Some GREAT hockey this week. My Wild blew it in the 3rd and lost in OT last night. Hopefully, they'll come back from that. Those types of losses are deflating.
Red Wings looked pretty darn good for a team with so many good players not playing due to injury .
Pavel Datsyuk's goal was one most players simply wish they were capable of. He didn't even really celebrate. Just back to business. Guy is an elite player, no doubt.
Wings look like the faster team, albeit young/injured.
Local boy Torey Krug plays for Bruins. We have family ties. LOVE his game....
I was hoping all season that the Wings would make it to the playoffs for the 23 year in a row! It wasn't looking good for a while but darned if they didn't pull it off! I'm very proud of em but assumed they would be swept in the first round! Their just full of surprises! Those young kids are playing their hearts out every game! Win or lose, their my heros!
That first Blues/Blackhawks game was a battle and a half. St Louis has had over 6 of their guys out of action at the end of the regular season, they're coming back now for the playoffs hope they can stay healthy as they will need all the horses they can get.
That hit by Seabrook was one of the worst i've seen in several years and i'm glad he was suspended for 3 games, that will give the Blues enough time to knock them out of the playoffs.
If Boston can continue to play like they did yesterday, they can win this one in 5.
The reffing in yesterdays Montreal/Tampa game was atrocious and it cost them (Tamap) a win. I don't think they will win a game without Bishop in the net either.
As a wings fan, I usually root against the Blackhawks, but you can't deny that they are a fun team to watch. Toews, Hossa, Kane.....I don't find the hawks to be overly dirty, they are pretty physical though. That seabrook hit sucked almost as bad as the Wings performance yesterday!!!
How about the Brendan Smith vs Chara "fight"? I got a chuckle out of that, was like man vs boy!!
That hit by Seabrook was one of the worst i've seen in several years and i'm glad he was suspended for 3 games, that will give the Blues enough time to knock them out of the playoffs.
If Boston can continue to play like they did yesterday, they can win this one in 5.
The reffing in yesterdays Montreal/Tampa game was atrocious and it cost them (Tamap) a win. I don't think they will win a game without Bishop in the net either.
Go BRUINS!
That bit was legal as all hell and the only reason he got a penalty was because backus was bleeding. He should have kept his head up. He is one of the biggest cheap shot artist in the league.
I guess we are seeing it differently. To me, his head was clearly down, to look at/play the puck when he got popped. He was kind of leaning back, turning. Seabrook did appear to raise his shoulder a bit, but we all do when we check.
Doesn't matter to me. I'm not a fan of either club. I think Backus is a prick and most of the 'hawks are cheap shot artiists.
I guess we are seeing it differently. To me, his head was clearly down, to look at/play the puck when he got popped. He was kind of leaning back, turning. Seabrook did appear to raise his shoulder a bit, but we all do when we check.
Doesn't matter to me. I'm not a fan of either club. I think Backus is a prick and most of the 'hawks are cheap shot artiists.
I watched the replay about 10 times and you could see that Backes saw Seabrook coming but there was nothing he could do about it. Hopefully we won't be seeing anymore of that in the playoffs.
On that we can agree. Haven't watched much of the Blues play so I have no idea whether Backes is a clean or dirty player but I have seen the Hawls play and they are as dirty as they come. Bad thing about is, Keith will probably win the Norris Trophy just because he plays for the Blackhawks.
Seabrooke lowers his shoulder level 6", hits him sternum first and it s a hit for the ages. He went for his head as most body shots to Backes end up in his favor, he is a beast. I m a Hawks fan, the stupidity of that penalty, and most of their others bother me more.
That said, I m a Flyers fan, to the point of naming my son Robert Clarke *****. Its all good, the only blowout in the playoffs was the Sharks/Kings game, thats ok too as local boy Joe Pavelski should get to the second round. I have, and always will, hate the Rangers.
That bit was legal as all hell and the only reason he got a penalty was because backus was bleeding. He should have kept his head up. He is one of the biggest cheap shot artist in the league.
I'm not really a fan of either team but the principal point of contact was the head, that makes it illegal by the league's rulebook. If that wasn't the case Seabrook wouldn't have been suspended.
I think the St. Louis/Chicago is the most entertaining so far, should be another good game tonight.
I liked how Chicago played last year against Boston, they played the game the right way and didn't fall to the usual Boston dirty play. This year Chicago is playing like idiots, Keith was slashing and not backing it up by dropping the gloves. Backes plays rough too but that was a real cheap shot by Seabrook.
Backes is no choir boy, plays the game hard and in your face BUT does not take possible career ending shots at players. Heck how about the knee into saboka's thigh too? I hope the note sweeps and gets a few extra days off to heal.
Looks like Matt Cooke is back to his old shenanigans. An intentional knee on knee to Tyson Barrie will probably cost him the rest of the playoffs since he's a multi time repeat offender. Good riddance to him.
gutthooked, seems you jumped the gun a little there buddy, Pens are now up 2 games to 1.
Good win by Dallas last night, this series is going to go longer than most people think.
Chicago pulled a win out of their azz last night but they are in trouble against the Blues, hopefully they finish them off in 5 games.
The Montreal Canadiens lead the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-0 in their first-round series, and maybe it could have been different. Maybe Tampa could have won Game 1, in overtime, even though Montreal deserved it. And maybe they should have won Game 3 in Montreal Sunday night.
But in the chaos Montreal was a little better and a little luckier and the Habs won 3-2, and the series is all but over. Though not without controversy.
�I was pissed then, and I�m pissed now,� said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. �But that�s just my opinion.�
Cooper was upset because with four and a half minutes left in the second period of a 1-1 game � a game before which Ginette Reno sang one of the great renditions of �O Canada� you will ever hear, and in which Montreal�s Rene Bourque opened the scoring 11 seconds in while the Bell Centre sounded like a jet engine and the Lightning looked like they couldn�t quite comprehend what was happening to them � Tampa Bay scored.
Except Lightning forward Alex Killorn had hurtled into the net after tripping over an oncoming Carey Price, and while trying to get up Price lunged across the crease and collided with Killorn. Price initiated the contact, but Killorn was in the crease. Price stumbled back across the crease and was beaten by Ryan Callahan, but referee Francis Charron waved it off. Technically the call was correct, but there was room for disagreement.
Montreal scored the next two goals, and Tampa could only get one back, and that is very nearly that.
I haven't heard yet what Cooke got, if anything. It was a cheap shot, but I doubt he gets more than 3 games. He's been pretty clean for 2 years and hasn't been a repeat offender in fines according the news here. That may be his saving grace.
I don't think the wild advance without him so it may have cost them the season anyway.
I haven't heard yet what Cooke got, if anything. It was a cheap shot, but I doubt he gets more than 3 games. He's been pretty clean for 2 years and hasn't been a repeat offender in fines according the news here. That may be his saving grace.
I don't think the wild advance without him so it may have cost them the season anyway.
He has an in person hearing with the league tomorrow. Whatever he gets it's not enough in my opinion. That scumbag has ended too many careers with his cheap shots.
Floory sure took a chit on the ice last night.. Suck it pens!
The Blue Jackets are taking a real fight to cindy crosby and the rest of his team.
Agreed! Fleury's confidence is shaken now and he won't recover, my bet is Vokoun will start in net on Saturday. The Pens will be lucky to make it out of the first round.
That said, I m a Flyers fan, to the point of naming my son Robert Clarke *****
The Broad Street Bullies were the greatest! Clarke, Dupont, Schultz, Barber, Parent, Leach, etc. I like my Red Wings but Clarke and his Bullies are my favorites.
Bergeron is nominated for the Selke again, along with Toews and Kopitar and IMO, I think it's his to win or lose.
His performance last season was the stuff of legends, playing with a punctured lung, broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder in the series against the Hawks.
So far I think the Blues/Hawks series has been the most entertaining and watching the wildcard teams like the Bluejackets and Wild give their opponents all they can handle is making for some great hockey.
7 games seems like a pretty light penalty for his track record.
Well he wasn't even considered a repeat offender anymore. Almost two years has passed since he was in any sort of trouble. Nearly a model citizen with the Wild and a real asset to the team.
His track record got him 7 games, anyone else would have sat for 2 or 3.
So far I think the Blues/Hawks series has been the most entertaining and watching the wildcard teams like the Bluejackets and Wild give their opponents all they can handle is making for some great hockey.
Don't forget the Wild were without both of their star players for about 6 weeks during the regular season. They're up to speed now! Granlund is finding his game, and if Kuemper plays like he did mid season, this will turn into a great series.
Honestly, they've all been good, some just a little better than others. I'm pulling for the Wild and Jackets to win their series along with the Blues to beat Chicago. Dallas and Anaheim is shaping up to be a good one and the Sharks/Kings seris is a forgone conclusion at this point.
If Boston can win tonight, I believe they will wrap this thing up in Beantown. Zetterberg might play tonight, if he does, he better be wearing some protection because the Bruins ground and pound could takes it toll on him.
How bout that kid Nathan McKinnon for the Avs? He has the chance to be great
Yep, you are right about McKinnon but great players are made in the playoffs, only time will tell.
He had 7 points in his first two games with one of them being one of the best goals of the season when he broke the defenders ankles and scored. I'd say he's doing all right seeing as to how he's only 18 years old.
7 games seems like a pretty light penalty for his track record.
Well he wasn't even considered a repeat offender anymore. Almost two years has passed since he was in any sort of trouble. Nearly a model citizen with the Wild and a real asset to the team.
His track record got him 7 games, anyone else would have sat for 2 or 3.
Here's a quote from retired NHL official Kerry Fraser that I pulled off of TSN on Matt Cookes suspension.
Originally Posted by Kerry Fraser
My colleague and friend Bob McKenzie shared the following information with me that should address your questions. A player's record is expunged if he goes 18 months without an infraction but that only applies to the formula for calculating lost wages. If a player has a fine or suspension in last 18 months, he's a repeat offender and the lost wages formula is based on number of games suspended (5/82 for a five game suspension) as opposed to number of days (5/182 for a five game suspension in a 182-day regular season).
But a player's "history" stays with him as a permanent record and the NHL can take into account any or all past transgressions when determining length of a suspension.
History doesn't allow the NHL to suspend a player who, if not for his history, wouldn't be suspended. But once an illegal play has taken place, the NHL can use Matt Cooke's history as part of his sentencing even if his transgressions were years ago.
With as many suspensions as he's had, he will always be considered guilty when he has an infraction like he did the other night, and rightly so.
Av's goalie is fantastic. Like their coach used to be. He's what is keeping the games within reach for the Av's. I needed a drink after last nights final 3 minutes!
Rask is up for the Vezina and watching his performance last night I can see why. Bruins are up 3-1 on the Wings and will hopefully finish them off on Saturday.
The Wild completely dominated...again. They should be winning these games by four goals.
I had the same thought while watching, and I was rooting for the Avs of course. The way the Wild held onto the puck and cycled it, for long stretches it looked like the Avs were playing short-handed.
They've got to figure this out, in a hurry. They also need some bigger bodies to knock the Wild off the puck down low and in the corners.
The Wild completely dominated...again. They should be winning these games by four goals.
I had the same thought while watching, and I was rooting for the Avs of course. The way the Wild held onto the puck and cycled it, for long stretches it looked like the Avs were playing short-handed.
They've got to figure this out, in a hurry. They also need some bigger bodies to knock the Wild off the puck down low and in the corners.
The Avs are a speed-oriented team.
Great in the regular season, historically, not so much in the playoffs.
FWIW, they wasted a few epic goaltending performances. Losing game three 0-1 in OT when your goalie plays like that is criminal.
The Wild completely dominated...again. They should be winning these games by four goals.
I had the same thought while watching, and I was rooting for the Avs of course. The way the Wild held onto the puck and cycled it, for long stretches it looked like the Avs were playing short-handed.
They've got to figure this out, in a hurry. They also need some bigger bodies to knock the Wild off the puck down low and in the corners.
X3! I don't know if I have ever seen a game where the score was so misleading in telling of how bad an ass whipping it really was.
Av's goalie is fantastic. Like their coach used to be. He's what is keeping the games within reach for the Av's. I needed a drink after last nights final 3 minutes!
I just grabbed another beer with about 5 minutes left.....it worked out perfectly.
The Wild completely dominated...again. They should be winning these games by four goals.
I had the same thought while watching, and I was rooting for the Avs of course. The way the Wild held onto the puck and cycled it, for long stretches it looked like the Avs were playing short-handed.
They've got to figure this out, in a hurry. They also need some bigger bodies to knock the Wild off the puck down low and in the corners.
The Av's have plenty of big bodies. I'd give that advantage to the CO. I was worried Keumper was going to let in another "gimmie" from trying to stay awake in the net. What did CO have, 12 shots?
I just hope the Wild can keep up the ruthless, unrelenting pressure. Their best bet seems to be to just keep pouring it on and pressuring the goalie non stop.
What an epic meltdown for the Stars, they had that game in the bag and let it get away from them. Would love to see someone bury Perry into the glass in the next series, arrogant prick.
Next up for the Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens. I like their chances in this series.
What an epic meltdown for the Stars, they had that game in the bag and let it get away from them. Would love to see someone bury Perry into the glass in the next series, arrogant prick.
Next up for the Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens. I like their chances in this series.
Seems like there has been a lot of games this playoffs where a 2 goal lead in the 3rd period wasn't good enough. Damn it's been fun to watch. Made me sick to see the Stars blow it last night
The look on Roy's face was priceless! Good win by the Wild but you've got a big task ahead of you winning game 7 in Colorado. Good luck because I think you're going to need it.
The last 2 minutes of the LA/San Jose game got ugly and there is going to be some bad blood in game 7. This is the first time in my life where I pulled for a team from LA, which is hard to do being from the northeast.
In honor of the hockey fanatics I work with, I made these bottle openers for the Hawks and Montreal nuts. I'm not a huge hockey fan most of the year, but the playoffs sure are fun to watch.
Think you can make one with the wild logo? I'd be interested.
Game 7 between wild/av's could get ugly if one team get a decided lead, or it gets late with a 1 goal lead. I'm pretty excited since the wild have taken it to the av's in 2 of the 3 in CO, but couldn't get it done. It may be time.
In honor of the hockey fanatics I work with, I made these bottle openers for the Hawks and Montreal nuts. I'm not a huge hockey fan most of the year, but the playoffs sure are fun to watch.
Okay you're onto something here. Where do I place my order??
The good with the bad...Wild Win!!, Flyers lose. I could kinda tell those two outcomes were to be expected, but for my boy Pavelski s Sharks to choke out so badly, yetch. Hawks-Wild is another tough one, as was Hawks-Blues as I like both teams, but we are longer time Hawks fans sooo. Kings-Ducks should be a crazy one, but I ll take the Kings I will watch the Eastern Conf games, but I don t much care for any of those teams, save for maybe just a little #4 nostalgia with the Bruins
Since I know nearly zip about hockey, how will the Wild stack up against Chicago?
The Wild won the season series...just sayin'.
Honestly, that means absolutely nothing when it comes to the playoffs. Look what happened to Detroit against Boston, the Red Wings won 3 of 4 against them in the reg season and lost their 1st round playoff series 4-1. As much as I hate to say it, I don't see Minnesota beating Chicago in this one but I will be pulling for them anyways.
What an epic choke job in the Sharks/Kings series, San Jose is up 3 games to none and end up losing it in 7. LA will be dangerous in the playoffs and I believe they are the only team in the west that can beat the Blackhawks.
Game 1 tonight, Bruins vs the Canadiens. Both teams are well rested but I think Montreal will be a bit rusty and Bostons playing like they are on a mission. GO BRUINS!!
Hawks should roll over the Wild...just say'n. Regular season means NOTHING when it comes to the playoffs.
Habs and Bruins should be great to watch. Huge rivalry going back a looong time. I think the goalies will decide this one. If Price is at the top of his game they will take it. Habs in 7!
Since I know nearly zip about hockey, how will the Wild stack up against Chicago?
The Wild won the season series...just sayin'.
Depends a lot on goaltending for the wild.
I know that sounds biased coming from me (look at my name) but, in this instance it is true. If the Wild gets ok goaltending or worse, they are done. With good it is a close series. Great for either team can steal it.
Those are not Bruins fans, those are nothing more than a bunch of idiot sore losers and the Bruins don't need their kind of support. Montreal had game #2 and you could see it in their faces before the 3rd period started. They were laughing and getting in the Bruins faces to let them know it.
The Bruins have been the best 3rd period team in the NHL all season, 2 goal leads are nothing for them to overcome. Next Montreal should try playing 3 full periods of hockey before they start celebrating.
The Wild are done, they will probably win game 3 but I think Chicago finishes them off in game 5 at home. I think LA is the only team in the west that can beat them to get to the finals. It's been an awesome run to the cup so far.
Last year it was Krug lighting it up (and still is), this year Florek and Fraser. The Bruins sure get good use of their farm club boys in the playoffs.
The bruins are an impressive machine, especially when they get down a couple goals and the pressure is on.
I fully expect to see a repeat of last years Cup Finals. Maybe not the same outcome though.
I think the team is just fed up with fluery giving up soft goals. They play with some desire until they get behind. Whoever wins this series wont get by the habs or bruins.
Hawks barely hang on to win at home and now have to go back to Minnesota for game 6, this series is going 7 games. The Wild put up a lot better fight than I expected, Chicago better bring their a game because this could go either way.
Bruins in the drivers seat, if they play their game like they did on Saturday they should wrap this one up tonight. But it's the playoffs and anything can happen.
The Wild are a great TEAM. Chicago has more talent though. MN needs finishers. They could have put their foot on the 'hawks throat and didn't. It was there for the taking last night, that's for sure.
Game 7 in Boston tonight, Bruins will be bringing the pain, hopefully they'll be bringing some scoring along with it. Someone needs to flatten that showboating, [bleep] Subban.
Thought that it would be stretch for the Wild to get past the Blackhawks. At least they gave them a run for the money. Didn't watch the whole thing. More like Fargo, game, Fargo, game, OT, f**k!
The only team that concerned me was Boston and their size. G'bye bruins.
Hawks should go all the way...:D
Kudos to the Wild for a tough series. The BH speed was too much for them.
My thoughts too BUT, I wouldn't go thinking the Hawks are in the finals just yet. The Kings are a very good checking team and play a nasty style ala Bruins. If they get by the Quackers the Hawks will have their hands more than full with the Kings.
I don't see either the Rangers or the Habs beating a west coast team in the finals.
The only team that concerned me was Boston and their size. G'bye bruins.
Hawks should go all the way...:D
Kudos to the Wild for a tough series. The BH speed was too much for them.
My thoughts too BUT, I wouldn't go thinking the Hawks are in the finals just yet. The Kings are a very good checking team and play a nasty style ala Bruins. If they get by the Quackers the Hawks will have their hands more than full with the Kings.
I don't see either the Rangers or the Habs beating a west coast team in the finals.
Yeah, the Kings can bring the pain. I think that they have the best chance at beating the BH of the teams remaining, and it wouldn't be a total shocker if they prevailed. Last years series underscores their talent.
Whatever happens, i'm pulling for the west coast to win the cup. Even if I wanted too, as a diehard Bruins fan, I could never, ever pull for the Canadiens to win the cup.
And believe it or not, i'd rather see the Rangers beat the Habs and go to the finals.
The only team that concerned me was Boston and their size. G'bye bruins.
Hawks should go all the way...:D
Kudos to the Wild for a tough series. The BH speed was too much for them.
The wild are faster than the BH's. Out skated them every game. The BH's have more talent though. I'm not sure the BH's can beat the Habs. They're a hellova good looking club.
Kings are playing some excellent, gritty hockey and this May end up being a better series than the finals. This one is going to get nasty and a suspension or 2 before it is all over with wouldn't surprise me at all. Sorry Frank (broomd) but.................go LA!! Rangers too!!
Are the rangers gonna bring habs back to school I hope so the habs running 3rd string goalie I personally wanted price not cause hurt but because he is there best goalie.
Canadiens defense can't handle the speed of the Rangers, IMO whoever is in net is irrelevant. Rangers finish this one on home ice.
Not really a Ranger fan but I am a big fan of King Henrik and i'd like to see him hoist the cup. Montreal is the last team i'd like to see hoist the cup.
Not really a Ranger fan but I am a big fan of King Henrik and i'd like to see him hoist the cup. Montreal is the last team i'd like to see hoist the cup.
Agreed. If Lundquist keeps playing like he is now the Rangers will be tough to beat.
It's like the Habs put everything they had into beating the Bruins and now have nothing left. With Price out I think they're in big trouble.
Not really a Ranger fan but I am a big fan of King Henrik and i'd like to see him hoist the cup. Montreal is the last team i'd like to see hoist the cup.
Agreed. If Lundquist keeps playing like he is now the Rangers will be tough to beat.
It's like the Habs put everything they had into beating the Bruins and now have nothing left. With Price out I think they're in big trouble.
My thoughts exactly, though the Rangers speed is taking it's toll on them as well. Hopefully Boston is watching this series and can add some speed for next season.
It's like the Habs put everything they had into beating the Bruins and now have nothing left. With Price out I think they're in big trouble.
I agree with that, but the Rangers went 7 games two series in a row didnt they? Plus they started the Penguins series with 3 games in 4 nights and still came out on top.
I'd like to see the Rangers play the blackhawks, but I think the Hawks smoke them if it comes to that. Then again, St Louis and the boys seem to really be on fire...
Not really a Ranger fan but I am a big fan of King Henrik and i'd like to see him hoist the cup. Montreal is the last team i'd like to see hoist the cup.
Agreed. If Lundquist keeps playing like he is now the Rangers will be tough to beat.
It's like the Habs put everything they had into beating the Bruins and now have nothing left. With Price out I think they're in big trouble.
My thoughts exactly, though the Rangers speed is taking it's toll on them as well. Hopefully Boston is watching this series and can add some speed for next season.
Yep, not much left in the tank for the Habs..those Bruins are big, nasty mofos.
It's NOT exciting to watch Ovechkin being carried off the ice in freaking Germany, put into an ambulance and carted to a European hospital. WTF is he doing!!?????
Between that and 15 innings with Cincy last night I'm a sports mess.
Not really a Ranger fan but I am a big fan of King Henrik and i'd like to see him hoist the cup. Montreal is the last team i'd like to see hoist the cup.
Agreed. If Lundquist keeps playing like he is now the Rangers will be tough to beat.
It's like the Habs put everything they had into beating the Bruins and now have nothing left. With Price out I think they're in big trouble.
My thoughts exactly, though the Rangers speed is taking it's toll on them as well. Hopefully Boston is watching this series and can add some speed for next season.
Yep, not much left in the tank for the Habs..those Bruins are big, nasty mofos.
Lol........hopefully they are paying attention to this series and see how the Rangers are dominating the Habs on the score sheet. Being big and bad won't do you any good if you can't put the biscuit in the basket.
Kaner!!! Who'd thunk it. Hawks are 7-1 in the UC for the playoffs...jess sayin'
Thought Crawford was gonna drop the gloves. Guess he didn't need to. Stopped 4 shots in the last 5 seconds with an empty net at the other end of the rink. Solid.
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