get in front of that either.

In all seriousness the Bs out shot the Habs but Price played a great game and I feel he is the reason they won.

[Ahbroody]

Number 8 is great! Man I love Pavelski
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/ahbroody/IMAG0094-2.jpg

[rebelknight]

So glad the sharks pulled that one out. I was getting a little nervous

[spizz]

True, true.

[Ahbroody]

Stoll better get some games. The Kings made a push in the second with the longer change and the Sharks down Ian White after this POS hit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H32RjlZFlyA

Eager was pissed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpEV3Qpajr4

The cut away in the clip, but Clowe was taunting the $hit out of someone on the Kings Bench after the fight. In the post game he implied it wasnt over and someone may have to pay the piper in game 2. Really hope White is alright. Hes really been coming on of late and the Sharks need him. Coach implied he had already contacted the league in the post game interview and the hit was being looked at. Kind of called the league out saying they should clearly do something.

[Sled Dog]

Sabres took the 1-0 series lead, Miller was the difference maker, Flyers were all over them most of the game but they stole one on the road.

[Ahbroody]

1game for stoll

[mithrilG60]

That's ridiculously weak given the 4 games that Torres got. I don't have a problem with Torres suspension, head shots and dangerous hits need to be eliminated from the game. What I have a problem is the inconsistency with which the league applies it's "discipline".

[Ahbroody]

I agree. While I dont know stoll to be a cheap player, and I know torres lives on the edge more and has people who dont like him, but he was on the boards when he came in to hit him and put the elbow to the head. It wasnt a bang bang play and he didnt turn away from him. He was there. White didnt skate today so looks like hes a no for sat.

The league weighs history, importance of the player, and impact to team too much. They need to jyst draw the line and say this equals this many games. Second time this many etc. I think Demers in retaliation went at Symths head at center ice, no call no review. The league just has to figure this out. Until they do its a joke.

[mithrilG60]

I agree completely. Look at what's been done in professional rugby to remove spear tackles from the game. Doesn't matter if it's intentional or accidental, whether you have a positive history or a checkered past.... if you lift a player's feet above horizontal in a tackle it's an automatic trip to the sin bin for 10min and an automatic review of the incident by a disciplinary panel to see if additional punishment is required. As a result dangerous tackles are now essentially a thing of the past in elite level rugby.

On a different note, the Canucks have resumed where they left off. Another goal from the 3rd line to open the scoring half way through the first....... and Luongo is ON again :D

[mithrilG60]

Wow, what an absolutely awesome game! Amazing finish. Even more striking when you compare the atmosphere at Rogers Arena to the empty seats in Anaheim.

[Ahbroody]

Wow the Sharks have $hit the bed tonight. Wonder if they will even muster a goal.
Turned down a free.ticket for tonight as had to work. Glad I picked work.

[Bruins Fan]

B's drop another one,that makes six playoff losses in a row.
Lucic that's 12 games with out a goal, the number one line is a non factor. Kaberle has helped costing them both losses,and Thomas is not helping coughing up rebounds that turn into goals.
This team is just not good enough for the playoffs it lacks a pure goal scorer, why is Seguin not even dressing? :sh

[GreekGodX]

I don't think there is anyone playing as good as Datsuyk is right now. Both games he has just dominated. Wings are going to need to stop taking so many penalties. It will come back to bite us against a better team in the future rounds. Hoping we can keep the momentum going and sweep the Yotes.

[mithrilG60]

It'll be interesting to see if Torres gets the book thrown at him again. Not a good hit at all, can't decide if Seabrook owns a certain amount of fault though. It used to be that players knew they had to keep their heads up?

[mithrilG60]

Canucks have a stranglehold now but I thnk the Hawks will take the next one. I predict the series will end at game 5 back in Van

[Ahbroody]

I dont like Torres. The fact that he went at the head his first game back says a lot.
I hate to say it but the Hawks look done. The Bs better do something drastic or they are next. I am digging Nashville.

I would be lying if I didnt say the Sharks are in trouble. LA made them look horrible in game 2 and if they can do that in game 3 they will be in the Sharks head big time.

[mithrilG60]

I agree that it looks like Chicago's done at this stage, I still don't expect Vancouver to sweep them. Frankly I hope they don't for various reasons, not the least of which being I think the Canucks need to face some adversity before they meet the next round opponent.

As for Torres, that wasn't a good hit by any stretch of the imagination but I'm not convinced he was targeting Seabrook's head. To me it looks like Torres was expecting Seabrook to have turned around before Torres actually hit him which would have made it a completely different hit. That said, Torres still needs to have control over his body and checks at all time so he'll deserve anything the league decides to hand out in terms of supplementary discipline. Like I mentioned in a previous post, if the NHL is serious about removing head impacts they need to crack down on every instance, intentional or not.

[kugie]

B's drop another one,that makes six playoff losses in a row.
Lucic that's 12 games with out a goal, the number one line is a non factor. Kaberle has helped costing them both losses,and Thomas is not helping coughing up rebounds that turn into goals.
This team is just not good enough for the playoffs it lacks a pure goal scorer, why is Seguin not even dressing? :sh

It's sickening to watch the way they are playing.

Thomas gives up those long rebounds and Montreal is capitalizing on it.
If you watched the team they look like they have already lost the series when the game was not even over yet it makes me want to :pu
They have to go out there and not give them a goal with in the first two min of the game and play like they have something to loose not like they have already lost.

if they go in the first round bye bye Julian

[Bruins Fan]

The way I see it is Julien and Chiarelli are both gone, something that should have happened last year.
Two years ago Chiarelli was supposed to get bumped up to president, that didn't happen Jacobs gave the job to Cam.
Cam hired Don Sweeney as assistant GM...... connect the dots. Neely and Sweeny ex Bruins that know how and what it takes to play in Boston.
Chiarelli and Julien outsiders just happy to make it to the playoffs with their heads up their asses.
Chiarelli should be fired for all the bad contracts he gave out,no one can say the Bruins wont spend money any more:sh

[Sled Dog]

I'm not sure that should be a suspension for Torres. He got the head, but Seabrook didn't have his head up. Torres certainly buried an unsuspecting player, but I think Seabrook owns some of the responsibility for leaving himself in a position to get lit up. Obvious head shots like Matt Cooke is known for have no place, but Torres got him with the shoulder and didn't leave his skates.....

[mithrilG60]

I'm not sure that should be a suspension for Torres. He got the head, but Seabrook didn't have his head up.

But that is the definition of the blindside shot to the head rule, you can't take out an opposing player with a hit to the head when their head is turned from you and they are completely unsuspecting/vulnerable. I agree that if you're stupid enough to cruise with your head down/looking back for a pass you deserve to have your clock cleaned but the fact that the hit was to the head and not the body is what made it an issue. Especially given that Torres is one of the players in the league with a reputation for big hits and he just came back from a suspension for a similar type of incident. Many other players could have done this and gotten away with a slap on the wrist, Torres past history will work against him here. I think he'll be lucky if the NHL only suspends him for the rest of this series and all of the next. In reality if he receives another long suspension that he'll be done for the year since Vigneault won't want to disrupt a winning lineup by bringing him back in again.

That also raises another point on the rules regarding head shots. Technically the player that was hit needs to leave the ice and go to the dressing room for 15min in order for a major penalty + game misconduct to be issued. Of course that isn't always followed, look at the last hit that Torres got 4 games for. However, if the player doesn't leave the ice the ref's have to ensure he's fit to continue, much like a referee in boxing. My question is, why in a scenario like the Torres-Seabrook hit is the player even given the choice of whether to continue without first going to the dressingroom? These guys are hockey players, not doctors, they don't have the training to diagnose themselves nor could you accurately self-diagnose just after receiving a head shot and concussion anyways. In the playoffs the players are never going to leave the ice, just look at all the other injuries they play through which they'd never do in the regular season.

Players taking a hit to the head serious enough to draw a penalty of any kind should be required to go to the dressing room for a look over by the team doctor. If the doctor says they're ok to continue then no harm no foul, it'll certainly prevent situations like last night where Seabrook really shouldn't have continued playing and didn't after receiving that second (clean, legal and particularly hard) hit from Torres.

[357]

I don't think there is anyone playing as good as Datsuyk is right now. Both games he has just dominated. Wings are going to need to stop taking so many penalties. It will come back to bite us against a better team in the future rounds. Hoping we can keep the momentum going and sweep the Yotes.


Datsyuk is amazing. Not that you wouldn't expect to hear that from me, but Wings fans aren't the only ones who think so.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2011/04/must_see_shot_highlights_pavel.html

It’s not hard to find someone with something positive to say about Datsyuk. Midway through the second period Matt Duchene of the Colorado Avalanche tweeted his own admiration: “Just saw a few minutes and that guy is putting on a clinic. IMO top 3 player in the game.”


Some highlights of said clinic...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL4T1VX229o&feature=relmfu


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4ZVbisDnIo&feature=relmfu

Unfortunately, those are the only ones I can find and they fall woefully short of his dominance in this last game. I really hope the Wings can grab that 3-0 lead tonight.

[mithrilG60]

And the NHL's Spinning Roulette Wheel of Justice (tm) strike again, no suspension for Torres. Christ, Charlie Sheen is less erratic than the NHL's disciplinary committee :confused: :mad:

[Sled Dog]

My spin called it a hockey play http://www.nhlwheelofjustice.com/

[Ahbroody]

That earned a rep bump. That made me LOL.

[Gophernut]

My spin called it a hockey play http://www.nhlwheelofjustice.com/

Mine was a 2 game suspension! :r

[mithrilG60]

Mine was "Colin Campbell needs to pull his head out of his arse"..... wait, maybe that's just what I was thinking as it spun.

[icehog3]

.

I will be back Sunday, Men, enjoy the playoffs this weekend. Hopefully, the next time I log on, the Hawks are up 2-1. :)

And so much for that idea. :hn

Hoping the Hawks can win 1 for pride.

It'll be interesting to see if Torres gets the book thrown at him again. Not a good hit at all, can't decide if Seabrook owns a certain amount of fault though. It used to be that players knew they had to keep their heads up?

Torres used to be a POS, then cleaned it up a little and played good physical hockey. Now he is a POS again. Take that with a grain of salt. Also watch 4 other Hawks stand around and do nothing. That might be the worst of it....I understand, discipline in the playoffs. I don't care, he needed a punch in the puss, and I guarantee if I was on that team he woulda got one.

Now I need to decide who to root for from here on out. Usually it has been the Wings, but I kinda would like to see Niemi and Eager come out of the West.

[Eleven]

Something's wrong with Raffi:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/optimusmoo/CBJ/RaffiTwins.jpg

[ahc4353]

Never give up Tom, ever.

And I agree, someone should have wiped the ice with him. What's going on with that lately? Guys just standing around not taking care of each other. Becoming way to common for my liking.

[Bruins Fan]

The B's are on the board third was a nail biter with the Habs swarming.
Man they got to do something on the power play it is so pathetic you would never know they were on one.

[icehog3]

Never give up Tom, ever.

And I agree, someone should have wiped the ice with him. What's going on with that lately? Guys just standing around not taking care of each other. Becoming way to common for my liking.

I agree, Al......When someone goes after one of the Hawks, Seabrook is always stepping up, so where are his mates for him?

I won't give up as I bleed the red and black...but that fat lady keeps warming up in my ear. :r

[kugie]

The B's are on the board third was a nail biter with the Habs swarming.
Man they got to do something on the power play it is so pathetic you would never know they were on one.

I think my heart skipped a beat or two in the third.

I liked they came out banging took it to them did not let them get organized and kept the pressure on them.
Then they went back on their heals and played that conservative style that Montreal plays and they can't play that style.
To many times in the third they played back and allowed Montreal to come to them instead of pressing Montreal and putting them on their heals.

Good to see them get on the board and right now back in the series.

[IBQTEE1]

Let's see what Blackhawks team comes to the arena tonight. Glad to hear that Seabrook is doing good.

[icehog3]

Let's see what Blackhawks team comes to the arena tonight. Glad to hear that Seabrook is doing good.

Not true, Kristin...Seabrook is out for tonight's game, and Raffi Torres is a piece of sh!t. ;)

[357]

Sorry to hear about the Hawks, even if it is for my own selfish reasons. I'm hoping for a broom in Arizona tomorrow.

[IBQTEE1]

Not true, Kristin...Seabrook is out for tonight's game, and Raffi Torres is a piece of sh!t. ;)

I know that he is. I was listening to an interview this morning with Sharp and he said that Seabrook was doing good after the hit.

[Eleven]

I'd hate to see the Hawks go out like this, I hope they pull off a win. Same with the Coyotes.

[icehog3]

I know that he is. I was listening to an interview this morning with Sharp and he said that Seabrook was doing good after the hit.

Gotcha....I guess my point was that he can't be that good if he can't play. He is a warrior and would play if he could.

[mithrilG60]

As understandable as Keith's emotions are, that is not the way to help the Hawks out! Wait until it doesn't matter then take your shot at Torres.

[mithrilG60]

Good to see Luongo is having his traditional playoff meltdown game :tg

[rebelknight]

So do you think Bolland meant anything to the Hawks? :sh

[Ahbroody]

Holycrap did luongo just $hit his pants infront of the world.
As good as that guy can be, he can completely implode when he faces a little adversity.

Refs sent off Scott and Torres. Booooooooo. Scott should have pounded him earlier in the third. :td

[Ahbroody]

Lol go to check the score on the Sharks game down 2 already. Looking bad.

[Eleven]

It's a Great Day for Hockey!

[icehog3]

Good to see Luongo is having his traditional playoff meltdown game :tg

:wo

So do you think Bolland meant anything to the Hawks? :sh

Wow!! :tu

Sharks - Kings game is awesome, what a 3rd it should be!

[icehog3]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/luongo23-1.jpg

[icehog3]

Going to watch the end of the Sharks Kings game and hit the rack.

What a game! :wnr

[GHC_Hambone]

Where was this game before?

Great game, but still a deep hole to dig out of.

[rebelknight]

So glad I had to stay up to do work. If I didn't have work to do I would have called it a night at 4-0. Go Sharks

[Ahbroody]

Un FUC KING Believable !!!
The 4th time in NHL history a team has come back from a 4 goal deficit to win.

Talk about ripping a teams heart out. I mean they just punched someones mom in the face. I am stunned.

I am going to go smoke something good.

[mithrilG60]

Holycrap did luongo just $hit his pants infront of the world.
As good as that guy can be, he can completely implode when he faces a little adversity.

As much as this was the annual Luongo Comes Unglued Playoff Game Against Chicago (tm), this one you can't blame on him. He absolutely stood on his head in the first and got almost no help from the rest of the team in the second and third. That and the Chicago goals where just nice nice goals, the only ones that were moderately weak was the 3rd and 6th goals. The Canucks simply didn't want this game anywhere nearly as badly as the Hawks and it showed in the end result.


Refs sent off Scott and Torres. Booooooooo. Scott should have pounded him earlier in the third. :td

As much as I can't stand him, Torres is a tough guy so I think he would have held his own against Scott despite the obvious difference in size. I do agree that they should have been allowed to go. The CBC central desk had the NHL's head of officials on after the game and he was asked whether ref's over-stepped their bounds by issuing pre-emptive misconducts to prevent that fight. He said no, but the point was raised several times that that fight would have acted like a relief valve and let off some of the pressure between the 2 teams.

As it stands the Torres-Seabrook hit is still hanging over the series and Thursday night is going to be just as viscious as the end of the game tonight which may easily result in someone else getting seriously injured. I just don't get the NHL sometimes. It's almost like they think that MMA On Ice is the key to winning television audiences and they'll go to any length to produce a situation that generates it.

[IBQTEE1]

Hawks win!!! Great game last night. Glad to see they showed up last night. Let's see if they can keep it up.

[357]

Holycrap did luongo just $hit his pants infront of the world.
As good as that guy can be, he can completely implode when he faces a little adversity.

Refs sent off Scott and Torres. Booooooooo. Scott should have pounded him earlier in the third. :td

The way you described Luongo sounds a bit like Roy. He was lights out most of the time, but if you got to him early he would come unraveled. A game 7 where the Wings pounded the Avs 7-0 comes to mind.

Looking forward to tonight's game, but not tomorrow morning. I have an hour drive to work and I have to be in at 7:30 AM. Game doesn't start until 10:30 PM and regulation won't end until 1:00 AM. If it goes into OT, I will be praying for death when my alarm goes off.

[Mr B]

All I can say is WOW!!!, what a game from the Sharks.
Awesone to watch when they are clickin'. However as great as they played in the second and third of last nights game, its still scary that they had to go to overtime to get both of their wins and go down by 4 in last nights game. They just need to keep that switch turned on.

Go Sharks!!!

[357]

The Sharks maybe playing with fire with a long series and a bunch of OT games. That can haunt you in later rounds.

[Bruins Fan]

Don't count on Jumbo Joe the man child, he folds under pressure and has no heart, that's why Boston gave him away.
He was basically run out of town on a rail :sl

[Ahbroody]

No doubt Mike. I like that they came back and ripped their heart out, but if this wasnt such a young team this wouldnt have happened. I also think this will only work so many times before they start failing.

Would love to see the Sharks big line actually be the dominant line. Once again the Sharks are living on secondary scoring and eventually it will run out.

[357]

No doubt Mike. I like that they came back and ripped their heart out, but if this wasnt such a young team this wouldnt have happened. I also think this will only work so many times before they start failing.

Would love to see the Sharks big line actually be the dominant line. Once again the Sharks are living on secondary scoring and eventually it will run out.

This is true of all teams. You need some secondary scoring, but you can't rely on it. You need your stars to produce.

[Mr.Maduro]

Watching Caps vs. rangers now in 2nd OT...what a game!!

Edit... CAPS WIN!!!

[Ahbroody]

Damn well if the Sharks survive they will face a well rested Wings team. Not good as this looks like a long series for the Sharks. If they survive that is.

[Eleven]

Damn well if the Sharks survive they will face a well rested Wings team. Not good as this looks like a long series for the Sharks. If they survive that is.

I'm pretty sure SJ is gonna take LA, and I really like SJ's chances against the Detroit Pavel Datsyuks.

Phoenix didn't have Big Joe or Marleau to shove down detroits backup goalies throat.


btw, Go Pens!

[kugie]

Don't count on Jumbo Joe the man child, he folds under pressure and has no heart, that's why Boston gave him away.
He was basically run out of town on a rail :sl


I concur, he is just a big guy with tons of skill and no heart.

[rebelknight]

Damn well if the Sharks survive they will face a well rested Wings team. Not good as this looks like a long series for the Sharks. If they survive that is.

Could always hope for the Blackhawks to come back and win in 7. Then I believe we would play them and Detroit would get winner of Nashville-Aneheim.

[357]

I'm pretty sure SJ is gonna take LA, and I really like SJ's chances against the Detroit Pavel Datsyuks.

Phoenix didn't have Big Joe or Marleau to shove down detroits backup goalies throat.


btw, Go Away Pens!

Couldn't resist.


You're right the Yotes didn't have Joe or Marleau, but they did have Shane Doan. That guy is a PITA. Phoenix was definitely out-classed. I hope the Wings are rested and not rusty after a long layoff.

[icehog3]

Could always hope for the Blackhawks to come back and win in 7. Then I believe we would play them and Detroit would get winner of Nashville-Aneheim.

That scenario would work for me as well, then we could all be happy. :)

[Ahbroody]

Well then lets go Blackhawks! Lets go Sharks!

[icehog3]

Well then lets go Blackhawks! Lets go Sharks!

:banger

[Sled Dog]

Good win for the Sabres last night, Arena was rocking, Miller stood on his head all game. Sabres hit some posts early, Philly hit a few late, good playoff hockey.

[cobra03]

Good win for the Sabres last night, Arena was rocking, Miller stood on his head all game. Sabres hit some posts early, Philly hit a few late, good playoff hockey.

:tpd: That was a great edge of your seat game. Hopefully it shuts up some of the people around here complaining about Miller.

[Sled Dog]

:tpd: That was a great edge of your seat game. Hopefully it shuts up some of the people around here complaining about Miller.

Amen, Miller might not be all world every game, but he is a very good goalie and last night was an example of what he can do when he is on. What happened to the Flyers too? Broad St. Bully days are gone, they flop just by breathing on them...

[357]

:tpd: That was a great edge of your seat game. Hopefully it shuts up some of the people around here complaining about Miller.

Crazy, I know he's a Michigan State guy, but around here Miller gets nothing but good publicity.

[icehog3]

I saw Miller addressing the whole issue last night on NHL Network, and I gotta say, I like the kid a lot. No BS, old school attitude. :tu

[cobra03]

Miller is a class act. Some people around here always need something to ***** about. He has a few "off" games if you will and they go nuts and forget all the times hes carried that team.

[IBQTEE1]

Let's Go Hawks!! 9pm start good thing I have off tomorrow. :banger

[Mr B]

No doubt Mike. I like that they came back and ripped their heart out, but if this wasnt such a young team this wouldnt have happened. I also think this will only work so many times before they start failing.

Would love to see the Sharks big line actually be the dominant line. Once again the Sharks are living on secondary scoring and eventually it will run out.

So true. We need that 1st line to step up! We need the vertran leadership to step up!

Go Sharks

[Bruins Fan]

B's beat the habs in OT,despite the cheating a$$ refs trying to steal the game:r
The momentum has shifted back to Boston for Saturday night :wo:wo:wo

[mithrilG60]

Can't think of the right words to sum up the Canucks right now. Oh wait, this'll do it:

http://romaninukraine.com/Graphics/DoubleFacePalm.jpg

[icehog3]

Blackhawks are officially in Bobby Loo's head.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/luongo23-1.jpg

[icehog3]

One of the Brownie Twins after game 4:

“You need to have that mentality that you have to finish them off,” Daniel Sedin said. “You can't sit and wait. If there's a Game 6 or a Game 7, it's a different series. We didn't expect to beat them 4-0.”

Dat's right, Sweetie Pie. ;)

[icehog3]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/LuongoThink.jpg

[icehog3]

Hopefully come Tuesday, Van will change their logo.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/Golf-Canucks.jpg

[rebelknight]

Is somebody a little excited? Tie the series up first then worry about game 7. I would love for the hawks to win so we can have a repeat of last years western conference finals but both the sharks and hawks have some work ahead of them. Glad both got it done tonight. Also don't think that series will play out the way it did last year. Having Niemi stopping pucks for the Sharks instead of against the Sharks should be a bit of a boost.

[Ahbroody]

As much as this was the annual Luongo Comes Unglued Playoff Game Against Chicago (tm), this one you can't blame on him. He absolutely stood on his head in the first and got almost no help from the rest of the team in the second and third. That and the Chicago goals where just nice nice goals, the only ones that were moderately weak was the 3rd and 6th goals. The Canucks simply didn't want this game anywhere nearly as badly as the Hawks and it showed in the end result.


.

Okay now can we agree he $hit his pants all by himself?
I want them to lose game 6 so bad. I just think if it goes to seven and the Hawks get a 2 goal lead he may go fetal position on the ice.

As to the Sharks and Kings I have now watched tge last 3 post games from both coaches. While I hate making this comparison, one coach who recently left the Wings carries himself like Babcock and the other not so much.


Lets go Sharks ! Lets go Hawks!

[kugie]

B's beat the habs in OT,despite the cheating a$$ refs trying to steal the game:r
The momentum has shifted back to Boston for Saturday night :wo:wo:wo

I am so psyched for tomorrow nights game, I scored tickets last week before game one.
I was so nervous about going to the game and seeing the end of the season but after last night the season moves on.

Lets GO BRUINS!!!!!!

[taltos]

I am so psyched for tomorrow nights game, I scored tickets last week before game one.
I was so nervous about going to the game and seeing the end of the season but after last night the season moves on.

Lets GO BRUINS!!!!!!Only question in my mind is whether Ference gets suspended and fined or just fined for flipping off the crowd last night.

[icehog3]

John, you are absolutely right, I was high on emotion last night, but the Hawks still have to win 2 in a row over the President's Trophy winners. Seems a lot more plausible than it did Sunday, though. :)

[kugie]

Only question in my mind is whether Ference gets suspended and fined or just fined for flipping off the crowd last night.

I think he just gets fined.

But I'm a homer so what do I know :sh

[357]

Okay now can we agree he $hit his pants all by himself?
I want them to lose game 6 so bad. I just think if it goes to seven and the Hawks get a 2 goal lead he may go fetal position on the ice.

As to the Sharks and Kings I have now watched tge last 3 post games from both coaches. While I hate making this comparison, one coach who recently left the Wings carries himself like Babcock and the other not so much.


Lets go Sharks ! Lets go Hawks!

I could tell that it hurt for you to pay a compliment to the Wings in any way shape or form.

McClellan is a good guy. He knows what he's doing.

[357]

John, you are absolutely right, I was high on emotion last night, but the Hawks still have to win 2 in a row over the President's Trophy winners. Seems a lot more plausible than it did Sunday, though. :)

Canucks are "going Shark". I hope it continues to completion.


;s

[Bruins Fan]

Only question in my mind is whether Ference gets suspended and fined or just fined for flipping off the crowd last night.


I heard on the radio he got fined 2.500 bucks, money well spent :D

[Mr B]

Okay now can we agree he $hit his pants all by himself?
As to the Sharks and Kings I have now watched tge last 3 post games from both coaches. While I hate making this comparison, one coach who recently left the Wings carries himself like Babcock and the other not so much.


Lets go Sharks ! Lets go Hawks!



I couldnt agree more. That was the most unprofessional post game interview I have ever seen, last night (LA Kings coach).

[Ahbroody]

Yeah I thought the game 3 interview where he really wouldnt answer any questions and implied the Kings beat themselves was weak.

While I dont always like Babcock the one thing he and Mclellan do is compliment the other team in victory deflecting praise and accepting when the team plays bad or they make a coaching error. Murray made a few lastnight and didnt own it. Dont get me wrong I was glad he made some mistakes, but to focus on a trip and say the refs should have given a major and how dirty it was and blah blah blah. He also basically said Nichol was not a good player and not worth the effort. He won the game by goating his superior players into penalties. He is one of the best faceoff men in the league. Classless. Hey asshat your team pissed their pants in game 3 and just got beat again in game 4. Your goalie and D have given up 12 goals in less tthen 6 periods you got bigger problems then a trip.

[Mr B]

Exactly. He made it sound like his guys played a great game. Dude you just got 6 goals scored on your team!! He then thinks the entire game balanced on the Nichol penalty??
He goes on and on about how "dirty" the trip was from Heatley when earlier his guys did it to worse to Nichol and high sticked him to boot. What a whiner. Not one complement to the Shark. He can surely learn from McClellen.

[Bruins Fan]

WOW, what a game B's in double OT, up and down action all night long both teams had great goal tending :D:tu

[jesseboston81]

An excellent, excellent game. Thomas was the hero of that game, he was a magnet!

[Ahbroody]

Unreal game by quick 52 saves and some epic ones. If he can do that 2 more times he may just steal this series. Kings D really showed up tonight and showed why they were so good in the regular season.

The question for the Sharks is clearly does Niemi start game 6 after giving up 3 on 4 shots. I like that the Sharks tightened up and kept battling, but of that Quick shows up you cant spot the Kings 3 goals. Niemi looked bad.

[Bruins Fan]

Paciorettys tweet was spot on....the game was longer then Marchands nose :r:D

[kugie]

That game was great, on the edge of my seat all night.
Thomas played out of his mind, but Michael Ryder had the save of the night.

[icehog3]

Heading to the Hawks game tonight, hoping the Boys can push it back to Vancouver for a Game 7.

[rebelknight]

Heading to the Hawks game tonight, hoping the Boys can push it back to Vancouver for a Game 7.

Have fun and go Hawks. Still hoping for that Hawks Sharks second round

[Eleven]

Heading to the Hawks game tonight, hoping the Boys can push it back to Vancouver for a Game 7.

Amen!

[icehog3]

Have fun and go Hawks. Still hoping for that Hawks Sharks second round

Like I said, I can live with that! :)

[Ahbroody]

$hit the way Niemi played and Quick played last night I am just hoping the Sharks can win it in 7. A hot goalie can steal a series or two and Quick may just do that. Especially if the Niemi becomes a non factor.

[icehog3]

Off to the Hawks game shortly, be back late night...if they win. Otherwise, I will be crying myself to sleep after changing my CUT. ;) :r

[rebelknight]

Miller makes 44 saves but the Sabres can't get enough pucks in the net. Game 7 should be fun

[rebelknight]

I was surprised to see Luongo not get the start. Even more surprised to see him coming out of the locker room to finish the game. Great penalty shot. Even better game

[Eleven]

Fingers crossed for the Hawks in OT!

[E.J.]

I am going to assume Tom is pretty happy right now....:r

[Eleven]

Fingers crossed for the Hawks in OT!


W00t :)


(Top of page 88 too! (Not that Kane had much to do with that OT goal, but it is my kids number as well!))

[yourchoice]

......Hoping the Hawks can win 1 for pride.
.
.
.

Now I need to decide who to root for from here on out. Usually it has been the Wings, but I kinda would like to see Niemi and Eager come out of the West.

What a difference a week makes! Take it from me Tom, just when you think it looks hopeless...BANG! Congrats on the win. Just one more!

Hawks have shown a lot of guts to get the series back to even. Obviously reminds me of last year's Flyers' comeback against the Bruins.

Speaking of the Flyers...the annual goalie carousal continues. Boucher should have gotten the start today, IMO. I know he looked bad Friday, but other than those 10 minutes he was solid up to that point. I'm guessing Bob will be the backup to Boucher on Tuesday making it, for all intents and purposes, the fourth different goalie combination in seven games. Maddening!

[jmsremax]

Hawks have shown a lot of guts to get the series back to even. Obviously reminds me of last year's Flyers' comeback against the Bruins.



Lets leave the past in the past eh?;)

So glad the VS game was the canucks and hawks.....what a great game.

[Ahbroody]

I am going to assume Tom is pretty happy right now....:r

:wo

I got the Marvella he sent me which I will be smoking after the Hawks win game 7.
I dont think anyone could write a better story line.

Sorry scott its all about 8 or 17

[icehog3]

I am going to assume Tom is pretty happy right now....

You assume correctly, E.J.! :D

What a difference a week makes! Take it from me Tom, just when you think it looks hopeless...BANG! Congrats on the win. Just one more!



I was thinking of the Flyers of 2010 after the game, Joel...and congrats on getting a Game 7 as well. :)

:wo

I got the Marvella he sent me which I will be smoking after the Hawks win game 7.
I dont think anyone could write a better story line.



Looking forward to hearing about that cigar, Mike! :wo

[icehog3]

After the goal:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/Luongo425.jpg


The "Skate of Shame":

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/Luongo424.jpg

[Ahbroody]

Enjoying a smoke right now. :tu

Now hoping the Sharks can solve Quick one more time.

[icehog3]

Let's Go Sharks!

[IBQTEE1]

Great game last night! The Hawks pulled it off. I think I lost a couple years on my life with the stress. :D

[icehog3]

Great game last night! The Hawks pulled it off. I think I lost a couple years on my life with the stress. :D

I was asking if anyone had a baby aspirin. ;)