Playoffs talk - 1st round

[Sotnos]

Matchups are set, figured I'd get the ball rolling

EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Montreal vs (8) Boston
(2) Pittsburgh vs (7) Ottawa
(3) Washington vs (6) Philadelphia
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers


WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Detroit vs (8) Nashville
(2) San Jose vs (7) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas

Games start on Wednesday, I believe

[Hoek]

Man if only Philly and Ottawa traded places that'd be one epic first round in the East. Three rivalries and a series between the capitals of USA and Canada? Would have been pretty awesome.

[Sotnos]

not sure i see a lot of upsets this round outside of the 4-5 matchups (and i have a feeling about the avs).

[Hoek]

Even though it's at the hated Sens expense.. boy do I despise Gary Roberts and his shenanigans.

[TexasBolt]

The end of that game on Versus was hilarious. The announcers did everything but call the Senators a bunch of gutless thumb-sucking mama's boys. How did you like Chris Neil skating over and acting all tough when there were already three officials between him and Gary Roberts?

[aapbolt]

the Pens really showed some toughness tonight, from what i saw of the game. There were a bunch of fights and this is going to be one tough series, but the Sens just do not have the power to play with the Pens. it will be fun to watch though.

[TexasBolt]

Wow, it's going to hell in a hurry for the Sharks. Flames score two goals in the first six minutes.

[Hoek]

Yeah it wasn't long before any pity for Ottawa quickly wore off when I saw Neil's mug.

Sharks put it back within one.

[TexasBolt]

First overtime game of the playoffs coming up in Minnesota. The Wild scored two to tie it up, then almost blew it late. Ryan Smyth was given a penalty shot because a Wild player covered up the puck in the crease. But Backstrom stopped him.

John Kelly is doing Avs games again? He was calling Blues games all year... confusing.

And another wacky goal for the Flames as Yelle puts it in a split-second before Iginla (who was interfering with Nabokov at the time) knocked the net off its moorings.

Sakic again! That's his 8th career playoff overtime goal... extends his own record.

[Sotnos]

John Kelly is doing Avs games again? He was calling Blues games all year... confusing.they mentioned something about the regular pbp guy being operated on tomorrow.

mark parrish looked like he got hurt pretty badly in that game, went into the boards very awkwardly & was down for quite a while.

[chad]

I was wondering what the heck was going on with Kelly doing the game, and of course he gives the ol' "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" when Sakic scored.

I like him. I admit it.

I see the Flames are still the same playoff Flames we've all grown tired of over the years.

The refs put the whistles away in the playoffs and the Flames take advantage with their "rough and physical" (read: obstructing and cheap shots) style of play.

And my gosh, when can the love fest with Iginla for his character and toughness go away?

Michalek's creating a scoring chance at one end and Jeromey gets a mediocre cross-check to the lower back and folds like an accordion. But just in case you thought he was hurt, his head was turned looking at the ref for the call before his knees hit the ice. Cheap. Cheap. Cheap.

Canada likes to think their teams are character filled and so tough, yet CAL, OTT and Montreal rely on cheap antics and diving for part of their success.

[the_narrow_way]

Canada likes to think they're teams are character filled and so tough, yet CAL, OTT and Montreal rely on cheap antics and diving for part of their success.
Amen.

[TexasBolt]

Hmmm, I didn't realize Bryan Murray had accused the Pens of throwing their last regular-season game so they could play Ottawa. I wish I had seen this before I predicted this series would take six games.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3336929

[jaydeedub]

Hmmm, I didn't realize Bryan Murray had accused the Pens of throwing their last regular-season game so they could play Ottawa. I wish I had seen this before I predicted this series would take six games.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3336929

Ah, it's kind of silly the Pens would rather play the Sens than the Bruins. The Sens had pretty much owned the Pens this season, going 3-1 against them. The one loss the Sens had to the Pens was a close one at 6-5.

[astro]

Ah, it's kind of silly the Pens would rather play the Sens than the Bruins. The Sens had pretty much owned the Pens this season, going 3-1 against them. The one loss the Sens had to the Pens was a close one at 6-5.

But the Sens are without Alfredsson and Fisher.

[Sotnos]

But the Sens are without Alfredsson and Fisher.
to me, that's quite the accusation to make. it's not something you can really prove & that puppy's going right up on the opponent's bulletin board.

these matchups are just not doing it for me, i didn't put on either of the early games, and the only game that i really liked last night was avs-wild.

i really want to see caps-flyers, sucks that we have to wait another day still. ducks-stars might be good, but man i hate if those late games go to OT.

[Sotnos]

Peckham's calling the Ducks/Stars game :)

[Maverick9911]

And my gosh, when can the love fest with Iginla for his character and toughness go away?

GASP, how dare you speak ill of Saint Jarome! He's the only reason hockey exists! :D

I did enjoy his little commercial teasers on VS (The Cup Changes Everything). It's true, especially for him - he's usually a fine player but whenever Iginla gets put in a pressure situation (whether elimination or to win the whole shebang) he goes shotless and pointless - or in the case of last year vs. Detroit, he goes bonkers.

That's what happens when you spend more time visualizing yourself holding the Cup before taking care of business in your own barn :roflmao:

[jaydeedub]

But the Sens are without Alfredsson and Fisher.

True...Alfe had the Pens number all season. Must have scored like 8 points on them in the 4 games. But Mike Fisher has been a non factor. Don't think he's scored anything, assist or goal. I'd rather face the Savard-Strum Bruins than the Spezza-Heatly Sens.
Just a silly claim. And if I were the Sens I sure the hell rather lose to the Crosby-Malkin Pens than Kovalev-Koivu-less Habs. :noidea:

[TexasBolt]

This Dallas game is shocking. They're faster, more skilled, more disciplined, and much hungrier than the Ducks. And when you score four PP goals in two periods that helps too. It could be a lot worse than 4-0 right now too, because Giguere is giving up all kinds of rebounds and getting himself way out of position.

Ducks booed off the ice at the end of the second period.

[astro]

This Dallas game is shocking. They're faster, more skilled, more disciplined, and much hungrier than the Ducks. And when you score four PP goals in two periods that helps too. It could be a lot worse than 4-0 right now too, because Giguere is giving up all kinds of rebounds and getting himself way out of position.

Ducks booed off the ice at the end of the second period.

So far, I'm quite shocked at this game. The way Dallas played near the end of the regular season, I thought that Anaheim would steam roll them.

Mostly, I've been watching the San Jose, Calgary game. I want to see the Flames LOSE!

[TexasBolt]

Question for the Flames: How in the hell do you give up 27 shots in one period of a playoff game?

[astro]

Question for the Flames: How in the hell do you give up 27 shots in one period of a playoff game?

When I was watching it, 3 penalties in a row. They all sat in the box together. I think that I saw them holding hands, but I'm not too sure on that.

[astro]

Vinny P with two goals. He is paying off for the Flyers. Huet should have stopped Vinny P's last goal and Briere's. The little bit that I saw, Huet doesn't look good.

[Sotnos]

caps had a terrible period there, they need to calm down

[Hoek]

Flyers looking awfully similar to the Lightning in the third.. Ovechkin picked a great time for his first playoff goal.

[Sotnos]

and what a goal it was, amazing individual effort

holy crap, the sens gave up 54 shots on net :omg:

[Maverick9911]

Zach Parise got his front teeth knocked out by Christian Backman :tape:

[Maverick9911]

holy crap, the sens gave up 54 shots on net

49 saves for Gerber...hey, maybe we should deal Stamkos + for him! :thumb:

Some blogger in Ontario is dreaming that tonight.

[missK]

Zach Parise got his front teeth knocked out by Christian Backman :tape:

And did NOT MISS A SHIFT. Went to the bench, handed the trainer his teeth, sat down and waited for his next shift. :thumb: ONLY IN HOCKEY!!!

[TexasBolt]

The Devils have scored two goals in two games... they are not long for these playoffs.

Another awesome choke by Ottawa, as Lapointe takes a high-sticking penalty with 90 seconds to go and the Sens almost immediately give up the game-losing PPG.

[chad]

And Chris Neil being Chris Neil, burrowing his way toward the net while on the ice so he can try to take on the hulking Chris Letang. Then Gill steps in and Neil drops to his knees. But acts tough when the linesman breaks up the fight.

What a joke.

As was Avery trying to get into Brodeur's skull. That thing is like an armored truck. Brodeur just stood there, almost as if he was looking through Avery while Avery wouldn't move from the crease.

[missK]

Flyers fans are saying shot blocker Thoresen might lose a testicle (they swear it's not a joke). He looked in alot of pain and had to be helped off the ice.

[CupChamps2004]

Flyers fans are saying shot blocker Thoresen might lose a testicle (they swear it's not a joke). He looked in alot of pain and had to be helped off the ice.

Flyers LW Thoresen taken to hospital after being struck in groin by shot

Associated Press

Updated: April 11, 2008, 11:54 PM ET

WASHINGTON -- Flyers left wing Patrick Thoresen was taken to the hospital for tests after getting hit in the groin by a shot during Philadelphia's 5-4 loss to Washington on Friday night.

"He's going to the hospital to get an ultrasound done on his testicles. It's bad enough they may have to remove one," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "Right now, we're not sure how serious it is, but there's a chance he may need surgery."

Thoresen blocked Mike Green's shot with about 6½ minutes left in the game, then dropped to the ice, writhing in pain. Moments later, Washington scored to tie the game 4-4.

"Obviously, I'd have liked to see a whistle," Flyers coach John Stevens said.

Thoresen was helped off the ice and taken to the locker room.

[TexasBolt]

Flyers fans are saying shot blocker Thoresen might lose a testicle

:melodramatic:

[jdhebner]

Another awesome choke by Ottawa, as Lapointe takes a high-sticking penalty with 90 seconds to go and the Sens almost immediately give up the game-losing PPG.


Thanks, that makes me feel better. I hate the Sens more than the Panthers.

ETA: Nice work on the avatar titles.

[the_narrow_way]

"Obviously, I'd have liked to see a whistle," Flyers coach John Stevens said.
I think they need to blow the whistle quicker, in almost every situation. If someone goes down in obvious pain, stop play. Nobody has any idea how serious the injury may actually be, so the right thing to do is to get the trainer out there ASAP.

[Hoek]

And in case they're diving or faking, any player who causes a stoppage in play due to injury is not allowed back on the ice for 10 minutes or whatever is long enough to make it a disincentive. The situation should also be reviewed after the game and suspensions handed out if necessary if it was a deliberate attempt to affect the outcome of the game.

It was a pretty crappy way to give up the equalizer though. Can't feel too sorry for the Flyers, but tough break. You could tell he was in a real hurt. Hope Thoresen will be alright.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oTh9fo9znHk

[missK]

I think they need to blow the whistle quicker, in almost every situation. If someone goes down in obvious pain, stop play. Nobody has any idea how serious the injury may actually be, so the right thing to do is to get the trainer out there ASAP.

Sounds good in theory but then you have the FAKERS (like Montreal in 2004) who go down like they were shot by the XO sniper but bounce right back for the next shift.

[missK]

And in case they're diving or faking, any player who causes a stoppage in play due to injury is not allowed back on the ice for 10 minutes or whatever is long enough to make it a disincentive. The situation should also be reviewed after the game and suspensions handed out if necessary if it was a deliberate attempt to affect the outcome of the game.

I like your thinking in case there is diving/faking. But you can't penalize a player that's really hurt for getting a whistle. Otherwise a situation like last night where play was stopped for Parise to access damage to his face and to pick up his front teeth but there's not enough damage to miss a shift. So that's why your idea sounds right to me. This rule would be especially important during the playoffs.

[CTLightning26]

The Devils have scored two goals in two games... they are not long for these playoffs.

Another awesome choke by Ottawa, as Lapointe takes a high-sticking penalty with 90 seconds to go and the Sens almost immediately give up the game-losing PPG.

The stick was near him, but i really thought Ruutu made a meal of that one. The little turd was smirking on the bench afterward.

[Sotnos]

I think they need to blow the whistle quicker, in almost every situation. If someone goes down in obvious pain, stop play. Nobody has any idea how serious the injury may actually be, so the right thing to do is to get the trainer out there ASAP.
make the fakers & their team pay severely and it could work. not too fair to put a team at a disadvantage like we saw last night, thoresen couldn't do a thing out there. the ref's aren't doctors, do we really want them deciding degree of injury?

[the_narrow_way]

Exactly. If a player is down, stop play and get him some help. If the refs deem it was fake, then assess a penalty. Also, review the play after the game and hand out suspensions to the player and fines to the team.

Require a player who was 'injured' to stay off the ice for 2 minutes. Yes, I know even the nastiest looking injuries are somtimes shrugged-off, but why risk the safety of the players?

[PEIBolt]

I don't fault the refs for not blowing the whistle on the Flyers injury. He has my deepest sympathies if it's as bad as Philly is saying. That said, I'm enjoying watching the Caps' run AND the hopeful demise of the Senators.

[Sotnos]

Flyers fans are saying shot blocker Thoresen might lose a testicle (they swear it's not a joke). He looked in alot of pain and had to be helped off the ice.
being reported in some papers that his cup shattered from the shot. :eek:

[CupChamps2004]

I don't fault the refs for not blowing the whistle on the Flyers injury.

I wouldn't if it was the other end of the ice. He was in the area of play. Could have been hurt worse.

[aapbolt]

My sympathies to Thorssen. But really the Refs called nothing against Cooke for cheap shotting Vinny so they it is not surprising they called nothing in this case. Although if he were trying to block the shot that is one thing, but if it was intentional that should have gotten a penalty. There is no real consistency to the calls that are made- look at the Canes- they dive more than anyone, except the Pens maybe, and there are very few if any calls made for diving against them. Once the Refs are fined or suspended for bad calls there will be changes, otherwise forget it.

[astro]

Philadelphia Flyers left wing Patrick Thoresen was released from the hospital Saturday after tests revealed no serious injury from a shot that hit him in the groin area.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AtfP8uYT9oOQGZUiMIkqMZp7vLYF?slug=ap-flyers-thoresen&prov=ap&type=lgns

[jdhebner]

being reported in some papers that his cup shattered from the shot. :eek:

Can you imagine the carnage if he wasn't wearing a cup?

[aapbolt]

I think that depends on whether he is a good soprano or not!!http://boltprospects.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif
;)

[Maverick9911]

Brad's up to his usual playoff tricks :ohwell:

[TexasBolt]

The most shocking thing was that when it was 2-2 going into the third period, it was the Stars who took over the game and put up two goals in less than a minute. Suddenly they're the team in total control of the game, and the Ducks are the team running around and getting out of position and screwing up all over the ice. What a role reversal.

Even better, Dallas kept attacking after the game had been decided, like another team we all know.

[The Great Zo]

Can you imagine the carnage if he wasn't wearing a cup?

http://blogs.phillynews.com/dailynews/eagles/2008/04/thoresen_one_tough_nut.html

"I will not be surprised if he plays tomorrow," Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said. "...He's a tough kid."

This was perhaps the understatement of the century. As the news spread among the players, the jokes started. It is what members of the male species do whenever they gather, especially when it isn't their testicles that are being discussed. Some of what was said was very funny. Virtually none of it was publishable.

[Sotnos]

Can you imagine the carnage if he wasn't wearing a cup?
I liked the title of the link Zo posted - Thoresen: One Tough Nut :bounce:
The most shocking thing was that when it was 2-2 going into the third period, it was the Stars who took over the game and put up two goals in less than a minute. Suddenly they're the team in total control of the game, and the Ducks are the team running around and getting out of position and screwing up all over the ice. What a role reversal.

Even better, Dallas kept attacking after the game had been decided, like another team we all know.
Stars are looking good, scary good. i'm shocked at the ducks, they need to regroup and fast if they want to advance.

[TexasBolt]

The Ducks are so eager to hit someone and get their crowd revved up that they're getting out of position on defense. It's like a basketball team playing a full-court press. As soon as Dallas breaks that press, they get good opportunities at the other end of the ice. Either that or Anaheim takes a penalty and then they get torched on the power play.

[astro]

Sarich crushed Marleau. Marleau is bleeding above his eye (thx Pheanuf) and his nose (thx Cory).

[TexasBolt]

Sharks blow a 3-0 lead and lose to Cal-Gary. They might be in trouble.

[Matt]

Good games tonight. Bruins FINALLY beat the Habs in OT, 11th time is the charm. Devils/Rangers was a pretty exciting game except for the finish where Madden threw it at the net and it banked off a skate. Sharks complete the night with a classic choke job. Up 3-0 less than 4 minutes in..Kipper gets pulled. They let the Flames back in it and the ex Sharks captain Nolan gets the go ahead goal late in the 3rd. Sharks showed zero desperation in the final minutes, highlighted by the Campbell spin-o-rama in his own zone with 30 seconds left and the goalie pulled. I think the Sharks are trying to model themselves after the Sens. Great regular season team that just folds in the playoffs.

[Flycoon]

Ron Wilson may be available.

[astro]

Did anyone see the screening tactic that Avery used on Brodeur? It's funny, yet sad at the same time. This kind of crap should be illegal. Too bad it's the playoffs and someone can't beat the crap out of this guy.

Ec_2oKWe2Gw

[chad]

Yeah, watching yesterday, I was floored by it. There was nothing illegal about it, but just juvenile and pretty stupid. For him to get a goal a few minutes later was probably icing on the cake for the Avery lovers of the world.

[Sotnos]

someone needs to pound that moron.

[the_narrow_way]

I hate that bastard.

Waving your stick around like that is dangerous. There's no legal action that can be accomplished with your stick that high, so it should be stopped by the refs.

[Maverick9911]

Good to see the league jumped on this asap

NEW YORK (AP) -- -- Sean Avery found yet another way to annoy Martin Brodeur, and forced the NHL to change a rule in his honor.

The Hall of Fame resume of the New Jersey Devils goalie doesn't resonate with Avery, the New York Rangers forward, who has turned agitation into an art form. During a 5-on-3 power play in New Jersey's 4-3 overtime playoff victory Sunday night, Avery planted himself in the crease and faceguarded Brodeur.

Holding his stick upward, Avery waved it side to side to block Brodeur's vision in a newfangled method of screening. Brodeur gave him a whack, but that was hardly a deterrent.

"I've played for 15 years in this league. I've been watching games for 33 years. I had never seen that in my life," Brodeur said. "I don't think that kind of behavior should be done in front of the net, but there is no rule for it."

That was true Sunday, but not Monday. The NHL moved quickly to eliminate this activity by making an on-the-fly rule interpretation.

"An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play," Colin Campbell, the NHL director of hockey operations said in a statement.

[chad]

Wow. Good for them. Incredible.

[CTLightning26]

I don't think the league changed the rules. It's unsportsmanlike conduct. Nobody was dopey enough to do it, that's all.
It was good to see Drury skate by him and say to knock it off.

[Hoek]

I figured something like that would fall under unsportsmanlike conduct or some other penalty for dangerous play. I mean technically it IS high sticking and could easily lead to a real high sticking incident with all the traffic you typically get around the crease.

[backstop]

My god, that Sarich hit on Marleau was one of the hardest I've seen in a long, long time. He is responsible for the Flames coming back in that game, the momentum change was PALPABLE, even on TV.

Re: Avery - I love the way he plays (unless he's playing against my team); I'd want him on my team if he wasn't such a problem in the locker room

[TexasBolt]

I love this story from the Canadian Press about the unsportsmanlike conduct rule addition:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-rangers-averysantics&prov=ap&type=lgns

Even Gary Roberts is calling Sean Avery "an idiot." And the only guy quoted with anything really positive to say is, of course, Chris Neil.

[TexasBolt]

And speaking of the Senators, have a nice summer guys!

[The Great Zo]

The Spineless Senators have almost completed the choke-job. It was great to hear the chorus of boos from their classless fans.

Meanwhile, Nashville wins 5-3 against Detroit, in a game they were losing 2-3 in late in the third period. After two goals in nine seconds (!!!) the tables were turned.

I think that's Peckham doing the call on Versus for COL/MIN tonight.

[Matt]

Don't see how the Senators lost when their fans were fired up by this before the game....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi5nCd1ZVrw

[Maverick9911]

:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

[Hoek]

:pound::hysterical::rofl:

[Coldrice]

http://www.moviesoundclips.net/movies1/thegladiator/history.wav

[TexasBolt]

Don't see how the Senators lost when their fans were fired up by this before the game....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi5nCd1ZVrw

Oh

My

God

[Maverick9911]

Carolina's pregame video is pretty fitting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FUxUiMyt70&feature=related

[Sotnos]

Don't see how the Senators lost when their fans were fired up by this before the game....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi5nCd1ZVrw
uh...ok :confused:

thankfully it didn't work, so we probably never have to see that again.

[timothy]

Don't see how the Senators lost when their fans were fired up by this before the game....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi5nCd1ZVrw

Weren't these same Canadians all up in arms when the TBL had Hulk Hogan give the "Let's play hockey" shout?

[bassassin]

Rolston scores one short handed and then assists on the overtime winner 3 points in 3 games. Just keeps looking better and better.....

[Flycoon]

Weren't these same Canadians all up in arms when the TBL had Hulk Hogan give the "Let's play hockey" shout?

Makes Hogan and his daughter singing the anthem look classy. I expected the helmet to come off and see the "Ultimate Warrior".

Those hypocritical Cana-goobers crack me up.

[chad]

Rolston scores one short handed and then assists on the overtime winner 3 points in 3 games. Just keeps looking better and better.....

For sure. And in a system where offense was actually encouraged, he could be putting up some great numbers. The problem is, for a guy who's on the other side of 35, and considering the cap is going up by a bunch, you're going to get the Flyers or Rangers or Leafs throwing beaucoup years and dollars at him.

The Wild are hard to watch. Just call them the possums. They play rope-a-dope hockey for 20 minutes, then they try - get a lead - go back to playing 4 goalies at once, and hope for a turnover to capitalize. It's working, though. Always has and it's clearly survived the rule changes partly aimed at eliminating it.

[Puckhead]

Re: Sean Avery's antics:

What a steaming piece of crap that guy is...Interesting, did you notice how one of his teammates (couldn't see the #)came over and SAID something to him during the play???? That's unheard of....wonder if he said "cool it"???????? And, it almost looked like he touched Brodeur with his stick during the shennanigans...League needs to do something about that. If that isn't "goalie interference", then it doesn't mean anything..

[the_narrow_way]

I'm glad the league made a quick move to denounce Avery's actions. It was an easy one as well, as it most certainly is unsportsmanlike.

[CTLightning26]

For sure. And in a system where offense was actually encouraged, he could be putting up some great numbers. The problem is, for a guy who's on the other side of 35, and considering the cap is going up by a bunch, you're going to get the Flyers or Rangers or Leafs throwing beaucoup years and dollars at him.

The Wild are hard to watch. Just call them the possums. They play rope-a-dope hockey for 20 minutes, then they try - get a lead - go back to playing 4 goalies at once, and hope for a turnover to capitalize. It's working, though. Always has and it's clearly survived the rule changes partly aimed at eliminating it.


Yep. Islanders, too.
Vancouver, even Boston will be in the market for a forward and he's from there.

[PEIBolt]

I share the same opinion on Avery as everyone but I give the guy creative marks for what was clearly bizarre. I tell you what, though, take out the instigator penalty and he isn't acting like an ass again.
It shouldn't be the NHL stepping in, it should have been a Devil but Bettman's NHL wants it both ways.....they don't ban fighting but they don't condone it either.

[Puckhead]

I share the same opinion on Avery as everyone but I give the guy creative marks for what was clearly bizarre. I tell you what, though, take out the instigator penalty and he isn't acting like an ass again.
It shouldn't be the NHL stepping in, it should have been a Devil but Bettman's NHL wants it both ways.....they don't ban fighting but they don't condone it either.

And you know what????(BB..:duh:) You are ABSOLUTELY correct sir!!!!!!!!
That crap wouldn't last for one shift in 1966...

[the_narrow_way]

No kidding. Even 15 years ago, Avery would get steam-rolled if he did that crap. Either that, or he'd be running scared on every shift.

[TexasBolt]

And you know what????(BB..:duh:) You are ABSOLUTELY correct sir!!!!!!!!
That crap wouldn't last for one shift in 1966...

Damn straight. Someone would have rabbit-punched him in the back of his helmetless head. And I would have endorsed it.

[CTLightning26]

True.
But again, you can't say that is not unsportsmanlike conduct. It's like taunting. The NHL shouldn't have said anything. They should just penalized him. What are they gonna write in the rule book, "someone who faces the goalie and waves his stick in his eyes and acts like an asshole should be given a two-minute penalty?" Some things don't have to be said. It's unsportsmanlike. I know it. Everyone knows it.
If a Devil belts him, he gets a penalty.

[Sotnos]

What are they gonna write in the rule book, "someone who faces the goalie and waves his stick in his eyes and acts like an asshole should be given a two-minute penalty?"see post #64, that's pretty much what they did. :D

i do agree they probably could have just called it unsportsmanlike anyway.

[TexasBolt]

Tonight's quick hits:

- Washington's going to lose their series unless their defense pulls off some kind of miraculous improvement.

- I see order was restored in Dallas. The Ducks were focused and energetic, while the Stars fumbled the puck all night long. If I was there I would have thrown my stupid "blackout" shirt on the ice after the fourth goal. That whole bit was doomed to fail.

- The B's are done.

- That Minnesota team is a bunch of semi-talented punks. I can't wait to see them get knocked out.

- Seriously, Calgary? 10 shots on goal for the entire game? That really late Thornton goal might have saved a lot of jobs in San Jose.

[chad]

Tonight's quick hits:

- Washington's going to lose their series unless their defense pulls off some kind of miraculous improvement.

I saw where TSN referred to WSH as everyone's 2nd favorite team because everyone loves their energy and enthusiasm. I admit, it's catching, but I think this is the case of the media being in love with the flash and prettiness of offense and (once again) not looking at the big picture. Their defense is just not good. And Jurcina providing gifts like he did is not going to help things. Young teams like WSH don't usually win their first go-'round. See TB in 03 and Pitt last year.



- The B's are done.

Yup. And while Carey Price is good (my gosh, this kid's positioning and patient approach to shooters is 10 year vet like. I hope Smith is watching), the Habs trapping the way they do is making it that much harder.


- That Minnesota team is a bunch of semi-talented punks. I can't wait to see them get knocked out.

Agreed. Except for some reason the hockey gods keep rewarding them. I think Lemaire has some polaroids or something to keep getting bounces like he did in OT in Game 3. Boogaard has turned into an Avery-esque sideshow. I laughed when he did his temper-tantrum slapshot after the whistle and fell against the boards. Had that been open ice he would have bit it on his face.

That said, Rolston has been impressive. I have no hopes of us landing him, but he's fun to watch.


- Seriously, Calgary? 10 shots on goal for the entire game?

Please, Tex, you know as well as I that you can't take shots on goal when the primary objective is to send and re-send "messages" to the Sharks.

On one of the commercial breaks they came back and showed a huge painting in the Saddledome concourses. It had two Picasso-esque Flames and 2 Oilers and one of the Flames was doing something that resembled a shot against an Oiler goalie, and the other two had the Oiler facing one way, and the Flame knocking him to the ice from behind.

Seems about right.

[Matt]

Please, Tex, you know as well as I that you can't take shots on goal when the primary objective is to send and re-send "messages" to the Sharks.

That seemed to be the Sharks in the first 5 minutes of that game. They had Shelley out with Thornton to start the game and he was staring at Sarich before the faceoff. Then when the game started they were turning the puck over and missing hits in their own zone trying to settle the score from last game. Once Iginla scored and they realized they could be down 3-1, they picked up their game. I don't think the Sharks dominated as much as the shot totals indicate, but they deserved a win last night. After 10 years in the league, Joe Thornton finally scored a big playoff goal.

[Matt]

Brilliant move by the Sens. Not sure if they've had it up all year, but outside the Pens dressing room is a big picture of last year's handshake. Like the Pens needed any extra motivation to sweep these losers.

[jaydeedub]

Although Alfre has had the Pens number this season, he's wasting his time. Too little too late. Gerber aleady getting a lot of work in the first.

[Sotnos]

who is this moron color guy on CBC talking about "intent" on that rightfully waved off goal? since when does intent matter?! holy homer batman :rolleyes:

[Avery86]

And the Senators have been swept.

Excellent. It feels good.

[TexasBolt]

And Ottawa gets the dreaded "first team knocked out of the playoffs" title for this season. :wave:

I don't think the series is a choke, but considering they won 13 of their first 14 games and ended up getting swept as the #7 seed, the whole season might be one.

[Avery86]

Fitting time as any:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/xdavey0merchx/ottawachoke.jpg

[TexasBolt]

Also seems like a good time to dig up this quote from the old board:

"The hockey gods have spoken and they've declared that Ottawa is not going to win the Stanley Cup, not now, not ever. They are gutless, classless, cowardly, fake-tough, diving and turtling losers that embarrass the good name of Old Time Hockey... No Cup for you, Ottawa. Suck on it." - me, 6/4/07

[jdhebner]

Also seems like a good time to dig up this quote from the old board:

"The hockey gods have spoken and they've declared that Ottawa is not going to win the Stanley Cup, not now, not ever. They are gutless, classless, cowardly, fake-tough, diving and turtling losers that embarrass the good name of Old Time Hockey... No Cup for you, Ottawa. Suck on it." - me, 6/4/07


And in other news, the sun will rise tomorrow and gravity still works.

[Sotnos]

Fitting time as any:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/xdavey0merchx/ottawachoke.jpg
I actually have that on my fridge, classic & never goes out of style. :D

"The hockey gods have spoken and they've declared that Ottawa is not going to win the Stanley Cup, not now, not ever. They are gutless, classless, cowardly, fake-tough, diving and turtling losers that embarrass the good name of Old Time Hockey... No Cup for you, Ottawa. Suck on it." - me, 6/4/07
very nice, and very prophetic, as i think their window of winning in their current configuration might be closing. that team is going to see a LOT of changes this summer, some of them might be pretty painful. despite their record, they were one of the worst teams down the stretch and hadn't been over .500 since november (I think). they weren't really playoff worthy, and it showed.

[Maverick9911]

Michael Farber of SI wrote a column today saying their window is shut and now, at worst, they are the new Tampa Bay.

:smash:

[Sotnos]

Michael Farber of SI wrote a column today saying their window is shut and now, at worst, they are the new Tampa Bay.

difference being that tampa has actually *gasp* WON SOMETHING!

he is right that their best shot was probably in '03, especially with how they got owned in the finals last year.

he's gotta be kidding with this part though:
This was a grand franchise, a team that was as dazzling on many nights as the Penguins are now. But time erodes everything, including once nascent hockey dynasties. :bs:

[Maverick9911]

I laughed at that too. Grand franchise my codlings.

[missK]

Congrats to the Pens, anyone beating the Sens in the playoffs is a good thing! :D

[TexasBolt]

Nashville has made it a series, believe it or not. There's still no way they're actually going to win the thing, but they've tied it up 2-2.

[CupChamps2004]

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/instigator/gfx/2007-08/dishing-the-dirt.jpg

[The Great Zo]

I expect nothing less out of that bonehead Farber.

[CTLightning26]

Well, I like their building, their anthem singer and Wade Redden is a heck of a nice guy.
It's not all bad.

[Matt]

I'll join in on the non-pity party for the Sens. I see Spezza and Heatley's no shows in the finals carried over in to this series. No Pronger/Nidermayer/Pahlsson excuse this time for those two folding like cheap tents. You've got a guy like Alfredsson playing on a MCL sprain and think it might motivate those two, but no Spezza looked just as soft as he did in the first two games and turned the puck over on the game winner with a blind backhand pass to no one. Only thing that would have made this epic collapse better would have been the Canes not choking away the division and Ottawa missing the playoffs completely. Probably would have been better for the league if they let another team in that wouldn't have laid down like dogs. Such a waste of talent there over the last 7-8 years to not win anything. Glad our guys got the job done when they had their chance instead of wasting it like Ottawa has.

[chad]

Brilliant. From the pic outside the lockeroom to the bird's reappearance to Tex's quote (I think I used that as a sig over there for a while).

5 goals. Way to go Ottawa. Colorado had that through a period and a half the other night.

Detroit should be thanking the refs/review booth otherwise they could be down 3-1 at this point.

And I'd like to think if the Devils bow out in 5 that they'd change their style to a more "non-boring" one, but that ain't happening.

[RSchmitz]

Washington vs Philly is a great series, its amazing just how dirty the Flyers are and they are getting away with it.

[Puckhead]

FLames, FLyers....its all the same...

Penalty on Kozlov was brutal...Hassesnfraz is a has been....

I'm rooting for the Caps to pull it out...

[Maverick9911]

Crap

[jaydeedub]

Crap

= Crapitals!

What was the Vaclav Pro$pal deal again? If they get how far it turns into a 2nd rd pick? Crap was that even in this draft?

[Maverick9911]

2009 I think.

Christ, these refs in the SJ-Flamers game are killing me. Going for Shark heads is ok but breathing too hard on Owen Nolan gets you straight to the box.

[Evan]

= Crapitals!

What was the Vaclav Pro$pal deal again? If they get how far it turns into a 2nd rd pick? Crap was that even in this draft?

I believe the flyers need to win 5 more games (reach the eastern conference finals). Hopefully they will not have to play the pens.

[The Great Zo]

Carey Price (the so-called savior) was AWFUL tonight. Grahame-bad! I don't hold much realism for the B's putting another two wins together, but I can sure hope for it...

Edit: Price was bad, but the Ruutu goal last night that won the Pittsburgh game was even worse.

[TexasBolt]

Nice to see Colorado get one step away from putting us all out of our Wild-induced misery.

San Jose can't make anything easy on themselves, can they?

As Emmitt Smith would say, Carey Price got "debacled" tonight.

Great defense by Washington on the Knuble game-winner in the second overtime. All five Caps were on the opposite side of the ice while Knuble was able to collect the puck, take his time, and scoop it into the net over Huet's shoulder.

I figured someone would have a 3-1 lead after four games of the Ducks-Stars series. But I'm shocked that it's Dallas. I have tickets to Game 6 that I hope I don't get to use.

[Sotnos]

osgood in net tonight (http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=234598&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl) for wings

[Maverick9911]

Radek Bonk lives

[astro]

Rangers knock out the Devils.

Did anyone see the first goal by the Devils? During the celebration, there was a guy smacking the glass and doing this :thefinger: except he wasn't smiling.

Brodeur didn't shake Avery's hand. Thought that was funny. I should be surprised that anyone shakes his hand.

[Jester47]

Nice to see Colorado get one step away from putting us all out of our Wild-induced misery.



Yeah, but it's making Jester a grumpy zombie in the work place. Co-workers are bringing me coffee!!!

[TexasBolt]

God I want a Red Wings-Avs round two matchup. I think Colorado can take the Wings down.

[chad]

Devils are gone, hopefully the Wild are next. Get the trappers out.

[CTLightning26]

Avery is such a jackass.
Anybody see his interview on MSG afterward.
He called Brodeur "fat boy"
I have no problem with Brodeur not shaking Avery's hand. None at all.
Brodeur has more class in his pinky than Avery would have in five of his bodies.

[jaydeedub]

Brodeur 3 Cups
Avery 0 Cups

All Avery can say is he's been "on" a Stanley Cup team that didn't play him enough so he couldn't get his name on the cup. :pound:
Wish the owners would blackball the puke.

[Sotnos]

Avery is such a jackass.
Anybody see his interview on MSG afterward.
He called Brodeur "fat boy"i just watched it, what an arrogant, useless piece of garbage & embarrassment that man is.

somewhat OT rant: why is it, when dirtbags like avery are brought up, one of their fan boys always says "you'd love him if he was on your team"? um, no, i wouldn't. i don't want guys who act like him or talk like him on my team, thanks. (been there, done that, thanks to darcy tucker) i'd get rid of the instigator rule in a second if it'd rid the league of assclowns like avery.

really crappy quality video if anyone's interested
ffFER0l_FuQ

[CTLightning26]

i just watched it, what an arrogant, useless piece of garbage & embarrassment that man is.

somewhat OT rant: why is it, when dirtbags like avery are brought up, one of their fan boys always says "you'd love him if he was on your team"? um, no, i wouldn't. i don't want guys who act like him or talk like him on my team, thanks. (been there, done that, thanks to darcy tucker) i'd get rid of the instigator rule in a second if it'd rid the league of assclowns like avery.



Couldn't have said it any better Sotnos.
Pierre McGuire said just that (love to have him on your team) in his between-periods with Milbury. For once, I loved Milbury: "he's a jerk," he said about Avery. Then he ripped into McGuire. LOL.

[Puckhead]

Anybody see Bruins third/tying goal??? Ward takes a WRIST shot TOWARD THE GOAL with his guy facing him...Lucic TIPS it and it bounces past Price. Note to all power plays (including the Lightning)::a puck on or toward the net is better than a slapper or a 60' cross ice "one timer".. better...WAY better..

[Matt]

What a 3rd period. 2 goals in 11 seconds at one point. 3 tying goals. Game 7 Monday night. Bruins could be getting revenge for 04.

[Sotnos]

What a 3rd period.that was totally amazing, what a game! i'm really thinking the bruins can pull this out now.

[aapbolt]

that was a fun 3rd period to watch, the Bruins really played with a lot of emotion and did not let up even after the Habs tied it back up. Should be a very good game on monday night. I hope our guys are watching and learn a lesson from watching the playoffs at home.

[Hoek]

What an epic game, and yeah the 04 series was on my mind the whole time. It'll be incredible if they finish off turning the tables in game 7.. Wow..

[TexasBolt]

I think that's going to end up being the best game of the playoffs when it's all over. What an exciting third period.

Minnesota's out, thank God.

[chad]

Minnesota looked totally out of their element, and Lemaire looked like a johnny-come-lately trying to figure out how to adjust his system to the playoffs.

Re: Boston-MTL...

That was fun to watch. Roman Hamrlik will no doubt be taking heat for getting knocked off the puck by Sturm, then losing Sturm again on the GWG. He was awful on that play, then watched from his knees as Sturm scored.

Boston doing this without Bergeron is impressive.

Let's Go Sharks. Get the Flames out now so I can enjoy the playoffs.

[Sotnos]

Boston doing this without Bergeron is impressive.indeed. they are impressive all around, and even getting this far is probably the surprise of the playoffs. kessel has been great, maybe getting benched lit a fire under his posterior.

i haven't been interested in my "childhood" team in years, but they're getting me to care just a slight bit now. :D

[Puckhead]

indeed. they are impressive all around, and even getting this far is probably the surprise of the playoffs. kessel has been great, maybe getting benched lit a fire under his posterior.

i haven't been interested in my "childhood" team in years, but they're getting me to care just a slight bit now. :D

I'd like to see them play for the Cup...There's alot to like about that team.

And of course, as we all know, "Flyers Suck!!!!"

[CTLightning26]

I'd like to see them play for the Cup...There's alot to like about that team. !!"

Oh Come on, don't go that far. :duh:
As someone who hates the Bruins uniform and everything about that organization, i have to give them credit. They are a gritty team and give the coach credit for that, changing the "culture".
Sturm just schooled Hamrlik on that play and Gorges was nowhere. That was about as bad as I've ever seen. The Habs have very little heart when they are confronted physically and their defense isn't very good when teams come at them more aggressively.
Ward might be a good veteran d man for the Lightning to get next year if he is not too expensive and he probably will be.

[Sotnos]

is the sharks/flames game on tonight anywhere? it's not on CI that I can see, and it's not on Vs

[CTLightning26]

is the sharks/flames game on tonight anywhere? it's not on CI that I can see, and it's not on Vs

Shows up for me on Channel 770 on Directv. - 8 p.m.

[Puckhead]

Aw c'mon CT, you know you hate the Habs as much as most of us...As you said, you echo'd my sentinments...There IS a lot to admire and like about the bears...even though you live in CT..:noidea:

[CupChamps2004]

is the sharks/flames game on tonight anywhere? it's not on CI that I can see, and it's not on Vs

CI Ch. 541 on BrightHouse.

[Sotnos]

CI Ch. 541 on BrightHouse.
thx, it was just the schedule that was wrong

[Maverick9911]

http://www.nesplayer.com/features/8bitartist/Duck_Hunt_Dog_by_8_bit_Painter2.jpg
Another defending champ ousted early

[Matt]

The Stars simply wanted it more than the Ducks. Anaheim clearly wasn't the same team as they were last year. Their PK looked like swiss cheese and they weren't outworked like this last year. Looked like they thought they could just flip the switch on and they got a rude awakening in the first two games. Good for Turco to silence some of his critics. In his last 7 playoff wins, he's given up 4 goals. That's nuts.

Anaheim's lifelessness was only outdone by the Sharks tonight. Wow, did they look awful. They seemed content with taking the series back to San Jose for a game 7. I don't think the Sharks have that killer instinct to put teams away, it happened in 06 against Edmonton when they were up 2-0, last year against Detroit when they had a chance to go up 3-1, and could happen this year. I think they win game 7, but I'm not sure if they have what it takes to win it all.

[TexasBolt]

The Stars simply wanted it more than the Ducks. Anaheim clearly wasn't the same team as they were last year. Their PK looked like swiss cheese and they weren't outworked like this last year.

It took the Ducks until Game 4 to start pressuring the Stars on the edges when they were killing penalties. They let in 8 PPG in those first three games, and they were especially lethal in Anaheim.

But man, did they want it more. Stephane Robidas got pounded like a crash test dummy in this series, he's out there tonight wearing a full cage facemask after taking a puck in the face on Friday, and then he pops up to score the tying goal and get the primary assist on the winning goal.

The crowd wanted it too. Even the corporate types in the 100 level were standing for the entire third period. The noise after the Eriksson goal, I've never heard that building anywhere near that loud. It was deafening.

Looked like they thought they could just flip the switch on and they got a rude awakening in the first two games. Good for Turco to silence some of his critics. In his last 7 playoff wins, he's given up 4 goals. That's nuts.


Yeah, other than the Perry goal tonight, the only time he looked shaky was when there were some of those ridiculous bounces off the struts holding up the glass in Anaheim. But he had a lot of help, too. It's not like he had to make 50 saves a night like Dan Ellis. The defense, even with three rookies back there, was fantastic.

[Avery86]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/xdavey0merchx/imagesnotoncebuttwice.gif

[CTLightning26]

Aw c'mon CT, you know you hate the Habs as much as most of us...As you said, you echo'd my sentinments...There IS a lot to admire and like about the bears...even though you live in CT..:noidea:


I'm rooting for Chris Higgins.
LOL
Can't root for the Bruins. NEVER!!!!!!!
I guess this is good. The Bruins fans can think they may win and be VERY disappointed. LOL

[timothy]

C'mon guys... cut CT some slack... :)

Could you ever root for the Panthers if they made the playoffs? How can you expect a dyed-in-the-wool Whalers fan to root for the Bruins? Ever.

[DrBolt]

Thank you, thank you Dallas Stars for getting Chris Pronger off my television for the next few months. That means as much to me as getting to see Richy play some more. :happydance:

[TexasBolt]

Thank you, thank you Dallas Stars for getting Chris Pronger off my television for the next few months. That means as much to me as getting to see Richy play some more. :happydance:

Did you like Pronger taking a dumbass, thuggish penalty with 90 seconds to go to single-handedly end the Ducks' chances? The crowd went absolutely crazy when he skated to the penalty box.

[DrBolt]

Did you like Pronger taking a dumbass, thuggish penalty with 90 seconds to go to single-handedly end the Ducks' chances? The crowd went absolutely crazy when he skated to the penalty box.

Worked for me. :D
Dallas's successful Duck hunting now ends (till next season at least) the adoring comments from his media fanboys about how big and strong he is.

Oh, and of course an added bonus is getting Bertuzzi of the telly as well.

If only we could get Avery off our screens as the playoffs continue . . .

[Jester47]

Does it bug anyone else that the hated Flames have 4 ex-lightning players on their roster (Daymond Langkow, Wayne Primeau, Adrian Aucoin, and Cory Sarich).

Wow it's like Tampa North!!!!!

[chad]

Everything about the Flames bugs me.

[Matt]

It took the Ducks until Game 4 to start pressuring the Stars on the edges when they were killing penalties. They let in 8 PPG in those first three games, and they were especially lethal in Anaheim.


It's something I noticed in game 5 and the VS. announcers commented on last night in the middle of the game. Then for some reason to start the 3rd, they backed off unlike earlier in the game. It wasn't the pass through the box to a guy in the slot like earlier in the series, but once against Dallas converted. It wasn't a Detroit/Nashville talent gap, but you'd think after 8 meetings the Ducks would have had a better idea how to contain it...they looked lost in the first 3 games.

And yeah, you need to tell those guys in the 100 level to sit down. Anytime the puck was on the side of the penalty boxes, I couldn't tell what was going on.

[Puckhead]

C'mon guys... cut CT some slack... :)

Could you ever root for the Panthers if they made the playoffs? How can you expect a dyed-in-the-wool Whalers fan to root for the Bruins? Ever.

I ain't cuttin him nothin...Whalers--Shmailers...:melodramatic:

I'm actually semi-rooting for the Wings this go round...First time since I moved here in '79. But, I understand....

I'm watching game 7 tonight with a neighbor friend that has a pretty interesting and close connection with the bears...

But, I'll be rooting for Higgins...yes sir...hoping he gets drilled on his second shift...:D

[CTLightning26]

Habs 2-0. Hehehehe. Cry little teddy bears.
:happydance:
Two things about the Bruins.
1) The Whalers, in their lame duck season, outdrew the Bears
2) When Bruins fans came to the Civic Center for Whalers-Bruins games, they were the brainless, vile, smelly and never clean shaven.... And that was just the women.

[missK]

Everything about the Flames bugs me.

Ditto here. HATE THEM!

[TexasBolt]

And yeah, you need to tell those guys in the 100 level to sit down. Anytime the puck was on the side of the penalty boxes, I couldn't tell what was going on.

No. For once they weren't jabbering on their cell phones and typing away on their Blackberries. They were just as loud as the people in the cheap seats. Plus the wife and I were two of those people last night. :D

I do agree they have a bad center-ice camera angle for hockey. But at this point they'd have to rip out some premium club seats to improve them.

[Sotnos]

looks like it may be over for boston, though the habs didn't impress for most of this game. i think the rest of their run will be blissfully short.

[TexasBolt]

Either Philly or the Rangers get the next crack at Montreal.

Ovechkin went off in the third period. Scored the go-ahead goal on a breakaway, then blasted one in on a power play. Flyers choking.

[Sotnos]

I don't know what to think about that series. Caps looked done, but the Flyers have had two chances to put them away and didn't do it. Could go either way, unless the beast that is Ovechkin has been awakened, in which case the Flyers are screwed.

[backstop]

Couldn't be happier that Flyers/Caps went to 7 games. The longer we can string out the season the better. Hooray for more hockey.

[Netminder]

Habs 2-0. Hehehehe. Cry little teddy bears.
:happydance:
Two things about the Bruins.
1) The Whalers, in their lame duck season, outdrew the Bears
2) When Bruins fans came to the Civic Center for Whalers-Bruins games, they were the brainless, vile, smelly and never clean shaven.... And that was just the women.



And yet the Bears are alive and Kicking:doh: What time is the next Whaler Game???:rolleyes::rolleyes::ohmy:

[Avery86]

And yet the Bears are alive and Kicking:doh: What time is the next Whaler Game???:rolleyes::rolleyes::ohmy:

Are you just trying to be rude?

[Matt]

The Habs seemed to win that series on talent alone. Controlled play in games one and seven, but I thought the Bruins outplayed them in the middle five. For probably the least talented team in the playoffs, the Bruins put up quite a fight but didn't have enough offense to get the job done. Price made some big stops in the game especially in the first when it looked like Montreal came out nervous. They have to work harder and get their PP going next round especially if they meet the Rangers.

If there wasn't that provision about the Bolts getting the Flyers 2nd in 09 if they reach the ECF's, I'd be fully on board with cheering on their choke job. AO finally found the back of the net and with the way Backstrom/Semin are playing, that's a scary thought if the Caps advance. Biron is 0 for in the 2nd half of back to backs with a GAA near 5 so I don't like the Flyers chances in DC tomorrow. Although, it seems like the back to backs in the playoffs have been split.

Looking forward to seeing the Flames/Sharks tomorrow just to see which Sharks team shows up. The team that was red hot down the stretch or the Ottawa Sens of the west that folds when the going gets tough. It helps they are in their own rink tomorrow night so they might be fueled by the hometown crowd. I wouldn't be surprised to see Wilson canned if they choke this one away.

[Sotnos]

Montreal is so hard core, they riot after a round 1 win!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=235439&lid=sublink08&lpos=topRelated_main

[CTLightning26]

And yet the Bears are alive and Kicking:doh: What time is the next Whaler Game???:rolleyes::rolleyes::ohmy:


They are alive. They are in Raleigh thanks to our jailed governor and Peter Karmanos.
i don't think the bruins have won a playoff round since the whalers left the area.

[CTLightning26]

Geez, Michael Ryder enjoyed the popcorn most the series, didn't he?
I don't think he had any points, but Higgins was everywhere.

[Flycoon]

Montreal is so hard core, they riot after a round 1 win!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=235439&lid=sublink08&lpos=topRelated_main

Hard core morons.......

[chad]

Geez, Habs fans. It was ONE round, and it took you seven games against a team playing Glen Freaking Metropolit in a scoring line role.

[the_narrow_way]

I thought it was classless working on putting in goal #5. BOS was defeated, and you're going to put another one on the board? Booo.

[TexasBolt]

Hard core morons.......

Those idiots might burn down the whole province if they win the Cup.

Or maybe they realized they're not playing well enough to beat either Philly or the Rangers and decided to get their riot on while they still had a good excuse.

[Mark]

Geez, Habs fans. It was ONE round, and it took you seven games against a team playing Glen Freaking Metropolit in a scoring line role.

The Bruins gave em a run but the Habs were the better team. Many here are not sold on Thomas as a No. 1 goalie. Count me in that group. Scoob in Springy.

[kid A]

I thought it was classless working on putting in goal #5. BOS was defeated, and you're going to put another one on the board? Booo.

ok, so someone else picked up on this as well. There were like less than 10 seconds left too, no? Just skate in circles and rag the puck. I made the same comment to my buddy while watching the game. No need to rub their noses in it, 4-0 is a pretty commanding score. Preserving the SO shoulda been the only thing on their minds.

[the_narrow_way]

Yeah, it was right at the end. BOS hadn't even been trying for the past few minutes of play to put one in. It was very disrepectful.

Side note: How nice was it to see Chara get sent to the links early again?

[timothy]

Side note: How nice was it to see Chara get sent to the links early again?

You mean the Norris finalist, Zdeno Chara?

[Hoek]

Meh.. classless? disrespectful? If it mattered that much to the Bruins not to give up a 5th goal then maybe they should have played like it and showed some pride in losing. Why should it be the other team's priority not to embarass them? Maybe it was pushing it a bit, but it's not the most egregious thing that could have happened as far as class goes.

[CTLightning26]

Meh.. classless? disrespectful? If it mattered that much to the Bruins not to give up a 5th goal then maybe they should have played like it and showed some pride in losing. Why should it be the other team's priority not to embarass them? Maybe it was pushing it a bit, but it's not the most egregious thing that could have happened as far as class goes.

I agree totally. Sorry Bruins, play D.
I could see if it was 9-0 and they were gun-ho to get the 10th. But 4-0 to 5-0 is nothing. They were just putting on a show for the fans. why not?

[Sotnos]

Flyers advance. I KNEW if I left mom's I'd miss the end. :duh:

[The Great Zo]

Flames go down 4-2 to the Sharks in the second period. Keenan yanks Kipper, and Joseph proceeds to give up a goal on one of the next shots to make it 5-2. Another brilliant and classy move from that pillar of intelligence, Mike Keenan.

[Maverick9911]

Jeremy Roenick is playing like it is 1993.

[Sotnos]

Jeremy Roenick is playing like it is 1993.
4 points for him so far, crazy

[Maverick9911]

Might just be me but it seems Flames fans on the road are always the same...pasty middle aged white men with cowboy hats and prissy lite beer. I bet they have manicures too.

Just sayin...

Oh hey, its Jarome being Jarome, whining to the officials!

[TexasBolt]

Might just be me but it seems Flames fans on the road are always the same...pasty middle aged white men with cowboy hats and prissy lite beer.

Some of them are also publically flatulent. Yes I'm talking to you, guys who sat directly in front of me and my buddies at Game 5 of the 2004 finals.

By the way, as much as I hated to see the Caps get beat... their defense finally sealed their fate by taking a lazy penalty in overtime (plus a carbon copy of that penalty that wasn't called) and then getting badly out of position in front of their own net. They have to try and fix that this summer.

[jdhebner]

Flames gone. Check

Senators gone. Check

Life is okay.

[TexasBolt]

The better team won every single series with the possible exception of Dallas beating Anaheim. It's good all around for the league - the matchups are good, all the deadwood TV markets are gone, and NBC can milk the Pens-Rangers series for all it's worth.

[the_narrow_way]

You mean the Norris finalist, Zdeno Chara?
Yes, I do. Don't like him, never did. He's been stuck on either non-playoff teams, or a perrenial playoff choker.

Re: WSH/PHI
What the hell was with the non-call that led to PHI's 2nd goal? Thorensen shoved the WSH player hard into Huet, and then PHI scored while Huet was sprawled out recovering. WTF. Classic goalie interference. At the least, the goal should not have counted.

[timothy]

Yes, I do. Don't like him, never did. He's been stuck on either non-playoff teams, or a perrenial playoff choker.

I should embellished my comment with one or more smilies as my reference to Chara being a Norris finalist was tongue-in-cheek. I mean, c'mon, he's deserving of being considered for the Norris this season??? Goofy.

[the_narrow_way]

Ah, gotcha. No-harm no-foul either way.

[Matt]

I mean, c'mon, he's deserving of being considered for the Norris this season??? Goofy.

I don't like Chara either, but watching some Bruin games this year on Center Ice he's a worthy candidate for the Norris. Put up some pretty good offensive stats and was a physical force for an otherwise mediocre blueline. He won't and shouldn't get it over Lidstrom, but he's deserving of being top 3 from what I saw from him this year. You want to see goofy? Check out EE's latest blog and see who he had #4 and #5 on his Norris list.

[chad]

Flames gone. Check

Senators gone. Check

Life is okay.

My thoughts exactly.

Well done Flames. In yet another big game, you fail to show up until you're down by multiple goals and the SOG chart has you so far behind you'd have to play 3 games to catch up.

I'm sure Jarome's goal off his knee will keep them waving, but can we please put away the Iginla is the next great Canadian hero pom-poms now?

Phaneuf, for a tough as he's billed, spends a lot of time looking lost in his own zone.