The Official 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Thread

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by bad_philanthropy

Another interesting day of playoff hockey, but MTL/OTT is really the only must watch of the first round going forward.

Sure is. For the youngsters in the forums, that's what Montreal/Quebec games used to look like. I will be so happy when the reborn Nordiques are tossed into the Montreal/Toronto/Ottawa cauldron of hate.

[ImTellinTim]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

Maybe. Would this particular Canucks team fare much better against LA, St. Louis, or Anaheim? I doubt it. No offence taken. I respect honest hatred.

1. Probably not, those are all teams I think are better than the Canucks. Boy, do I ever wish the Wild would have beat either Calgary or Edmonton at the end to get a series against Vancouver. Would have been fun. But my point still stands about San Jose. Really good team right now.

2. Yeah, I'm still bitter about Ohlund breaking Koivu's leg But I was at this game, so that was fun for me:

[bad_philanthropy]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

Sure is. For the youngsters in the forums, that's what Montreal/Quebec games used to look like. I will be so happy when the reborn Nordiques are tossed into the Montreal/Toronto/Ottawa cauldron of hate.

Oh man, the backdrop of language politics and symbolic institutions between Ottawa and QC would be fascinating fuel to a playoff hockey fire. Hurry up already Florida.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by rdnk

They're not cursed they just can't score goals. Their offense was average in the regular season and they're playing an elite defensive team. Gillis shipped out scoring depth over the years in an effort to get tougher, grittier, meaner ect. He misdiagnosed the problem; they didn't lack physical toughness, they lacked mental toughness and this was never addressed. Because of this, now their group of forwards is the Sedins, Kesler, Burrows and a whole whack of 3rd liners; they aren't this "skilled team" that a few people here apparently think they are. Unless Gillis does something wild and crazy (trading the Sedins?) he'll have to get creative to improve the team enough where it will be a legit contender again. Vancouver could get a new coach, but that's a mixed bag in itself and no I don't think Ruff is the answer.

As I said earlier, I'd endorse trading the Sedins if this was the pre-cap era, because there'd always be a team dopey enough to trade multiple picks and prospects. Now I wonder if the correct approach is to see if there's a coach out there who could try to maximize their effectiveness, a la Adam Oates with Ovi.

I also wonder what the Sedins would be like if they had even a semi-elite player on their line. Bless Alex Burrows' pitch-black heart, but he's basically a borderline 2nd liner/excellent 3rd liner who the twins turned into a consistent 30-goal scorer. Woulda been nice to see the twins play with someone who was already good, although it's probably not happening now.

[ImTellinTim]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

I also wonder what the Sedins would be like if they had even a semi-elite player on their line. Bless Alex Burrows' pitch-black heart, but he's basically a borderline 2nd liner/excellent 3rd liner who the twins turned into a consistent 30-goal scorer. Woulda been nice to see the twins play with someone who was already good, although it's probably not happening now.

And just think of the guys that would easily fill that role that have been available at the deadline just this year. Not to mention years before. And it's not like you've had to break the bank for some of these players.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

2. Yeah, I'm still bitter about Ohlund breaking Koivu's leg But I was at this game, so that was fun for me:

Brad Isbister sighting!

The funny thing is, all of the current anti-Canuck memes (dirty, diving, arrogant, whiners, chokers, complaining coach, goalie prone to meltdowns, Swedish captain who disappears in playoffs, etc.) applied even moreso to the Vancouver teams of ten years ago. Even I had trouble stomaching the Crow/Cloutier/Bertuzzi/Cooke/Ruutu years. At least this current team are mostly good guys off the ice, and 6 playoff series wins > 1 playoff series win.

[sharks]

Amazing game to be at. Fans were spectacular, especially during the third period barrage of goals!

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

And just think of the guys that would easily fill that role that have been available at the deadline just this year. Not to mention years before. And it's not like you've had to break the bank for some of these players.

"Available" is relative, though. Gaborik, Iginla, Morrow, Jagr: those guys aren't likely to waive their NTCs to play in Canada, it's just a fact of life. And remember, the Canucks offered Doan more money and years than Phoenix did.