2006 NHL Playoff Thread

[Draft Dodger]

If I'm seeing this right, the only team that know where they'll be in the playoffs in the East is Buffalo. The remaining 7 spots could all change tonight. Crazy.

The West is finalized. My picks there:
Detroit in 5 over Edmonton
Colorado in 6 over Dallas
Calgary in 7 over Anaheim (I think the best 1st round series in the West)
SJ in 5 over Nashville

[Johnny93g]

Stupid playoffs, stupid shootouts, stupid hockey:mad: :mad: :mad:

Ok, im fine now.....I actually enjoyed for much our mad dash at a playoff spot. Another 5 games, im convinced we would get in, but oh well, can't make it every year i guess.

My unbiased picks for the west:

Detroit over Edmonton in 7....I dont think the Oilers are that good, but they will surprise some people pushing the Wings to the edge

Dallas over Colorado in 5.....Theodore(if he indeed starts) has to show me he can be the same goalie we once saw before i pick the avs

Calgary over Anaheim in 6.....I would really like to pick Anaheim, because im a JS Giguere fan, but my head is saying Kipper will steal 3 games.

San Jose in 4 over Nashville....This sounds more like a minor league baseball game then a hockey series. I probably wont watch a second of this series. Sharks cruise

[JeeberD]

Just another reason for me to root against the Dead Wings... :)

[Draft Dodger]

San Jose in 4 over Nashville....This sounds more like a minor league baseball game then a hockey series. I probably wont watch a second of this series. Sharks cruise

even though I'm picking SJ in 5, I think this is going to be a fun series. Both of these team can score and have some question marks on defense and in the net. And both teams seem to have a habit of both scoring in bunches and scoring some highlight reel goals. maybe won't have the intensity and hitting that Ducks-Flames has, but should have a ton of offense. I think.

[sachmo71]

Detroit over Edmonton in 5 : the Oilers don't play anyone over 4 games unless it's Dallas.

Dallas over Colorado in 6 : I would say 5, but it's the playoffs and we're starting Turco. He will have 2 REALLY bad games.

Calgary over Anaheim in 6 : Anaheim is scrappy, and have some good playoff experience. They'll make a fight of it.

Nashville over San Jose in 7 : My gut tells me that Nashville will hang around. Maybe it's Kariya? I don't know why, but I think they'll take it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I don't have any picks to post, but I watched some of the regular-season finale between Calgary and Anaheim, and they built up a little bad blood to carry over into the playoffs. That one's going to be good. It's a shame that I'm on the east coast now, because I won't get to stay up to watch much of that series.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Just another reason for me to root against the Dead Wings... :)

:(

[ice4277]

I predict Anaheim will pull the upset of the round in the West. I also expect that Sharks to win, but that's hardly an 'upset' at this point.

[Maple Leafs]

Screw all of you.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wester Conference Predictions:

Detroit vs. Edmonton
While Detroit are certainly the favorites, I am not sure if Edmonton is the best matchup for the Wings. The Oil really played the Wings well in most games this year. A couple of OT games and a shootout. Not the ideal first round opponent for Detroit, but so be it. Also both teams have played much better on the road then at home this year, so having the home ice advantage may, uh, not be so advantageous.

I think a big question will also be how Manny Legace holds up. The playoffs do weird things to goalies. He's been stellar this year, but he has only played in 4 playoff games his entire career and hasn't performed well.

There is also a big question about the effectiveness of Datsyuk and Zetterberg in the off-season. Datsyuk has played horrible in the playoffs and Zetterberg hasn't fared too much better. If the Wings plan on going far, these two will have produce in the playoffs, despite the resurgance of Steve Yzerman.

Here are the most likely forward line combos:
Draper - Datsyuk - Shanahan
Yzerman - Lang - Williams
Samuelsson - Zetterberg - Holmstrom
Franzen - Cleary - Maltby

That's pretty good scoring balance on the top 3 lines. Shanahan has 40 goals and Zetterberg has 38. The team has eight 20 goal scorers (Datsyuk, Shanahn, Lang, Williams, Zetterberg, Samuelsson, Holmstrom, and Schneider) so it's not like shutting one line down will do the job.

Should be a good series. The Wings have never beaten Edmonton in a playoff series. They only played twice back in 87/88 during Edmonton's dynasty. The only player left on either team is Yzerman. That said, I don't think a Chris Pronger led team has ever beaten the Wings in the playoffs.

Final Prediction: Wings in 6.

Other series:

Dallas in 5 over Colorado.

Calgary in 6 over Anaheim.

San Jose in 5 over Nashville.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Screw all of you.

It's sad the Leafs aren't in the playoffs. It just doesn't feel right. HNiC is always at its best when the Leafs are in the mix.

[ice4277]

It's sad the Leafs aren't in the playoffs. It just doesn't feel right. HNiC is always at its best when the Leafs are in the mix.

Yep. I was pulling for Toronto to make it as well. I will miss all the blatant homerism on HNIC now ;)

[Draft Dodger]

don't forget that HNIC's 2nd favorite team (Vancouver) also missed it. Are they even going to bother showing any games???

[AgustusM]

even though I'm picking SJ in 5, I think this is going to be a fun series. Both of these team can score and have some question marks on defense and in the net. And both teams seem to have a habit of both scoring in bunches and scoring some highlight reel goals. maybe won't have the intensity and hitting that Ducks-Flames has, but should have a ton of offense. I think.

I think you haven't paid attention to the Sharks. The questions in the net have been answered by the switch from Nabakov to Toskala.

Before switch they were horrible - Since Toskala took over as the starting goalie his record is 23-3-4. Yes 23 wins and only 3 losses. compare that to Nabakov @ 16-19-7. Not sure what happened to Nabakov this year, but he has been terrible. Hell Nolan Schaefer the minor league goalie went 5-1 when both goalies were hurt. The only thing that kept the Sharks out of the top 3 spots was Nabakov's bad season.

Also the Sharks biggest weakness has been a horrible record in shootouts (something like 2-11) which of course won't be a factor in the playoffs. I think this team has a very real chance to make it to the finals.

[Draft Dodger]

wow, you are right. I didn't realize Toskala was so solid, although he's played in all of 3 NHL & AHL playoff games in his career, which has to be causing just a little nail-biting.

I agree about their chances, btw. I think they are the 2nd best team in the West.

[bbor]

Anyone but the Sens..........And for my boy HB anyone but the Dead Things:)

[Young Drachma]

I think the Devils will be dangerous come playoff time.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Anyone but the Sens..........And for my boy HB anyone but the Dead Things:)

bbor, my main man, I need your address so I can send you this gift:

http://nhlca.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p1865685nm.jpg



:D

[BuffaloHuskey]

Nothing like Andrew Pieters giving Toronto the old golf swing impression on Saturday night. It was well worth the game misconduct!!!

Go!!! Leafs Go!!! right to the golf course.

This is gonna be the year... GO SABRES

[bbor]

bbor, my main man, I need your address so I can send you this gift:

http://nhlca.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p1865685nm.jpg



:D

LOL

[bbor]

Nothing like Andrew Pieters giving Toronto the old golf swing impression on Saturday night. It was well worth the game misconduct!!!

Go!!! Leafs Go!!! right to the golf course.

This is gonna be the year... GO SABRES

Ya that was pretty classy.

Maybe next year we should all wear handcuffs to Buffalo in honour of empire that owned the Sabres.

[Karlifornia]

With Bbor and Maple Leafs viewing this thread, it's less like a discussion and more of a rosary :)

[bbor]

With Bbor and Maple Leafs viewing this thread, it's less like a discussion and more of a rosary :)

:)

We shall return!!

Older and slower!

But seriously....I enjoyed watching the last 10 games from the leafs.I think the future could be quite good with the strong D the Leafs have in the minors.Every D they brought up was solid.Paul Maurice has done a wonderfull job on the farm.I only hope he is with the big club next season because Quinn will ruin those young guys and prolly not play most of them.He loves his old war horses.

I was glad to see them re-up Kilger...He has been a plesant surprise.He is a hard working kid who is a solid PK guy and he is finding his hands finally.He could be a regular 20 goal scorer in the new NHL.

I don't understand the Aubin signing.....especially a 1 way contract.Does this mean Aubin and Tellquist are gonna share the #1 job next season?

[Maple Leafs]

Nothing like Andrew Pieters giving Toronto the old golf swing impression on Saturday night. It was well worth the game misconduct!!!

Don't forget the other steps in the process.

1. - See Wade Belak coming.
2. - Wet pants.
3. - Wait for two linesmen and a ref to get in between you.
4. - Golf swing.
5. - Quickly glance to referee with "please throw me out of this game, right now" look in eyes
6. - Never play for Lindy Ruff again (speculative)

[sachmo71]

Nothing like Andrew Pieters giving Toronto the old golf swing impression on Saturday night. It was well worth the game misconduct!!!

Go!!! Leafs Go!!! right to the golf course.

This is gonna be the year... GO SABRES


I'm just praying for a Sabres-Stars final. I need to replace my old Stars Win the cup front page of the Dallas Morning News.

[Vince]

I'm going to do everything in my power to get to a Sharks playoff game. Sadly, it looks like 'everything in my power' isn't going to be enough.

[bbor]

I'm going to do everything in my power to get to a Sharks playoff game. Sadly, it looks like 'everything in my power' isn't going to be enough.


I'm glad to see hockey is alive and well in SJ.

With Thorton and Cheechoo there they have a bright furture.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Don't forget the other steps in the process.

1. - See Wade Belak coming.
2. - Wet pants.
3. - Wait for two linesmen and a ref to get in between you.
4. - Golf swing.
5. - Quickly glance to referee with "please throw me out of this game, right now" look in eyes
6. - Never play for Lindy Ruff again (speculative)

While completely classless, it was pretty funny. I like seeing stuff like that every now and then. It's like a lot of Sean Avery's antics, stupid and classless, but a nice, entertaining sideshow for a long season. Adds a little spice and character to the game.

[bbor]

I'm just praying for a Sabres-Stars final. I need to replace my old Stars Win the cup front page of the Dallas Morning News.

Do we really want to dredge up the No-goal goal again?

They are STILL whining about it in Buffalo.

[AgustusM]

wow, you are right. I didn't realize Toskala was so solid, although he's played in all of 3 NHL & AHL playoff games in his career, which has to be causing just a little nail-biting.

I agree about their chances, btw. I think they are the 2nd best team in the West.

I agree with this 100% - Toskala's inexperience is a concern.

However - I read just the other day that something like half the teams in the playoffs this year have very inexperienced goalies.

[bbor]

While completely classless, it was pretty funny. I like seeing stuff like that every now and then. It's like a lot of Sean Avery's antics, stupid and classless, but a nice, entertaining sideshow for a long season. Adds a little spice and character to the game.

Yes but......Look where Averys' tactics have landed him.

[Vince]

I'm glad to see hockey is alive and well in SJ.

With Thorton and Cheechoo there they have a bright furture.

I'm really excited that after the lockout we have a team that is making waves already. We were a really good team before things went (completely) to hell during the lockout, and when the league shut down, it was quite a disappointment. Now that I live in San Jose again, I'm excited to start making it to hockey games all the time.

[Draft Dodger]

I agree with this 100% - Toskala's inexperience is a concern.

However - I read just the other day that something like half the teams in the playoffs this year have very inexperienced goalies.

no kidding. Mason, Emery, Lundquist, Miller, Toskala, Gerber, Grahame. Niitymaki and Huet if they play. new NHL indeed.

[Draft Dodger]

Yes but......Look where Averys' tactics have landed him.

Toronto? or is that not official yet?

[Honolulu_Blue]

no kidding. Mason, Emery, Lundquist, Miller, Toskala, Gerber, Grahame. Niitymaki and Huet if they play. new NHL indeed.

I'd even throw Legace in there, as far as playoff experience goes.

[Vince]

I'm going to do everything in my power to get to a Sharks playoff game. Sadly, it looks like 'everything in my power' isn't going to be enough.

Crap. Ticketmaster has no tickets available to games 1 or 2 at SJ, and eBay searches are returning prices in the $400-500 range for two tickets. Sigh...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yes but......Look where Averys' tactics have landed him.

He bagged Rachel Hunter. LA had nothing left to offer him. It was time to move on.

[Simms]

I thought he was dating Elisha Cuthbert?

[Honolulu_Blue]

I thought he was dating Elisha Cuthbert?

The Rachel Hunter thing was last year. He dated her for a while and then they went their separate ways. Checking my sources, I do see that Avery has now been linked with Elisha Cuthbert. Perhaps LA still has a little to give Mr. Avery...

[AgustusM]

Crap. Ticketmaster has no tickets available to games 1 or 2 at SJ, and eBay searches are returning prices in the $400-500 range for two tickets. Sigh...


looks like there are 8 here at $120 per:

http://www.stubhub.com/san-jose-sharks-playoff-tickets/?event_id=275524&sort_by=per_ticket_price

[bbor]

Toronto? or is that not official yet?

I did'nt mean so much where it has landed him team wise....but how it got him booted off the team he was on.

We already have Tucker and Ondres we don;t need Avery here.

[st.cronin]

:)

We shall return!!

Older and slower!

But seriously....I enjoyed watching the last 10 games from the leafs.I think the future could be quite good with the strong D the Leafs have in the minors.Every D they brought up was solid.Paul Maurice has done a wonderfull job on the farm.I only hope he is with the big club next season because Quinn will ruin those young guys and prolly not play most of them.He loves his old war horses.

I was glad to see them re-up Kilger...He has been a plesant surprise.He is a hard working kid who is a solid PK guy and he is finding his hands finally.He could be a regular 20 goal scorer in the new NHL.

I don't understand the Aubin signing.....especially a 1 way contract.Does this mean Aubin and Tellquist are gonna share the #1 job next season?


Keep your eye on Robbie Earl, just added to the Baby Leafs roster after winning the NCAA title with Madison.

[Simms]

Keep your eye on Robbie Earl, just added to the Baby Leafs roster after winning the NCAA title with Madison.

Good article in the local paper (http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1145310632919&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home) about him today.

Really looking forward to what he does in the next couple of years.

[Draft Dodger]

I'd even throw Legace in there, as far as playoff experience goes.

I actually meant to.

[st.cronin]

Good article in the local paper (http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1145310632919&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home) about him today.

Really looking forward to what he does in the next couple of years.

He is extremely cocky. When he was a freshman I thought he had no chance to ever make it in the NHL, but I've completely changed my mind. I think he'll be a very good player.

[sachmo71]

Do we really want to dredge up the No-goal goal again?

They are STILL whining about it in Buffalo.


yes, only because he was slamming my boy.

[bbor]

Oh boy...another player the Toronto media can build up into the second coming of Sittler.

BTW Damien Cox is an asshat.

[Maple Leafs]

Oh boy...another player the Toronto media can build up into the second coming of Sittler.
You know better than that. The Toronto media will scoff about him being over-rated, and how dumb the Leaf fans are for thinking he's anything good... unless the Leafs trade him. Then he'll be the next Sittler.

Just like Kenny Jonsson was the next Borje Salming, Eric Fichaud was the next Patrick Roy, etc.

[Airhog]

Crap. Ticketmaster has no tickets available to games 1 or 2 at SJ, and eBay searches are returning prices in the $400-500 range for two tickets. Sigh...


Thats why I love having a minor league hockey team here. I went to 3 playoff games for 12 dollars a ticket. I even had free vouchers for the 9 dollar tickets, so it only cost me 3 bucks a ticket :D

[sterlingice]

As long as, when someone is hoisting the Cup, the Wings are at home just like the Hawks, the playoffs will be a success :D

SI

[caspanky]

Crap. Ticketmaster has no tickets available to games 1 or 2 at SJ, and eBay searches are returning prices in the $400-500 range for two tickets. Sigh...

Yeah, the whole 1200 or so tickets per game that weren't taken by season ticket holders sold out in about 12 minutes when they went on sale at 10am this morning. I was trying to get some as well, but it looks like I'll be watching the games on tv. I would love to go, but no way I can afford ebay prices.

[Booj]

Wow... New Jersey.Is.Good.

Just got back from the game, and you could tell at the beginning of the 3rd period NJ saw the Rangers lost and the division was theirs if they beat Montreal... and they did.

Now tomorrow morning, I'm heading to the Bell Centre to get a wristband and hopefully come back with some playoff tickets...

My predictions..

Ottawa over Tampa in 5
Montreal over Carolina in 7 (I can dream...)
New Jersey over New York in 5
Buffalo over Philly in 6

Detroit over Edmonton in 6
Dallas over Colorado in 6
Anaheim over Calgary in 7
San Jose over Nashville in 7

[Young Drachma]

How about those Devils rallying to win the division title. I really hope we get through the playoffs and win another Cup. What they've been able to do there is really downright impressive. I mean, Detroit is of course rocking out as always. But there at least in a place that loves that team and hockey.

The Devils...well, it's just a weird place. Ready for the new arena though, especially since the Nets aren't really moving to Brooklyn and they're going to end up in Newark instead.

[Maple Leafs]

Anyone know of any free playoff pool cheatsheets?

I'm running an office pool with some rookies and it would be nice if they had something to work from.

[Draft Dodger]

my East picks, btw

Ottawa over TB in 5
Montreal over Carolina in 7
NJ over NYR in 6
Buffalo over Philadelphia in 6 (apologies to bsak)

I think Devils-Rangers is going to be a good, good series.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Eastern Conference:
Ottawa over Tampa in 5
Carolina over Montreal in 6
New Jersey over New York in 5
Philly over Buffalo in 7

[Maple Leafs]

Ottawa in 4
Carolina in 5
New Jersey in 7
Philly in 6

[sachmo71]

Ottawa over TB in 6 - Ottawa has too much firepower.
Carolina over Montreal in 4 - Carolina has been getting it done all year, don't see why it should stop now.
New Jersey over NYR in 5 - Brodeur shines in the playoffs
Philly over Buffalo in 4 - Buffalo sucks.

[Simms]

Not really playoff related, but I wasn't sure if this thread was supplanting the regular-season one...


The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Pat Quinn. Details to follow.

*cue Hallelujah Chorus

[Draft Dodger]

is there any question that it will be Maurice?

[Simms]

I doubt it. He's Fergie's guy.

Most of us here (in the office) sort of assumed things would play out exactly this way as soon as Maurice was hired last year.

[DeToxRox]

::Starts yearly "Bring Back Ted Nolan" petition::

[bbor]

is there any question that it will be Maurice?

On local radio here they are saying Quinn may end up with the Yotes if Gretz steps down as planned.

It was also brought up here that Maurice may play the feild and see what other opportunities are out there.He is a semi-hot commodity right now.

We will se at 1 pm. The Leafs have a presser called for that time.If Maurice is'nt named the new coach at that time then it is possible that he is going elsewhere next season.

[Maple Leafs]

I think they interview candidates but the job is Maurice's to lose unless a real top tier guy decides he wants out of his current job to come to Toronto (very unlikely).

[bbor]

Is Punch Imlach still alive?

[bbor]

Dola...Hey ML...are the Ottawa news guys having a feild day with this?

[Suburban Rhythm]

The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Pat Quinn



Craig Patrick also out of Pittsburgh...

[Maple Leafs]

Dola...Hey ML...are the Ottawa news guys having a feild day with this?
Haven't listened... I doubt it, everyone knew it was coming.

[bbor]

Haven't listened... I doubt it, everyone knew it was coming.

Be kinda funny if the Leafs could hire Martin out of Florida,and then beat the Sens out of the play-offs next season:)

[GMO]

The Ottawa Senators have been having trouble winning in the last 2 weeks of the season. I wonder if it will carry over into the playoffs.
And their coach does not have a good playoff record.

[NoSkillz]

Well, I'll put myself on the line with the following:

EAST:

- Ottawa over Tampa Bay in 5 Games
Just don't see this being close, even with the Sens struggling a bit down the stretch. Tampa is not a very good team this year and has very subpar goaltending. There will be a lot of goals in this series.

- Carolina over Montreal in 5 Games
This is a good matchup for the 'Canes. Their overall depth and speed will give Montreal's relatively immobile defense corp (Souray is a pylon out there) fits all series. I don't think Carolina's defense will hold up throughout the playoffs but I expect a pretty easy series here.

- New Jersey over New York Rangers in 6 Games
I don't see why everyone thinks this will be a great series. Jersey plays a stifling trap and the Rags are essentially a one-line team. This will be a very low scoring matchup. Never underestimate Brodeur and the Devils defensive system in the playoffs. Gomez, Elias and Gionta are pretty tough to stop in Jersey's transition game. Just too many question marks with the Rangers, specifically the health of Lundqvist. Goalies + Groin Injuries = Bad news.

- Buffalo over Philadelphia in 7 Games
Buffalo's speed and dominating special teams play seems to give them the edge but the X-factor here is Peter Forsberg. If he's healthy and on his game, he's the best overall player in the league. I expect Philly's goaltending to be an issue in this series and fully expect to see Nitty at some point. Buffalo's inexperience could be a problem but ultimately, I think their balanced attack and mobility will eke out a game seven victory.

WEST:

- Detroit over Edmonton in 5 Games
Edmonton just can't finish well enough to stay in this series. Their lack of goalscoring will be their undoing. Detroit is well-balanced and their defensive play is excellent. Manny Legace doesn't get anywhere near the respect he should. This should be a short series.

- Dallas over Colorado in 7 Games
This should be an interesting series. Two veteran teams with quite a number of big-game players on both sides. Obviously, Theodore's play is key for Colorado and I think he'll respond with a good series. I expect more than one overtime game in this thrilling series.

- Calgary over Anaheim in 6 Games
Miikka Kiprusoff will be the star here. Very low scoring series. Niedermayer (Scott) is a stud but I just don't think he can impact the series enough to give Anaheim a shot. Ducks run out of gas after an impressive second half.

- San Jose over Nashville in 6 Games
This is an excellent matchup for San Jose. The Preds are a bit undersized at forward and don't really have an answer for the Thornton line. I wonder if this is finally the breakout for Big Joe, who hasn't shown any big-game ability during his pro career (flameouts in the playoffs and international competition). Losing Vokoun will not help matters for Nashville and Steve Sullivan is battling injuries as well.

So only one upset and a very minor one at that in San Jose.

[TazFTW]

East:

Ottawa over Tampa Bay in 5
Carolina over Montreal in 6
Rangers over Devils in 7
Buffalo over Philadelphia in 7

West:

Detroit over Edmonton in 5
Dallas over Colorado in 5
Calgary over Anaheim in 6
San Jose over Nashville in 6

[ice4277]

NHL Playoffs + Beer = Bliss. Can't wait!

[ice4277]

dola

OK, after watching the HNIC opening, I am really fired up.

[Draft Dodger]

OLN is really using Andy Brickley? is he complaining that the refs are being unfair to the Bruins?

[kingfc22]

Sharks up 1-0 early. :)

[Dr. Sak]

2-1 Oilers...halfway through the game

[caspanky]

Sharks up 1-0 early. :)


Or not. 2 Quick PP goals by Nashville. Damnit. Still early, we got plenty of time to get it going.

[Draft Dodger]

goalie battle in Nashville...

[bronconick]

The Sharks pk is absolutely brutal. It's a good thing they're the 3rd least penalized team, because they'd struggle to shut down a girl's team on the powerplay.

[caspanky]

There's a 3rd PP goal for Nashville right before the end of the period. I think the key here for the Sharks is to not get penalized. The PK for the Sharks sure isn't working at all tonight. And neither is their PP either. I hope the coach has a good pep talk for them in the locker room right now.

[Ksyrup]

Is the Red Wings game being televised in the US? I've got the DirecTV package, but no Red Wings game.

[Draft Dodger]

OLN
608

[TazFTW]

Is the Red Wings game being televised in the US? I've got the DirecTV package, but no Red Wings game.

I'm watching it on OLN.

[Ksyrup]

Got it! I've never touched OLN - my first time on 608.

[bbor]

Is the Red Wings game being televised in the US? I've got the DirecTV package, but no Red Wings game.

Only reason to watch this game is to see the Oilers:)

*nudges HB*

[Ksyrup]

It's the Red Wings game to me. Sorry, I wasn't even sure who they were playing!

[Draft Dodger]

you'd think Detroit might do something about the Edmonton winger coming in over the line and passing to an open guy breaking to the net...

[Draft Dodger]

wow, way to break away from the fight OLN!!!

[Draft Dodger]

and way to draw a penalty Kris Draper

[DeToxRox]

Detroit is not skating to break the trap. As a hockey coach I __LOVE__ how Edmonton is playing. The effort, the drive, the passion; it's awesome.

As a Wings fan we have none of that. Very lax game and it's showing.

[DeToxRox]

Wings score but it's going upstairs. Possibly kicked or gloved in, no idea but it deflected off of Roloson and then off of Malts.

[DeToxRox]

Replay on the Wings cast shows it going off of Maltbys shaft and the stick looks below the crossbar so it SHOULD be 2-2, but we'll see.

[DeToxRox]

And it's a goal.

Maltby/Franzen/Clearys line play like Edmontons whole team has, and Maltbys rewarded for crashing the net and we're all tied up.

[Draft Dodger]

that fired them up

[DeToxRox]

Certainly did fire them up. It's about time. Zetterberg has looked anemic still, and the loss of Dats (even with a far then impressive playoff resume) has hurt our depth advantage.

[DeToxRox]

Under 2 minutes left, Shanahan with a bad penality hitting up high. Oilers goals have both been PP so this makes a big situation even bigger.

[DeToxRox]

Edmonton has blocked 26 shots. Unreal.

[Draft Dodger]

way to go OLN. you rock!

[DeToxRox]

Wow. Huge saves by Manny with 20 seconds left and we're going to OT.

[DeToxRox]

way to go OLN. you rock!

???

I am watching the Detroit telecast, what happened

[Draft Dodger]

Wow. Huge saves by Manny with 20 seconds left and we're going to OT.

that was awesome.

[Draft Dodger]

???

I am watching the Detroit telecast, what happened

lost picture. no worries, it wasn't like a critical part of the game or anything.
earlier they cut away when Draper was in that scrum to draw the penalty.

suckage.

[DeToxRox]

lost picture. no worries, it wasn't like a critical part of the game or anything.
earlier they cut away when Draper was in that scrum to draw the penalty.

suckage.

OLN does that a lot it seems.

[caspanky]

I don't know what the coach said in the intermission, but the Sharks have come out in the 3rd period with some passion. Just need to turn it into a goal here.

[DeToxRox]

After being non-existant the first 55 minutes of the game, Zetterberg is the best guy on the ice in OT.

[DeToxRox]

This OT has been amazing. We;re looking at Double OT the way this is going, and thats at a bare miniumum.

[Draft Dodger]

wow, this game rocks. HB might not be breathing

[DeToxRox]

Wings are the more physical team in OT; Oilers are looking tired and wearing down.

[DeToxRox]

Double OT. Amazing game. Gotta love playoff hockey.

[Draft Dodger]

so, OLN is coming back to Det, right?

[ice4277]

Well, I can't remember a better way to start the playoffs than the Wings/Oilers game. Things have really taken off in OT. I still think that whatever happens tonight, it will be a long series.

[DeToxRox]

MALTS IN DOUBLE OT!!!

Horrid goal by Roloson.

[Draft Dodger]

well, that will take the wind out of Edmonton's sails a bit.

[DeToxRox]

Malts with the two biggest goals of the season thus far; he played his heart out. 57 shots for the Wings, coulda hit 80 with all the blocks the Oilers had. Roloson played awesome but those are the OT breaks.

[Draft Dodger]

MALTS IN DOUBLE OT!!!

Horrid goal by Roloson.

gotta feel for him after Edmonton was outshot like that. shots in OT was something like 18-6, 52-25 for the game.

[DeToxRox]

gotta feel for him after Edmonton was outshot like that. shots in OT was something like 18-6, 52-25 for the game.

Oh I do. I'm a goalie myself, I know its part of the job. But part of the job is also sucking up the mistakes and pushing on. In 2002 Dan Cloutier gave up that red line goal and he was done, so Roloson has to let it go and regroup.

[ice4277]

Malts with the two biggest goals of the season thus far; he played his heart out. 57 shots for the Wings, coulda hit 80 with all the blocks the Oilers had. Roloson played awesome but those are the OT breaks.

As Maltby often goes, so go the Wings in the playoffs. Good sign.

[kingfc22]

Sharks have got to stay out of the penalty box in game two or figure out a way to kill a penalty. Geesh. Nashville was 4 for 7 on the PP :mad:

[DeToxRox]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/DannyDubz/Picture002.jpg


A week deep: the Wings playoff beard

[TazFTW]

Where was Giggy?

[Chief Rum]

Where was Giggy?

A "lower body injury" of unknown (to the public) seriousness. lol...hockey's traditions always make me laugh as much as I love them (although I laugh less when it involves the Ducks).

The injury apparently happened today, because he practiced earlier today, but the team had to rush in a reserve keeper from Portland for the game tonight. No word at all on how serious the injury is, whether Jiggy will play on Sunday, or what the location/type of injury it is (of course). In fact, I'm not sure the Ducks commented on the injury at all.

Bryz played in his first playoff game, and I have to say he did pretty damn well. Both teams played well enough defensively to have earned that game.

Should be a good series, but we really need to take Sunday's game.

[Bad-example]

Sharks have got to stay out of the penalty box in game two or figure out a way to kill a penalty. Geesh. Nashville was 4 for 7 on the PP :mad:

The Gooberville powerplay was strong. It was a good, close game. I just hope the officiating is a bit better on sunday. The Preds earned that win but Wilson should have SJ ready to go in game 2.

[caspanky]

Yeah, I hope the refs are better too. They weren't horrible, but missed a couple pretty blatent calls in my opinion, and made a few questionable ones too. I think Wilson will come up with a good game plan for game 2, and it should be a good game.

[Izulde]

Yay! Preds won Game 1! :)

[Draft Dodger]

love playoff hockey. 3 of 4 were 1 goal games, 2 into OT.

[ice4277]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/DannyDubz/Picture002.jpg


A week deep: the Wings playoff beard

Have I told you lately what a sexy beast you are?

[Honolulu_Blue]

wow, this game rocks. HB might not be breathing

I almost threw up during that last 20 seconds of regulation. Amazing saves by Legace.

A great game. Edmonton were trapping like mad the entire night. Roloson looked very solid. The Wings didn't throw much of quality at him, between the blocks and strong defensive play of the Oil, but he was steady all night (until that last goal, but that was a bad deflection by Murray).

The Edmonton cast-offs Cleary and Malts came up huge. That 4th line was one of the best all night.

Between the trap-style defense the Oilers were playing, the block shots, and Roloson stopping the play anytime the puck got within 15 feet of him, the Oilers did all they could to sort of hang around, hang around, hang around, and break up any flow the Wings tried to establish.

Zetterberg was non-existant until OT and Shanahan barely showed up as well. This has to be addressed. Zets has to show he can come up big during this time of the year.

Nice goal be D-Mac in Calgary. I'm happy for him.

[Honolulu_Blue]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/DannyDubz/Picture002.jpg


A week deep: the Wings playoff beard

Lookin' good, Detox! I hope you're lookin' like an Old School Moses in a couple of months.

[sachmo71]

Wow, Kariya really wants it bad!

[DeToxRox]

Lookin' good, Detox! I hope you're lookin' like an Old School Moses in a couple of months.

Makes two of us .. sadly i think my beard is maxed out and will just stay this way.

[sachmo71]

get a haircut, hippie

[bbor]

EDM blocks so many shots cause they know their tenders are shaky.It was quite humurous watch them dive in front of shots every time Det wound up.

[Galaxy]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/DannyDubz/Picture002.jpg


A week deep: the Wings playoff beard
You look like a shavin-version of that one guy in 40-year-old Virgin.

[Pumpy Tudors]

One minute until the Devils host the Rangers. The Edmonton-Detroit game was awesome to watch, and the game from Nashville was a good one, too. Those are the only games I really watched. I tried to watch the Ducks and Flames, but I fell asleep during the second period.

Anyway, I'm hoping that the Devils score about 87 goals today, although I think they'll only need 1 or 2. Brodeur is going to shut the Rangers down. :)

[Karlifornia]

Avalanche with a two goal lead over Dallas. Colorado is really firing on all cylinders here in the second period.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have to mention. Obviously the folks on this board are excluded, but in general I hate Red Wings fans. It's sad to say, but I do.

I hate that the boo Fedorov everytime he touches the puck.

But last night, my anger reached all new limits. At the end of the second period, the Wings were on the powerplay, down 2-1. The powerplay wasn't clicking at all, but they were only down by 1 goal and were out shooting Edmonton about 30-10 or so at the time. And what do the fans in Hockeytown start doing? Booing. They were booing their own team after TWO freakin' periods. There were even some boos as they left the ice. Those "fans" sicken me.

Sure, they have a right to boo, but I also have a right to dislike them greatly for it.

[Maple Leafs]

As of right now, I'm feeling mildly positive about picking Elias, Gomez and Gionta in the middle rounds of my playoff pool.

[bbor]

And what do the fans in Hockeytown start doing? Booing. .

HB...We always boo the Wings here in Toronto.

:D

[Pumpy Tudors]

As much as I'm enjoying the Devils tearing up the Rangers, the local NBC affiliate has cut into the coverage at least THREE TIMES in the third period to tell us that there's a severe thunderstorm warning in the Pittsburgh area. I can understand wanting to tell people, but they have a graphic overlay on the bottom of the screen DURING THE GAME! They cut from the game to repeat the same thing that's covering up the bottom of the screen.

I wish I had the power to fire somebody. I get two NBC stations here, but the picture quality is kinda crappy on the other one, so I'm just sticking with this.

[DeToxRox]

I have to mention. Obviously the folks on this board are excluded, but in general I hate Red Wings fans. It's sad to say, but I do.

I hate that the boo Fedorov everytime he touches the puck.

But last night, my anger reached all new limits. At the end of the second period, the Wings were on the powerplay, down 2-1. The powerplay wasn't clicking at all, but they were only down by 1 goal and were out shooting Edmonton about 30-10 or so at the time. And what do the fans in Hockeytown start doing? Booing. They were booing their own team after TWO freakin' periods. There were even some boos as they left the ice. Those "fans" sicken me.

Sure, they have a right to boo, but I also have a right to dislike them greatly for it.

Red Wings fans are idiots.

I could do without them, the people with knowledge about them on the board excluded.

[sachmo71]

Stars are in trouuu-ble if they try to play like that again. Nice to see Turco living up to his playoff reputation. I'm starting to understand how Blackhawk fans felt during the Belfour years.

[ice4277]

Red Wings fans are idiots.

I could do without them, the people with knowledge about them on the board excluded.

I hate Wings fans but for kind of a different reason. I hate all the fair-weather 45 yr old minivan mom fans who bust out all the apparel and act like the team's biggest fans come playoff time, but couldn't name one player other than Yzerman, Shanahan, and Chelios.

[DeToxRox]

I hate Wings fans but for kind of a different reason. I hate all the fair-weather 45 yr old minivan mom fans who bust out all the apparel and act like the team's biggest fans come playoff time, but couldn't name one player other than Yzerman, Shanahan, and Chelios.

Yes. Wings flags can die

[ice4277]

Yes. Wings flags can die

I think God will start striking people down for those sooner or later.

[Draft Dodger]

I see Dallas is in playoff form.

2004 playoff form, that is.

oh, and Wings fans have nothing on Kings fans who STILL boo Rob Blake. I do have a Wings stories, but the dinner bell was just rung.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think God will start striking people down for those sooner or later.

If I were a holy man, I'd get down on my knees and pray...

[DeToxRox]

If I were a holy man, I'd get down on my knees and pray...

Ice is actually an atheist but he's routinely found on his knees.

[ice4277]

Ice is actually an atheist but he's routinely found on his knees.

You, sir, have mistaken me for a Ferndale resident.

[Draft Dodger]

so we just got back from a vaction in Florida - a retirement community called The Villages. Christine were out one night for dinner and stopped in a shop to pick up a souveneer. I had an Avs jersey on. The guy who waited on me was an older guy from Michigan. He was like "Avs fan huh?". He went on to talk a bit about how much he hates Claude Lemieux and so on. Now, I'm cool with all of this, and playing along - I like good natured banter, kind of like the ribbing I'll give Sachmo if he dares to show his face in here. But as he went on, I started catching on to the vibe that he REALLY disliked that I had an Avalanche jersey on. He muttered something like "well, I guess I'll ring you up for your purchase"...and I think he actually was conflicted as to whether he was going to ring me up or order me out of the store.

[Booj]

4-1 Habs after 2 in Carolina... Gerber looks like the baby food, while Huet looks veery good after getting beat 50 seconds into the game on a veery bad goal...

Looks promising, but it's only 1 game... but Montreal needed this game to prove they CAN beat Carolina afterall...

One interesting note from the season-series against Carolina...

-- Andrei Markov (Montreal's best defenceman, by far) missed 15 games this season... Montreal was 3-12 in those games, three of which were against Carolina... the one game he played in was a 5-3 games where Montreal gave up 2 goals late in the game.

[cthomer5000]

The Devils and Rangers keep moving in their respective directions....

[bbor]

I hate the fact that Montreal is winning.

[Logan]

The Devils and Rangers keep moving in their respective directions....

I'm not one to blame the refs or anything, but today was ridiculous. Penalty after penalty called...some were surely deserving, but many were touchy grabs that shouldn't have been called. Completely killed the flow of the game. 16 penalties for 43 minutes of PP time for NJ. I believe there were 4 even strength minutes during the 2nd period.

[TazFTW]

Didn't see the game (I got the Stars/Avs) but

ATTN: Rangers

You gave up 5 powerplay goals. Stop taking penalties, k, thx.

Plus Jagr now has an "upper body" injury.

[Dr. Sak]

Buffalo would have put this game away a long time ago if not for Robert Esche

[Galaxy]

Come on Sabres!

[Galaxy]

WOW! What a hit!

[Dr. Sak]

WOW! What a hit!

Yah if you consider he left his feet

[TazFTW]

WOW! What a hit!

OLN had the quickest zoom in. It was like before he hit the ice, the camera zoomed in to his facial expression.

[Galaxy]

Was a clean hit, wasn't it?

[Dr. Sak]

Was a clean hit, wasn't it?

I am not sure but I am bias. But i hope that guy keeps his head up because there will be people after his head.

[DeToxRox]

Clean hit

[Galaxy]

I am not sure but I am bias. But i hope that guy keeps his head up because there will be people after his head.

I agree...It just kick up the series' intensity a notch or two. But I'm not sure on what is consider what is a clean and penalized hit in open ice.

[DeToxRox]

Put that on the defensemen making a suicide pass on a breakout.

[Galaxy]

What a game.

[Galaxy]

Going to Double OT...

Incredible goaltending by both Esche and Miller.

[Maple Leafs]

Clean hit.

Scott Stevens-esque.

[Galaxy]

GOAL!

[Draft Dodger]

that hit was cleaner than most you'll see in the NHL. amazing camera work as well. almost makes up for the two dipshits in the booth.

[Galaxy]

that hit was cleaner than most you'll see in the NHL. amazing camera work as well. almost makes up for the two dipshits in the booth.

Thankfully, I get the local broadcast team of the Sabres, and the option of the CBC crew.

[Dr. Sak]

that hit was cleaner than most you'll see in the NHL. amazing camera work as well. almost makes up for the two dipshits in the booth.

I muted the TV...i dont know what was worse, getting home in time to have the National guys root for Buffalo or being stuck in the car listening to the baffoons from Buffalo on the radio. I'm sorry but that Sabers' pbp guy is the worst in the league.

[Galaxy]

I muted the TV...i dont know what was worse, getting home in time to have the National guys root for Buffalo or being stuck in the car listening to the baffoons from Buffalo on the radio. I'm sorry but that Sabers' pbp guy is the worst in the league.
I love the Sabres pbp guy.

[Dr. Sak]

I love the Sabres pbp guy.

I can understand that you do but for someone in the car trying to follow the game he doesnt exactly make it easy.

I have NHL Centre Ice and only once have I gotten the regular Flyers announcers so I am use to listening to the away teams guys. I understand they are all homers in their own way but the Buffalo guy just drives me nuts, a close 2nd is the guy from Tampa.

[Galaxy]

I can understand that you do but for someone in the car trying to follow the game he doesnt exactly make it easy.
True, He isn't cut out to be a radio guy. But I've never listen to hockey on the radio in general to be honest.

[bbor]

Rick Generet(sp?)

LALALALALALALALALAfontaineeeeeee

MAY DAY! MAYDAY! MAY DAY!


2 of the best hockey call EVA!

[Karim]

Devastating but clean hit by Campbell. His feet left the ice after the hit. Good to see Buffalo pull this one out.

What's up with Dallas? I didn't see that coming.

[Dr. Sak]

Devastating but clean hit by Campbell. His feet left the ice after the hit. Good to see Buffalo pull this one out.

What's up with Dallas? I didn't see that coming.

Ummm...doesnt matter if it was before or after the hit but if he left his feet even following through with the hit that is under the definition of charging that I just read. That being said the hit was clean, I just feel terrible for RJ. I got to meet him during the Olympic break and he was such a nice young man. He was the first Pittsburgh born player to be drafted in the first round and his high school retired his jersey. I went to the ceremony and got to talk to him a little bit. Great young man, I hope he is ok.

[ISiddiqui]

Go Devils :D.

Way to rip the Rangers a new one. Though I was shocked by how many penalities the Rangers were taking and how obvious some where (like a blatent elbow to the head, which I believe led to the 5th goal).

[Karim]

Ummm...doesnt matter if it was before or after the hit but if he left his feet even following through with the hit that is under the definition of charging that I just read.

It's pretty hard to keep both feet planted after an open-ice hit. Stevens could keep his balance after taking someone out but he was a rock and definitely the exception. As long as it isn't an elbow or a deliberate jump before the hit so the shoulder hits the head, I think it's ok.

[ice4277]

so we just got back from a vaction in Florida - a retirement community called The Villages. Christine were out one night for dinner and stopped in a shop to pick up a souveneer. I had an Avs jersey on. The guy who waited on me was an older guy from Michigan. He was like "Avs fan huh?". He went on to talk a bit about how much he hates Claude Lemieux and so on. Now, I'm cool with all of this, and playing along - I like good natured banter, kind of like the ribbing I'll give Sachmo if he dares to show his face in here. But as he went on, I started catching on to the vibe that he REALLY disliked that I had an Avalanche jersey on. He muttered something like "well, I guess I'll ring you up for your purchase"...and I think he actually was conflicted as to whether he was going to ring me up or order me out of the store.

That is a true hockey fan. Although I must say, the Wings-Avs thing seems to have pretty much petered out, at least for the time being. It used to be the only thing you would hear about leading up to a game, even regular season. The past couple years, though, very little has been discussed. Most of those early protagonists are gone from each team, and the spice hasn't been there.

I don't doubt, though, that one tough playoff series could bring it back quickly.

[RPI-Fan]

I can understand that you do but for someone in the car trying to follow the game he doesnt exactly make it easy.

I have NHL Centre Ice and only once have I gotten the regular Flyers announcers so I am use to listening to the away teams guys. I understand they are all homers in their own way but the Buffalo guy just drives me nuts, a close 2nd is the guy from Tampa.

Oh man, don't get me started on the Buffalo commentators. Worst in the league, in a landslide.

Other bad ones: Tampa Bay, Colorado.

[Draft Dodger]

Ummm...doesnt matter if it was before or after the hit but if he left his feet even following through with the hit that is under the definition of charging that I just read.

well, Umberger left his feet too. maybe he should have been called for the charge! :D :D :D

[DeToxRox]

I'll say this, all bias aside, when the Red Wings have Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmon doing commentary, it's best in the USA.

When Mickey doesn't go on the trips and Pat Verbeek or Larry Murphy are on the mic .. I have to mute.

[Draft Dodger]

Oh man, don't get me started on the Buffalo commentators. Worst in the league, in a landslide.

Other bad ones: Tampa Bay, Colorado.

and Boston. well, Brick anyway. Jack Craig has always been one of my favorite everyman-type pbp guys.

you know who I am really liking is Brian Hayward who did the Avs-Stars. I've only seen him a few times (basically when the Avs played the Ducks and a few NBC games). He's not perfect, but he seems to be one of the few analysts who isn't afraid to be critical of either team (paging Peter McNabb) and doesn't resort to the stock cliched observations.

Thinking about it, my three favorite analysts at the moment are probably Hayward, Greg Millen (when he has control of his cockiness) and John Davidson. all goalies. come to think of it, Chico Resch has his moments too, but he's not on par with those three.

There's some real turkeys out there too. Thankfully, I don't have to watch Terry Crisp or Denis Potvin very often, because I think it would make me insane. Jimmie Fox is only tolerable because I think he talks like Rick Moranis, so I just envision Moranis in Ghostbusters everytime Fox delivers his statement that sounds like a question.

[Draft Dodger]

I'll say this, all bias aside, when the Red Wings have Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmon doing commentary, it's best in the USA.

When Mickey doesn't go on the trips and Pat Verbeek or Larry Murphy are on the mic .. I have to mute.

If I remember right, the last couple of times I heard Redmond he sounded drunk off his ass. did he ever play with Derek Sanderson?

him, lets see...Chris Cuthbert and Peter McNabb doing Preds/Sharks. Not bad, I like Cuthbert. oh wait, Cammi Granato "behind the glass". No thanks. Click. Emerick and Davidson doing the Wings/Oilers? tough call...big fan of Davidson, not too fond of Emerick. Who's behind the glass? Pierre "Giant Douchebag" McGuire? hmmm....is bowling on somewhere?

[Draft Dodger]

btw, nice to see that the actually called penalties in the Buffalo Philly OT game. I was annoyed that all the talk during the day was about all the penalties were called on Friday...and yet I think Hawyard is the only one who pointed out that there was only ONE penalty called in the 3 OT games on Friday.

[Dr. Sak]

Is anyone else annoyed at the lack of obstruction calls late in the season and into the playoffs? The officials call every little hook but now defensemen are again allowed to hold up the forwards at the blue line after a dump in.

[bbor]

1-0 SJ

Sj looks FAST today.

[Draft Dodger]

Is anyone else annoyed at the lack of obstruction calls late in the season and into the playoffs? The officials call every little hook but now defensemen are again allowed to hold up the forwards at the blue line after a dump in.

yes, although in my opinion, they started abandoning those obstruction calls a month into the season.

[bbor]

Edm looks really stiff.They are a team built with speed in mind.If they don't start using it they are done.

[Greyroofoo]

The Red Wings aren't on TV :(

Guess I'll settle for Sharks/Predators

[DeToxRox]

Big goal for Detroit.

Lang/Williams/Yzerman strike again.

Those are the breaks the Wings have gotten so far, and the breaks that can kill a team.

[Draft Dodger]

2 5 on 3 goals for the Sharks

[DeToxRox]

This Wings/Oilers series has been a battle. I like seeing the Wings play with this kind of fire.

Imagine though if the Wings were in the East, how wide open those games could've been?

Either way I love all kinds of hockey but it is something to ponder.

[DeToxRox]

2 5 on 3 goals for the Sharks

I saw Cheechoo has one, who has the other?

[Draft Dodger]

after the 5-on-3, SJ still had a PP and converted. 3-0.

[Draft Dodger]

I saw Cheechoo has one, who has the other?

missed who had it. Mark Smith has the third.

EDIT. Marleau had #2.

[Draft Dodger]

I wish they'd stagger these games by 30 minutes so I could flip during intermission.

[DeToxRox]

missed who had it. Mark Smith has the third.

EDIT. Marleau had #2.

Ah nice, thanks.

[Draft Dodger]

University of Michigan is getting some free press this weekend. There was a Michigan jersey behind Quenneville all game yesterday, and one behind Babcock today.

[Greyroofoo]

Red Wings Goal.....

DAMN YOU NBC!!!!! DAMN YOU!!!!

[Draft Dodger]

Pierre McGuire makes my brain hurt

[Draft Dodger]

ooh, that was ugly

[ice4277]

Ugh. The Wings are so lacksadaisical in their own zone today, it is sickening.

[pennywisesb]

San Jose looks very good right now. If they can go back to SJ with a 1-1 series record I think we take the series.

[sachmo71]

Stars are in trouuu-ble if they try to play like that again. Nice to see Turco living up to his playoff reputation. I'm starting to understand how Blackhawk fans felt during the Belfour years.


Uhhhh..DD? I did show my face. LEt the ribbing begin. Come on...I'm not shy.

[Draft Dodger]

Uhhhh..DD? I did show my face. LEt the ribbing begin. Come on...I'm not shy.

LOL. I missed it. Can't gloat anymore - the 24 hour rule or something.
:D

[kingfc22]

Sharks are doing a great job on the penalty kill today.

[ice4277]

NBC uses the close-up iso cam during games way too much. It seems like every time they switch to it, something important happens outside of the frame.

[ice4277]

Yikes. I thought this would be a tough series for the Wings, but it is really starting to remind me quite a bit of that Calgary series two years ago.

Wings looked sloppy and disorganized in their own end, and were actually worse against Edmonton's trap than they were on Friday.

[ice4277]

dola

I'm getting sick of everyone trying to call Edmonton's system anything but a trap. It's a trap, get over it.

[TazFTW]

Sweet goal by Boyle.

[Travis]

dola

I'm getting sick of everyone trying to call Edmonton's system anything but a trap. It's a trap, get over it.

No, it may deserve a new name. I thought the trap generally employed at least one forechecker. When they're got it going full tilt, you don't see their first guy until the middle red line, it's freaking pathetic.

But hey, just because they scored two goals in a minute as a result of turnovers forced by forechecking doesn't mean you should scrap the trap MacT, go ahead, keep playing it until you lose your job. That might make more fans happy than the team making it into the second round.

[MJ4H]

Calgary has scored a couple of goals to get back in the game from down 3-0. It is now 3-2, about midway through the 2nd period.

[Dr. Sak]

dola

I'm getting sick of everyone trying to call Edmonton's system anything but a trap. It's a trap, get over it.

It is like a neutral zone clusterfuck.

[DeToxRox]

Big win by the Oilers. Impressive game. Really awesome defensivley.

[ISiddiqui]

Ducks score another one. 4-2 now.

[sterlingice]

We aren't even getting the game. OLN is being blacked out or something :(

SI

[DeToxRox]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/DannyDubz/p42300152.jpg


It's getting there.

[ISiddiqui]

We aren't even getting the game. OLN is being blacked out or something :(

SI

Whatever in the Hell for? Btw, I'm happy as Hell that OLB is using the CBC feed instead of sending their own idiots (including graphics people) up there.

[kingfc22]

4-3 Ducks now

[ISiddiqui]

And Ducks win it.

[caspanky]

SWEET!!! I got tickets for the Sharks game on thursday. Paid too much for them, but I DONT CARE!!!

[Vince]

SWEET!!! I got tickets for the Sharks game on thursday. Paid too much for them, but I DONT CARE!!!

Tickets.

Now, you know I think you're the coolest poster on this board, and I can get you all sorts of free CPK food. So obviously, you're going to take me, right?

Right?!

RIGHT?!!????

Sigh. Have fun at the game!

[caspanky]

That's funny, that's the same reaction I got from a couple other people that I talked to tonight. It's amazing how popular you become when you have something people want. :)

[Vince]

Heh. Indeed. At $500 a pair on eBay last week, I can't imagine they've gotten any cheaper to purchase, and the Shark Tank doesn't have a bad seat.

[caspanky]

They've come down a bit. I was able to snag a pair for $185 off ebay tonight. Upper deck, behind the Sharks attacking zone for 1st and 3rd. Like I said, little more then I hoped to spent, but I'll just buy less video games next month. This is the playoffs, sacrifices must be made.

[Vince]

$185 doesn't seem that bad, considering what I was watching a few days ago on eBay. Maybe I should start looking again...

[Honolulu_Blue]

This series certainly feels like "deja vu all over again".

It feels very similar to the Anaheim, Nashville, and Calgary series. The Wings out shoot the opponent, without ever getting too many quality chances, and the opposing team plays a tight, defensive style of hockey that throws the Wings off their game. The other team just sort of hangs around, waits for an opportunity - like a power play or turnover - they strike and resume the defensive posture. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

It seems teams have figured this out pretty well. As ar as forwards and defensemen go, Edmonton is, arguably, a deeper, more talented team than either of the Wings other recent play off opponents. Since the Wings don't get many quality scoring chances, the level of goaltending isn't /as/ important.

The trap works well against the Wings for two reasons. First, the Wings are not that fast. They haven't had good team speed since Fedorov *cue the boos* left. The new rules still allow the trap, but what they don't allow is the hooking/grabbing to slow teams down through the neutral zone. The Wings lack the overall team speed to exploit this. Second, the Wings aren't that physical. The other way you beat the trap is to dump the puck and go after it. The Wings certainly aren't suited to this style of play at all.

The only the Wings have left is to try and use puck control and passing. The trap makes it very hard to do this successfully. Players clog the passing lanes and you pretty much need perfect, flawless passing to break through. As we saw on yesterday that rarely works. There were a ton of plays that started out nice, but then just fizzled when they got to Edmonton's blueline because of a bad pass, a puck hopping over a stick, an Oiler getting in the way, or an off-sides.

Line up:
I don't know if Babcock will go with Cross. Lebda provides more speed than Cross does. I am not sure putting Cross in there would help. Wooley is a possibility, but a long shot as well.

So far Datsyuk has shown nothing, but I am not sure how fair it is to judge him. He hasn't played in a while and there is no way to know how injured he still is. That said, Kelly Hrudey on CBC was ripping him apart after the first period and he's never performed in the playoffs in the past...

The Brightside:
Both Edmonton and Detroit have played much better on the road than at home this season. I think the Wings relax a little more on the road and try to take a simpler approach to the game. This should help them immensely. Edmonton will be rocking. It will be very important for the Wings to try and take the fans out of the game as early as possible.

There's still a lot of hockey left to be played.

[sachmo71]

Man, the noise in Edmonton...that's something I actually miss. Crowd wars!

[Chubby]

let's go Sabres!!!

[TazFTW]

Yay, no Jagr and Weekes is in goal. :( Although if I remember correctly Weekes was part of that two headed netminder (with Arthurs Irbe) that Carolina used in the playoffs a few years back.

[Draft Dodger]

I really would enjoy beating the snot out of pierre mcguire

[TazFTW]

Another powerplay goal...

[sabotai]

4-0 Buffalo already....Flyers are done.

[Dr. Sak]

I really would enjoy beating the snot out of pierre mcguire

You and me both. But the Flyers are a bunch of heartless pussies

[Galaxy]

Esche is pretty pissed...

[Dr. Sak]

Esche is pretty pissed...

I'd be too if my D kept hanging me out to dry

[Draft Dodger]

Esche is pretty pissed...

to me, he looks like he wanted to get pulled after the 4th goal and, since that didn't work, now he's trying to get tossed.

[Draft Dodger]

You and me both. But the Flyers are a bunch of heartless pussies

and old dried up slow pussies at that.

[Dr. Sak]

and old dried up slow pussies at that.

If I could I'd beat the living shit out of Desjardans. He is a fuckin turnover machine

[Galaxy]

Key for Sabres is to keep it together during the two remaining periods.

[Galaxy]

Gee guys, were down 4-0, let's get another penalty....Dumb Flyers.

[Galaxy]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

[ISiddiqui]

Jesus!

1st periods tonight

Montreal 3-0
NJ 2-0
Buffalo 5-0

This is not the way to success for the teams with the 0 on the scoreboard!

[Maple Leafs]

let's go Sabres!!!
Let's stop Sabres!!!

Seriously, they've had enough. Just stop.

[sabotai]

Flyers score....the comeback is on!!!

[Galaxy]

Flyers score....the comeback is on!!!

Not if they take those penalties....Sabres need to show a little more fire, or else it may happen.

[Galaxy]

Someone get ejected?