The Official NHL 2016-2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Thread

[bhurst99]

Somebody forgot to tell the Canadian teams that they're in the playoffs this year.

0-4 to start. Not good.

[Majingir]

Quote: Originally Posted by gopher_guy

Part of what makes the playoffs so intriguing. I could see it going either way: Toronto gaining confidence and making it a series knowing that they can hang with these supposed juggernauts, or Washington going "ok, we got away with that one, time to end these kids' seasons" and ending it quickly.

They came out strong but seemed stuck in own end too much. I'm surprised shot differential was so close given how it felt like ice was tilted half the game. Leafs get quick shot or two in, caps then get puck for next 2 minutes. Repeat process.

Though they did face playoff Holtby, who is best goalie in the NHL.

Would be crazy to win gm2. Outside of puck possession time and amount of guys right infront the net, it wasn't bad game.

Speaking of which, can NHL fix this player crashing into goalie stuff? Been going on for years where Leafs goalies get destroyed by opponents and basically like it's an NFL pileup happening.

[Majingir]

This is why you don't predict playoffs. I heard on tv people saying the safest bets at rd1 series guesses are Hawks and caps winning. Tonight...Hawks lost and Caps had to go to OT. Nothing is safe or easy.

[SPTO]

I thought the Leafs looked great early on but once the Caps asserted themselves the Leafs got stuck in neutral a bit. This is natural considering the lack of experience and youth of the team. I expect this kind of pattern to hold throughout the series. It might lead to a sweep but it won't be one to be discouraged over. The future is bright for the Baby Buds.

[Majingir]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

I thought the Leafs looked great early on but once the Caps asserted themselves the Leafs got stuck in neutral a bit. This is natural considering the lack of experience and youth of the team. I expect this kind of pattern to hold throughout the series. It might lead to a sweep but it won't be one to be discouraged over. The future is bright for the Baby Buds.

Ya, low expectations so even a sweep has lessons that come out of it. Young guys learning just how physical playoffs are. Leafs held their own in hitting department too. Hits were almost even, Leafs won faceoff battle and had around 35 shots. Andersen made 41 saves and lost.

If Leafs ever add a top line RHD, they'd be scary team. Fewer shots against means more shots for this explosive offense.

[TheMatrix31]

Kesler freezes the puck with seconds left in the third by SITTING on it.

God what a bitch. This team is full of bitches. ****ing insufferable.

[RoundingThird]

Quote: Originally Posted by RoundingThird

The Leafs are really playing well tonight. I know it's only Game 1, but is it time for the Caps to start their annual playoff collapse?

I hate being wrong, and I have nothing against the Caps, but that was a whale of a game. Good teams fight out a win when they aren't at their best.

[southernmetalhead]

Plekanec scores with 18 seconds left to force OT. Montreal flying to start the extra frame.