The Official 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs Thread

[Suburban Rhythm]

ATLANTIC DIVISION
1 BOSTON BRUINS vs 4 DETROIT REDWINGS

2 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING vs 3 MONTREAL CANADIENS

METROPOLITAN DIVISION

1 PITTSBURGH PENGUINS vs 4 COLUMBUS BLUEJACKETS

2 NEW YORK RANGERS vs 3 PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

CENTRAL DIVISION

1 COLORADO AVALANCHE vs 4 MINNESOTA WILD

2 ST LOUIS BLUES vs 3 CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

PACIFIC DIVISION

1 ANAHEIM DUCKS vs 4 DALLAS STARS

2 SAN JOSE SHARKS vs 3 LOS ANGELES KINGS

[NobodyHere]

Nice to have a Red Wings playoff series where I don't have to stay up to 2am to finish watching a game.

[The Jackal]

Beard = shaved.

Not sure if I'm going to one of the games at MSG yet, but let's go Flyers.

[The Jackal]

Not many people thought we'd be seeing Blues vs Blackhawks in the first round. Blues slumping, 'hawks stars hurting - should be an interesting one.

[The Jackal]

Thoughts on the series:

EAST

BOS vs DET - Wouldn't be surprised if this is a sweep, but the Wings can probably pull out one or two wins.

TBL vs MTL - I think if Bishop is healthy the Lightning win. If not, Canadiens.

PIT vs CLB - Bobrovsky is going to have to have his Vezina winning form if the Jackets are going to have a chance - but they're happy to be here and the Penguins haven't been stellar lately. Are their stars healthy enough?

NYR vs PHI - Flyers have lost 8 in a row at MSG and the Rags are a pretty good possession team - I'm nervous.

WEST

COL vs DAL - If Colorado can smother Seguin and Benn they'll win easily - if not it could go 7.

STL vs CHI - Defending champions (I guess, last year is questionable) vs conference favorites for most of the year - both defenses are outstanding but following up on what I said in the previous post, if Toews/Kane are actually healthy I like CHI.

ANA vs MIN - Go Bryz? I haven't seen the Ducks much but they seem pretty good.

SJ vs LA - I also haven't seen these teams much - I tend to like the Kings here but maybe Hertl comes back and makes a difference in the playoffs? Kings can definitely go through scoring slumps.

[Matthean]

I'm glad the Wings made it 23 years in a row, but I think they are just holding off on the inevitable of needing to get some higher picks and rebuild.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Thoughts on the series:

EAST

BOS vs DET - Wouldn't be surprised if this is a sweep, but the Wings can probably pull out one or two wins.

TBL vs MTL - I think if Bishop is healthy the Lightning win. If not, Canadiens.

PIT vs CLB - Bobrovsky is going to have to have his Vezina winning form if the Jackets are going to have a chance - but they're happy to be here and the Penguins haven't been stellar lately. Are their stars healthy enough?

NYR vs PHI - Flyers have lost 8 in a row at MSG and the Rags are a pretty good possession team - I'm nervous.

WEST

COL vs DAL - If Colorado can smother Seguin and Benn they'll win easily - if not it could go 7.

STL vs CHI - Defending champions (I guess, last year is questionable) vs conference favorites for most of the year - both defenses are outstanding but following up on what I said in the previous post, if Toews/Kane are actually healthy I like CHI.

ANA vs MIN - Go Bryz? I haven't seen the Ducks much but they seem pretty good.

SJ vs LA - I also haven't seen these teams much - I tend to like the Kings here but maybe Hertl comes back and makes a difference in the playoffs? Kings can definitely go through scoring slumps.

Few quick thoughts of my own

Not sure Detroit can win, but they seem like a team that won't fall into the trap the Pens do vs Boston or Philly. Not sure how much that helps them, but can't hurt

I almost, in a sick way, want Malkin to sit out a couple games. This team plays a more playoff style game when the stars are out. And I think they could have guys miss a few and still be relatively OK vs Cbus

I've never been a huge Carey Price guy, but I think Montreal could ride him this series.

Holding out hope the Rangers do their part and knock the Flyers out for Pittsburgh ;)

Colorado 100% reminds me of the 08 Penguins, getting really good a little faster than expected.

CHI and STL...two teams heading the wrong direction the last couple weeks. And never been a Ryan Miller fan.

No read on ANA and MIN...Boudreau has regularly faltered in the playoffs

I really like SJ. In the games vs Pittsburgh this year, SJ was big, fast and deep (that's what she said!). LA seemed a lot less physical than prior years...but maybe just waiting to turn it on in the playoffs.

[EVEN8184]

It's actually Anaheim vs. Dallas and Colorado vs. Minnesota.

[bbor]

No need for me to post in this thread...No dog in this fight...again....i just hope every series goes to X2 overtime in game 7.

[MizzouRah]

Blues are limping into the playoffs.. I don't like our chances at all.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Time for the Sharks to start playing below expectations.

This is the deepest Sharks team I can remember. If Hertl makes any kind of impact at all, look out. Even without him, the team has been playing some amazing hockey (111 points shows it). If they could have beaten Anaheim in regulation last week, they'd be the #1 seed in the West at 113 points (versus Anaheim's 112). Hopefully this is the year they finally figure it out, but it's been so many years of disappointment in the playoffs that I can't find it in myself to believe it until I see it.

[kingfc22]

Time for the Sharks to start playing below expectations.

This is the deepest Sharks team I can remember. If Hertl makes any kind of impact at all, look out. Even without him, the team has been playing some amazing hockey (111 points shows it). If they could have beaten Anaheim in regulation last week, they'd be the #1 seed in the West at 113 points (versus Anaheim's 112). Hopefully this is the year they finally figure it out, but it's been so many years of disappointment in the playoffs that I can't find it in myself to believe it until I see it.


Yea, I'm not getting my hopes up until at minimum the conference finals.

[Fidatelo]

No need for me to post in this thread...No dog in this fight...again....i just hope every series goes to X2 overtime in game 7.

+1

[claphamsa]

go avs!

[The Jackal]

It's actually Anaheim vs. Dallas and Colorado vs. Minnesota.

Ha. Well I think Colorado should win that series fairly easily. Anaheim in 5 or 6, probably.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Some very entertaining first round match-ups.

Blackhawks/Blues

Kings/Sharks

Philly/Rangers

All great.

Columbus/Pittsburgh could be interesting, especially of 2012/2013 Playoff Marc-Andre Fleury shows up again.

The other two series in the West don't seem that terribly interesting and Montreal/Tamp doesn't do too much for me.

As for Boston/Detroit. Well, it was good to get into the playoffs again. Without Zetterberg and Ericsson (or even with them really) it was going to be a very, very tough series. Boston has no real weakness and I don't think anyone has scored more on Jimmy Howard than Iginla. Given that Wings seemed destined to miss the playoffs about a month ago, I will enjoy this bonus round.

[The Jackal]

Nyqvist seems like a hell of a talent.

[Suburban Rhythm]

It's actually Anaheim vs. Dallas and Colorado vs. Minnesota.

Edited...but who really cares about the West? :p

[Suburban Rhythm]

Even though not playoff related, I'll put here

Preds cut ties with Barry Trotz after 17 seasons.

If (when?) Pittsburgh falls apart again, wouldn't be surprised if Ray Shero kicks the tires there, with his background in the Nashville front office.

All depends on what spectacular method Byslma uses to fall apart this year.

[Dr. Sak]

Columbus/Pittsburgh could be interesting, especially of 2012/2013 Playoff Marc-Andre Fleury shows up again.


Watch the GWG he gave up in OT against the Flyers last Saturday...he looks to be rounding into playoff form.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I noticed that the NHL playoffs are on ESPN.com's cover page (with the Bruins pictured).

Below the picture there are a few links, including this "McIndoe: Round 1 breakdown"

There's no "spoiler" tags, warnings, or anything. How times have changed...

So much playoff hockey coming up AND I get Good Friday off. SCORE!

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

It's crazy, sometimes I have to remind myself that I first knew him posting here. Read everything he puts out.

[Draft Dodger]

ML is the new Bill Simmons, I guess?

[DaddyTorgo]

I noticed that the NHL playoffs are on ESPN.com's cover page (with the Bruins pictured).

Below the picture there are a few links, including this "McIndoe: Round 1 breakdown"

There's no "spoiler" tags, warnings, or anything. How times have changed...

So much playoff hockey coming up AND I get Good Friday off. SCORE!

I don't see it :(

edit: never mind now i do

[EagleFan]

Mason's out for at least tomorrow thanks to that punk that ran him.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I know it's late on the east coast, but no comments on the crazy games this evening? I think Chicago may be done after that heartbreaker of a game today. I know it's just game one and they're on the road, but multi-OT losses are brutal.

I didn't think Minnesota had much of a shot from the get go, but blowing the game with under 15 seconds left and then losing in OT is probably going to go a long way to hurrying their exit along.

The Sharks looked fantastic for the first forty minutes, but then the Kings reminded them in the third that they weren't going to go quietly. This should be an amazing series.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I know it's late on the east coast, but no comments on the crazy games this evening? I think Chicago may be done after that heartbreaker of a game today. I know it's just game one and they're on the road, but multi-OT losses are brutal.

I didn't think Minnesota had much of a shot from the get go, but blowing the game with under 15 seconds left and then losing in OT is probably going to go a long way to hurrying their exit along.

The Sharks looked fantastic for the first forty minutes, but then the Kings reminded them in the third that they weren't going to go quietly. This should be an amazing series.

As much as I love overtime games, I was kind of disappointed that the Chicago/St. Louis game essentially wiped out the Sharks/Kings game. It looked great!

[Logan]

I know it's late on the east coast, but no comments on the crazy games this evening?


Got drunk watching the Rangers-Flyers and been wide awake since 4 as a result. There's my comment.

[Fidatelo]

Didn't get to start watching until the beginning of the first chi-stl overtime. Great hockey for the OTs though! I don't think Chicago is done from that loss. Heartbreaker for sure, but if they can win tomorrow they are still heading back home with a 1-1 split. They are also experienced enough to be able to deal with it pretty well I suspect. I think it would have been far more damaging to St Louis had Sharp scored on that breakaway late in 2OT.

[claphamsa]

sat through an awful WAS-STL baseball game (in 40 degree weather) then came home to watch the AVS and fell asleep halfway though the 3rd (they were down 4-2 at the time). happy they won, kinda wished i had recorded the rest of the game.

[weegeebored]

Didn't get to start watching until the beginning of the first chi-stl overtime. Great hockey for the OTs though! I don't think Chicago is done from that loss. Heartbreaker for sure, but if they can win tomorrow they are still heading back home with a 1-1 split. They are also experienced enough to be able to deal with it pretty well I suspect. I think it would have been far more damaging to St Louis had Sharp scored on that breakaway late in 2OT.On the contrary, I think that the effects of 10 guys going to the Olympics has taken its toll on the Blackhawks. Aside from the first week or so after, they have looked slow(er) and have played stupid hockey. I haven't looked this up, but I would suspect that their turnover numbers are significantly higher after the break than before. For a puck possession team they sure make a lot of bad passes that lead to good opportunities for their opponent. And Keith has not looked anything like a Norris trophy candidate the last few weeks.

I see a first round exit. As a fan, I hope I'm wrong.

[The Jackal]

The Flyers got pretty well dominated but still had a chance to win it in the third. Very unfortunate double minor, but all in all they're gonna need a better effort to win some games in this series.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'm in Vegas for a couple days. Was following CHI-STL on my phone...then followed a little bit of LA-SJ walking around.

Agree that CHI can bounce back. They've been through this before.

"Watched" Pens Wednesday game on the way in, on the mediocre wifi on plane.
We were waiting for shuttle when game ended.

[MizzouRah]

GO BLUES!!!

[Matthean]

BOS vs DET - Wouldn't be surprised if this is a sweep, but the Wings can probably pull out one or two wins.

:D

[DaddyTorgo]

Ugh :(

[EagleFan]

The Stars goalie seriously needs to win today or he will be dangerously close to the "he can't win in the playoffs" zone which could spiral out of control.

[Galaril]

:D

Every squirrel gets a nut now and then.

[Honolulu_Blue]

It was a pretty tight game. Pretty even. The Wings carried the play in the second period, while the Bruins were better in the 3rd. Both teams were pretty equal in terms of scoring chances.

Howard makes a great/lucky save on the Lucic re-direction and about 30 seconds later Datsyuk does his thing and gets one past Rask.

The Wings have had a surprisingly good record against the Bruins the last couple of years for whatever reason.

Just one game. Still a long series ahead.

[Honolulu_Blue]

One of the rationales behind this new playoff format was to foster divionsal rivalries.

After this third period in St. Louis, mission accomplished.

Nastiness.

[claphamsa]

yeah, seabrook needs to sit... 15? 20 games? (he will get 2 tops)

[bhlloy]

That was absolutely brutal - he will get two (and the media already seems in agreement that's the number) because playoffs and star player, but it should be way, way more.

Also Toews talking shit to Backes while he was clearly seriously concussed and Seabrooks whitewash comments after the game left a lot to be desired IMO.

[TroyF]

So, um, I think this Nathan MacKinnon kid can play, huh? Wow.

[Draft Dodger]

So, um, I think this Nathan MacKinnon kid can play, huh? Wow.

yes, yes he can. My son was watching with me and he commented on a fast player on the Wild. I said, if you want to see speed, watch for #29 because he's ridiculous. His next shift was that ridiculous first goal. Nailed that one (and impressed my son to boot)

that being said, Roenick called him more dominant than Crosby was at 18 which is an absolutely ludicrous statement. (and I'm an Avs fan)

[The Jackal]

The Avalanche have a very exciting young offensive core.

[bbor]

So, um, I think this Nathan MacKinnon kid can play, huh? Wow.

He picks up so much speed between blue lines it is almost unfair to the defencemen,No one can pivot that fast.You can only hope to angle him off and then get backside pressure to box him in.

Regardless,the guy is and will be a phenom,this is certainly his coming out party.

[MizzouRah]

That was absolutely brutal - he will get two (and the media already seems in agreement that's the number) because playoffs and star player, but it should be way, way more.

Also Toews talking shit to Backes while he was clearly seriously concussed and Seabrooks whitewash comments after the game left a lot to be desired IMO.

He should be out the whole series. Nasty hit...

Great way to answer though, GO BLUES!!!

[MacroGuru]

Not having a dog in this race has been great....Watching some amazing playoff hockey.

Between Hockey and Soccer my tv hasn't left the NBC Sports channel much since the NHL Playoffs begun..

[claphamsa]

stupid DVR. missed the whole first period of AVS wild due to the OT game in Pit, then the game cut off with about 10 min left.

[stevew]

Funny how quiet the Pens bandwagon is on Facebook today.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Funny how quiet the Pens bandwagon is on Facebook today.

I prefer quiet to panic.

Game 1, while I was on a plane, was hilarious. Row across from me was a kid, about 13, following on his laptop. When Columbus went up 3-1, the dad looked at the laptop..."Christ...Fleury sucks!"

No replays. No descriptions. Just automatically knew, 3-1, has to be Fleury's fault.

[claphamsa]

was that Columbus' first ever playoff victory? They were talking about it when my DVR cut off....

[Draft Dodger]

it was

[claphamsa]

3 games for seabrook...

[MizzouRah]

3 games for seabrook...

Complete BS.

[weegeebored]

Complete BS.So was this. Jonathan Toews suffers bloody face after hit against boards | Tireball NHL News, Rumors and Opinions (http://tireball.com/nhl/2014/04/18/jonathan-toews-suffers-bloody-face-after-hit-against-boards/)

[claphamsa]

So was this. Jonathan Toews suffers bloody face after hit against boards | Tireball NHL News, Rumors and Opinions (http://tireball.com/nhl/2014/04/18/jonathan-toews-suffers-bloody-face-after-hit-against-boards/)

why? he never left his feet, and he hit with his shoulder. completely legal.

[The Jackal]

Hooray for stealing a game at MSG

Maybe don't give up so many scoring chances at home mmkay

[MizzouRah]

why? he never left his feet, and he hit with his shoulder. completely legal.

Exactly..

[DaddyTorgo]

:D

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lIMxCYd4HT4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[EagleFan]

So was this. Jonathan Toews suffers bloody face after hit against boards | Tireball NHL News, Rumors and Opinions (http://tireball.com/nhl/2014/04/18/jonathan-toews-suffers-bloody-face-after-hit-against-boards/)

Karma for trash talking someone that was concussed?

[weegeebored]

Karma for trash talking someone that was concussed?Um...Karma doesn't work backwards, does it? That hit was from Thursday's game.

[weegeebored]

why? he never left his feet, and he hit with his shoulder. completely legal.Shoulder to the head -- not legal.

[Draft Dodger]

I find it hard to understand how anyone could consider that a clean or legal hit

[kingfc22]

13 goals in 2 games. Sweet.

[bronconick]

Now they just need to figure out how to win a game in LA

[Suburban Rhythm]

Shoulder to the head -- not legal.

It's not illegal either, if head is principal point of contact. Collateral damage in the NHL world.

Besides, even if it were illegal, would you really expect the NHL to get it right?

[Dr. Sak]

It isn't legal to spear someone in the balls with your stick, but it will only cost you a minimal fine if you do so.

[Logan]

It isn't legal to spear someone in the balls with your stick, but it will only cost you a minimal fine if you do so.

And only 20% of what you pay for grabbing your own balls!

[britrock88]

The Seabrook hit is the kind that should draw a 1:1 penalty--the offender stays out for as long as the victim.

[Suburban Rhythm]

It isn't legal to spear someone in the balls with your stick, but it will only cost you a minimal fine if you do so.

But he's only done it three time by his own admission. Cut the guy a break!

[MizzouRah]

The Seabrook hit is the kind that should draw a 1:1 penalty--the offender stays out for as long as the victim.

They were talking about that today on the radio.. I like it. A guy is out for say, two months, so is the player who gave the illegal hit.

They also said, do away with the instigator penalty.. have the other teams tough guy take care of it without fear of an instigator penalty.

[TroyF]

They were talking about that today on the radio.. I like it. A guy is out for say, two months, so is the player who gave the illegal hit.

They also said, do away with the instigator penalty.. have the other teams tough guy take care of it without fear of an instigator penalty.

I hate it for a lot of reasons.

1) I know it's this way in life, but I'm tired of the "you get punished based on the result of your actions, not your actions garbage" Let us say we have a game where the Seabrook hit happens, but then St. Louis decides to get cheap and hits Kane dirty driving him back into the boards. Kane gets lucky, he falls just perfect and ends up barely being hurt. Two actions that were the same thing and different suspensions.

2) It would be ridiculously easy for teams to play the system with that type of rule. In the Blues case, the guy is a critical player and will come back as quickly as possible. What happens if Seabrook hits a fourth line scrub and this rule was in place? You think the Blues are going to let that guy come back for the duration of the series? People usually respond the league could stop that, but could they? A guy says his head hurts and he's dizzy, do you think the NHL takes a chance on him coming back?


The fix for cheap hits is longer suspensions, regardless of how badly the guy is hurt. The fact he had never been suspended makes me believe this should have been a 5 gamer and not more. Instead, he gets 3. Too short.

[Suburban Rhythm]

They were talking about that today on the radio.. I like it. A guy is out for say, two months, so is the player who gave the illegal hit.

They also said, do away with the instigator penalty.. have the other teams tough guy take care of it without fear of an instigator penalty.

I think this is great in theory, poor in practice

What's stopping some plug called up from the AHL from taking out Backes in the same manner? Chicago couldn't care less about losing him.

And the instigator...dirty hits happened before, and have happened after. I point to Matt Cooke as the poster child. He didn't change anything until he got hit where he really hurt - his wallet. These guys don't fear retribution. They fear losing their jobs.

The instigator didn't stop Shawn Thornton early this year. If it's egregious enough, the tough guy isn't worried about instigator. He's doing what he needs to do to keep his job, too.

Until suspensions with real teeth (20+ games for these hits) happen, no reason for any of these guys to stop.

[Dr. Sak]

One other theory being floated around with suspensions in this manner is having the team being able to dress one less player for as long as that guy is suspended.

[claphamsa]

The Seabrook hit is the kind that should draw a 1:1 penalty--the offender stays out for as long as the victim.

I greatly dislike this. the NHL over punishes results not actions, why make it worse.

if you board someone you get suspended regardless of if they get hurt or not, same with knee on knee hits.

I also think the suspensions should be much higher.

[MizzouRah]

I hate it for a lot of reasons.

1) I know it's this way in life, but I'm tired of the "you get punished based on the result of your actions, not your actions garbage" Let us say we have a game where the Seabrook hit happens, but then St. Louis decides to get cheap and hits Kane dirty driving him back into the boards. Kane gets lucky, he falls just perfect and ends up barely being hurt. Two actions that were the same thing and different suspensions.

2) It would be ridiculously easy for teams to play the system with that type of rule. In the Blues case, the guy is a critical player and will come back as quickly as possible. What happens if Seabrook hits a fourth line scrub and this rule was in place? You think the Blues are going to let that guy come back for the duration of the series? People usually respond the league could stop that, but could they? A guy says his head hurts and he's dizzy, do you think the NHL takes a chance on him coming back?


The fix for cheap hits is longer suspensions, regardless of how badly the guy is hurt. The fact he had never been suspended makes me believe this should have been a 5 gamer and not more. Instead, he gets 3. Too short.

Excellent points..

1 - A cheap hit rarely results in someone not being hurt, hence is why it's a cheap hit. So if Kane isn't out, then the player gets a 5 min major and a game ejection. Next game is Kane is back, then the player is also back.

2 - very good points.. I would still argue if the player is ruled by the NHL of an illegal hit, then he will have to deal with the penalty, even if that means the team sits out a 4th liner due to "dizziness" and the other team loses a top player who decided to go one step further with a dirty (illegal) hit. It would be up to the NHL to determine that. Would cut down big time on those types of hits.

I agree with the 5 games though (I'd say for the playoffs you are out the rest of the series).. but if Backes is out a month and this is the regular season, it doesn't make much sense to me for the player not to be out a month.

These types of hits need to stop, someone is going to get killed or live off liquid food for the rest of their lives. I know the NHL is trying to handle these hits, but they need to ramp it up a bit imho.

[DaddyTorgo]

Excellent points..

1 - A cheap hit rarely results in someone not being hurt, hence is why it's a cheap hit. So if Kane isn't out, then the player gets a 5 min major and a game ejection. Next game is Kane is back, then the player is also back.

2 - very good points.. I would still argue if the player is ruled by the NHL of an illegal hit, then he will have to deal with the penalty, even if that means the team sits out a 4th liner due to "dizziness" and the other team loses a top player who decided to go one step further with a dirty (illegal) hit. It would be up to the NHL to determine that. Would cut down big time on those types of hits.

I agree with the 5 games though (I'd say for the playoffs you are out the rest of the series).. but if Backes is out a month and this is the regular season, it doesn't make much sense to me for the player not to be out a month.

These types of hits need to stop, someone is going to get killed or live off liquid food for the rest of their lives. I know the NHL is trying to handle these hits, but they need to ramp it up a bit imho.

To fix the "sitting a 4th liner" or "targeting a star" type thing, why not make it salary-cap based? It's not perfect (there are over/under paid guys), but it'd take about 85% of that abuse out I'd think.

If you cheap-shot and knock out a guy with a $6m cap hit then your team's cap is reduced by $6m until he's back in for his team.

[MizzouRah]

I think this is great in theory, poor in practice

What's stopping some plug called up from the AHL from taking out Backes in the same manner? Chicago couldn't care less about losing him.

And the instigator...dirty hits happened before, and have happened after. I point to Matt Cooke as the poster child. He didn't change anything until he got hit where he really hurt - his wallet. These guys don't fear retribution. They fear losing their jobs.

The instigator didn't stop Shawn Thornton early this year. If it's egregious enough, the tough guy isn't worried about instigator. He's doing what he needs to do to keep his job, too.

Until suspensions with real teeth (20+ games for these hits) happen, no reason for any of these guys to stop.

Good points too.. maybe a top liner player gets hurt then you sit a top liner player until the player returns.. but yes there are holes in this theory for sure. Like you said, maybe they increase fines to the player?

I like the minimum 20 game suspension though.. I mean 3-5 games don't mean squat in the regular season.. maybe playoff time they do.. but in the Seabrook - Backes case, it's almost an eye for an eye situation where Seabrook could potentially finish out the playoffs if the Hawks make it to the next round and Backes might be done for the season.

[claphamsa]

To fix the "sitting a 4th liner" or "targeting a star" type thing, why not make it salary-cap based? It's not perfect (there are over/under paid guys), but it'd take about 85% of that abuse out I'd think.

If you cheap-shot and knock out a guy with a $6m cap hit then your team's cap is reduced by $6m until he's back in for his team.

but how would you do that, say the capitals have someone cheap shot kane. they lose 6M in their cap... they only had100K leftover, so they CANT lose it.

[claphamsa]

I read a suggestion somewhere that said if you missed regular season games due to suspension, you missed the same number in the playoffs.

[DaddyTorgo]

but how would you do that, say the capitals have someone cheap shot kane. they lose 6M in their cap... they only had100K leftover, so they CANT lose it.

Well not "lose" but "are unable to dress." Word choice. So it's not like they have to release somebody or whatever, just that they have to not-dress an equivalent amount of salary.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Good points too.. maybe a top liner player gets hurt then you sit a top liner player until the player returns.. but yes there are holes in this theory for sure. Like you said, maybe they increase fines to the player?

I like the minimum 20 game suspension though.. I mean 3-5 games don't mean squat in the regular season.. maybe playoff time they do.. but in the Seabrook - Backes case, it's almost an eye for an eye situation where Seabrook could potentially finish out the playoffs if the Hawks make it to the next round and Backes might be done for the season.

I'm not even talking increasing fines. Suspensions of 20+ games, with the next being 50 (or whatever) make you a less desirable player to all teams.

[TroyF]

Excellent points..

1 - A cheap hit rarely results in someone not being hurt, hence is why it's a cheap hit. So if Kane isn't out, then the player gets a 5 min major and a game ejection. Next game is Kane is back, then the player is also back.

2 - very good points.. I would still argue if the player is ruled by the NHL of an illegal hit, then he will have to deal with the penalty, even if that means the team sits out a 4th liner due to "dizziness" and the other team loses a top player who decided to go one step further with a dirty (illegal) hit. It would be up to the NHL to determine that. Would cut down big time on those types of hits.

I agree with the 5 games though (I'd say for the playoffs you are out the rest of the series).. but if Backes is out a month and this is the regular season, it doesn't make much sense to me for the player not to be out a month.

These types of hits need to stop, someone is going to get killed or live off liquid food for the rest of their lives. I know the NHL is trying to handle these hits, but they need to ramp it up a bit imho.


1) I'm sorry, but someone being hurt is not what makes a play cheap. There are plenty of knee on knee hits where the guy miraculously doesn't end up with a blown knee. It doesn't change the intent or cheapness of the act. Ditto for head shots. No, it's not even remotely fair that Player A gets to come back after 2 games and Player B sits the rest of the series because one guy happened to catch a break.

Do we do this with EVERY play? How many slashing calls get called a game? How many times does a hard slash break a bone? So now we have two of the same slashes and one guy gets 2 minutes, the other guy misses 30 games?

Sorry, I cannot get behind any rule that only deals with the end game not the intent.

2) As with #1, you are changing the penalties based on the players involved. You actually make it better to cheap shot a star because you know he'll come back as quick as he can.

Again, intent is what should be judged. Not end result. It doesn't matter because neither of us are every going to get what we want. I want longer suspension for garbage like that. (20 game minimums would be a good start). They aren't happening. I won't get it. You want this rule, and there is no way in hell any team will agree to it.

So we have what we have.

[Logan]

but how would you do that, say the capitals have someone cheap shot kane. they lose 6M in their cap... they only had100K leftover, so they CANT lose it.

I guess the idea would be they would need to reduce their active player roster by the $6MM in salary? So if they're up against the cap, $6MM in salaries need to sit out.

Honestly I think these ideas go too far. These suspensions are insufficient and others are right when they say that some really bad hits have gone largely unpunished based on pure luck of the guy not actually getting hurt. The suspensions need to start in the double digits and I also like the idea of a team losing draft picks if they accrue a certain number of major suspensions over time. To take a look at my own team for a second, I was at a game last year when Rick Nash basically attacked a guy on the Panthers. I had a great view of it...as soon as I saw it, I thought it would be 10+ games before we saw him on the ice again, at least if suspensions were actually just. He got nothing and they put out a video as to why.

I'm really surprised this isn't something we see more of a push on from the NHLPA.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I guess the idea would be they would need to reduce their active player roster by the $6MM in salary? So if they're up against the cap, $6MM in salaries need to sit out.

Honestly I think these ideas go too far. These suspensions are insufficient and others are right when they say that some really bad hits have gone largely unpunished based on pure luck of the guy not actually getting hurt. The suspensions need to start in the double digits and I also like the idea of a team losing draft picks if they accrue a certain number of major suspensions over time. To take a look at my own team for a second, I was at a game last year when Rick Nash basically attacked a guy on the Panthers. I had a great view of it...as soon as I saw it, I thought it would be 10+ games before we saw him on the ice again, at least if suspensions were actually just. He got nothing and they put out a video as to why.

I'm really surprised this isn't something we see more of a push on from the NHLPA.

I think the PA is the problem. One guy injured, and one guy gets off free, still two guys drawing a paycheck. One guy injured, one guy suspended, only one guy drawing a paycheck. That's their mentality, not the safety of ALL players.

[MizzouRah]

1) I'm sorry, but someone being hurt is not what makes a play cheap. There are plenty of knee on knee hits where the guy miraculously doesn't end up with a blown knee. It doesn't change the intent or cheapness of the act. Ditto for head shots. No, it's not even remotely fair that Player A gets to come back after 2 games and Player B sits the rest of the series because one guy happened to catch a break.

Do we do this with EVERY play? How many slashing calls get called a game? How many times does a hard slash break a bone? So now we have two of the same slashes and one guy gets 2 minutes, the other guy misses 30 games?

Sorry, I cannot get behind any rule that only deals with the end game not the intent.

2) As with #1, you are changing the penalties based on the players involved. You actually make it better to cheap shot a star because you know he'll come back as quick as he can.

Again, intent is what should be judged. Not end result. It doesn't matter because neither of us are every going to get what we want. I want longer suspension for garbage like that. (20 game minimums would be a good start). They aren't happening. I won't get it. You want this rule, and there is no way in hell any team will agree to it.

So we have what we have.

I never really said I want the rule.. I just like the premise of it. Obviously there are holes in it.. like SR said.. game suspensions of 20, then 50, etc.. big time suspensions for the intent of injuring someone.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I never really said I want the rule.. I just like the premise of it. Obviously there are holes in it.. like SR said.. game suspensions of 20, then 50, etc.. big time suspensions for the intent of injuring someone.

For me, it's almost amusing how inept the PA is at handling these things, and by connection, the NHL.

It's like nobody can think long range. Like lemmings, blindly following what the old guard did before them, and that group the old guard before them. Feels like nobody can think critically enough to see a (potential) short term blip caused by suspensions is infinitely smaller than the gains you make by cleaning up the product and attracting new fans.

The PA is worried about the 5-10 guys whom they represent and their portion of the 50% of HRR. But never think what that 50% could become, dollar-wise, if they made the game more attractive.

And the NHL for their part continues to trot out jackwads like Milbury, who while certainly more connected to the league than I could ever be, is only a detriment to selling the sport. More as much flak as Pierre takes, the guy is very knowledgeable and promotes opening the game to new fans.

[britrock88]

I'm glad we dipped in to the nature of punishment a little bit--action-based punishment versus consequentialism, so on--as we ramped up this discussion.

I think the clear thing is that as high as they may be, the stakes of competition are not worth the threats to health and livelihood that these hits inflict. So stiffer penalties, in whatever form, are the right idea.

[MizzouRah]

For me, it's almost amusing how inept the PA is at handling these things, and by connection, the NHL.

It's like nobody can think long range. Like lemmings, blindly following what the old guard did before them, and that group the old guard before them. Feels like nobody can think critically enough to see a (potential) short term blip caused by suspensions is infinitely smaller than the gains you make by cleaning up the product and attracting new fans.

The PA is worried about the 5-10 guys whom they represent and their portion of the 50% of HRR. But never think what that 50% could become, dollar-wise, if they made the game more attractive.

And the NHL for their part continues to trot out jackwads like Milbury, who while certainly more connected to the league than I could ever be, is only a detriment to selling the sport. More as much flak as Pierre takes, the guy is very knowledgeable and promotes opening the game to new fans.

Agreed.. they need to clean it up, who's going to watch when a good % of the good players are out long term due to concussions caused by illegal hits.

Suspend someone half a season and see what happens.

[BlackJack]

What are they chanting in columbus - lets go something, - doesn't sound like blue jackets

[EagleFan]

Time for the league mandated Penguins power plays...

[EagleFan]

What are they chanting in columbus - lets go something, - doesn't sound like blue jackets

I can't tell what they are saying.

[EagleFan]

Just Jackets maybe?

[MizzouRah]

Well fck me... one cheesy goal.

Like I've said, you don't need a stud goalie.. what you do need is guys that can FCKING SCORE!

[henry296]

I can't tell what they are saying.

I think it is C-B-J. At least one Pittsburgh writer said that what they were saying after the goals.

[The Jackal]

Time for the league mandated Penguins power plays...

Man were there 2 or 3 terrible penalty calls in that game. You'd think it was the Flyers...

[claphamsa]

so how long should and will cooke be suspended? I say 50 but hell only get 20.

[Suburban Rhythm]

so how long should and will cooke be suspended? I say 50 but hell only get 20.

He's not even going to get 20. I'll be shocked if it's more than 10.

[bronconick]

Torres got 3-6 game (2nd round) last year. Something like that, I'd guess.

[The Jackal]

I bet Cooke will get 5-6 games. To ensure he doesn't play again vs the Avs and carry over into the next round if the Wild manage to come back.

[Dr. Sak]

Craig Berube waited over a decade to punch Jeremy Roenick in the face - Broad Street Hockey (http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2014/4/22/5639778/craig-berube-jeremy-roenick-story-punch-flyers)

[DaddyTorgo]

Hell of a first period by the B's.

2-0 lead. Shut down the Red Wings offensively (I just missed the stat on how many shots they had, but there was at least a 8-9 minute stretch where they had none).

Forcing mistakes and capitalizing.

[DaddyTorgo]

dola

4 shots for DET in 1st period

[The Jackal]

Craig Berube waited over a decade to punch Jeremy Roenick in the face - Broad Street Hockey (http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2014/4/22/5639778/craig-berube-jeremy-roenick-story-punch-flyers)

This is an awesome hockey story

[Dutch]

Lightning 3rd string goalie (whats-his-name) is gonna get the keys to the city if he keeps this up.

[Dutch]

And the legend will be amazing if they survive this power-play with 2 minutes left in the 3rd period. :)

[Dutch]

He didn't survive it...oh well, good game by what's-his-name anyway.

[Dutch]

Kristers Gudlevskis is his name, fwiw.

All in all, it was a fun season of Lightning Hockey.

[MacroGuru]

Detroit didn't look like they wanted to play tonight until the 3rd period.

I fucking hate Boston right now, actually a few of their players...with the weasel Marchand being #1 and Charra as #2. I would fucking go after both of them anytime I could if I was on the ice. Charra may whip my ass, but you know what, I wouldn't back down and run like some of the other players do.

[TroyF]

Just had to laugh at this AP story of the Red Wings/Bruins game.

DETROIT -- Tuukka Rask finished with a 23-save shutout to give the Boston Bruins a 3-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night for a 2-1 playoff series lead.

Dougie Hamilton and Jordan Caron scored in the first period, and Patrice Bergeron added an empty-net goal late in the game. The Presidents' Trophy-winning Bruins are ahead for the first time in the opening-round series. And, it seems like a commanding lead the way Boston has played the past two games.

Detroit has to win Game 4 on Thursday night to avoid facing elimination when the series shifts back to Boston.

Jimmy Howard made 31 saves for the Red Wings, who needed him to make what appeared to be a routine stop midway through the first period on the first goal. He couldn't.

Poor Jimmy. He couldn't.

[The Jackal]

Bleh. I didn't expect the Flyers to mostly own and lose in that fashion. Props to the Rangers for blocking so many shots.

[BishopMVP]

Kristers Gudlevskis is his name, fwiw.

All in all, it was a fun season of Lightning Hockey.Not even his best performance I've seen in the last 2 months... he was the Latvian goalie who made 55 saves and almost stole a win vs. Canada at the Olympics. Kid's only 21, he could be a good one.

[Logan]

That goal must have felt so good for Carcillo.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Goal! Way to go, Sharks!!!!!!!

[The Jackal]

That goal must have felt so good for Carcillo.

I want to punchisize his face

[Logan]

I want to punchisize his face

As did I'm sure many of the fans who were cheering when he went down in a heap after blocking a shot, or booing when he went down after catching a blind shoulder to the chin as if he was faking.

[Dr. Sak]

As did I'm sure many of the fans who were cheering when he went down in a heap after blocking a shot, or booing when he went down after catching a blind shoulder to the chin as if he was faking.

In their defense it's kind of hard to tell when the Rangers are faking or not...you can get upset at that comment, but they have gotten 2 embellishment penalites so far this series. Not to mention when Hartnell bumped the guy from behind (and I am not excusing him for this action), but the Ranger player did play it up a bit.

That is NOT the reason the Flyers are losing the series. Rangers are doing a great job blocking shots and keeping the Flyers to the outside.

Edit; Carcillo is a guy you tolerate when he is on your team but dislike him when he isn't on your team.

[Logan]

Since we were having the discussion a couple days ago re: Cooke and the NHL's methods of discipline, here's a good one to bring up. This went unpenalized and will in all likelihood have nothing come of it from the NHL. If there was an injury, or if the recipient wasn't Carcillo, I'd wager my life savings that would not be the case.

http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/4-23-2014/OQodWT.gif (http://www.makeagif.com/OQodWT)

[Logan]

In their defense it's kind of hard to tell when the Rangers are faking or not...you can get upset at that comment, but they have gotten 2 embellishment penalites so far this series. Not to mention when Hartnell bumped the guy from behind (and I am not excusing him for this action), but the Ranger player did play it up a bit.

That is NOT the reason the Flyers are losing the series. Rangers are doing a great job blocking shots and keeping the Flyers to the outside.

Oh of course, and I don't expect the fans in the arena to see what takes replays to see clearly. But I think that played a part in Carcillo's hands up/"fuck off" reaction to the goal. :)

The embellishment call on Dorsett (?) was 100% right, but I think the one on Zuccarello was wrong. He's a peanut who was getting checked and had a stick between his legs!

[Logan]

And FTR, I don't think it was the worst head shot we've seen in any way, and I don't think Read necessarily intended to put his shoulder into Carcillo's chin. But that's the type of stuff that could end up happening when you're trying to give a chip shot to another guy away from the play.

[Dr. Sak]

Oh of course, and I don't expect the fans in the arena to see what takes replays to see clearly. But I think that played a part in Carcillo's hands up/"fuck off" reaction to the goal. :)

The embellishment call on Dorsett (?) was 100% right, but I think the one on Zuccarello was wrong. He's a peanut who was getting checked and had a stick between his legs!

Carcillo didn't exactly leave on the best of terms. He was very upset being a healthy scratch in the 2010 Finals. He's a guy that can be good for a game or two, then the idiot comes out in him. If you can bottle the idiot up he can be an asset. Kind of like Rinaldo for the Flyers.

I don't blame Carcillo for taunting the fans but the flipping off is just what you get. Just like when Jagr played for the Flyers, went to Pittsburgh and scored the goal. He saluted some lady in the stands and there's a picture of her flipping him off. Just the mass of idiots in the stands everywhere.

[Dr. Sak]

And FTR, I don't think it was the worst head shot we've seen in any way, and I don't think Read necessarily intended to put his shoulder into Carcillo's chin. But that's the type of stuff that could end up happening when you're trying to give a chip shot to another guy away from the play.

I know this isn't right but it happens in every sport with instances like this...you have a guy who is a trouble maker (for lack of a better term). Then someone picks on him or does something illegal...well since the guy is sort of an ass...it gets overlooked more than if it would have happened to someone else just because of who he is.

For instance if it happened to St. Louis...we may be talking fine or even suspension.

[Logan]

I don't blame Carcillo for taunting the fans but the flipping off is just what you get.

I don't think less of the fan for flipping him off. I think less of him for wearing his hat tilted sideways :).

[Logan]

And officially nothing for Read. Find me the difference between that hit and Rupp on Oshie which got 4 games (besides the obvious).

<iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=600945" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe>

[Blackadar]

Charra may whip my ass, but you know what, I wouldn't back down and run like some of the other players do.

Charra would wipe his ass with you. :D

[MacroGuru]

Charra would wipe his ass with you. :D

I perfectly understand that, but to watch the amount of players that start shit with him, then run away because he is as big as he is just infuriates the hell out of me.

Take the beating, show him you aren't scared and it may help shit, hell who knows you may land a blow or two and make him rethink of starting shit with you...but I for one would know after I got in a punch, I would be his double ply charmin...

[DaddyTorgo]

I fucking hate Boston right now, actually a few of their players...with the weasel Marchand being #1 and Charra as #2. I would fucking go after both of them anytime I could if I was on the ice. Charra may whip my ass, but you know what, I wouldn't back down and run like some of the other players do.

You seem to be a bit over-emotional about this.

[Dr. Sak]

You seem to be a bit over-emotional about this.

Pot meet Kettle?

[DaddyTorgo]

Pot meet Kettle?

:confused:

[Honolulu_Blue]

The one upside if the Wings go out quickly in the playoffs will be the end of their "Octopi Hockeytown" playoff slogan thing. It's the worst.

[Chief Rum]

:confused:

I believe bsak is suggesting you at times get abit emotional about your sports team yourself, so somewhat ironic to point it out in others.

[Dr. Sak]

I believe bsak is suggesting you at times get abit emotional about your sports team yourself, so somewhat ironic to point it out in others.

Ding ding ding :)

[The Jackal]

And FTR, I don't think it was the worst head shot we've seen in any way, and I don't think Read necessarily intended to put his shoulder into Carcillo's chin. But that's the type of stuff that could end up happening when you're trying to give a chip shot to another guy away from the play.

Frankly I was surprised Read wasn't penalized on that play.

And the penalty that Carcillo took before he scored really wasn't a penalty.

I can be perfectly calm and rational, doesn't make me want to punch him any less at the moment - that's because he's doing his job properly. If he was failing at it I'd just be laughing at him. ;)

[DaddyTorgo]

Ding ding ding :)

Emotional AT my team, not at hating players on other teams.

[Dr. Sak]

Emotional AT my team, not at hating players on other teams.

So you didn't go on a hate tirade on James Neal earlier this season?

[BishopMVP]

Fleury played really well tonight... Except for the game-tying goal with 20 seconds left and the knucklepuck OT game winner.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Fleury played really well tonight... Except for the game-tying goal with 20 seconds left and the knucklepuck OT game winner.

Sucks for him, because for the most part he's put the last 2 horrible playoffs behind him this series. He's been left out to dry a ton.

And I'll still argue that's the right play...settle the puck, move to the D coming back, off the glass, out of the zone. Done. Right play...horrible execution.

And sucks for him because he bailed the team out most of the 2nd and 3rd. Malkin has been good, not great, but at least somewhat threatening. Crosby has been MIA. Nature of the position, but when MAF makes a mis-step, nobody can bail him out.

[BishopMVP]

Sucks for him, because for the most part he's put the last 2 horrible playoffs behind him this series. He's been left out to dry a ton.

And I'll still argue that's the right play...settle the puck, move to the D coming back, off the glass, out of the zone. Done. Right play...horrible execution.I think going out to play the puck was the right initial play, but once it took that funny bounce just get back in the net.

[stevew]

I purposefully have stayed off Facebook til later when hopefully some awesome pens rants will pccur

[MizzouRah]

We go ahead 3-2 and then WHAT THE F!@@#%$

[EagleFan]

And officially nothing for Read. Find me the difference between that hit and Rupp on Oshie which got 4 games (besides the obvious).

<iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=600945" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe>

The obvious being that one was a targeted shot to the head and the other was a chip in passing that wasn't initial point of contact to the head?

[Logan]

Haha ok. What part of Carcillo's body did he hit first? The chin is part of the head last time I checked.

[Dr. Sak]

Haha ok. What part of Carcillo's body did he hit first? The chin is part of the head last time I checked.

I don't want to get into an arguement with you cause we are both pretty passionate about our teams. I looked at the video...yes Read hits him on the chin, however Read never did seek him out. His direct skate path doesn't change, and one could argue that he was bracing for a hit by Carcillo (and one could argue that he just shot his arm out to hit him).

That's just my 2 cents, but I can also appreciate your view on this matter.

[Logan]

I'm with you. Like I said in my original post, I don't think he was trying to injure Carcillo. I think he was trying to chip him and it caught him on the chin. I think the NHL should penalize that, whether it was intended or not, because that's exactly what could happen when you do things like that.

What I will argue like hell is that the contact point was the chin, which you acknowledge, so no argument here good buddy :).

[EagleFan]

There was nothing to be penalized for there. It was two skaters colliding, no attempt to hit. You're fooling yourself if you are trying to compare incidental contact with targeted.

[Logan]

There was nothing to be penalized for there. It was two skaters colliding, no attempt to hit. You're fooling yourself if you are trying to compare incidental contact with targeted.

Props to you for moving off "initial contact point wasn't the head" so quickly.

[The Jackal]

Did we talk about Cooke getting 7 games yet? I'm good with it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Did we talk about Cooke getting 7 games yet? I'm good with it.

I'm good with it in he takes him out of this series. Previous pages discussed how it should, but never will, work. Cooke got what amounted to 17 in 2011. That's down to 7 now. Not sure how that's sending a message.

[Logan]

I know the standard is one playoff game = two regular season games. Seems like they should apply that literally in the case of a team getting knocked out. If they lose the next two, have him sit 10 next year.

[DaddyTorgo]

Nice fight back and win for the B's in OT.

3-1 series lead makes me feel a lot better than 2-2.

Detroit's scary with all that individual offensive talent.

[Suburban Rhythm]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LehaBrrPP8s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Logan]

She backtracked like hell claiming that she was just trying to lead him to talk about his other OT winners.

Sure thing.

[Suburban Rhythm]

A couple year back was the interview with Iginla about "setting up the play". That was classic.

[EagleFan]

Since the refs have now established that a punch to the face isn't a penalty they better not call stupid crap later.

[The Jackal]

Hell of a performance. Rangers dominated that first period and Mason stayed strong - then the Flyers really showed up for the rest of the game.

[claphamsa]

nice move by Towes

[claphamsa]

toews, whatever

[JPhillips]

McPhee and Oates both out in D.C. That's a tough job for whoever comes in next. The team really has no cohesion.

[MizzouRah]

Is this series over, can the Blues win tomorrow?

[The Jackal]

McPhee and Oates both out in D.C. That's a tough job for whoever comes in next. The team really has no cohesion.

I don't know why it took them so long to get rid of McPhee. Tough first job for Oates, but from the little I read it seemed like he did too much of trying to adapt the players to his system instead of adapting his system to his players.

[bronconick]

I don't know why it took them so long to get rid of McPhee. Tough first job for Oates, but from the little I read it seemed like he did too much of trying to adapt the players to his system instead of adapting his system to his players.

As long as Ovi's running the show, it's going to be a first job team. Anyone with experience know better.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I don't know exact numbers, but Fleury, especially in the playoffs, bounces back the game following an implosion. Hoping this was Bob's game to try and steal. 51 shots, could have been worse than 2-1 in the last minute.

[claphamsa]

ive played hockey all my life, and I will never understand why NHL players wont go get a new stick. Avs let in 2 goals while down a man (due to no stick), GO GET ANOTHER

[MizzouRah]

I'm bleeding blue tonight.. uhhhh.. another hockey season comes to an end. :(

[Grover]

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/the-nhl-gets-game-of-thrones-ized-with-phenomenal-banners-for-every-team/#.U16hh1u85ok.twitter

Awesome.

[bronconick]

Vlasic's out from a blow to the head by Jarret Stoll. No punishment. Sharks are likely to be the 4th team to blow a 3-0 lead from that

[The Jackal]

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/the-nhl-gets-game-of-thrones-ized-with-phenomenal-banners-for-every-team/#.U16hh1u85ok.twitter

Awesome.

Seriously - check this out people.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Vlasic's out from a blow to the head by Jarret Stoll. No punishment. Sharks are likely to be the 4th team to blow a 3-0 lead from that

They seriously didn't punish him for that? Wow. Awesome. Second time this year a Shark is missing serious time because of something a King has done. Great.

[Logan]

Looks like the CBJ dream is coming to an end. 3-0 lead for PIT midway thru the 2nd.

[Grover]

Looks like the CBJ dream is coming to an end. 3-0 lead for PIT midway thru the 2nd.

Say what?

[bronconick]

They seriously didn't punish him for that? Wow. Awesome. Second time this year a Shark is missing serious time because of something a King has done. Great.

3rd in 4 years, considering what Stoll did to Ian White in 2011

[The Jackal]

Say what?

Hell of a comeback.

Speaking of comebacks - that's been in the Flyers DNA this season. Can they do it when it counts?

[Vince, Pt. II]

Sigh.

[kingfc22]

What a bullshit call in LA. How long does a goalie need to have the puck under him before you blow the whistle...

[Logan]

Say what?

I swear I was actively trying to "Mush" them. Almost worked.

What a bullshit call in LA. How long does a goalie need to have the puck under him before you blow the whistle...

I find that pretty amazing compared to how quickly the ref blew the whistle during the NYR-PHI game on Sunday when the puck immediately went through Mason's arm.

[stevew]

Sigh...another round of penguins lunacy fairweathers on Facebook. In retrospect, I'd gladly give the team to KC now.

[Dr. Sak]

I find that pretty amazing compared to how quickly the ref blew the whistle during the NYR-PHI game on Sunday when the puck immediately went through Mason's arm.

That play is like a forward progress play in football where two people have the runner wrapped up. You want to wait but if you wait too long and you have a fumble, you are screwed...and if you blow it too fast and the runner breaks it, you are screwed too.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I swear I was actively trying to "Mush" them. Almost worked.



I find that pretty amazing compared to how quickly the ref blew the whistle during the NYR-PHI game on Sunday when the puck immediately went through Mason's arm.

That play is like a forward progress play in football where two people have the runner wrapped up. You want to wait but if you wait too long and you have a fumble, you are screwed...and if you blow it too fast and the runner breaks it, you are screwed too.

My issue is, the camera angle I've seen is from behind the net, and you can't see the puck...but the ref is along the goalline, and didn't blow it down.

[The Jackal]

I find that pretty amazing compared to how quickly the ref blew the whistle during the NYR-PHI game on Sunday when the puck immediately went through Mason's arm.

Yeah, that puck was clearly free. Ref didn't have the right angle on it - fortunately for us.. but didn't matter in the end.

[bronconick]

What a bullshit call in LA. How long does a goalie need to have the puck under him before you blow the whistle...

The part that's stupid is that he pushed the goalie into the net. What else can you expect from Chris Lee.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The part that's stupid is that he pushed the goalie into the net. What else can you expect from Chris Lee.

Yeah. I agree. I was pretty sure there was a rule that you couldn't push the goalie into the net and score like that.

Had someone been behind him and fished the loose puck into the net, that I could understand, assuming the ref never lost sight of the puck. That the goalie appeared to freeze it and then the puck went into the next because Williams pushed the goalie and puck into it makes the play incredibly bad.

Oh well. Game 7!

[Suburban Rhythm]

@SinceFlyersLastCup had this today...since he could be awarded tonight if the series ends

[Honolulu_Blue]

Go Flyers! The idea of back-to-back-to-back game 7s makes me happy.

[Logan]

This isn't good at all.

Having to watch your team in a game 7 really diminishes the excitement of watching two other G7s, win or lose.

[Dr. Sak]

Simmonds is on a mission tonight and Mason is possessed

[Honolulu_Blue]

This isn't good at all.

Having to watch your team in a game 7 really diminishes the excitement of watching two other G7s, win or lose.

If they win, it's awesome, especially since it's the first game. If they lose, well, yeah. But it does hurt the anticipation.

[BlackJack]

Nash is a complete waste of space.

[EagleFan]

@SinceFlyersLastCup had this today...since he could be awarded tonight if the series ends

You are a fucking piece of shit troll.

[EagleFan]

Simmonds is on a mission tonight and Mason is possessed

Hopefully they bring the same tomorrow. The Rangers are like the Borg, a machine. Big difference between the team now and under Tortarella (sp?).

[EagleFan]

The Rangers remind me of the Flyers from the run to the finals; they block a TON of shots.

[EagleFan]

Much better. Ignore the troll.

[Honolulu_Blue]

You are a fucking piece of shit troll.

Dude. Come on. Seriously? A little playful banter does not a troll make. It's in good fun.

Chill out.

[Grover]

You are a fucking piece of shit troll.

Relax dude, we all know whoever the Penguins face is done. Rags or Flyers. Fleury is just waiting to crumple and allow all the goals.

[EagleFan]

He is a douchebag but one that is now being ignored.

Now, for the series at hand... Good luck to the Rangers fans on board. Though I generally detest all things New York I can't help but respect the way that team plays. That hurts to say... ☺

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dude. Come on. Seriously? A little playful banter does not a troll make. It's in good fun.

Chill out.

Relax dude, we all know whoever the Penguins face is done. Rags or Flyers. Fleury is just waiting to crumple and allow all the goals.

Ha...thanks fellas. Just sort of amusing now. I'd be curious how many "Cindy" or "Crysby" references we can find in his posting history.

And Fleury has actually been more than solid, outside of about 3 1/2 minutes of game 4.

[corbes]

Alas

[EagleFan]

Good series, if not for Mason tonight would have been over before the final period. Grats Rangers' fans, good luck moving forward.

[DaddyTorgo]

How is it that the B's, with the #1 overall seed have to start their next series with less rest than the lower-seeded team?

Just weird.

[Honolulu_Blue]

How is it that the B's, with the #1 overall seed have to start their next series with less rest than the lower-seeded team?

Just weird.

Uh... Because the lower seeded team swept its opponent and the Bruins lost a game?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Good series, if not for Mason tonight would have been over before the final period. Grats Rangers' fans, good luck moving forward.

Mason was fantastic. The rest of the team just didn't show up.

[BishopMVP]

One Game 7 in the 3rd period, one going to OT. Not sure why the NHL wouldn't stagger start times by like an hour, but its fun to watch.

[kingfc22]

Oh Sharks. Why must you always let us down.

[bhlloy]

I really really wanted to play the Sharks rather than the Kings, but in a perverse way I'll take some comfort in San Jose finding new ways to choke a playoff series away.

Feel sorry for the Sharks fans on here though. I have very little doubt the Kings will absolutely roll the Ducks in less than 6 so what goes around will very likely come around pretty soon.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Sigh.

[Danny]

Oh Sharks. Why must you always let us down.



In fairness to sharks, when quick is on there is no one better. Fantastic to see them come back.

[MrBug708]

#Beatheducks!

[bronconick]

I stopped having hope once Vlasic had the concussion. Easy once you have 3-4 days to prep for it. Insert the "Changes" theme song

[Vince, Pt. II]

So what do you do if you're running the team? Thornton, Marleau and McLellan were just signed to extensions. Something has to change after this, right? What do you do? Give up on another goalie? Niemi had a pretty good year, but his lows were pretty awful. Stalock looks like he'll be ok in net, but he's not exactly seasoned.

At a loss here...despite the fact that this happens EVERY YEAR, this is yet another new way to go down in flames.

[bronconick]

When you have Hannan, Stuart and Boyle in your 6 d-men in 2014, you have issues. That's 3 #6 guys, one of which is a #2 PP specialist.

[Karlifornia]

Tough night in downtown San Jo. Fans not happy, understandably, but I think we should refrain from demanding scalps. The team played lights out regular season.

[Honolulu_Blue]

When you have Hannan, Stuart and Boyle in your 6 d-men in 2014, you have issues. That's 3 #6 guys, one of which is a #2 PP specialist.

I feel like Hannan has been long in the tooth for a while now, but just two years ago Stuart was the Wings 3/4 defensemen. Has his game slipped that much? As for Boyle, he's what 38 or so? He still seems to have some pretty decent mobility.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Rough schedule for the Rangers here.

Friday night, Sunday night, Monday night back in NY.

Back to game 6 of Flyers series, 5 games in 7 days, Tues-Mon.

Uncle Gary up to his old tricks...

[bhlloy]

Tough night in downtown San Jo. Fans not happy, understandably, but I think we should refrain from demanding scalps. The team played lights out regular season.

Same script for what - the last 5-6 years though? At some point, regular season success isn't enough (and yes I'm very aware that this is the script that Boudreau teams seem to follow as well, so I may be eating my words shortly)

[Logan]

SR, if I checked this thread before responding to your PM, I wouldn't have made that same point to you on the scheduling. :)

As said, Mason was unbelievable last night. After Akeson scored on that blocked shot that came right back to him, the full narrative played out in my head of how I expected the rest of the game to go, looking back on all those amazing saves/failures to capitalize. I would have been in real bad shape. But a great series and hopefully this team rests up quickly, because I think we finally have a good shot against the Pens.

[britrock88]

This game is uuuuuggggghhhhh.

[britrock88]

Well, more specifically, the third period.

Montreal did a great job holding off the Bs and counter-attacking well, and Price was amazing. Then, with persistence, the screens started falling into place, the sheer number of chances added up, and Boston has now been able to equalize twice.

The Habs' best hope seems to be to score early, or else this could devolve into a siege.

[DaddyTorgo]

Price has been keeping them in this game, no doubt.

And I don't know why Rask doesn't play well against Montreal.

Montreal's speed is scary.

Torey Krug hasn't looked strong defensively - hopefully he gets the weaknesses out for the series here.

[DaddyTorgo]

Blargh, well Carey Price stole the fuck outa that game.

[britrock88]

Really good sign to see a functional power play... it wasn't good against the Lightning, and the B's penalty kill is strong.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Rask, all-time vs Montreal @ TD Garden: 0-9

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[DaddyTorgo]

Rask, all-time vs Montreal @ TD Garden: 0-9

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Yeah. Rask's career numbers vs. Montreal are bad. Very bad.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

If the B's keep playing like in Game One they will win the series. Couple of surprises kept this one away from them.

[DaddyTorgo]

If the B's keep playing like in Game One they will win the series. Couple of surprises kept this one away from them.

I tend to agree with you, but it's frustrating to have a game stolen away like that.

And Rask really needs to fucking improve vs. Montreal.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

I guess this is the new thing, every time an African-American hockey player scores a GWG the media is going to actively search out twitter to find the nitwits. I remember actually looking at many of them after the Ward goal and most of them seemed to be high school kids. So, we give them a megaphone for their stupidity, they delete their accounts and pageviews are achieved. Yay, media!!!

[chadritt]

It was trending, at least locally, so with the current sports news climate I dont think its silly to mention it.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

What was trending?

[chadritt]

The racist tweets. Specifically the N word was trending after Subbans goal.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Not true.

The talking point this morning was that "nigger" was trending on Twitter in Boston last night, though it turns out that's not true. Here's an image of the tweet that started the rumor—it appears to just be a screenshot of search results. The Twitter user who inadvertently started it later apologized and tried to clear things up this morning, but by then it was too late to shake the storyline that the racism had been so pervasive that it registered in the Twitter algorithm.

http://deadspin.com/bruins-condemn-fans-who-tweeted-racist-crap-at-p-k-sub-1570906828?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

But of course, that got repeated and repeated because this kind of a story draws clicks. It's like reporting on Youtube comments. What's the point?

edit: I mean, do you know how many people would have to be tweeting to get it to trend? While yes we have some racism issues, probably higher than many places, this isn't the antebellum south.

[The Jackal]

belated sigh

[Suburban Rhythm]

My two takeaways from the Subban-Boston Twitter thing:

1) I wish they'd have asked Boston's goaltender in Providence in the AHL his feelings on this.

2) Best tweet on the aftermath, today when the Bruins released a statement saying they don't condone that behavior-


that's it? One sentence? Cam Neely had more lines in "Dumb and Dumber"

[molson]

If you do a twitter search for any black athlete or celebrity name and any racial slur, you get results. For some reason it's only a news story when it involves the Bruins.

[DaddyTorgo]

If you do a twitter search for any black athlete or celebrity name and any racial slur, you get results. For some reason it's only a news story when it involves the Bruins.

True.

Every city has its idiots. If Subban had scored in the playoffs before last night I bet you'd find idiots in Tampa saying the same thing.

[molson]

True.

Every city has its idiots. If Subban had scored in the playoffs before last night I bet you'd find idiots in Tampa saying the same thing.

Wayne Simmonds had a hat trick the other night. This was the result from the vile depths of twitter.

Twitter / Search - Wayne Simmonds nigger (https://twitter.com/search?q=Wayne%20Simmonds%20nigger&src=typd)

Not a news story. Maybe it was somewhere, but not here, and certainly not to this extent. Did the N.Y. Rangers make a statement? The Bruins get criticized for their statement not being LONG enough.

Edit: It's just interesting to me how people use racism to their own ends. Sometimes its for attention/web traffic. Sometimes its to paint your political opponents in a broad brush stroke. In this case, it's to take on the real evil in America, a Boston sports team.

[Dr. Sak]

If you do a twitter search for any black athlete or celebrity name and any racial slur, you get results. For some reason it's only a news story when it involves the Bruins.

That sounds faintly familiar.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Lord knows he has his issues, but Fleury is left out to dry more often than any goaltender in the league right now

[EagleFan]

Edit: It's just interesting to me how people use racism to their own ends. Sometimes its for attention/web traffic. Sometimes its to paint your political opponents in a broad brush stroke. In this case, it's to take on the real evil in America, a Boston sports team.

Whitlock has made a career out of that.

[Neuqua]

Go Blackhawks.

[Danny]

What a game 1! Way to steal it

[The Jackal]

Seems like Fleury is having himself a pretty good playoffs. Watching this series is very depressing.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Seems like Fleury is having himself a pretty good playoffs. Watching this series is very depressing.

Outside of a horrible 3 1/2 minute stretch in game 4 vs CBJ, he's been one the Pens best 3 players, along with Sutter and Martin.

Heading into the the Rangers series, his ES SV% was .944. The PK unit that was #1 in the league a good part of the year has fallen apart. And that's not even facing Philly who would have picked it apart with ease.

[The Jackal]

Well let's just all take a minute and laugh at the Rangers PP. I mean I know the Flyers PK has been good this year, but they have been epicly bad since their first 6 or so PPs of the playoffs.

[Logan]

Well let's just all take a minute and laugh at the Rangers PP. I mean I know the Flyers PK has been good this year, but they have been epicly bad since their first 6 or so PPs of the playoffs.

I think the Devils will win a shootout before the Rangers score another PP goal.

[timmae]

Go Blackhawks.

For sure!! I imagine most of the country hates Kane with a passion but.... "Showtime!!!"

[The Jackal]

I can't believe how snakebitten the Rags are with these posts. I almost feel bad for them.

[Grover]

I can't believe how snakebitten the Rags are with these posts. I almost feel bad for them.

Almost.

[The Jackal]

Almost.

If they were playing anyone but the Pens (and the Devils) I'd be laughing. But I'm torn here.

[Danny]

So happy to have the kings in situation where they can compete for the cup every year. First time in history

[Warhammer]

Agreed. Kopi is one of the most underrated skill players in the NHL that I can remember.

[Dr. Sak]

For sure!! I imagine most of the country hates Kane with a passion but.... "Showtime!!!"

Good thing for you guys he got all his post clangs and all the other bad stuff in the Olympics this past year.