Official 2007-08 NHL Thread

[Immortalfire]

Holy mackerel, Penguins. :wow:

[TLH]

4-1 Flames through 2. Phew.

[TLH]

We won. 4-2. Close call with the late penalties.

[NewYorkSpider]

Penguins 7 Flyers 1

And that's without Crosby. Philly is on a 4 game losing streak.

I really don't know what to say. We don't deserve to be in the playoffs. If we make it we're out in the first round.

[TLH]

Malkin seems to like to play better when Crosby ain't in. Wierd.

[Themanofbat]

Kolzig is playing pretty hot in his last 4 starts, so I wouldn't be surprised if he gets the start. Khabibulin might also play on Sunday as well, but I'm only down 0.03% on save percentages, so I can still sqeak that one out if my guys play well, and they don't...

Also, it's pretty close on some other stats, so it'll be interesting to see what happens after Sunday night.

You're down by a couple of wins, so if we're destined to meet in the finals, you better hope for a good Sat/Sun games by your guys...

:csad:

Well, I thought I was good until Khabibulin played the third period... it's going to be close tomorrow...

:csad:

[Themanofbat]

I just did some quick math, and thanks to Khabibulin playing a scoreless third period, I lost my fantays playoff round 7-4...

:csad:

[Themanofbat]

:csad: :csad: :csad:

[TLH]

Sorry to hear that. :(

But the Flames did win. So rejoice! :D

[Shifty]

I just did some quick math, and thanks to Khabibulin playing a scoreless third period, I lost my fantays playoff round 7-4...

:csad:

That Maritime math was a bit off. 6-4 loss. I watched the highlights last night and when I saw Khabby go in for the 3rd I sadly knew your week was over, and Huet even started for the Caps as well.

I had my upset, finally my goalies pull through and do really well and Turco/Luongo had an off week.

Can anybody stop the 'autopilot' Penguins in fantasy?

Thanks for playing, still play for pride and win 3rd.

[Steve Rogers]

The Bruins are so making the play offs this year. What do we got? Less than a month till the end of the season, right?

[Immortalfire]

The Bruins are so making the play offs this year. What do we got? Less than a month till the end of the season, right?

Regular season ends the first weekend of April.

[Steve Rogers]

That's 2 1/2 weeks! We're so in the playoffs!!!!!!

Only a total meltdown Boston sports f**k up (see Patriots 2008 Super Bowl) could ruin it now!

[NewYorkSpider]

Has anybody started a playoff pool? I can do it if we get enough people.

[kang604]

im in

GO CANUCKS GO!

[Poeman]

yea id be down for that

[NewYorkSpider]

2007-08 NHL Playoff Pool
NewYorkSpider
Poeman
kang604
Immortalfire
Steve Rogers
Victor Creed

[Steve Rogers]

Has anybody started a playoff pool? I can do it if we get enough people.What do you mean? Pick who we think will make it in, or pick who we think will go all the way?

[NewYorkSpider]

What do you mean? Pick who we think will make it in, or pick who we think will go all the way?

You pick the winners of the games/series and how many games it takes.

Example - Flyers/Devils

1.PHI 2.NJ. 3.PHI 4.PHI 5.PHI

^Just like that.

[Immortalfire]

I'm in

[Steve Rogers]

You pick the winners of the games/series and how many games it takes.

Example - Flyers/Devils

1.PHI 2.NJ. 3.PHI 4.PHI 5.PHI

^Just like that.
Sure, why not? I'm game.

[kang604]

Tonight.

Phoenix Coyotes @ Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver can pretty much put the nail in the coffin for Phoenix & Edmonton's playoff hopes tonite, with a win they will widen the gap to 7 points with less than 10 games to play. Vancouver will also open up a 4 point lead on Nashville for final spot in the West and be only 2 points back from the Minnesota Wild for the Northwest Division title.

[Victor Creed]

Count me in.

[Dark Donnie]

I just did some quick math, and thanks to Khabibulin playing a scoreless third period, I lost my fantays playoff round 7-4...

:csad:

First Round Exit myself:cmad:

[Shifty]

Tonight.

Phoenix Coyotes @ Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver can pretty much put the nail in the coffin for Phoenix & Edmonton's playoff hopes tonite, with a win they will widen the gap to 7 points with less than 10 games to play. Vancouver will also open up a 4 point lead on Nashville for final spot in the West and be only 2 points back from the Minnesota Wild for the Northwest Division title.

Well the Oilers have 2 games against the Canucks and Coyotes, and they've been playing well of late. If the Canucks can beat the Oilers in the first game then its pretty much over but the Oilers did just beat the hottest team in the NHL via shootout.

Florida is the 2nd hottest team in the league now. Washington, Florida, and Buffalo are all going for 8th or possibly 3rd for the two SE teams.

[Shifty]

How does everyone feel about Pronger?

I say he should've gotten at least 20 games. 9 regular, 11 potential playoff games. Garbage suspension. First the NHL didn't do anything and then they give goon a slap on the wrist.

[Victor Creed]

I would like to have seen at least 12. I think 12 was doable, but 20 was just wishful thinking (but I still had my fingers crossed for it, lol). Pronger has been suspended a few times already, and gotten away with plenty else he shoulda been suspended for.

[TLH]

How does everyone feel about Pronger?

I say he should've gotten at least 20 games. 9 regular, 11 potential playoff games. Garbage suspension. First the NHL didn't do anything and then they give goon a slap on the wrist.

I think he should have got a identical suspense to Simon -- 30 games. Campbell set the standard that such an offense would be 30 games, so why the hell steer away from it?

[NewYorkSpider]

2007-08 NHL Playoff Pool
NewYorkSpider
Poeman
kang604
Immortalfire
Steve Rogers
Victor Creed
QueerMike
slinger
Themanofbat


anyone else want in on this

[Eric Draven]

How does everyone feel about Pronger?

I say he should've gotten at least 20 games. 9 regular, 11 potential playoff games. Garbage suspension. First the NHL didn't do anything and then they give goon a slap on the wrist.

Just goes to show the double standard prevalent in the NHL. If Simon had done the exact same thing Pronger did, he would've gotten 20-25 games. But because Pronger is a "star player", he gets a light slap in the wrist suspension that will give him ample time to rest up and be there right in time for the playoffs.

And the sad thing is, Pronger is never going to learn. He's going to continue to play dirty like that and the NHL will continue to doll out minor 2 or 3 game suspensions to him that mean absolutely nothing to him.

Just sickening.

[Steve Rogers]

How does everyone feel about Pronger?

I say he should've gotten at least 20 games. 9 regular, 11 potential playoff games. Garbage suspension. First the NHL didn't do anything and then they give goon a slap on the wrist.I guess I missed that one. What did Pronger do now?

[QueerMike]

anyone else want in on this
count me in.

[Shifty]

I'll join.

[TLH]

What are the stakes? Just pride?

[NewYorkSpider]

Winner gets to make the 2008-09 NHL Thread

[Themanofbat]

Has anybody started a playoff pool? I can do it if we get enough people.

I'll join...

:yay:

[Themanofbat]

Calgary certainly doesn't do itself too many favours... :whatever: :whatever: :whatever:

:csad:

[Immortalfire]

Once again we prove we couldn't beat Philadelphia if the fate of all humanity depended on it.

[TLH]

Calgary certainly doesn't do itself too many favours... :whatever: :whatever: :whatever:

:csad:

:cmad: We can't even beat Columbus. And yet I'm sure we'll somehow work hard and win games against much better teams. What a frustrating team to be a fan of.

[NewYorkSpider]

Updated List

2007-08 NHL Playoff Pool:
NewYorkSpider
Poeman
kang604
Immortalfire
Steve Rogers
Victor Creed
QueerMike
slinger
Themanofbat
Fran
Psycho Symbiote
Showtime

[QueerMike]

Playoffs are only three weeks away. Here is how they match-up right now and here's how I'd pick 'em if they started today:

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Conference Quarterfinals:
1. New Jersey over 8. Philadelphia 4-0
2. Montreal over 7. Boston 4-2
6. N.Y. Rangers over 3. Carolina 4-2
4. Pittsburgh over 5. Ottawa 4-1
-------------------------------------------
Conference Semi-finals:
1. New Jersey over 6. N.Y. Rangers 4-2
4. Pittsburgh over 2. Montreal 4-3
-------------------------------------------
Conference Finals:
4. Pittsburgh over 1. New Jersey 4-2

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Conference Quarterfinals:
1. Detroit over 8. Colorado 4-1
2. San Jose over 7. Calgary 4-2
6. Vancouver over 3. Minnesota 4-2
4. Anaheim over 5. Dallas 4-3
--------------------------------------------
Conference Semi-Finals:
1. Detroit over 6. Vancouver 4-2
2. San Jose over 4. Anaheim 4-3
--------------------------------------------
Conference Finals:
1. Detroit over 2. San Jose 4-3
--------------------------------------------
2008 STANLEY CUP FINALS
Detroit over Pittsburgh 4-2

This will likely change in a week.

[Immortalfire]

:dry:

[QueerMike]

Philadelphia is completely tanking. Either Washington, Buffalo, or Florida is going to grab that 8th seed.

I wouldn't mind seeing Washington get in. Ovechkin could do some damage to a number one seed.

[TLH]

I would like to Washington in. Ovechkin is going to get the MVP anyway, so they might as well make the playoffs.

[Immortalfire]

They'd get whooped in the first round.

[Alex The Great]

Updated List

2007-08 NHL Playoff Pool:
NewYorkSpider
Poeman
kang604
Immortalfire
Steve Rogers
Victor Creed
QueerMike
slinger
Themanofbat
fran

Where do i sign? my good sir?

[Showtime]

I'm in if there is a spot.

[NewYorkSpider]

I added you both. I'll give details about everything once we get toward the end of the season.

[Alex The Great]

GO SENS GO :cmad::up:

[Jerry!]

Tonight the Blackhawks honored one of the greatest goalies of all time , Tony Esposito, who holds, among other achievements, a NHL best 15 shut outs for a rookie. Current Chicago goal tender Nikolai Khabibulin responds by recording a shut out victory, 6-0, over Ovechkin and the Capitals.

[NewYorkSpider]

Jerry, do you want in on the NHL pool?

[Jerry!]

No thanks.

[TLH]

Flames better win.

[Showtime]

I added you both. I'll give details about everything once we get toward the end of the season.

Sweet deal.

[Poeman]

for anyone who knows prospects...This kid Alexei Cherepanov is supposed to be the next european superstar i.e kovalchuk, malkin, semin type game

And i made a video on him...Hes also called the "Siberian Express".

what do you guys think?

KeanH3tLnoM

[Victor Creed]

Wow guys. I watched my Stars lose to Anaheim (they got that trash goal from a guy who shouldn't even be playing anymore) last night, but geezus was the reffing horrible. Both sides got hit with BS. Norstrom accidentally high-sticked Ribeiro, and Niedermayer got the penalty (we were like 0 for 7 on the PP) and then there was a make-up call against Morrow that ended up giving the Ducks a PP which they scored the winner on in the last 30 seconds of the game.

All-in-all, a horrible reffed game on both sides. I really wish the NHL would clean house with ****ty refs and get someone to replace Campbell and Bettman. Then all would be well, lol.

[Shifty]

Oilers lost to Canucks last night and now there only hope is knocking off Colorado. The Avs are only 5 points up on the Oilers and they play them twice.

[TLH]

I hate to say this but...I hope the Canucks win. It makes winning the division 1 point easier for the Flames.

[Steve Rogers]

Bruins have dropped down to 8th place and are only 1 point ahead of Washington. And we are loosing to Montreal. We are not looking that good suddenly.

[TLH]

Flames win. :D

[kang604]

for anyone who knows prospects...This kid Alexei Cherepanov is supposed to be the next european superstar i.e kovalchuk, malkin, semin type game

And i made a video on him...Hes also called the "Siberian Express".

what do you guys think?

KeanH3tLnoM


there is no denying cherepanov's talent. he is a dynamic scorer who has superstar potential. he was projected as a top 10 pick in the 07 draft but fell because of complications with his RSL transfer or sumthing.

regardless, he has performed amazingly in the russian super league and i believe he will be a star in this league in 3 or 4 years.

maybe not a malkin or an ovechkin, but definitely a guy who has 30, possibly 40 goal potential.

[kang604]

regardless of tsn's eastern bias and their obsession with the leafs, does anyone ACTUALLY think an eastern team has a chance at winning the cup?

i believe the winner of Lord Stanley this year will be decided in the western conference final. i just dont see a true contender in the East like in the West.

Anaheim, Dallas and San Jose are all better than anything the East has to offer (i dont put detroit in this group because i believe they will see an early exit this playoffs).

i mean montreal? pittsburgh? new jersey is probably ur best bet because of brodeur, but i still cant see him singlehandedly stealing a series from the west.

[Shifty]

regardless of tsn's eastern bias and their obsession with the leafs, does anyone ACTUALLY think an eastern team has a chance at winning the cup?

i believe the winner of Lord Stanley this year will be decided in the western conference final. i just dont see a true contender in the East like in the West.

Anaheim, Dallas and San Jose are all better than anything the East has to offer (i dont put detroit in this group because i believe they will see an early exit this playoffs).

i mean montreal? pittsburgh? new jersey is probably ur best bet because of brodeur, but i still cant see him singlehandedly stealing a series from the west.

After the Penguins chased away Broduer in a 7-1 victory last night, without Crosby, you have to look at the Penguins as the best in the East. And as the Oilers proved a few years ago, just because you're not in the top 7 doesn't mean you can't make the finals. The Capitals could be this year's Oilers.

[Shifty]

Patrick Roy's son does something his goon dad never did.
nVIG7RMif6s

[NewYorkSpider]

Looks like he kicked the **** out of everyone.

[E. Nygma]

Bruins have dropped down to 8th place and are only 1 point ahead of Washington. And we are loosing to Montreal. We are not looking that good suddenly.

If it weren't for the Flyers absolute collapse, the Bruins would be buried. They really have not played well lately. I would not be surprised if the Sabres caught them.

[kang604]

After the Penguins chased away Broduer in a 7-1 victory last night, without Crosby, you have to look at the Penguins as the best in the East. And as the Oilers proved a few years ago, just because you're not in the top 7 doesn't mean you can't make the finals. The Capitals could be this year's Oilers.

the pens have the talent in their forwards but their d-core is not exactly deep and they are very inexperienced. plus, im still not sold on conklin. i question their grit as well.

and im not saying its impossible for an eastern team to win the Cup this year. im just saying that their doesnt seem to be a legitimate stanley cup contender in the east.

[E. Nygma]

the pens have the talent in their forwards but their d-core is not exactly deep and they are very inexperienced. plus, im still not sold on conklin. i question their grit as well.

and im not saying its impossible for an eastern team to win the Cup this year. im just saying that their doesnt seem to be a legitimate stanley cup contender in the east.

1. Marty Brodeur in the post season legitimizes the devils as a cup contender EVERY year.

2. The Penguins talent on offense, despite their inexperience and short comings on defense makes them deadly.

3. The Montreal Canadiens IMO are the best all around team in the league.

4. The Sens have experience and talent, they may be struggling down the stretch but i wouldn't count them out either

The cup will go to the east.

[kang604]

1. Marty Brodeur in the post season legitimizes the devils as a cup contender EVERY year.

2. The Penguins talent on offense, despite their inexperience and short comings on defense makes them deadly.

3. The Montreal Canadiens IMO are the best all around team in the league.

4. The Sens have experience and talent, they may be struggling down the stretch but i wouldn't count them out either

The cup will go to the east.

1. true

2. playoff hockey is a whole different story. remember, the pens got bounced last year rather easily by the sens last year. do you honestly think so much has changed in one year that they have gone from a 4-1 drubbing to cup contenders? the pens will be a championship-caliber team in 2 years. not now, and not until they get a legitimate d-core.

3. i just have to flat out disagree with that one. montreal's goaltending is unproven and untested, their forwards, while very good at moving the puck and scoring, are soft and their defense is only average. montreal is a good team but the best all around team in the NHL? hello anaheim, san jose? although i will say if there is one team out east i would like to win the cup, its the habs

4. sens are done. goaltending is way too shaky.

imo, its anaheims or san jose's to lose. im still rooting for my canucks tho :woot:

[Immortalfire]

1. true

2. playoff hockey is a whole different story. remember, the pens got bounced last year rather easily by the sens last year. do you honestly think so much has changed in one year that they have gone from a 4-1 drubbing to cup contenders? the pens will be a championship-caliber team in 2 years. not now, and not until they get a legitimate d-core.

3. i just have to flat out disagree with that one. montreal's goaltending is unproven and untested, their forwards, while very good at moving the puck and scoring, are soft and their defense is only average. montreal is a good team but the best all around team in the NHL? hello anaheim, san jose? although i will say if there is one team out east i would like to win the cup, its the habs

4. sens are done. goaltending is way too shaky.

imo, its anaheims or san jose's to lose. im still rooting for my canucks tho :woot:

Agreed on all counts. Particularly Montreal. After they parted ways with Huet, that was bye bye playoffs.

[Scarecrow]

Patrick Roy's son does something his goon dad never did.
nVIG7RMif6s

major :down to him, i hated his dad, but he had the decency to never do that bulls***.

[Shifty]

Price came in as a rookie and carried the Hamilton Bulldogs to become AHL Champions last year.
While it isn't the NHL, winning gold in the World Juniors (especially that high pressure shootout victory against Team USA), World Junior MVP, and being called up at the very end of the AHL season and win it all before he turned 20 is something. I would not write off the Canadiens because they traded Huet.

The Penguins have scored 31 goals for and 14 against in their last 6 games going 5-1. I will say their defence isn't there but when you score like they do they can get by.

[NewYorkSpider]

Huge win by the Flyers today. It was against the Islanders, but a win is a win. Briere had a great game with 1 goal and 2 assists. I don't like the fact that if the playoffs ended today we'd play Pittsburgh. They seem to be blowing us out of the water the last couple times we played them.

[Shifty]

Det 106
SJ 99
Min 89
Anh 94
Dal 89
Cgy 88
Van 86
Col 84

Nsh 82
Edm 81
Chi 80

5 Games Left
6 Games Left
7 Games Left

Mtl 94
Pit 93
Car 87
NJ 91
Ott 89
NYR 88
Phi 86
Bos 84

Wsh 82
Buf 81
Fla 81
Tor 80

[kang604]

Det 106
SJ 99
Min 89
Anh 94
Dal 89
Cgy 88
Van 86
Col 84

Nsh 82
Edm 81
Chi 80

5 Games Left
6 Games Left
7 Games Left

Mtl 94
Pit 93
Car 87
NJ 91
Ott 89
NYR 88
Phi 86
Bos 84

Wsh 82
Buf 81
Fla 81
Tor 80


i dont get it?

if ur trying to establish that montreal has a better chance at getting more points than anaheim, that may indeed happen.

but the eastern conference is weaker than the west, especially with a horrible division like the southeast. there is no way a team like boston or florida would even be in the playoff mix in the west.

and the ducks didnt get two core players back until 1/2 way through the season.

top to bottom they have it all. i hate to say it too, cuz i hate the ducks, but i have to admit they're a great team.

solid scoring from getzlaf, perry, weight, selanne, kunitz, and too an extent bertuzzi

a great shutdown line with moen, pahlsson, and robby niedermayer.

goons on the 4th with may and parros. not to mention their size up front is downright scary.

probably the best defense in the league led by pronger and niedermayer and a top 10 goaltender with Giguere.

they have the experience. they have the talent. they have the depth. they have the grit. they have the toughness.

[Shifty]

i dont get it?

if ur trying to establish that montreal has a better chance at getting more points than anaheim, that may indeed happen.


Oh no it was just posting the current standings. The Ducks so happened to play the most games so after using Italics and regular formating I decided to use underline instead of bold to signify how many games are left. That conversation is over, this was just something general with less than two weeks left, people could look at.

[E. Nygma]

1. true

2. playoff hockey is a whole different story. remember, the pens got bounced last year rather easily by the sens last year. do you honestly think so much has changed in one year that they have gone from a 4-1 drubbing to cup contenders? the pens will be a championship-caliber team in 2 years. not now, and not until they get a legitimate d-core.

3. i just have to flat out disagree with that one. montreal's goaltending is unproven and untested, their forwards, while very good at moving the puck and scoring, are soft and their defense is only average. montreal is a good team but the best all around team in the NHL? hello anaheim, san jose? although i will say if there is one team out east i would like to win the cup, its the habs

4. sens are done. goaltending is way too shaky.

imo, its anaheims or san jose's to lose. im still rooting for my canucks tho :woot:

2. Well they have Marian Hossa who is one of the best most established players in the NHL and Evgeni Malkin who was not playing like he is this year last year. Add that to the dynamic Crosby, and players making them more Physical and i consider them a big threat.

3. Well you bring up a good point, the Habs inexperience at goalie is a big weakness for them. I like Huet but i'm not sure that i can say he's a big time goalie who i'd want in the pipes for me come playoff time, and Casey Price is just a rookie. Platooning both of them makes Montreal a very good team, but in the playoffs you probably cant win a cup platooning goalies. So we'll see. Certainly being the 1 seed the Habs are going to be matched up with a team they are MUCH stronger than in the first round. So that series win could be a confidence builder and momentum giver to them.

4. Yeah, i agree, but it's hard for me to believe that a team with Danny Heatley health, Danny Alfredsson and Jason Spezza isn't going to be able to make noise in the playoffs if they can just get a LITTLE bit of stability from Gerber/Emery. They're the defending eastern conference champions and perhaps unlike teams like Pittsburgh, Washington, Philadelphia are playoff seasoned.

[kane9321]

go sharks go

[Showtime]

The Bruins are hanging on for dear life.

[kang604]

The Bruins are hanging on for dear life.

lol the bruins suck

[QueerMike]

regardless of tsn's eastern bias and their obsession with the leafs, does anyone ACTUALLY think an eastern team has a chance at winning the cup?

i believe the winner of Lord Stanley this year will be decided in the western conference final. i just dont see a true contender in the East like in the West.

Anaheim, Dallas and San Jose are all better than anything the East has to offer (i dont put detroit in this group because i believe they will see an early exit this playoffs).

i mean montreal? pittsburgh? new jersey is probably ur best bet because of brodeur, but i still cant see him singlehandedly stealing a series from the west.

No one thought Tampa Bay would win in 2004 and they did. A hot goalie can make all the difference in the world. Odds are, a Western Conference team will win it though. I would take San Jose, Anaheim, Detroit, Dallas, or Calgary over any team from the East right now.

Personally, I think it is going to be San Jose or Detroit who wins it all. Both Anaheim and Dallas will have to go through each other AND San Jose AND Detroit and I just don't see that happening. Of course, if Detroit gets upset then Anaheim or Dallas has more of a shot. Detroit will likely play Colorado or Nashville and I can't see them losing to either of them in round one. Detroit could easily draw the Anaheim/Dallas winner in round two though and lose their. But I believe the #6 over the #3 will be the Western Conference's first round upset. Either way, Anaheim/Dallas would have to still go through San Jose.

San Jose could have the easiest road of all, not facing a legit contender until the Conference Finals. Vancouver in round one and possibly Minnesota in round 2? Then a beat up Anaheim or Detroit or Dallas.

Right now, my picks stands as Detroit over Pittsburgh for Lord Stanley's Cup but we'll see in two weeks.

[Immortalfire]

The Cup is Detroit or San Jose's to lose.

[Alex The Great]

don't forget dem Habs. Kovalev is da bestest this year :up:

Now if they can just figure out a way to snag a few good players this off season they'll be even better next year :up:

but still.....GO SENS GO! :csad::up:

[Shifty]

don't forget dem Habs. Kovalev is da bestest this year :up:

Now if they can just figure out a way to snag a few good players this off season they'll be even better next year :up:

but still.....GO SENS GO! :csad::up:

They're dying tonight... :cmad::csad:

[Shifty]

They're dying tonight... :cmad::csad:

Well instead of losing 7-1 they lost 7-5. Takes the sting out a bit but not much. But I think Ottawa said goodbye to any hope at winning the division/conference. They do have Boston and Buffalo to beat up on.

And it may be better to finish 6th to face the Hurricanes instead of 5th and face the Penguins or Devils.

[TLH]

Flames win. :D

[Showtime]

Big win for the Bruins over Toronto tonight.

[Victor Creed]

Well the good thing about the next Stars game being Thursday is that it's given me plenty of time to collect enough alcohol to make me forget the losing streak......especially if we lose again.

:meanie:

[Immortalfire]

Geesh, Ottawa scores five goals in the 3rd over the Sabres.

Ovechkin gets #61.

[TLH]

Well the good thing about the next Stars game being Thursday is that it's given me plenty of time to collect enough alcohol to make me forget the losing streak......especially if we lose again.

:meanie:

Why do you want the Stars to win? So you can face Anaheim in the first round? :whatever:

[Victor Creed]

Why do you want the Stars to win? So you can face Anaheim in the first round? :whatever:

Anaheim doesn't scare me.

As far as wanting wins, the Stars haven't clinched a playoff spot yet, and last time I heard you have to win to do that. So you can take your :whatever: and shove em.

:woot:

[kang604]

Ovechkin gets #61.

ive said this since the beginning.

f* sidney crosby, alexander ovechkin is the best player in the NHL. period.



Don't go around the censors. 'fire

[War Party]

Man, the Flyers are currently on a 4 game winning streak and they need to win at least 3 of their last 5 to get a playoff spot. But they have been playing well, but they're playing Jersey on Friday and they been getting their asses handed to them by the Devils this year. But it should be a great game and I hope they can pull it off. Briere and Prospal need to continue to play well together and Mike Richards needs to keep it up.

[NewYorkSpider]

The Flyers seem like they're pulling themselves together for the playoffs. If they could win 4 out of 5 down the stretch, they could possibly get the 4th seed depending on what Ottawa does. I really don't want to play New Jeresy or Pittsburgh in the first round. I'd rather play Ottawa in the first round.

[Shifty]

The Flyers seem like they're pulling themselves together for the playoffs. If they could win 4 out of 5 down the stretch, they could possibly get the 4th seed depending on what Ottawa does. I really don't want to play New Jeresy or Pittsburgh in the first round. I'd rather play Ottawa in the first round.

Ottawa/NY Rangers is also a possibility.

Toronto's eliminated, and strangely I don't hate the team that much any more. The hatred has become dormant. Having a team miss the playoffs and not facing them really helps. Add the lockout year and its been four since playoff hockey was played in T.O. :woot:

Washington is hanging in, I hope they get in. Imagine the Caps vs the Penguins in the 1st round.

[TLH]

Anaheim doesn't scare me.

As far as wanting wins, the Stars haven't clinched a playoff spot yet, and last time I heard you have to win to do that. So you can take your :whatever: and shove em.

:woot:

Whatever you say. I personally wouldn't want to face the Ducks, but you guys go ahead.

[Poeman]

fun fact of the day

Rangers are 7-0 versus the devils in 2007-08

[Victor Creed]

Whatever you say. I personally wouldn't want to face the Ducks, but you guys go ahead.

Let's put it this way then, I'd rather face the Ducks than San Jose or Detroit. Playing San Jose would be much more physical for us, and Detroit just....well it's Detroit, lol.

[Showtime]

fun fact of the day

Rangers are 7-0 versus the devils in 2007-08

I think the Habs finished 8-0 vs the Bruins. :csad:

[Victor Creed]

Modano needs to be high sticked by Turco for tonight.

[QueerMike]

10 days left in the season, no more than five games for any team - 'cept St. Louis has six. I'm still coming up with Detroit v. Pittsburgh in the Stanley Cup Finals.

[Alex The Great]

**** Crosby. Ovechkin is jesus

[E. Nygma]

**** Crosby. Ovechkin is jesus

Crosby is still better IMO

He missed much of this season but as an all around player he's better than Alex O. I love A.O more and hate Crosby's guts, but Crosby really is a phenominal player and when healthy he's probably the best in the league.

[Alex The Great]

eh......Crosby's great. no doubt. But Ovechkin is Jesus. Ovechkin is the Bob Sanders of Hockey.

[E. Nygma]

you know what though

for history's sake i'll call them this

THAT SOVIET TEAM IS LOOKING DAMN GOOD FOR THE OLYMPICS! OVECHKIN AND MALKIN!

[Alex The Great]

IMAGINE IF MALKIN AND OVECHKIN WERE ON THE SAME TEAM??!!!

you wouldn't even need a team, just those 2.

[E. Nygma]

Plus Ilya Kovalchuk, Alex Kovalev, Evgeni Nabokov in goal and Pavel Datsyuk also.

[Alex The Great]

And God himslef would coach. That team is far to worthy to be coached by a mere mortal

[kang604]

thats called the russian national team.

aka the 'screw defense lets just shoot the lights out' team

[E. Nygma]

thats called the russian national team.

aka the 'screw defense lets just shoot the lights out' team

which is a fair point, but i dont think the national team has ever been this explosive even back in the 1990's when they had 30 Detroit Red Wings playing for them.

[kang604]

which is a fair point, but i dont think the national team has ever been this explosive even back in the 1990's when they had 30 Detroit Red Wings playing for them.

true. russia has the most explosive top 6 forwards out of all countries.

kovalchuk - datsyuk - ovechkin
kovalev - malkin - semin/radulov

... that top line is downright scary.

nash - crosby - iginla
heatley - lecavalier - st. louis

canada has much more depth tho. that top 6 doesnt include names like thornton, spezza, doan, staal, sakic, getzlaf, toews, gagne, marleau... canada's problem is that we have too many natural centers, not that many natural wingers.

[Themanofbat]

That Crosby/Iginla combo seems like a nice fit for lots'o goal scoring...

:yay:

[Jerry!]

I'd like to see some great future American players. Almost all my favorite hockey players have been American. Chelios, Roenick. Yeah they were Ex-Hawks as well, and nothing against Canada, but I always liked the American players who could dominate the game as well. Patrick Kane looks like he can be the next one, he's probably going to win rookie of the year.

[Alex The Great]

god damn it all. can the sens stop sucking? PLEASE?!!!

[NewYorkSpider]

Flyers get a late goal in the 3rd. Might have just saved thier season. With a loss, Washington would've been 1 point behind us.

[Victor Creed]

The Stars finally got a win. Even if it was against LA, at least we have something to build on. Losing 5 in a row and 8 of the last 9, was a good change for once, heh.

[E. Nygma]

Flyers get a late goal in the 3rd. Might have just saved thier season. With a loss, Washington would've been 1 point behind us.

absolutely

91 points tie us with the Rangers for 6th and with the Sens losing to Boston and Jersey idle, we're only 1 point out of 5th and two points out of fourth. A loss would have crippled us.

[Shifty]

absolutely

91 points tie us with the Rangers for 6th and with the Sens losing to Boston and Jersey idle, we're only 1 point out of 5th and two points out of fourth. A loss would have crippled us.



TSN's Tracking The Final Stretch (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=9020&hubname=)

[Jerry!]

A couple of kids are leading the Blackhawks in their playoff pursuit. They came back to beat the Blue Jackets in a shoot out last night with Kane getting the game winner. They have to win their final 3 games to stand a chance, which means beating Detroit twice. Whatever the outcome this season has been a major turning point in this team's history. An announcement is expected sometime today that for the first time in the history of the Blackhawks, all 82 games will be aired on TV.

[TLH]

Flames better win their next game. :angry:

[kane9321]

sharks wrapped up the pacific division...good going sharks

[Victor Creed]

Im fairly sure they wrapped it up quite a few days ago, heh.

[TLH]

Sharks are a force; but there's no telling if they've got enough to win it all. I wouldn't mind seeing them win the cup.

[kang604]

A couple of kids are leading the Blackhawks in their playoff pursuit. They came back to beat the Blue Jackets in a shoot out last night with Kane getting the game winner. They have to win their final 3 games to stand a chance, which means beating Detroit twice. Whatever the outcome this season has been a major turning point in this team's history. An announcement is expected sometime today that for the first time in the history of the Blackhawks, all 82 games will be aired on TV.

i like the blackhawks but there is no way they are making the playoffs this year.

[Jerry!]

Oh yeah I severely doubt they make it. They have to win their last 3 games and then hope I think Edmonton loses one of their final games. But it's not disappointing at all. They got this far basically because of two rookies. They didn't have probably their best player in Havlat for most of the year once again, and numerous other injuries forced them to start a lot of games with up to 7 or 8 rookies for a while. But there is no doubt that without Kane or Toews, they aren't even close. The ROY will go to one of them, Toews leads all rookies in goals and he missed about 20 games, which then incidentally the Hawks went on a losing streak. And Kane leads all rookies in points. It's just really exciting to watch games that matter in March and April for a change.

[Immortalfire]

Sharks are a force; but there's no telling if they've got enough to win it all. I wouldn't mind seeing them win the cup.

I wish they would, so their fans would quit whining about how the league has an agenda against them.

Though, I would like to see someone like Philadelphia win it, as they haven't done so in quite a while.


Ilya gets 2 as ATL beats Tampa Bay :up:

[kang604]

Oh yeah I severely doubt they make it. They have to win their last 3 games and then hope I think Edmonton loses one of their final games. But it's not disappointing at all. They got this far basically because of two rookies. They didn't have probably their best player in Havlat for most of the year once again, and numerous other injuries forced them to start a lot of games with up to 7 or 8 rookies for a while. But there is no doubt that without Kane or Toews, they aren't even close. The ROY will go to one of them, Toews leads all rookies in goals and he missed about 20 games, which then incidentally the Hawks went on a losing streak. And Kane leads all rookies in points. It's just really exciting to watch games that matter in March and April for a change.

Plus, the emergence of Patrick Sharp and Dustin Byfuglien. The future in Chicago is bright, we're not even counting Cam Barker, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith... Corey Crawford has alot of potential, troy brouwer...

the youth movement in chicago will be fun to watch over the next few years. Jonathan Toews = the TRUTH. that goal he scored against colorado near the beginning of the season still blows my mind.

[Halcohol]

Flames better win their next game. :angry:
If they could just win ONE game before the end of the season, I'll be a happy camper.

[Jerry!]

Plus, the emergence of Patrick Sharp and Dustin Byfuglien. The future in Chicago is bright, we're not even counting Cam Barker, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith... Corey Crawford has alot of potential, troy brouwer...

the youth movement in chicago will be fun to watch over the next few years. Jonathan Toews = the TRUTH. that goal he scored against colorado near the beginning of the season still blows my mind.

Yeah that was one of the best goals of the year. But the thing about it was that since it was a home game, it wasn't televised, it was blacked out for us. So we didn't see it at all except for highlights later on ESPN or Comcast Sports Net. The video clip of it is from the Colorado broadcast. But that's all changing next season thanks to a Wirtz and I can't believe I am saying that given how his father almost single handedly destroyed the Blackhawks franchise. I remember that last time I saw him at a Hawks game, it was during Denis Savard's ceremony to retire his number and it was sold out. He stepped up to the mic and the booing almost completely droned him out. At first he just stood there and looked around at the crowd, as if not to understand why we hated him.

[kang604]

Yeah that was one of the best goals of the year. But the thing about it was that since it was a home game, it wasn't televised, it was blacked out for us. So we didn't see it at all except for highlights later on ESPN or Comcast Sports Net. The video clip of it is from the Colorado broadcast. But that's all changing next season thanks to a Wirtz and I can't believe I am saying that given how his father almost single handedly destroyed the Blackhawks franchise. I remember that last time I saw him at a Hawks game, it was during Denis Savard's ceremony to retire his number and it was sold out. He stepped up to the mic and the booing almost completely droned him out. At first he just stood there and looked around at the crowd, as if not to understand why we hated him.

no doubt the blackhawks have been screwed over big time for a long while now.

but thats about to change i think. you guys now have your core, all you need to do is build around it. the only concern i would have is patty kane, the kids got skills but his size bothers me. i know i know, look at players like gionta & steve sullivan etc but i just fear that he could run into injury problems later in his career if he doesnt bulk up at least 15-20 pounds.

[Jerry!]

He probably will get a little bigger, not really worried about it though. Just gotta count on the enforcers on the team, guys like Byfuglien.

And it's is official, announced just a little while ago by Blackhawks President John McDonaugh. All 82 games will be on TV next season, including 20 games on WGN, which will no doubt bring more attention and fanfare to the Blackhawks as some of those games will be broadcast nationally. More potential good news, though it's only rumor, is that ex Hawk broadcaster for 25 years Pat Foley, another victim of Bill Wirtz, will be brought back to call the game once again.

[Shifty]

He probably will get a little bigger, not really worried about it though. Just gotta count on the enforcers on the team, guys like Byfuglien.

And it's is official, announced just a little while ago by Blackhawks President John McDonaugh. All 82 games will be on TV next season, including 20 games on WGN, which will no doubt bring more attention and fanfare to the Blackhawks as some of those games will be broadcast nationally. More potential good news, though it's only rumor, is that ex Hawk broadcaster for 25 years Pat Foley, another victim of Bill Wirtz, will be brought back to call the game once again.

Great news. Hard to believe that it took until 2008 for that to happen. Canadian teams have some games as PPVs to make some extra money.

Washington wins their biggest game of the year. 4-1 against Carolina, tying them at 90 points each. Carolina holds the tiebreaker as they have 1 more win than Washington. The Caps best hope is finding one point in their next two games and hoping Carolina loses in regulation twice. They are the second hottest team in the league, right behind San Jose.

Ottawa just die so the rebuilding can start now. Someone put a curse on that team.

Philly has two games against the Penguins and one against the Devils. They can't have more than one loss.

[kang604]

i cant believe the preds came back from down 3-0 to win that game against STL.

why wont nashville just go away. same with edmonton.

[Themanofbat]

Man... Calgary's just losing it...

:csad:

[Ray-Fu]

Freaking Flames...they always have to make it hard on themselves!

[Ray-Fu]

Whew...Calgary really eeked out a flukey win...

[Halcohol]

Yeah they did. :D

[Themanofbat]

Yeah... thank goodness... now if they can beat the Wild in regulation, it'll make for an interesting set-up this weekend.

[kang604]

preds come back from a 3-0 lead to beat the blues in OT.

nucks blow 2-0 lead in the 2nd to colorado, allow 3 goals in 5 minutes and lose 4-2.

nucks 1 pt out of 8th with 2 games to play.

so. so. frustrating.

[Victor Creed]

Yea, I understand, but if Luongo doesn't start playing better it won't be a long playoff push anyways. But I'd rather see Vancouver playing in the postseason than Trashville.

[kane9321]

i dont wanna see the sharks vs flames..or avs in the 1st rd

go sharks

[Themanofbat]

Yea, I understand, but if Luongo doesn't start playing better it won't be a long playoff push anyways. But I'd rather see Vancouver playing in the postseason than Trashville.

Luongo is the only reason Vancouver has a chance to make the playoffs... the rest of the team just decided to stop scoring goals this year...

:huh: :huh: :huh:

:yay:

[Victor Creed]

Luongo is the only reason Vancouver has a chance to make the playoffs... the rest of the team just decided to stop scoring goals this year...

:huh: :huh: :huh:

:yay:

Have you even watched the last 5 or 6 games?

[Themanofbat]

Have you even watched the last 5 or 6 games?

I'm talking about the season as a whole...

[NewYorkSpider]

ESPN ticker said the Flyers can clinch a playoff spot tonight? :huh:

[Dark Donnie]

They need 4 points to clinch

[NewYorkSpider]

Ok. I thought that the ticker at the bottom said they could clinch tonight.

[Ray-Fu]

I'm talking about the season as a whole...

It looks like the whole 'Nucks team has stopped playing...and Luongo is probably distracted with his new baby...

I'm not a huge fan of the 'Nucklehead fan...so I guess it don't matter too much to me :)

The Pens are playing a pretty entertaining game at the moment :)

[Jerry!]

So far so good with the Blackhawks- Redwings game. Hawks up 5-2 going into the 3rd with their slim playoff hopes on the line.

[NewYorkSpider]

I'm gonna laugh if Chicago gets in the 8th seed and knocks off the Red Wings in the playoffs. Detroit can't seem to beat them.

[Jerry!]

Chicago handles Detroit 6-2, with their rookies leading the way again scoring 5 of the 6 goals. It's also the first time Detroit has lost 5 times to the same team in a season since 1990-91'.

[Shifty]

So far so good with the Blackhawks- Redwings game. Hawks up 5-2 going into the 3rd with their slim playoff hopes on the line.

I'd love to see Chicago make the 8th seed. So much better for the NHL if Chicago or Vancouver makes the playoffs than Nashville. They might actually have a chance against that team. St.Louis should put out a better effort so fingers crossed they defeat Nashville in regulation.



TSN has wall-to-wall Playoff Preview coverage on April 7, two days before the start of the NHL post-season, with a three-hour prime time lineup of 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs preview shows, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. All four preview shows will also be available live on NHL Network and live/on-demand on TSN.ca.

Headlining TSN's lineup is live coverage of the Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery Special at 8 p.m. ET, as NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly will be in-studio with the NHL on TSN broadcast team to reveal the results of the NHL Draft Lottery. Steven Stamkos, who is expected to go No. 1 overall in the Draft, will join the show live via satellite. This 30-minute TSN original production will also be carried live on Versus and online at NHL.com.

TSN's extensive Playoff Preview coverage also includes the third installment of McGuire's Monsters, the Fantasy Playoff Special, and the 90-minute NHL on TSN Playoff Preview Special with featured guest and resident prognosticating primate, Maggie the Monkey.

TSN has live coverage of the first three rounds of the 2008 Stanley Cup® Playoffs, which begins April 9. TSN will announce its post-season broadcast schedule on April 6, following the conclusion of the NHL regular season.

TSN's jam-packed Playoff Preview lineup is as follows:

McGuire's Monsters – April 7 at 7 p.m. ET
On TSN, TSN.ca and NHL Network
They are the consummate team players – hard charging, abrasive and fearless. In Pierre McGuire's words, they are "Monsters". Find out which 20 NHLers make up McGuire's third annual team of NHL Monsters as he, along with host Gino Reda, unveil the ultimate Monster roster for the 2007/08 campaign in this 30-minute show. McGuire will also reveal his Monster Performer of the Year. Will it be Calgary's bruising defenceman Dion Phaneuf, the Flames' all-star forward Jarome Iginla, or Washington Capitals' offensive powerhouse Alexander Ovechkin?

Fantasy Playoff Special – April 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET
On TSN, TSN.ca and NHL Network
Expect a lot of trash-talking as TSN's hockey gurus battle for bragging rights and get viewers in shape for playoff pools. James Duthie hosts the 30-minute show featuring a four-team playoff draft involving Hockey Insider Darren Dreger and analysts Dave Hodge, Mike Milbury and reigning Fantasy Playoff champion Keith Jones. Each will select a team consisting of six forwards, three defencemen and one goalie, for a total of 10 players. A single point will be awarded for each goal and assist, while goaltenders earn one point for each playoff victory and another for each shutout. Following the draft, the four participants will critique each others' squads.

Scotiabank NHL Draft Lottery Special – April 7 at 8 p.m. ET
Live on TSN, TSN.ca, NHL Network, Versus, NHL.com
James Duthie hosts the live, 30-minute event from the TSN Studios, marking the second time in the 13-year history of the conventional lottery the event will be televised, and the first time since 2005. Billed as the 'Stamkos Sweepstakes', the TSN original production features NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, who will reveal the lottery results in reverse order, and representatives from each of the five teams who could win the No. 1 pick. Joining the show via satellite will be Steven Stamkos, the highly-touted Sarnia Sting centre and World Junior Championship gold medal winner. A live eye at the NHL's New York headquarters will capture the moment before the ping pong balls drop to determine the lottery winner. Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie will present his ranking of the Top 10 players eligible for the Draft while Mike Milbury will provide analysis before and after the lottery.

NHL on TSN Playoff Preview Special – April 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Live on TSN, TSN.ca, NHL Network
Hosted by James Duthie, the action-packed 90-minute live program contains in-depth analysis of each playoff series by the NHL on TSN panel of Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie and analysts Mike Milbury and Darren Pang, plus reports from all Canadian teams in the post-season. In addition, there will be predictions from the entire NHL on TSN broadcast team, including Maggie the Monkey. Hockey Insider Darren Dreger names the 16 players and coaches – one from each playoff team – who enter the post-season on the Hot Seat, Dave Hodge delivers a playoff edition of his popular Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down feature, and Pang breaks down the goaltending match-ups in each series in the Goalie Zone. There will also be a feature on 16-year NHL veteran and current Anaheim Ducks' defenceman Scott Niedermayer, who has won four Stanley Cups – the most of any active player.

In addition to televising the above four Playoff Preview shows on April 7, NHL Network will also produce a live, one-hour special on April 8 at 10 p.m. ET entitled NHL On The Fly: Playoff Preview. Host Dan Pollard will be in-studio alongside analysts Gary Green and Dave Reid to preview all eight playoff series and offer predictions for the first round and the Stanley Cup winner.

[Jerry!]

I'd love to see Chicago make the 8th seed. So much better for the NHL if Chicago or Vancouver makes the playoffs than Nashville. They might actually have a chance against that team. St.Louis should put out a better effort so fingers crossed they defeat Nashville in regulation.

Yup, for now it comes down to that game. And then if Nashville loses it comes down to the Hawks and Nashville for the final home game in Chicago. And if by impossible odds the Hawks manage to luck out and everything goes right, the stage is set for a nationally broadcast game on NBC in Detroit where the Hawks will have to win to beat the Wings again to make the playoffs. Lots of pressure for such a young team, the United Center was going crazy during tonight's game against Detroit.

[QueerMike]

10 days left in the season, no more than five games for any team - 'cept St. Louis has six. I'm still coming up with Detroit v. Pittsburgh in the Stanley Cup Finals.

After hearing that Detroit got THUMPED by the Blackhawks of all teams, I am now changing my pick for the Finals to San Jose v. Pittsburgh. Although, the Rangers are inching closer and closer to being my pick.

HERE'S HOW I'M VIEWING THE PLAYOFF TEAMS:

Eastern Conference Contenders Montreal
Pittsburgh
New Jersey
New York

Pretenders Carolina/Washington
Philadelphia
Boston

Sleeper Ottawa

Western Conference
Contenders
San Jose
Anaheim
Detroit

Pretenders
Dallas
Calgary
Nashville/Vancouver

Sleeper
Colorado
Minnesota

[Jerry!]

The Blackhawks have a good team. They beat Detroit 5 times this year with a bunch of rookies and without their best player. The Red Wings struggle with them and St Louis for whatever reason.

[Immortalfire]

Sleeper
Colorado
Minnesota

Agreed, the Wild's championship isn't too far away.

[War Party]

First of all, I would like to say that the Flyers/Pens game was one of the most entertaining games of the year last night. But obviously, I'm not happy with its outcome since my Flyers lost. But I must say, the officiating was atrocious last night. For both teams. Hartnell took the butt-end of the stick from Gonchar to the face and he was called fo nothing. Hartnell was bleeding all over the place and it should of been a 4 min. penalty. Umberger took a stick to the face and was also bleeding as a result and there was no call. Hartnell took a run at Crosby to his head and there was no call. There was a scrum in front of the Flyers net and Hartnell gets called for charging, which he did, but another Flyer gets called for roughing with Crosby. But the problem with that is that Crosby didn't get called for the same, when he was also throwing punches. This led to the 5-3 powerplay in which the Pens tied the game. Yeah, this was a physical game from the start and things are going to happen. But these were so blatant and so obvious, but none of these things were addressed by the officials. I was disgusted with it last night. The refs dictated that game and that's not how it should go. And I'm reading on other hockey boards saying that Flyers had it coming and all this ****, and that they were gooning it up and they deserve it. But the truth is, the game has to be called fairly and both teams weren't getting equal pieces here. But it's ashame the Flyers have that reputation, mainly which occurred in the beginning of the year, but they have been pretty disciplined when it comes to suspensions. It's funny how Crosby himself was doing some cheap things and is let off the hook. It's funny how earlier in the year against the Flyers, Georges Laraque doesn't get suspended for taking a blatant dive at Biron. It's funny that Laraque doesn't get suspended for his head shot on Downie earlier in the year. And many people were saying Downie got what he deserves, but that's just not fair. A cheap shot is a cheap shot and if Downie payed the price for his, why didn't Laraque do the same. Same with Gonchar last night. The butt-end of his stick was blatantly thrown at Hartnell and the refs let it go. I know this is starting to sound like there is a conspiracy against the Flyers, because they don't play the "New NHL" style of hockey, but I don't believe that for a second but I do admit it's starting to become suspicious. But really, it's just poor officiating that's been happening all year throughout the league. This is by far the longest post I have ever made ont hese boards and that just shows you how angry I am about this.

[Showtime]

The Bruins are giving me a heart attack. They are going to get eliminated immediately.

[QueerMike]

Agreed, the Wild's championship isn't too far away.

The Wild were the only team I had trouble placing. Mainly because I can almost see them winning the whole f'n thing. They are the ONLY team I can see beating two of Anaheim, San Jose, and Detroit. I love Jacques Lemaire as a coach, especially in the playoffs, and their goaltending is great. No reason they can't win it. I ultimately listed them as 'sleepers' because I feel if they were to reach the Finals they would lose.

[QueerMike]

I recently changed cable service providers. I switched from Comcast to WOW!. I can't seem to find TSN anywhere. Does anyone know if WOW! carries TSN or if I have to call to activate it?

Err, not TSN but that channel the NHL has a contract with. What the hell is that called?

[Themanofbat]

Sleeper Ottawa

That is a real sleeper pick...

I'd be really surprised if they even make the playoffs...

:csad:

[Shifty]

The Bruins are giving me a heart attack. They are going to get eliminated immediately.

Ottawa and Philly make stronger cases for teams not making the playoffs.

Half of Detroit's losses this season have come from divisional opponents. While the Central may be perceived as having weak teams they've played well against Detroit this year.

[Shifty]

I recently changed cable service providers. I switched from Comcast to WOW!. I can't seem to find TSN anywhere. Does anyone know if WOW! carries TSN or if I have to call to activate it?

Err, not TSN but that channel the NHL has a contract with. What the hell is that called?

Versus?

Might have to call, check their website if they carry it.

[Shifty]

I believe Comcast owns Versus and that not many providers carry it. Could be out of luck and have to settle for online to watch playoff games.

[QueerMike]

That is a real sleeper pick...

I'd be really surprised if they even make the playoffs...

:csad:

LOL

Yeah, they started 16-2-0.

Since, they are 26-28-8.

And since the all-star break, 11-15-4.

If they miss the playoffs that will be downright embarrassing for the players, coaches, management, pwnership, and the fans.

[QueerMike]

Versus?

Might have to call, check their website if they carry it.

Isn't it also called OLN or something like that?

[Immortalfire]

Isn't it also called OLN or something like that?

Yah, Outdoor Life Network was their original name. But they've since become Versus.

[Shifty]

The Sens' play of late is embarrassing and they would have to make the Conference Finals to make up for this huge fall. 4th worst record in the league for the calendar year. But they're winning 7-1 against the Leafs with minutes to go. Alfie left injured.

Rangers shutout Islanders, clinch a playoff spot. They're last game could determine who gets 4th as they play the Devils. Plus I believe the Rangers have 7 wins against the Devils so facing them in the playoffs could be good.

Washington continues on a roll. No team in the league's history has been 14th/15th in their conference at the halfway point and managed to make the playoffs. Tonight they climb into 7th as they beat Tampa 4-1. Boston falls to 8th via the tiebreaker and Philly is out, for now.

And Buffalo who had been a dominant team the past two years after the lockout will finish 9th or 10th. Their GM has got to go.

[War Party]

I'm still furious over that Flyers/Pens game last night.

[NewYorkSpider]

It's a must win tomorrow for the Flyers. I can't believe this team was #1 in the Eastern Conference and now they may miss the playoffs.

[War Party]

It's a must win tomorrow for the Flyers. I can't believe this team was #1 in the Eastern Conference and now they may miss the playoffs.

Can you believe the officiating in that game last night?

[Jerry!]

Well it was fun while it lasted but the Blackhawks desperate surge to the playoffs ended tonight with St Louis getting beaten by the Predators. Despite that, they still made a statement this year that hockey is finally back in Chicago.

http://cdn.nhl.com/blackhawks/images/upload/2008/04/fanapp_sticks.jpg

[NewYorkSpider]

Can you believe the officiating in that game last night?

The officials lost control of that game and made some horrible calls. After that, it went in favor of the Penguins. I've been talking to some of my friends and they think the NHL is having the officials call penalties on the Flyers so they lose. This way the Capitals and Ovechkin get in. I've never blamed officiating for fixing a game and I don't intend to here. Even if we get in to the 8th seed, it's not like we're gonna go far.

[kang604]

i

am

speechless.

[War Party]

Oh, I'm not blaming the officiating either. Like I said before, the officiating was terrible for both teams. But it all came down to special teams and the Pens won that battle. The Flyers had their chances in the thrid, but Fleury was stone solid in that period.

[E. Nygma]

the NHL has already begun rigging games for Sydney Crosby and the Pens and THAT is what i dont like.

[Shifty]

I call dibs on making the Stanley Cup thread with poll since I'll be locking up another first place win in SHH! Fantasy Hockey.

If the Oilers played like they did last night in the losses to Colorado/Calgary they would be in a playoff position. Canucks nab two penalties in the final minute, and now can start their rebuilding by getting people who can score. Calgary, Colorado and Nashville will settle the playoff matchups over the weekend. Shame Chicago will miss out. If only Toews stayed healthy.

[kane9321]

the NHL has already begun rigging games for Sydney Crosby and the Pens and THAT is what i dont like.

yep..hes the golden boy ...I hate the bastard

[Immortalfire]

The heck with Crosby, Ovechkin is the man. 65th goal last night...new season record for a left winger. Incredible :wow:

[Victor Creed]

The heck with Crosby, Ovechkin is the man. 65th goal last night...new season record for a left winger. Incredible :wow:

I agree.

Ovechkin always looks like he is having fun, plays with intensity, and still manages to rack up the points. I always like him because he plays the game hard and throws around his body. I would love to see Ovechkin and Morrow on the same line, there'd be bruises all around, lol.

[TLH]

It's a must win tomorrow for the Flyers. I can't believe this team was #1 in the Eastern Conference and now they may miss the playoffs.

Considering they were the worst team in the league last year I'd say that their playoff contention this year is amazing in itself. They weren't the conference leader for long, and they were only leading in the early parts of the season when it's irrelevant.

[QueerMike]

the NHL has already begun rigging games for Sydney Crosby and the Pens and THAT is what i dont like.
Yeah but what if Pittsburgh draws Washington in round one and it is Crosby vs Ovechkin? You still think they'd 'rig it?'

[QueerMike]

There is the potentila for a lot of really good series this year.

In round one alone we could have:
Anaheim vs Dallas
Minnesota vs Calgary
Pittsburgh(Crosby) vs Wasington(Ovechkin)
New Jersey vs New York

Then in rounds 2 and 3 we could have:
Detroit vs Anaheim
Anaheim vs San Jose
San Jose vs Detroit
San Jose vs Minnesota(I think this one would be real good)
Colorado vs Detroit
Montreal vs Ottawa

Unfortunately for any fan outside of Detroit the finals may be anti-climatic. These are the only finals matchups I could watch with interest:
Anaheim vs Ottawa(rematch of 2007)
Anaheim vs New Jersey(rematch of 2003)
Detroit vs New Jersey(rematch of 1995)
New York vs Detroit(The Detroit machine vs The Big Apple in an
original six matchup)
Boston vs Detroit(Gotta love an Original Six Stanley Cup Finals)
Montreal vs Detroit(Two best teams in NHL history and possibly
the two top seeds - nuff said, hands down)
Minnesota vs Pittsburgh(I don't know why, I just like Minnesota)

[Immortalfire]

Minnesota vs Pittsburgh

That'd be a great final.

[War Party]

The Flyers Are In The Playoffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Immortalfire]

The Thrashers are...........headed for the golf course.

[Shifty]

The Flyers Are In The Playoffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bruins and Senators also qualify all thanks to the Carolina loss and Flyers/Bruins winning.

Now it all comes down to Capitals vs. Panthers tomorrow night. Capitals earn a point they're in and the Hurricanes are out. Boston and Philly still have one more game.

Sens make the playoffs for the 11th straight time but this year looks like an early exit. Its one step forward, three steps back with this team.

[Showtime]

Bruins held off the Senators, pretty exciting game. Back to the playoffs finally.

[NewYorkSpider]

Flyers make it in. :up:

[TLH]

Nashville will match up against Detroit in the first round. Not surprising they didn't play hard against Chicago to try and pass Calgary for 7th. After all, Nashville has met San Jose the last two playoffs in the first round and lost twice. No point in trying again.

Dallas and Anaheim will meet.

The only question is will it be:

San Jose vs. Calgary/Colorado
Minnesota vs. Calgary/Colorado

[War Party]

Flyers make it in. :up:

The fact that the Flyers were coming off their worst season in franchise history and were by far the worst team last year, this is a huge achievement for the team and shows how great of a GM Paul Holmgren is.

[NewYorkSpider]

Updated List

2007-08 NHL Playoff Pool:
NewYorkSpider
Poeman
kang604
Immortalfire
Steve Rogers
Victor Creed
QueerMike
slinger
Themanofbat
Fran
Psycho Symbiote
Showtime
E. Nygma


If anyone else wants in, I need to know before the start of the playoffs.

When doing your picks PM me.

I'll need winners of each game, how many games it takes and the winner of each series.

Ex. Anaheim in 6. 1.) Ducks 2.) Ducks 3.) Stars 4.) Stars 5.) Ducks 6.) Ducks

I'm figuring out a point system for the pool. I'll post it on here before the playoffs start so you can keep track of how many points you have. Any questions?

Edit: I'll also PM everyone for reminders.

[NewYorkSpider]

The fact that the Flyers were coming off their worst season in franchise history and were by far the worst team last year, this is a huge achievement for the team and shows how great of a GM Paul Holmgren is.

I agree. Signing Briere was huge for this team. Hopefully the injuries won't bite us next year.

[E. Nygma]

Paul Holmgren is a good GM, but even he has made some questionable deals. I think bringing in Prospal was huge myself.

Oh and i want in this playoff pickem!

[Themanofbat]

I hope Iggy gets 50 tonight... :yay:

:csad:

[TLH]

I hope Iggy gets 50 tonight... :yay:

:csad:

Sheesh, he better. This is his fifth game and final chance to do so. I would be mad if he fell short, simply because last year he fell short of 40 with 39, although he missed 12 games. He's already got a ticket for the Hall of Fame, but another 50 goal season be icing.

[Themanofbat]

Sheesh, he better. This is his fifth game and final chance to do so. I would be mad if he fell short, simply because last year he fell short of 40 with 39, although he missed 12 games. He's already got a ticket for the Hall of Fame, but another 50 goal season be icing.

You know, there are a lot of players that have scored more goals than he did, but the fact that he has scored most of his goals during the latter half of the 90's and pre-lockout when goal scoring was hard to do, it makes his numbers look even more impressive.

And 50 goals is always such a sweet milestone, and it couldn't happen to such a classier hockey player.

:word:

[Alex The Great]

I've said it before and i'll say it again. Ovechkin is jesus.

[Immortalfire]

Thrashers end the season with their heads up, 4-1 over the Lightning :up:

[TLH]

Iggy gets goal 50.

Linden's retirement is a bit sad. Flames did a really classy thing by lining up to shake his hand and congratulate him.

[Themanofbat]

Iggy gets goal 50.

Linden's retirement is a bit sad. Flames did the classy thing and shook his hand.

Yeah... really nice touch by the Flames organization...

Also as classy, HNiC giving Linden the first star. :up:

[Ray-Fu]

Decent game for the Flames, and hopefully some confidence to build on for the playoffs.

Also a very classy game for both teams. A bit worried for the 'Nucks for next season. I have to wonder if they are going to rebuild if rumours are true that they won't be going to resign Naslund. Who's left after him? Sedins are still fairly inconsistent and leadership in the room? It'll be an interesting off season for them.

Overall, this is building up to be quite the playoffs this year :D I can't wait!

[kang604]

Decent game for the Flames, and hopefully some confidence to build on for the playoffs.

Also a very classy game for both teams. A bit worried for the 'Nucks for next season. I have to wonder if they are going to rebuild if rumours are true that they won't be going to resign Naslund. Who's left after him? Sedins are still fairly inconsistent and leadership in the room? It'll be an interesting off season for them.

Overall, this is building up to be quite the playoffs this year :D I can't wait!


there will be no major rebuild for the vancouver canucks. no one likes to use injuries as an excuse, but when you lose 130+ man games to injuries on the blueline alone, especially on a team that is built from the net out, you are not going to be very successful over the long NHL season.

nazzy may not be back next year, and the sentiment in vancouver is that while he used to be a great player, it is time for him to move on. unless he signs for a number under 3 million and the captaincy is taken from him. nazzy is still a 25 goal scorer and a 50pt player, but he is on the decline, and this city questions his leadership, his heart. he has looked invisible for a good chunk of the season and has not been able to score big goals or lead this team to victory. same goes with morrison... although i think if morrison signed for somewhere around 2.5-2.8 million i would not mind having him back. he is a consistent 20 goal centerman and in today's NHL that is a bargain, especially because he would most likely take a hometown discount.

that being said, we have the foundation for a great team. we have the best goaltender in the world, a balanced and deep blueline (when healthy) and some core forwards like the sedins and ryan kesler, who really stepped it up this season and emerged as a premier defensive forward who can also pot 21 goals.

what the canucks need to do is pick up at least 2 impact forwards in free agency or via trade this offseason. on my wish list? ryan malone, radim vrbata, kristian huselius, daymond langkow. i would also not mind seeing a trade involving bieksa and maybe a pick for either vermette or jeff carters rights as it looks like their respective teams will not be re-signing them.


on another note... my favorite player said goodbye to the game tonite, and i want to take a minute to pay tribute to #16 on the sweater, but #1 in our hearts, Trevor Linden. You cant really understand unless you live here, and have grown up watching this team, how much Trevor means to this city. The man is literally a god in Vancouver. There is nothing more that i would have wanted to see than Linden raise the Stanley Cup with Vancouver on his sweater... i think if that happened i wouldnt be able to hold back getting teary eyed... but it looks like we will never see it.

heroes are remembered, but legends never die.

#16 Trevor Linden Forever Our Canuck.

http://gfhl.net/Images/Canucks/Linden.jpg

[Ray-Fu]

Yay to Linden...I used to hate him with a passion, only cuz he played so well against the Flames, but he exudes passion for the game and you can just tell that people respect him. I wish him all the best!

I guess it'll be an interesting offseason for the Canucks whether they do rebuild, or not. Do you think they'll try to sign Naslund and then trade him? He probably still has some value in the market and to just let him walk away for nothing seems wasted.

I would still question the Sedins though...they show they can play, but when it comes to the playoffs, they tend to disappear...if they can show some consistency in the post season, I think the 'Nucks will be ok.

[Alex The Great]

I have a feeling Linden'll come to Montreal.

[kang604]

I have a feeling Linden'll come to Montreal.

u are truly delusional then.

trevor has always said from day one he will retire a canuck and he will not play for any other team.

[Ray-Fu]

And after last night, it looks like he'll be retiring...

[Alex The Great]

u are truly delusional then.

trevor has always said from day one he will retire a canuck and he will not play for any other team.
well your nice. :(
yeesh.

[QueerMike]

The only question is will it be:

San Jose vs. Calgary/Colorado
Minnesota vs. Calgary/Colorado

Yeah, I'm waiting on the Minnesota/Colorado game and the Pittsburgh/Philadelphia game to make my final
predictions. I already know how I'll pick it:

If it's Minnesota/Colorado I will be picking - Colorado
If it is Minnesota/Calgary I will be picking - Minnesota

[Immortalfire]

WSH clinched the southeast division :wow:

[QueerMike]

If anyone else wants in, I need to know before the start of the playoffs.

When doing your picks PM me.

I'll need winners of each game, how many games it takes and the winner of each series.

Ex. Anaheim in 6. 1.) Ducks 2.) Ducks 3.) Stars 4.) Stars 5.) Ducks 6.) Ducks

I'm figuring out a point system for the pool. I'll post it on here before the playoffs start so you can keep track of how many points you have. Any questions?

Edit: I'll also PM everyone for reminders.

I suspect that the reasoning behind picking each game is for tiebreaker purposes?

[Alex The Great]

WSH clinched the southeast division :wow:
YES! Now Lord Ovechkin can challenge for the cup!

[QueerMike]

YES! Now Lord Ovechkin can challenge for the cup!

Why in the hell not? The only team that would shock me out of the East would be Philly, and Boston a little.

[Alex The Great]

what? i didn't say anything remotley involved with that.

[E. Nygma]

I expect the Flyers to beat the Capitals in the first round.

[Shifty]

Playoff Thread Link
http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?p=14485878#post14485878

[QueerMike]

Brackets are set.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Montreal v 8. Boston
2. Pittsburgh v 7. Ottawa
3. Washington v 6. Philadelphia
4. New Jersey v 5. New York

WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Detroit v 8. Nashville
2. San Jose v 7. Calgary
3. Minnesota v. 6. Colorado
4. Anaheim v 5. Dallas

[NewYorkSpider]

I suspect that the reasoning behind picking each game is for tiebreaker purposes?

Not really. I'll probably have everyone pick scores for the Stanley Cup Finals for tiebreaking procedure and who wins the Conn Smythe Trophy. Hopefully their isn't a tie cause I don't want to go through all that.

[QueerMike]

Here are my picks, for public consumption:

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Round One:
1. Montreal over 8. Boston(4-2)
2. Pittsburgh over 7. Ottawa(4-0)
3. Washington over 6. Philadelphia(4-2)
5. New York over 4. New Jersey(4-1)

Round Two:
5. New York over 1. Montreal(4-3)
3. Washington over 2. Pittsburgh(4-2)

Eastern Conference Finals:
5. New York over 3. Washington(4-0)

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Round One:
1. Detroit over 8. Nashville(4-0)
2. San Jose over 7. Calgary(4-3)
6. Colorado over 3. Minnesota(4-3)
4. Anaheim over 5. Dallas(4-3)

Round Two:
1. Detroit over 6. Colorado
2. San Jose over 4. Anaheim

Western Conference Finals:
1. Detroit over 2. San Jose(4-2)

STANLEY CUP FINALS
Detroit Red Wings over New York Rangers(4-3)

[Alex The Great]

NewYork Would not beat Washington that badly....Ovechkin would give the flame of eternal damnaition upon them. they would cower in fear and shoot pucks into there own nets

[Themanofbat]

If anyone else wants in, I need to know before the start of the playoffs.

When doing your picks PM me.

I'll need winners of each game, how many games it takes and the winner of each series.

Ex. Anaheim in 6. 1.) Ducks 2.) Ducks 3.) Stars 4.) Stars 5.) Ducks 6.) Ducks

I'm figuring out a point system for the pool. I'll post it on here before the playoffs start so you can keep track of how many points you have. Any questions?

Edit: I'll also PM everyone for reminders.

I was going to send a PM, but I might as well make my stupidity public...

Do you just want the first round picks as mentioned above (who wins in how many games and mention which games they won), or do you want picks from the first round all the way to the Finals?

:yay:

[kang604]

my picks

EAST

1] Montreal (4)
8] Boston (0)

2] Pittsburgh (4)
7] Ottawa (3)

3] Washington (4)
6] Philadelphia (2)

4] New Jersey (4)
5] New York (2)

__________________

1] Montreal (4)
4] New Jersey (3)

2] Pittsburgh (4)
3] Washington (1)

__________________

1] Montreal (4)
2] Pittsburgh (2)



WEST

1] Detroit (4)
8] Nashville (3)

2] San Jose (4)
7] Calgary (2)

3] Minnesota (2)
6] Colorado (4)

4] Anaheim (4)
5] Dallas (1)

____________________

1] Detroit (1)
6] Colorado (4)

2] San Jose (4)
4] Anaheim (3)

____________________

2] San Jose (4)
6] Colorado (2)


STANLEY CUP CHAMPION: San Jose Sharks over Montreal Canadiens, 4-1

[QueerMike]

my picks

EAST

1] Montreal (4)
8] Boston (0)

2] Pittsburgh (4)
7] Ottawa (3)

3] Washington (4)
6] Philadelphia (2)

4] New Jersey (4)
5] New York (2)

__________________

1] Montreal (4)
4] New Jersey (3)

2] Pittsburgh (4)
3] Washington (1)

__________________

1] Montreal (4)
2] Pittsburgh (2)



WEST

1] Detroit (4)
8] Nashville (3)

2] San Jose (4)
7] Calgary (2)

3] Minnesota (2)
6] Colorado (4)

4] Anaheim (4)
5] Dallas (1)

____________________

1] Detroit (1)
6] Colorado (4)

2] San Jose (4)
4] Anaheim (3)

____________________

2] San Jose (4)
6] Colorado (2)


STANLEY CUP CHAMPION: San Jose Sharks over Montreal Canadiens, 4-1

I can't really disagree with your Eastern Conference picks, other than Ottawa taking Washington seven games. Without Alfredsson they'll be lucky to go five.

As for the West, all I can say is that it is evident you don't like Detroit. I was shocked to see you had Nashville taking them seven games and even more shocked that you had Colorado beating them in five. Still, not bad picks.

[War Party]

Wow, I'm surprised that a lot of people are taking the Caps over Philly. Last time I checked, the Flyers ain't no pushover and are playing hot hockey too. Should be a very close series.I see the Flyers taking the series 4-2.

[kang604]

I can't really disagree with your Eastern Conference picks, other than Ottawa taking Washington seven games. Without Alfredsson they'll be lucky to go five.

As for the West, all I can say is that it is evident you don't like Detroit. I was shocked to see you had Nashville taking them seven games and even more shocked that you had Colorado beating them in five. Still, not bad picks.

haha

i am not sold on detroits goaltending. also, the red wings have not had amazing post season success lately, despite their great regular season records. 1st rnd exit by edmonton, 2nd rnd exit by calgary, 1st rnd exit to anaheim... their players are only that much older and i dont think they will be able to handle the grind of the post season.

zetterberg and datsyuk also have a tendency to dissapear in the post-season. nashville is a team that has nothing to lose and could cause problems for the Wings.

As far as the Avs, they are my dark horse team this year. They definitely have the skill up front and the deadline acquisitions of foote & salei solidified their blueline. Their x-factor, imo, is gonna be Theodore. If he can get hot, watch out for Colorado.

[Themanofbat]

Here are my picks...

Eastern Conference:

Boston beats Montreal in 6 games.
Pittsburgh beats Ottawa in 5 games.
Washington beats Philladelphia in 7 games.
New Jersey beats the NY Rangers in 7 games.

Western Conference:

Detroit beats Nashville in 6 games.
Calgary beats San Jose in 7 games.
Minnesota beats Colorado in 6 games.
Anaheim beats Dallas in 6 games.

[Shifty]

haha

i am not sold on detroits goaltending. also, the red wings have not had amazing post season success lately, despite their great regular season records. 1st rnd exit by edmonton, 2nd rnd exit by calgary, 1st rnd exit to anaheim... their players are only that much older and i dont think they will be able to handle the grind of the post season.

zetterberg and datsyuk also have a tendency to dissapear in the post-season. nashville is a team that has nothing to lose and could cause problems for the Wings.

As far as the Avs, they are my dark horse team this year. They definitely have the skill up front and the deadline acquisitions of foote & salei solidified their blueline. Their x-factor, imo, is gonna be Theodore. If he can get hot, watch out for Colorado.

It took 6 game for the Ducks to eliminate the Red Wings last year in the Conference Finals.

[TLH]

haha

i am not sold on detroits goaltending. also, the red wings have not had amazing post season success lately, despite their great regular season records. 1st rnd exit by edmonton, 2nd rnd exit by calgary, 1st rnd exit to anaheim... their players are only that much older and i dont think they will be able to handle the grind of the post season.

zetterberg and datsyuk also have a tendency to dissapear in the post-season. nashville is a team that has nothing to lose and could cause problems for the Wings.

As far as the Avs, they are my dark horse team this year. They definitely have the skill up front and the deadline acquisitions of foote & salei solidified their blueline. Their x-factor, imo, is gonna be Theodore. If he can get hot, watch out for Colorado.

That's pretty hard to do when you aren't in to begin with.

[kang604]

That's pretty hard to do when you aren't in to begin with.

ummm...

detroit got bounced by edmonton in the 1st rnd in 2006. "1st rnd exit by edmonton"


slinger, i know i know. and the wings are a great team, just not a great post-season team, imo. i just dont think this year is their year.

but hey, im no expert. i could be completely wrong.

[Alex The Great]

Here are my picks...

Eastern Conference:

Boston beats Montreal in 6 games.
Pittsburgh beats Ottawa in 5 games.
Washington beats Philladelphia in 7 games.
New Jersey beats the NY Rangers in 7 games.

Western Conference:

Detroit beats Nashville in 6 games.
Calgary beats San Jose in 7 games.
Minnesota beats Colorado in 6 games.
Anaheim beats Dallas in 6 games.
:lmao:

[Immortalfire]

Boston beats Montreal in 6 games.


Ain't no way.

[Alex The Great]

There's a better chance of Bob Sanders LOSING the election for emporer of the universe than Boston winning

[Batman713]

Here are my picks...

Eastern Conference:

Boston beats Montreal in 6 games.
Pittsburgh beats Ottawa in 5 games.
Washington beats Philladelphia in 7 games.
New Jersey beats the NY Rangers in 7 games.

Western Conference:

Detroit beats Nashville in 6 games.
Calgary beats San Jose in 7 games.
Minnesota beats Colorado in 6 games.
Anaheim beats Dallas in 6 games.

I'm sorry, but those picks are horrible, IMO the Habs will own the Bruins in 5 or 6 games

[kang604]

didnt the habs go 8-0 against the bruins this season?

i smell sweep.

[Eric Draven]

Don't be so sure. There's always one upset occuring in the first round. Anything can happen....

[TLH]

I'm sorry, but those picks are horrible, IMO the Habs will own the Bruins in 5 or 6 games

I don't think so, at least, not outside of the Montreal/Boston pick he had. All the others seem very likely, with possible exception to Calgary/San Jose.

[Themanofbat]

:lmao:

Ain't no way.

There's a better chance of Bob Sanders LOSING the election for emporer of the universe than Boston winning

I'm sorry, but those picks are horrible, IMO the Habs will own the Bruins in 5 or 6 games

Laugh all you want, but by beating Boston 8 times this year is going to sting the Bruins a bit, and Thomas has been playing really well yet, and we don't know if Price can handle the Montréal media during the playoffs...

Besides, I really hate the Habs... :cmad: :cmad: :cmad:

And to Batman713... why are my picks so "horrible" other than the Boston/Montreal one? Bob Gainey is a good proven hockey man, and inasmuch as I hate to admit it, he has really improve the Canadiens, but as we all know, a first place finish doesn't equate to a Stanley Cup, so let's wait until the games are played before we see whose picks are "horrible", mmm'kay?

Thanks...

:yay:

[Themanofbat]

I don't think so, at least, not outside of the Montreal/Boston pick he had. All the others seem very likely, with possible exception to Calgary/San Jose.

With Iggy getting his 50th, there's some relief on that team, and there's no pressure on the Flames to win because everybody is picking San Jose to win the Cup... but the Flames played the Sharks well this year, and it's going to be a long tough series, probably going 7 games, in my opinion.

[TLH]

Well, the Flames will be playing with less expectation, and I feel they have a strong chance (personally) despite everything. If they can get by San Jose there's no telling how far they will go.

[QueerMike]

haha

i am not sold on detroits goaltending. also, the red wings have not had amazing post season success lately, despite their great regular season records. 1st rnd exit by edmonton, 2nd rnd exit by calgary, 1st rnd exit to anaheim... their players are only that much older and i dont think they will be able to handle the grind of the post season.

I don't see any problems with Detroit's goaltending, from afar. They led the league in GAA, what more can one ask? The first round exits do lead alot of folks to pick against Detroit but I think they have unfinished business from last year. Detroit's modus operandi over the last 10-12 years has been 'when they lose in the conference finals they win the Cup the next year.'

zetterberg and datsyuk also have a tendency to dissapear in the post-season. nashville is a team that has nothing to lose and could cause problems for the Wings.
I don't remember exactly but I thought they were decent last year?

As far as the Avs, they are my dark horse team this year. They definitely have the skill up front and the deadline acquisitions of foote & salei solidified their blueline. Their x-factor, imo, is gonna be Theodore. If he can get hot, watch out for Colorado.
Yes, the Avalanche were my sleepers as well. Theodore could be huge if he can return to MVP form. I can't take Colorado seriously though unless Ryan Smyth steps it up. I think the label 'disappointing' would best sum up his first season in Colorado.

[QueerMike]

Here are my picks...

Eastern Conference:

Boston beats Montreal in 6 games.
Pittsburgh beats Ottawa in 5 games.
Washington beats Philladelphia in 7 games.
New Jersey beats the NY Rangers in 7 games.

Western Conference:

Detroit beats Nashville in 6 games.
Calgary beats San Jose in 7 games.
Minnesota beats Colorado in 6 games.
Anaheim beats Dallas in 6 games.

Intresting. What are your picks the rest of the way?

[QueerMike]

There's a better chance of Bob Sanders LOSING the election for emporer of the universe than Boston winning

Wait a minute. There's an election for emperor of the universe? How do I get in something like that?

[QueerMike]

Well, the Flames will be playing with less expectation, and I feel they have a strong chance (personally) despite everything. If they can get by San Jose there's no telling how far they will go.
Did you forget who's behind the bench? That guy has had more early round exit's than the Red Wings.

Besides, can you really see Calgary going through San Jose, Detroit, AND Anaheim? I can't. They'll be lucky to get past San Jose and Detroit would take them out in six games in round two.

The only chance Calgary has is if they knock off San Jose and both Detroit and Anaheim are ousted in the opening round.

[TLH]

Did you forget who's behind the bench? That guy has had more early round exit's than the Red Wings.

Besides, can you really see Calgary going through San Jose, Detroit, AND Anaheim? I can't. They'll be lucky to get past San Jose and Detroit would take them out in six games in round two.

The only chance Calgary has is if they knock off San Jose and both Detroit and Anaheim are ousted in the opening round.

I'm taking this one team at a time. Realistically, we probably won't win and would at best give San Jose a rough ride, but you can't deny the possibility that we could beat them. And if that happened, it's more than possible for the success to have a snowball effect.

[Themanofbat]

Nobody thought they could get by the Canucks, the Red Wings & the Sharks in '04 neither...

We can only hope...

[QueerMike]

Nobody thought they could get by the Canucks, the Red Wings & the Sharks in '04 neither...

We can only hope...
Those three teams were'nt as good as the Ducks, Sharks, and WIngs of '08.

[TLH]

Those three teams were'nt as good as the Ducks, Sharks, and WIngs of '08.

And the Flames of 04 weren't nearly as good as the Flames of 08. The 04 team was short on talent outside of Iginla and Kiprusoff; it was a bunch of grinders who were able to wear teams down...and that system doesn't work in the 'new' NHL. Everything is relative.

[E. Nygma]

Bruins will be lucky not to get swept

[Themanofbat]

Don't be so sure. There's always one upset occuring in the first round. Anything can happen....

It's funny how "drama queenish" the Habs' fans get when you suggest they might lose a playoff series.

:whatever: :whatever: :whatever:

The NHL season only dictates playoff position... it doesn't mean a damn thing otherwise.

:yay:

[E. Nygma]

It's funny how "drama queenish" the Habs' fans get when you suggest they might lose a playoff series.

:whatever: :whatever: :whatever:

The NHL season only dictates playoff position... it doesn't mean a damn thing otherwise.

:yay:

Yeah but the Bruins have looked down right awful for basically the last two months, and i think how you play coming in to the playoffs has a BIG impact on how well you do during them.