It's here! The NHL 2003-04 playoff thread

[bbor]

Carry-on your debates:)

[klayman]

Nothing would start a playoff thread better than a round of Shady Players :D

[Vince]

Go Sharks :)

[Draft Dodger]

well, I'm off for all the Avs/Stars games except game 5. that worked out nicely for me.
now, if I wasn't so damn nervous about this series...

[Hurst2112]

well, I'm off for all the Avs/Stars games except game 5. that worked out nicely for me.
now, if I wasn't so damn nervous about this series...

That is going to be 1 series that I will pay attention to...even as a wings fan. It might be the best of the first round.

I get the most nervous this time of year. It's fun, but very stressful.

[Fidatelo]

Best series of the first round will be TO vs OTT.

[sachmo71]

Best series of the first round will be TO vs OTT.

Agreed. Much hate on the ice.

[k0ruptr]

sweet the playoffs! time to start watchin the nhl

[Hurst2112]

Best series of the first round will be TO vs OTT.

sorry, i meant the west. I forgot about to and ott

[k0ruptr]

who made the playoffs this year.

[sterlingice]

Woo! The thread returns!

SI

[Chubby]

let's go anyone but the leafs!

[sachmo71]

who made the playoffs this year.


Eastern Conference:

#1 Tampa Bay vs. #8 N.Y. Islanders
#2 Boston vs. #7 Montreal
#3 Philadelphia vs. #6 New Jersey
#4 Toronto vs. #5 Ottawa

Western Conference:

#1 Detroit vs. #8 Nashville
#2 San Jose vs. #7 St. Louis
#3 Vancouver vs. #6 Calgary
#4 Colorado vs. #5 Dallas

[Draft Dodger]

Best series of the first round will be TO vs OTT.

yes.

and Stars/Avs and Devils/Flyers should be pretty nice as well.

[k0ruptr]

go philly. and down with the lightning!

[Hurst2112]

Eastern Conference:

#1 Tampa Bay vs. #8 N.Y. Islanders
#2 Boston vs. #7 Montreal
#3 Philadelphia vs. #6 New Jersey
#4 Toronto vs. #5 Ottawa

Western Conference:

#1 Detroit vs. #8 Nashville
#2 San Jose vs. #7 St. Louis
#3 Vancouver vs. #6 Calgary
#4 Colorado vs. #5 Dallas

Just my thoughts:

Tampa in 6
Boston in 5
New Jersey in 6
Ottawa in 7

Detroit in 5
San Jose in 4
Calgary in 6 (long shot)
Colorado in 6

[Vince]

Really, it pains me to say this because I love them to death...but I haven't really followed the Sharks much since they collapsed mid last year. Then they become amazing again in record time...

What do you guys think about the Sharks this year? How far can they get?

[Johnny93g]

I cant wait for the Leafs/Sens series......I love seeing those babies in Ottawa cry about how everything is biased towards Toronto...."Bob Cole and Harry Neale like Toronto better" wahwahwah.....

[Draft Dodger]

Really, it pains me to say this because I love them to death...but I haven't really followed the Sharks much since they collapsed mid last year. Then they become amazing again in record time...

What do you guys think about the Sharks this year? How far can they get?

I think they are pretenders, to be honest. 2 years ago they were a dangerous team that everyone was afraid of. I don't think they strike fear in anyone this year, even though they are the #2 seed.

I don't really know why this is, they just don't seem to have that certain something...

[Draft Dodger]

I cant wait for the Leafs/Sens series......I love seeing those babies in Ottawa cry about how everything is biased towards Toronto...."Bob Cole and Harry Neale like Toronto better" wahwahwah.....

um, dude? everything IS biased towards Toronto.

[Karim]

Bob Cole sucks. Maybe he was good once but there are many better play-by-play guys. He's behind the play, can't get the words out of his mouth, and makes mistakes as to what's going on when it's painfully obvious to the viewer. That's ignoring his Toronto bias.

My picks:

Detroit in 5
Vancouver in 7
Dallas in 6
St. Louis in 7

Tampa in 5
Boston in 5
Toronto in 5
New Jersey in 7

[sterlingice]

WTH? Gary Thorne is calling the A's game on ESPN2. Doesn't he have a hockey game to do tomorrow with Bill Clement somewhere, someplace?

SI

[Chubby]

I guess I'm rooting for Tampa this year.

[Vince]

I think they are pretenders, to be honest. 2 years ago they were a dangerous team that everyone was afraid of. I don't think they strike fear in anyone this year, even though they are the #2 seed.

I don't really know why this is, they just don't seem to have that certain something...
DD - to be honest, this is what I'm afraid of. Like I said, I haven't been able to follow it much, but you nailed exactly my line of thinking about the team anyways. However, when we were 'a dangerous team,' we didn't really do much (I don't think we've ever won in the second round before), so maybe this is the year?

[Draft Dodger]

WTH? Gary Thorne is calling the A's game on ESPN2. Doesn't he have a hockey game to do tomorrow with Bill Clement somewhere, someplace?

SI

I'm guessing no - the playoffs start on Wednesday.

[Draft Dodger]

DD - to be honest, this is what I'm afraid of. Like I said, I haven't been able to follow it much, but you nailed exactly my line of thinking about the team anyways. However, when we were 'a dangerous team,' we didn't really do much (I don't think we've ever won in the second round before), so maybe this is the year?

maybe so. their first round opponent is St Louis, who I would peg almost the exact same way - good talent, no "whatever". plus, they have Osgood...
so, the Sharks could easily get to the 2nd round...

[Tekneek]

let's go anyone but the leafs!

I'm with ya on that one. They would have to be the last Canadian team standing for me to even consider cheering them on.

[bbor]

Damn Leaf haters :D

[Pumpy Tudors]

Go Devils! REPEAT! REPEAT!

[Hurst2112]

attention wings fans...

I have been making video tapes of every wings playoff game since 97. Does anybody know if the Saturday game is a national one? The reason I ask is because I am gonna be gone and would like to know if i have to set the VCR.

Oh, and yes, I am a big time geek.

[tucker342]

Go Sharks and go Lightning!

Does anyone know why there's a hockey team in Florida?

[Hurst2112]

Go Sharks and go Lightning!

Does anyone know why there's a hockey team in Florida?


Or below the Mason-Dixon for that matter.

:rolleyes:

[klayman]

Does anyone know why there's a hockey team in Florida?
Uh, Bettman's an idiot?

[bbor]

Go Sharks and go Lightning!

Does anyone know why there's a hockey team in Florida?

They needed the money to replace their lack of tv deal.

[Pumpy Tudors]

A hockey team in Florida? How soon we forget. Eight years ago, the Florida Panthers were in the Stanley Cup Finals. Uwe Krupp took the wind out of them that year, and the Panthers haven't been the same since. As far as "southern" teams are concerned, I'm really pulling for Nashville this year, in part because of their unexpected trip to the playoffs, and also because I hate the Red Wings. I was pulling for Anaheim last year, too, so a Devils-Ducks final was perfect for me. This year, I hope for a Devils-Predators final. Go Devils!

[Honolulu_Blue]

A because I hate the Red Wings.

PISS OFF!

[Honolulu_Blue]

attention wings fans...

I have been making video tapes of every wings playoff game since 97. Does anybody know if the Saturday game is a national one? The reason I ask is because I am gonna be gone and would like to know if i have to set the VCR.

Oh, and yes, I am a big time geek.

Yes, it's on ABC.

Do you keep the losses? I don't. I made tapes of the '97 and '98 play-off runs, but always taped over the games they lost. There was no way I would watch those games again.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Eastern Conference:

#1 Tampa Bay vs. #8 N.Y. Islanders
#2 Boston vs. #7 Montreal
#3 Philadelphia vs. #6 New Jersey
#4 Toronto vs. #5 Ottawa

Western Conference:

#1 Detroit vs. #8 Nashville
#2 San Jose vs. #7 St. Louis
#3 Vancouver vs. #6 Calgary
#4 Colorado vs. #5 Dallas

I find picking a winner for any of these series to be incredibly difficult. I can't really think of any series that just seems like a gimme. I reckon it has to do with the lack of real stellar goaltending. With the retirement of Roy and the retirement/injury of Hasek, I think there are only two "world class" goaltenders left in the game: Belfour and Brodeur. Those are the only two goaltenders who scare me. Granted, one goalie is likely to go all Giggy on us at some point and start playing amazingly well (pleasedon'tletitbeVokounpleasedon'tletitbeVokounpleasedon'tletitbeVokounpleasedon'tletitbeVokounpleasedon'tletitbeVokoun), but as things start that's basically it. There are plenty of quality netminders, such as Khabibuhlin, Nabokov, Theodore, etc., but none at the "world class" level. That being said, here are the picks:

My Picks:

#1 Tampa Bay vs. #8 N.Y. Islanders
Tampa Bay in 5.

I am not sold on Tampa. I like them, I always have. I am not sure why exactly. Probably becaue Petr Klima played a few seasons for them and as my first real favorite hockey player, I have a soft spot for him and the teams he played for (I was up until 2 am the night Klima scored the 3OT game winner against Boston in the 1990 Cup Finals. The only reason he scored was because he had played a total of 5 minutes, because he wasn't playing all that well or hard, but it was good to see). Even though I am not sold on Tampa, they have a solid blue line, plenty of talent upfront, and the Buhlin wall between the pipes. I don't even know who is starting in net for the Islanders. 'Nuff said.

#2 Boston vs. #7 Montreal
Montreal in 7.

A classic series and it gives us the first "injury intrigue" of the play-offs, Joe Thornton and his "upper body injury." Is it his ribs? His wrist? No one knows! Classic stuff. I don't think Big Joe will make an appearance in this series, if he does, he may be limited in action. The Bruins have rode the Raycroft wave for the entire year. He's been stellar. Rookie of the year material. This is the play-offs. Unless your rookie is Patrick Roy (see, I show respect, though behind the veil of respect is seething hatred), you can't feel comfortable going into the playoffs with a rookie between the pipes. You just never know when he's going to go all Jim Carey on you. We've seen it happen so many times before. I also have a gut feeling that Theodore is going to play very well and steal this one for the Habs. He's their only hope really, because Montreal can't match up with Boston talentwise.

#3 Philadelphia vs. #6 New Jersey
New Jersey in 5.

If I had to pick one "sure thing", I think this series would be it. Philly has all sorts of trouble in goal, Esche starting is one example. They are Philly. They are playing Brodeur. Even without Stevens, I don't see the Devils losing this one. They have shown a flair for some big offensive outputs and they have Brodeur. Even is he slept with his wife's sister, he's still a very good goalie, though perhaps a very bad man.

#4 Toronto vs. #5 Ottawa
Toronot in 7.

Best series of the first round and could end up being the best series of the entire playoffs. No one should be surprised, Toronto is almost always involved in some of the best matchups because they have so many nasty players (Domi, Tucker, Sundin (yes, he's nasty), Roberts, etc. No Corson though which is sad) and you get in a long series with them and emotions will come out (see: New Jersey, Islanders, etc.) There will be no shortage of emotions between these rivals. Ottawa is probably the most talented team at the moment. Loaded with skill. They are also play-off hardened in a way. Been through a number of tough, physical series, have won big games and came within one goal of the finals last year. These aren't the same old lilly-white Sens. That being said, even without Owen Nolan I like the Leafs with Leetch and McCabe along the blue-line and Eddie the Eagle in net. I think Lalime is a fine goalie, but he's no Belfour.

#1 Detroit vs. #8 Nashville
Detroit in 5.

Like Hurst said, there is nothing worse than the first round for Red Wings fans. So many heartbreaks, the Leafs and f*cking Nikolai Borchevsky (or however the hell you spell that no-talent assclown's name) in 1992, the Sharks in 1993, the Kings in 2001, the Ducks in 2003. So many horrible, nightmarish first round series. This one has all the makings of another one. Expansion team's first foray into the playoffs. A solid goaltender in Vokoun. A team the Wings have struggled against historically. Start from there and add the fact that Legace is starting in net and things look grim. I like Manny. I think he's a solid, if not unspectacular goaltender and perhaps the best back-up in the league. But I don't think he makes a great #1 goalie and he his playoff experience is all of 15 minutes or so of mop-up time. There's no telling how Manny will react and it is for certain that there will be no series in which the Wings play that I could comfortably say "our goalie is better than their's." (Wings fans could really only say this in 2002 when Hasekn was playing). There is no telling how the injuries to Draper and Lang have healed and how well Hatcher will mesh with the defensive corps. That being said, I cannot and will not predict a first round collapse against Nashville, Steve Sullivan be damned!

#2 San Jose vs. #7 St. Louis
St. Louis in 6.

I agree with DD, San Jose doesn't scare me. I have no idea really how they sucked so hard last year, traded away some of their big name players, and then all of a sudden became so damned good this year. I reckon some of it has to do with Nabokov, but I have no idea. They do have some talent, but Marleau and Sturm (I always think of them as the same player), though talented never really scare me. St. Louis squeaked into the play-offs and their blueline has been decimated with injury. That said, they have some good players upfront with Weight, Demetria, Tkachuk, and others. Osgood isn't as bad as many people think (he certainly isn't self-immolation bad). I'll go with the Blues on this one, I have no idea why.

#3 Vancouver vs. #6 Calgary
Calgary in 7.

This should be a great series. Good Canadian rivalry. The Canucks are always fun to watch because they play a fast, up-tempo style. Even without Bertuzzi they have plenty of skill up front with Naslund, Morrison, Sanderson, the Sedin twins, Rucinsky, etc. I think I like Calgary in this one. Though Kiprusoff lacks play-off experience, I think he will be solid. I have no faith in Cloutier. Never have, never will. Lacks a mental toughness. I've thought this ever since he was playing in Tampa Bay and New York. Maybe he's developed it, but I don't think so. I think Iginla will be on fire, Kiprusoff will keep the puck out of the net and Calgary will win it's first series since Karim was knee-high to a grasshopper.

#4 Colorado vs. #5 Dallas
Dallas in 6.

Should be a great series. Plenty of talent on both sides. At the begining of the season, I thought Colorado's top two lines would be the best two lines in hockey: Tangauy-Forsberg-Hejduk and Selanne-Sakic-Kariya. The first line was the best last year and who didn't think sticking Sakic between Selanne and Kariya wouldn't produce one of the best lines ever? Kariya and Selanne were amazing together for years in Anaheim without any really quality centerman (I like Rucchin, I think he's good, but he was always hurt back then). Didn't really happen though. Despite taking ridiculously low salaries, given their play, Kariya and Selanne were over-paid. Neither had a good season. Now Kariya is out with an ankle injury (the man heals very slowly) and I think Tanguay is still injured too. That will cause some havok in the line combinations. I like the additions of Gratton and Barnaby (especially Barnaby), but you always have to be wary whenever a team makes so many moves at the deadline. It rarely works in their favor (unless they get some ridiculous deal involving Ron Francis and Ulf Samuelsson). Dallas played very well down the stretch, especially Billy Guerin and Marty Turco. Speaking of Turco, the Avs go into the playoff with Abeschire in net. He's been solid all season, but he's yet one more goalie who has no play-off experience. He could crack under the pressure. The edge between the pipes has to go to Dallas. Between that and Colorado's injury problems up front, I am going with the Stars.

[Hurst2112]

Yes, it's on ABC.

Do you keep the losses? I don't. I made tapes of the '97 and '98 play-off runs, but always taped over the games they lost. There was no way I would watch those games again.

Yeah, I keep the losses. No, I don't watch them. I guess i have them for a VHS pissing match I might have in the bar someday. ;)

[SackAttack]

A hockey team in Florida? How soon we forget. Eight years ago, the Florida Panthers were in the Stanley Cup Finals. Uwe Krupp took the wind out of them that year, and the Panthers haven't been the same since.

In fairness, Uwe Krupp isn't the reason they haven't been the same.

They rode a hot goaltender and a strong defense to the Eastern Conference championship that year. They had no offense to speak of (didn't all four games go to OT that year?), and when they hit Colorado, they hit a team that had not only a solid defense + a hot goaltender, but an actual offense to boot.

They weren't able to recapture that lightning in a bottle in subsequent seasons, and Vanbiesbrouck eventually said "Fuck you guys, I want outta here." when he felt that his stats were suffering because the defensemen weren't playing hard enough in front of the net...or so he claimed, at least.

Kinda like Roy with the 8-0 loss to Detroit that ended his stay in Montreal, except without the whole "Coach WANTED me to fail" accusations.

[sterlingice]

Osgood isn't as bad as many people think (he certainly isn't self-immolation bad).
I would have thought after years of watching him choke away games you would know better (yes, yes, he has a Cup, but wouldn't you have won more without him). I enjoyed watching him land in St Louis after so many years of seeing him play for Detroit. It's like watching a cancer pass from the clubhouse of one rival to another, like watching GMs play hot potato with Albert Belle. Equally entertaining was watching the Blues replace one playoff choking sieve (Turek) with another.

SI

[Chief Rum]

The first line was the best last year and who didn't think sticking Sakic between Selanne and Kariya wouldn't produce one of the best lines ever? Kariya and Selanne were amazing together for years in Anaheim without any really quality centerman (I like Rucchin, I think he's good, but he was always hurt back then).

It's true, he was constantly playing through injuries, but it was nothing like later on. Rucchin was the kind of gritty player who would pick up little bangs here and there and miss a few games each season, but he didn't really start to pick up the injury-prone reputation until 2000 when he played in 16 games, and 2001, when he was in 38. The 2000-01 season (the one in which he played 16 games) was the last season with the Kariya-Selanne pairing, and that was even broken up midway through that season when Selanne was shipped to San Jose.

In the seasons before that where Rucchin was centering Kariya and Selanne, he appeared in 79, 72, 69 and 71 games-- a total of 291 games. He put up 78 goals and 239 points. Sure, he wasn't always healthy, but I don't think he was honestly hurt enough in that time period at any time to say that health issues dropped him from being a quality centreman.

Now, if you mean a quality centreman as in a superstud like Sakic or Yzerman or Federov, well, yeah, okay, but Rooch wouldn't have been up to those guys' levels even if he never missed a single game to injury. If that's what you mean, I concede that as true.

If not, though, I would regard Rucchin as a fairly high quality center in comparison to most centers in the NHL, not first or second tier (i.e. Top 10 at the position), but certainly worthy of being in the Top 20 centers or so in the league, especially back when he was centering those two guys (and he did all the dirty work they wouldn't or couldn't do).

Incidentally, Rooch, who was our captain this season, has appeared in 82 games each of the past two seasons. Go figure, eh?

I'm sure you understand who I am rooting for in the Dallas-Colorado series. Nothing could bring me more satisfaction than to see the Avs get bounced in the first round, and I think the Stars can do it. I was pretty happy to see both Selanne and Kariya play as poorly/as little as they did this season. It's called karma. ;)

CR

[Honolulu_Blue]

I would have thought after years of watching him choke away games you would know better (yes, yes, he has a Cup, but wouldn't you have won more without him). I enjoyed watching him land in St Louis after so many years of seeing him play for Detroit. It's like watching a cancer pass from the clubhouse of one rival to another, like watching GMs play hot potato with Albert Belle. Equally entertaining was watching the Blues replace one playoff choking sieve (Turek) with another.

SI

I never really thought Osgood was the reason the Wings lost in 2000 and 2001. I actually thought he was one of the better players in both years. 1999 wasn't his fault either, because he was injured and only played after Ranford totally imploded. The problem with Osgood is that he's prone to let up a soft goal from time to time and to give up the untimely goal. I think he's a decent goalie. THen again it's true that I never felt 100% comfortable going into a playoff series with him in net.

[sterlingice]

I never really thought Osgood was the reason the Wings lost in 2000 and 2001. I actually thought he was one of the better players in both years. 1999 wasn't his fault either, because he was injured and only played after Ranford totally imploded. The problem with Osgood is that he's prone to let up a soft goal from time to time and to give up the untimely goal. I think he's a decent goalie. THen again it's true that I never felt 100% comfortable going into a playoff series with him in net.
Obviously not everyone can have Roy or Brodeur between the pipes. But with the money you guys threw around, there was no excuse to have a goalie who was average at best. If you're going to build for the cup, you've gotta have a top 10-type goalie, one of those guys who is solid and can take over games (as opposed to the aforementioned two, who you just know will take over games).

SI

[Pumpy Tudors]

Since sterlingice mentioned Roman Turek, anyone want to take a guess as to how many playoff games he appears in this season?

[KevinNU7]

Eastern Conference:
#1 Tampa Bay vs. #8 N.Y. Islanders
#2 Boston vs. #7 Montreal
#3 Philadelphia vs. #6 New Jersey
#4 Toronto vs. #5 Ottawa
With the exception of Tampa Bay/NYI it's rivalry week in the Eastern Conference

[RPI-Fan]

#1 Tampa Bay vs. #8 N.Y. Islanders
Tampa Bay in 5.

I am not sold on Tampa. I like them, I always have. I am not sure why exactly. Probably becaue Petr Klima played a few seasons for them and as my first real favorite hockey player, I have a soft spot for him and the teams he played for (I was up until 2 am the night Klima scored the 3OT game winner against Boston in the 1990 Cup Finals. The only reason he scored was because he had played a total of 5 minutes, because he wasn't playing all that well or hard, but it was good to see). Even though I am not sold on Tampa, they have a solid blue line, plenty of talent upfront, and the Buhlin wall between the pipes. I don't even know who is starting in net for the Islanders. 'Nuff said.


DiPietro is our goalie - if he's on his game, he's as good as Turco or Brodeur. The problem is, he's inconsistent. For 3 or 4 games at a time, he looks like the aforementioned guys. Then for 2 or 3, he makes fucking Garth Snow look like a god.

But anyways, the Islanders have a HUGE advantage at the blue line, no questions asked. It's not even close there. Likewise, Tampa has a huge advantage up front. Again, no questions asked.

If Khabi and DiPi are both on top of their games, Rico is the better goaltender. However, Khabi is more likely to play well.

I'll go with Tampa in 4 guessing that Ricky will blow.

[bbor]

DiPietro is our goalie - if he's on his game, he's as good as Turco or Brodeur.

Here lies the rub...Dipietro may be as good as Broduer when he is on his game...BUT...Brodeur is on his game more than 95%of the games he plays in...where Dipietro may only be on his game 50% of the time.

Comparing Dipietro to one of the all time greats at this stage of his career is a bit premature.IMHO.

[primelord]

I'll go with the Blues on this one, I have no idea why.
I think it is because you secretly have blue blood pumping through those veins! :) You feel that strong call of good trying to draw ou away from the evil red meneace. I have faith you can till be saved HB. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[RPI-Fan]

DiPietro is our goalie - if he's on his game, he's as good as Turco or Brodeur.

Here lies the rub...Dipietro may be as good as Broduer when he is on his game...BUT...Brodeur is on his game more than 95%of the games he plays in...where Dipietro may only be on his game 50% of the time.

Comparing Dipietro to one of the all time greats at this stage of his career is a bit premature.IMHO.

Could I have not made it more clear that DiPietro is extremely inconsistent?!?!

Did you even read everything I wrote?

[primelord]

I never really thought Osgood was the reason the Wings lost in 2000 and 2001. I actually thought he was one of the better players in both years. 1999 wasn't his fault either, because he was injured and only played after Ranford totally imploded. The problem with Osgood is that he's prone to let up a soft goal from time to time and to give up the untimely goal. I think he's a decent goalie. THen again it's true that I never felt 100% comfortable going into a playoff series with him in net.
My stance on Osgood has never changed since that black day last year when we traded for him. He is a solid goal tender who during the regular season won't hurt you. However he is not the type of goalie who can steal a game for you. And in the playoffs you generally need to steal one game per series. He just flat out can't do that for you. So unless you are heading into the playoffs with some of those stacked Dead Wings teams he played on he is not going to be the answer for you.

That is why I was so frustrated with the Blues when they traded for him. It is clear that while the Blues have lacked scoring punch the last few seasons their primary problem has been between the pipes. Everyone has known this for the last few years and the only moves they have made to sure up the goal tending is to trade for Osgood and Brathwaite. Are you kidding me? That is your answer????

[Karim]

Since sterlingice mentioned Roman Turek, anyone want to take a guess as to how many playoff games he appears in this season?
0

[Karim]

I think Iginla will be on fire, Kiprusoff will keep the puck out of the net and Calgary will win it's first series since Karim was knee-high to a grasshopper.
That works for me!

I'm glad I was "hockey conscious" during the late eighties and during our run in 1989. The new generation can't believe we were once good.

When the Flames won in 1989, Lanny McDonald was the highest paid player at $300,000 CDN.

[sachmo71]

Nieuwendyk was just a pup, too.

[Hurst2112]

That works for me!

I'm glad I was "hockey conscious" during the late eighties and during our run in 1989. The new generation can't believe we were once good.

When the Flames won in 1989, Lanny McDonald was the highest paid player at $300,000 CDN.

Lanny's Stats
GP G A Pts PIM

NHL Totals 1111 500 506 1006 899

300,000. Shit, now look what they are paying guys like Lindros. Damn shame.

[sterlingice]

The order of selection for the first 14 drafting positions in the first round, only, of the 2004 Entry Draft is as follows:

1. Washington Capitals
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. Phoenix Coyotes
6. NY Rangers
7. Florida Panthers
8. Carolina Hurricanes
9. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
10. Atlanta Thrashers
11. Los Angeles Kings
12. Minnesota Wild
13. Buffalo Sabres
14. Edmonton Oilers


FIX! FIX! Draft lottery is a fix. Wait, this isn't the NBA. Anyways, Hawks slip a spot to 3 as Washington leapfrogged them and the Pens for the #1 spot in next year's draft.


SI

[bbor]

Could I have not made it more clear that DiPietro is extremely inconsistent?!?!

Did you even read everything I wrote?

I sure did....i just misread it.

[RPI-Fan]

If Buffalo would have just traded us Satan, they'd have a couple good prospects and a top 10 pick.

*sigh*

[sachmo71]

Buffalo need Satan.


LET'S START THE GAMES!!!! :mad:

[chrisj]

Just one more request looking to see if anyone is interested in joining my NHL playoff pool at: http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58770

[sachmo71]

But then I'd have to register over there...

How about starting one here, too? :)

[chrisj]

But then I'd have to register over there...

How about starting one here, too? :)

Hmm... I guess I had always assumed most people had accounts on both. For anyone that doesn't and wants to take part, I'll take picks over here too. :)

The rules:

Pick the winning teams, and amount of games in the series (ie: Tampa Bay in 6)

0 points for the Incorrect team
(ie: New York wins, 0 points)

5 points for the Correct team
(ie: T Bay wins +5)

-1 for every game off of the amount played
(ie: Tampa in 4, so -2)

According to this the most amount of points you can get in one series is 5, however the least amount is -3.

First Round matchups:

Detriot vs Nashville
San Jose vs St. Louis
Vancouver vs Calgary
Colorado vs Dallas

Tampa Bay vs New York Islanders
Boston vs Montreal
Philadelphia vs New Jersey
Toronto vs Ottawa

[Butter]

So, which goalie gets hot and carries his unlikely team to the Stanley Cup Finals this year?

[rkmsuf]

I like saying Nikolai Khabibulin...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hmm... I guess I had always assumed most people had accounts on both. For anyone that doesn't and wants to take part, I'll take picks over here too. :)

The rules:

Pick the winning teams, and amount of games in the series (ie: Tampa Bay in 6)

0 points for the Incorrect team
(ie: New York wins, 0 points)

5 points for the Correct team
(ie: T Bay wins +5)

-1 for every game off of the amount played
(ie: Tampa in 4, so -2)

According to this the most amount of points you can get in one series is 5, however the least amount is -3.

First Round matchups:

Detriot vs Nashville
San Jose vs St. Louis
Vancouver vs Calgary
Colorado vs Dallas

Tampa Bay vs New York Islanders
Boston vs Montreal
Philadelphia vs New Jersey
Toronto vs Ottawa

I refer you to my earlier post for my picks.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Man. Here it is. The first day of the playoffs. The day I would normally rush home to watch the CBC intro that would always have that one song (not the Hockey Night in Canada music, but a song, with words that would be shown as a montage of the play-off teams), I have no idea what the name of it was, but it was a classic in a cheesy 80's rock anthem sort of way. Then I would settle in for hours and hours of glorious hockey, hoping for as many overtimes as possible in any non-Red Wing game.

Now. All I have to look forward to is listening to the game on the internet via tape delay at work and hoping I'm not too busy.

Sometimes Europe just aint what it's cracked up to be...

[klayman]

Man. Here it is. The first day of the playoffs. The day I would normally rush home to watch the CBC intro that would always have that one song (not the Hockey Night in Canada music, but a song, with words that would be shown as a montage of the play-off teams), I have no idea what the name of it was, but it was a classic in a cheesy 80's rock anthem sort of way. Then I would settle in for hours and hours of glorious hockey, hoping for as many overtimes as possible in any non-Red Wing game.

Now. All I have to look forward to is listening to the game on the internet via tape delay at work and hoping I'm not too busy.

Sometimes Europe just aint what it's cracked up to be...
Maybe if you stopped cheering for the Wings they would let you back into the country :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Maybe if you stopped cheering for the Wings they would let you back into the country :)

I am their most beloved son! I'm on a missionary. I'm a missionary. Spreading the Good Word. Preaching the teachings of Yzerman and Howe!

[sachmo71]

The rules:

Pick the winning teams, and amount of games in the series (ie: Tampa Bay in 6)

0 points for the Incorrect team
(ie: New York wins, 0 points)

5 points for the Correct team
(ie: T Bay wins +5)

-1 for every game off of the amount played
(ie: Tampa in 4, so -2)

According to this the most amount of points you can get in one series is 5, however the least amount is -3.

First Round matchups:

Detriot vs Nashville
San Jose vs St. Louis
Vancouver vs Calgary
Colorado vs Dallas

Tampa Bay vs New York Islanders
Boston vs Montreal
Philadelphia vs New Jersey
Toronto vs Ottawa

Detroit in 5
St. Louis in 7
Calgary in 6
Colorado in 5
Tampa Bay in 7
Boston in 6
New Jersey in 6
Ottawa in 7

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think it is because you secretly have blue blood pumping through those veins! :) You feel that strong call of good trying to draw ou away from the evil red meneace. I have faith you can till be saved HB. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Actually, I just want the Blues to advance to the second round and play the Wings. I so love those series. Good times... Good times... :D

[primelord]

Actually, I just want the Blues to advance to the second round and play the Wings. I so love those series. Good times... Good times... :D
That's funny. I have a different memory of those series. :)

[bbor]

Maybe if you stopped cheering for the Wings they would let you back into the country :)


LMAO:D

[Hurst2112]

Well after 1 vodka/redbull and 1 goal...more of my hair is falling out.

The very early goal wasn't a real issue for me. The penalty shot was justified...good call.

My beef is that the wings are playing like they were in 99 and last year, real stupid. They are getting shots, yes; but the guys are making really stupid plays.

Hats off to Nashville for bringing it. This might be a better series than most have thought.

[Karim]

Does anyone know if CBC is going to carry any of the games in HD?

[Draft Dodger]

maybe the best Bruin's performance you'll ever see. perfect game from them tonight.

and, oh my what a pretty goal by Robert Lang.

go Avs

[Hurst2112]

Great comeback by the Wings. I like how they showed the stat that Detroit was 5-15-5 when trailing in the 3rd. Right on.

Langs goal, and his assist opened my eyes up to how strong this player is.

Lagace stood up to the challenge. Talk about a situation to get you out of your game. Early goal, penalty shot, 8 million dollar goalie sitting on the bench ready to play, sluggish performance in front of your net by your team mates. He really bit the bullet and came through.

Part of me wanted to scream at his Belfour-like treks out of the goal. I haven't seen him come out that much in a long time. There were a couple of times where he could have gotten burnt real bad.

Again, great play by Nashville. I didn't realize how fast they were.

Rock the hell on!

[Draft Dodger]

just saw Legace interviewed on ESPN News. He may be the most down to earth goaltender I have ever seen.

[Hurst2112]

maybe the best Bruin's performance you'll ever see. perfect game from them tonight.

and, oh my what a pretty goal by Robert Lang.

go Avs

Raycroft looked really, really good from the highlights that I saw. Thorne and Clement made a reference to rookie of the year...I would not disagree.

Speaking of goalies (and avoiding any DOLAs) I certainly hope that we don't see a soap opera between Joseph and Lagace. If coming out strong in your first ever playoff start means anything, then there shouldn't be any question that Cujo will be a backup...no matter what. I don't want a Ranford/Snow situation for the Wings, even if they fall behind a game or 2.

Sorry, call it a thread jack infraction.

[klayman]

Cloutier has started his playoff meltdown early.

[sachmo71]

As did Turco...although he did give up the second to a deflection. Alot will be made about the way the Stars "came back" in tonights game, but they had no heart in the 1st and were absolutely putrid. I'm tempted to revise my estimate from Avs in 5 to Avs in 4, but maybe Marty will steal a game. I'm not counting on it.

good news is that the Avs look like they canl be beaten by anyone in the second round.

[Draft Dodger]

As did Turco...although he did give up the second to a deflection. Alot will be made about the way the Stars "came back" in tonights game, but they had no heart in the 1st and were absolutely putrid. I'm tempted to revise my estimate from Avs in 5 to Avs in 4, but maybe Marty will steal a game. I'm not counting on it.

good news is that the Avs look like they canl be beaten by anyone in the second round.

well, I'm not fooled by the Stars - the can't be THAT dreadful. Rob DiMaio was the best Dallas skater tonight, which is a scary thought.

it wasn't Turco's fault - he really played better than Abby, but the Stars D was terrible while the Avs D was pretty solid.

The Avs played as usual - get an early lead and then coast, which is why they ended up with so many ties in the regular season.

[bbor]

I heart play off hockey:D

[Honolulu_Blue]

Well, I managed to get into work today and listen to the tape delay. Gotta love Europeans and their respect for the holidays. It's two days before Easter Sunday and the place is virtually empty. We also have Monday off, so it's a good start to things.

Can't say the same about the Wings. Not a good start at all. 16 seconds in? Man, that was bad. The penalty shot nearly killed me. But, I have to give it to Legace, the kid really stood in there. Nashville was the better team in the first, had plenty of chances to put the Wings down 2-0, but Legace held his ground and made some great saves. The Wings finally started turning things around in the 2nd, but Vokoun was up to the task. He finally caved in the 3rd and the Wings pulled it out. The Wings got stronger as the game went on. I think they will be able to wear down Nashville. The Wings really can and do roll four consistently good lines at a team. Now with a defense that can actually hit some people and wear down forwards (see: Schneider, Hatcher, Fischer, Chelios (sorta)) this should become an even bigger advantage.

As for the rest of my picks, man was I off.... It's still early yet and there's a lot of hockey left to be played.

[sachmo71]

Pictures really are worth a thousand words...

http://www.dallasstars.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/NKPGCIDJMLBI/mohome0407.jpg


Hang your heads, boys. That was pathetic.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Pictures really are worth a thousand words...

http://www.dallasstars.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/NKPGCIDJMLBI/mohome0407.jpg


Hang your heads, boys. That was pathetic.

Or in this case seven! :)

Poor Stars. Don't worry, Sach. I think they will rally. This could be one of those, every team wins at home series. Given that Colorado has home ice advantage that doesn't sound too promising, but anything can happen in a Game 7!

[bbor]

Why was Steve Sullivan trying to dump and chase on a penalty shot?


Best game i watched last night was Calgary/Vancouver.....lot's of goals...wide open hockey.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Why was Steve Sullivan trying to dump and chace on a penalty shot?


One too many years in Chicago?

[bbor]

I should prolly learn how to spell...i meant dump and chase.No wonder iam a hockey player/coach instead of a scholar:)

It was'nt mentioned here yet...but yesterday in Ottawa a sports radio DJ called Tie Domi a wife beater.It made a lot of news here and Domiis considering suing even though the DJ came back on air a publicly appologized.

I think Ottawa is taking this series a little too serious.

What happens to Martin if he fails to beat the Leafs again?He just signed a huge contract at the beggining of the season.This team is built to beat the Leafs...what happens if they don't?

I see the Sens winning this one in 6 if their keepers hold up.

[sterlingice]

One too many years in Chicago?
Oh yeah, well, um... you guys gave up a goal less than a minute into your game last night... I don't think I'm going to have a leg to stand on here...

SI

[Johnny93g]

GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO :D

[bbor]

GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO
GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO GO LEAFS GO :D


Well....uhh...that did'nt help:(

[Johnny93g]

Well....uhh...that did'nt help:(

:mad:

[bbor]

:mad:


I agree.

Leafs lost their cool and threw away a winnable game.

[Vince]

Man, good game from the Sharks...I wish I could have seen more of it, but in the OT that I did see, it looked like the Blues wanted it more. Nabokov made some amazing saves, and we managed to put one in...woo...1-0 Sharks :)

[Hurst2112]

That was a good game (SJ-StL). I got to see most of it and turned it back on about 30 seconds before the game winner. I must say that the blues lost a step on defense on the scoring play.

Osgood looked pretty damn good. Tough goal to give up but I am sure he will bounce back.

As you can tell, the Sharks scare me a little so I am rootin' for the Blues.

[Tekneek]

I agree.

Leafs lost their cool and threw away a winnable game.

I thought I was going to find some whining from Leafs' fans here. Maybe it is just too early right now. :)

After McCabe slashed Hossa on his stick and broke it in half (resulting in a slashing minor, imagine that), Millen on CBC said that they should switch the sticks back to wood so they won't break on "little slashes" like that. In other words, he said it would be better to have wood sticks so that you could slash harder without them breaking away. I wonder if he was really thinking it through before he said it. It seems to be in the better interests of the players to have sticks that will break rather than transfer all of that energy into their hands/arms/legs.

[Karim]

Millen is an idiot.

[Honolulu_Blue]

*breathe*

*breathe*

Wow. Fluke goal, but we'll take it. Red Wings have not dominated this series at all. Nashville has played well enough to win both of these games.

[Vince]

Sharks look pretty good...I wish that I could watch these games :mad:

[kingfc22]

SJ played a solid game today and STL never adjusted to the tight officiating. STL just looks slow to me too.

[Johnny93g]

EDDIE :D

[Maple Leafs]

Eddie's the man tonight. Roberts too.

What did you guys think of the Varada hit on Sundin? I thought it was questionable, but not that big a deal. I'm a little surprised at how much talk it's getting after the game.

[Johnny93g]

As much as I think Ottawa is the dirtiest team in the NHL, I dont think there was any intent on Varada's part to hurt Sundin.....Varada was coming hard....Sundin was circling pretty fast...and sometimes, thats what happens....very happy Mats wasn't hurt....

AND GARY ROBERTS IS THE BEST POWER FORWARD IN THE NHL TODAY..... :D

[RPI-Fan]

AND GARY ROBERTS WAS THE BEST POWER FORWARD IN THE NHL 10 YEARS AGO AND IS MEDIOCRE TODAY..... :D

I completely agree.

:D

On a much more important note, Go Isles and Go Ricky!!!

[Johnny93g]

There is nothing mediocre about Gary Roberts....the only way anyone would say that is if they havent seen him play in 10 years....

[Maple Leafs]

I am an Islanders fan and can be completely disregarded.

On a much more important note, Go Isles and Go Ricky, please become a great goalie so Milbury can trade you at the draft for a prospect.Fritz war!

[bbor]

Eddie is god :D

[bbor]

Varadas' hit did'nt look that bad....the cross check to the face of Marchment by Alfredsson looked worse.For someone who spoke out so much about the stick work in the NHL(and by the Leafs in particular)he yeilds that bad boy like a sword sometimes.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The Devils are finished. :(

[EagleFan]

The Devils are finished. :(


We can only hope. :D

[klayman]

Varadas' hit did'nt look that bad....the cross check to the face of Marchment by Alfredsson looked worse.For someone who spoke out so much about the stick work in the NHL(and by the Leafs in particular)he yeilds that bad boy like a sword sometimes.
Yeah, but it was Marchment, so nobody cares ;)

[Maple Leafs]

Anyone who's even mildy surprised about the Sens sticking people in the face hasn't been paying attention. Chara's crosscheck/crosscheck/slash/crosscheck was par for the course as well. Nice to see the refs finally nail the Sens on a few diving calls, though.

Klayman, agreed, Bryan Marchement has long since abandoned any right to complain about cheap shots. He's a Leaf and I'll begrudgingly root for him, but he's the dirtiest player in NHL history.

[klayman]

Klayman, agreed, Bryan Marchement has long since abandoned any right to complain about cheap shots. He's a Leaf and I'll begrudgingly root for him, but he's the dirtiest player in NHL history.
How true. Well except for the Leaf part and you rooting for him. I don't really understand that cheering for the Maple Leafs thing you got going on, not that there is anything wrong with it mind you... :)

And dammit, where's our Shady Players?!? I tried playing a round by myself but it was just way too easy. I don't know how bbor finds it so challenging. :D

[RPI-Fan]

Anyone who's even mildy surprised about the Sens sticking people in the face hasn't been paying attention. Chara's crosscheck/crosscheck/slash/crosscheck was par for the course as well. Nice to see the refs finally nail the Sens on a few diving calls, though.
Not to mention Havlat kicking rather violently at Cairns earlier in the year and getting 1) no penalty and 2) the equivalent of no recess for one day.


There is nothing mediocre about Gary Roberts....the only way anyone would say that is if they havent seen him play in 10 years....

Trust me, I saw him two seasons ago in the playoffs. And I don't want to see him again. Note the ":D" in my post.

;)

[Karim]

I'm curious to see what the reception will be like at the 'Dome tonight. Management caved into public pressure and opened the "upper" upper nosebleeds so it will be close to 20,000 tonight. It will be nice to see the C of Red back.

The players will have a hard time containing their emotions and I think Vancouver could pounce on them early. They've owned the Flames this year at the 'Dome.

It was funny hearing Matt Cooke saying Calgary fans won't be able to match Vancouver fans. Yeah, I guess we won't be beating them up outside the 'Dome like they did at GM Place.

[Tekneek]

As much as I think Ottawa is the dirtiest team in the NHL...

This surprises me. Prior to reading this, I've only heard Pat Quinn call them a "dirty team." They can't be any dirtier than the Leafs, Devils, Avalanche, and Stars.

[Tekneek]

Varadas' hit did'nt look that bad....the cross check to the face of Marchment by Alfredsson looked worse.For someone who spoke out so much about the stick work in the NHL(and by the Leafs in particular)he yeilds that bad boy like a sword sometimes.

I am mildly surprised that anyone would take exception to anything that is done to Marchment. With his suspensions, and bad record anyway, there is little doubt that Marchment is indeed the dirtiest active player in the NHL. If something is done to him, it is a good bet that he did something to deserve it.

[Tekneek]

It was funny hearing Matt Cooke saying Calgary fans won't be able to match Vancouver fans. Yeah, I guess we won't be beating them up outside the 'Dome like they did at GM Place.

Matt Cooke is out of his mind. I'm not sure why he wants to pump up the Flames and their fans when the series is actually tied...but then again, he has not seemed like the smartest of hockey players this year.

[Tekneek]

Not to mention Havlat kicking rather violently at Cairns earlier in the year and getting 1) no penalty and 2) the equivalent of no recess for one day.

"no recess for one day" =

TORONTO -- Ottawa Senators wing Martin Havlat was suspended for two games by the NHL on Friday for kicking New York Islanders defenseman Eric Cairns.

The suspension will cost him $16,667 in salary, and he will miss games against Washington on Saturday and Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

?????

[Tekneek]

Anyone who's even mildy surprised about the Sens sticking people in the face hasn't been paying attention. Chara's crosscheck/crosscheck/slash/crosscheck was par for the course as well. Nice to see the refs finally nail the Sens on a few diving calls, though.

Chara doesn't do anything that is not done by other players in the league during every game...especially the playoffs. In other games, they call this "being a dominant defenseman." I guess it all depends on what colors the guy is wearing, or what country he is from. Somebody playing like Chara but being from Alberta gets praise. There is no defenseman out there in the NHL that breaks more rules than Chris Pronger, but the praise almost never stops for that guy.

[Maple Leafs]

Chara doesn't do anything that is not done by other players in the league during every game...especially the playoffs. In other games, they call this "being a dominant defenseman." Doing it in front of your own net to clear the crease is being a dominant defenceman. Doing it in the neutral zone, off a faceoff, away from the puck when you're already short-handed is just an inexcusable brain cramp. I don't care where you're from, taking a penalty like that is just a brutal, selfish play.

Chara uses his stick behind the play as much as any defenceman you'll see, is too slow to use his size in the open ice, and he's also a noted diver (which works against him, since it kills his ability to intimidate when he's flopping on the ice every shift).

All that said, he's a top ten defenceman who's solid in his own end and better offensively than he gets credit for. I'd take him on my team in a second. I'm just trying to paint a realistic picture of what you get with this guy.

[Vince]

Go Predators :)

Their goalie is making some ridiculous saves, and they just put one in on a nice 3-on-2 to go up 3-1.

[RPI-Fan]

"no recess for one day" =

TORONTO -- Ottawa Senators wing Martin Havlat was suspended for two games by the NHL on Friday for kicking New York Islanders defenseman Eric Cairns.

The suspension will cost him $16,667 in salary, and he will miss games against Washington on Saturday and Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

?????Kicking is about the dirtiest thing you can do in hockey short of McSorley and Bertuzzi. Had Cairns, a known "tough guy", kicked Havlat violently, he would have gotten at least 5, probably closer to 10.

[Chubby]

Preds won, yay! I hate Detroit.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I hate Detroit.

PISS OFF!

[Maple Leafs]

I love Game Threes. There's just something about them. Maybe it's because the home team crowd is fired up after watching their team get booed for the first two games, but the fans are usually ballistic for Game Three. I'm watching the Flames game now, and the place is going nuts. Same with Nashville and Montreal, and wait until tomorrow night's game in Ottawa.

Speaking of Nashville, is there any finer hockey playoff tradition than "The City That Doesn't Really 'Get' Hockey and Never Really Supported it's Team Very Well, Then Suddenly Gets Hockey Fever for One Playoff Run, Causing the Announcers to Pretend Hockey is Really Succeeding in That Market (With the Eventual Playoff Defeat Inevitably Followed By Another Season of Zero Fan Support)"?

The Panthers in 1996, the Ducks last year. It will never be done better than Carolina in 2002, but the Preds are trying. God bless them.

[RPI-Fan]

Maple Leafs: Nice comments. The only team that won't happen to is Columbus whenever they get there.

But yea', it was a great atmosphere in Nashville - here's hoping they bust the trend and continue their success and fan support.

[bbor]

I am mildly surprised that anyone would take exception to anything that is done to Marchment. With his suspensions, and bad record anyway, there is little doubt that Marchment is indeed the dirtiest active player in the NHL. If something is done to him, it is a good bet that he did something to deserve it.

I agree...Marchy is a dirty player...BUT...i think for the most part he is quite open about his dirtiness......It's guys like Alfie that complain about all the dirty shit then turn around and whack someones teeth out with their twig that pisses me off.

[bbor]

And dammit, where's our Shady Players?!? I tried playing a round by myself but it was just way too easy. I don't know how bbor finds it so challenging. :D

LOL....I bought NHL players from A to Z...anyone that's ever had a shift in the NHL....i'll throw up some shady's soon.

[Maple Leafs]

I'll try to do some Shady's tomorrow, although I can't guarantee I won't repeat most of the old ones.

[RPI-Fan]

What are "Shady Players"?

[Ksyrup]

I've been switching back and forth between Giants/Padres and the Canucks/Flames game. What happened to Cloutier? I saw him being helped off but didn't see the play he got hurt on. Looked fairly serious, as he couldn't put pressure on his right leg.

[Ksyrup]

Just saw it. He didn't get hit, but he folded his right leg under himself reacting to a potential shot. His knee might be in bad shape.

[RPI-Fan]

Smart move for Cloutier - isn't this a contract year? He's trying to keep his playoff stats respectable while he can.:D

[sachmo71]

Sharks look pretty good...I wish that I could watch these games :mad:

Stars don't, and I wish I couldn't. :(

[sachmo71]

Dola,

you could shoot Marchment in the gut and it wouldn't be dirty. He is exempt from dirty play claims. If Alfredsson hits him over the head with a stick, or chops his face off with a clever, I would not have a problem with it.

[bbor]

First player listed alphabetically in the league. A.A

Born in the Czech republic.....drafted by Toronto by Hedberg/Fletcher.Led the AHL in scoring in 93-94 with 53 goals.Had a cup of coffee with the Caps before going home to Europe. P.A

Started his career as a FA signing for Boston.Scored 27 goals in 88-89 with Detroit.Eventually moved to N.J as compensation for Detroit signing Troy Crowder.Retired in 97 to coach in the IHL. D.B

Debuted in 86 as a goalie for the Winnipeg Jets.Played in tandem with Pokey Reddick,nicknamed "The Bandit" D.B

Scored 53 goals in his last year in JR.Drafted by Pittsburgh,played 10 seasons there,but more as a checker rather than scorer.Played on Lemieux wing for a few seasons.Won a cup in Pitt in 91.Also had stops in Buffalo,S.J,Dallas,Detroit and the Rangers.He is now a colour analyst with the Penguins. B.E

Vancouver draft choice in 92.Shut out the New Jersey Devils in his first NHL start.1 of only 18 Keepers to register a SO in his NHL debut. M.F

Good luck...some tough ones there...i think.

[bbor]

Dola,

you could shoot Marchment in the gut and it wouldn't be dirty. He is exempt from dirty play claims. If Alfredsson hits him over the head with a stick, or chops his face off with a clever, I would not have a problem with it.

Tell us how you really feel :)

[Tekneek]

But yea', it was a great atmosphere in Nashville - here's hoping they bust the trend and continue their success and fan support.

Ok. I have been to three games in Nashville and the atmosphere is ALWAYS great there. The place might not be packed, but the fans are more vocal and involved than the games I've been to in Detroit, D.C., Carolina, or Atlanta.

[Tekneek]

It's guys like Alfie that complain about all the dirty shit then turn around and whack someones teeth out with their twig that pisses me off.

Tell me who else he has done it to. Doing it to Marchment does not count, for the very reason you agreed with.

[Tekneek]

First player listed alphabetically in the league. A.A


Must be Aaron Asham.


Born in the Czech republic.....drafted by Toronto by Hedberg/Fletcher.Led the AHL in scoring in 93-94 with 53 goals.Had a cup of coffee with the Caps before going home to Europe. P.A


Patrik Augusta?


Started his career as a FA signing for Boston.Scored 27 goals in 88-89 with Detroit.Eventually moved to N.J as compensation for Detroit signing Troy Crowder.Retired in 97 to coach in the IHL. D.B


This one was tricky for me... Dave Barr?


Debuted in 86 as a goalie for the Winnipeg Jets.Played in tandem with Pokey Reddick,nicknamed "The Bandit" D.B


This one is easy. I actually saw him play this season in the ECHL. Daniel Berthiaume...


Scored 53 goals in his last year in JR.Drafted by Pittsburgh,played 10 seasons there,but more as a checker rather than scorer.Played on Lemieux wing for a few seasons.Won a cup in Pitt in 91.Also had stops in Buffalo,S.J,Dallas,Detroit and the Rangers.He is now a colour analyst with the Penguins. B.E


Now a color analyst with the Penguins... B.E.... I can only think of one guy with those initials anyway... Bob Errey.


Vancouver draft choice in 92.Shut out the New Jersey Devils in his first NHL start.1 of only 18 Keepers to register a SO in his NHL debut. M.F


Ah. I remember this kid well. I thought he was going to make a career out of it... Mike Fountain. Seems like he spent some time with the Flames organization, but I'll let you check the reference for me...

[RPI-Fan]

Now a color analyst with the Penguins... B.E.... I can only think of one guy with those initials anyway... Bob Errey.
I don't think it's the answer, but just in case, Brian Engblom.

[bbor]

Must be Aaron Asham.



Patrik Augusta?



This one was tricky for me... Dave Barr?



This one is easy. I actually saw him play this season in the ECHL. Daniel Berthiaume...



Now a color analyst with the Penguins... B.E.... I can only think of one guy with those initials anyway... Bob Errey.



Ah. I remember this kid well. I thought he was going to make a career out of it... Mike Fountain. Seems like he spent some time with the Flames organization, but I'll let you check the reference for me...


Nice job....but the 1st answer is'nt correct:)

The rest are bang on.

[Johnny93g]

First player listed alphabetically in the league. A.A
Anti Aalto?

Very curious to see how the fans react tommorow in Ottawa....During the regular season finale, Allferdsson was booed just like he was playing in Toronto...I know the tickets have been onsale a while, and Ottawa fans bought most of them up before Leaf fans knew they would be playing in it, but Im sure the Leaf fans that do manage to get there will be very vocal, and will drown out all the Go Sens Go chants....

GO LEAFS GO

[bbor]

Anti Aalto?
GO LEAFS GO

Correct.

I am eager to see how the Leafs react once they are in Ottawa.

I have a feeling they will be better on the road where they don't need to put on a show for the fans.

[Tekneek]

I used to like Ohlund, but what was that? He boards Iginla, and then he doesn't throw a punch *UNTIL* the linesman has grabbed Iginla. Mighty brave there, Mattias, to let 'em loose when the other guy can't respond. You wanna board somebody, you need to drop the gloves, too.

[Fidatelo]

Cloutier's injury is the best thing that could've happened for Vancouver's playoff hopes. Lets hope he's seriously injured, Hedburg is ten times the goalie Cloutier is.

[Hurst2112]

Go Predators :)

Their goalie is making some ridiculous saves, and they just put one in on a nice 3-on-2 to go up 3-1.

um yeah, that's dithsgustin (ladies man style)

Damn...good game, good series. Wings got to get some more shots.

Darien Hatcher, my 7 year old nephew called. He wants to show you how to clear the zone the right way. The wall is your friend...use it.

I have stopped drinking for these games...too damn stressful.

[Karim]

Thankfully Iginla wasn't seriously hurt on that play.

We're really hurting now - Lydman apparently got concussed again by a cheapshot from Linden. I didn't see it but Sutter was alluding to it in the post game and people are talking about it. Simon, Warrener and Conroy all got banged up tonight and we sure are missing Yelle and McAmmond, neither of whom will be back.

The kids - Saprykin, Lombardi, Kobasew and Leopold - are really making the future look bright.

Hopefully we can push it to another home game.

[RPI-Fan]

Isn't Donavon one of your brighter prospects, too?

[Draft Dodger]

This surprises me. Prior to reading this, I've only heard Pat Quinn call them a "dirty team." They can't be any dirtier than the Leafs, Devils, Avalanche, and Stars.

I'll give you the Leafs, and I'll give you half credit for the Devils, just because Colin White plays for them. But the Avs and Stars as dirty teams? huh?

[Draft Dodger]

Cloutier's injury is the best thing that could've happened for Vancouver's playoff hopes. Lets hope he's seriously injured, Hedburg is ten times the goalie Cloutier is.

yep

[Tekneek]

Cloutier's injury is the best thing that could've happened for Vancouver's playoff hopes. Lets hope he's seriously injured, Hedburg is ten times the goalie Cloutier is.

Hedberg? I don't see it.

[Tekneek]

I'll give you the Leafs, and I'll give you half credit for the Devils, just because Colin White plays for them. But the Avs and Stars as dirty teams? huh?

Oh, come on. You haven't watched Forsberg punk people in the back of the head once per game? You haven't seen Morrow and his stickwork? Those two teams have redefined the art of going after guys away from the puck, and I only named two examples of guys who do it every game. Colin White is a real thug, but he isn't the only guy on the Devils who is looking to put the rulebook in the trash bin.

[Tekneek]

Isn't Donavon one of your brighter prospects, too?

Shean Donovan was a prospect...in the mid-90s.

He is 29 years old and has played in 618 NHL regular season games.

[Fidatelo]

Hedberg? I don't see it.

I say it for two reasons:
1) Cloutier is never going to get it done. Ever. He's just a second or third-tier goalie and that's how it is. Those goalies don't win Stanley Cups unless the team in front of them is spectacular (see Chris Osgood with Detroit).
2) Hedberg played for the Manitoba Moose and I have a bit of bias in me for him. But he handles the puck much better than Cloutier and has always been a steady goaltender, even on bad Pittsburgh teams. I'm not saying he is for sure the goalie to take them all the way, but he has a better chance than Cloutier ever will.

[Draft Dodger]

Oh, come on. You haven't watched Forsberg punk people in the back of the head once per game? You haven't seen Morrow and his stickwork? Those two teams have redefined the art of going after guys away from the puck, and I only named two examples of guys who do it every game. Colin White is a real thug, but he isn't the only guy on the Devils who is looking to put the rulebook in the trash bin.

EVERY team in the NHL has a guy like that - you can't call the whole team dirty for one or two players. Forsberg and Morrow fit that bill, but the rest of their team, in general, are not dirty.

now, if you are like the Leafs and Sens and have a whole team full of those types of players, you can call them dirty.

[Maple Leafs]

This surprises me. Prior to reading this, I've only heard Pat Quinn call them a "dirty team."Well, you can add Bobby Clarke and Ken Hitchcock to the list. Of course, Clarke is pretty much in a kettle/black situation whenever he calls someone else dirty, but then again who has more expertise in dirty play than him?

now, if you are like the Leafs and Sens and have a whole team full of those types of players, you can call them dirty.The Leafs certainly have a handful of "dirty" players, but they also have some of the classiest guys in the league. Guys like Neuiwendyk, Francis, Sundin, Leetch and Mogilny are all about as squeaky clean as you'll find, so it's not fair to point to the whole team. The roster is an interesting mix, that's for sure.

[Draft Dodger]

The Leafs certainly have a handful of "dirty" players, but they also have some of the classiest guys in the league. Guys like Neuiwendyk, Francis, Sundin, Leetch and Mogilny are all about as squeaky clean as you'll find, so it's not fair to point to the whole team. The roster is an interesting mix, that's for sure.

well, Francis and Leetch have only been with the team a couple of months, not nearly long enough to cancel out the Tuckers, Marchments, & Domis. Corson is gone, which helps (and man, did he look atrocious in Game 1). you're right - an interesting mix.

[Tekneek]

Ok, so the Stars only have Morrow, Guerin, and Corson that are dirty players. Bill Guerin gets away with most of his stuff. I will never forget the way he went after his own teammate in Dallas with a stick to the face during a practice. I'd even throw Steve Ott into the mix with some of the things he has done this season.

I still say Ottawa is no dirtier than most teams in the league. They certainly aren't the 'dirtiest team in the league.' If they are, then it is a tie with a few other teams at the very least.

Don't forget to mention McCabe. I'm so disappointed with how he has turned into a thug. I used to like that guy, but he breaks the rules at every turn. He also bitches and moans about every single call, no matter how obvious it is. He's a punk.

As far as the Flyers throwing that out about any team, it is ALWAYS sour grapes when anybody associated with them says negative things about any other team. According to them, nobody can beat them fairly. If the Flyers ever lose, it is because the other team was dirty, the coach sucks, the goalie sucks, or some combination of that. When you have players like Brashear, Fedoruk, Primeau, and Roenick on the roster, you really shouldn't throw stones at anybody else.

[Fidatelo]

I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but is anyone else completely pissed at the crap Ribeiro pulled last night? I can't believe the refs didn't give him a diving call after he got up and started laughing. What a jackass.

[Tekneek]

I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but is anyone else completely pissed at the crap Ribeiro pulled last night? I can't believe the refs didn't give him a diving call after he got up and started laughing. What a jackass.

Yeah, we thought he was hurt pretty badly. I have no respect for that at all. I used to like him.

[Maple Leafs]

Don't forget to mention McCabe. I'm so disappointed with how he has turned into a thug. I used to like that guy, but he breaks the rules at every turn. He also bitches and moans about every single call, no matter how obvious it is. He's a punk.McCabe is dirty in the "bends and breaks the rules" sense, but he's not a guy who goes out looking to hurt people. He's the master of can opener and he does still yap too much, but he's not a Marchement type and never has been.

And yes, count me among those who lost all respect for Ribeiro last night. What a pathetic display.

[Draft Dodger]

I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but is anyone else completely pissed at the crap Ribeiro pulled last night? I can't believe the refs didn't give him a diving call after he got up and started laughing. What a jackass.

we were driving at the time, so I haven't seen it, just heard it on the radio. the commentator was pretty vicious - really laying into him, even before it was obvious (I guess) that he wasn't hurt.

[rkmsuf]

really impressed with the Canadian crowd booing the US National Anthem...

[Fidatelo]

really impressed with the Canadian crowd booing the US National Anthem...

Don't mistake Montrealers for Canadians :D

[Karim]

Yeah, I don't know what is up with Montreal. It's hardly condoned in any other Canadian NHL rink.

[Johnny93g]

really impressed with the Canadian crowd booing the US National Anthem...

Ive heard both anthems booed in both countries, and both anthems cheered in both countries....I think most fans are directing the boos towards their teams opponents, so I dont pay too much attention to it

[Hurst2112]

le boooooo.

[DiG]

Yeah, I don't know what is up with Montreal. It's hardly condoned in any other Canadian NHL rink.

I tried a couple of times to explain logically and clearly how some people are here in Quebec, but then I can't understand how dumb these people are. They're the same people that booed Patrice Brisebois night after night during, what?, 4 or 5 years, even when he was our best blueliner, and they're probably the same people that'll vote "yes" at the next referendum because some dudes said that "Les Anglais" were nasty to the french 200 years ago. And they're the same pople that think that their freedom of speech outweighs everything else...even if an arena, before a hockey game, is never the right place to make a political statement, especially one as poor as booing a national anthem.

Anyway here's a sample of what people that booed the anthem are saying on talkbacks today :
Message to Karen Guregian, I'm proud of being a Montrealers and a Canadiens fans. I think you miss the point when your talking about us being "the most ignorant and classless". We have nothing against Bruins or American citizens but all against your governement. The only way we could demonstrate our opinion on "the war policies" of mr. Bush is by booing the anthem. I thought you were able to see a litle ahead. So keep on voting for mister Bushes and keep on receiving booo on the national anthems. We don't like war, we don't want a third world wide war because of USA in Irak, Israel, etc... Fair enough?"

[RPI-Fan]

When Brisebois was gracoiusly granted a week of "personal time" by Canadiens management, didn't he hop on a plane for Paris to live it up for like a month?

[DiG]

When Brisebois was gracoiusly granted a week of "personal time" by Canadiens management, didn't he hop on a plane for Paris to live it up for like a month?

I don't know about "living it up", but he got a week to get away from the nightmare Montreal was turning into for him, and stayed a week. IMO, that was the thing to do for him, but it didn't need a genius to know that things would be 10X worst than before if word got out about his trip.

[Johnny93g]

EDDIE EDDIE

What a goal by Mats Sundin....What effort.....That goal is the difference between Mats, and Alfredsson......Alfredsson isnt capable of that.....

Belfour has gotten into the Sens heads
:D

[bbor]

really impressed with the Canadian crowd booing the US National Anthem...


Even funnier is a few years ago when the franchise was in trouble an American saved their @ss....George Gillette owns the Habs now.

How does he feel?

[sachmo71]

Stars FINALLY play like men, and happen to win, also.

[pennywisesb]

Those Sharks, so hot right now, Sharks (in the same voice as Will Ferrell in Zoolander)

[Draft Dodger]

Stars FINALLY play like men, and happen to win, also.

they did play well. the Avs still should have won the game.

you can't play an entire period just sitting back like that; you are going to get burned. After the Avs went up 3-1, I mentioned to my wife how happy I was that they were still playing aggressive and not sitting back, and things were looking GREAT. Then, after Young made it a one-goal game, the Avs played the entire 3rd period with 4 guys back. I knew it would just be a matter of time before Dallas tied it up.

the Avs have done that ALL season long and it's a major reason they had so many ties; they'd get an early lead and instead of keeping the pressure on, they'd sit back and wait, and it often cost them.

fuck that pisses me off.

[sachmo71]

Well, I still think it's the Avs series, but I'm just happy to see the Stars try. The lack of effort up until game 3 made me sick to my stomach.

[Draft Dodger]

I agree on all counts.

[Maple Leafs]

Paging Peter Bondra... apparently, Mr. Bondra, you were traded to Ottawa six weeks ago. They were wondering if you might like to drop by any time now.

[sachmo71]

Paging Peter Bondra... apparently, Mr. Bondra, you were traded to Ottawa six weeks ago. They were wondering if you might like to drop by any time now.

And if you see Bill Guerin, tell him that the people of Dallas wouldn't mind him showing up for a certain series, either.

[bbor]

Ping Redwings....

The play-offs have started.

[sabotai]

What an ending to the Bruins-Canadians game.

[Ksyrup]

What in the hell was Kovalev doing?!

[sabotai]

I don't know, but it was pretty funny. :)

[Travis]

Apparently the ref's aren't too worried about Canadien players acting as if they're hurt anymore, wonder why that could be...

In all honesty though, what a way to lose, on a play that should have been an *obvious* penalty for slashing, 2 Canadiens rumbling, bumbling then stumbling, all after giving up the lead with 30 seconds to go.

Fork in them yet? I just can't see them coming back after tonight.

[Maple Leafs]

Gee, Kovalev really seemed I hurt. I wonder why they didn't whistle that play down...

Yep... I wonder...

[DiG]

Gee, Kovalev really seemed I hurt. I wonder why they didn't whistle that play down...

Yep... I wonder...

Still doesn't make it right though...

[Fidatelo]

Kovalev got what he deserved. He's spent his whole career embalishing infractions and trying to get calls. In the playoffs, in overtime, they could chop a guys arm off and if he's the last guy back with the puck he should still try to make a play on it. Kovalev made the grand "oww, my hand!" gesture, stupidly knocked his own teammate, and payed for it. Add in the Ribeiro incident the game before and this is called Karma. Goodbye Canadiens, see ya in 2006.

[Johnny93g]

Blame Riberio, his fault in my opinion, what he did was wrong....im glad it ended up hurting them

[bbor]

Ouch!

[Tekneek]

I would not let Kovalev put on the Habs' sweater again the rest of his life. I'd have private investigators trying to determine if he was paid to throw the game. Kick his ass to the curb. Kovalev is a loser and yet another highly touted, and overpaid, player that will never live up to this potential.

It is not Ribiero's fault. Kovalev has a reputation for faking injury, and this was a point Hockey Night In Canada made many times over the past 48+ hours. They were talking about how Kovalev rarely can draw a call when they were talking about Ribiero. You just got to see it in action tonight.

[Hurst2112]

In Kovalev's defense, it appeared that he was caught by suprise when he got hit by Souray. They showed a couple angles of the play and the close up did seem to show Kovalevs face pretty well.

But, I think he let his team and the fans down when he curled up like a baby and let the puck go in his own zone. Not NHL playoff material anymore.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ping Redwings....

The play-offs have started.


Shhh....

Don't tell them that. Maybe we should try to convince them it's still the regular season. They play better then.

[sterlingice]

Go Tomas, he of the awesome goaltending which helped lead my fantasy team along with Turco and Weekes.

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

Go Tomas, he of the awesome goaltending which helped lead my fantasy team along with Turco and Weekes.

SI

He led them to defeat at the hands of the mighty Belgos! As he will do so against the Wings! (we hope)

[j51]

Does Turco have money on the Avs or something?

[bbor]

Damn...someone woke up the Sens....they totally dominated tonight...Leafs without Sunding and Newy just are'nt the same team.

Go figure.

I still stand by my prediction of Sens in 6.

[Karim]

Simon and Lydman are lost for the series. :( It's been a war for anyone who hasn't been watching; I'd say definitely the most physical series. Whichever team comes out of this round is going to be hurting in a big way.

Thankfully Yelle is back, even though he's not at 100%. Non-hockey people don't understand his immense value to the team. It's really shocking that Colorado gave him up.

Peter Maher, the voice of the Flames, was mentioning today how statistically the winner of Game 5 usually goes on to win the series.

Time for a road win... ;)

[Draft Dodger]

Does Turco have money on the Avs or something?

it's balanced by the fact that the refs and Granato have money on the Stars.

my heart can't take this...the Avs should be finishing up a sweep tonight. Instead, they take 2 consecutive 3rd periods off, and now they could be looking at 2-2.

[Maple Leafs]

Peter Maher, the voice of the Flames, was mentioning today how statistically the winner of Game 5 usually goes on to win the series. Statistically, the winner of any game, one through seven, usually wins the series.

You could look it up.

[klayman]

Statistically, the winner of any game, one through seven, usually wins the series.

You could look it up.
I'm betting the winner of game 7s almost always win the series :)

[Draft Dodger]

I'm going to faint

[Maple Leafs]

I'm betting the winner of game 7s almost always win the series :)I hear the numer is well over 85%.

[klayman]

I'm going to faint
bah! It's only 2 OTs. What are you a rookie? You can relax now, btw :)

[sachmo71]

Does Turco have money on the Avs or something?


Turco is just not a playoff goalie...yet. Which is a good thing, because the Stars defense is horrible. No way they would stand up in the next round, anyway.

Why did it have to be the Avs, though? Gawd!!


Oh, did I read Simon is out for the series? Boo fucking hoo. Dirty bastard deserves what he dishes out.

[Karim]

Statistically, the winner of any game, one through seven, usually wins the series.

You could look it up.

It would be interesting to have the actual numbers since 7-game series started. The only one I remember is that in the history of the NHL, when trailing 3 games to 1, the team behind in the series has come back to win 9% of the time.

[Draft Dodger]

bah! It's only 2 OTs. What are you a rookie? You can relax now, btw :)

I'm really funny that way. I follow other teams and other sports casually, and don't get all goofy when they are on. The Avs, though, I go crazy for - talking to the TV, throwing my hands in the air when they score (woke up my sick wife when Svatos scored), that kind of stuff. All of that is very much against my normal character.

I rearrange my work schedule so that I'm out in time to watch the bulk of the Avs games - I wouldn't even dream of doing that for any other sport/team, including the Super Bowl. Throw in that it's a playoff game, and in OT (thanks David "Patrick Who?" Aebischer), and you can imagine what a basket case I was last night.

[Maple Leafs]

Incidentally, a quick note to Leafs fans.

Sorry about last night. That was my fault. My wife spoke during the "tkachuks"*. The Leafs never really had a shot.

For years I didn't let her in the room with me during playoff games. Then she started to complain about being banished every second night for two months, so I started letting her watch the games. I thought she fully understood all the rules (no speaking, no eye contact, no touching the good luck bag of chips on top of the TV no matter how hungry you are, etc). But apparently it didn't really sink in.

It's the little things that win and lose playoff series, and last night she cost us the game. I take full responsibility. My apologies to everyone.

*For those who don't get Hockey Night in Canada, every CBC sports broadcast begins with a five-second animation announcing "the following is a presentation of CBC sports". The actual animation changes every year, but it always involves spotlights dramaticly being switched on one-at-a-time, each one making a "ka-chook" noise as it comes on. These are the "tkachuks". The sound isn't as noticable on this year's version, but it's still there. You never, never speak during the tkachuks. Never. Absolute silence is required. This is a hard and fast rule that all fans must observe. If you talk during the tkachuks, your team will lose.**

**Yes, I'm actually serious.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Incidentally, a quick note to Leafs fans.

Sorry about last night. That was my fault. My wife spoke during the "tkachuks"*. The Leafs never really had a shot.

For years I didn't let her in the room with me during playoff games. Then she started to complain about being banished every second night for two months, so I started letting her watch the games. I thought she fully understood all the rules (no speaking, no eye contact, no touching the good luck bag of chips on top of the TV no matter how hungry you are, etc). But apparently it didn't really sink in.

It's the little things that win and lose playoff series, and last night she cost us the game. I take full responsibility. My apologies to everyone.

*For those who don't get Hockey Night in Canada, every CBC sports broadcast begins with a five-second animation announcing "the following is a presentation of CBC sports". The actual animation changes every year, but it always involves spotlights dramaticly being switched on one-at-a-time, each one making a "ka-chook" noise as it comes on. These are the "tkachuks". The sound isn't as noticable on this year's version, but it's still there. You never, never speak during the tkachuks. Never. Absolute silence is required. This is a hard and fast rule that all fans must observe. If you talk during the tkachuks, your team will lose.**

**Yes, I'm actually serious.


I hear you. We used to have a similar rule about the first Leo Racicot commercial. Everyone gathered to watch the game had to be there for Leo's commercial. It was an imperative. Considering it was usually one of the first of the night, no one could be late.

[Butter]

So what happens when they change the animation and there are no more "tkachuks"?

[Honolulu_Blue]

So what happens when they change the animation and there are no more "tkachuks"?

The Leafs may actually win the Cup?

I'm all for crazy superstitions and the like while watching important sporting events. I've had a ton of them, all of them hockey related. Though, it must be said, there must be some chatty Leafs fans out there during the playoffs.

[Tekneek]

Hmmm. I never talk during that segment, yet my team seems to lose anyway. Go figure.

[Maple Leafs]

So what happens when they change the animation and there are no more "tkachuks"?(Stares at Butter with uncomprehending look on face.)

They won't do that. They just... won't.

(Shakes head.)

Actually, they're barely there any more. My wife tried to use that defence ("That wasn't even a real Tkachuk!"). But the spirit lives on.

[Johnny93g]

Incidentally, a quick note to Leafs fans.

Sorry about last night. That was my fault. My wife spoke during the "tkachuks"*. The Leafs never really had a shot.

For years I didn't let her in the room with me during playoff games. Then she started to complain about being banished every second night for two months, so I started letting her watch the games. I thought she fully understood all the rules (no speaking, no eye contact, no touching the good luck bag of chips on top of the TV no matter how hungry you are, etc). But apparently it didn't really sink in.

It's the little things that win and lose playoff series, and last night she cost us the game. I take full responsibility. My apologies to everyone.

*For those who don't get Hockey Night in Canada, every CBC sports broadcast begins with a five-second animation announcing "the following is a presentation of CBC sports". The actual animation changes every year, but it always involves spotlights dramaticly being switched on one-at-a-time, each one making a "ka-chook" noise as it comes on. These are the "tkachuks". The sound isn't as noticable on this year's version, but it's still there. You never, never speak during the tkachuks. Never. Absolute silence is required. This is a hard and fast rule that all fans must observe. If you talk during the tkachuks, your team will lose.**

**Yes, I'm actually serious.


Apology accepted...dont let it happen again...on another note....Bobe Cole jinxed us....right before Alfferdson the Moron scored....he said Belfours shutout streak will be at 158 minutes in a few seconds.....of course, 10 seconds later, they score :mad:

[bbor]

What happened to Simon?

[Karim]

One of the Canuckleheads hit him knee-on-knee against the boards. It didn't look remotely deliberate though but he came up lame right away.

He's now considered "questionable" as he made the trip to Vancouver. However Sutter has said he'll need to heal in a big hurry if he's going to get back in the series.

[Tekneek]

It was one of the Sedins.

[bbor]

Uhhh....Simon hurt by a Sedin????


I hope he feels shame.

[Hurst2112]

4-1 boing!

[bbor]

Party has started in Calgary.Strong road win for them....they could wrap it up at home on Saturday.

Will Crawford get roasted for starting Auld?I think he played well...but with hockey fans you never know.


What's the word in Ottawa ML?

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings definitely did what they needed to do. Come out strong, score early, score often, and then coast to a victory. Datsyuk and Zetterberg finally showed up for the play-offs. We've been waiting for this since game one versus the Ducks last year. Datsyuk's assists were the type of mind-boggling plays we've come to expect and the Wings most desperately need. The "big guns" scored: Zetterberg, Shanhan (fluke), Hull, and Lidstrom. Yzerman played his best game of the series. CuJo played fine, one goal on twenty shots, though he was hardly tested at all. Hopefully the Wings can carry this over to tomorrow's game and put an end to this series once and for all. No one wants a Game 7. Anything can happen in a Game 7.

Vancouver sounds like they are in trouble. Switching between back-ups? That's never good for a team in the play-offs. There is no way that can be good. First they lose Bertuzzi and now Cloutier. Very tough.

St. Louis, well, sorry Mizou and Primer... There's always next year. $9.5 million is it for Tkahuck? ZERO play-off goals. Nice.

It was good to see Montreal storm back against Boston. I like to see that series go seven games. Been some good drama there. Also, I need some help on my picks, I'm getting screwed.

[Tekneek]

Uhhh....Simon hurt by a Sedin????


I hope he feels shame.

It doesn't take a strong player to destroy your knee. It was a knee-on-knee hit, while Simon was up against the boards.

[MizzouRah]

Hockey season is officially over for me. Time for baseball... and a fresh new backgroud image!


Todd

[sachmo71]

It doesn't take a strong player to destroy your knee. It was a knee-on-knee hit, while Simon was up against the boards.


Simon would know, wouldn't he? I mean, he almost was able to do the same to Zubov.

Fucker. I hope it hurts.

[Cards4ever]

Congrats to Dallas for signing the Hobey Baker award winner Junior Lessard! You got yourself a sniper, loves to do the dirty work in front of the net and get goals. Excellent skater too.

[Maple Leafs]

What's the word in Ottawa ML?Fairly optimistic. There were some nervous fans before game four, but the general consensus seems to be that the Sens are outplaying the Leafs and should win the series, especially if Joe or Mats miss any games.

There's still that lingering fear that the Leafs will pull out some more magic. After all, the Sens thought they had the Leafs beat in 2001 and 2002 and look what happened. So I doubt anyone up here will start the victory party until the Leafs are dead and buried, and even then they'll be keeping one eye on the grave site to see if a withered hand shoots through the dirt.

Still, the mood is reasonably good. Tonight's game is a big one.

[sachmo71]

Congrats to Dallas for signing the Hobey Baker award winner Junior Lessard! You got yourself a sniper, loves to do the dirty work in front of the net and get goals. Excellent skater too.

CARDS!!!

How have you been? Did you enjoy the Frozen Four?

[bbor]

Damn....I thought the Blue notes would put up more of a fight.


Mat's and Newy are questionable for tonight.The way i see it is unless they get run over by the zamboni in pre-game...they are playing.

I guess we are'nt getting this theread stickied this year :(

[primelord]

St. Louis, well, sorry Mizou and Primer... There's always next year. $9.5 million is it for Tkahuck? ZERO play-off goals. Nice.
Yea I have had about all I can take with Tkachuk and his disappearing act in the playoffs. Every damn year he does this. Demitra does the same damn thing. Certainly hindsight is 20-20, but the Blues should have just cleaned house at the trade deadline. Weight needs to go. He is a great player, but since the Blues refuse to get a real winger for him to play with it is stupid to have that much money tied up in him. If they can find someone to take Tkachuk's salary he needs to go as well. All his goals are great in the regular season, but he is useless in the playoffs and it is just time to move on.

They also should have traded Pronger at the deadline. Not that I don't love him, but the Blues have a very good young core of D men and the money it is going to take to hold onto Prongs would be much better speant on scoring and damned goalie. And finally Osgood is NOT the answer. Just because Osgood was the last average goalie to win a cup does not mean he will do it for you. Take the money you save from Pronger, Weight, and Tkachuk and get some damn speed and a goalie. PLEASE!

I felt good going into this series, but it was very obvious the Sharks were the better team. Without question they had the better goalie and most of the time that is all it takes in the playoffs. But the Sharks made the Blues look like they were skating in mud. Nothing like playing dump and chase and not being able to beat the other team to the puck. Wheeeee! Congrats to the Sharks they were the better team and deserved to roll us like they did. I don't know when they will play hockey again, but I really hope the Blues take the time to think about where they have gone wrong all these years. It seems pretty obvious to me. GET A DAMN GOALIE!

[Hurst2112]

The Blues gotta get some scorers too. A different goalie would help, indeed (believe me, I know about Osgood). But, any goalie shouldn't be expected to win 1 goal games. Especially those like game 1.

[Maple Leafs]

Just wanted to start a mini-discussion on something I've been thinking about.

During the playoffs, you hear a lot about the importance of getting the first goal. We always see stats about what a team's record is when they score first, etc. The commentators go on and on about how you have to get that first goal, discate the pace, quiet the crowd, etc.

I'm not sure I believe it. I think the second goal is the most important. Think about it. When it's 1-0, the next goal is crucial. If the team that's ahead gets it, it's usually game over. If the trailing team gets it, they're back to square one but with the momentum. I'd be willing to bet that if you kept track, goal #2 is more important than goal #1.

As an example, I know that in the Leafs/Sens series the team that scores the second goal has won every game. The team that scores first is only 2-2. It also goes without saying that the team that scores second in the Isles/Lightning series in 4-0, although you could say the same for goals 1-3.

What about your series? What are the records like in terms of goal #1 vs goal #2?

[sachmo71]

I'll take Pronger.

[Tekneek]

Damn....I thought the Blue notes would put up more of a fight.

I thought they were spent with that playoff push. If they had managed to end up in 8th, they would have been swept. Nashville was better prepared to put up a fight than the Blues were.

[primelord]

The Blues gotta get some scorers too. A different goalie would help, indeed (believe me, I know about Osgood). But, any goalie shouldn't be expected to win 1 goal games. Especially those like game 1.
No argument here, but this has been a pattern for the Blues for several years now. Year after year they head into the playoffs with an inferior goalie and because of it have virtually no shot of winning a cup.

Granted they tried to get better by getting Turek and he just flopped. It seemed like the right idea because he was stellar in his first regual season with the Blues, but he is just does not play well under pressure. They let Dwayne Roloson go. They tried Johnson who is without question talented and has the perfect build for a goalie, but always had a very poor work ethic and always had lapses in his mechanics. Then they went to Osgood!

I realize top notch goalies aren't just floating around, but they could have tried harder to get Hasek the first time. They probably could have had them if they wouldn't have signed Weight and would have been willing to give him the 2 year deal he wanted. They could have tried to go after Khabibulin, Cechmanek, Belfour, Kiprusoff etc. Goalies have been available and they haven't made a serious play for any of them. Did I mention they had Dwayne Roloson and never even gave him a shot????

So there is no question that they need to add scoring. I think their first order of business needs to be to get a goalie though. Once that is taken care of they can start focusing on everything else, but unless you are going to be able to put a team together like the 97 and 98 Wings then you just aren't going to win a cup with Osgood in goal.

[primelord]

I'll take Pronger.
I don't know who wouldn't. :)

Don't get me wrong I am very happy with Pronger, but the Blues have so many holes to fill and their future on the blue line looks pretty good with Jackman, Backman, Walker, and Salvador. So I think the huge dollars it will take to get Pronger back after this season could be better spent else where.

[sachmo71]

Pronger is going to be a free agent next year, or the year after next?

[primelord]

Pronger is going to be a free agent next year, or the year after next?
He is a free agent after this season. Although he isn't an unrestricted free agent yet. I still don't know that the Blues will have enough to bring him back even though they may not have to go into a bidding war with other clubs. He already makes 10 mil a year as it is.

[Maple Leafs]

He is a free agent after this season. Although he isn't an unrestricted free agent yet. I still don't know that the Blues will have enough to bring him back even though they may not have to go into a bidding war with other clubs. He already makes 10 mil a year as it is.Right, so the Blues need to offer him that much again to retain his rights. If they don't, he becomes unrestricted, although the Blues could still resign him to a smaller deal.

Basically it's the Kariya-situation all over again, except we don't know yet if Pronger is the sort of guy to pull a suck, abandon his team, move in with his boyfriend and then play awful for the season.

[klayman]

lol

[primelord]

Right, so the Blues need to offer him that much again to retain his rights. If they don't, he becomes unrestricted, although the Blues could still resign him to a smaller deal.
If the Blues manage to move Tkachuk or Weight (or hopefully both) then re-signing Prongs makes more sense. My fear (and HB's hope) is that if Pronger leaves he will at some point end up in a Dead Things jersey and I don't think the Blues want that. Still that money could be used to improve the team in other bigger need areas.

[Maple Leafs]

If the Blues manage to move Tkachuk or Weight (or hopefully both) then re-signing Prongs makes more sense. My fear (and HB's hope) is that if Pronger leaves he will at some point end up in a Dead Things jersey and I don't think the Blues want that. Still that money could be used to improve the team in other bigger need areas.The problem, of course, is the CBA. Do you sign Pronger to a $10M deal and then find out there's a $30M salary cap? Or do you let him go as a FA, watch him sign with the Wings (or Leafs) and then find out there's no cap at all?

Tough spot.

[Hurst2112]

What would happen with a salary cap? Would current salaries be grandfathered?

I didn't pay attention to the NBA's whole half-ass cap changeover.

[Maple Leafs]

What would happen with a salary cap? Would current salaries be grandfathered? In the past, Bettman has said no. Some teams seem to be preparing as if they wouldn't be. But realistically, I can't see how they wouldn't. There would have to be some sort of grandfathering in order to make it work, and I suspect the league is just posturing about not doing it.

[sachmo71]

The Wings with Hatcher, Lidstrom, and Pronger? What, do they think they are the Yankees?

If that happens, I quit. I swear to God.


:)

[primelord]

Well the ex-Blues rarely go directly to the Wings. They usually have a stop over in another NHL city or two, but they all seem to make their way there eventually. Why me?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Well the ex-Blues rarely go directly to the Wings. They usually have a stop over in another NHL city or two, but they all seem to make their way there eventually. Why me?

It's totally logical.

Pronger is clearly next in line. Maybe he'll go to Hartford and then... No, wait that was Shanahan and besides, Pronger already did his time with that solid organization. Well, then maybe Dallas and then... No, Hull has already been there, done that. How about, a more round about way, say Edmonton, then Toronto and THEN... No, that was CuJo. Fuck it. I say we cut out the middle-man all together and have him come right over. Hatcher and Pronger aka "The Twin Towers." I like it already. Perfect for marketing, t-shirts, posters, Little Ceasers glasses, bobble-heads, all that. We could even go with the "Two Towers" and have some sort of LOTR tie-in. Best thing the Wings have had going since Probert and Kocur and the whole "Bruise Brothers" thing. Hell, McInnis is only what 39? 40? I don't think we go with the middle-man on that one either. So, Al, COME ON DOWN!

One day we may even let Osgood back in the fold.... NAH!

[primelord]

One day we may even let Osgood back in the fold.... NAH!
I saw whatever it takes to make that happen we should do it!

Tell ya what. We'll give you Osgood and Khavanov for a cheese sandwich and a bag of pucks.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I saw whatever it takes to make that happen we should do it!

Tell ya what. We'll give you Osgood and Khavanov for a cheese sandwich and a bag of pucks.

Wasn't Khavanov supposed to be good a few seasons back? I seem to remember having him on one of my fantasy teams. Then again, I think that fantasy team was pretty bad.

[Hurst2112]

The Wings with Hatcher, Lidstrom, and Pronger? What, do they think they are the Yankees?

If that happens, I quit. I swear to God.


:)

I would sacrafice a Hatcher for a Pronger.