NHL 2012 Playoffs (aka the real season)

[Dark Prince]

It's just about playoff time fellow hockey friends. Playoffs start next Wednesday on the 11th a date drilled into my head thanks to all those NBC Sports commercials. Today is the last day of the season and the first round matches will be confirmed after today depending on who wins/looses. For now, I figure we get the pre-playoff discussion going. Here are our locked teams making their post season runs.

Eastern Conference

1. z-NY Rangers 81 109
2. y-Boston 81 100
3. x-Florida 81 92
4. x-Pittsburgh 81 106
5. x-Philadelphia 81 103
6. x-New Jersey 81 100
7. x-Ottawa 81 92
8. x-Washington 81 90

Western Conference

1. y-Vancouver 81 109
2. y-St. Louis 81 107
3. x-Phoenix 81 95
4. x-Nashville 81 102
5. x-Detroit 81 101
6. x-Chicago 81 99
7. x-Los Angeles 81 94
8. x-San Jose 81 94

z = conference champ y = division champ


First Round Matchups Eastern Conference:

NY Rangers vs. Washington (unless WAS wins today, replace with Florida)
Boston vs. Ottawa
Florida vs. New Jersey
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia

Western Conference:

Vancouver vs. San Jose
St. Louis vs. Los Angeles
Phoenix vs. Chicago
Nashville vs. Detroit

Feel free to make your predicitions as well!

[Dualonymous]

I can't wait to see a series between pitt and philly. every minute should be good hockey.

[Jackel]

I'll second the Pitt / Philly series, and we get a preview of that tonight. I'll make predictions tonight after we know the true positions.

[Dualonymous]

I'll second the Pitt / Philly series, and we get a preview of that tonight. I'll make predictions tonight after we know the true positions.

ill make a prediction. The blue jackets will not win the cup this year.

[Hyperglide]

Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators in 4
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals in 4
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils in 5
4. Pittsburgh Penguins - 5. Philadephia Flyers in 7

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings in 5
2. St. Louis Blues - 7. San Jose Sharks in 6
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks in 7
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings in 7

All predictions in bold.

[Jackel]

Also, do folks have any interest in another playoff pool ?

[shunoshi]

Also, do folks have any interest in another playoff pool ?

<----This guy.

[Troggles]

I'd go in on a pool. I need something to make these playoffs interesting since the Sabres decided to trip, fall, and break both legs at the finish line (though they started this marathon with bad knees).

[Hyperglide]

So with San Jose winning in OT over the Kings, there's been some changes to the standings. San Jose now finishes 7th in the West, Kings move to 8th. Senators are now 8th, now that the Capitals beat the Rangers and the Sens lost to the Devils tonight.

I've changed my predictions, now that the playoff brackets are set.

[Vanthar]

Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators in 4
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals in 4
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils in 5
4. Pittsburgh Penguins - 5. Philadephia Flyers in 7

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings in 5
2. St. Louis Blues - 7. San Jose Sharks in 6
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks in 7
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings in 7

All predictions in bold.

I'm with you except I think Wings and my Blackhawks win.

[Dark Prince]

Playoff schedule revealed! (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=626625)

[MalReynolds]

Go penguins go

[Hyperglide]

Playoff schedule revealed! (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=626625)

Why is series C starting Friday? I hope that's a short series.

[Dark Prince]

Why is series C starting Friday? I hope that's a short series.

I don't know. It's kind of ridiculous. Every other series is starting either Wednesday or Thursday. With the Devils on the win streak, it would've been nice for them not to have to wait so long to play the first game in round 1.

Devils taking Panthers down in 5. Here are my predictions.



Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers in 5 - 8. Ottawa Senators
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals in 6
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils in 5
4. Pittsburgh Penguins in 6 - 5. Philadelphia Flyers

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings in 5
2. St. Louis Blues in 6 - 7. San Jose Sharks
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks in 7
4. Nashville Predators in 7- 5. Detroit Red Wings

[biosc1]

Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators in 4
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals in 4
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils in 5
4. Pittsburgh Penguins - 5. Philadephia Flyers in 7

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings in 5
2. St. Louis Blues - 7. San Jose Sharks in 6
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks in 7
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings in 7

All predictions in bold.

I have similar predictions, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say Ottawa may push NYR to 7 or even win the series based on their games against each other this year so far. Ottawa won the season series 3-1 and they may step it up enough to terminate the NYRs early.

PIT vs PHI is as hard to call as the NSH vs DET series...could go either way for sure.

[MalReynolds]

Not that its gonna happen but id love to see the penguins destroy the flyers 4-0

[roboninja]

Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators in 7
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals in 7
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils in 6
4. Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 - 5. Philadephia Flyers

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks in 6 - 8. Los Angeles Kings
2. St. Louis Blues in 5 - 7. San Jose Sharks
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks in 6
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings in 7

[Hyperglide]

Wow Vancouver almost gets swept? LOL! That's funny Prince. You not a big Sedin fan?

[biosc1]

Wow Vancouver almost gets swept? LOL! That's funny Prince. You not a big Sedin fan?

Considering one is concussed and the other probably has a broken hand thanks to a vicious slash by a Calgary Flame...one doesn't know if they'll be able to do much.

[Dualonymous]

Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators in 7
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals in 6
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils in 5
4. Pittsburgh Penguins - 5. Philadephia Flyers in 7

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings in 6
2. St. Louis Blues - 7. San Jose Sharks in 7
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks in 7
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings in 7

[Hyperglide]

Considering one is concussed and the other probably has a broken hand thanks to a vicious slash by a Calgary Flame...one doesn't know if they'll be able to do much.

I know that. 0.o. Yet in spite of it all they still won the Presidents trophy and he's stating that they lose in 5 to the Kings who couldn't score with a $10 dollar ho?

There's upsets and then there's drinkin' the haterade. I mean it does deserve a bit of an explanation?

[Khrymsyn]

Looks like it's going to take a Homer to give Philly a shot in the Phi/Pit matchup... Though Philly won the regular season series, and has won 5 of 6 games in Pittsburgh since the new stadium opened....

Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators in 5
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals in 5
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils in 7
4. Pittsburgh Penguins - 5.Philadephia Flyers in 6

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings in 7
2. St. Louis Blues - 7. San Jose Sharks in 5
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks in 6
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings in 7

[Dark Prince]

Wow Vancouver almost gets swept? LOL! That's funny Prince. You not a big Sedin fan?

Not really lol. I don't really think they'll be able to pull off a playoff run especially with what biosc mentioned. I think Quick will pick up his play and prove to be a challenge for the Canucks. Especially considering he ended the campaign second in the league in GAA just above Schneider.

While I know the Canucks will more then likely start Luongo instead of going with their better choice in that of Schneider, I see LA taking advantage of Luongo and potting a few with Quick capable of stealing the series.

[shunoshi]

Looks like it's going to take a Homer to give Philly a shot in the Phi/Pit matchup... Though Philly won the regular season series, and has won 5 of 6 games in Pittsburgh since the new stadium opened....

Nope, I'm with you. I think Philly has the edge, but it will go to 7.


Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators in 4
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals in 5
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils in 6
4. Pittsburgh Penguins - 5. Philadephia Flyers in 7

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings in 5
2. St. Louis Blues - 7. San Jose Sharks in 4
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks in 7
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings in 6

While I know the Canucks will more then likely start Luongo instead of going with their better choice in that of Schneider, I see LA taking advantage of Luongo and potting a few with Quick capable of stealing the series.

The Kings can't score against mediocre goalies. The Wild are pretty much the only team worse at scoring. ;) Luongo will shut them down.

[biosc1]

I know that. 0.o. Yet in spite of it all they still won the Presidents trophy and he's stating that they lose in 5 to the Kings who couldn't score with a $10 dollar ho?

There's upsets and then there's drinkin' the haterade. I mean it does deserve a bit of an explanation?

Oh, I still think the Canucks will turn it up a notch. LA doesn't seem to have a very good "playoff game" going off what they've done in the past. Should be interesting though.

I'm hoping to maybe catch a game in LA on Sunday or Wednesday as I'll be near LA at the time :)

Tickets seem better priced than here!

[Dark Prince]

The Kings can't score against mediocre goalies. The Wild are pretty much the only team worse at scoring. ;) Luongo will shut them down.

Haha. I'm sure Luongo will stack those pillow pads he has and stop anything coming his way.

I think LA is capable of putting up a fight and could put up an interesting series.

[biosc1]

I think LA is capable of putting up a fight and could put up an interesting series.

You're just desperate for interesting games in other matchups because you're stuck with Florida :p

[Dark Prince]

You're just desperate for interesting games in other matchups because you're stuck with Florida :p

:P lol!

I can't help it. I don't mind being stuck with Florida, means we'll more then likely actually make it to the second round this time. :p

[Hyperglide]

You're just desperate for interesting games in other matchups because you're stuck with Florida :p

Uh.. I never said that.. :confused:

Oh and a little off-topic but has anyone checked the AHL standings lately? The Norfolk Admirals (Tampa Bay Lightnings farm team) have won 25 games in a row. All in regulation. Yes, 25 in a row. That's not a typo, no need to double-take. I don't care if people call it's a 2nd rate league. That's damn impressive even if it was a beer league.

I predict a Marlies vs. Admirals Calder Cup Final, with the Marlies winning in 7. :)

[Khrymsyn]

Uh.. I never said that.. :confused:

Oh and a little off-topic but has anyone checked the AHL standings lately? The Norfolk Admirals (Tampa Bay Lightnings farm team) have won 25 games in a row. All in regulation. Yes, 25 in a row. That's not a typo, no need to double-take. I don't care if people call it's a 2nd rate league. That's damn impressive even if it was a beer league.

I predict a Marlies vs. Admirals Calder Cup Final, with the Marlies winning in 7. :)

Maybe the Lightning needed to call up a few more of their youngin's then, eh? =)

[MalReynolds]

Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators (NYR - 4)
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals (Boston - 7)
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils (Panthers in 7)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins - 5.Philadephia Flyers (Penguins in 5)

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings (Van in 6)
2. St. Louis Blues - 7. San Jose Sharks (sharks in 5)
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks (Yotes in 4)
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings (Nashville in 7)
__________________

[biosc1]

Eastern Conference

1. NY Rangers - 8. Ottawa Senators (NYR - 4)
2. Boston Bruins - 7. Washington Capitals (Boston - 7)
3. Florida Panthers - 6. New Jersey Devils (Panthers in 7)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins - 5.Philadephia Flyers (Penguins in 5)

Western Conference

1. Vancouver Canucks - 8. Los Angeles Kings (Van in 6)
2. St. Louis Blues - 7. San Jose Sharks (sharks in 5)
3. Phoenix Coyotes - 6. Chicago Blackhawks (Yotes in 4)
4. Nashville Predators - 5. Detroit Red Wings (Nashville in 7)
__________________

Can I ask what you smoke?

Ottawa knows how to play NYR...they'll at least win 1 game...maybe.

PIT vs PHI will definitely be a 6-7 game war. Whoever wins may not do much the following series.

PHO sweeping CHI? You are crazy! That's another 6 game series...though CHI knows how to play playoff hockey.

SJ over STL in 5? Have you seen STL play lately? They are soul crushing...grind you into dust. I can only hope they go 7 so if STL makes it past the round, they'll be tired out. On the other hand SJ has shown they know how to win the first round of the playoffs ;)

[MalReynolds]

Tell you the truth all i want is the Penguins to DESTROY the flyers

[Dark Prince]

Tell you the truth all i want is the Penguins to DESTROY the flyers

In that case I forgive you for saying Panthers in 7 because that was just insane! :cool: :p

[roboninja]

Oh, I thought we were doing predictions and not wish lists. ;)

[Troggles]

First Round Matchups Eastern Conference:

NY Rangers vs. Ottawa (NYR in 5)
Boston vs. Washington (Boston in 5)
Florida vs. New Jersey (New Jersey in 6)
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia (Pitt in 7)

Western Conference:

Vancouver vs. Los Angeles (Vancouver in 5)
St. Louis vs. San Jose (St Louis in 6)
Phoenix vs. Chicago (Chicago in 7)
Nashville vs. Detroit (Detroit in 6)

[Jackel]

My wonderful predictions.

Eastern Conference:

NY Rangers vs. Ottawa (New York in 7)
Boston vs. Washington (Boston in 6)
Florida vs. New Jersey (New Jersey in 5)
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia (Pittsburgh in 7)

Western Conference:

Vancouver vs. Los Angeles (Vancouver in 6)
St. Louis vs. San Jose (San Jose in 7)
Phoenix vs. Chicago (Chicago in 7)
Nashville vs. Detroit (Nashville in 7)

[Dark Prince]

Oh, I thought we were doing predictions and not wish lists. ;)

;)

blargh too short

[roboninja]

;)

blargh too short

Heh, I was mostly referring to Mal, but if you thought the shoe fit... :p

I believe I am the only person in the world that is giving Ottawa a shot against the Rangers. Well, other than Sens fans of course. Maybe just living here is affecting me.

[Dark Prince]

Heh, I was mostly referring to Mal, but if you thought the shoe fit... :p

I believe I am the only person in the world that is giving Ottawa a shot against the Rangers. Well, other than Sens fans of course. Maybe just living here is affecting me.

Oh lmao. I actually wouldn't mind at all if those Sens knocked off the Rangers. Anything to keep them from a Cup.

[MalReynolds]

Oh lmao. I actually wouldn't mind at all if those Sens knocked off the Rangers. Anything to keep them from a Cup.

Not that i wouldnt mind the Sens winning


My Canadian team is Vancouver

[biosc1]

I believe I am the only person in the world that is giving Ottawa a shot against the Rangers. Well, other than Sens fans of course. Maybe just living here is affecting me.

I have my support behind the Sens as well. I'm not sure either team actually has that "playoff feel" to them, so it really is a crapshoot. If Ottawa keeps preaching defense and Spezza performs, they have a shot.

[Primus]

I am so excited for tonight, even with my team not playing yet. Philly-Pitt should be so brutal.

[Khrymsyn]

I think Philly/Pitt will be brutal, but not a bloodbath that some people are expecting/anticipating.

Both teams have a lot of skill, and when it comes down to it, if you have an opportunity for a play, you're going to make that instead of messing the rough stuff a vast majority of the time.

Also, I expect Zach Rinahldo to be suspended sometime this postseason =P

[Primus]

Yeah, I am not so much thinking fighting, just physical play. I would love to be at one of those games and hear that shit rumble around the arena.

[Dark Prince]

I think Philly/Pitt will be brutal, but not a bloodbath that some people are expecting/anticipating.

Both teams have a lot of skill, and when it comes down to it, if you have an opportunity for a play, you're going to make that instead of messing the rough stuff a vast majority of the time.

Also, I expect Zach Rinahldo to be suspended sometime this postseason =P

I'm sure he will if he pulls another one of those "slew foots". ;)

First game is tonight folks! Looking forward to seeing how this series will turn out.

I expect some blow out skill from Crosby and Malkin and on the other side Giroux and perhaps Jagr as well.

[Doogie2K]

Yes, Series C will be short. The Panthers are the worst playoff team by goal differential (-19 if you remove shootouts) in 15 years.

Rangers in 5 - The Sens are not a deep offensive team, and playing run and gun against King Henrik will end badly.
Bruins in 5 - Dale Hunter is not an NHL coach. Also, AHL tandem, y'all.
Devils in 5 - I give Florida one game, because apparently they managed to win two in the regular season? Whatever, they're fucking bad.
Flyers in 7 - It's a toss-up, really, but ribs or no, I think the Flyers have the natural advantage in a series with a lot of shenanigans.

Canucks in 7 - LA's a lot better than they look, but until they prove they can put the puck in the ocean...
Blues in 4 - Hey guys, St. Louis is really good, I dunno if you heard.
Coyotes in 7 - Gotta happen one of these years, right? Also, Chicago does have a ton of injuries.
Predators in 7 - Homer series. Detroit is super bad on the road and Nashville is loaded for bear.

[biosc1]

Daniel Sedin will not play tonight. Thanks Duncan.

edit: wow, Pittsburgh came out fast.

[MalReynolds]

3-0 after the first

[roboninja]

Man, Philly got lucky on that goal. It was waaay offside.

[MalReynolds]

agreed holy shit offside

[Primus]

That did not disappoint!

[roboninja]

Nothing like playoff OT.

[Primus]

Oh man Nashville is pounding Detroit.

[Primus]

Haha, penalties making the last few minutes interesting...

[Dark Prince]

Man, what a game in Pittsburgh. That goal by Voracek is about as back door sneaky as you can get. What a misplay by the Pens.

Vancouver and LA is on next. Great start to playoff hockey so far.

[Primus]

Nice nailbiter at the end, congrats to the city of my birth. Time for LA and Vancouver.

[Dark Prince]

Nice nailbiter at the end, congrats to the city of my birth. Time for LA and Vancouver.

I don't think that should've been goalie interference on the goal. Quick was pretty set just as the shot was taken and the puck wasn't even at the net when the Canuck ran into Quick.

[Troggles]

http://i.imgur.com/NenLI.gif

[Hyperglide]

http://i.imgur.com/NenLI.gif

Macho Man 'Shea Weber' took Henrik the barber beefcakes head and slammed it into the turnbuckle WWF style. ;)

Weber is gonna get shanabanned for that.

[Jackel]

Great first night of hockey!

[soqua]

Philly has owned the Penguins in Pittsburgh's new arena. Nice to see that continue.

LA had one of the higher scoring offenses in the league once they acquired Jeff Carter.

Ottawa gave the NYR trouble all year, but that was when the Sens were rolling.

[Stmfuller]

Wings down one.
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

[Khrymsyn]

Thing that amazes me about the Pit/Phi game one beyond just the comeback?

74 hits....
We're talking NHL95 levels of hitting here.

The Penguins and Flyers hit each other 74 times in ~65 minutes... that's insane. It really IS going to be a function of survival this series. Yowza....

[Dark Prince]

Thing that amazes me about the Pit/Phi game one beyond just the comeback?

74 hits....
We're talking NHL95 levels of hitting here.

The Penguins and Flyers hit each other 74 times in ~65 minutes... that's insane. It really IS going to be a function of survival this series. Yowza....

Wow, that is ridiculous. Can only imagine how Game 2 will be played out.

[Primus]

Dear Dark Lord Satan,

You can have my eternal soul and all of my future childrens' virgin souls if you kill Chara tonight and make the Caps win the Cup this year.

Love,
Derek


Also, offsides or no?:

ZjKdpanE4aI

Not that I really care, hate both teams and I hope it goes to 7 and the winner is beatup, easy pickings, but I like the discussion :3

[Khrymsyn]

Oh, it was definitely offsides. Heck, Mal even mentioned it in the forum when it happened. I don't think too many people can even TRY to say it wasn't.

However, that was still midway through the 2nd. Pens didn't score through another period and a half, nor stopped their opponent. Yes, it was a bad no-call, but frankly, just like any other NHL game, not the only call that makes you go ? in the game and still only brought the away team to within 2.

[Primus]

Yeah, I am not too angry as if I remember correctly Pitt got a non-call earlier in the game, and it lead to an awesome 3rd period nailbiter and the OT situation (having no dog in the fight helps too). That said, my buddy at work (Devils) and I (Caps) agreed on that it changed the final outcome of the game. You have a point about the Pens not clamping down in the 3rd, but when a non-call directly leads to goal, man I would be pissed if it was against my team. Suprised I didn't see any furious Pens fans in here yet.

[Khrymsyn]

Yeah, I am not too angry as if I remember correctly Pitt got a non-call earlier in the game, and it lead to an awesome 3rd period nailbiter and the OT situation (having no dog in the fight helps too).

Yeah, the Penguin's 3rd goal, one linesman had his arm up to call icing and the ref at the last second waived it off. A second later, 3rd goal goes in. Frankly, that call could have gone either way (unlike the Briere goal), but there was a lot of hockey played outside of one (or two) calls. It's frustrating and if I was a Pittsburgh fan, I'd probably be a bit hot about it myself. Just as long as bad calls aren't ALL in one direction though is the part I care most about, and frankly, the refs kept their whistles in their pockets for most of that game.

[biosc1]

I don't think that should've been goalie interference on the goal. Quick was pretty set just as the shot was taken and the puck wasn't even at the net when the Canuck ran into Quick.

All I know, even as a Canuck fan, is that I hate Kesler. Apparently, behind the scenes he is an ass as well. That was completely cheap what he attempted to do. He didn't interfere, but he tried to get a call. Sure, he bumped Quick, but Quick was also way out of the net.

Overall, shitty game by the Canucks. You could tell because they weren't playing as a team (I've seen it enough to recognize it with these guys). Individual efforts abounded and failed, though Sedin played great with the limited support he had.

Also, Luongo played extremely well and he (with the help of a couple of posts) kept the Canucks in a game they didn't deserve to win.

On the other hand, LA didn't play well at all either so I expect a better game on Friday for sure.

Also, if Bitz (who will be lucky to play again with the Canucks) gets more than Weber, then we know the league is biased against star players.

[biosc1]

Ha, terrible call -

"We felt this was a reckless and reactionary play on which Weber threw a glancing punch and then shoved Zetterberg's head into the glass," said NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety and Hockey Operations Brendan Shanahan. "We reached out to Detroit following the game and were informed that Zetterberg did not suffer an apparent injury and should be in the lineup for Game 2.

"This play and the fine that addressed it will be significant factors in assessing any incidents involving Shea Weber throughout the remainder of the playoffs."

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=392950

By that reasoning, it's not a deterrent at all if you intend to injure, but fail at it.

[Libuke]

I can't believe he only got a fine for that. That was a pretty dirty play. I like tough physical hockey but I think that was a little over the line.

[Vanthar]

I know they don't like suspending in playoffs.. but that has to be a game.

[MalReynolds]

i think that was intent to hurt and he should have been suspended for a long time... that was almost a bad a brutizzi

[biosc1]

i think that was intent to hurt and he should have been suspended for a long time... that was almost a bad a brutizzi

Difference was, Bertuzzi intended to injure and succeeded.

[MalReynolds]

The intent was still there

Weber almost got away with murder

Im no wings fan but if i was i would be PISSED

[biosc1]

The intent was still there

Weber almost got away with murder

Im no wings fan but if i was i would be PISSED

I know, but as I mentioned earlier, Weber intended to injure but failed. Apparently, that's enough for discipline to be neutered.

[Vanthar]

Toews is back tonight!!

[Khrymsyn]

I know, but as I mentioned earlier, Weber intended to injure but failed. Apparently, that's enough for discipline to be neutered.

Well, it IS technically the difference between Murder and Attempted Murder... quite a bit difference in penalties there too.
=P

[roboninja]

It was the right call on Weber, IMO. One game would have been understandable, but so is this.

The NHL's system takes a player's history into account; Weber has only one fine, no suspensions. A single playoff game is equal to 6-7 regular season games; this has been stated explicitly. Result of the play is taken into account; again, stated explicitly.

With all of those factors in mind, I can understand no suspension. You can argue the method if you want, but saying Weber got away with "murder" is so fucking ludicrous I cannot even fathom it.

[Primus]

Not liking the lack of shots but I will be damned if the Caps aren't keeping up with the Bruins physically. Very fun so far.

[Primus]

Caps and Bruins going to OT, scoreless.

[Primus]

FUCK.

Still... best series so far.

[Dark Prince]

FUCK.

Still... best series so far.

Wow, that's a first for the playoffs so far with a game going 0-0 to OT. Who would've thought it would've been Bruins/Caps?

[Dark Prince]

San Jose wins in 2OT with a goal from Havlat, his second of the game. Amazing.

It's 1-1 with Phoenix and Chicago, Phoenix tying the game just after a too many men call that should've been called.

EDIT: Wow, it's 2-1 Phoenix now from a 3 on 2. Nice pass to set up the shot that rang out as fast as it was shot.

Almost had a brawl, damn I miss the old days.

[Vanthar]

San Jose wins in 2OT with a goal from Havlat, his second of the game. Amazing.

It's 1-1 with Phoenix and Chicago, Phoenix tying the game just after a too many men call that should've been called.

EDIT: Wow, it's 2-1 Phoenix now from a 3 on 2. Nice pass to set up the shot that rang out as fast as it was shot.

Almost had a brawl, damn I miss the old days.

Great game. Brutal loss.

Thought we'd steal that one after the tie with 14 remaining. Had some decent chances, but oh well.

[Primus]

Wow, that's a first for the playoffs so far with a game going 0-0 to OT. Who would've thought it would've been Bruins/Caps?

Yeah man, it was a David-Goliath deal with the untested AHL goalie Holtby going up against Thomas. If he can keep that standard of play (and our offense plays for more than one fucking period..) we might be able to get through this.

I was also surprised with how the Caps held up physically. Matched hits for a good part of the game and they were shoving and backing each other up plenty.

[Dark Prince]

Going nuts right now! We're up 3-0 on the Panthers already! And throwing an insane 26 shots on goal on Theodore. We are tearing it up out there.

Elias had a sick move to fake out Theodore and get his goal. Can only imagine how the rest of the game will play out.

[MalReynolds]

man the penguins d has been BRUTAL tonight and the whole time through this series

[maharahaj]

Anybody besides MalReynolds and I watching this goal-fest of a game between Pittsburgh and Philly? 5-5 and there is still 13 minutes left to play in the 3rd.

[Dark Prince]

Anybody besides MalReynolds and I watching this goal-fest of a game between Pittsburgh and Philly? 5-5 and there is still 13 minutes left to play in the 3rd.


I am now that my Devils won. It's 6-5 Philly.

EDIT: Now it's 7-5 Philly and it looks like we have Philly taking game 2 and leading the series 2-0.

EDIT 2: 8-5 Philly final from an empty netter.

[maharahaj]

Two hat tricks in one game. Nuts. Go Flyers!

[Dualonymous]

Jackel and I watched all the pitt game and what we could of devils game. Now for the NUCKS! come on vancouver.

[Khrymsyn]

Didn't have the NJ game here, but got to watch Flyers and Red Wings games...

Pit/Phi has just been insane. Fun stat? Both the first game and the second game had 74 hits. That's not total, that's PER GAME. And the hits are basically even between the 2 teams.

[MalReynolds]

unless pittsburgh pulls there head out of there asses they wont be going any further

[Dualonymous]

unless pittsburgh pulls there head out of there asses they wont be going any further

Same for Vancouver. Pitt at least is having a good period of hockey (the 1st) which is more than you can say for vancouver.

[Doogie2K]

I was watching PHI-PIT over people's shoulders during dinner last night. That was defence and goaltending straight out of the 80s; some pretty plays, but just some Godawful defensive play, too. It was a fun spectacle, but I bet we see a 2-1 game in Game 3 in response, as both coaches uses this as an opportunity to fix some things.

Also saw about half of VAN-LAK. Holy God are the Canucks playing like idiots, and I don't just mean in their usual diving-whining-biting-cheapshotting ways. That fourth goal gave me flashbacks to Oilers goals against of the last two or three years. D. Sedin coming back would help, switching goalies might wake them up, but realistically, they gotta completely repair the way they're playing positionally and tactically next game or it's over, which would be a shock. Not that I didn't think LAK could win (I did have it a seven-game series, and I was becoming less confident in VAN by the day), but given how each team is playing by now, this could be a five-game series. THAT would be the shock.

[biosc1]

The worst part is that the Canucks don't even deserve to have won either game with they way they played and the Kings did.

[diablopath]

Oh man, Holtby, I love you. It was a shame to see Neuvy get hurt, but hot damn if Holtby isn't stepping up.

Also, I love this video of Backstrom's goal. The way Timmy just hauls ass off of the ice makes it all the sweeter.

PkqW854J7ZM

[Hyperglide]

Damn this Phoenix/Chicago series is entertaining as hell. And ANOTHER OT game. That's 7 now.

[Jackel]

Almost every series so far has been great except for the one I actually care about between Vancouver / LA

[shunoshi]

Yeah, Chicago and Phoenix are really evenly matched. Definitely some exciting hockey. I have to agree that most of the series have been fun to watch, but I'm with Jackel, Vancouver has played horribly.

Of course, being a Wild fan, I'd never want them to be eliminated in the first round. ;)

Interesting that the 2 favorites for the cup have both lost 2 at home.

[Jackel]

Anyone else watching Flyers / Pitt? Entertaining game to say the slightest. And Asham better get a few games for that Crosscheck to Schenn.

[Libuke]

Anyone else watching Flyers / Pitt? Entertaining game to say the slightest. And Asham better get a few games for that Crosscheck to Schenn.

I think he got the match penalty for the punch after he already knocked him down.

Pretty intense first period so far though.

[Kagger]

Yeah, Chicago and Phoenix are really evenly matched. Definitely some exciting hockey. I have to agree that most of the series have been fun to watch, but I'm with Jackel, Vancouver has played horribly.

Of course, being a Wild fan, I'd never want them to be eliminated in the first round. ;)

Interesting that the 2 favorites for the cup have both lost 2 at home.

Go Wild! I'm a Houston Aeros fan. So despite my hatred for the Vikings...I'd love to see the Wild do well. Having no NHL team...I just root for good hockey and some old favorites (Played as the Fliers in NHL94)

The Fliers/Pens game is awesome.

[shunoshi]

70 penalty minutes in the first period. Crazy.

Pitt just scored and are within 1 now. At least things have calmed down a bit. First period bordered on barbarism. :p

[Dualonymous]

This series is great, I hope to see philly ande boston. potential for another physical series

[Hyperglide]

I'm really having a hard time rooting for the Rangers in their series. As much as I hate Ottawa, the Rangers are playing like crap, taking runs at Alfredsson and seem very elitist. I honestly hope Ottawa creams them and then Ottawa get owned in the 2nd round.

[Dark Prince]

70 penalty minutes in the first period. Crazy.

Pitt just scored and are within 1 now. At least things have calmed down a bit. First period bordered on barbarism. :p

That's the best part of how playoff hockey is! :D

Wow, 7-4 final in that game! This series is getting some insane scoring totals.

[shunoshi]

That's the best part of how playoff hockey is! :D

Wow, 7-4 final in that game! This series is getting some insane scoring totals.

8-4 actually. I have no problem with the hits and fights. I'm just not a fan of cheap shots like Asham's throat check.

On the bright side, Pitt, spring came early and the golf weather is nice. ;)

[Hyperglide]

That was some playoff hockey right there. Also I thought it was quite hilarious Crosby got into 2 fights. So ya I'm not making predictions again this season as I predicted the Penguins would win the cup and now they are down 3-0 and are looking horri-awful right now.

[Kagger]

Dangit....Flyers* That's what I get for posting while working.

[Primus]

Oh man, Holtby, I love you. It was a shame to see Neuvy get hurt, but hot damn if Holtby isn't stepping up.

Also, I love this video of Backstrom's goal. The way Timmy just hauls ass off of the ice makes it all the sweeter.

PkqW854J7ZM

Yeah dude. As I stated earlier, I love this story between the two goalies and how it has played out so far. All of this seemed so desperate but now we took away their home field advantage with splitting those two games in TD Garden, and even with the loss, we went down swinging defensively.

I was at the Biergarten Haus in DC during this game and the entire place went into drunken lunacy when that goal was made. Didn't hurt the Nats are looking good and even DC United won their game that day.

Anyways, got my tickets for section 110 row F tomorrow when we bring it back to our barn. I love Verizon Center during hockey playoffs.

WE ARE LOUDER!!!

[Dark Prince]

Ugh! Devs down 2-0 thanks to refs calling ridiculous plays to give Panthers PPs they don't deserve.

They need to wake up, they knew the Panthers were going to come at them for this game.

[Troggles]

Pittsburgh is making a run at being the first team to make me root for the Flyers against somebody. That shit is getting bad.

[Dark Prince]

Damn. Tried to come back but it wasn't happening and ended in a 4-2 final. :(

Devils need to realize they can't just play 1 period of hockey in the playoffs and use one period to come back. So many close chances in the 3rd when the Devils had them running.

Just need to come out flying at the Rock on Tuesday night and fire away like Friday night.

[Primus]

I dunno if you guys can appreciate our DC flavored gem of a hockey blog, but I figure, hey, everyone hates the Bruins:

http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2012/04/15/boston-and-the-bruins-wicked-awful/

Hilarious.

[biosc1]

I dunno if you guys can appreciate our DC flavored gem of a hockey blog, but I figure, hey, everyone hates the Bruins:

http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2012/04/15/boston-and-the-bruins-wicked-awful/

Hilarious.

Man, I HATE the Bruins.

[Dualonymous]

This half melted fucking ice is ridiculous, the puck is bouncing everywhere and players are losing edges left and right.

[CES]

I think the Flyers just got upstaged for the dirtiest team in the game by the Penguins. How do you pull highlights from that series though when the whole damn thing has been amazing?

[Primus]

Yeah seriously. I missed the first period of the 3rd game but I saw at least 3 games worth of highlights.

Although I am disapointed that the series isn't as back and forth as I expected, the action has been superb.

[biosc1]

My biggest problem with the PHI vs PIT series is that it makes all the other series seem dull. Though, the OTW vs NYR series and WSH vs BOS series seem pretty good as well.

Another thing I've noticed and guessed is, by watching all the series so far, the eventual Stanley Cup winner is coming out of the East. All the Western teams are not playing with the passion required. Though, the Western team may make it with more energy than the Eastern team.

[Hyperglide]

Congrats to the Florida Panthers winning their 1st playoff game since 1997. That seems like a lifetime ago.

[MalReynolds]

Ill be going for Nashville the rest of the playoff's as at least they know how to play Hockey... and more so the defensive part of it :)

Changed my Avatar and all

[Dark Prince]

Congrats to the Florida Panthers winning their 1st playoff game since 1997. That seems like a lifetime ago.

It certainly feels that way. They came out hungrier then we did and deserved that game. I said Devils in 5 so we'll see how the guys respond tomorrow night. But to be honest at this point, I'd be happy just getting past the first round after all these years. <.<

[MalReynolds]

hoping Florida wins the series

[roboninja]

Ill be going for Nashville the rest of the playoff's as at least they know how to play Hockey... and more so the defensive part of it :)

Changed my Avatar and all

Giving up before your team is even eliminated? Bandwagoner.

[Dark Prince]

Ill be going for Nashville the rest of the playoff's as at least they know how to play Hockey... and more so the defensive part of it

Changed my Avatar and all

Bad very bad to give up on your team before it's all said and done. Got to be good to your team and stick with them through the good times and bad.

[MalReynolds]

Kinda hard to stick with your team after a game like the last one... not even the score so much as how they acted...

But i was going for nashville in the west anyway.. Always pick a western team last year was Vancouver

[Jackel]

Kinda hard to stick with your team after a game like the last one... not even the score so much as how they acted...

But i was going for nashville in the west anyway.. Always pick a western team last year was Vancouver

Fucking pathetic bandwagoner. Could be worse, you could be a Canucks fan like me.

[MalReynolds]

I hated the way they were playing it was completely not the penguins i love

[Troggles]

I refuse to jump on the bandwagon. I'm still hoping the Sabres find a way to get back in the playoffs.

[roboninja]

I refuse to jump on the bandwagon. I'm still hoping the Sabres find a way to get back in the playoffs.

Ha! Wanna trade Myers for the #1?

[biosc1]

Congrats to the Florida Panthers winning their 1st playoff game since 1997. That seems like a lifetime ago.

Even stranger was seeing Jovo in the lineup. I totally missed when he was traded back there.

[Primus]

I went to the Bruins@Caps game last night, about 5 rows from the glass, center ice. It was a blast. We lost, but it was down to the line, great, physical game to be at. Lots of scoring and lots of good defensive plays. Good hits, plenty of penalty drama to keep the crowd involved. Disappointed with the refs, but whatever, still a lot of fun and we are still in it and proving that they are gonna have to fight for it.

Thursday will be crazy if we can split the homegames and keep this anyone's series.

LETS GO CAPS!!!

[biosc1]

Got seats to Game 4 at the Staples Center right now.

As Bieksa said this morning "We have them right where they want us".

Also, Daniel Sedin flew down which most likely means he'll play. A gimped Sedin is better than no Sedin.

[Vanthar]

Shaw got 3 games.... I'm speechless.

[roboninja]

After the Miller/Lucic thing, Shanny was given express instructions to protect the goalies more. This is the result.

[diablopath]

I went to the Bruins@Caps game last night, about 5 rows from the glass, center ice. It was a blast. We lost, but it was down to the line, great, physical game to be at. Lots of scoring and lots of good defensive plays. Good hits, plenty of penalty drama to keep the crowd involved. Disappointed with the refs, but whatever, still a lot of fun and we are still in it and proving that they are gonna have to fight for it.

Thursday will be crazy if we can split the homegames and keep this anyone's series.

LETS GO CAPS!!!

Man, I was there last year for the series with the Rangers, but it was nothing compared to these games with the Bruins. If they are still in the running after I graduate, I may very well spend some money to go to D.C. to watch a game or two. We had a rough season, but god dammit, I can't help but to have a good feeling right now.

[Troggles]

After the Miller/Lucic thing, Shanny was given express instructions to protect the goalies more. This is the result.

Leave it to the Sabres to get fucked over just before a rule/enforcement change.

[Primus]

Man, I was there last year for the series with the Rangers, but it was nothing compared to these games with the Bruins. If they are still in the running after I graduate, I may very well spend some money to go to D.C. to watch a game or two. We had a rough season, but god dammit, I can't help but to have a good feeling right now.

Yeah I went to two of the Rangers series. I would say the crowd was just as awesome as last year, but yes the game itself was better.

I am with you, I am keeping the faith.

[roboninja]

Yeah I went to two of the Rangers series. I would say the crowd was just as awesome as last year, but yes the game itself was better.

I am with you, I am keeping the faith.

The Caps are finally playing the D they need to win in the playoffs. The question now is can they manage enough offense while playing this way.

[shunoshi]

Wow, Detroit's defense looked like complete trash. One more win for the Preds and they advance.

What's up with the Devils? They gonna give it up to Florida?!? :eek:

[Libuke]

Some teams have not been doing as well I as I expected this year. Having said that I have found the playoffs to be real entertaining so far.

[Dark Prince]

Wow, Detroit's defense looked like complete trash. One more win for the Preds and they advance.

What's up with the Devils? They gonna give it up to Florida?!? :eek:

I don't get it man. It's like they're playing a regular season game out there. They jump out to early leads and just stop playing and give it up. They can't do that in the playoffs. They have to keep pouring it on and and destroy a team so they have no chance at coming back. Plus it didn't freaking help that Marty was pulled. :(

Although to be honest, Moose held up well aside from the one goal that was given up. They really need to take game 4 now or they're done.

[MalReynolds]

GO Panthers Go :)

[Khrymsyn]

Does anyone else remember this many suspensions and crazy hits in a playoffs before? Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Torres is looking to take some time off after leaving his feet to clock Hossa.

[shunoshi]

Does anyone else remember this many suspensions and crazy hits in a playoffs before? Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Torres is looking to take some time off after leaving his feet to clock Hossa.

No, never. In fact, I actually have to agree with what Roenick said, something along the lines of "all of the mutual respect that players have for each other in the NHL seems to be lost."

I understand aggressive play. I understand big hits, gritty forechecking, and the excitement, momentum and offensive opportunities it creates. But come on, people need to layoff the head-hunting charging and facial cross checks.

There have been a slew of injuries and the suspensions are deserved. It's just dumb.

[MalReynolds]

id have to agree that players have no love for each other... and in some cases they hate each other

[Dualonymous]

Does anyone else remember this many suspensions and crazy hits in a playoffs before? Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Torres is looking to take some time off after leaving his feet to clock Hossa.

I certainly don't remember a year where the playoffs were this brutal. almost every series is littered with people getting crushed and suspensions.

I agree about the respect thing, there clearly is very little.

[Hyperglide]

If there's 2 teams I want to see win this year it's the Predators or Blues. I just like the way they play the game. Very structured and disciplined. Good team defense and a lot of role players who know their roles and contribute together as a team.

[Primus]

Fuck me, Nicky is suspended for game 4.

The Caps just need to focus on this to win:

http://whatsupyasieve.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/group5.jpg

[MalReynolds]

Guessing the Penguins will be the first team knocked out the way they are playing

[maharahaj]

Flyer's power play squad is rediculous! So much offense in this series; hell we're at 5 goals in this game already and there are still 4 minutes left in the first period.

Edit: 7 goals with 2:30 left in the first. Just pull both goalies already.

[MalReynolds]

9 goals half away through

[maharahaj]

I'm guessing there is going to be a Game 5 in the Pit/PHL series, what with the score being 9-3 with 3:17 to go in the 2nd period. I'm not sure if it's time to play some games instead or continue to watch this spectacle against my collapsing Flyers.

[MalReynolds]

hope they collapse completely

[Hyperglide]

I'm guessing there is going to be a Game 5 in the Pit/PHL series, what with the score being 9-3 with 3:17 to go in the 2nd period. I'm not sure if it's time to play some games instead or continue to watch this spectacle against my collapsing Flyers.

You never know. Penguins have a way of blowing leads :cool:

[Jackel]

hope they collapse completely

Didn't you abandon your team? I think the bandwagon left the station without you.

Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk 2

[Dualonymous]

hope they collapse completely

Is this another flip flop back to your original team?

[MalReynolds]

Well of course :)

[Troggles]

Maybe you should change your avatar to this:
http://i.imgur.com/2lim6.jpg

[maharahaj]

Maybe you should change your avatar to this:
http://i.imgur.com/2lim6.jpg

Ha! Very nice and well played. I ended up changing the channel to the Senators/Rangers game. 50 seconds to overtime time.

[diablopath]

Oh wow, that Philly game.

I stopped watching when it went 6-3. I just checked back and it was 10-3. The fuck happened, guys?

[maharahaj]

Oh wow, that Philly game.
The fuck happened, guys?

All the Flyers left the ice to ask a bunch of girls out on first dates with their families, leaving their goal defenseless.

[shunoshi]

The fuck happened, guys?

No clue, just got home from class. Looks like I'm going to have to watch some highlights tonight.

[roboninja]

First date with their family? Don't be so ridiculous.

[diablopath]

Oh god dammit.

[roboninja]

Quick OT winner by Turris. Tied with the Rangers now.

[maharahaj]

Quick OT winner by Turris. Tied with the Rangers now.

Hell yeah. I need the Rangers to lose this series so they don't absolutely crush the Flyers next round (neglecting this evening's embarrassing loss) like they did all regular season.

[Troggles]

VKOywERtbig

[CES]

That was a silly game by the Flyers, they can't afford to give away stupid penalties like that. That's the Penguins remit.

Really though, with the way these playoffs are going it just reaffirms the fact that the Atlantic division is the best and most exciting in the league.

[MalReynolds]

cant afford to give fleury confidence.. he can be the best goalie in the league when he has it

[Khrymsyn]

that Pens/Flyers game was just... weird to watch.

All of the energy both teams exuded the first 3 games, and the hard hits, the fast skating... and game 4 looked somewhat like slow motion, ESPECIALLY both goalies to start the game. Then Pitt woke up and next thing I knew it was 10-3.

It'll be interesting to see how Game5 goes.

[shunoshi]

Really though, with the way these playoffs are going it just reaffirms the fact that the Atlantic division is the best and most exciting in the league.

Or the division with the overall worst team defense in the league. ;)

All joking aside, the series has been really fun to watch. As for me, I'm putting my support behind the Blues. Love their style of hockey.

[biosc1]

So, made the drive to LA to watch the Canucks last night. Crazy atmosphere. I'll give it to the Kings' fans. They are quite knowledgeable and pretty diehard (some are actually downright scary). After the Kings' disallowed goal, the atmosphere turned pretty sour in the stadium. Thankfully, Canucks fans seemed to make up almost half the stadium so we didn't feel outnumbered :)

Great game. Moment of the night was obviously the 3rd goal scored in front of us. Huge feeling of excitement and relief that the Canucks lived to play another game and weren't the first President's Cup trophy winner to be swept in the history of the NHL ;)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UzWRhi28VG4/T5BeBIPhmGI/AAAAAAAAAUo/qzHEEr-MqjA/s622/WP_000689.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4IiS6HKBWKk/T5BeBeyV3_I/AAAAAAAAAUs/nMAbDb5B6KQ/s622/WP_000699.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-udhpPynEaqk/T5BeBUzyHCI/AAAAAAAAAUw/5zHm14GEuao/s622/WP_000708.jpg

[Dualonymous]

We live to fight another day!

[shunoshi]

Damn, nice seats!

[MalReynolds]

one of these days ill see a penguins game :)

[diablopath]

Y'know, I'm really glad Holtby is doing as well as he is doing. To see a guy that was the back-up back-up, being more a Hershey Bear than a Washington Capital, come into the playoffs and go toe-to-toe with the Bruins is super exciting. I really hope he continues to play well and I really hope we see him again next season.

[maharahaj]

So, one Vegas odds maker has the Over/Under on the Penguins/Flyers game 5 tomorrow night at an ultra rare 7 goals. I think the over will have it.

Stoked for the game.

Let's go Flyers! -clap, clap, clapclapclap-

[Primus]

Y'know, I'm really glad Holtby is doing as well as he is doing. To see a guy that was the back-up back-up, being more a Hershey Bear than a Washington Capital, come into the playoffs and go toe-to-toe with the Bruins is super exciting. I really hope he continues to play well and I really hope we see him again next season.

Yeah man. I am pretty sure Vokoun is done with the Caps after this season and Hotlby will be signed to back up Nuevy.

What a game tonight. Caps stayed disciplined, Holtby remained the anchor and now we got a 2-2 series. DEFINITELY going to the VZC game next week.

[MalReynolds]

So, one Vegas odds maker has the Over/Under on the Penguins/Flyers game 5 tomorrow night at an ultra rare 7 goals. I think the over will have it.

Stoked for the game.

Let's go Flyers! -clap, clap, clapclapclap-

supposely people call your goalie the bear? so people are dressing in bear suits lol

[Khrymsyn]

supposely people call your goalie the bear? so people are dressing in bear suits lol

Nah, it's because Bryzgalov (flyers goalie) is nuts and his answers to reporters questions are often hysterical.

Before the Penguins/Flyers series started he was asked what he's most afraid of in the series.
Bryz's response?
"I'm only afraid of bears in the forest."

Hence, Pitt fans wearing bear-suits.

And Jagr's response on twitter was priceless. =)
"Bryz is scared of bears. There were like 70 bears at the game! I wonder what would happen if he said he is scared of beautiful naked girls?!"

[MalReynolds]

thats pretty funny even though i hate Jagr -.-

[Primus]

Yeah we did a similiar thing to Thomas at the VZC. Since he stiffed Obama at the Cup White House visit people were wearing Obama masks and had those blue and red Obama signs, but they said "HOPE you get pulled".

[shunoshi]

Well, congrats to the Preds, they're the first to move on to the next round.

[Khrymsyn]

The pens/flyers game was a bit more... normal tonight. Good job by the pens holding off a ton of philly pressure the last 10 minutes of the 3rd. Fleury is starting to look like the good Fleury and not the bad one, and that's making me a little nervous.

[MalReynolds]

Hope fluery can continue his amazing play that he started towards the end of game 5 and continued in game 6...

I told you Khrymsyn its a bad idea to give him confidence... he can get extremely streaky

I hope they can continue the great play into game 6 and hopefully game 7

[Khrymsyn]

I think goalies in general are streaky type players. Just seems that Fleury's low streaks are REAAAALY low, and his high streaks can almost match Tim Thomas (who is just incredible when he's hot IMHO).

[Zagrash]

25 Games for Torres as a repeat offender. (http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=173753)

As a Hawks fan, this certainly makes me happy, but I'd be even happier if the Hawks could just win some freaking games.

[Primus]

Going to the game tomorrow. I cannot fucking wait, it will be bananas!!!

[diablopath]

I'm jealous.

I'm so jealous.

[shunoshi]

Let's go Blues!

Sharks gonna go out in the first round...? That never happens... :eek::p:D

[diablopath]

http://myimg.us/images/04.21.12/25602.gif

[Hyperglide]

2 of the teams I've predicted have moved on :)

Time for the Sharks and Wings to blow it up? Whaddya think??

[Libuke]

I am pretty sure this Phoenix Chicago game is going to go into overtime again.

[maharahaj]

Flyers rule, Penguins drool.

[biosc1]

Penguins looked tired...like they didn't have it in them to win.

Let's hope the Canucks don't play like that in an hour.

Also...poor luck for Washington. If the Canucks are knocked out, I at least require the Bruins to be knocked out as well!

[Primus]

Game was blast, lots of back and forth, but FUCK I was hoping to have a few days of not shitting diamonds.

[diablopath]

I know. I was at work, and could only follow the game through refreshing my Google search of "bruins capitals score." I couldn't contain myself every time I saw the score change. I had my phone out on my register, and I'd press "refresh" every single chance I got. My heart sank when the OT goal was had =[

[roboninja]

We have our first scheduled game 7. I love these things.

[diablopath]

Really? Because I would've been comfortable with it ending at Game 6.

[Hyperglide]

And.... Vancouver is out. Now if only Washington had put away the Bruins all would've been well..

[Khrymsyn]

And.... Vancouver is out. Now if only Washington had put away the Bruins all would've been well..

Yep, Canucks downed by Kings. Way to go Flyers-West!

[Primus]

Really? Because I would've been comfortable with it ending at Game 6.

Yeah man, especially with our luck in the playoffs, the sooner we advance the better.

[soqua]

I know that. 0.o. Yet in spite of it all they still won the Presidents trophy and he's stating that they lose in 5 to the Kings who couldn't score with a $10 dollar ho?

There's upsets and then there's drinkin' the haterade. I mean it does deserve a bit of an explanation?

As a Kings fan, I hope you enjoy drinking that haterade. :D

At least you still have all of your Toronto playoff teams. :p

Just need to Sens to win their series. $$$

[Dark Prince]

Welp, Devils are facing elimination tonight and according to some reports will be facing Clemmenson in net. How fitting.

Can only hope they bring out their A game force a game 7 back in Florida. Looking forward to watching the game.

[biosc1]

Yep, Canucks downed by Kings. Way to go Flyers-West!

Flyers are a much better team than the Kings...I do think the Blues will make short work of the Kings considering the Blues play a much more disciplined and defensive hockey game, something the Canucks did not and the Kings exploited.

[Hyperglide]

Another one bites the dust. Blackhawks deserved a better fate as they totally dominated the 1st two periods of last nights game but Mike Smith has to be one of the most underrated goalies in the league. HE stonewalled them for his 1st ever playoff shutout. Remarkable performance.

Lightning were stupid to get rid of him.

So the West Semi-brackets are set. Going to be a very low scoring 2nd round. With all the defensive stalwarts and great goaltending from all 4 teams.

[Hyperglide]

As a Kings fan, I hope you enjoy drinking that haterade. :D

At least you still have all of your Toronto playoff teams. :p

Just need to Sens to win their series. $$$

I don't even like Vancouver I'm glad they got eliminated. I just was predicting based on paper. Kings have played well since getting Carter and getting their new coach.

Oh and thanks Marlies are off to the 2nd round of the playoffs after sweeping the Americans.

[Dark Prince]

Game 7? Yes, I'll take one of those! :D

[Vanthar]

Another one bites the dust. Blackhawks deserved a better fate as they totally dominated the 1st two periods of last nights game but Mike Smith has to be one of the most underrated goalies in the league. HE stonewalled them for his 1st ever playoff shutout. Remarkable performance.

Lightning were stupid to get rid of him.

So the West Semi-brackets are set. Going to be a very low scoring 2nd round. With all the defensive stalwarts and great goaltending from all 4 teams.

Mike Smith was great the whole series, especially in all of the OTs. The goalies were definitely the difference in the series.

[biosc1]

So the West Semi-brackets are set. Going to be a very low scoring 2nd round. With all the defensive stalwarts and great goaltending from all 4 teams.

After watching a series with Quick in net, I would say he isn't necessarily a "great goalie". If you watched the games, the Canucks really just shot at him from afar. I fully expect the Blues to get a ton more traffic in front of him which really puts him off his game...not sure why the Canucks abandoned that tactic after some obvious success in the first game (even though they lost, Quick was clearly off his game).

[Hyperglide]

After watching a series with Quick in net, I would say he isn't necessarily a "great goalie". If you watched the games, the Canucks really just shot at him from afar. I fully expect the Blues to get a ton more traffic in front of him which really puts him off his game...not sure why the Canucks abandoned that tactic after some obvious success in the first game (even though they lost, Quick was clearly off his game).

He just got nominated for a Vezina and beat the Presidents trophy winners in 5 games? :confused:

I think you are vastly underrating him.

[diablopath]

Holtby is such a ridiculous fucking badass.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1083487/pev_medium.gif

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1083495/pev.gif

[shunoshi]

Wooooooooo, suck it Bruins!

Also, Holtby is a serious bad ass.

[diablopath]

Oh my god I'm so happy right now.

Such an amazing series for the first round.

Good games, Bruins.

[Dark Prince]

Holtby is such a ridiculous fucking badass.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1083487/pev_medium.gif

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1083495/pev.gif


Hahaha....omg that is awesome, that game was just as crazy as the Devils OT win last night.

Can't wait for our game 7 tomorrow night.

[diablopath]

I somehow missed this one before:

Braden Holtby, Master of the Puck:

http://i56.tinypic.com/2j439tl.jpg

EDIT: I'm sorry, I'm just jerking off on Holtby now. I'm just so excited about him.

[Primus]

We did it!! Omfg i am so happy!!!

[diablopath]

Primus, I'm seriously thinking about using some of my graduation money to come to D.C. to watch them play in Round 2.

WE SHOULD GO TOGETHER.

[Primus]

Whoa... Dale Hunter crying.... never thought I would see the day...

Diablo: Always down, already got people for a 2nd round group!!! You are always welcome.

[Hyperglide]

Woot! Suck it Boston! All the teams I wanted to get ousted in the 1st round are done. Perfect!

[Hyperglide]

Holtby is such a ridiculous fucking badass.

http://h11.abload.de/img/1h40thw9k47.gif

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1083495/pev.gif

Fixed it for you :)

Like a fuckin' bawse. Lol I'm really growing on Holtby. That's exactly how you beat the Bruins play their game and don't back down.

Holtby got under their skins.

Oh and a little something for Bostons goaltender:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s320x320/549371_10151586371895515_754155514_24186657_918600 574_n.jpg

[biosc1]

That purse pic is awesome. I am so happy! If Vancouver can't make it past the first round, neither can Boston!

[Urizen]

Oh God. Someone help me.

My wife was raised in St. Louis and two weeks ago she woke up a Blues fan. Ordered a lot of gaudy Blues crap online, as well. Please tell me they won't win. As a matter of fact, please tell me they'll get knocked out ASAP. She is already insufferable.

I can't imagine how awful she'll be if they hang around for another couple weeks. I've never cared for hockey, but she has made it hate with a fire deeper than anything I've ever known.

[diablopath]

Looks like Washington gets to knock the Rangers out of the playoffs two years in a row.

[Hyperglide]

I thought the Jersey vs. Florida series was going to be the most boring and wow that game 7 was electric. What a game.

Okay so round 2 is set here are my predictions:

East:
(6) New Jersey vs. (5) Philadelphia in 6
(1) New York vs. (7) Washington in 7

West:
(3) Phoenix vs. (4) Nashville in 5
(2) St. Louis vs. (8) Los Angeles in 7

My score in the 1st round? I got 5 out of 8 right.

[Hyperglide]

Oh God. Someone help me.

My wife was raised in St. Louis and two weeks ago she woke up a Blues fan. Ordered a lot of gaudy Blues crap online, as well. Please tell me they won't win. As a matter of fact, please tell me they'll get knocked out ASAP. She is already insufferable.

I can't imagine how awful she'll be if they hang around for another couple weeks. I've never cared for hockey, but she has made it hate with a fire deeper than anything I've ever known.

Your wife is awesome and you suck. Hockey rules. :D

[Dark Prince]

I thought the Jersey vs. Florida series was going to be the most boring and wow that game 7 was electric. What a game.

Okay so round 2 is set here are my predictions:

East:
(6) New Jersey vs. (5) Philadelphia in 6
(1) New York vs. (7) Washington in 7

West:
(3) Phoenix vs. (4) Nashville in 5
(2) St. Louis vs. (8) Los Angeles in 7

My score in the 1st round? I got 5 out of 8 right.

I'd call it far from boring. :p Game 7 was definitely epic and the rest of the series was intense. It was a huge defensive battle of a series. This team is the underdog imo. They battled and came out on top.

My predictions.

East:
(6) New Jersey in 6 vs. (5) Philadelphia
(1) New York vs. (7) Washington in 6

West:
(3) Phoenix vs. (4) Nashville in 5
(2) St. Louis in 6 vs. (8) Los Angeles

[shunoshi]

(6) New Jersey in 6 vs. (5) Philadelphia

Homer. NJ doesn't stand a chance against Philly. :p


My picks

East:
(6) New Jersey vs. (5) Philadelphia, in 6
(1) New York vs. (7) Washington, in 6

West:
(3) Phoenix vs. (4) Nashville, in 7
(2) St. Louis vs. (8) Los Angeles, in 6

I got 4 out of 8 right in the first round. The East basically went as planned; the West got turned upside-down.

[CES]

Once more we go to fight the Jersey dogs for playoff glory. Truly, our greatest and best rivals. I think the Flyers have the edge simply because the Devil's PK isn't too good so far and the Flyers are killing everything on the PP. That said, there's always that gigantic dick called Brodeur who has an almost supernatural talent at stopping pucks, if he is focused anyway.

[biosc1]

Oh God. Someone help me.

My wife was raised in St. Louis and two weeks ago she woke up a Blues fan. Ordered a lot of gaudy Blues crap online, as well. Please tell me they won't win. As a matter of fact, please tell me they'll get knocked out ASAP. She is already insufferable.

I can't imagine how awful she'll be if they hang around for another couple weeks. I've never cared for hockey, but she has made it hate with a fire deeper than anything I've ever known.

One of my first ever hats was a Blues cap...I can't recall the reason why I got it because it was ages ago, but I think it must have been because of Brett Hull.

[Dark Prince]

Once more we go to fight the Jersey dogs for playoff glory. Truly, our greatest and best rivals. I think the Flyers have the edge simply because the Devil's PK isn't too good so far and the Flyers are killing everything on the PP. That said, there's always that gigantic dick called Brodeur who has an almost supernatural talent at stopping pucks, if he is focused anyway.

Oh trust me, especially because its the Flyers he will be. ;)

It'll be a fun series that's for sure. Can't wait to beat the crap out of Philthy. :p

[CES]

Oh trust me, especially because its the Flyers he will be. ;)

It'll be a fun series that's for sure. Can't wait to beat the crap out of Philthy. :p

Hope you have some tissues nearby for when Giroux makes your defense look like an AHL team.

[Dark Prince]

Hope you have some tissues nearby for when Giroux makes your defense look like an AHL team.

I'll have an extra one handy for you when Marty stops his shot with his master ace glove.

[CES]

Either way, I'm betting the series goes the distance to game 7.

[Dark Prince]

Either way, I'm betting the series goes the distance to game 7.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was also a gritty series.

[diablopath]

So, I hate myself.

I've been watching all these games on online streams because I didn't have the TV channel with all the games on it.

Except, I do have that channel. Son of a bitch. I have no idea how long it's been there. I could have sworn we didn't have Versus, and thus assumed we wouldn't get NBC Sports Network either.

In any case, fuck it. I now get to watch this shit on my TV. Just in time for Game 2.

[MalReynolds]

as much as it pains me to say i think the flyers or rangers may be the team or teams to have the best chance to win this year

[roboninja]

The Flyers need to patch Bryzgalov's hole before he sinks their ship.

It's like the Groundhog Day Flyers.

[diablopath]

as much as it pains me to say i think the flyers or rangers may be the team or teams to have the best chance to win this year

I firmly believe that the Caps can knock out the Rangers. I believe this to my core. I like the way tonight's game is going tonight, despite a few slip ups.

If we lose, I'm rooting for Philly, just because I'm in love with Bryz and Giroux. But, if the Rangers win, I don't know if Philly can take them. I think the Rangers should just call themselves the Philly-Killers.

[Dark Prince]

as much as it pains me to say i think the flyers or rangers may be the team or teams to have the best chance to win this year

Not unless the Devils keep up what they were doing when they started game 1 by not allowing a shot on goal for the first 10 minutes of the game.

The Flyers are very beatable and it all comes down to Philly's goaltending which is shaky just because of Bryzgalov (remembering all the goals he gave up in the last series). If the Devils didn't take so many penalties we would've had a much better chance of winning that one. Marty was cutting off every chance Philly had trying to create a forecheck, except for the one goal he royally screwed himself on, when they kept trying to dump and chase and dump and chase, it's like they didn't know how to do anything else.

They came so close in OT after the obvious kick in attempt that was disallowed. The Devils will give the Flyers a run in the series and I think stand a chance at taking the series in 6 or 7 but again it could go either way. It's only one game guys, it's a best of 7. The obvious bias on the NBC channel "praising" the Flyers left and right was getting ridiculous to listen too.

[biosc1]

Marty looked tired...so tired yesterday.

LA surprises again today. Also glad to see WSH make a series of it.

[Khrymsyn]

I'm just in awe that once again, the Flyers chances in the playoffs come down to....
inconsistent goaltending.

WTF, really? What is it about Philly and goaltenders? Last one that was any consistently good was Hextall for a few seasons, and he was a freaking nutcase. Then again, so is Bryz, so maybe we'll be ok after all. lol

[Dark Prince]

I'm just in awe that once again, the Flyers chances in the playoffs come down to....
inconsistent goaltending.

WTF, really? What is it about Philly and goaltenders? Last one that was any consistently good was Hextall for a few seasons, and he was a freaking nutcase. Then again, so is Bryz, so maybe we'll be ok after all. lol

I wouldn't take it as a bad thing. Bryz could be your franchise goalie like Hextall was in those years. He did sign like a 9 year deal right? Philly is similar to the Devils. You guys have a revolving door of goalies while we have one for our coaches, we can't seem to find one that fits.

Marty looked tired...so tired yesterday.

LA surprises again today. Also glad to see WSH make a series of it.

That's unfortunately the case when your last series goes to 7 games and you have only two days rest before the next round starts. Although he did a pretty good job nonetheless I'd say a couple of those goals were out of his reach espceially that Giroux shot. Didn't get to that side of the crease in time and it didn't help that shot looked like it was a 100mph either.

[Khrymsyn]

I wouldn't take it as a bad thing. Bryz could be your franchise goalie like Hextall was in those years. He did sign like a 9 year deal right? Philly is similar to the Devils. You guys have a revolving door of goalies while we have one for our coaches, we can't seem to find one that fits.
Wait, isn't Lou Lamarillo.... I mean Jacque Lemaire your coach? hehe
(sorry, I couldn't resist)

[biosc1]

Oh oh...2 bad boys on the Preds team - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=630287 (supposedly for missing curfew)

[Hyperglide]

Wait, isn't Lou Lamarillo.... I mean Jacque Lemaire your coach? hehe
(sorry, I couldn't resist)

Well at least Gary Bettman owns them. :D

Wouldn't that be hilarious if the final was a Devils vs. Coyotes finale? Gary Bettman would have to present the cup to himself ROFL!!