The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Playoffs Thread

[DataKing]

I'd rather they were showing the OT here, but there's been some really good action so far at the Pond. Good physical play and a lot of up-and-down the ice movement as well.

[Pyser]

how do the canes always do this to the devils?

damn man. that HURT.

[TheNorm]

Tough break for Chris Mason; he played well but I'm sure that OT goal is one he'll want to forget. Vancouver moves on to Round 2.

I should go to bed but of course the SJ/Anaheim game is tight, too. I love playoff hockey but damn it leads to a lot of sleepy days at work.

[bbor]

ugh....horrid OT goal.

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by Pyser

how do the canes always do this to the devils?

damn man. that HURT.

I'm still somewhat in shock that it happened. I'd already psyched myself up for the crushing loss that was inevitably coming once the Devils tied it up. When it went in, I didn't even jump for joy or anything. I just sort of slipped off my couch onto the floor in disbelief. I half expected it to be waved off somehow because of how the third period had gone up to that point. I had to rewatch it in slow motion on the DVR before I was sure it counted.

Besides, you never see a buzzer-beater goal in hockey. Never. Yet, somehow, Carolina's done it twice to New Jersey in four years. Staal's game-tyer in 2006 took place with ages on the clock compared to this one. I'm still in wonder at how it got in before the horn. I just know that it was a hellacious slapshot by Seidenberg that even had a chance because the puck didn't reach him until about a second was left on the clock.

[Chief Rum]

Good win for San Jose tonight. Better for them to really have to fight for it tonight, instead of getting a go away win, as they need that sort of experience to build on.

The Ducks showed a lot continually coming back, but in the end, their propensity for penalties bit them in the ass. You can't keep giving San Jose PP opps and expect to win. Perry was the guilty party this time, but there are a lot of stupid penalty takers on the Ducks (Perry among them).

Anaheim is still in a pretty good spot here, but the pressure is amped up quite a bit now for Thursday's game. Pressure doesn't concern me with the Ducks, because they were basically under pressure to win just about every game starting around March 1, but that doesn't mean this game on Thursday isn't critical. My guess is, whoever takes Thursday, takes this series.

[samifan24]

That Carolina-New Jersey game finish was ridiculous. I loved Brodeur's little tantrum at the end. I guess he felt Jokinen had interfered with him? The shot was truly a buzzer beater.

[Fidatelo]

Why was Crosby's goal in last nights game allowed? His body obstructs Biron from getting across his crease to try to corral the bouncing puck. Is it ok for a player to get in the way of the goalie in the crease so long as he was there first?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Umberger gets destroyed

It was interesting to compare the play-by-play from that clip, the Blue Jackets' feed, to the Detroit feed. The Blue Jackets guy says no less than three times that Stuart "blindsided" Umberger and there is even mention as to whether there should be a penalty.

The Detroit guys go on about what clean hit it was and how Umberger saw him all the way, but just didn't really do anything about it.

Granted, I know I am not totally objective, but I really do think that Umberger saw him. He looks up, appears to see Stuart, puts his head down for a second, and then looks up again. He seems to watch Stuart come right at him but, for whatever reason, doesn't appear to do anything about it.

There was no "blindside". It was as clean as hit as they come.

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Commodore with a shift he'd like to forget.

I love how quiet it gets.

I've watched this shift about a dozen times. It's just classic. Commodore flying over the boards and then cross checking and standing over the fallen Franzen like some kind of bad ass, all the while the play continues with Zetterberg left out in front to score.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

It was interesting to compare the play-by-play from that clip, the Blue Jackets' feed, to the Detroit feed. The Blue Jackets guy says no less than three times that Stuart "blindsided" Umberger and there is even mention as to whether there should be a penalty.

The Detroit guys go on about what clean hit it was and how Umberger saw him all the way, but just didn't really do anything about it.

Granted, I know I am not totally objective, but I really do think that Umberger saw him. He looks up, appears to see Stuart, puts his head down for a second, and then looks up again. He seems to watch Stuart come right at him but, for whatever reason, doesn't appear to do anything about it.

There was no "blindside". It was as clean as hit as they come.

The Columbus announcers are some of the biggest homers in the business. They are completely ridiculous. Detroit's guys can be pretty bad too, but Jeff Rimer and Danny Gare can be almost laughable. Clean hit for sure.

That was an odd move by Umberger. He did look up, but could he have just misjudged how much space he had?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

The Columbus announcers are some of the biggest homers in the business. They are completely ridiculous. Detroit's guys can be pretty bad too, but Jeff Rimer and Danny Gare can be almost laughable. Clean hit for sure.

That was an odd move by Umberger. He did look up, but could he have just misjudged how much space he had?

I think he must have misjudged how much space he had or how fast Stuart was coming. He seemed to be aware of what was going on, he just didn't really take any measures to do anything about it.

[TurnerONU22]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

The Columbus announcers are some of the biggest homers in the business. They are completely ridiculous. Detroit's guys can be pretty bad too, but Jeff Rimer and Danny Gare can be almost laughable. Clean hit for sure.

As a Jackets fan, I TOTALLY agree with this. My wife and I try to count how many times that Rimer says "no call, play allowed to continue" after a clean hit, or something other that has no business being called a penalty.

[TurnerONU22]

Does anyone remember in NHL2K3 (or one of those games), how they mispronounced Huselius' last name?

Because that's how he's been this series.

Umberger and Voracek have been the only two good forwards. Nash has been completely shut down, but that's because he has NO help on his line and the Wings can afford to double team him.

The biggest difference between the two teams this series hasn't been in the net, or up front, its been the back end. Columbus' D-men can't move a puck or put a shot on net, so all Detroit's strategy in the CBJ zone has been to just focus on the forwards, because they know that there is no threat of offence from those guys.

That early goal just took a lot of energy out of the building (I was in the upper bowl).

Best moment was from this morning, when I saw a picture of a couple of Jackets fans roughing up a DET fan for throwing an octapus on the ice. At least someone is willing to be physical for Columbus.

[TurnerONU22]

To be honest, I don't think that Detroit has much to worry about. The Jackets played their last 2 games like they were just happy to be in the playoffs, although they missed Huselius in both games, which really makes the Nash line click.

We're just playing sloppy with the puck, which is something that Detroit will take advantage of. Also, Mason is not on the top of his game right now, as he just looks a little worn out (which is understandable).

Although, I could be wrong, but my prediction is Wings in 5, with the Jackets getting a win in their barn.

From the NHL Season thread.

Two things I was wrong about:

1) Huselius has NOT made the Nash line click.

2) Wings in 5. I still have a chance at this, but I think it will be 4.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by TurnerONU22

As a Jackets fan, I TOTALLY agree with this. My wife and I try to count how many times that Rimer says "no call, play allowed to continue" after a clean hit, or something other that has no business being called a penalty.

when the Avs play the Jackets, I try to pick the Columbus feed just because Rimer and Gare are guaranteed to get me fired up.

I feel bad for Columbus - I really thought they could do some damage.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

when the Avs play the Jackets, I try to pick the Columbus feed just because Rimer and Gare are guaranteed to get me fired up.

I feel bad for Columbus - I really thought they could do some damage.

Back when I lived over seas I pretty much only had NHL.com Radio to listen to. They save the games, so I would get up early in the morning and try to listen to the game before work. The biggest drawback was that in order to fit it in time-wise work I had to fast forward between periods and you could see how long the broadcast was and, thus, pretty easily determine if the game went into OT.

Anyway, during the 2002 Western Conference finals, I made sure to take time out of the day and listen to the Avs radio feed whenever they lost to the Wings. The Avs radio guys were (are?) incredible yahoos. Just horrible. I loved listening to them pout and suffer.

[DeToxRox]

Yeah as far as Umberger goes, it was obvious he looked up, and I couldn't tell you why he put his head back down. I think you're right though HB, he felt he had more time then he did, and I also don't think he thought it'd be a hip check, because the way he went towards Stuart looked like he was trying to squirt through the hit and get an odd man rush up ice. Stuart hitting him with the hip was the worst possible thing that could've happened on that play for RJ.

[DaddyTorgo]

after 2 periods tonight

Bruins 4
Canadians 1

courtesy of 2 goals in 45 seconds for the Bruins and then a beautiful indirect pass as they were coming off a penalty-kill that Kessel skated onto and slotted home

[DeToxRox]

Okay that Avery call on the icing seemed like a reputation call. Yeah he went in kind of reckless but I don't know about that one.

[DeToxRox]

Hmm on the replay they showed coming back from break it looks more like a penalty and he probably did mean to do it but if that is someone else doing that it's probably not called.

[Pyser]

why did the cap wait so long to pull the goalie? 2 man advantage couldve been....advantageous.

[Fidatelo]

Avery should spend game 5 in the press box.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Avery should spend game 5 in the press box.

Yep. That penalty at the end was retarded. I'd sit him down in DC where he'll be egged on even worse by the crowd.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Yep. That penalty at the end was retarded. I'd sit him down in DC where he'll be egged on even worse by the crowd.

100%.

Hank is unreal.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Logan

100%.

Hank is unreal.

Love Henrik. Guy is nails under pressure.

It's funny but as many points as Ovechkin has this series, he has played terribly if you ask me. Just doing way too much and it's costing them.

[samifan24]

Bruins sweep Montreal! Goodbye Habs!

[Fidatelo]

Ovie has played well, I think, but King Henrik is in his head. That post on Avery's first penalty was pretty darn close to being his second 'off the bar and in' of the game though.

Bottom line is that Henrik is stealing this series, as Washington has been the better team every period of the series that I've seen (I've missed a couple periods here and there).

[Logan]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Love Henrik. Guy is nails under pressure.

It's funny but as many points as Ovechkin has this series, he has played terribly if you ask me. Just doing way too much and it's costing them.

I really don't think he made a single pass in the first two games.

To me, he's been their 4th best offensive player behind Semin, Backstrom and Laich.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Ovie has played well, I think, but King Henrik is in his head. That post on Avery's first penalty was pretty darn close to being his second 'off the bar and in' of the game though.

Bottom line is that Henrik is stealing this series, as Washington has been the better team every period of the series that I've seen (I've missed a couple periods here and there).

I haven't missed any periods, so let me clear that up: they've been the better team every period of the series.

[Logan]

Stolen from the hfboards:



"And you can count on ME waiting for YOU in the parking lot!"

[bhlloy]

Ouch... dirty play by Komisarek on Lucic. Very lucky Looch got away with just a cut on that one. Should be 5 games at least I would have thought, who knows with the wacky Campbell and Bettman show.

Anyone think Carey Price might not be back with the team next season? Habs fans are brutal.

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

Ouch... dirty play by Komisarek on Lucic. Very lucky Looch got away with just a cut on that one. Should be 5 games at least I would have thought, who knows with the wacky Campbell and Bettman show.

Anyone think Carey Price might not be back with the team next season? Habs fans are brutal.

Very stupid play by Komisarek. The game was already out of hand and then Komisarek let his emotions get the best of him. I really doubt he'll be back in Montreal next season. As much as I love it when Lucic agitates opponents, I think Komisarek became almost obsessed with his rivalry with Lucic at times this season. That's never good for your team.

I also couldn't believe that Habs fans would turn on Price so quickly. In case you missed it, Habs fans gave a mock cheer when Price turned aside a 70 footer late in the game and Price responded by raising his arms in acknowledgment. Halak was good at times for them but Price is the future. Do Habs fans really want to antagonize such a young goalie? I think this will be a tumultuous offseason for Montreal and I think they really need to rebuild their roster and their long term priorities.

[Dr. Sak]

The Habs organization is partly at fault for what is wrong with Price. You cannot push a kid, especially a goalie, into a tough situation and expect him to flourish right away.

[Fidatelo]

I was floored at the time, and am still confused, as to why the Habs traded Huet at the deadline last year for a 4th round pick. It just made no sense on a lot of levels, and they are paying for it now. I almost hope Price gets traded because he can still be a good goalie in a less toxic environment.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Why was Crosby's goal in last nights game allowed? His body obstructs Biron from getting across his crease to try to corral the bouncing puck. Is it ok for a player to get in the way of the goalie in the crease so long as he was there first?

I thought SR would pipe in by now but since he didn't I'll give my 2 cents...

It was a bang-bang play...and honestly it could've went either way. You can't overturn a goal based on goalie-interference on replay so once the goal was called on the ice I knew it was going to stand.

It appeared as if the puck hit Crosby before he made contact with Biron...it all happened so fast and the ref really didn't have a chance to really digest it. I think it was the correct call.

[Fidatelo]

I guess I'm just curious how the rule is supposed to be enforced. I know that you can be in the crease before the puck so long as you don't interfere with the goalie. And I'm guessing if the puck goes in first you can't just push the goalie around when you get in there. But if the puck goes in first, are you then allowed to essentially establish a position within the crease, such that if the goalie attempts to move into that area you are allowed to block his path? Because that's basically what Crosby did, and if that's allowed, then I'm fine with the goal, but if the goalie is essentially supposed to have free range of movement within his crease than I think it was a bad goal.

Regardless, it was nothing nearly so insane as the goal Vancouver scored on the Jets back in an OT playoff game in the 90's where the player just pushed Essensa into the net with the puck, winning them the game (and I think the series; can't recall).

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

I thought SR would pipe in by now but since he didn't I'll give my 2 cents...

It was a bang-bang play...and honestly it could've went either way. You can't overturn a goal based on goalie-interference on replay so once the goal was called on the ice I knew it was going to stand.

It appeared as if the puck hit Crosby before he made contact with Biron...it all happened so fast and the ref really didn't have a chance to really digest it. I think it was the correct call.

Agree with your assesment that he made contact with the puck (shaft of his stick, then his body) before he makes contact with Biron.

That is a free puck, so Crosby has as much right to it, even in the crease, as Biron. If Crosby never plays the puck, bowls over Biron, and that forces the puck in, I'd say no goal is the correct call.

I'll also say, there have been worse instances of the goaltender being interferred with, in both directions, that have never gotten a second look. Guys never playing the puck who are in the crease should be getting whistled and aren't.

Which makes it all the more frustrating-- Gill (on Briere) and Knuble (on Orpik) "crosschecks" are getting called in OT, but not guys planting themselves in the crease.

I actually couldn't believe they made the tripping call on Richards, when Fleury blew a tire. Still not convinced Richards even clipped him.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Sykora scratched, being replaced with Miro Satan on the 2nd line with Malkin and Fedotenko.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

Dola

Sykora scratched, being replaced with Miro Satan on the 2nd line with Malkin and Fedotenko.

No Letang either.

[gstelmack]

Yay, Canes / Devils is on!

Boo, SD only AGAIN! C'mon NHL, fix this! C'mon, FoxSports, you've got the money, fix this!

[sterlingice]

Man, Washington is just looking lifeless

SI

[DeToxRox]

Osgood is definetly not 100%. He hurt what looked to be a groin last game, and he keeps wincing after going to the left side. It's 5-5 in the second. Unreal.

I'd pull him for Conklin and just let him rest.

[Dr. Sak]

How about the local feed of the Pens/Flyers has been out for over a period and Versus is blacked out. So I am stuck listening on the radio.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Osgood is definetly not 100%. He hurt what looked to be a groin last game, and he keeps wincing after going to the left side. It's 5-5 in the second. Unreal.

I'd pull him for Conklin and just let him rest.

5-5. Wow

SI

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Man, Washington is just looking lifeless

SI

Now I feel like a dope. I just realized this was a replay of last night's game on the local Comcast sports station. I knew the final score but hadn't watched the game at all. D'oh

SI

[sterlingice]

Absolutely gorgeous goal by the Flyers just now, tho

SI

[Dr. Sak]

That's what they said on the radio.

[sterlingice]

Also, Versus, could we stop with the male enhancement pill commercials. Next week: "cure all tonic!"

SI

[bbor]

Wait a minute.....Freddie Modin is still playing????????????????

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

How about the local feed of the Pens/Flyers has been out for over a period and Versus is blacked out. So I am stuck listening on the radio.

You upgraded from Steigy to Lange!

Biron Fleury'd the Pens. Pens had the better chances early, shots 15-5 after one.

Still feel good, still only need one more win...but would have been nice to close out tonight.