The Official 2012 NHL Stanely Cup Finals Thread

Should be an interesting post-season. But before we get there, we still have that "irrelevant" little game tomorrow between the Flyers & Pens. With the playoffs just around the corner, I hope nobody else gets hurt in the season finale.

I read that Briere is hopeful for the start of the playoffs. Not so with Meszaros. They're still saying at least the second round for him, if they GET to the second round. They're hoping Grossmann might be ready for the first round. Not sure about van Riemsdyk. Sestito won't be available anytime soon. Point is, they can't afford any more injuries.

 

Too early!

Tomorrow night's game is extremely relevant for the Caps. They clinched yesterday, but if they beat the Rangers tomorrow, they can move up to seventh if Ottawa loses or third (!!!) if Florida loses.

 

And if we get the 2 points against the Caps we'll clinch the President's Trophy.

Arguably more at stake for the Caps, but for a Ranger fan, this would be big for us as well. I'm excited for the game tonight. The only question is where I'm going to watch the game

 

Pretty exciting game in Detroit. Winner meets the Preds in the first round.

 

4th year in a row with stars going home early...i know expectations were low this year, but i was hopeful down the stretch-almost pulled it off. Hopefully the new owner will keep the core group and only push for a few additions to bolster defense and PP.

Anyway, this is a playoff thread, and stars do not belong. So, i've decided i'll throw my support behind Phoenix and St Louis. Would love to see a team like phoenix go deep.

 

The Nordique fans have been exceptionally loud in Detroit today. Maybe it's time for Phoenix to become the Quebec City "Coyotes."

 

I'd normally be inclined to agree with you, but our 94 Cup came after getting the President's Trophy, so who knows.

I think I'll just be glad to make it past the first round

 

Thanks to Chicago for doing us a solid and wrapping up home ice for us earlier today. Another good game on the tube now, although neither team is playing for much more than bragging rights.

 

Ottawa sent a clear message by losing out that they'd rather meet the Rangers than the Bruins in round 1. Seems like flawed logic to me. They were 3-1 vs the Rangers and 1-5 vs Boston this year, but the playoff version of the Rangers is going to be a different animal, I suspect. But, who knows?

Actually, I'm just annoyed because I'd rather face Ottawa than the Caps. We've been lined up to face Ottowa since February and on the last day of the season...The Caps have underachieved this year and with Backstrom returning, they will be dangerous. Washington took the season series 3-1. That doesn't concern me too much, as several of those games were during the B's 6-week slump. What concerns me is Ovi and Backstrom sparking their play. We're going to need to bring our A-game: forechecking, finishing every check and the D keeping everything wide with layers of support from the front line.

 

Funny, I just posted something similar in the other NHL thread. Yeah, the Caps have looked good against Boston this year, but even though Boston has underachieved a bit (admittedly, nowhere near as much as the Caps), they're still a ridiculously dangerous team when they're hitting on all cylinders, and as the reigning Stanley Cup champs, I expect that they'll be playing at another level starting next week. I think it's going to be a fun, tough series for both teams.

 

It's always dangerous when two similar threads are open - at least there's consistency!

Despite being 9-2-1 in their last 12, the Bruins haven't really turned in too many great complete game performances since January. One would hope that they have just found their rhythm and are waiting for that wonderful ramp-up that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We'll see. These cup series are just the greatest thing in sports.

 

Not looking good for the Flyers if ESPN's experts are correct. All 8 of them are picking the Pens.

 

Don't forget this is the same Pens team that has physically taken it to the Bruins and Rangers a couple of times this year. Also last year with so many injuries the one true constant for the Pens was Fleury. If he can stay solid while the Pens average 4.5 goals a game they will be in good shape.

That said, I'm certainly not putting any money on the series!

 

Dangit, We were so close.

Still love my Jets anyways.

Pretty indifferent over who wins the cup now.