NHL Playoffs!

[JimK]

Me thinks the Devils are back in it?

 

[kserg]

Series is tied 2-2. Looks like this series will be the most interesting of the four. Meanwhile, the Devils are leading 3-0 in game 4 vs. the Canes.

As long as they can win home games they are ok... they played like crap though... all 4 games sharks looked like a diffrent team... 1st two Oilers were just worse of the 2.

 

[Jazzin']

Me thinks the Devils are back in it?

When the Canes had to switch back to Gerber, a turning point was established. Devils in 7!

 

[teedub]

If the 'Canes start Ward for the next game, I think they will win it.

Gerber played well for the time he was in, but I think Ward may have won the starting spot for now.

Moose Update: Lost tonight, down 3-2 in the series, got to win the next two in Grand Rapids (#1 team in the league this year).

 

[heroincredible]

Its easier to win one than it is to win four(or three since Devils won today). The Devils aren't as back in it as some may think. I think they will go with Ward tomorrow, but if they go with Gerber I think they'll still get the job done.

And great game yesterday(Oilers/Sharks). I'm hoping this goes to 7.

 

[kserg]

And great game yesterday(Oilers/Sharks). I'm hoping this goes to 7.

It's ok….

I am actually kind of somewhat disgusted with the way Oilers are playing... It's somewhat dirty (goalie interference, attempts to injure other players, twice) but most important they complain and B*tch a lot. The game 3 when sharks had 5 minute power play comes to mind with throwing of the helmet on the ice and then refs calling a penalty on sharks because they think that they missed something big because surely the player would not be so angry if they didn’t. That is not how hockey should be played.

It’s not an excuse, I think sharks played like crap past 2 games but I think Oilers are about to cross the line big times. I mean how can you get angry when you get called for checking a guy in the back of the head face into boards.

 

[JimK]

Buffalo is still looking very, very strong.

 

[teedub]

Buffalo is scary. Thought Ottawa had many chances to win that game, and probably should have, Buffalo was the far superior team in the series. I'm glad they won, they deserved it.

 

[heroincredible]

It's ok….

I am actually kind of somewhat disgusted with the way Oilers are playing... It's somewhat dirty (goalie interference, attempts to injure other players, twice) but most important they complain and B*tch a lot. The game 3 when sharks had 5 minute power play comes to mind with throwing of the helmet on the ice and then refs calling a penalty on sharks because they think that they missed something big because surely the player would not be so angry if they didn’t. That is not how hockey should be played.

It’s not an excuse, I think sharks played like crap past 2 games but I think Oilers are about to cross the line big times. I mean how can you get angry when you get called for checking a guy in the back of the head face into boards.

Every team does that. I don't remember which Shark did it, but I'm sure it was in the third tonight when they took a run at Stoll along the boards. I'm the first one to critique a ref(one year I actually got awarded a That Ref Sucks Award from my hockey team), but they can't catch everything. As fans every hit against your team is deemed a penalty, whereas the penalties you get are completely undeserved. I used to do it a lot. Now I just accept it.

And whats up with booing the Canadian anthem? **** that. All I hope is that the Edmontonians don't boo your anthem, its pathetic(not the anthem, booing the anthem is).

 

[nateo]

Buffalo is scary. Thought Ottawa had many chances to win that game, and probably should have, Buffalo was the far superior team in the series. I'm glad they won, they deserved it.

It might just be my bias, but I do take exception to that statement. No doubt the teams were incredibly evenly matched (every game decided by one point and three of them in overtime) but I think it all came down to team defence. Ottawa has much more individual talent (not just defence but across the board, I'd say) but Buffalo had the better goalie and their team defense was incredible. Every time Ottawa was in the Buffalo end there would be four Buffalo players (not counting the goalie) standing in front of the net. In game 2 alone the players blocked 19 shots on top of the 44 that Miller stopped. By the end of the series their blocked shot total was well over 70. If you make a decision as a team to never let the puck near your goalie you're bound to have good things happen.

I think in the end it was a battle of game plans and theirs just barely managed to win out. A few lucky bounces early in the series and we could have seen a very different outcome. Buffalo doesn't take well to getting whipped and I still say one good thumping at the hands of the Sens and they'd lay down and die. On the other hand, their dedication to the game plan was remarkable and there's no doubt in my mind that they earned the series win.

Now it's time for me to focus my attention on my first love, the CFL.

-Nate

 

[teedub]

It might just be my bias, but I do take exception to that statement.

FTR, I picked Ottawa to win the Cup. It saddened me to watch it happen (again), but Ottawa just seems to panic and make silly mistakes at exactly the wrong times. They were VERY evenly matched going in, but it's all about adapting to adversity, and Ottawa just expected to win. You can't do that, and Buffalo exploited their complacent tendencies. Goaltending and defence win Cups. That's just a proven fact. You hit the nail on the head in the latter part of your post, and I know it sucks to hear it, but Buffalo just outplayed the Sens.

I'm also sorry to hear about the Renegades folding (though probably only temporarily), I can't imagine losing a team twice.

 

[nateo]

You hit the nail on the head in the latter part of your post, and I know it sucks to hear it, but Buffalo just outplayed the Sens.

I'm also sorry to hear about the Renegades folding (though probably only temporarily), I can't imagine losing a team twice.

No question that Buffalo outplayed the Sens, I just don't think they were inherently (or far) superior. It coulda gone either way, but it didn't. I just hope the calls for the team to be dismantled don't get answered.

As for the 'Gades, I say "meh". I'm actually a transplant from Saskatchewan so I'm a ridiculous Rider fan. After watching this city's reaction to losing the team I have just about no sympathy for them. Everyone and anyone associated with the CFL was blamed for the loss of the team except for the Ottawa fans. It seems to me that if you can make this kind of fuss over losing a mediocre team, then maybe you could buy tickets once in a while too.

On the plus side, I've got a good feeling about the Riders this year. Bombers and Ticats also look like they're going to do some big things. This could be one of the best CFL seasons in a long time.

-Nate

 

[teedub]

I HOPE the Bombers can redeem themselves this year. The fans are truly loyal here, but patience is wearing thin. Stegall needs a ring, he's been too good for this team at times, and could have left anytime. He's stayed through it all and needs to win.

Glad to hear that you're a Green Rider fan, we've got a classic rivalry!

It's too bad that the city wasn't supportive of the Renegades. It was nice to have an Ottawa team back in the fold.

I'll retract my "far superior" statement, and replace it with the "outplayed" statement. The Sens just weren't ready.

Back on-topic:
Any thoughts on the Carolina/Buffalo series? It's gonna be awesome.

 

[robb.]

It might just be my bias, but I do take exception to that statement. No doubt the teams were incredibly evenly matched (every game decided by one point and three of them in overtime) but I think it all came down to team defence. Ottawa has much more individual talent (not just defence but across the board, I'd say) but Buffalo had the better goalie and their team defense was incredible. Every time Ottawa was in the Buffalo end there would be four Buffalo players (not counting the goalie) standing in front of the net. In game 2 alone the players blocked 19 shots on top of the 44 that Miller stopped. By the end of the series their blocked shot total was well over 70. If you make a decision as a team to never let the puck near your goalie you're bound to have good things happen.

I think in the end it was a battle of game plans and theirs just barely managed to win out. A few lucky bounces early in the series and we could have seen a very different outcome. Buffalo doesn't take well to getting whipped and I still say one good thumping at the hands of the Sens and they'd lay down and die. On the other hand, their dedication to the game plan was remarkable and there's no doubt in my mind that they earned the series win.

yeah, i'm a detroit fan. so i know what you're saying about talent, but the thing about playoff hockey is that it rewards effort so much more than talent. witness: pavel datsyuk.

just like the sabres, the oilers are a small market team that no one really expected to do anything. while every game in the series was relatively close, they put out much more effort and worked harder for the wins. losing early is becoming a tradition in detroit just like in ottawa.

i say the wings should try to unload shanahan while they can get something for him.

robb.

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

How many times now has Ottawa finished at or near the top of the regular season standings and fizzled out in the first or second round of the playoffs?

The Outdoor Life Network (it carries NHL games in the US, for those unfamiliar with it) has located a guy whose name actually is Stanley Cup and flew him to New York to do some promos. Apparently his day job is working in a Pittsburgh steel mill.

 

[JimK]

Me thinks the Devils are back in it?

Yee-haw...the Devils are dead!

My reverse-backwards logic worked like a champ.

I respect 'em...but I hate 'em.

 

[Jazzin']

How many times now has Ottawa finished at or near the top of the regular season standings and fizzled out in the first or second round of the playoffs?

The Outdoor Life Network (it carries NHL games in the US, for those unfamiliar with it) has located a guy whose name actually is Stanley Cup and flew him to New York to do some promos. Apparently his day job is working in a Pittsburgh steel mill.

Maybe he should change his name to Vince L. Trophy .

 

[kserg]

Every team does that. I don't remember which Shark did it, but I'm sure it was in the third tonight when they took a run at Stoll along the boards. I'm the first one to critique a ref(one year I actually got awarded a That Ref Sucks Award from my hockey team), but they can't catch everything. As fans every hit against your team is deemed a penalty, whereas the penalties you get are completely undeserved. I used to do it a lot. Now I just accept it.

And whats up with booing the Canadian anthem? **** that. All I hope is that the Edmontonians don't boo your anthem, its pathetic(not the anthem, booing the anthem is).

It was cheechoo elbow after he was ran head first into the boards. Pretty dumb move, but the whole series was refed very badly IMO. I mean it looks like even NHL think so too.

On the fans... It's sickening. I defended the idea that San Jose is not part of teams that should not be in NHL (others being ducks, kings, Atlanta, Florida teams etc). But fans here are starting to prove me otherwise. I think people are right when they say that NHL should only be where hockey is played on large scale.

Reason why San Jose should not have a team just like PNX, LA, FL, Atlanta, or anywhere in the south: Friend of a friend had 2 tickets to sharks, he could not find a single person to go with him. When ever i am in the tank 90% of people around me have no idea about the game and all they cheer for are fights, this is not boxing a$$holes, on several occasions I heard someone ask "what the hell is icing?" and everyone would tell him what it was... and everyone would get it wrong. On several occasions during playoffs I’ve heard people do nothing but talk how much American Football is better for entire 60 minutes. I love the sharks, I just don’t like majority of people who go to those games, sucks.

To answer your question, I am done with sharks because of that incident... I don't think I can no longer be a fan of a team whose fans are so disrespectful. No matter how much I love the team, I’ll cheer for them but never will I go to their games.

The Oilers are getting totally scammed by the reffing in the playoffs. The last thing the NHL wants is a small market Canadian team to get ahead as the ratings, especially in the US of course, tank.

Really? I thought otherwise.

 

[teedub]

On the fans... It's sickening. I defended the idea that San Jose is not part of teams that should not be in NHL (others being ducks, kings, Atlanta, Florida teams etc). But fans here are starting to prove me otherwise. I think people are right when they say that NHL should only be where hockey is played on large scale.

I agree 100%, but there is no money to be made up here. At least not at the scale at which it is operating today. I could get into a huge discussion, but it's just upsetting.

Reason why San Jose should not have a team just like PNX, LA, FL, Atlanta, or anywhere in the south: Friend of a friend had 2 tickets to sharks, he could not find a single person to go with him. When ever i am in the tank 90% of people around me have no idea about the game and all they cheer for are fights, this is not boxing a$$holes, on several occasions I heard someone ask "what the hell is icing?" and everyone would tell him what it was... and everyone would get it wrong. On several occasions during playoffs I’ve heard people do nothing but talk how much American Football is better for entire 60 minutes. I love the sharks, I just don’t like majority of people who go to those games, sucks.

It shouldn't stop you from going, but I'm definitely with you. It's more of a novelty in the Southern states. I know there are true fans at the games, but I know that most are quite ignorant of the rules. Some are eager to learn, and some couldn't be bothered. Maybe try to lend some of your knowledge to those around you, if they're willing to listen. The booing of the anthem isn't anything new, but it is still very sad. I'm sure they'll be a few boos at the Edmonton game, now too. It's just stupid.

To answer your question, I am done with sharks because of that incident... I don't think I can no longer be a fan of a team whose fans are so disrespectful. No matter how much I love the team, I’ll cheer for them but never will I go to their games.

I think you should still attend. It's not the Sharks fault that they're in a city that doesn't fully appreciate or understand the game. They're a great team that surely would benefit from your support, regardless of where they happen to be located. Don't let some (a lot of) stupid fans ruin your love for the team. I run into that at Moose games for crying out loud, and we're a hockey town! There's a girl that doesn't know square-one about the game, I think she may be a little "touched". She screams whatever she wants, usually not pertaining to the play, and yeah it can get really annoying, but it won't keep me from supporting my team.

If they beat Edmonton, you'd better go. From one hockey fan to another, just my .02.

I'm going to go watch the Moose now. Game 6! Must win.

 

[kserg]

I agree 100%, but there is no money to be made up here. At least not at the scale at which it is operating today. I could get into a huge discussion, but it's just upsetting.

It shouldn't stop you from going, but I'm definitely with you. It's more of a novelty in the Southern states. I know there are true fans at the games, but I know that most are quite ignorant of the rules. Some are eager to learn, and some couldn't be bothered. Maybe try to lend some of your knowledge to those around you, if they're willing to listen. The booing of the anthem isn't anything new, but it is still very sad. I'm sure they'll be a few boos at the Edmonton game, now too. It's just stupid.

Of course there are good fans, but when majority people going to game "to see a good fight and someone get @#$! up" It gets hard to enjoy a game. On knowledge, a lot of them don't want to learn, I tried once but all I got back is “that’s stupid, why can’t be like in our sports”.

I still like the sharks but it's getting harder, it was much more enjoyable to go to the games when sharks were loosing because there were less idiots going to the games. Nowdays it's hard for any real fan to get tickets as it gets bought out with in like half of hour and then we all know what happens.

I think you should still attend. It's not the Sharks fault that they're in a city that doesn't fully appreciate or understand the game. They're a great team that surely would benefit from your support, regardless of where they happen to be located. Don't let some (a lot of) stupid fans ruin your love for the team. I run into that at Moose games for crying out loud, and we're a hockey town! There's a girl that doesn't know square-one about the game, I think she may be a little "touched". She screams whatever she wants, usually not pertaining to the play, and yeah it can get really annoying, but it won't keep me from supporting my team.

If they beat Edmonton, you'd better go. From one hockey fan to another, just my .02.

I'm going to go watch the Moose now. Game 6! Must win.

I probably still will support and even go to games, but I just do not like what I see from the fans. It’s becoming less and less enjoyable. Eh playing the game is much more fun anyway.