The Official NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Thread

[Suburban Rhythm]

[Suburban Rhythm]

This is actually better

[DaddyTorgo]

Also amusing that Marchand had the last laugh...goal and an assist (I think he got an assist on the GWG right?)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Nothing on the GWG, but still had the intial G.

Still funny. I'd imagine Marchand's heard worse.

[DaddyTorgo]

Aaah. For some reason (announcer misspoke?) I thought he made the pass before the initial shot on the GWG or something. Who knows...it was late at that point and I'd watched a lot of hockey.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

Vince Vaughn?

[fantom1979]

I don't watch much hockey anymore, but I did catch that Bruins/Habs game last night. Freaking awesome. Two unreal saves made by Ryder and Chara. Chara's was a complete fluke, but Ryder's was outstanding. And Thomas had a great save on a 2 on 1 in OT.

[fantom1979]

.

[Dr. Sak]

Richards should have gotten 5 for that hit on Connley. Wouldnt be surprised if he gets suspended.

[Neuqua]

Luongo not in net for the Canucks. Not even on the bench.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Richards should have gotten 5 for that hit on Connley. Wouldnt be surprised if he gets suspended.

I can't believe he just got a 2 minute minor either. After he called out the refs for us getting away with Mass Murder. Lindy Ruff and Ryan Miller called him and the league out post-game.

Secretly, if we had to lose one guy, it's Connolly. Ruff said Derek Roy is ready to go and will return for game 7. I wish Sekera would be ready for go and allow us to sit Butler.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

I can't believe he just got a 2 minute minor either. After he called out the refs for us getting away with Mass Murder. Lindy Ruff and Ryan Miller called him and the league out post-game.
.

So Buffalo was whining about the refs

[Dr. Sak]

As horrible as Leighton played today, I place the blame on Lavy for playing him. The guy started one game all year and filled in for Boosh in game 5. You can't expect someone who hasn't seen NHL caliber talent to play up to the level needed to win an elimination game. Leighton looked out of place, and he was out of place.

[Young Drachma]

I've adopted the Preds for these playoffs, so congrats to them for their first playoff series win.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

I've adopted the Preds for these playoffs, so congrats to them for their first playoff series win.

I hope you like diving, then, cause you're going to get a lot of it.

That said, for the Ducks, this is about them not bothering to show up for this one far too often. Like getting through the regular season with all their adversity alone was a worthy enough achievement.

Might be Teemu's last ever game. That's how they go out.

[NoSkillz]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

I can't believe he just got a 2 minute minor either. After he called out the refs for us getting away with Mass Murder. Lindy Ruff and Ryan Miller called him and the league out post-game.

Secretly, if we had to lose one guy, it's Connolly. Ruff said Derek Roy is ready to go and will return for game 7. I wish Sekera would be ready for go and allow us to sit Butler.

Butler? No way - Monty sits well before Butler does. Monty is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode back there with his constant giveaways. That said, Sekera isn't even practicing yet so I expect the status quo on the blueline for game seven.

It's been a good series and I'm really happy with how some of the young guys have performed. Gerbe has been a revelation, as has Gragnani.

[NoSkillz]

DOLA:

And no chance Richards gets suspended. One of the NHL's favourite teams, their captain and a game seven?

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

I hope you like diving, then, cause you're going to get a lot of it.

That said, for the Ducks, this is about them not bothering to show up for this one far too often. Like getting through the regular season with all their adversity alone was a worthy enough achievement.

Might be Teemu's last ever game. That's how they go out.

I hope the Coyotes move back to Winnipeg and that Teemu goes back. That's my dream of the moment. Because honestly, I didn't even realize they he was still around.

Yeah, they're not pretty. A dude on another board was complaining about them being an ugly trap team. But as a Devils fan, I was weaned on it.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

As horrible as Leighton played today, I place the blame on Lavy for playing him. The guy started one game all year and filled in for Boosh in game 5. You can't expect someone who hasn't seen NHL caliber talent to play up to the level needed to win an elimination game. Leighton looked out of place, and he was out of place.

I don't understand Lavy's handling of the goaltenders. Seems like you need to get someone in there and give him confidence.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by NoSkillz

Butler? No way - Monty sits well before Butler does. Monty is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode back there with his constant giveaways. That said, Sekera isn't even practicing yet so I expect the status quo on the blueline for game seven.

It's been a good series and I'm really happy with how some of the young guys have performed. Gerbe has been a revelation, as has Gragnani.

Butler just seems out of place for me and tends to be a big part of the giving up the goals the last few games. I hate how he doesn't go all the way down to take away the pass on out-number rushes.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

I don't understand Lavy's handling of the goaltenders. Seems like you need to get someone in there and give him confidence.

I was fine with going with Boucher...but I didn't like Leighton starting at all. He looked shaky the game before. I understand the reasoning having him as backup because Bob is horrible off the bench but after today I am willing to take that chance and just let Leighton sit in the press box.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

I was fine with going with Boucher...but I didn't like Leighton starting at all.

I did as a Sabres fan, but I agree with you. It didn't make sense to me. Has Lavy been criticized a lot in Philly for his goaltending calls this series?

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

I did as a Sabres fan, but I agree with you. It didn't make sense to me. Has Lavy been criticized a lot in Philly for his goaltending calls this series?

Given the fact that he waited so long to announce Leighton starting today, he didn't get much flack. Had they lost the game, I am sure he would have taken the brunt of the blame.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Given the fact that he waited so long to announce Leighton starting today, he didn't get much flack. Had they lost the game, I am sure he would have taken the brunt of the blame.

Think B will start on Tuesday? I can't wait. It should be a fun game.

[Dr. Sak]

If I were to guess...I would say Boucher will start.

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

I hope the Coyotes move back to Winnipeg and that Teemu goes back. That's my dream of the moment. Because honestly, I didn't even realize they he was still around.

Yeah, they're not pretty. A dude on another board was complaining about them being an ugly trap team. But as a Devils fan, I was weaned on it.

The fan reaction would be epic. I still remember when they traded him for Chad kilger and Oleg tverdovsky. I was a kid and was sad about it. I honestly stopped following hockey as close as I had been because of that trade. Complete money move and as a kid I did not understand it.

[RomaGoth]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Oh shut the fuck up with this bullshit. He's performed at big stages.

Yeah, being benched in a series-clinching playoff game must mean he is an uber goalie. His GAA in this playoffs is 3.67, and last year it was 3.22; both with sub .900 save percentages. He would have been great in the '80's though.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by RomaGoth

He would have been great in the '80's though.

He also would have been waiting for his voice to change

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

I hope the Coyotes move back to Winnipeg and that Teemu goes back. That's my dream of the moment. Because honestly, I didn't even realize they he was still around.

Yeah, they're not pretty. A dude on another board was complaining about them being an ugly trap team. But as a Devils fan, I was weaned on it.

Heh, okay, I can see that last.

F the part about Teemu going back to the Peg, though!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Neuqua

Luongo not in net for the Canucks. Not even on the bench.

And look who's in now...3-3 heading to OT.

Schneider looks like he shredded his groin on a PS by Frolik to tie game.

[bhlloy]

Well that's that then. Tough to get too upset about a first round exit when you lost one of the best goalies in the game (possibly for good) and were 11th in the conference with a few weeks left, but this series was definitely there for the taking.

Difference is the Preds are built for the playoffs (a lot of veteran energy guys, a great defense that goes 6 deep and a Vezina quality goalie, even if he didn't play like it) and the Ducks just aren't. At least one defensive defenseman in the offseason is a must, and then hope that Sbisa and Fowler continue their development, plus Hiller comes back? That could be a pretty decent team.

Oh and take the C away from Getzlaf please. He didn't deserve it this series. Great player but until he learns to stop trying to get himself on Sportscenter and play the game that benefits the team, he's never going to really be a captain. Koivu or Selanne please, with Perry as an A.

[bbor]

Collars getting tight in Vancouver.

[bronconick]

7uon6o strikes again. Vancouver going to a game 7. No team that has gone to 7 games in the first round has won the cup in the 16 team format.

[RomaGoth]

LOL @Vancouver, blowing a 3-0 series lead and getting blown out in two of those losses.

[Carman Bulldog]

Originally Posted by bronconick

No team that has gone to 7 games in the first round has won the cup in the 16 team format.

Not sure where you got this stat, but without even looking it up and just going off the top of my head, the 1990 Edmonton Oilers went to 7 games against the Jets (and were down 3-1 iirc) in Round 1 and went on to win the cup.

Who know, perhaps they are the only one. But if some stupid commentator came up with the stat, it may be in reference to the current conference format as opposed to the old Smythe/Norris/Adams/Patrick setup. However, that format was still 16 teams.

[bronconick]

Originally Posted by Carman Bulldog

Not sure where you got this stat, but without even looking it up and just going off the top of my head, the 1990 Edmonton Oilers went to 7 games against the Jets (and were down 3-1 iirc) in Round 1 and went on to win the cup.

Who know, perhaps they are the only one. But if some stupid commentator came up with the stat, it may be in reference to the current conference format as opposed to the old Smythe/Norris/Adams/Patrick setup. However, that format was still 16 teams.

1990? Probably "new expansion" (post-SJ) era then.

[Carman Bulldog]

Just looked it up and I can't believe I forgot about Joel Otto's goal and Mike Vernon's save in 1989 when the Flames beat the Canucks in 7 and went on to win the cup.

It turns out the Pens turned the same feat back to back in 1991 and 1992, so that would make 4 consecutive seasons that the cup winner won their opening series in game 7.

The year 1987 was the first year with the 16 team, 7 games/round format. In 1994, the format switched from the old division semi-finals and division finals setup to an open conference format with re-seeding after the opening round, with only the '94 Canucks and '04 Flames having went to the Finals after going 7 games in round one since the switch.

[bronconick]

Ok. I officially blame the stupid panicking Shark fans for being idiots about that stat.

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

I don't understand Lavy's handling of the goaltenders. Seems like you need to get someone in there and give him confidence.

Well, he worked the magic pretty well back in '06. Gerber was the starter during the regular season, but illness and flat-out sucking in the first game and much of game two against Montreal led Lavy to put Cam Ward in. Ward then proceeded to win four straight against Montreal, four of five against New Jersey, and then finally ran out of gas in the Buffalo series. With the series on edge, Lavy switched back to Gerber, who then delivered a huge shutout to keep the Canes going, but Gerber went back into the dumps the very next game, Ward came back, and the rest is history.

I'm not saying that's necessarily the equivalent situation here, but Lavy does have a tendency to play hunches with his goalies.

[Dr. Sak]

Thanks Kaleta...

From the Buffalo News column:

Briere had been emotionally charged up, and more than a little angry, since early in the game. "Honestly, one of their young guys said something to me that was personal and crossed the line," the former Sabre said. "It got me fired up a little bit more than it usually does. That was probably a big part of it."

A Flyers source said Patrick Kaleta made comments to Briere and teammate Scott Hartnell about their divorces early in the Flyers' 5-4 overtime victory, which evened the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series at three games apiece.

Now, I assume the players are regularly saying all that and then some out there, but apparently whatever Kaleta said fired Danny up quite a bit, and he made it part of a locker room speech in the second intermission.

Considering Briere scored a pair of goals (his fourth and fifth of the series) and Hartnell added a game-tying goal and an assist, Kaleta may want to work on some new material

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Thanks Kaleta...

Did Carter say something to Hartnell too?

[Dr. Sak]

I think the correct stat is no one who has gone 7 games in each of the first two rounds has won the cup.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Back-to-back Game 7s on Tuesday. Fantastic.

I only saw the last 3 minutes of regulation and all of the OT of the Chicago/Vancouver game last night, but Luongo looked like his was fighting every single shot. If the injury to Schneider is as bad as it looked and Luongo starts Game 7, I am not sure of Vancouver's chances. The guy looks to have zero confidence right now. It's crazy to think that Vancouver's biggest weakness going into Game 7 could very well be its $5.3 million a year, Gold Medal winning goalie.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Back-to-back Game 7s on Tuesday. Fantastic.

I only saw the last 3 minutes of regulation and all of the OT of the Chicago/Vancouver game last night, but Luongo looked like his was fighting every single shot. If the injury to Schneider is as bad as it looked and Luongo starts Game 7, I am not sure of Vancouver's chances. The guy looks to have zero confidence right now. It's crazy to think that Vancouver's biggest weakness going into Game 7 could very well be its $5.3 million a year, Gold Medal winning goalie.

Per NHLN, they are calling the Schneider "injury" cramping, due to dehydration. So, in theory, he could play.

What happens if they start Luongo and lose? Where does that leave them going into next year, with I think 11 year left on his deal?

If they start Schneider and lose, they'll be questioned about not using their gold medal winning goalie.

[Dr. Sak]

Anyone think Luongo may be hurt? He has been having trouble catching pucks and has uses his glove as a blocker a few times batting the puck? Could he have a hand issue?

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Anyone think Luongo may be hurt? He has been having trouble catching pucks and has uses his glove as a blocker a few times batting the puck? Could he have a hand issue?

I know the popular belief is that he's a "shitting his pants, non-clutch playoff goalie" but I don't believe that yet. The gold medal thing raised him in my eyes and so I'll believe it's an injury and I don't think the Canucks have to worry about goaltending for the next few years.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Thanks Kaleta...

I didn't know Briere got divorce. (Not that follow the lives of hockey players.)

I'm surprised they still have Carter and Hartnell on the same team to be honest.

[Galaxy]

No suspension for Richards.

Tomorrow's game should be intense and old-school (like this series). I hate the wait.

[Fidatelo]

I think Luongo is a good goalie, but the Blackhawks seem to have him figured out. Next year I'd like to see the Canucks not meet the Blackhawks for a couple of rounds to see how that theory plays out.

And yes, you can read into the above statement that I'm already assuming Chicago will win this series.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

I know the popular belief is that he's a "shitting his pants, non-clutch playoff goalie" but I don't believe that yet. The gold medal thing raised him in my eyes and so I'll believe it's an injury and I don't think the Canucks have to worry about goaltending for the next few years.

I am not sure if you can call Luongo a "non-clutch playoff goalie". Overall, his playoff numbers are very similar to his regular season numbers. The last two years, however, his playoff numbers are pretty bad:

09-10: 6-6; 3.23 GAA; .895 Sv%
10-11: 3-3; 3.45 GAA; .888 Sv %

Like Fidatelo mentioned, however, the common factor both this year and last are the Chicago Blackhawks. They are most definitely in his head. Also, unless he really is injured, I think "shitting the bed" is a pretty apt description of his performance in games 4 and 5 of this series.

As for his Olympic Medal being proof that he is a "big game" goalie, I am not so sure. Yes, he came in and righted the ship a bit in the Olympics after Broduer struggled, but I watched pretty much every game Canada played in the Olympics and never felt like he was the reason they won. He was fine, but not stellar.

I think my view on Luongo and Team Canada is similar to how people view Chris Osgood and the Red Wings. So, to analogize, Lurongo was to Team Canada's Gold Medal winning team as Chris Osgood was to the Detroit Red Wings 1998 Stanley Cup.

I am pulling for Vancouver. I would like to see them win, but at this point, against Chicago, I have no faith in Luongo.