2018 NHL PLAYOFFS

[Deleted]

Rask was not great on goals 3 and 4.

[PTH]

Apr 21, 2018 17:18:27 GMT -5 Disgruntled70sHab said:

... the call ...

What horrible voice, screaming like a madman. I'd put him on mute, personally, or turn the volume way, way down.

[seventeen]

I missed the Philly/Pens game but from what I saw of the highlights and the box score, there's nothing to make me think the Pens will win their 3rd Cup. The two goalie stats say a lot...Neuvirth with a .741 save percentage and more importantly, Murray with an .808 save percentage. Pens were gifted with some questionable goaltending by the Flyers (when will they ever learn?). But Malkin is hurt, they aren't getting great goaltending themselves and as soon as they hit a good goaltender, I think they're done. I'm enjoying all the swooning over the Pens as it hides the flaws that are there. Especially if Malkin isn't available or is not at 100%, it could get ugly.

Anyone else besides me think the refs went on vacation when Letang took out the legs of that Flyer causing the turnover and subsequent goal? I won't say I've never seen a more obvious trip in my life, but it was top 2 or 3 for sure. How could they miss that? Oh.....maybe they didn't want to call it. Having Crosby eliminated from the playoffs would not do NHL tv ratings any good, would it? I'm waiting for the many bad calls against the Jets, or the missed calls against them because ratings wise, Winnipeg would be a disaster for the US. Bettman won't have that. Conspiracy nut? Maybe, but we know how much Bettman values the US tv exposure because of the potential dollars involved. It's been 25 years since we won a Cup and while lack of a CAP and then bad management throughout helped in that streak, there were some fortunate breaks for US based teams. Strange how Aaron Rome got suspended 3 times more than was the case in the regular season for a late hit on a Boston player in 2011. He wasn't a key cog, but it disrupted the Canucks' defense pairings. Strange how Johnny Boychuck got nothing for breaking Mason Raymond's spine on a body check. Canadian teams will not get a break in game management.


Anyway, I'm still predicting Pens will be eliminated in the next round, whoever they play.

[jkr]

Nashville leading 5-0 in the 3rd. Guess the hamburgler's run is over.

And why are they booing Subban in Colorado?

[CentreHice]

Apr 22, 2018 20:23:20 GMT -5 jkr said:

Nashville leading 5-0 in the 3rd. Guess the hamburgler's run is over.

And why are they booing Subban in Colorado?

They've booed him every time he's touched the puck in this series. Winnipeg will likely be as bad or worse.

He's just that kind of player.

Nice to see Horseshoes limited to only one game of re-kindled glory. He was Colorado's only chance.

[seventeen]

I tweeted Friday that I was never impressed with Hamburgler even when he was with Ottawa. Could play great one game and let in 12 the next. Never let it be said I'm not man enough to admit my mistakes. Hamburger did not let in 12 goals tonight. My apologies to Andrew Hammond.

[seventeen]

Apr 22, 2018 20:23:20 GMT -5 jkr said:

Nashville leading 5-0 in the 3rd. Guess the hamburgler's run is over.

And why are they booing Subban in Colorado?

One assist, +3. Maybe that's the reason.

[blny]

Apr 22, 2018 20:23:20 GMT -5 jkr said:

Nashville leading 5-0 in the 3rd. Guess the hamburgler's run is over.

And why are they booing Subban in Colorado?

For a hit on Mac and post game comments about him doing it again if he had to.

Hammond with two soft ones tonight. Under each arm. It doesn't take away from a lot of positives in Denver this year.

[Willie Dog]

Apr 22, 2018 20:54:24 GMT -5 seventeen said:

Apr 22, 2018 20:23:20 GMT -5 jkr said:

Nashville leading 5-0 in the 3rd. Guess the hamburgler's run is over.

And why are they booing Subban in Colorado?

One assist, +3. Maybe that's the reason.

Its been standard operating procedure for Pernell Karl.. every arena the rednecks boo..

[Deleted]

Philadelphia continues to be a goalie graveyard. Though, in fairness, their defense wasn't good either.

[NWTHabsFan]

Apr 21, 2018 22:12:14 GMT -5 CentreHice said:

The only thing between the Leafs and a golf cart was Andersen.

Reminded me of Halak vs. Washington in 2010.

Time for them to golf.

[NWTHabsFan]

That Nashville Winnipeg series should be a doozie. Shame it happens in the second round. I have been eyeing this one since the end of the season.

[jkr]

Apr 22, 2018 23:49:23 GMT -5 NWTHabsFan said:

Apr 21, 2018 22:12:14 GMT -5 CentreHice said:

The only thing between the Leafs and a golf cart was Andersen.

Reminded me of Halak vs. Washington in 2010.

Time for them to golf.

I remember Halak being strong consistently that playoff. ( please correct be if I'm wrong). Andersen hasn't been that way, especially in games one and two.

[blny]

Apr 23, 2018 7:20:22 GMT -5 jkr said:

Apr 22, 2018 23:49:23 GMT -5 NWTHabsFan said:

Time for them to golf.

I remember Halak being strong consistently that playoff. ( please correct be if I'm wrong). Andersen hasn't been that way, especially in games one and two.

I would argue that he stood on his head for three games vs Washington, got pulled from one game in that series, and only had to be good against Pittsburgh. By the time the Flyers rolled around, he and the rest of the guys ran out of steam. Cammalleri would have been my mvp - though Halak likely wins it.

[CentreHice]

Apr 23, 2018 7:28:55 GMT -5 blny said:

Apr 23, 2018 7:20:22 GMT -5 jkr said:

I remember Halak being strong consistently that playoff. ( please correct be if I'm wrong). Andersen hasn't been that way, especially in games one and two.

I would argue that he stood on his head for three games vs Washington, got pulled from one game in that series, and only had to be good against Pittsburgh. By the time the Flyers rolled around, he and the rest of the guys ran out of steam. Cammalleri would have been my mvp - though Halak likely wins it.

Yes, I'm not saying that Andersen has been as good as Halak....just reminded me of him in Game 5, when the Bruins were all over the Leafs. He'll have to repeat that performance twice more to replicate Halak vs. the Caps in 2010.

Even in Game 1's 3-2 OT win in Washington, Halak posted a .957 save pct. 45 saves/47 shots.
Price couldn't get the job done after replacing Halak in Game 3....and Price wasn't up to the task in Game 4.
Games 5, 6, and 7 are stuff of legend. Cumulative .979 (131/134) Incredible performance.

Halak vs. Pittsburgh was much the same. In our 4 wins: .974 (38/39); .943 (33/35); .919 (34/37); .949 (37/39)

After Game 7, Crosby said something to the effect of not knowing how far we could go giving up that many chances and over-relying on goaltending.

We soon found out when Halak got 0 goal-support in 3 losses to the "great" Michael Leighton.

IMO, without Halak's brilliance, the 2009-10 Habs would've been an 8th seed that was bounced in 5 games, Round 1.

Here's his work against Pittsburgh.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

[CentreHice]

Pleks is hitting the empty net now? Toronto must practice that....

Andersen with another steal of a game.

If he does the same in Game 7, that'll be pretty close to Halakian.

Boston was dominant for long stretches....

[jkr]

WTF.
Boston better not blow this. Two more days of this hype. Ugh. It's 10:30 now & Sportsnet is still talking about the game & all they did was win game 6. This is why I hate this.

This is like 2013 with Boston blowing a 3-1 series lead & winning in game 7 OT.

[Willie Dog]

Im sure it's orgasmic on Sportsnet right now...

Glad the caps won.

[jkr]

Apr 23, 2018 21:29:25 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

Im sure it's orgasmic on Sportsnet right now...

Glad the caps won.

Just edited my post. Still talking about it at 10:30.

[CentreHice]

Just wanted to see how long they'd keep the Leafs' post-game going....it was 10:49 before they showed Col-Wash highlights.

Ouch, Columbus! Win the first two on the road...then lose the next four, including all 3 of your home games.

Jackets yet to win a playoff series.

[Skilly]

Apr 23, 2018 21:50:09 GMT -5 CentreHice said:

Just wanted to see how long they'd keep the Leafs' post-game going....it was 10:49 before they showed Col-Wash highlights.

Ouch, Columbus! Win the first two on the road...then lose the next four, including all 3 of your home games.

Reminiscent of 1993 Habs ... Except we lost first two on the road

[Deleted]

People were saying that the Caps were done after falling 0-2. I also wondered about how they'd respond.

Huge rally for them. Hopefully something they can build off of and finally beat Pittsburgh.

[jkr]

Apr 23, 2018 21:50:09 GMT -5 CentreHice said:

Just wanted to see how long they'd keep the Leafs' post-game going....it was 10:49 before they showed Col-Wash highlights.

Ouch, Columbus! Win the first two on the road...then lose the next four, including all 3 of your home games.

Jackets yet to win a playoff series.

10 49! You'd think they actually won something.

[seventeen]

For all our displeasure (nice word) at Plekanec, one can't argue with the fact that he is very proficient at shutting down an opposing centre. We know how much he annoys Crosby when we were up against Pittsburgh, and it's interesting to note that he's doing similar things to the Bergeron line. In the last 4 games, that line has 2 points. Before that, they were being anointed as the greatest line in NHL history (or so it seemed to me). Anyway, PLeks hasn't lost his defensive brilliance. No wonder coaches love him. He's actually gotten some points since being matched against the Bruins top line. In fact he's outscored them with 2 goals and 2 assists.

Now, don't get the idea I want him back. I wish him the best, but we need offence, not defensive brilliance at a high price.

[seventeen]

Reviewing my predictions, which are usually on par with flipping a coin...50/50, before the next round.

Tampa in 5
Boston in 7
Philly in 6
Washington in 6

Nashville in 4
Jets in 5
Vegas in 7
Ducks in 6


Got Tampa in 5 right, will either get the Boston-Leafs series perfectly, or get blown out. Hakstol and the Philly goaltending undercut me and got the Washington series bang on.

Overvalued Nashville and undervalued Colorado, losing battles but winning the war. Got the Jets series bang on and severely underrated the Golden Knights but picked them properly. In my defense, I wasn't aware Cam Fowler was injured or I might have waivered on the last one. I happen to think Carlyle is a 4th quartile coach, but I dislike San Jose, so probably would have picked the Ducks anyway, with my heart rather than my head.

5 and 2 so far. Better than usual but not good enough to get rich on. Since the winner of the Leafs/bruins won't matter, here are my predictions for the next round

Washington over Pittsburgh in 6 games. I think it's time for the hex the Pens have over the Capitals to end. Holtby looks better than he did earlier in the season, Murray hasn't been the show stopper of previous years and the Pens haven't impressed me all year. I think the series vs Philly actually hurt them as they had some help from the Flyer goaltending. When they meet a tougher skin, it will surprise them. Or I'll have to eat my words

Vegas over San Jose in 6. Fleury is hot and Gibson wasn't. The Knights are so much faster than the Ducks that the Sharks will be surprised. It might not even go to six. Yes, that's my Glass Half Full voice.

Tampa over whoever in 5. I think they're coming on and will end up the Eastern CF champs.

I left the Winnipeg/Nashville series for last. This matchup is by far, not only the best, but the toughest to figure out. It's going to go 7 games and I think Nashville will come out on top, though I won't be surprised whoever wins. I'll be cheering for Winnipeg because I want a Canadian team to win and I want to see Bettman squirm. I want to see him mumble and grovel as he presents the cup to Mark Schieffele. It really helps, in the playoffs to have gone through a trying time. Many Cup champions had come close in prior seasons but were beaten out by more experienced opponents. The Islanders of the early 80's had many tough losses in the late 70s and the Oiler's of the 80's and the Pens of 2008 are good examples. They had to face difficult emotional losses and then came back to win the Cup the following year. Winnipeg hasn't done that yet, but Nashville lost last year. This is crazy, these two teams having to play each other in the 2nd round. More NHL stupidity. It should be a Western Conference final.


Recap

Washington in 6 (and we can avoid HNIC glorifying Sid Crosby)
Tampa in 5
Vegas in 6
Nashville in 7

[franko]

Apr 24, 2018 0:27:12 GMT -5 seventeen said:

Tampa in 5
Boston in 7
Philly in 6
Washington in 6

Nashville in 4
Jets in 5
Vegas in 7
Ducks in 6

well you out prognosticated me but that's nothing to write home about.

TBay in 6
Bos in 6
Philly in 6 stupid goaltending, I shoulda known
Wash in 7

Nash in 5
Wpg in 6
SJ in 7
LA in 6. or 7. or they lose in 5. or 6. who feakin' knows how Fleury will play? answer: waaayyy better than I thought

Washington in 6 (and we can avoid HNIC glorifying Sid Crosby)
Tampa in 5
Vegas in 6
Nashville in 7

yes, no, no, no

Washington in 6
_______ in 6 I'd declare Boston but since they haven't quite made it I'll wait
SJ in 7
Winnipeg in 7

one of us will be out of the championship running after this round.

fwiw, I have Winnipeg in 6 over Boston in the finals, but since this is a round-by-round challenge,I reserve the right to change my prediction!

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Apr 23, 2018 23:59:18 GMT -5 seventeen said:

For all our displeasure (nice word) at Plekanec, one can't argue with the fact that he is very proficient at shutting down an opposing centre. We know how much he annoys Crosby when we were up against Pittsburgh, and it's interesting to note that he's doing similar things to the Bergeron line. In the last 4 games, that line has 2 points. Before that, they were being anointed as the greatest line in NHL history (or so it seemed to me). Anyway, PLeks hasn't lost his defensive brilliance. No wonder coaches love him. He's actually gotten some points since being matched against the Bruins top line. In fact he's outscored them with 2 goals and 2 assists.

Now, don't get the idea I want him back. I wish him the best, but we need offence, not defensive brilliance at a high price.

I don't know how many times I said this in the past ... he was taking flak time after time on his anemic offence, but he always seemed to be in a checking role ... he did well in that but many couldn't get off his lack of offence ... IMO, Toronto wouldn't be where they are without two players; Frederick Anderson and Tomas Plekanec ... he's doing the same thing with the Leafs as he was with the Habs, but at a much-reduced cost ... you're welcome, TO ... as far as wanting him back, well, I don't have a crystal ball but if Marc Bergevin fails to land a #1 centre, I can see Plan B (or C) being to re-signing Plekanec to a more financially viable deal ...

Cheers.

[CentreHice]

Enjoying the hockey.....but it only further illustrates that Bergevin's work has left us in a hockey quagmire. Difficult to get solid footing in a bog.

[blny]

Apr 24, 2018 8:41:50 GMT -5 CentreHice said:

Enjoying the hockey.....but it only further illustrates that Bergevin's work has left us in a hockey quagmire. Difficult to get solid footing in a bog.

There's a flip side to that coin. While I don't have any particular faith that Berg is the man to see us out, the Avs have shown that things can change drastically from one year to the next. Mac was the subject of trade debate and appeared stunted. Now he's an mvp candidate (at rw and not center). Their line of him with Landeskog and Rantanen is very fast and dynamic.

A successful draft, addressing the glaring need at center, and the removal of Pacioretty (which I think has to happen) will go a long way to reversing fortunes.