The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Playoffs Thread

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

The puck went over his glove, not between his teeth.

You should write for Martin.

[Dr. Sak]

The Wings have given up 7 3rd period goals in 16+ playoffs games

That's tightening the screws

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

He looked like Carey Price

He impregnated a teenager?

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

He impregnated a teenager?

Shit got real.

[DeToxRox]

Detroit isn't in Pittsburgh's head at all.

[DeToxRox]

Pierre McGuire is an idiot (! I know)

How is Pittsburgh not in trouble? They lost two games vs Detroit when Detroit didn't have Dats and has two of their 6 D coming off injuries. Plus Ozzy is playing his best hockey ever, and Fleury realized it's a big situation.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I love how neither Emrick nor Olczyk answered Pierre either time he asked that question. "DON'T YOU AGREE PITTSBURGH ISN'T IN TROUBLE YET?"

[Matthean]

The Wings have been out shot by 10 so far in the series and yet are up 2-0. The silence you hear is from Osgood critics.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Anyone else notice in the 3rd period, every offsides on Pittsburgh, a bald guy in an Yzerman jersey sitting right near the blue line would stand and point to the Pens zone, wanting the intentional offsides?

How, or better question why, do people that fucking clueless buy those seats?

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I love how neither Emrick nor Olczyk answered Pierre either time he asked that question. "DON'T YOU AGREE PITTSBURGH ISN'T IN TROUBLE YET?"

Doc is still sore from not calling Devlis games in over a month and a half.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Pierre McGuire is an idiot (! I know)

How is Pittsburgh not in trouble? They lost two games vs Detroit when Detroit didn't have Dats and has two of their 6 D coming off injuries. Plus Ozzy is playing his best hockey ever, and Fleury realized it's a big situation.

PIERRE USE TO COACH FOR THE PENGUINS BACK IN 1992! YOU DONT KNOW WHAT HE KNOWS!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Well so far one thing can be said, the refs are pretty abysmal both ways, but it's consistent and they're letting them play.

This is what I hope Bylsma starts stressing. To get an interference call, you've got to dump the guy and skate across his face. The high Dman needs to start setting picks giving the deep guy a second to retrieve the puck. If it's not going to be called, use it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Doc is still sore from not calling Devlis games in over a month and a half.

I AM NOT THE ENEMY HERE

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I AM NOT THE ENEMY HERE

OH SHIT! Sorry I get confused sometimes!

[Dr. Sak]

If I am not mistaking Malkin should be suspended for tomorrow's game. Malkin got 2,5 and 10. By the rules he's gone next game. I doubt it happens, but I wonder if anything is said about it.

Pittsburgh fighting - 5 min 19:41, E. Malkin
Detroit fighting - 5 min 19:41, H. Zetterberg
Pittsburgh slashing - 2 min 19:41, M. Talbot
Pittsburgh instigator - 2 min 19:41, E. Malkin
Pittsburgh misconduct - 10 min 19:41, E. Malkin

[Tekneek]

Any idea how the Red Wings got away with 3 non-calls for handling the puck in the crease? That's not the kind of call where "swallowing the whistle" applies and I don't think I've ever seen that call missed so obviously. It probably would not have changed the end result of the games, but who knows? I've seen many less obvious incidents than those which were immediately called...

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

If I am not mistaking Malkin should be suspended for tomorrow's game. Malkin got 2,5 and 10. By the rules he's gone next game. I doubt it happens, but I wonder if anything is said about it.

Pittsburgh fighting - 5 min 19:41, E. Malkin
Detroit fighting - 5 min 19:41, H. Zetterberg
Pittsburgh slashing - 2 min 19:41, M. Talbot
Pittsburgh instigator - 2 min 19:41, E. Malkin
Pittsburgh misconduct - 10 min 19:41, E. Malkin

Precedent set with Ryan Bayda cross check to the mouth on Letang. He got 2, 5, 10 and played the following game.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Tekneek

Any idea how the Red Wings got away with 3 non-calls for handling the puck in the crease? That's not the kind of call where "swallowing the whistle" applies and I don't think I've ever seen that call missed so obviously. It probably would not have changed the end result of the games, but who knows? I've seen many less obvious incidents than those which were immediately called...

Well, you'd think a broken stick would be a pretty easy call as well...they called it on Lebda in game 1.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

Precedent set with Ryan Bayda cross check to the mouth on Letang. He got 2, 5, 10 and played the following game.

And there's no way the league is suspending Malkin...he doesn't wear the right colored jersey.

[Dr. Sak]

SR...they just said on FSN Pittsburgh that if you get an instigator for fighting...major for fighting...and a game misconduct you get an automatic game suspension. In Bayda's case there was no instigator...saying that...Malkin won't get suspended.

Edit: TSN is reporting that the NHL has rescinded the penalty and no suspension.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I did learn one thing tonight.

The series clincher against the Ducks, Cleary was accused of pushing Hiller into the goal with the blade of his stick.

But, he's got nothing on the monster strength of Max Talbot. Osgood was lifted 4 feet in the air with that spear at the end.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

SR...they just said on FSN Pittsburgh that if you get an instigator for fighting...major for fighting...and a game misconduct you get an automatic game suspension. In Bayda's case there was no instigator...saying that...Malkin won't get suspended.

Agree it won't happen. Outside of Carcillo and Brashear, who both have histories, they've let everything go this year-- Kunitz, Walker, Bayda, and now Malkin.

That said, this is another case I just don't get of making that call. Did Malkin go after Z? Yes...the same time everyone is pushing and shoving. Hell, Doc was talking about Osgood getting involved with someone at the same time-- isn't a 2nd fight also 1 game? GET OSGOOD OUT OF THERE!!!

[Dr. Sak]

WTF was Satan doing while that fight was going on?

[TheNorm]

Awesome atmosphere at the Joe the last two nights.

[RomaGoth]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

WTF was Satan doing while that fight was going on?

Still trying to find the net.

[Schmidty]

Well, that was fun. Pittsburgh is less ready to win the SC than Chicago was. They have no leadership.

I think the Pens are very good, but I think a team like the Blackhawks are closer than Pittsburgh because they have a leader like Toews.

Anyway, I almost hope the Pens win one game at home, so this series can be more exciting and help the NHL.

[Schmidty]

Dola.

I hope that last post didn't seem as "gloaty" as I meant it to be, having read it just now.

Obviously, the Pens are better than "good" to have made it to the SC finals 2 years in a row. I just feel like they're missing something. Definitely not talent. A dominant, respected personality I guess.

Anyway, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, and I realize that the series isn't over by any stretch of the imagination.

[RomaGoth]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Dola.

I hope that last post didn't seem as "gloaty" as I meant it to be, having read it just now.

Obviously, the Pens are better than "good" to have made it to the SC finals 2 years in a row. I just feel like they're missing something. Definitely not talent. A dominant, respected personality I guess.

Anyway, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, and I realize that the series isn't over by any stretch of the imagination.

As a Wings fan for 30 years and a Pens fan since Lemieux was a rookie, I can offer some objectivity here I hope:

The Pens have run into a modern day dynasty. The Wings are the best run sports franchise in the United States, and the numbers do not lie. The Pens may get their day, just as the Blackhawks might. As long as Ken Holland is running things and Mike Ilitch is the owner, the Wings will continue to be relevant every single year.

[Chief Rum]

Pens? Blackhawks? Screw that. The team that is right now kicking themselves is the Ducks. If Anaheim manages to be the team that gets that fourth goal in Period Three of Game Seven, then it's probably them knocking on the door of a championship right now.

Whoda thunk the Wings would face their toughest opponent in the second round?

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

I did learn one thing tonight.

The series clincher against the Ducks, Cleary was accused of pushing Hiller into the goal with the blade of his stick.

But, he's got nothing on the monster strength of Max Talbot. Osgood was lifted 4 feet in the air with that spear at the end.

That was awesome - his head looked like Kennedy's, back and to the left.

[DataKing]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Whoda thunk the Wings would face their toughest opponent in the second round?

Originally Posted by DataKing

Mad props to the Ducks for one heck of a series. The TV guys have been right about one thing from the beginning...no matter who you ask, the Ducks are not a #8 seed. A really good combination of skilled young guys and wiley veterans, they just couldn't match the depth of the Wings over seven games. What is hopefully a march to another Stanley Cup may seem like a walk in the park compared to what Anaheim just put them through.

[DataKing]

Dola.

Looks like Kris Draper may be a healthy scratch for game 3 tomorrow.

hxxp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4221695

Have to say I agree with it, too. As much as I love Draper and his abilities as a defensive forward, the kids (Helm, Abdelkader, Leino) are just playing too well right now to sit any of them.

[Schmidty]

Originally Posted by DataKing

Dola.

Looks like Kris Draper may be a healthy scratch for game 3 tomorrow.

hxxp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4221695

Have to say I agree with it, too. As much as I love Draper and his abilities as a defensive forward, the kids (Helm, Abdelkader, Leino) are just playing too well right now to sit any of them.

Yep. I think this was inevitable. I just wish Babcock would scratch Maltby too. Actually, I'd rather Draper play tomorrow than I would Maltby.

[Dr. Sak]

So much for Hossa breaking Dupuis stick which lead to a goal.

[DataKing]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Yep. I think this was inevitable. I just wish Babcock would scratch Maltby too. Actually, I'd rather Draper play tomorrow than I would Maltby.

Not a bad idea really, so long as Draper could play the wing (with all his experience, I'd have to think he could do it and do it well). Put him out there on important face-offs as a second option, since the Wings seem to regularly get a man tossed out of the circle by the refs. But then you lose the Maltby irritant factor, and even if he doesn't show up on the scoresheet, that is one place where Maltby excels.

[DataKing]

Dola. Regarding Hossa supposedly breaking Dupuis' stick, wasn't it Eddie O who was calling for a penalty on Hossa during the broadcast?

I have mixed feeling about Eddie doing games for Versus and NBC. The guy knows his hockey, no doubt about that, but he's also one of the local commentators during Black Hawks games, and makes little effort to hide his disdain for the Wings on Comcast Sports Net. I've actually been pleasantly surprised that he's been giving the Wings a fair shake, for the most part, despite being a known Wing-hater. But if I hear him bitch about what he calls "subtle interference" by the Wings one more time I'm going to scream.

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

So much for Hossa breaking Dupuis stick which lead to a goal.

Isn't this clip missing the part where Hossa hooks Dupuis up around the hands, leading into him losing the puck and having to bring his stick down in an attempt to recover? You know, the hooking call that is made 10 times out of 10 in the regular season?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Isn't this clip missing the part where Hossa hooks Dupuis up around the hands, leading into him losing the puck and having to bring his stick down in an attempt to recover? You know, the hooking call that is made 10 times out of 10 in the regular season?

I really wasn't sure how the stick snapped. Would have been a very awkward angle for Hossa to slash Dupuis.

But the hook lasted 2-3 seconds, Dupuis attempts twice to clear it before losing the puck.

I know "it's the playoffs, they let that go, that's how it's meant to be played", but that's bullshit. They didn't play that way for 70 years, only for a 10 year stretch was all this tolerated.

We aren't quite to 2001 level, but we are hovering around 1996. Remember those first few games after the lockout? 20+ PPs? Not saying that is the best hockey either, but when you let it go once, you let it go over and over so the officials and league can point to "all you can ask for is consistency". Call it the first time, and the 10th time, and the 20th time. Players will adjust or they'll lose

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by DataKing

I have mixed feeling about Eddie doing games for Versus and NBC. The guy knows his hockey, no doubt about that, but he's also one of the local commentators during Black Hawks games, and makes little effort to hide his disdain for the Wings on Comcast Sports Net. I've actually been pleasantly surprised that he's been giving the Wings a fair shake, for the most part, despite being a known Wing-hater. But if I hear him bitch about what he calls "subtle interference" by the Wings one more time I'm going to scream.

I really like Edzo, and think he's one of the best color guys out there. As you know he use to be the coach of the Pens (tic), and Suburban can correct me if I am wrong on the next part, but his exit was not exactly amicable. He was their coach right before and after the lockout and had little or no talent (besides Crosby and MAF) to work with.

The team signed Recchi who turned into a locker room cancer, demanding certain things from the coaches and he eventually was one of the main reasons Edzo was canned. Even when asked about Recchi today Edzo will refuse to comment saying that "he has nothing nice to say about man." I'm not sure if he holds the Pens responsible at all for it.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

But the hook lasted 2-3 seconds, Dupuis attempts twice to clear it before losing the puck.

I know "it's the playoffs, they let that go, that's how it's meant to be played", but that's bullshit. They didn't play that way for 70 years, only for a 10 year stretch was all this tolerated.

In the first round Canes/Devils series they called this anytime the stick got near the hands, so it was not just regular season...

[Dr. Sak]

Suburban and I were talking via email yesterday about this...

I like the fact that they are letting them play, but I think it is stupid that they just decided for the finals to let everything go. The teams have been playing a certain way all year and the NHL just decides in the finals to let everyone get away with obstruction. I think it is stupid. Each year they’ve been allowing more and more interference…they have kept the hooking consistent, but it’s only a matter of time till that goes by the wayside too.

[DataKing]

Don't get me wrong about Edzo...I think he's a really good color guy. I just think sometimes he has a hard time separating his personal feelings from his commentary. Of course, the poor guy is probably stuck now calling a series between his two least-favorite franchises.

[Draft Dodger]

Olczyk has really been growing on me. I've been neutral to him in the past, but he's made some excellent observations in the first two games. Now if they can only get the douchebag behind the glass to shut his fucking trap, the games would be watchable.

[DataKing]

Put Panger behind the glass dammit!

(Question is...could the little guy see over the boards?)

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

Olczyk has really been growing on me. I've been neutral to him in the past, but he's made some excellent observations in the first two games. Now if they can only get the douchebag behind the glass to shut his fucking trap, the games would be watchable.

I blame the Wild for not taking one for the team and hiring him for GM.

Originally Posted by DataKing

Put Panger behind the glass dammit!

(Question is...could the little guy see over the boards?)

He's done a few NBC games between the glass when Pierre has been on assignment with TSN.

[samifan24]

Does it drive anyone else nuts when McGuire calls Olczyk "Edzo?" He's a grown man, his name isn't that long, call him Eddie. Just one more thing Pierre "Mr. Hyperbole" McGuire does that annoys me to no end.

[Fidatelo]

BUT CALLING A MAN 'EDZO' IS HOW YOU KNOW HE'S A MONSTER!

[DataKing]

No Datsyuk yet...he's getting closer though and may suit up for game 4. Also, Draper may be in the lineup tonight to replace Samuelsson (who did not take the morning skate).

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by DataKing

No Datsyuk yet...he's getting closer though and may suit up for game 4.

He'd better, it will be his last chance.

[DataKing]

You only have to suit up for one game in the playoffs to get your name on the cup, right? Or does it have to be one game in the finals? (Pretty sure its the former, but they say that memory is the first thing to go.)