The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Playoffs Thread

[DeToxRox]

I stand by my claim that until he retires, Nick Lidstrom is the best player in the NHL. What a clutch goal.

[Chief Rum]

I stand by my claim that until he retires, Nick Lidstrom is the best player in the NHL. What a clutch goal.

He is phenomenal. Actually, there are a lot of really great players on the ice in this series.

That was an amazingly well played Game One. Disappointed the Ducks lost and gave up that goal at the end, but this is definitely one where the Ducks showed they can win. I know some might say, hey, they beat the Sharks, of course, they can do this, but fact is, the Wings are a whole different monster.

If we can take one of these two games here, that will mean a lot. It won't be easy. Good game to the Wings in Game One.

[DeToxRox]

He is phenomenal. Actually, there are a lot of really great players on the ice in this series.

That was an amazingly well played Game One. Disappointed the Ducks lost and gave up that goal at the end, but this is definitely one where the Ducks showed they can win. I know some might say, hey, they beat the Sharks, of course, they can do this, but fact is, the Wings are a whole different monster.

If we can take one of these two games here, that will mean a lot. It won't be easy. Good game to the Wings in Game One.

That was a great game. Anaheim did not wilt at all. Detroit needs to get some offense out of Dats though. He's doing great on the defensive end but he needs to pick it up on the offensive side.

Lot of physicality in this game, and I suspect it'll get more intense.

That last goal though was on the Anaheim forwards. That was a tough one. Everyone did their jobs but the forwards didn't follow up Lidstrom when he crashed the net.

[Chief Rum]

That last goal though was on the Anaheim forwards. That was a tough one. Everyone did their jobs but the forwards didn't follow up Lidstrom when he crashed the net.

Sorta. There's no doubt that that puck needed to be cleared out, and that the forwards dropped the "ball" in taking care of that. That said, I don't think it's common for a defensman to have the presence of mind to make a play like that, and if anything, I think the forwards played within the realm of what they usually do, and simply got caught out by a terrific play by a great player.

[DeToxRox]

Sorta. There's no doubt that that puck needed to be cleared out, and that the forwards dropped the "ball" in taking care of that. That said, I don't think it's common for a defensman to have the presence of mind to make a play like that, and if anything, I think the forwards played within the realm of what they usually do, and simply got caught out by a terrific play by a great player.

Yeah I can see that. It looked like Perry and Getzlaf (I think it was him) couldn't decide between them who to go after Lidstrom and that split second indecision is what gave Lidstrom that second shot.

[DeToxRox]

Wow. Getzlaf played 28 minutes tonight, leading all players. That's insane for a forward but he was a horse out there. I love watching that kid play.

[Chief Rum]

Yeah I can see that. It looked like Perry and Getzlaf (I think it was him) couldn't decide between them who to go after Lidstrom and that split second indecision is what gave Lidstrom that second shot.

Announcers said Perry and Ryan. I guess we know for sure Perry was out there, lol.

[Chief Rum]

Wow. Getzlaf played 28 minutes tonight, leading all players. That's insane for a forward but he was a horse out there. I love watching that kid play.

Yeah, Getzlaf has actually become a little unsung with the arrival of Ryan. He's just a really terrific player, still so young, but polished, already has a Cup, already a team leader and solid in both ends as well. Perry and Ryan have talent all their own, but they definitely benefit from playing with him.

Man, 28 mins is nuts.

[samifan24]

Bruins looked good tonight with a 4-1 win over the Canes. I bet Carolina will be in top form on Sunday night so the Bruins will need to really be prepared.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I am not sure about the call on Mike Brown. Sure, it was a little late, but he caught Hulder admiring his own pass. He didn't go at him with the elbow, it just happens that Hulder is very short.

Exciting game all around. Selanne had a lot of jump in his skates tonight. The Wings top line of Datsyuk-Hossa-Holmstrom didn't generate much. Neither Hossa or Datsyuk did anything special out there, which is pretty rare.

Good to see Ericsson ragdoll Corey Perry.

Should be a very good, tight series.

[Wolfpack]

Bruins looked good tonight with a 4-1 win over the Canes. I bet Carolina will be in top form on Sunday night so the Bruins will need to really be prepared.

I wish. This is pretty much a continuation of the SOS that they did in the New Jersey series. Problem is, we're now seeing that Boston is a freightload better team than New Jersey and will cash in on mistakes a lot better than the Devils did.

If Carolina is to have any chance, they need to really clamp on defense a lot more and the passing especially has to be crisp and concise especially going over the middle. Boston's shown they'll eat up the cutesy, semi-no-look stuff that doesn't have any pace to it. Too often, it seemed like Carolina players were aiming for a place to pass without any consideration with where their players or the opposing players were and the feasibility of connecting the pass, which resulted in a lot of turnovers.

However, I'm not really expecting much of anything now. I was boiling pretty well as the game went along, but I think it's because I'm now witnessing the beginning of the end and it was just frustrating to me. I'd waited two years to get back into the playoffs and got the thrill of winning the series against New Jersey even as all hope seemed lost, but the Bruins are just a flat-out horrible matchup for us. I'm trying to decide whether I should be happy if we take a game off Boston right now.

[Logan]

That Lidstrom goal was just weird, seemed like the puck was sitting there forever.

[samifan24]

I wish. This is pretty much a continuation of the SOS that they did in the New Jersey series. Problem is, we're now seeing that Boston is a freightload better team than New Jersey and will cash in on mistakes a lot better than the Devils did.

If Carolina is to have any chance, they need to really clamp on defense a lot more and the passing especially has to be crisp and concise especially going over the middle. Boston's shown they'll eat up the cutesy, semi-no-look stuff that doesn't have any pace to it. Too often, it seemed like Carolina players were aiming for a place to pass without any consideration with where their players or the opposing players were and the feasibility of connecting the pass, which resulted in a lot of turnovers.

However, I'm not really expecting much of anything now. I was boiling pretty well as the game went along, but I think it's because I'm now witnessing the beginning of the end and it was just frustrating to me. I'd waited two years to get back into the playoffs and got the thrill of winning the series against New Jersey even as all hope seemed lost, but the Bruins are just a flat-out horrible matchup for us. I'm trying to decide whether I should be happy if we take a game off Boston right now.

Yeah I think for Carolina to have any chance in this series, Ward will have to continue to play out of his mind and the defense will really have to start throwing bombs in transition and making the games a track meet. The Bruins can already do this and I think it's important for Carolina to counter if they're to really put up a fight in the series.

[gstelmack]

I'm not expecting much from the Canes against Boston. They should have beat New Jersey in less than 7, and Boston is a much better team.

Ironically the troubles they had in New Jersey and are having against Boston were why the fired Laviolette and brought back Maurice. Laviolette played a much more wide open offensive game that left the goalie alone, and Maurice brought back the defensive grit they used to get into the playoffs. But now that the playoffs are here, they are reverting to Laviolette form which is more fun to watch but less likely to bring success.

[Sublime 2]

I think Lucic really set the tone throughout the game, without going too far (like against MTL). It doesn't appear (and I have very little knowledge of the Whalers) that they really have an answer for him. The B's looked rock solid in game 1, interesting to see how the Whale responds.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins Notebook: Getting tickets tough call now (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09122/967195-61.stm)


WASHINGTON -- Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals, was a pioneer of the concept of blocking telephone ticket orders that originate in specific area codes -- 412, for example -- and his team has added another technical wrinkle to try to keep Penguins fans away from the Capitals' home games.
Joe Ignatius, an Elizabeth Township native and longtime Washington-area resident, is on a Capitals e-mail list, which led to him having an opportunity Thursday to buy a $225 package that included tickets for Game 1 or 2 of the Penguins-Capitals series.
The package also included an all-you-can-eat buffet, unlimited beer, wine and soda, a Capitals hat, a Capitals rally towel and, uh, season tickets to the Washington Mystics of the WNBA.
(And not just any all-you-can-eat buffet, by the way. This one, according to the e-mail, features "Hand Carved Turkey Sandwich w/Cranberry Mustard, Pasta Salad, Hot Dogs w/Fixings Bar, Artisan Cheeses, Fresh Fried Potato chips with a trio of dips, Focaccia Bread and Assorted Gourmet Dessert Bars.")
The ancillary items didn't deter Ignatius, but he said that when tried to purchase the package for Game 2, the sales representative with whom he was dealing told him the transaction couldn't be completed.
"When I gave my name to the girl who was taking my information, there was a pause, and then she said, 'Sorry, but after looking at your ticket-purchasing history, it is obvious you are a Penguins fan,' " Ignatius said.
" 'Mr. Leonsis has given us orders not to sell tickets to Penguins fans.' "
Ignatius' response?
"I told her to thank Mr. Leonsis for paying me and the multitude of Pens fans who have filled the Capital Centre and Verizon Center over the years this great compliment."


So I wonder if he's letting Bettman in the building?

[bbor]

Penguins Notebook: Getting tickets tough call now (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09122/967195-61.stm)



So I wonder if he's letting Bettman in the building?

Dn't be silly....Bettman is going to a Basketball game.

[Galaxy]

Crosby strikes first.

[Lathum]

What a sick save

[Fidatelo]

What a stick save

Fixed

[Fidatelo]

Dola

Good God is Bob Cole terrible. I mean, he's been declining for 15 years now, and bad for the last 4-5, but this is my first time being forced to listen to him this season, and OH MY GOD is he awful. AWFUL.

I know, I know, it's not kind to speak ill of the deceased, yada yada.

[Ksyrup]

I'd like to watch this game (since Fox has blacked out all MLB games all day, even though their game doesn't start until 3pm or so, the fuckers), but the local NBC affiliate is doing a live, all-day Derby special. SCREW ME.

[Lathum]

I'd like to watch this game (since Fox has blacked out all MLB games all day, even though their game doesn't start until 3pm or so, the fuckers), but the local NBC affiliate is doing a live, all-day Derby special. SCREW ME.

can you get it on your HD channel maybe?

BTW I hate that black out shit, it's absolutly absurd.

[Ksyrup]

I don't mind the blackout during the game they are covering, but WTF is the purpose of blacking out games that started at 1pm? Today they are starting early at 3pm on Fox, usually they start at 4pm. So I don't get the purpose of blacking out the 1pm game. It's no longer 1975 and we aren't sitting around waiting for Fox's Saturday Afternoon Game of the Week. It's fucking ridiculous.

The HD channel is just the same Derby coverage. Of course, I'm probably the only person in Kentucky who is complaining about not getting to watch a hockey game on Derby Day.

[Logan]

It's a lot more fun watching Ovechkin play against any team but your own.

[TurnerONU22]

Remember the post I made a month ago about Ryan Salmons, the 19-year old who had cancer and the Jackets 'signed' him to a one day contract? Sadly, he passed away yesterday.

Ryan Salmons, who helped inspire the Blue Jackets and became a hero to scores of the club's fans, died today.
Salmons, who fought a long battle with cancer, was 19 years old. He died at Nationwide Childrens Hospital this afternoon just hours after Jackets forward Jason Chimera had stopped in for a visit.
Salmons, a fan of hockey and Corvettes, asked to be put under sedation, his father Brad said.
"His last words were, 'Dad, I want to go to sleep, I want to go to heaven and I want to park my Corvette in front of the Pearly Gates,'" his father said.
Brad Salmons believes the Jackets' outreach and team's bid for its first playoff berth helped keep his son alive the past month. The Jackets signed him to a one-day contract several weeks ago and he was able to attend both playoff games in Nationwide Arena.
Jackets' general manager Scott Howson said the franchise drew inspiration from the former defenseman. He befriended Chimera and Manny Malhotra and he became routine visitor to the Jackets locker room. Players began wearing "Ryan's Fight" T-shirts.
"Ryan was an inspiration for how hard and valiant he fought," Howson said. "He was not just an inspiration for the players, but everyone in the organization . . . Whatever we did for Ryan, he did a lot more for us."
Howson, Chimera, Malhotra and Blue Jackets Foundation executive director Wendy Bradshaw visited the family's Grove City home on Wednesday. Last night, Malhotra and Chimera dropped by the hospital.
Brad Salmons described a scene of how Chimera and Malhotra would help move Ryan around his bed in order to find a comfortable sitting position. Ryan was in great pain over the final 48 hours, his father said, and the players did all they could to relieve it.
"They have gone above and beyond through this entire ordeal," his father said.
Howson said the actions of his players would have pleased the franchise's late patriarch, John H. McConnell.
“Part of the reason Mr. Mac brought a team here was to reach out to the community and help people,” Howson said. “They have lived up to Mr. Mac’s goals.”
Brad Salmons has been in close contact with the Blue Jackets today. The calling hours and funeral service will likely be early next week, say Monday or Tuesday.


The story didn't mention this but Chimera and Malhotra are going to be pallbearers for the funeral.

Ryan was truly an inspiration for the fans as well. The team arranged to sell Salmons jerseys through the Blue Jackets foundation. As of last week, he was the 3rd best selling jersey, behind Nash and Mason.

Here's the original story for those who might have missed it:

Blue Jackets Xtra : Cancer patient's 1-day pact with Jackets priceless (http://www.bluejacketsxtra.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/03/26/jackets_salmons.ART_ART_03-26-09_A1_3PDBUI8.html?sid=101)

As I said before, I am truly proud to be a fan of this team.

[Dr. Sak]

Chicago keeps shooting themselves in the foot with all these early penalties.

[sterlingice]

Hawks have tied it up on the 5 on 2.5 (5 on 3 with one of the three having a broken stick)

SI

[samifan24]

Please, please don't call the Hurricanes the Whalers. They are not the Whalers.

[sterlingice]

Blackhawks piling on now, up 5-2

SI

[sterlingice]

Getting chippy now. Hopefully this lead is secure as I have to get going- work at midnight. Hooray...

SI

[DeToxRox]

Crazy first goal in the Wings game. Just bounced all over the place before ending up in the Anaheim net.

[cartman]

Crazy first goal in the Wings game. Just bounced all over the place before ending up in the Anaheim net.

Then Anaheim answers with two goals in 34 seconds.

[DeToxRox]

Then Anaheim answers with two goals in 34 seconds.

I hope Anaheim fans don't complain about calls after that one Stuart gone.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, that said Anaheim has taken it to Detroit so far in the first.

[cartman]

And Detroit ties it up. Tons of action in the first period today.

[DeToxRox]

And Detroit ties it up on a weak goal allowed by Hiller.

[DeToxRox]

Anaheim goes up 3-2 on another PPG. Puck took a nice bounce off the boards right to Carter who buried it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings are not looking very sharp through two periods. Anaheim's top line is dominating and the Wings top two lines have been invisible throughout the series thus far. One of Zetterberg, Datsyuk or Hossa needs to step it up and make something happen.

[DeToxRox]

It might be time to make some line changes. Dats and Hossa are both scuffling big time.

[Chief Rum]

Heh...nice to see the rundown so far. I missed the first period sleeping (stupid East Coast start times). I'm a night time guy, and I need to get sleep early on the weekends as much as I can, since I don't get much sleep during the week.

I watched the entire second period. Fairly mishmashed period, IMO. The announcers said the Ducks had the better period, and by the score, it's hard to argue that. But really it was just an "effective" period by The Ducks, and not quite so by the Wings, but neither side impressing. That goal was complete luck, a bounce off the boards. Otherwise, this is a forgetful second period and we move on.

Up coming is a huge third period. The series could ride on the third period, because the Ducks really need this game.

[Schmidty]

Pretty goal!!! 3-3!!

[Chief Rum]

Another tight one. This one goes to OT.

Man, Franzen flops a lot.

[sterlingice]

I love playoff OT hockey :D

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Me too, especially since I don't really care who wins.

[Logan]

Me too, especially since I don't really care who wins.

Same here. Also fun: watching teams with offensive talent.

[sterlingice]

I want to see the Wings lose, but aside from that, I'm with you guys ;)

SI

[DeToxRox]

Same here. Also fun: watching teams with offensive talent.

Did they call off the search for Zherdev yet?

[Chief Rum]

Not a terrific period for Anaheim. Hiller has been fantastic. Doesn't seem like the Ducks have been able to control the puck at all in the overtime, and Hiller has been forced to make some very nice saves to keep this one tied. The Wings would do good to better disrupt Hiller's sight lines on those long ones if they want to get one of those in.

I'm not sure if I was a ref I woulda called that ticky tack on Niedermayer in an OT playoff game, but it was a penalty. Glad the Ducks killed it off.

[Greyroofoo]

Here comes 3OT!!!

[Chief Rum]

Better period for the Ducks. Had better control. Also hit a post. But I still don't really like the quality of their scoring chances.

The Wings didn't have many either, but there were a handful. That last by Ericsson was scary.

[DeToxRox]

These are the games where Detroit dominates OT and then Anaheim scores a fluke goal.

[DeToxRox]

And there it is. Not a flukey goal but a bad goal to be giving up. Fun game to watch, already pumped for Tuesday.

[Greyroofoo]

You'll probably be able to find me in the Ping: Drunk Guy thread later :(

[Chief Rum]

Awesome! Love me some Marchant. There's a true hockey player. Great guy to have this happen for.

You knew at some point a goal like that would happen. Just too many shots on goal for everything to be stopped.

It was a fun game, and Tuesday, the Honda Center's going to be rocking. Definitely looking forward to that one.

[samifan24]

Carolina has completely outworked Boston through two periods. I have to say that I really thought that Larose scored that goal with 0.2 left in the second period but I guess they didn't think the replay was conclusive enough to overturn the on-ice ruling of no goal.

[sterlingice]

It looked pretty conclusive on the replay they had on Versus but I guess the refs didn't see that one

SI

[RendeR]

Boston is a damned good team, but frankly in this game they're getting away with rape on the ice. They are dragging people to the ice, tripping and throwing elbows and NOTHING is getting called.

Serious kudos to Carolina for handling all that and STILL leading 2-0.

[Suburban Rhythm]

http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp351/Kirshner84/3495284608_f0813e1bcf.jpg

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[samifan24]

Carolina deserved that win. Cam Ward was unbelievable and Eric Staal won the battle with Chara. It seemed like the Bruins were just standing around too much in the first two periods and didn't even really get going until the third period. What a frustrating game to watch.

[Wolfpack]

Carolina deserved that win. Cam Ward was unbelievable and Eric Staal won the battle with Chara. It seemed like the Bruins were just standing around too much in the first two periods and didn't even really get going until the third period. What a frustrating game to watch.

Hm. I didn't really think Staal actually seemed to win any battles with Chara (and Chara rode him down pretty good several times). However, Cole and even LaRose seemed particularly fearless going in against him. They didn't really beat him up or anything, but they didn't let him get comfortable, either.

It is amazing what having excellent goaltending can do for you. This is not a 3-0 game if Ward isn't as sharp as he was, especially during the first period when Carolina continued to have problems with the Boston forecheck and once again struggled with any accuracy on their passes.

Also, Babchuck and Corvo are getting the time and space to release those big shots of theirs from the points unlike the New Jersey series where they both were hard-pressed by the New Jersey defenders and more often than not passed up any chances.

Feels good (and somewhat surprising after how Friday went) to get back to Raleigh with a split, but I don't make any bones that Boston still has been the better team over the two games so far. Ward and some good breaks got them out of there with the win tonight.

[samifan24]

Well Staal didn't score until he hit an empty netter but I felt that he was much more visible despite Chara's presence tonight than in game one.

What drove me particularly crazy was the Bruins' insistence on making D to D passes in the offensive zone right in front of the blueline with a Carolina player up high right between them. Those passes never work and yet time and time again I saw the Bruins make those passes, especially Wideman.

[Dr. Sak]

http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/pp351/Kirshner84/3495284608_f0813e1bcf.jpg

:eek: :eek: :eek:

That was another great pass by Crosby...right on his stick.

PS - Mario would've buried it.

[sterlingice]

Nothing about the game? Ovechkin with 2 third period goals. This game has just been sick

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Best player in the world takes over.

[DeToxRox]

Best player in the world takes over.

Ahem 2nd. But yes.

[sterlingice]

Wow. Not over yet, I guess. Tho the keeper interference...

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Wow...2 Hat Tricks in one game.

[sterlingice]

And that's it. Man, that was a fun game, tho. It's really fun watching skilled offensive teams go back and forth. That's what hockey should look like

SI

[Suburban Rhythm]

Wow. Not over yet, I guess. Tho the keeper interference...

SI

Between Kunitz crosscheck to Varlamov's head, and Cooke getting clipped on the Caps PP, interference should not be called the rest of this series.

Actually, the one interference call that was made, on Jurcina, was because it was against Crosby. Turning into the NBA, only stars gets the calls.

[Dr. Sak]

There were a lot of weak calls...especially early...that went against both teams. The Pens need someone other than Crosby to show up here.

Where has Geno been?

[Maple Leafs]

The two best players in the world just both scored hat tricks in a one-goal playoff game.

Please shut up about the refereeing for one night.

[Dr. Sak]

The two best players in the world just both scored hat tricks in a one-goal playoff game.

Please shut up about the refereeing for one night.

Malkin didn't score today.

[Suburban Rhythm]

There were a lot of weak calls...especially early...that went against both teams. The Pens need someone other than Crosby to show up here.

Where has Geno been?

And Fleury. I get it's Ovechkin, and on the first one, he had to come all the way across.

But the other 2 are from 40+ feet, and he's unscreened.

I thought the Kunitz crosscheck call in the 2nd was horrendous. Ovechkin grabbed his face, sees he's getting the call, then starts skating again. If that's the call, then call high sticking.

Orpik had the same thing happen in the 3rd (the play prior to Semin having the 2 on 1) he grabbed his face. But he's not 8, 87 or 71, so it's not getting called.

I did love Boudreau's comment when they went to him coming back from commercial- "This looks to be a special teams game..." "Yeah, if we keep playing stupid!"

[Dr. Sak]

BOB ERREY SOUNDBOARD (http://www.thepensblog.com/pensblog/january-2009/boberreysoundboard.html)

[Honolulu_Blue]

That was a pretty enjoyable game. Bother Ovechkin and Crosby are really on top of their games.

[Fidatelo]

The two best players in the world just both scored hat tricks in a one-goal playoff game.

Please shut up about the refereeing for one night.

+1

I love that Crosby and Ovechkin are going back-and-forth, it's like a heavy weight fight. It's doubly impressive because it's been hyped like crazy and is still actually living up to it (through 2 games).

Penguins are getting killed by Malkin so far. He has looked totally average and has cost them big time in each game (the goal in game one where he didn't back check hard and yesterday with the lazy penalty that lead to the Ovie go-ahead PP goal). He's been floating a lot and losing battles all over the place. And didn't he do this last year in the playoffs as well?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Penguins are getting killed by Malkin so far. He has looked totally average and has cost them big time in each game (the goal in game one where he didn't back check hard and yesterday with the lazy penalty that lead to the Ovie go-ahead PP goal). He's been floating a lot and losing battles all over the place. And didn't he do this last year in the playoffs as well?

He did. Malkin was in fog during the last round or so of last year's playoffs. If I recall, he was playing pretty well until Mike Richards hit him and after that his play completely tanked. He started to come around a bit at the very end of the Finals, but for the most part he was really playing poorly. Not sure if he's injured again or this will become a chronic problem with the guy.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The Caps may have done well at home, but they're in for a battle tomorrow night in New Jersey.

Oh.

[Suburban Rhythm]

He did. Malkin was in fog during the last round or so of last year's playoffs. If I recall, he was playing pretty well until Mike Richards hit him and after that his play completely tanked. He started to come around a bit at the very end of the Finals, but for the most part he was really playing poorly. Not sure if he's injured again or this will become a chronic problem with the guy.

Yep, he was hurt on that Richards hit. He scored, I think, 1 goal after that-- which happened to occur about 15 seconds after the hit.

[Fidatelo]

Yep, he was hurt on that Richards hit. He scored, I think, 1 goal after that-- which happened to occur about 15 seconds after the hit.

I'm interested to hear his excuse for pooping the bed so far this series (I didn't watch any of the Pens/Flyers series, and he had a bunch of points, so I assume he was playing ok until meeting the Caps). He needs to step it up or he'll cost his team the series.

[Galaxy]

WOW.....


Didn't the whistle go after that cross the net?

[DataKing]

You have GOT to be f*cking kidding me!!! :mad::mad::mad:

[Galaxy]

I thought you could review when the whistle was blown.

[DeToxRox]

I don't usually bitch about refs but that's fucking brutal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I thought you could review when the whistle was blown.

No. You can't. The rule is about when the ref intended to blow the whistle, which, by definition, cannot be reviewed. As soon as he started to move the whistle to his lips the play is essentially dead.

A tough break. The Wings played much better in the third. It's going to be very difficult to rebound after what happened on Sunday and what just happened, but the Wings have to do it. So long as they win the next game, they are still in decent shape.

[bhlloy]

Yeah, that sucks. I'd much rather win or lose the game honestly than that.

Galaxy - I don't think that rule exists. It's basically whether the ref blows it dead or calls it a goal. It would be interesting to see if there was a completely ridiculous one (puck in the net a couple of seconds before the ref blows it dead) if there was any recourse. I think there is an intent rule that means even in that situation, the refs call would stand.

[Chief Rum]

That was one of the suckiest wins I have ever "enjoyed". Sorry, Wings fans, your boys deserved that one. Only guy who deserved it on the Ducks is Hiller.

Speaking of the whistle, the Ducks announcers were saying (while acknowledging the whistle comes after the puck crosses the line) that the intent alone (to blow the whistle) is all that is needed to stop the play. How one determines that, your guess is as good as mine, but I guess the ref would know (since that's the source of the intent).

Man, I'm pissed at the way the Ducks played in the third period. Yeah, yeah, take the win, Chief. Screw that. It will be Wings three straight for the series win going forward if the Ducks show up with this same effort again.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I don't usually bitch about refs but that's fucking brutal.

Me either, but when it's tough not to when it was such a bad call and there is no doubt at all that, but for that call, the game would have been tied. A tough, bitter pill to swallow.

Refs lose sight of the puck all the time and blow the whistle too early, but really unfortunate here.

[Galaxy]

Speaking of the whistle, the Ducks announcers were saying (while acknowledging the whistle comes after the puck crosses the line) that the intent alone (to blow the whistle) is all that is needed to stop the play. How one determines that, your guess is as good as mine, but I guess the ref would know (since that's the source of the intent).


A dumb rule that they need to fix.

I really don't see why he even tried to blow it. It wasn't like the puck got caught in Hiller's gear or was covered. It went behind him and slid across.

[bhlloy]

The ref looked pretty sick afterwards. They should put him on suicide watch after the game when he sees the replay.

I don't know how you make that rule any better. Is it any surprise refs occasionally lose sight of the puck in there? The NHL has completely taken common sense out of the equation (as usual) and the ref has no choice. Maybe you can make it reviewable when the puck crosses the line vs. the whistle and that will get rid of some of the worst cases, but teams are still going to get screwed.

[Chief Rum]

What I want to know is, WTF was Niedermayer doing? Good Gawd, you would think he had never been in the playoffs before!

And then at the start of that final 1:26, Marchant wins the draw clean, a Ducks player (missed who) goes back to get it, and he sends it along the ice to a Wing alone on the boards on the far side. W...T...H... welcome to hockey 101, dumbass, get the damn puck out of the zone, and don't pass the fucking thing to the enemy!

Grrr, I swear I have never been this pissed after a win in my life.

[bhlloy]

A dumb rule that they need to fix.

I really don't see why he even tried to blow it. It wasn't like the puck got caught in Hiller's gear or was covered. It went behind him and slid across.

He was on the other side of the net, Hiller is on the ground and he can't see the puck. He called it according to the book. Assuming he wasn't just trying to screw the Red Wings of course... it's a dumb rule and it's another thing Bettman has fucked up.

[Galaxy]

The ref looked pretty sick afterwards. They should put him on suicide watch after the game when he sees the replay.

I don't know how you make that rule any better. Is it any surprise refs occasionally lose sight of the puck in there? The NHL has completely taken common sense out of the equation (as usual) and the ref has no choice. Maybe you can make it reviewable when the puck crosses the line vs. the whistle and that will get rid of some of the worst cases, but teams are still going to get screwed.

I just hate the "intent" part of the rule. I think it should be when the whistle is blown.

[bhlloy]

What I want to know is, WTF was Niedermayer doing? Good Gawd, you would think he had never been in the playoffs before!

And then at the start of that final 1:26, Marchant wins the draw clean, a Ducks player (missed who) goes back to get it, and he sends it along the ice to a Wing alone on the boards on the far side. W...T...H... welcome to hockey 101, dumbass, get the damn puck out of the zone, and don't pass the fucking thing to the enemy!

Grrr, I swear I have never been this pissed after a win in my life.

We were screaming at the TV in my household. It was Getzlaf who didn't clear the zone the first time, I think Pronger might have had a shot at it and weakly put it up the boards and then Niedermayer... holy crap. That's the 2 A's and the C right there doing their best to give the game away.

[DeToxRox]

Hiller played great, though Anaheim is being badly outshot, there are not a lot of great chances. I think Babcock has to switch it up for Game 4 though. I'd really consider putting Dats and Zetterberg together at times to get Dats rolling. He's played a lot better but it's not showing up on the stats sheet, and those two are usually dynamite.

Ugh as much as it pains me as well, I wish we had Lilja. Chelios is terrible. I love the guy but enough is enough. I know he's been here and all that, but I'd much rather see Meech out there at this point if Rafalski can't go.

[bbor]

The rule is as soon as the ref has it in his mind to blow his whistle the play is dead.Even if the puck goes in the net before the whistle actually goes.

It was the right call at the wrong time.

Galaxy...it's a good rule......unless you plan on having the refs wear their whistles in their mouths the whole game.The puck does'nt need to be covered for the ref to blow the play dead....if he loses sight of the puck the play is automatically blown dead.

[Chief Rum]

We were screaming at the TV in my household. It was Getzlaf who didn't clear the zone the first time, I think Pronger might have had a shot at it and weakly put it up the boards and then Niedermayer... holy crap. That's the 2 A's and the C right there doing their best to give the game away.

You know what's screwed up? No matter what happens now, going forward, we can't "win" this series. Sure, we might win the series. But no matter what happens, we "stole" it. And that sucks.

[bhlloy]

Ugh as much as it pains me as well, I wish we had Lilja. Chelios is terrible. I love the guy but enough is enough. I know he's been here and all that, but I'd much rather see Meech out there at this point if Rafalski can't go.

That was my other thought from this game. Chelios is done and the Wings must have somebody in the Minors who can actually skate out there. Selanne completely embarassed him on the first (and Selanne has lost a step), Chelly looked like he was skating in tar.

[DeToxRox]

The ref took himself out of position. He was near the boards for some reason. That was just abysmal. I even hate to admit it, but I have sincere doubts that kind of screw up happens in the Pens/Caps series.

[bhlloy]

OK, one more thought. The refs looked like they were drunk out there... getting in the way of the play, falling over at every opportunity, I have never seen the icing rule called so poorly in my entire life, some penalties on both teams were pretty questionable. That and the no-goal... ugh. Are the same refs set for the rest of the series?

[DeToxRox]

That was my other thought from this game. Chelios is done and the Wings must have somebody in the Minors who can actually skate out there. Selanne completely embarassed him on the first (and Selanne has lost a step), Chelly looked like he was skating in tar.

He wasn't supposed to play at all, but with Lilja still dead thanks to Shea Weber, and Rafalski out, it's he or Meech. I guess I can see where Babcock would rather not have a second kid out there, like Meech, who I don't believe played at all in the playoffs last year, but that just made little sense. If he is going to only play 10 minutes, and not at all in the third, why not let Meech in there who has a better chance of making something happen at this point in time.

[Chief Rum]

The ref took himself out of position. He was near the boards for some reason. That was just abysmal. I even hate to admit it, but I have sincere doubts that kind of screw up happens in the Pens/Caps series.

Not ready to call for conspiracy theory yet. NHL wins whoever advances out of PIT-WAS anyway. Either way, they get a marketable star. And I realize you're talking about a hypothetical involving PIT-WAS, but the allusion is to a conspiracy theory against the Wings, and that's a little crazy. Everyone knows the NHL would much rather have the Wings back in the SCF than the Ducks.

[DeToxRox]

Not ready to call for conspiracy theory yet. NHL wins whoever advances out of PIT-WAS anyway. Either way, they get a marketable star. And I realize you're talking about a hypothetical involving PIT-WAS, but the allusion is to a conspiracy theory against the Wings, and that's a little crazy. Everyone knows the NHL would much rather have the Wings back in the SCF than the Ducks.

Not a conspiracy theory, I just mean I think those refs are going to let them play, whereas in this series they're not sure when to let the teams play or not.

[Chief Rum]

Not a conspiracy theory, I just mean I think those refs are going to let them play, whereas in this series they're not sure when to let the teams play or not.

That I'm not sure I have a qualified opinion on.

[DeToxRox]

When the game first started with those two calls I figured, okay, they're calling it tight. Then it became calls for the sake of calls. I just want consistency. Either call it all or don't, but don't call it for half the first period, then not call it in the second, then call it in the third.

[Chief Rum]

When the game first started with those two calls I figured, okay, they're calling it tight. Then it became calls for the sake of calls. I just want consistency. Either call it all or don't, but don't call it for half the first period, then not call it in the second, then call it in the third.

I was out with a friend tonight and away from a TV, so I missed the first and much of the second. But I got the distinct impression even from what little I watched that there were some inconsistency in the rate, the "sensitivity" of calls. And when I first started listening, the Ducks announcers were pissed there wasn't a penalty associated somewhere with the play where Wisniewski went down. I still don't know exactly what happened, I just know Wiz had to be taken off on a stretcher, and Niedermayer ended up in the box.

BTW, Wiz was taken to the hospital to be checked out. No word yet on how he's doing.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I was out with a friend tonight and away from a TV, so I missed the first and much of the second. But I got the distinct impression even from what little I watched that there were some inconsistency in the rate, the "sensitivity" of calls. And when I first started listening, the Ducks announcers were pissed there wasn't a penalty associated somewhere with the play where Wisniewski went down. I still don't know exactly what happened, I just know Wiz had to be taken off on a stretcher, and Niedermayer ended up in the box.

BTW, Wiz was taken to the hospital to be checked out. No word yet on how he's doing.

The whole Wisniewski thing happened during a delayed penalty. The Wings had pressure in the Anaheim zone, Niedermayer got called for hooking or interference or some such. During the delayed call, Wisniewski got hit in the chest with the puck. That's what hurt him. He stayed on his feet and then caught an errant elbow by Holmstrom while Holmstrom was tangled up with Niedermayer. Ducks touch the puck, whistle blows, Wisniewski goes down.

There could have been an elbow call on Holsmtrom, but it really was incidental and it wasn't what hurt Wisniewski. It looked that way at first, but when you watch the replay you can tell he was hurt by Datsyuk's shot.

[bhlloy]

The Wisniewski play was interesting. It was either a unlucky accident or a hell of a dirty play by Holmstrom, whichever way you look at it. He first got hit with the puck but I don't think he was bleeding until the Holmstrom "punch" to the face about 15 seconds later, I'd have to see it again to make my mind up whether he meant it or not. Hayward was pretty outraged, but that's not unusual.

Going back to how you would change the rule, I understand where bbor is coming from. You don't want a puck that is legally covered to go in the net because the ref is slow getting the whistle to his mouth. But... I see no reason not to review and say if 1) the puck is clearly not covered and 2) the whistle comes after the puck goes in the net then it's a good goal. There are plenty more judgement calls that the review officials make. That's probably a good start (and you have to realize this rule is probably never going to be perfect)

EDIT - I guess it was an elbow. It looked bad on the replays I saw, but I'm not going to say it was a dirty play or he meant it until I see it again. And isn't elbowing like high sticking... there doesn't have to be intent for it to be called? Really, the Ducks got screwed on that interchange IMO, I didn't see a really bad hook by Niedermayer and the refs are supposed to whistle any head injury straight away.

[Chief Rum]

Yeah, that's kinda what the radio announcers were saying, too, that Niedermayer rightly deserved his penalty (of course), but that he should have been joined by a Wing as well. They never explained further. Now I see what you mean (and what they were talking about). I'll have to see the replay.

If bhlloy's description is accurate, though, he's right, that should be an automatic call. And the Wings scored on that PP, IIRC.

[Solecismic]

Not much more you can say about the no-goal.

It's understandable that the NHL wants to protect goalies from being run. But you have to be in better position if you're going to blow that play dead, watch how the players are reacting. Hiller wasn't in danger of being run, and Hossa was diving toward the puck, on the other side of the goal.

Painful game to watch. The Red Wings have dominated late in both the last two games, but Hiller keeps the puck out of the net. We'll see what they're made of in game 4. They have the talent to blow them right off the ice, even on the road.

[bhlloy]

FWIW, media reports say that Wisniewski was hit in the ribs by the shot and Holmstrom caused the head injury. Not saying that has to be taken as gospel, but I suspect this to be the case. He started bleeding almost immediately after the Holmstrom incident.

[bob]

I am so happy I didn't stay up to watch that game last night. I would have been too angry to fall asleep.

[Ajaxab]

Unless Wisniewski's lungs are connected to the side of his head, his lung contusion was not caused by Holmstrom's elbow.

I'm not sure what to make of the Wings in this series. This is looking all too familiar to what we've seen for the last decade or so. Acquire more skill than the opposition, outshoot the opposition and sometimes run into a hot goalie. Darren Helm should not be Detroit's best player, but for the last two games, it sure seems like it. Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Hossa have to step it up. 'Course if Hiller can stop 100 shots in the next two games, you shake the Ducks' hands and wish 'em good luck in the next round.

[watravaler]

Toews and Havlat appear to be banged up, not good for Chicago.

[Fidatelo]

Chicago got more out of Havlat this year than anyone can rightly expect. They've been living on borrowed time with him since January.

[TheNorm]

Unless Wisniewski's lungs are connected to the side of his head, his lung contusion was not caused by Holmstrom's elbow.

I'm not sure what to make of the Wings in this series. This is looking all too familiar to what we've seen for the last decade or so. Acquire more skill than the opposition, outshoot the opposition and sometimes run into a hot goalie. Darren Helm should not be Detroit's best player, but for the last two games, it sure seems like it. Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Hossa have to step it up. 'Course if Hiller can stop 100 shots in the next two games, you shake the Ducks' hands and wish 'em good luck in the next round.

The problem I'm seeing with the Wings is that they are settling for the point/blue line shot with no traffic in front of Hiller. That won't get it done. Part of that credit goes to Anaheim's D, to be sure, but the Wings aren't too short on big physical players either. Create some havoc and the goals will come.

[DataKing]

It looked to me like they were just trying to hammer Hiller, looking for rebounds, but even a hockey-layman like myself can tell that the way the Ducks play defense, collapsing around the front of the net, rebounds generally are swept away before they become dangerous. The wings need to show a lot more patience than they did last night if they're going to advance. Take your time, work the puck around the perimeter, and take 30 quality shots rather than 46 impatient ones.

[TheNorm]

It looked to me like they were just trying to hammer Hiller, looking for rebounds, but even a hockey-layman like myself can tell that the way the Ducks play defense, collapsing around the front of the net, rebounds generally are swept away before they become dangerous. The wings need to show a lot more patience than they did last night if they're going to advance. Take your time, work the puck around the perimeter, and take 30 quality shots rather than 46 impatient ones.

Bingo. I believe the stats after the 2nd period showed that even though the Wings led in shots, the Ducks actually led in scoring chances.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think this was discussed in the regular season thread as well, but I'd love to have someone have to at least answer for the refs decisions.

I am not saying throw these guys under the bus, but in the NFL, the director of officiating (is it still Steve Perreira?) would be on NFL Network reviewing some of the prior weeks calls.

Or, a little further back, it seemed like 2-3 seasons in a row, the Steelers had a call against them in a game, and Tuesday or Wednesday the following week, Cowher would get a call saying in fact a mistake was made.

It wouldn't change any outcomes, but I'd love to hear "yep, Cooke was interfered with there" on the Ovechkin goal, or that the elbow, intentional or not, by Holmstrom was missed.

I often hear from people they don't understand hockey, and therefore they aren't interested. And that would go a long way to explaining, and possibly attracting, fans much better then me saying "well, yeah that is a penalty, but it's the 3rd period...and it's the playoffs..."

[Fidatelo]

The NHL network could fill a 2-hour program every week just playing highlights of bad/missed calls. Hockey is harder than any other sport to officiate, and I think that for the most part the refs do a damned good job. To call them out on every mistake in hindsight would be a pretty lousy way to treat them, in my opinion.

[DataKing]

Not even a mention of the blown call at the end of the Wings/Ducks game on NHL.com, at least not that I can see.

One piece of good news though...sounds like Wisniewski is going to be all right.

NHL.com - Conference Semifinals: Detroit vs. Anaheim: Ducks' Wisniewski showing improvement - 05/06/2009 (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=421661)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Which is why I don't think it would ever happen.

Similar to the notion holding can be called every play in the NFL, I'd say you could call interference/hooking about every shift. Those aren't going to get questioned, as long as it's consistently allowed.

But calls that are drastically changing the outcome of a game. An interference that leads directly to a goal. A too many men that goes uncalled and the offending team retains the puck and scores.

There was another call in the Pens-Caps game, 1st period I believe. Steckel takes a lead pass, appears in all alone. Letang catches him, dives, gets puck, then trips Steckel. My understanding is, puck first, that is clean. But I also understand the ref has a split second to see that, while I can watch it in slo-mo all day. Was it the wrong call by the rule? Yes, but justifiable.

The Cooke interference, Ovechkin scored 5 seconds into the PP. The player (i think Semin) is still engaged with Cooke when Ovy shoots the puck. They called Jurcina for alot less than that on Crosby earlier.

[Dr. Sak]

Not the start the Pens wanted.

[Tekneek]

Bingo. I believe the stats after the 2nd period showed that even though the Wings led in shots, the Ducks actually led in scoring chances.

Scoring chances is not an official stat.

[Pyser]

malkin just showed up

[Dr. Sak]

This game deserves OT!

[samifan24]

The Bruins disgust me. They played great hockey for two months (Nov and Dec) and very good hockey for most of the entire regular season and yet they play ugly, hurried hockey when it counts the most.

Lucic and Savard both have great chances in the first 1:30 of overtime and yet a guy like Jokinen wins it on the ugliest goal imaginable. As soon as it went to OT I thought Carolina would win, I really did. They have the look of an inspired team on a mission whereas the Bruins just look lost. Credit to Carolina for outworking, outhustling and generally outplaying the Bruins. It will take a lot of motivation from Claude Julian to make sure the real Bruins show up on Friday and, sadly, I'm not sure that's going to happen.

[Suburban Rhythm]

All the people that said the difference in these games would be Varlamov...have been correct!

Maybe my black and gold glasses, but it's possibly 3-0 Pittsburgh without him.

When VS cut to Canes-Bruins OT...the goaltending seemed ordinary by comparison.

[DaddyTorgo]

The Bruins disgust me. They played great hockey for two months (Nov and Dec) and very good hockey for most of the entire regular season and yet they play ugly, hurried hockey when it counts the most.

Lucic and Savard both have great chances in the first 1:30 of overtime and yet a guy like Jokinen wins it on the ugliest goal imaginable. As soon as it went to OT I thought Carolina would win, I really did. They have the look of an inspired team on a mission whereas the Bruins just look lost. Credit to Carolina for outworking, outhustling and generally outplaying the Bruins. It will take a lot of motivation from Claude Julian to make sure the real Bruins show up on Friday and, sadly, I'm not sure that's going to happen.

yeah - what you said

[Suburban Rhythm]

And what the hell were the words Darryl Reaugh was making up on the Caps-Pens broadcast??

Mastodonian? Lobotomized? Vasilinity???

What the fuck!

[Wolfpack]

The Bruins disgust me. They played great hockey for two months (Nov and Dec) and very good hockey for most of the entire regular season and yet they play ugly, hurried hockey when it counts the most.

Lucic and Savard both have great chances in the first 1:30 of overtime and yet a guy like Jokinen wins it on the ugliest goal imaginable. As soon as it went to OT I thought Carolina would win, I really did. They have the look of an inspired team on a mission whereas the Bruins just look lost. Credit to Carolina for outworking, outhustling and generally outplaying the Bruins. It will take a lot of motivation from Claude Julian to make sure the real Bruins show up on Friday and, sadly, I'm not sure that's going to happen.

I do think this was the first game in the series where Carolina truly outplayed the Bruins. Thomas deserves a lot of credit for keeping them in it, especially when everything was rolling downhill for Carolina during the latter half of the second period.

The Bruins are still a very tough team, though. Carolina outworked and outplayed them for good stretches, but for those moments where Boston really got themselves set in the offensive end and jammed some traffic in front of Ward, they were able to cash in twice on deflections. If they could apply that more consistently, it'll make it much more difficult for Carolina. Right now, Ward's not letting anything in that he's getting any chance to see.

I certainly hope that Carolina can keep this ball rolling through Game Four, but at least I know the series will come back here for a Game Six if nothing else. I'd be rather surprised if it doesn't as I can't imagine Boston collapsing out in four straight and losing the last one on home ice at that.

[gstelmack]

Carolina's problem has not been talent, it's been inconsistency and sloppy play at times. When they focus and play hard, they are a very good team. But they lose focus too often. If they stay focused and Ward keeps playing well, they are capable of taking the Cup again. The biggest fear is that they continue to lose focus, like they did in both Game 1s these playoffs. The biggest hope is they keep recovering quickly in these series.

[bbor]

I must say i am simply amazed at what Carolina and Anahiem are doing to Boston and Detroit.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I must say i am simply amazed at what Carolina and Anahiem are doing to Boston and Detroit.

I haven't seen much of the Boston/Carolina series, but I'm not at all surprised about what Anahiem has done thus far. Not surprised in the least.

[Maple Leafs]

So some loser on a Penguins message board makes a post in a game thread about "killing" Alex Ovechkin, and now it's a death threat with police involved? Really?

[DeToxRox]

So some loser on a Penguins message board makes a post in a game thread about "killing" Alex Ovechkin, and now it's a death threat with police involved? Really?

Tell me it was HF Boards.

[DeToxRox]

Oh wow. I googled this story. I believe this is the post that started the whole prosecution thing.

Death Threat Against Ovechkin on Pens Message Board - Washington Capitals Message Board (http://boards.washingtoncaps.com/index.php?showtopic=86758)

[gstelmack]

The link to the original post is gone...

[Suburban Rhythm]

I can't decide what is sadder.

Someone actually posting that on the Pens board.
Or the 7 pages of "what kind of idiot would sit in his parent's basement on da interwebz all day and post this on a message board!!??11" found on...why...is it...an internet message board.

You can't threaten our player, or we're gonna make fun of your city!!!!!

Also, I blame Crosby.

[Fidatelo]

The link to the original post is gone...

I found this link to a picture of it further down the page: http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5669/pittdeaththreatlol.jpg

[Dr. Sak]

Also, I blame Crosby.

I blame the refs.

[bbor]

Ryan Johnson is my playoff MVP.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I blame the refs.

And Bettman controls Crosby and the refs, so...

[Wolfpack]

Two things I'm rather surprised haven't been mentioned at all yet in this thread or in its own thread:

1) Balsillie trying to end-around the NHL and Bettman again by trying to buy a suddenly Chapter 11-ed Phoenix Coyotes team (in painfully obvious collusion with Phoenix owner Jerry Moyes) and move them to Ontario

2) The outstanding Toronto Maple Leafs facebook page on Maple Leaf's blog. I was supposed to be doing work this morning, but I was still jacked up about Carolina's win last night, so I was looking at anything I could find, including the Puck Daddy blog over on Yahoo and found a link to DGB there. Spent a long 15 minutes trying not to die laughing. :D

[sterlingice]

Havlat!

(Hawks tie it with about 2:30 to go in the 3rd)

SI

[Galaxy]

Nice pass.

[Honolulu_Blue]

2) The outstanding Toronto Maple Leafs facebook page on Maple Leaf's blog. I was supposed to be doing work this morning, but I was still jacked up about Carolina's win last night, so I was looking at anything I could find, including the Puck Daddy blog over on Yahoo and found a link to DGB there. Spent a long 15 minutes trying not to die laughing. :D

I enjoyed this very much as well.

[DeToxRox]

Just read the Facebook post. This has officially become best blog ever.

[Fidatelo]

Two things I'm rather surprised haven't been mentioned at all yet in this thread or in its own thread:

1) Balsillie trying to end-around the NHL and Bettman again by trying to buy a suddenly Chapter 11-ed Phoenix Coyotes team (in painfully obvious collusion with Phoenix owner Jerry Moyes) and move them to Ontario

2) The outstanding Toronto Maple Leafs facebook page on Maple Leaf's blog. I was supposed to be doing work this morning, but I was still jacked up about Carolina's win last night, so I was looking at anything I could find, including the Puck Daddy blog over on Yahoo and found a link to DGB there. Spent a long 15 minutes trying not to die laughing. :D

Agree on both these things. I sent the link to the facebook post on DGB to all my friends this afternoon. Definitely my favorite blog at the moment.

As for Balsillie, I hope he pulls it off.

[sterlingice]

Just read the Facebook post. This has officially become best blog ever.

I hadn't seen that before. That's awesome. I know it's dumb but my favorite might be "Curtis Joseph completed the quiz "Which 1990s Maple Leaf are you?" with the result "You are Curtis Joseph"."

SI

[DeToxRox]

Nice period by Franzen.

[Galaxy]

Not a playoff thread, but I see that the Phoenix Coyotes, the Blackberry billionaire, and the NHL are all in court over his bid to buy the Coyotes and move them to Hamilton.

[DeToxRox]

Was that a Hossa sighting?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Well, so far, I am a fan of this Hossa-Filpula-Franzen line.

[DataKing]

I absolutely love the move by Babcock, ramping up the Wings forecheck and giving the Ducks a taste of their own medicine. And the Franzen-Filpulla-Hossa combination looks like lightning-in-a-bottle right now. Lovin' it! :D

[DeToxRox]

Good move by Carlyle pulling Hiller. No reason to keep him in. Hopefully it doesn't get too ugly now at 5-2 with 16 minutes left. And hopefully Rafalski is back for Game 5.

[DeToxRox]

Kopecky fighting should probably never happen again. Bad time to do it as well. At least he took Beachumin with him I guess.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Kopecky fighting should probably never happen again. Bad time to do it as well. At least he took Beachumin with him I guess.

Yeah, the only positive thing that came out of that was an exchange of one of the Wings 4th liners for one of the Ducks top 4 d-men.

[DeToxRox]

Yeah, the only positive thing that came out of that was an exchange of one of the Wings 4th liners for one of the Ducks top 4 d-men.

I'll never dog a fight for dropping them, and more power to them both ditching the vistors, but Kopecky got hurt in the fight. He got abused. He just looked clueless.

If he is out, I'd hope they dress Abdelkader and let him and Helm cause some havoc on there with their speed, or dress Meech, especially if Rafalski is out and give the team some options.

[DataKing]

I was impressed with the job Helm did last year, but man the more I see of that kid's game the more I like.

[Logan]

Balsillie being into the Coyotes is good news for Nashville fans, if any exist.

[Chief Rum]

Good game for the Wings tonight. Got the result their play deserved, and ran Hiller, too, which has to help calm any fears they can't beat him.

While certainly not a great night for the Ducks, it was good to see them get a goal back after being down 5-2, and to show the kinda fight they showed at the end (along with Beauchemin's toss up with Kopecky, lol, that was great). Hopefully a stronger third like that and good play by Jiggy as replacement will help at least stunt a little bit of the momentum going to Detroit.

Right now, I want a Game 7 in this series. I don't think the Wings can win both of the next two, which means I get my wish. And I'll take our chances in a Game 7, even in Joe Louis. An exciting series that should go the distance, if all is fair.

[Maple Leafs]

I know it's dumb but my favorite might be "Curtis Joseph completed the quiz "Which 1990s Maple Leaf are you?" with the result "You are Curtis Joseph"."
That was my favorite too. And yes, it is dumb.

[Fidatelo]

So I'll expound a bit on the Balsillie/Coyotes thing now that I have some time to type.

I really love that he's trying to make this happen, and if it means sticking it to Bettman and his cronies in the process that's even better. The fact that Bettman absolutely refuses to admit his expansions were for the most part a mistake is frustrating, and I dream of the day when that little weasel parts ways with the league. At least when the CFL tried to go south and failed they eventually wised up and got the hell out.

Now, do I think Balsillie will succeed? I don't know. I don't think anyone knows. But if I had to put money on it, I'd say he won't. Bettman will do anything he can to keep it from happening, and I think he'll have just enough tricks up his slimy little sleeve to succeed.

One interesting point that Ron McLean made on Coaches Corner last night was that if a second team goes into southern Ontario, it may likely have the effect of driving up the salary cap to a level where another 4-5 teams that are currently on the brink are suddenly no longer feasible. This is something I hadn't considered before, but it makes sense.

As for the Coyotes, I think its been obvious for about a decade that it was just never going to work down there. In a way I'll be happy to see them leave, but part of me has always kind of hoped that the landscape would have changed enough by that time for them to just come back to Winnipeg. We could change the name back to Jets, and pretend like the whole Coyotes thing was just a bad season of Dallas. If they end up in southern Ontario, they are likely there to stay, so that dream dies. Maybe that's for the best though: if Winnipeg ever gets another team, do we really want all that old baggage? Do we really need to hear "this franchise has only advanced past the first round of the playoffs once in 30 years" again?

[samifan24]

I hope the real Boston Bruins show up tonight. Apparently the team held a players only meeting yesterday stressing the importance of a complete 60 minute effort here tonight.

[Travis]

One interesting point that Ron McLean made on Coaches Corner last night was that if a second team goes into southern Ontario, it may likely have the effect of driving up the salary cap to a level where another 4-5 teams that are currently on the brink are suddenly no longer feasible. This is something I hadn't considered before, but it makes sense.

I'd be curious to know how McLean figures this would work. The Canadian dollar has fallen and while it seems to have leveled off a bit, it's not going to have nearly the effect it had a couple seasons ago when the dollar was on par.

Sure, attendance (hopefully) will be fantastic, but that's just improving one team's attendance. I don't know what the numbers were for Phoenix this year, but even if you double their usual attendance (or triple it?), how much affect can that really have on the overall line across the entire league, let alone driving up the cap to the point where some teams will be forced under?

Anything I've heard/read figured that we'd be more likely to see a small scale back on the cap in the next year or two rather than the jumps we've seen lately (had figured that even without the recession/dollar drop that it would even out pretty soon anyway), so, yeah, quite curious to see where McLean figures this huge amount of influx is going to happen.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'd be curious to know how McLean figures this would work. The Canadian dollar has fallen and while it seems to have leveled off a bit, it's not going to have nearly the effect it had a couple seasons ago when the dollar was on par.

Sure, attendance (hopefully) will be fantastic, but that's just improving one team's attendance. I don't know what the numbers were for Phoenix this year, but even if you double their usual attendance (or triple it?), how much affect can that really have on the overall line across the entire league, let alone driving up the cap to the point where some teams will be forced under?

Anything I've heard/read figured that we'd be more likely to see a small scale back on the cap in the next year or two rather than the jumps we've seen lately (had figured that even without the recession/dollar drop that it would even out pretty soon anyway), so, yeah, quite curious to see where McLean figures this huge amount of influx is going to happen.

I am not sure either. I am not exactly sure how "league revenues" are calculated for cap purposes. Maybe he's assuming that Phoenix was actually decreasing league revenues, whereas Hamilton would increase it, so by removing a negative and additng a potentially large positive = significant increase in league revenue.

Maybe...

[Fidatelo]

I'd be curious to know how McLean figures this would work. The Canadian dollar has fallen and while it seems to have leveled off a bit, it's not going to have nearly the effect it had a couple seasons ago when the dollar was on par.

Sure, attendance (hopefully) will be fantastic, but that's just improving one team's attendance. I don't know what the numbers were for Phoenix this year, but even if you double their usual attendance (or triple it?), how much affect can that really have on the overall line across the entire league, let alone driving up the cap to the point where some teams will be forced under?

Anything I've heard/read figured that we'd be more likely to see a small scale back on the cap in the next year or two rather than the jumps we've seen lately (had figured that even without the recession/dollar drop that it would even out pretty soon anyway), so, yeah, quite curious to see where McLean figures this huge amount of influx is going to happen.

I won't pretend to understand the math, as I have no idea how the cap is calculated (I think it's more than just ticket sales) or how large a percentage a top 5 revenue team contributes to overall revenues compared to a bottom 5 team. That said, I thought I'd read somewhere a year or two that the 6 Canadian teams make up something like 40% of the revenues? If you add another 6th of that, doesn't that have a big effect? Especially for teams that are already on the bubble?

I don't know, more informed people than me need to figure all that out, but I sort of assumed Mr. McLean might be one of them.

[gstelmack]

You can also combine that with many teams hovering on the brink meaning even a small increase may have a profound effect on their bottom line. Certainly if a team is losing 20-30 million or more per year it won't take much more to go over the edge.

[Fidatelo]

Certainly if a team is losing 20-30 million or more per year it won't take much more to go over the edge.

Heh, I would argue those teams went over the edge along time ago, they just don't know it yet :)

[MikeVic]

Hamilton Jets.

[DataKing]

Nah...they should call themselves the Chiefs...and the uniforms should include silver on the knuckles of the gloves (to look like foil).

[Travis]

In regards to the cap, I was under the impression that it was related to ticket sales/revenue, hence why the drop in value of the Canadian dollar was bound to catch up/level off the cap and why even doubling/tripling the attendance figure for one franchise wouldn't have that huge of an effect (granted, ticket prices could also be jacked so the overall impact would be greater) given all the other current downward trends.

That's why I'm curious. I really thought last year would be the last big jump in the cap and that we might see one more small increase (though with the recession that step might end up getting skipped) before a couple of seasons with reductions to bring it back in line. That said, it'll be a couple of years before any move would reflect as the cap always reflects the previous seasons ticket sales so even if they were to move before next season it wouldn't affect the cap until the 2011/12 season.

[Fidatelo]

In regards to the cap, I was under the impression that it was related to ticket sales/revenue, hence why the drop in value of the Canadian dollar was bound to catch up/level off the cap and why even doubling/tripling the attendance figure for one franchise wouldn't have that huge of an effect (granted, ticket prices could also be jacked so the overall impact would be greater) given all the other current downward trends.

That's why I'm curious. I really thought last year would be the last big jump in the cap and that we might see one more small increase (though with the recession that step might end up getting skipped) before a couple of seasons with reductions to bring it back in line. That said, it'll be a couple of years before any move would reflect as the cap always reflects the previous seasons ticket sales so even if they were to move before next season it wouldn't affect the cap until the 2011/12 season.

I don't think it's as important what the cap itself is, or whether it is up, down, or the same. The key is what percentage of the cap is being provided by the revenues of those bubble teams. If the cap was going to drop 10% when the Coyotes are in Phoenix, but now it only will drop 7% because a net-loss team has become a net-gain team, all those other crappy teams are now looking at a cap number that is less attainable post-Phoenix than it was pre-Phoenix, despite the fact that it still came down.

[Fidatelo]

Dola

pre-Phoenix makes no sense. I mean with-Phoenix. You get my drift.

[Travis]

It does, and I don't necessarily disagree, but I heard the comments McLean was making and it seemed like he was suggesting a big jump in the cap number (rather than any sort of drop or leveling out) which didn't make sense to me.

[USFLTecmo]

Just read the Facebook post. This has officially become best blog ever.

I agree. Bookmarked. :D

[Galaxy]

As far as Hamilton, the Sabres (my team, btw) aren't too happy at all with the idea of a team in Hamilton. Nearly 20% of the Sabres revenues come from Southern Ontario (and they are franchise that has to make the playoffs to break-even). Toronto, I think, really doesn't have the same problems that a Hamilton club would present in comparsion to Buffalo.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Nah...they should call themselves the Chiefs...and the uniforms should include silver on the knuckles of the gloves (to look like foil).

And taped up glasses instead of visors?

[gstelmack]

So what, WAS and PIT called up all their minor-league forwards and sent all the defensemen down?

[Galaxy]

Alex certainly is getting under the Pens skin.

[TurnerONU22]

Oh man, Pens just got screwed there, blatant interference call missed right before the goal, possibly another one with Orpik being knocked into the net.

[Dr. Sak]

Oh man, Pens just got screwed there, blatant interference call missed right before the goal, possibly another one with Orpik being knocked into the net.

That's not the first interference call missed today. They are consistently allowing both teams to interfere.

[TurnerONU22]

That's not the first interference call missed today. They are consistently allowing both teams to interfere.

Yeah, I just got home and tuned in. I think that's what I've noticed the most about the playoffs is the ability to get away with interference (as a playoff newbie, I'm not used to watching games in May). Another reason I thought the Jackets finally played with Detroit in the 4th game was that they finally realized what they could get away with.

[Suburban Rhythm]

If the back of the jersey said Ruutu, Cooke, Ott, Carcillo, or Tootoo, this is 5, game misconduct, and we are talking about suspension:


<OBJECT height=265 width=320>
<embed src="<a href="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/DwxTrxESWjI&hl=en&fs=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/DwxTrxESWjI&amphl=en&ampfs=1[/URL]" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></OBJECT></P>
YouTube - Ovechkin Gonchar Knee - Caps Pens Game 4 - May 8 2009 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwxTrxESWjI)

Maybe not intentional, but that's knee-on-knee. The play is fine until he extends his leg when Gonchar tries to sidestep.

EDIT- not sure what I am doing wrong embedding the image. Anyone?

[samifan24]

The Bruins make me sick. This is why I hate the playoffs.

[Dr. Sak]

Dude Malkin runs around boarding people and elbowing others in the head. Please don't play the woe is me superstar card here.

[DaddyTorgo]

i was out seeing Star Trek but I gather the Bruins rolled over and died tonight hmm? Oh well...it's been fun.

[DeToxRox]

Carolina is coming out of the East. 'Tis all.

[Wolfpack]

I didn't get a chance to catch the first half of the game (was out early in the evening with the family and my wife didn't set up the recording like I asked her to :banghead: ), but I did start watching from just after the point Boston tied it up in the second period. It was a pretty evenly played contest through two period, but I don't know what happened to Boston in the third period. Carolina just took them apart during that period, about the most impressive stretch of hockey they've had the entire playoffs and perhaps even the entire season considering the opposition.

However, I'll only rest easier once that last game is clinched. Washington just proved a round ago that a 3-1 lead isn't insurmountable. I still can't believe Boston would fall apart so completely and so quickly, so I think this one is still going to take at least six games to settle. (Yes, I'm just like Red in Shawshank: "Hope is a dangerous thing....")

[gstelmack]

Yeah, Boston just fell apart in that third period. Carolina though is starting to make a habit of scoring a key goal and then following it up shortly with a dagger to the heart.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Confidence pool, through last night:

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 144pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=191 border=0><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" width=64><COL style="WIDTH: 59pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2852" width=78><COL style="WIDTH: 37pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1792" width=49><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right width=64 height=20></TD><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 59pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=78>DeToxRox</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 37pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right width=49>618</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right height=20></TD><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">SR</TD><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>614</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right height=20></TD><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">bbor</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>598</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right height=20></TD><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">Chief Rum</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>580</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right height=20></TD><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">bhlloy</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>572</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Tekneek]

Only slightly related to the NHL playoffs, but do any of you guys (in the US) get Universal Sports on your cable (or a subchannel of your local NBC affiliate's digital signal)? I just found it on my system (it is not encrypted on mine, so would be worth looking for if any of you have a device that allows you to view Clear QAM channels).

The point is that they are supposedly going to be showing the medal matches for the IIHF World Championships live tomorrow, and then again a few times during the next week.

[Tekneek]

They are also going to be showing the Semifinal match between US & Russia today at 2 PM Eastern (not live).

[Dr. Sak]

Thanks Tekneek!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Conflicting reports on Gonchar:

TSN reporting out "several weeks" and possibly done for the year, per Dreger, posted about 3 pm - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=278120

Pittsburgh Penguins saying game time decision tonight, posted a little after noon today - Pittsburgh Penguins - Features: It's A Great Day for Hockey - May 9 - 05/09/2009 (http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=422111)

That seems pretty far apart. Have to believe some of what is coming from the Penguins is typical playoff smoke to cover the truth.

In either case, Alex Goligoski has been recalled from WBS, and apparently is scheduled to be in the lineup tonight (ahead of vet Phillipe Boucher). Goligoski was really good on the PP early in the season. He won't eat up the minutes Gonch was playing 5 on 5 and the odd PK shift he took.

PK might be where the Pens get exposed-- typical rotation is Gill/Scuderi to start, Eaton and Orpik/Gonch. Letang doesn't see much time on the PK, neither will Gogo.

[Honolulu_Blue]

If the back of the jersey said Ruutu, Cooke, Ott, Carcillo, or Tootoo, this is 5, game misconduct, and we are talking about suspension:

Maybe not intentional, but that's knee-on-knee. The play is fine until he extends his leg when Gonchar tries to sidestep.

I've seen the replay over a dozen times. I don't think it deserves a suspension. Should have been a 5 minute major? Probably, but not a suspension, I don't care who did it.

Hopefully Gonchar is ok.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'll never dog a fight for dropping them, and more power to them both ditching the vistors, but Kopecky got hurt in the fight. He got abused. He just looked clueless.

If he is out, I'd hope they dress Abdelkader and let him and Helm cause some havoc on there with their speed, or dress Meech, especially if Rafalski is out and give the team some options.

Kopecky is out. Likey for the rest of the season as he might need surgery to repair facial fractures.

Early reports suggest Abdelkader is in.

[Chief Rum]

Kopecky is out. Likey for the rest of the season as he might need surgery to repair facial fractures.

Early reports suggest Abdelkader is in.

Wow, really? Man, don't **** with Francois Beauchemin.

[bbor]

Wow, really? Man, don't **** with Francois Beauchemin.

NEVER mess with a dude named Francis......Dude has been in scraps his whole life about his name:)

[bob]

Well, looks like the Game 5 of the Wings - Ducks is not being shown here in Atlanta unless you have the NHL Network or the Center Ice Package (or whatever its called). Crap. Thanks NHL. They really need to work out stuff with ESPN to get games on a proper network again.

[Solecismic]

I'll never dog a fight for dropping them, and more power to them both ditching the vistors, but Kopecky got hurt in the fight. He got abused. He just looked clueless.

If he is out, I'd hope they dress Abdelkader and let him and Helm cause some havoc on there with their speed, or dress Meech, especially if Rafalski is out and give the team some options.

Honestly have no idea why he was fighting. He didn't drop the gloves all season, and there he was, voluntarily taking his helmet off and basically shoving his face into a couple of very solid haymakers. I'm surprised he was able to skate off under his own power.

I know the purists love the hockey fights, but I don't see what they have to do with the game, especially human sacrifices like that one. Now Detroit's down a player for no other reason than stupidity.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well, looks like the Game 5 of the Wings - Ducks is not being shown here in Atlanta unless you have the NHL Network or the Center Ice Package (or whatever its called). Crap. Thanks NHL. They really need to work out stuff with ESPN to get games on a proper network again.

I'm just trying to figure out how Indy Poll Day ended up on Versus.

[Pyser]

my biggest surprise this post season was seeing just how easy it is to stream a live hockey game online. for free.

[gstelmack]

I'm just trying to figure out how Indy Poll Day ended up on Versus.

Well, apparently Crosby/Ovechkin > Indy Poll Day > anything else in the NHL.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Fluery looking sharp tonight.

[Galaxy]

This is one hell of a series.

[JPhillips]

I don't see a whole lot of the Pens. Does Scuderi always look this good?

[Suburban Rhythm]

I don't see a whole lot of the Pens. Does Scuderi always look this good?

During the 06-07 season, he was paired with Joe Melichar to form what was possibly the worst defensive pairing ever created.

Since Melichar's been gone, he's played with Whitney and Letang a little, and this season, Gill to be the shutdown pair.

There are probably not very many players in the league who get as much out of minimal natural talent as him. Very little offense, not really even a good breakout pass (I think Gill's is actually underrated), but he's so good with his stick on his side of the blueline.

He's a free agent after the season, and I wouldn't be surprised to find someone (Isles, he's a Syosset native) give him a nice amount more than the Pens can afford to offer him. He's a ridiculous bargain right now at $700K.

[DeToxRox]

That's a crusher for Washington. Two OT losses like that for such a young team is going to be so hard to overcome, I just don't see it happening.

I am happy that I might just get to see the series I wanted to see most in the East, Carolina/Pittsburgh.

[henry296]

It sure liked interference on the Pens prior to Malkin's rush and goal.

[bbor]

It sure liked interference on the Pens prior to Malkin's rush and goal.

Probably was interference during regular time...but not O.T

[Fidatelo]

So now there is a group wanting to move the Thrashers to Hamilton? I love it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

This was the best game of the series, possibly of the playoffs this year.

The calls that were made were solid calls. As much as the Caps will complain, there is no way they can not make the call in OT.

Already seeing at HF looking for a call in front of Fleury just prior to Malkin scoring. By the book, that was interference. But, it was allowed, both ways, all game long (and last night, Bradley twice on one shift). The refs let them play outside of any blatant calls. I believe each team ended up with 2 PP chances.

Backstrom is a hell of a player. He is the 2 of the Caps 1-2 punch, not Semin. Semin reminds me a lot of Kovalev, where he might be a top 5 talent at forward in the league, but only a top 50 player.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Is Mike Green hurt? Or seriously THAT bad in his own end?

[Chief Rum]

I was really worried the Ducks wouldn't show up today. Glad to see my fears were unfounded. :rolleyes:

[DeToxRox]

I was really worried the Ducks wouldn't show up today. Glad to see my fears were unfounded. :rolleyes:

Detroit is exerting their will today, though it's obvious Getz is not 100%. Ducks aren't getting many breaks though. Got jobbed on a non call on a blatant Too Many Men by Detroit.

I loved Dats trying to flip it over and batting it in even though he didn't have much of a shot. So much fun to watch.

Still only a 2 goal game and plenty of time left.

[DeToxRox]

Big PPG by Anaheim there to make it 2-1. This isn't over by a long shot.

[Chief Rum]

Big PPG by Anaheim there to make it 2-1. This isn't over by a long shot.

Oh, I knew it wasn't over, if the Ducks started to play their game. It was just that at the point I posted that, they hadn't yet. Still not sure it will end up paying dividends in the long run. Unless they start playing better at even strength, this isn't going to go anywhere. You don't beat talented teams like the Wings at their place being outshot 5-tp-1.

[DeToxRox]

Huge save by Ozzy there. Anaheim has started pushing back and Detroit has been on their heels.

[DeToxRox]

Good to save Helm get rewarded for how great he has played defensively with a huge goal to make it 3-1 and then Z ices it with the empty netter. Big win. Anaheim is just getting worn down. Still not saying this series is over but it will be if Anaheim can't get some production from people other then their top 4 forwards.

[Chief Rum]

Good to save Helm get rewarded for how great he has played defensively with a huge goal to make it 3-1 and then Z ices it with the empty netter. Big win. Anaheim is just getting worn down. Still not saying this series is over but it will be if Anaheim can't get some production from people other then their top 4 forwards.

Agreed. The Ducks just looked awful the whole game. Other than from maybe the second period PPG forward to the second intermission, I never saw an indication the Ducks showed up to play today.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Very good to see Helm finally get one. He has been one of the Wings' best forwards all series.

This could have been Hiller's best game of the series so far. He made some great saves. The score could have been much, much worse.

[Wolfpack]

Though it's not over yet, it's now going to be 3-2 Carolina going back to Raleigh and I'm not feeling particularly good at the moment. I expected a loss tonight. I didn't expect such a poor game on our part, though. I'd rather have lost a close game that Boston had to fight to win to keep them thinking about things (of course, I could hope that a blowout would have them relax thinking they've got it figured out before Carolina takes them out in Game Six, but I'm not doing that). The pressure I think is going to be definitely on Carolina's side because I don't think they can win Game Seven in Boston as they've now gotten clobbered twice in the series in Beantown and I don't think a highway robbery of the order of Game Seven against New Jersey is in the cards this time.

*sigh* :(

[samifan24]

Good win for the Bruins tonight. Where was this team in games 2-4? It was a completely dominating effort for Boston but which team will show up in Raleigh on Tuesday night?

[gstelmack]

So far this postseason Carolina has limited it to one bad game in a row and has played hard the game after a listless effort. That's the one good sign I take from this. But yes that was an ugly, listless, no urgency effort by Carolina. Too many "one guy crashing the zone" plays.

[Fidatelo]

I think the NHL needs to think about moving the Hurricanes to Hamilton, if only so Wolfpack can stop living a life of misery 6 months of the year. I've never seen a guy get so down about his team all the time. I swear the 'Canes could be up 3 games to 0 in the Stanley cup finals and dude would find a way to be worried that they are holding the weakest 3-0 series lead in sports history.

[gstelmack]

I think the NHL needs to think about moving the Hurricanes to Hamilton, if only so Wolfpack can stop living a life of misery 6 months of the year. I've never seen a guy get so down about his team all the time. I swear the 'Canes could be up 3 games to 0 in the Stanley cup finals and dude would find a way to be worried that they are holding the weakest 3-0 series lead in sports history.

If you had followed this team for the last decade or so, you know they are more than capable of rolling over and playing dead for a couple of weeks. They've choked away a couple of playoff appearances with horrible efforts in the last week of the season; I remember them losing a potential playoff-clinching game to Boston several years back when Boston had just traded Ray Borque and was sitting its #1 goaltender, for example, and a similar bum effort against last-place Montreal another year.

That said, they've done a good job of bouncing back this postseason. I do agree they need to win in Raleigh, because I don't think they can win a game 7 in Boston.

[DaddyTorgo]

are the Bruins bipolar?

[Fidatelo]

If you had followed this team for the last decade or so, you know they are more than capable of rolling over and playing dead for a couple of weeks. They've choked away a couple of playoff appearances with horrible efforts in the last week of the season; I remember them losing a potential playoff-clinching game to Boston several years back when Boston had just traded Ray Borque and was sitting its #1 goaltender, for example, and a similar bum effort against last-place Montreal another year.

That said, they've done a good job of bouncing back this postseason. I do agree they need to win in Raleigh, because I don't think they can win a game 7 in Boston.

Blah blah blah... just stare at your damn Cup banner if you guys can't stomach watching your team lose sometimes. Good grief, this act can get annoying when it comes from fans of teams that haven't won anything in 50+ years, let alone 2.

[Fidatelo]

Dola

Fuck you, Gary Bettman:

"We generally try to avoid relocating franchises unless you absolutely have to," he said. "We think when a franchise is in trouble, you try and fix the problems. That's what we did in Pittsburgh and Ottawa and Buffalo prior to our work stoppage. That's what we did when the perception was that five out of the six Canadian franchises around the turn of the century were in trouble. We fixed the problems. We don't run out on cities." - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=277750

I think he should tack the word "anymore" onto the end of that last sentence. Fucking weasel-faced douche.

[gstelmack]

Blah blah blah... just stare at your damn Cup banner if you guys can't stomach watching your team lose sometimes. Good grief, this act can get annoying when it comes from fans of teams that haven't won anything in 50+ years, let alone 2.

I can take a lot of things when I'm a fan of a team. I watched the Patriots and the Bucs through the horrible years and was fine with it. What I can't stand is lack of effort, and the Canes put that forth often enough to tick fans off.

[gstelmack]

That said, I didn't think the Canes had a chance in this series against Boston, so it's been fun to watch. They've already done better than I expected.

[samifan24]

are the Bruins bipolar?

No, they just took games 2, 3 and 4 off in this series. The real Bruins were back last night. Who knows if they'll show up in Raleigh tomorrow.

[sterlingice]

Ok, this game has just gotten crazy: 3 goals in 2 minutes.

SI

[Dr. Sak]

The Pens outshot the Caps something like 17-5 in the first and only had a 1-0 lead.

[sterlingice]

Crosby ties it up with about 4 mins to go!

I'd love this to be a long OT playoff game but I think the scoring has been excellent and the goaltending too shaky.

SI

[sterlingice]

Is this thing on?

Man, Caps get jobbed a bit on a holding call with 2 mins to go. Then they add an eternity (1.5 seconds) onto a faceoff in the Washington end that should have been more like 0.5 seconds.

We're going to OT!

SI

[Tekneek]

What the hell was Hal Gill trying to do? Cut through his own crease, behind his goalie, at a crucial point in the game?

[Galaxy]

Wow.

[wade moore]

I don't watch Hockey at all...

But having a good Caps team has me watching some... been watching since about 7:00 left in the 3rd period of this one.

[Galaxy]

YEA!

[Dr. Sak]

Game 7!

[Dr. Sak]

Have the Pens won a "white out" this playoff year?

Btw..that was a pretty weak goal by MAF.

[Galaxy]

The Caps assistant coach likes to rub heads, doesn't he?

[wade moore]

w00t!

[DeToxRox]

Heaven forbid if the Caps make the SCF this year. It'll be the exact same thing as when LeBron went up vs the Spurs. A sweep against whoever wins the West.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, and I love the Caps, but they have the least most likely chance to win the Cup this year of any of the 8 teams left.

[Suburban Rhythm]

FUCK!!