The 2008 Stanley Cup Playoff Thread

[rjny36]

So Detroit goes on to win, and advances to the Stanley Cup Finals against Pittsburgh!

That said, I think Dallas did a heck of a job, and should be very proud of a great season. Morrow looks like he'll be a ferocious leader. Modano is a credit to the game... not just a credit to his team, but the entire sport. And Turco should finally have silenced his critics with the talk that he is a playoff choker. Dave Tippett did his post-game presser with a smile, as he should have. Congrats to the entire Dallas team on a great season!

 

[kserg]

finials will rock! two great teams so far IMO.

 

[MJ5150]

Alright then, off to Detroit we go. For some reason, the Red Wings don't really scare me like the Rangers and Flyers did.

Pens in five!

-Mike

 

[Andrew Jones]

For some reason, the Red Wings don't really scare me like the Rangers and Flyers did.

Denial?


I want the Pens to win........


Detroit in 6. Good games, I think they'll match up well. Pens will blow them out once at home.Maybe floury will steal one.

We'll see what the Pens D is made of, I think thats what the difference maker will be.

I really hope the Pens take one in Detroit so it feels like a series.



Aj

 

[JimK]

Alright then, off to Detroit we go. For some reason, the Red Wings don't really scare me like the Rangers and Flyers did.

Pens in five!

-Mike

Out of the mouth of babes...

BOLD prediction, Mike.

Detroit isn't the President's Cup winner for nuthin. They're stacked with talent & playoff experience.
Good luck.

 

[TheXym]

The Wings showed up to play last night like they should have in game 5. Hank's shortie was a thing of beauty, just like his earlier one in the series. I had to laugh when my wife made the comment "I don't think they'll be calling that one back".

I agree Turco has silenced his critics (except for the clueless ones). He had a great postseason, and deserves kudos. +1 to Modano being a credit to the game - shows what the Predators fans who booed him the night he got his 500th know, but what can you expect from folks who cheer a player like Jordin Tootoo. Morrow also is showing grit as a captain, and should be a force for a while. I was very annoyed that they stripped Modano of the C to give it to Morrow because of my respect for Modano, but Morrow's showing they did it for some good reasons.

As far as the Pens, Fleury will be tested like never before by the Wings. Likewise, their defense will be exposed as a second-tier level corps. Sorry, Hal Gill did NOT become a Norris Trophy candidate level player just by being traded to Pitt. Fleury is capable of stealing a game from Detroit if his blueline helps him, but I've got to give the Wings a big nod in the blueline category. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are comparable to Crosby and Malkin offensively, but far better defensively. IF the wings maintain secondary scoring, it's going to be a very tough time for Pittsburgh.

I've got a feeling that, if things are called evenly, that Fleury will steal a game, and the Pens will win one, though not by a blowout. My serious prediction: Wings in six, assuming no further injuries of significance to either side.

If the Wings show up for every game and have solid secondary scoring, they may win it in five. And, just to tick off the Pens faithful - if the conspiracy theory my wife is throwing out after Game 4's no goal and the Crosby OT goal in the winter classic combine with the mass promotion of Crosby in the NHL promos all year and furthermore mesh with the desire of Commissioner Buttman to produce an "historic game 7" then the Pens will win in 7 with a Crosby OT goal for the ages with Holmstrom in the box for farting in the crease.

Regardless of the outcome, let's hope that: 1) There are no further injuries to either side 2) There's no dirty play, accidental or otherwise 3) That the reffing is fair and consistent and actually accurate 4) That there are all sorts of great highlights to make it a series for the ages that will bring more fans to the sport of hockey and 5) That there is no doubt the better team won.

 

[MJ5150]

Out of the mouth of babes...

BOLD prediction, Mike.

Detroit isn't the President's Cup winner for nuthin. They're stacked with talent & playoff experience.
Good luck.

Yeah, I am sure my prediction is based just a weeeeee bit on my lack of experience watching NHL hockey in recent years.

I have only seen bits and pieces of RW games this season, so that may contribute as to why they don't scare me. I have no doubt they are an excellent team, the best in the league during the regular season for sure. I felt like the Rangers and Flyers had the playoff experience edge on us as well, but we beat them.

But hey, my Pens are flying high right now. Our goalie is on a hot streak, the defense is holding it's own, and our young players are stepping up as the playoffs continue. While they lack years of playoff experience, they also bring to the table the youthful energy and "no fear" approach to the series. This is why I feel we will take the series from the RW. The cup returns to the Burgh!!!

-Mike

 

[marcray]

I would be more afraid of the Wings than the Rangers and Flyers... first off, Flyers were low seeded and put up a great fight, but it was a stretch to see them beat the Canadiens, let alone the Pens in PO's. Rangers series was all about special teams and while Rangers had one of the best PK's they were coming up against a PP in Pitts that was formidable, and the Rangers had absolutely no power play all year, seriously, all year.

That said, officiating will be interesting. RW play a tough game and I'm wondering if they'll let them play. I'm dreading that they call the 1st game tight and then the Wings will try too hard to stay out of the box, meaning they'll be off their game and Pens will be on PP for 60% of the game.

If Wings play their game and dictate the pace, then Wings have this series comfortably. They need to win the 1st game, they need to concentrate less on Malkin and Crosby, and beat up on Staal, Hossa, Sykora, Dupuis. All these guys skate around the action and obtain open ice because guys are worrying too much about the "stars". Hit and harrass these guys and they will retaliate, especially Dupuis, and they'll be off their game and in the box. The Pens offense is powerful and creative, get used to it, but solely concentrating on shutting them down is a mistake. Be responsible, but don't make it your sole game plan relying on their mistakes for offensive chances. Exploit their end, this is where they are weakest.

Don't worry about beating up the Pens D. There tough enough to stand up on hitting, they've also found away to find position and block a lot of shots. So you need to dump softly and get in on them with speed, don't worry about physicality, wings need to gain possession of the puck and catch them out of position, do not let them compose themselves, then take shots from every angle. Fleury is weak, he's also nervous and he's gonna take a dump when he has Z and Dats coming at him. He hasn't faced offense like the Wings yet and once he's rattled the series is over, he is not coming back.

Keep Wings in front of the net. Maltby, Draper, Holmstrom need to do what has been their bread and butter for years while those excellent point guys Lidstrom, Rafalski, Richards take hard low shots. As a Ranger fan I'd kill to have just one of those guys on my team.

That's my plan, LOL... For Pens, I don't know how you beat the Wings, don't see enough of them. Their good.

 

[TheXym]

Marcray, from my perspective, I'm not so much worried about "beating up" the Pens defense. I do think the wings need to finish their hits when they can, but that's just good hockey.They haven't had to contend with depth like the wings have. Lidstrom and Rafalski will handle the "stars", Stuart and Kronwall will get their hits when presented to them. If the Pens try to retaliate, quite a few of the Wings have shown an ability to avoid the brunt of it. The Wings are very familiar with Dupuis from his tenure in Minnesota.

I completely agree that the Pens are weakest in their end, and said as much Your point about the wings being dominant if they're allowed to dictate the pace is dead on - the playoffs thus far have shown that. I also think you've got Fleury pegged perfectly. I saw quite a bit of him when he was playing in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (I live about 30 miles from the arena, and the same distance from the B-Sens arena). I've got a feeling we'll know about the officiating "directives" the first time Crosby skates near Kronwall with his head down.

 

[rjny36]

Personally, I'm in hog heaven with this Cup Finals. I have an affinity for both teams. My father's family is from Pittsburgh, and the very first pro hockey game I ever saw was when my uncle took me to a Pens game, where I got to see Jagr and Lemieux. A good hockey memory, for sure.

I feel the Wings will come out with the victory at the end, but I fully expect to see high-tempo, skilled, possibly high-scoring hockey. There should be some highlight-reel goals from both sides. I half hope the series goes to Game 7, just so we can get the maximum amount of hockey out of this one... though I'm always sort of melancholy when I know the season is about to end... I hate the offseason.

Detroit has some key advantages, and that's why I think they'll win. Here's my take on them.

Home ice: Detroit has started every series at home, where they've had a great record 7-1. Pittsburgh has started every series at home, too, so this already is an adjustment for them. Pitt's only losses have come on the road.

Two-way Play: Zetterberg and Datsyuk are the Wings' best offensive players, but they're co-nominees for the Selke for a reason; they're both extremely responsible on the defensive end. Lidstrom, Rafalski, and Kronwall were among the leaders in scoring by defensemen in both the regular season and in the playoffs.

Experience: Detroit has plenty of leaders on the team that have won multiple cups. They've been there, and they know what it takes to get back there. Osgood was the starting netminder for the '98 Cup win, which a lot of people forget. Pitt is mostly lead by its younger players, who have much less experience, in some cases.

Resilience: Detroit has faced some adversity this post-season. Hasek not playing up to the level and being pulled; Nashville tying up the series after game 4; Dal making a comeback. Pittsburgh has largely waltzed through this post-season. Should Pitt find itself behind in the series by a game or two games, how will they respond?

Coaching: Mike Babcock coached the Anaheim Ducks to the Stanley Cup Finals prior to coming to Detroit. The Ducks did not win that cup, but the experience is still there. Michel Therrien has never coached a team past the 2nd Round of the Playoffs. Clearly he's done an excellent job in Pittsburgh, but it's yet another piece of the puzzle that has no experience with the biggest stage in hockey. Both coaches are up for the Jack Adams this year, I believe.

Defense: Everyone knows about Detroit's offensive ability, but it's rarely mentioned that this team also won the Jennings trophy for best team defense (fewest goals against in the regular season), while finishing up the season 3rd in Goals For. In the Playoffs this year, Pitt is #1 in Goals Against Average (1.86), and Det is #2 (1.94). Pitt is #1 in GFA (3.64) and Det is #2 (3.44). This area is about as closely matched as it gets. Experience counts in the playoffs, though, and it's hard to imagine a blueline backed by Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Chelios and Stuart that fails to live up to its job. Stacked up against Eaton, Gill, Gonchar, Orpik, and Letang, I have to give the nod to Detroit.

It can be said that, clearly, neither Detroit nor Pittsburgh has faced a team like the other so far in the playoffs, but if Detroit can key in on these advantages, I think that the Cup will return to Motown this year.

The biggest x-factor in this series, though, is going to be desire. Who wants it the most? Dallas Drake is playing like a man posessed, as he's played for 16 years in the League and never won a cup (or even been to the Cup Finals). The man's willing to do whatever it takes to get it done this year, back with the team that drafted him in the first place.

 

[MJ5150]

Well, youn'z make some pretty convincing arguments for the Red Wings. There were also some convincing arguments for the Rangers and Flyers, although not as convincing as these are. The Red Wings are a great team, no doubt. This will definitely be a challenge unlike any other so far this season for the Pens.

I will say though that the comments about Fleury being weak is ridiculous. He has performed very well at home and on the road all playoffs. The Flyers came after him just like the Rangers did. He withstood the barrages, and is playing some great hockey right now. I know you don't like the Pens, so I'll take your comments with that in mind.

The Rangers and Flyers both beat up on Staal, Hossa, Sykora, and Dupuis, and look what that got them...nothing. The Flyers shut down Malkin, and they got them the same thing....nothing. Shutting down Sid will also get you a win in the series, and not much else. Keep in mind, these are not "ifs" I am speaking in. My thoughts are based on what has actually happened so far in the 2008 playoffs.

-Mike

 

[TheXym]

There were also some convincing arguments for the Rangers and Flyers, although not as convincing as these are. The Red Wings are a great team, no doubt. This will definitely be a challenge unlike any other so far this season for the Pens.

Well said. The Rangers and Flyers are nowhere near the team the Wings are. Period.

I will say though that the comments about Fleury being weak is ridiculous. He has performed very well at home and on the road all playoffs.

He has performed well, but I've seen a lot of Fleury in the past. We'll see what happens.

The Flyers came after him just like the Rangers did. He withstood the barrages, and is playing some great hockey right now.

Agreed. However, both the Rangers and Flyers were bringing barrages of much lower caliber than the Wings are.

I know you don't like the Pens, so I'll take your comments with that in mind.

Who's this directed towards? I've never said I disliked the Pens. I have a soft spot for the franchise due to my college roommate in the 90's being a diehard fan. The girl I was with in college for a long time also was. Her roomate's family was good friends with Rick Kehoe (veteran Pens fans will understand that), so I got to enjoy quite a few Pens games back then. I said I was hoping for Philly in the finals so I could get tickets for a game, but I never said I disliked them. I think this series has the potential to be one for the ages. As much as I love the Red Wings, I'm a hockey fan first and foremost.

The Rangers and Flyers both beat up on Staal, Hossa, Sykora, and Dupuis, and look what that got them...nothing. The Flyers shut down Malkin, and they got them the same thing....nothing. Shutting down Sid will also get you a win in the series, and not much else.

The wings are a team which can throw punishing hits, but if you look at the games of Lidstrom and Rafalski in particular, they won't be "beating up" Stall, Hossa, Sykora, and Dupuis with hitting, but with their considerable skill. Lidstrom is the best D-man to play the game since Bobby Orr. Sorry Ray Borque fans, but it's true (insert slight nod to little heralded Pens role player Phil Borque, no relation, but a cup winner in the early 90's with the Pens).

Keep in mind, these are not "ifs" I am speaking in. My thoughts are based on what has actually happened so far in the 2008 playoffs.

-Mike

As are mine. I'm looking forward to the discourse throughout the finals. Let's keep it classy

 

[MJ5150]

Who's this directed towards? I've never said I disliked the Pens.

As are mine. I'm looking forward to the discourse throughout the finals. Let's keep it classy

The comment was directed to marcray. He knows his stuff about hockey, and I totally respect him for that. I've already learned a few things from him. I also know he does not like Sid or the Pens. I understand why. I don't like the teams that beat mine either.

Yes, I know who Rick Kehoe is.

I think this discussion will stay classy all the way through. How can it not with two great teams and their fans in the Finals?

-Mike

 

[TheXym]

The comment was directed to marcray. He knows his stuff about hockey, and I totally respect him for that. I've already learned a few things from him. I also know he does not like Sid or the Pens. I understand why. I don't like the teams that beat mine either.

He is knowledgable, so you've got to give him props. As far as not liking a team that beats yours, you've still got to give credit where it's due, otherwise it's a backhanded way of slamming your own team.

Yes, I know who Rick Kehoe is.

Glad to hear it. I'll admit, it was a bandwagon litmus test (I've dealt with far too many bandwagon Wings fans over the years who were way too annoying.)

I think this discussion will stay classy all the way through. How can it not with two great teams and their fans in the Finals?

Well said, indeed. I've just dealt with far too many idiot fans over the years (both of the Wings and the opponents), let's hope that the fans of that variety are posting elsewhere this series.

 

[MJ5150]

Glad to hear it. I'll admit, it was a bandwagon litmus test (I've dealt with far too many bandwagon Wings fans over the years who were way too annoying.)

No problem on the test. I get a little sideways about bandwagon fans also. At the same time, I'll be totally honest here.....I am from the Pittsburgh area, so I like any pro team from my city. I didn't really pay attention to hockey until the late 80's, so I just missed Kehoes playing career. I think he retired in 86 maybe. I know he was our coach back when we weren't all that good. I was real frustrated then because we were getting coaches with names I recognized, but we still stunk.

I always keep an eye on the box scored during the NHL season just to see how my Penguins are doing. I'll watch a small handful of games during the regular season. I know we have been horrible recently, and darn near lost our team. But, I am not a big time hockey fan as you or marcray are. Has the recent Penguins success stoked my interest? It sure has. But I have been a fan for a long time. I have an old school nylon Pen's jersey in black and yellow before they started switching jersey logos around. Not a blue one though.

This is the first time I have actually made an effort to learn the game on the level you guys do. I know the rules, the roles players play on the ice, and the general terms used during the game. I'm hoping to get a broader view of the game and learn more about hockey than just my Penguins. The Senators, Rangers, and Flyers have shown me a few things already. So have you guys. Thanks

-Mike

 

[TheXym]

No problem on the test. I get a little sideways about bandwagon fans also. At the same time, I'll be totally honest here.....I am from the Pittsburgh area, so I like any pro team from my city. I didn't really pay attention to hockey until the late 80's, so I just missed Kehoes playing career. I think he retired in 86 maybe. I know he was our coach back when we weren't all that good. I was real frustrated then because we were getting coaches with names I recognized, but we still stunk.

I always keep an eye on the box scored during the NHL season just to see how my Penguins are doing. I'll watch a small handful of games during the regular season. I know we have been horrible recently, and darn near lost our team. But, I am not a big time hockey fan as you or marcray are. Has the recent Penguins success stoked my interest? It sure has. But I have been a fan for a long time. I have an old school nylon Pen's jersey in black and yellow before they started switching jersey logos around. Not a blue one though.

This is the first time I have actually made an effort to learn the game on the level you guys do. I know the rules, the roles players play on the ice, and the general terms used during the game. I'm hoping to get a broader view of the game and learn more about hockey than just my Penguins. The Senators, Rangers, and Flyers have shown me a few things already. So have you guys. Thanks

-Mike

Glad to be of service. I'm always happy to see a casual fan become a diehard, regardless of the team

 

[rjny36]

Glad to be of service. I'm always happy to see a casual fan become a diehard, regardless of the team

+1! It really is a great sport, and one that doesn't get the recognition it deserves!

As you said, TheXym, you can be both a fan of a team, and a fan of the game. I tend to watch about 120-150 NHL games a year. All 82 Wings games, and however far they get into the playoffs. But once the Playoffs roll around, I try to watch at least a little bit of every series. Heck, I'll even watch the Junior and collegiate levels, and we have an AHL team here, so I see about 10 or 15 of those.

If it's hockey, I'll watch it. Maybe one day you'll get that spark, too, MJ5150.

 

[TheXym]

+1! It really is a great sport, and one that doesn't get the recognition it deserves!

As you said, TheXym, you can be both a fan of a team, and a fan of the game. I tend to watch about 120-150 NHL games a year. All 82 Wings games, and however far they get into the playoffs. But once the Playoffs roll around, I try to watch at least a little bit of every series. Heck, I'll even watch the Junior and collegiate levels, and we have an AHL team here, so I see about 10 or 15 of those.

EXACTLY! The center ice package is a wonderful thing. I also try to watch some of each series. Not much chance for me to see junior hockey or college, but I'm smack in the middle of Scranton and Binghamton so I have the chance to see plenty of AHL hockey. You're not that far from me. Maybe I'll see you at a future upstate NY TB get-together

If it's hockey, I'll watch it. Maybe one day you'll get that spark, too, MJ5150.

The first part of that would be sigworthy if I wasn't too lazy to change mine

 

[Fo' Shizzle]

So Detroit goes on to win, and advances to the Stanley Cup Finals against Pittsburgh!

That said, I think Dallas did a heck of a job, and should be very proud of a great season. Morrow looks like he'll be a ferocious leader. Modano is a credit to the game... not just a credit to his team, but the entire sport. And Turco should finally have silenced his critics with the talk that he is a playoff choker. Dave Tippett did his post-game presser with a smile, as he should have. Congrats to the entire Dallas team on a great season!

I agree....... A wonderful season. I think that this run is a good education for a young team. A lesson that shows how hard it is to win one of these things.

Props to the Wings......... that is a Crazy good hockey team. I look forward to the Finals.

 

[Fo' Shizzle]

Alright then, off to Detroit we go. For some reason, the Red Wings don't really scare me like the Rangers and Flyers did.

Pens in five!

-Mike

They will.......... trust me they will.........

Bettman keeps The Kid in it for a while, but the Wings dominate in 6.

That hurt my heart to type that......