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NHL PLayoffs 2009
- Thread starter warwick.hoy
- Start date
That's it burk? I was really looking forward to your analysis of the game. Yes, seriously.
Are you just upset about losing? Do you think Detroit got hosed on some calls? The commentators kept talking about Detroit being tired. Do you agree? It sure looked to me like they were gassed after the first period.
-Mike
Detroit guys....I'm not in here trying to irritate anyone or brag about the win. I am totally serious when I say I am looking forward to your analysis. I show up in this thread right after we lose too.
-Mike
-Mike
Comparing him to TO is a fair assessment. When he went to play in Russia, his attitude didn't change and he was still a locker room cancer. The problems with Ottawa were well televised out here. This guy would show up late to practice, sometimes not even show up at all. Wouldn't listen to the coaching staff and would get in to physical altercations with his teammates. IMO none of this is likely to change because the guy has a really short fuse.
And as far as his play on the ice goes, he's a decent goalie. Nothing really special. Honestly if I were to pick between Emery and Biron I would stick with Biron. Emery had one decent year, one good year, and then one abysmal year.
I watched the first 2 periods but couldn't watch the second due to frustration building up so much I could feel veins popping out of my neck.
I have no idea what the problem was with Detroit. They turned the puck over countless times in their own zone, they could barely penetrate the blue line, they couldn't get the puck out of their own zone, and if it weren't for Ozzie's stand up play on several occasions it would have been a big blow out.
Malkin and Crosby looked good together, kind of like a newly wed couple that you know were made for each other, doing all that cute stuff that newly weds do like 2 on 1 breakaways and pinpoint passes to each other. Just kidding about the newly wed part but they really played well together. I think Pittsburgh is placing a lot of pressure on whoever handles the puck while in our own zone. Babcock has to recognize that and realize that their gambling by doing that. If they have 3 people in our zone then there's only 2 between our blue line and theirs. We need to find the open man which is something I did see very much of last night. I'm hoping we can turn this back around back in Detroit. Not that I'm using this as an excuse but I can see where Datsuyk would have come in handy last night.
I have no idea what the problem was with Detroit. They turned the puck over countless times in their own zone, they could barely penetrate the blue line, they couldn't get the puck out of their own zone, and if it weren't for Ozzie's stand up play on several occasions it would have been a big blow out.
Malkin and Crosby looked good together, kind of like a newly wed couple that you know were made for each other, doing all that cute stuff that newly weds do like 2 on 1 breakaways and pinpoint passes to each other. Just kidding about the newly wed part but they really played well together. I think Pittsburgh is placing a lot of pressure on whoever handles the puck while in our own zone. Babcock has to recognize that and realize that their gambling by doing that. If they have 3 people in our zone then there's only 2 between our blue line and theirs. We need to find the open man which is something I did see very much of last night. I'm hoping we can turn this back around back in Detroit. Not that I'm using this as an excuse but I can see where Datsuyk would have come in handy last night.
I only saw the first few minutes of the game due to a band rehearsal (I really didn't want to do it, since I haven't missed a Finals game the Wings played in since '95 but we've got a pretty big gig coming up and we can't afford to take this week off from practice since there's only one more practice night before the gig and we added 7 songs last night). I guess I broke the karma chain, so I'll take the blame for the loss. :scowl:
I'll be checking the highlights and some summaries and getting back to you, but from what I saw from the box score and during the first few minutes, the Wings just didn't show up. Giving up a shorty speaks volumes to the suckiness of the power play last night, imho. No idea about the calls, but tbh the feeling I have is the Wings didn't want this one - maybe they were demoralized about Pavs not playing, no idea.
Mike, sorry I don't have anything for you, and I'm not taking your request as gloating (the guy who I do breakfast duty with who just started rooting for the Pens this week ran his mouth and got a bit of a rude comeback from me. You're the only Pens fan I know that would show a bit of class in this situation, but then again, you're also the only Pens fan I know who actually has a clue about the game
I'm not worried, I called the series in 6 if they're healthy Pens in 7 if they're not, and any Wings fan who was running their mouth about a sweep or winning in 5 was not paying attention or doesn't get the game. These are two very good teams loaded with skill.
To add to cap's analysis - I haven't watched any highlights yet, but what you're saying seems to be spot on. The Wings' outlet passes in game 3 were craptastic, and I assume it was the same way if not worse in this game. Unless the Wings lose a game in the Joe, they win the series. Game 5 is gonna be HUGE. And, from the poison dwarf's perspective, a tied series for the NBC game is going to be more compelling, though I don't think it'll pull many viewers from the NBA finals.
I'll be checking the highlights and some summaries and getting back to you, but from what I saw from the box score and during the first few minutes, the Wings just didn't show up. Giving up a shorty speaks volumes to the suckiness of the power play last night, imho. No idea about the calls, but tbh the feeling I have is the Wings didn't want this one - maybe they were demoralized about Pavs not playing, no idea.
Mike, sorry I don't have anything for you, and I'm not taking your request as gloating (the guy who I do breakfast duty with who just started rooting for the Pens this week ran his mouth and got a bit of a rude comeback from me. You're the only Pens fan I know that would show a bit of class in this situation, but then again, you're also the only Pens fan I know who actually has a clue about the game
I'm not worried, I called the series in 6 if they're healthy Pens in 7 if they're not, and any Wings fan who was running their mouth about a sweep or winning in 5 was not paying attention or doesn't get the game. These are two very good teams loaded with skill.
To add to cap's analysis - I haven't watched any highlights yet, but what you're saying seems to be spot on. The Wings' outlet passes in game 3 were craptastic, and I assume it was the same way if not worse in this game. Unless the Wings lose a game in the Joe, they win the series. Game 5 is gonna be HUGE. And, from the poison dwarf's perspective, a tied series for the NBC game is going to be more compelling, though I don't think it'll pull many viewers from the NBA finals.
capnsandwich said:
Sounds like Hank and Pav when they're on
BTW, is it just me, or has Holmstrom been sucking hard this playoffs?warwick.hoy said:
I saw Emery play quite a bit for the Binghamton Senators. I liked what I saw. Back then he was feisty in a Ron Hextall-like way, and played hungrily. He had one good season for Ottawa, got paid, then seemed to coast worse than Theodore did after winning the Hart. Plus, he was a locker room cancer there big time - big ego, showing late to practice frequently (if he'd show up), not working hard in practice. Fighting teammates. I also heard rumors that he picked up some bad off-ice habits (sniff, sniff). The TO comparison is fair, though I think Razor could kick the crap out of TO in a heartbeat.
Past history is often a fairly reliable indicator, though a change of scenery can do wonders for a player (eg anybody Milbury traded from the Islanders when he was GM). (Hrm, that sounds like a Versus commentator saying absolutely nothing to cover both sides of an issue, just don't call me Brian Engblom
) In Emery's case, I think a year in Russia is a pretty big motivator for him to step it up and play well to stay in the NHL. But, he's got a LOT to overcome. In any case, if the D is doing pylon imitations, it doesn't matter who's between the pipes, you're still screwed. Personally, I'd like to see the Flyers make a run at Josh Harding if he isn't locked up by the Wild. They obviously are planning to go with Backstrom, and afaik, Harding is a RFA with about a 2.5 mil salary from this year.
I watched the first two periods and can concur that the Pens had the energy and sharpness while the Wings had little of either.
I thought the first penalty against the Wings was borderline at best and it did turn into a goal. However, the game was called well the rest of the way, and ultimately, that call had little to do with the outcome of the game.
This series deserves to go 6 or 7 and I'm glad that it will.
I thought the first penalty against the Wings was borderline at best and it did turn into a goal. However, the game was called well the rest of the way, and ultimately, that call had little to do with the outcome of the game.
This series deserves to go 6 or 7 and I'm glad that it will.
I've watched highlights and have the following comments. The Wings looked gassed. Ericsson really seems to have hit the wall hard. Lots of sloppy passing and absolutely pathetic outlet passes are showing mental fatigue as well. I'd like to say it was letdown from not having Pavs, but I think it's more than that. Moving the start up a week is definitely factoring in now. The Pens had way more energy, and seemed to have a lot more desire in this game. They deserved the win.
First Pens goal I've been hearing from what I consider knowledgable people they were offside, but I haven't been able to find a replay that shows it. In any case, it looked like Ozzie lost an edge on the play to leave it open for the wraparound. In any case, I'm inclined to give Malkin credit where it's due.
The shortie broke the Wings back in this one, had their special teams been worth anything (they're 1 for 10 on the PP at this point, plus gave up a shorty), and their PK is pathetic. They're doing a GREAT impersonation of the Columbus Blue Jackets power play. I NEVER thought I'd say this - they're really missing Lilja. Staal made a heck of a play.
Overall, this game could have been MUCH worse if Ozzie doesn't make some great saves.
Crosby - sorry Mike, I gotta take the shot and call a spade a spade here - I've been really trying to give him credit, and you've got to admit that. Heck, I've even drawn parallels with Steve Yzerman, the greatest captain in NHL history, imho, and the standard to which all other captains should be compared. He's been good on the ice for the most part, great effort, though Zetterberg had been mostly dominating him in games 1 through 3. Game 4 he gets on the board. I let go his comment about the "2 hander" he gave Maltby. Then he pulls this. Dive.... you can't spell Crosby without "sob" and "cry". Was there a slash? Yep, no harder than the love tap he gave Maltby then bragged about it after an earlier game in this series. Yep, just give him the Messier leadership award. Such talent and potential, it's a shame he pulls that kind of garbage.:scowl:
First Pens goal I've been hearing from what I consider knowledgable people they were offside, but I haven't been able to find a replay that shows it. In any case, it looked like Ozzie lost an edge on the play to leave it open for the wraparound. In any case, I'm inclined to give Malkin credit where it's due.
The shortie broke the Wings back in this one, had their special teams been worth anything (they're 1 for 10 on the PP at this point, plus gave up a shorty), and their PK is pathetic. They're doing a GREAT impersonation of the Columbus Blue Jackets power play. I NEVER thought I'd say this - they're really missing Lilja. Staal made a heck of a play.
Overall, this game could have been MUCH worse if Ozzie doesn't make some great saves.
Crosby - sorry Mike, I gotta take the shot and call a spade a spade here - I've been really trying to give him credit, and you've got to admit that. Heck, I've even drawn parallels with Steve Yzerman, the greatest captain in NHL history, imho, and the standard to which all other captains should be compared. He's been good on the ice for the most part, great effort, though Zetterberg had been mostly dominating him in games 1 through 3. Game 4 he gets on the board. I let go his comment about the "2 hander" he gave Maltby. Then he pulls this. Dive.... you can't spell Crosby without "sob" and "cry". Was there a slash? Yep, no harder than the love tap he gave Maltby then bragged about it after an earlier game in this series. Yep, just give him the Messier leadership award. Such talent and potential, it's a shame he pulls that kind of garbage.:scowl:
No call either way. I agree if there was a call coincidental minors for the slash and unsportsmanlike conduct (dive).
Sounds like Hank and Pav when they're on
I watched him turn the puck over several times in his own zone. I've seen him make some horrible passes and totally fan on some one timers. It's like he's feeling the fatigue the most. He's not standing his ground very well in front of the net on the PP. He's also making a few mental mistakes which are probably due to fatigue. He's is one of the hardest working guys on that team and we both know that the road to the Cup is harder in the West than in the East. It's more physical and defensive play is a lot tighter.
FWIW...I hate diving and I will call my own team out on it if I catch it. I've seen the argument made that that is; in this instance,...embellish the play to draw the attention of the refs. That sort of embellishment (the head snapping back) is cheap and has no place in the sport. TBH...I'm glad the league instated that policy; unsportsmanlike (dive). I wish they would use it a little more often. Stay on your feet and play some hockey.
There was also a play last season (may have been POs) where Crosby did a little embellishing and went feet first into the boards and injured himself; causing him to miss 3 or 4 games...you'd think he'd learn.
I'm just not watching these games...I smell something fishy in this whole rematch thing...although I can't prove it. I just think it's funny how the officiating has somehow gotten better than the rest of the post season...
On Emery...I looked at the Wiki on him, but it is always good to talk to folks who are informed (It's Wiki for crying out loud). My initial assessment has turn to tentativeness, but I'd like to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. Let's see how this plays out. I think the Flyers organization can get this guys head out of his...despite what the naysayers say.
The rest I'll leave for the NHL Offseason thread.
He's been a warrior in front of the net for about 15 years, and it seems as if the countless uncalled cross checks have finally taken their toll. I hate to see it, but I think he needs to retire and free up that $2.25 million cap hit (I believe his contract was signed before he was 35 so he'd come off the books) for next year.
I totally agree. Franzen is doing a great job on the PP and is just about as annoying as Holmstrom.
Well said. No place in the game for diving. It should be called every time.
No comment.
I'm just not watching these games...I smell something fishy in this whole rematch thing...although I can't prove it. I just think it's funny how the officiating has somehow gotten better than the rest of the post season...
Again, no comment. We all know how the poison dwarf feels. Read Stan Fischler's blog at www.maxhockey.com/playoffs/Fischler.php from June 3. He used to write for the Hockey News for years as well as in NY. Definitely not a Wings supporter, and I was very surprised at his comments.
I think he could play well for a team in the proper environment, and his rough and tumble edge he showed in Binghamton would fit well in the Flyers crease - if he can keep his head screwed on straight. If they sign him, it should be to a 1 year deal that's incentive laden. I still like the idea of Josh Harding playing for the Flyers.
I won't be on as much in the summer, but I'll look forward to it
Poor choice of words on my part ("officiating some how getting better").
From what I saw at the beginning of the playoffs; keeping in mind that I was only watching the Flyers Pens QFs was the pushing of Biron into the net and the pluck skittering in and goal counting. I can't find the feed...and I'm pretty sure that it was Crosby doing the pushing.
The goalie has to be allowed to make the save...he could not with Crosby draped over him. Toronto reviewed the goal and it erroneously counted. (A mirror image occurred in a late season match up between the Flyers and the Rags...Naslund was the goal scorer)
That was the 1st goal of the series and it pretty much set the tone for the rest of the series that was laden, in my opinion, with poor officiating...to the point that it was too frustrating to watch the games. The Flyers didn't lose to a better team...they lost to the zebras. [/rant on that]
Fast forward to the SC finals and the botched too many men call and tell me that the officiating isn't biased towards the Pens. I venture to say that a Wings/Pens rematch was manufactured by poor officiating.
As far as Fischler's commentary...I've never liked the guy. He has a way with words and sometimes it's very colorful and entertaining. In this case his adjectives for the Wings are rude and disrespectful. He is often times infuriating on the intermission color feeds I see when I'm watching the Flyers play the Devils, the Isles and the Rangers.
